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  • Locked thread
Blaze Dragon
Aug 28, 2013
LOWTAX'S SPINE FUND

Seeing you aren't bringing Kallen made me sad. She's my second-highest Ace in Saisei-hen (only behind Apollo...though by a lot of kills, Aquarion is kind of ridiculous, and gets more ridiculous every game, so I can't wait to see just how broken Evol will be), but you know what made me even more sad?

ImpAtom posted:

I figure it's worth mentioning that Z3 chapter 1 comes out this week so I wouldn't be shocked if both the SRWZ threads are slow to update for a bit!

And I don't own either console for the game nor have the money to buy them, and the second trailer looked so drat awesome. Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, I want you so much.

But sigh, that's life. Most importantly, this stage! It's totally filler. I don't remember it at all, but I didn't take this route split so I don't think I've ever played it, either. I don't get the point, and the idea of fighting so many Rhinodamons just gives me this weird, overpowering anger and hatred I can't stop. I guess it's not that bad when you're overflowing with funds of previous playthroughs though, but I can imagine it'd be hell on a first.

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Caphi
Jan 6, 2012

INCREDIBLE
Route split ended three chapters ago. Everything since the Vajra is pure endgame.

Blaze Dragon
Aug 28, 2013
LOWTAX'S SPINE FUND

Caphi posted:

Route split ended three chapters ago. Everything since the Vajra is pure endgame.

Oh, I'm dumb and not paying enough attention, clearly. Sorry!

That only means that this stage was either really easy to forget (which being so blatant filler, might have been) or I was so angered by it, I decided not to remember it. I honestly don't know which, but I seriously doubt I got the SR Point here during my own playthrough. gently caress the Damons, seriously.

Wounded Land
Nov 27, 2007
Living in a greenhouse, growing crops that we can't eat...
If this was original-series SRW, there'd be a part two to this stage where all the characters you deployed in part one would be at dismally low morale.

Nephrite
Aug 18, 2006
Lipstick Apathy

Wounded Land posted:

If this was original-series SRW, there'd be a part two to this stage where all the characters you deployed in part one would be at dismally low morale.

gently caress Super Robot Wars F and F Final for things like that. :mad:

Rody One Half
Feb 18, 2011

Aw, I was kind of hoping to see what Zuul had to say to Zero, if anything. Sure it was probably just ominous foreshadowing about the dangers of kingship and/or mind control but it's that kind of dumb crap that I'm here for!

Caphi
Jan 6, 2012

INCREDIBLE
Let's rush a bunch of upgrades for ZEUTH!



Daitarn 3 (Banjou Haran)
Skills
Prevail L7+2
Block
Morale
Attack Again
EN Save
SP Up L5
Spirits
Sense - 20
Snipe - 15
Spirit - 35
Guard - 20
Valor 40
Traits
Blade
Shield
Transform
Weapons
Daitarn Snapper (4 EN, mobility)
Daitarn Missile (8 ammo)
Daitarn Cannon (6 ammo)
Daitarn Hammer (8 EN)
Daitarn Javelin (16 EN)
Sun Attack Storm (28 EN, 120 Will)
Sun Attack (64 EN, 130 Will, armor)
Ace Bonus: Gain 30000 G funds after finishing a scenario.
Full Upgrade Bonus: Movement +1.
Custom Bonus: +50 Mobility.

Banjou, is there anything you can't do? Move quickly, as it turns out; even the Dai-Fighter has an average-ish move of 7. Still, Banjou and Daitarn are an unfair combination, even if his sidekicks aren't around because no one seems to care for Watta and I don't care that much for Kappei.



Zeta Gundam(Camille Bidan)
Skills
Newtype L5
Counter L5
Block
EN Save
Attack Again
Spirits
Focus
Sense
Spirit
Traits
Biosensor
Blade
Shield
Transform
Weapons
Vulcan (10 ammo, mobility down)
Grenade Launcher (6 ammo)
Beam Rifle (10 ammo)
Beam Saber (4 EN)
Beam Confuse (16 EN, 110 Will)
Hyper Mega Launcher (32 EN)
Beam Saber Hyper (40 EN, 130 Will, Newtype L4, barrier, size)
Ace Bonus: Deals 1.2x damage with counterattacks; critical rate +20%.
Full Upgrade Bonus: Crit rate +10.
Custom Bonus: Adds Biosensor trait.

Camille's Zeta can't move too fast either, but I want to see how hard he criticals with his jacked-up Skill and Ace bonus's flat crit boost. Oh yeah, and upgrading the Zeta unlocks its unique mechanic! The Biosensor's in-game description cryptically states that it activates at Newtype L5 and 130 Will and "powers up the robot." You'll have to go to the internet to find out what it really does: +10 to mobility and accuracy, a +200 damage bump to the Hyper Beam Saber, and when activated, it also creates an additional effect called the Psyco Field, a 2000-point barrier (not the reductive kind, I'm afraid).



Nu Gundam (Amuro Ray)
Skills
Newtype L6
Block
Attack Again
Hit & Away
Offensive Support L2
Chain Attack
Spirits
Focus - 15
Mercy - 10
Sense - 20
Assail - 25
Valor - 30
Traits
I-Field Delta
Psyco Frame
Blade
Shield
Weapons
Vulcan (10 ammo, mobility)
Beam Cannon (8 ammo)
Beam Rifle (10 ammo)
Nu Hyper Bazooka (6 ammo)
Beam Saber (20 EN)
Fin Funnels (6 ammo, 105 Will, Newtype L1, barrier, size)
Ace Bonus: +10 mobility and accuracy when piloting a mech named "Gundam."
Full Upgrade Bonus: Range +1.
Custom Bonus: Gains Psyco Frame trait.

Amuro's Nu is in the same boat as the Zeta, and the Psyco Frame looks the same as the Biosensor, vaguely enhancing the Gundam when the requirements are met. I looked it up for you again; it also increases the Nu's agility, then powers up the Fin Funnels - by 300 damage, 10 accuracy, 20 critical, and a square of range on top of the range extension Amuro's Newtype levels are giving it. I've done my best to make Amuro into a good sniper archetype.



Destiny Gundam (Shinn Asuka)
Skills
SEED
Block
Morale
EN Save
Spirits
Focus - 15
Accel - 15
Sense - 20
Fury - 25
Drive - 55
Soul - 50
Traits
VPS Armor
EN Regen S
Double Image
Blade
Shield
Weapons
17.5mm CIWS (8 ammo, mobility down)
High Power Beam Rifle (8 ammo)
Flash Edge II (4 EN)
High Power Long-Range Beam Cannon (28 EN)
Arondight (32 EN, 110 Will)
Ace Bonus: Evasion +15%. Deals 1.1x damage with counterattacks.
Full Upgrade Bonus: Range +1.
Custom Bonus: +300 attack to all weapons.

Nothing special about Destiny. It's still fast and scrappy. Shinn's an exception to the thing about "Fury" not being appopriate for most pilots who know it, though.



Big O (Roger Smith, R. Dorothy Wayneright)
Skills
Negotiator
Morale
Guard
Hit & Away
EN Save
Dash
Spirits
(Roger)
Strike - 20
Invincible - 15
Spirit - 40
Fury - 25
(Dorothy)
Accel - 20
Sense - 20
Analyze - 25
Snipe - 20
Bless - 50
Exhaust - 40
Weapons
Arc Line (10 EN)
Plasma Gimmick (64 EN, 130 Will, MAP)
Smash (-)
Missile Party (8 ammo)
Crom Buster (25 EN, 110 Will)
O Thunder (60 EN, 125 Will)
Sudden Impact (4 ammo, 130 Will)
Ace Bonus: Will penalty from the Negotiator skill is -5.
Full Upgrade Bonus: Range +1.
Custom Bonus: Gains Plasma Gimmick weapon.

And back to robots that regain a fragment of their former glory; the Big O's Plasma Gimmick is a simple MAP attack that hits all enemies within three squares, and that's it (although it should trigger the Negotiator penalty on every enemy in the blast, too). It feels weird that Roger's behind on Spirits, but Dorothy's set definitely makes up for it. Also, I think he's going to get Soul.

Just two more - I'd say the best, though?



Sol Gravion (Touga Tenkuuji, Eiji Shigure, Runa Gusuku, Mizuki Tachibana, Eina, Leele)
Skills
Counter L6
Will+ (hit)
Predict
Prevail L9
Attack Again
Spirits
(Touga)
Focus - 15
Spirit - 35
Sense - 20
Faith - 50
(Eiji)
Accel - 15
Invincible - 10
Valor - 35
(Runa)
Vigor - 20
Trust - 30
Fury - 30
(Mizuki)
Scan - 1
Snipe - 20
Analyze - 20
Panic - 60
(Eina)
Gain - 29
Attune - 30
Exhaust - 40
(Leele)
Guard - 25
Luck - 40
Rouse - 50
Traits
Blade
HP Regen (M)
Weapons
Sol Graviton Missile (2 ammo)
Sol Graviton Crusher Punch (8 ammo)
Sol Graviton Cannon (8 ammo)
Sol Graviton Bringer (10 EN, barrier)
Sol Graviton Screw Crusher Punch (2 ammo, barrier)
Sol Graviton Nova (40 EN, 115 Will)
G Gladius Attack (50 EN, 125 Will)
Heavy Gravity Sword (90 EN, 130 Will, barrier, size)
Ace Bonus: Touga, Eiji, Runa, Mizuki, Eina, and Leele's maximum SP +10.
Full Upgrade Bonus: Crit rate +10.
Custom Bonus: Adds HP Regen (M) trait.

With Touga being a calculating ace pilot in the seat of a terribly destructive super robot, I've always felt he's a good choice to do the Attack Again/high Skill thing with. He still needs Prevail, but Sol Gravion heals itself now. There's no reason not to deck out Sol Gravion though since it's got a full hand of fantastic Spirit lists (Runa's going to get another copy of Valor, by the way).

Notable about Sol Gravion: with enhanced range, it now has a powerful (P) attack with a range of 3-6 in the G Gladius Attack.



Aquarion (Apollo, Pierre Viera, Reika Kou)
Skills
(Apollo)
Psychic L4
Prevail L7
Spirit Block
EN Save
Hit & Away
Attack Again
(Pierre)
Psychic L5
Prevail L5+1
Offensive Support L2
Dash
EN Save
SP Up L4
(Reika)
Psychic L5
Counter L5
Defensive Support L2
SP Up L8
Offensive Support L2
Chain Attack
Spirits
(Apollo)
Guts - 30
Strike - 15
Spirit - 30
Invincible - 15
Valor - 30
(Pierre)
Guts - 20
Invincible - 15
Luck - 40
Faith - 45
Assail - 30
Valor - 40
(Reika)
Gain - 20
Focus - 15
Accel - 15
Attune - 30
Rouse - 45
Bless - 50
Traits
HP Regen (M)
Element System
Transform
Ace Bonus (Apollo): Deploys at +20 Will.
Ace Bonus (Pierre): +25 Defense.
Ace Bonus (Reika): +25 Skill.
Full Upgrade Bonus: Crit rate +10.
Custom Bonus: Adds HP Regen (M) trait.

Aquarion should be self-explanatory; Reika's skill is boosted, as is Pierre's Defense. It has the same Custom bonus as Sol Gravion. They both get better - at least, more interesting - ones in the second half. On the other hand, they're both gone in Z3.

That makes 21 fully upgraded units. I'm reserving a slot for another to come soon. This leaves an awkward two slots to fill for the final battle, and I'd like input. Now, I'm not going to mandate it to be a main character, in case literally everybody wants Karen to nuke him in the face, but just know that she isn't going to get any special lines. So for the record, the ones who are, and are not already set to go, are: Watta/Trider, Toshiya/Godsigma, Marin/Baldios, Jiron/Walker Gallia, Kei/Orguss, Quattro/Hyaku-shiki, Garrod/Gundam DX, Loran/Turn A Gundam, Kira/Strike Freedom, Gainer/King Gainer, and Renton/Nirvash.

Also, I've promised myself to get a proper update out sometime this week. It might be the first of a two-parter.

Caphi fucked around with this message at 03:24 on Apr 23, 2014

Brunom1
Sep 5, 2011

Ask me about being the best dad ever.
Uuurgh, why do you present this choice to me...so many people I want to bring...

I'll take Baldios and King Gainer because I'm a sucker for their themes!

NotALizardman
Jun 5, 2011

Jiron and Gainer because King Gainer and Xabungle are great shows.

TARDISman
Oct 28, 2011



Garrod and Gainer because they both start with Ga and are both from quality shows.

AradoBalanga
Jan 3, 2013

Small error with Banjo, Caphi. You put down that he has A Class Psychic for a pilot skill...when he doesn't.

Voting for Orguss and Turn-A.

S.D.
Apr 28, 2008
Oooh, tricky decision. Jiron, because I really like the Walker Galia, and Quattro, but with the stipulation that you put him in the Turn-A Gundam (can you slot him in there? Z1 you could swap him around but I never got deep enough into Z2 to really try pilot switching).

TwoPair
Mar 28, 2010

Pandamn It Feels Good To Be A Gangsta
Grimey Drawer

Caphi posted:

That makes 21 fully upgraded units. I'm reserving a slot for another to come soon. This leaves an awkward two slots to fill for the final battle, and I'd like input. Now, I'm not going to mandate it to be a main character, in case literally everybody wants Karen to nuke him in the face, but just know that she isn't going to get any special lines. So for the record, the ones who are, and are not already set to go, are: Watta/Trider, Toshiya/Godsigma, Marin/Baldios, Jiron/Walker Gallia, Kei/Orguss, Quattro/Hyaku-shiki, Garrod/Gundam DX, Loran/Turn A Gundam, Kira/Strike Freedom, Gainer/King Gainer, and Renton/Nirvash.

Also, I've promised myself to get a proper update out sometime this week. It might be the first of a two-parter.

Awww, but I did want to nuke him in the face... but not if there's not even gonna be a special line. Oh well, not like there's a lack of good finishers in the lineup.

I say bring Renton/NirpfftHAHAHA I almost typed it out. Bring Gainer and Loran because I really like the Turn-A's style.

TARDISman
Oct 28, 2011



S.D. posted:

Oooh, tricky decision. Jiron, because I really like the Walker Galia, and Quattro, but with the stipulation that you put him in the Turn-A Gundam (can you slot him in there? Z1 you could swap him around but I never got deep enough into Z2 to really try pilot switching).

Yeah you can throw any UC pilot into the Turn A. Really locking people into one suit is a CE and AD thing, which makes sense considering the cast of Seed Destiny is paranoid as gently caress about letting other people use their suits and I'm pretty sure the AD suits are biolocked to the specific pilots. Fat lot of good it would do to put Setsuna in the Dynames or Virtue anyways, he can't shoot for poo poo.

Caphi
Jan 6, 2012

INCREDIBLE

AradoBalanga posted:

Small error with Banjo, Caphi. You put down that he has A Class Psychic for a pilot skill...when he doesn't.

My bad, I'm not together enough to keep a proper template on hand so, as you can probably tell, I reused them. On top of that, half of these ZEUTH guys almost had +50 Mobility.

Dr Pepper
Feb 4, 2012

Don't like it? well...

Actually in this game you can pilot swap around the Wing characters.

Blaze Dragon
Aug 28, 2013
LOWTAX'S SPINE FUND

Can't leave Quattro behind, but put him in the Turn-A. The man deserves more than his bling machine.

Second vote for Kei and the Orguss, because he's a pretty cool guy.

Brunom1
Sep 5, 2011

Ask me about being the best dad ever.
Doesn't the Hyaku Shiki keep his Mega Bazooka Launcher? Isn't that actually stronger than the Turn A's current best attack?


vvvv Addendum: Quattro needs to shout a LOT more to be worthy of the gold SUMO!

Brunom1 fucked around with this message at 03:38 on Apr 23, 2014

S.D.
Apr 28, 2008
And now I just realized that we could put Quattro in Harry Ord's gold SUMO.

.... nah, stick with the Turn-A.

Ardeem
Sep 16, 2010

There is no problem that cannot be solved through sufficient application of lasers and friendship.
I'll vote for Karen face-nukeing and Kei/Orguss for reasons of red.

GodofDiscord
Sep 5, 2013

Not the strongest, but the cutest.
Karen is fantastic therefore she should totally be in the final battle!
And I guess I'll play devil's advocate and choose Renton/Nirva- Yeah no. I used him in my playthrough of Z2 and he wasn't that bad... so long as he's in the Spec V. Good god Nirvash was awful until that point.

Anyways I'm still playing devil's advocate and selecting Kira/Strike Freedom. He has a good map attack at least.

NoMoneyDown
Jan 27, 2009

I've got the advantage. You've got nothing.
Never not have Karen killing things. Bring her to the face-nuke dance.

And since you need extra, I suggest Baldios. You can never have too many supers at endgame, especially if you're going all the way in the final battle. And Baldios was always a reliable super sniper for me throughout all the Z games he's in.

Broken Loose
Dec 25, 2002

PROGRAM
A > - - -
LR > > - -
LL > - - -
Karen must feed her bloodthirst.

Marin because he deserves a happy ending. (Watch Baldios)

vibratingsheep
Nov 2, 2013

Fudou, Gunzou. The Face of the Franchise Killer. 2004.
Blood for the blood Karen.

Skulls for the... skull... Marin. Hrm. That sounded better in my head.

ImpAtom
May 24, 2007

Never not Kallen/Karen Also Orgus

Son Ryo
Jun 13, 2007
Excuse me, do you know where Saiyans hang out?
Gotta go with Baldios and also Garrod because it's just not fair he got poo poo on so much by the devs in this game and then in a game with a quasi-squad system where he might actually have a chance to shine again, he gets removed.

Wounded Land
Nov 27, 2007
Living in a greenhouse, growing crops that we can't eat...
Kallen and Kei.

GimmickMan
Dec 27, 2011

I want to see what Kei and Quattro have to say. Quattro should rock something different, like the SUMO

Rody One Half
Feb 18, 2011

Watta and Kallen for the two slots if you please.

Mikl
Nov 8, 2009

Vote shit sandwich or the shit sandwich gets it!
Kallen and Kei.

Yon
Oct 7, 2003

Just one spice?
Just one spice
Just one spice...
Of course we should nuke things with Karen

I guess take Gainer too.

Caphi
Jan 6, 2012

INCREDIBLE


The Ptolemy is still out in space. Crowe reports on how rough it's been out here.

Well, good job. It's paid for itself in terms of data.
Right to the data and not a word for my health?
Oh, of course, dear. I know you work hard to provide for us.
I'm sorry, honey. It must be so hard with a guy like me...
By the way, why am I the husband here?
I didn't ask to be the wife, you know.
Not that kind of wife, anyway. You'd be the biggest nag on Earth.
Which means I should be complaining about how much you bring home.
Yeah, here it comes...
Time to add up your payout.

This time it's just a single chime.

Awfully solemn this time, isn't it?
Sorry. I just barely managed to save enough to buy a triangle.
This sucks! You're out there busting your butt and all I've got is a triangle!
drat it! drat it to hell!! *ding ding ding*
I appreciate it, honest! Thanks a bunch!
Meow?!
I'd rather have a triangle than all the castanets and tambourines in the world!
Really?
Man, this is something else. It's perfect, Esther.
Y-yeah! Thanks! *ding ding ding*
I got it! That's enough, come on!
Let's get to the total!

ding!

drumrolllllll

gonnnnnng

ka-ching!

It's 500,000 G this time, so that leaves you 600,000 in the red.
Awesome! I think taking out the Imperium will get me all the way there!
Way to go, Crowe!
Hey, save the congratulations for the real deal, okay?
Keep up the good fight, Crowe. For Scott Labs, and for the fate of the world.

Yeah... I can see the end now.
The end of our fight for the world? Or of your debt?
What did you hear?
Just so you know, I'm not alone.
What a cheapskate.
Um, it looks like you've got a lot to deal with, so hang in there.
...
I don't know if you know this, Setsuna... but if you don't say anything, it just makes it more awkward.
I have nothing to say to you right now.
I feel so judged.
My judgment of you has not changed since we met.
You mean you've never cared for a second.

The girls want to tell their managers they're okay; Setsuna won't say who he wants to contact, but it's somebody. Lockon's not here to talk to anyone; "some people you can't get in touch with even if you want to," he says cryptically. Crowe assures him that he'll be able to once the world has peace again.

Crowe also mentions that the other snipers have been worried about Lockon's performance now that he's got an eye out. He, of course, knows that it's not going to stop Lockon from fighting, so he's just going to leave it at this: "don't be stupid."

Right now, though, they've got to get to the Quarter, where GOONZ is celebrating their victories thus far and the one step they have left...



I mean, all we have left to do is take out the Imperium, and the UNF and their GN-Xs have already got them against the ropes. Celestial Being may have assumed the mole leaked those fake GN Drive plans for their own benefit, but it looks like they really are fighting for world peace.

The question is whether we're even capable of defeating Gaioh, at least to Rossiu, but the answer he gets back in chorus is: we will win. We're stronger than we were back then, we've got ZEUTH and GOONZ working together, and we're on the same side as the brave soldiers fighting all over the world. ZEUTH still hopes to get back home, of course, but not a one of them isn't determined to fight as GOONZ nonetheless - to save this world, and honestly, because they've got a serious problem with Ime Liard. He's one of the Imperium, though, so we can just subdue him while we're sinking it. (For a moment, Kappei admits he'll miss Watta, but he misses his family and friends - and Aki - more.)



Speaking of Ime Liard, Holland's working for him in the hopes of triggering a quake and recreating the Agony of Doha. To be honest, Renton may not have served too long a term with the Gekko, but he still sort of misses them. Renton and Gainer tell him not to worry about it. They'll surely cross paths with Holland on their way to the Imperium as well, but until then, we'll all focus on the fight ahead of us.



It's not a party without the music though! As always, Sheryl's music lifts the GOONZ' spirits and focuses their drives, but Ozma insists he prefers Fire Bomber, a legend of a rock band from another Macross, over all else. The funny thing about the legend is how it ends: the band just stopped one day and that was it. It hasn't stopped them from inspiring Ozma, right down to the names of all his squad maneuvers. ("Still obsessing over them?" mutters Cathy.)



Ranka's up after Sheryl, and that brings us back to the fact that her dad used to sing her Aimo. She has no idea where he could have learned it (long, long before Ranka made her debut though), but Simon plans to go digging into the Dark Continent after the war. They'll let her know if they find anything out about her song.



That very Aimo is up next; it's a very different atmosphere from Sheryl. The peaceful music gets GOONZ thinking of what they'll do when the world's at peace. Duo and the other Gundam pilots were going to return to the fight for colonial independence, but Elgan Roddick is a step ahead, already setting up talks between the Colonies' rulers and administrators. Still, they'll be standing ready in case the talks go south, all the while hoping for the best.

And the Black Knights? Zero hasn't forgotten that the world war is only a more pressing matter between him and his own goal to liberate Japan. He's prepared for Celestial Being to come after his Knights, but maybe destroying armaments is still on their radar or maybe not. So their goal is to make themselves Public Enemy Number One? It's still Zero's best guess, but they won't say one way or another.

Whatever happens, Lockon feels one thing for sure: if the whole world could be a little more like GOONZ, working together for common goals despite their varied origins and methods, the world would be a slightly nicer place. Idealistic, says Zero - but it's best for people to spend their lives in the service of ideals, anyway.



Heero knows exactly who Setsuna was sending a message to...

...you have no message for Relena Dorian?
She and I are from different worlds.
A question, then. What do you see for yourself after our fight is over?
Is it so different from the peace Relena Dorian is working for?
...I don't know.
Then think.
...
...



Crowe and Lockon break them up though. This is a party! It's no place for that heavy stuff! It's time to smile and enjoy! "I think that's the hardest mission yet for these two," quips Duo. Well, at least it's true that there's no need for Heero to rush his answer.



Mostly, Setsuna just keeps seeing a shadow of his own former self in Heero - himself back in the KPSA. Lockon says he's different now - he, and Celestial Being, are fighting for something greater...


Chapter 48: Daybreak's Bell



The Earth is in sight, and we can see both moons, too. It seems the Dark Moon has always been surrounded by an impenetrable dimensional barrier. Hmm. But the barrier could always go away, like the one around the Dark Continent did.

Oh, and there's a group headed for us.



It's the U. N. Forces, and they don't look friendly.



Sergei says we are under arrest for cooperating with terrorists. Whoops! But Sumeragi sees the puppetmaster's hand in all this...



GOONZ scrambles; Quattro alone believes that this was Treize's decision. But still, the UNF is prioritizing GOONZ over the Imperium?

There's no point trying to negotiate, but Sumeragi thinks we can break through - and when we get back to Earth, we'll have some questions for Elgan Roddick. This is obviously too convenient to be anything but deliberate - is the one pulling the strings really the Chairman?



No one wants to fight Suzaku, in particular, but he's in no mood to talk.



And Setsuna's will to fight for the world that would treat us like this dips for a moment, but Lockon brings him back. "If the world is twisted, it's our mission to destroy the distortion!"



This chapter will feature special guest Quattro Bajeena in the Turn A.



Oh yeah, and we've just got four turns to crush the whole UNF. It's all good.



Especially since Touga learns Courage.

All hail Britannia! Wh - but you're Zero! What luck! What a twist of fate! What misfortune!
Are you Orange?
I, I, I, Iiiiiiiiiiii beseech you! Please kindly die!
He's lost control of himself?!
Zero, I must destroy all enemies of the Britannian people! Therefore... all hail Britannia!



I know this fight won't make the world any better, but...
But I have to fight Zero! The man who polluted Euphie's heart!








Another stage with lots of low-level bosses, but this time I'm prepared.



Really, the problem is going to be the huge mass of GN-Xs.



Okay, I should check in.



Tauruses are a couple of hits each. GN-Xs are probably three. Other than that, we're dealing with Suzaku, Jeremiah, Zechs, Noin, Sergei, Soma, and Patrick.

Out of my way, Karen! If you defend Zero, I won't hesitate to go through you!
I never wanted your mercy to begin with! If you're going to wage this war, I guess you've shown your true colors!
But I still... I still have to destroy Zero!
Then I'll fight to defend him! Zero brought us hope!











I think I want to just take down Suzaku.





It's cool, I've got like six of those left.

Zero! I'll be happy if I can just take you out!
I thought you were better than this, Suzaku! Dancing to a puppetmaster's tune, fighting this foolish war!
Shut up! I'll kill you with my own hands - for Euphie!
(That passion... I have to assume that Suzaku knows Zero manipulated Euphemia!)
(But who would have told him that? Someone else who knows about the Geass?)









Suzaku drops an Yggdrasill Drive and an apology to Euphemia.




Zero learns Soul. C. C. learns Love.

That's enough, Suzaku!
What are you doing this for? Answer us!
I... can't even avenge Euphie...
Suzaku...
Zero! I'll never forgive you!

...
So he fought because of his hatred and anger towards you.
What else could we expect? He was Euphemia's knight.
(Suzaku... I think you've begun to suspect that I'm Zero deep down...)
(But Suzaku, I'm past the point of no return. Even if I have to fight you...)




Anyway, you know what sounds like an awesome idea? Sending Setsuna into a mass of GN-Xs, at the bosses who are also in GN-Xs.






End of turn 2. (I wish there was an easier way to do this.)



a.k.a. the enemy phase where stuff starts dying en masse.

(They may say this is necessary, but do we have to fight like this?)
(A rite of passage for the new world to come... but I still...)





The pilot of that Mobile Suit is Zechs Marquis of OZ...
Colony Gundam... now is not the place for me to question your battle.
But the warrior's blood in my veins calls me to fight you!
I'm not going to die here. My mission is not yet over!
Locked on... target: Zechs Marquis!
Good, Gundam! Forget your duty, your role, and fight me!









Ooh, Zechs is actually kind of strong.

Zero... oh, Zero... Zero!
I yearn for you... you are my purpose of existence!





All hail Orange.





Even if I use Karen in the last mission, I should let Zero get the experience, though.



Although if he keeps taking down these GN-Xs...

My darling Colonel Mannequin is directing us from base!
Are you watching me, Colonel? Patrick Colaseur, the ace of the AEU, is going to bring home some trophies!



Celestial Being is part of GOONZ...
Just a little longer, Howard! I'll avenge your death!





Meanwhile, the common GN-Xs are dying out.







Come on, Soma, nothing for me? Maybe Sergei...

(The world has been united in the form of this U. N. Forces against a common threat. But I sense someone's ambition behind it...)
(A soldier must always follow his mission. But this battle...)





Another turn down, time to start seriously worrying about some bosses.

Subject E-57! I've confirmed that you came from the super soldier laboratory!
I'm against that pilot, but my head doesn't hurt!
(I'm absorbing her brainwaves for you.)
Hallelujah...
(Nothing in your way now. Rip her apart, Allelujahhh!)
He's blocking out my brainwaves!
But I'm still a perfect super soldier! A failure like you can't possibly beat me!







She's not wrong. He might need some help.

She's strong...
Then back off, Allelujah!
Hallelujah!
You're worthless here, like you're always worthless when it's down to life and death!
I'm going to live... even if I have to drink blood to survive!
I'm going to live too.
What?
I don't know anything about the world yet. Not even why we're fighting right here.
And I want to see the future for myself, with Celestial Being, and with GOONZ!
Oh?
I won't die until I have those answers!
It's about time you got serious! All right, then let's show that girl how a real super soldier operates!
Aahh!



He's moving differently now!
Things are about to change!
That's right, Hallelujah!
How could this be? I'm a perfect super soldier!
Don't you get it, girl?
What?
You're no perfect super soldier!
Your quantum brain waves may give you superhuman reflexes, but your rational mind can't keep up with them!
You're just moving on instinct, like an animal!
But how--
So we can read your moves!
!
Thought and reaction working as one...
That's what a soldier should be!
But you're about to experience that firsthand!



He's got both of his Ace bonuses now! And the higher of both of their stats, too.



But I'm going to move my attention back downwards.

Specialist Zechs of OZ...
What's the matter, Lieutenant Quattro? I can see doubt in your maneuvers!
Doubt? I suppose I have started to doubt myself after meeting Treize Kushrinada...
I know I don't have the conviction to do what he's doing for my beliefs.
I don't care about that! I want to do battle with you as a warrior!
While you hide your true intentions beneath that mask?
!
I warn you, Specialist Zechs! Yours will be a false soul unless you take off that mask!
And yet, all I am now is Zechs Marquis! En guarde!








Answer me, Specialist Zechs! What's the point in us fighting like this?
My only thought as a soldier is to carry out my mission!
Drop it! You know there's no purpose to this battle, so why are you fighting?
Why am I fighting? To cross swords with fellow warriors like you!
Zechs Marquis! I didn't think you were so blind not realize this is not the time to be rash!
Say what you like! As long as I wear this mask, I am the Lightning Baron of OZ, no more or less!







Special International Relief Force GOONZ... you've accomplished a great deal.
But this is what it's brought about! I have no ill will towards you, but you must pay the price for a unified world!




And finally,







Zechs drops a Gundamium Armor.

(Treize... even if it's to change the world, I can't convince myself that this is the right way.)
(I cannot call you my friend...)
(Zechs... You're still not sure.)
(But you've fulfilled your obligation to Lord Treize.)



Oh, Noin left too.

Zechs Marquis... even Treize's closest friend fought in this operation...

There's only one way to finish Orange.







He drops a Spinal Connector.

Aaaaaaaarrrrrrrrgh! Zeeeeeeeerroooooooooooo!
That... that was Sir Jeremiah, right?
A dead man returned from the pit. How unfortunate.

I like this boss-eliminating spree. Let's see how Setsuna does against Patrick.







Whoops. Patrick drops a Propellant Tank.

C-colonel! I'm so sorryyyy!

I wonder if that'll work on Sergei.



Yes.



He had an ISC unit.

Ugh! It's over for me!
Lt. Colonel!



What are you doing, 2nd. Lieutenant? Don't worry about me! Keep fighting!
I can't!
!?
If you go away, I... I'll be alone...
Relax, 2nd. Lieutenant. I won't die.
Really? Do you promise?
I promise.
Roger, Lt. Colonel. Soma Pieres, returning to battle.





Uh oh.

Lt. Colonel, I swear, we will drink the sweet wine of victory!
I'll be waiting, 2nd. Lieutenant. Just don't go further than you can handle.



Maaan. She healed up and took Focus and Invincible. This always happens. And Setsuna's out of SP, by the way, but he did a lot for us.



At least the Invincible's gone.






Just for perspective, Gurren-Lagann with Valor can't do to a GN-X what Setsuna did (albeit with the extra advantage from Soul).




Anyway, all the generic GN-Xs are down (and by the way, Bobby learns Valor for the Macross Quarter)...



I'm going to leave Pieres right here, though.



Tauruses are down, leaving just Daryl and Pieres.








Just Pieres.

Howard... I'm done for too...
Lieutenant Graham... it's up to you now.



Poor Howard.



In the meantime, I was sure Pieres would go for Allelujah. I'm just going to give it to him, there's time.

He's... overwhelming me?
Give up! I don't want to have to kill you!
I... I won't... I won't kill any more of my own kind!
Enough! I don't know what happened to you after you escaped from the enhanced soldier program, but we're enemies now!
If you won't stop fighting, then I...!








She drops a Sniper's Kit.

Gh! I... I can't...
The cockpit hatch opened!
!
How dare you, Celestial Being!
You're... Marie... but why... why you...
I'm sorry, Lt. Colonel... I have to retreat!
How... how could Soma Pieres be Marie, the girl I grew up with...
Did you know this, Hallelujah?
(If you'd known, you wouldn't have fought. You'd just have died.)
Gh...
(She's gone now. I don't give a crap about this battle anymore.)
Marie... my only friend... I fought against you...



We may have fought off this wave, but the UNF is supposed to have 30 solar furnaces. We've only seen 19 so far, so there must be more coming. Right?



"You got it!"




Ali slams into the Ptolemaios, hitting its thrusters directly and sending it spiraling into space.



Laughing, he says Setsuna has no time for revenge just as the UNF reinforcements arrive and flies off to chase the runaway ship - to "finish off my prey." Celestial Being peels off to go after the Ptolemy, leaving the rest of us to break through all the Tauruses the hard way. We'll go after them as soon as we're free.



One phase of this chapter is over...



And the game joins Celestial Being as they reach the Ptolemaios. But I'll save this battle for another week.

S.D.
Apr 28, 2008

quote:

This chapter will feature special guest Quattro Bajeena in the Turn A.

:allears:

Brunom1
Sep 5, 2011

Ask me about being the best dad ever.

Caphi posted:

Marie...

Oh, boy. It begins!

Now, despite how huge this mission is and how many annoying mooks are around, I kinda liked it - especially the second part.

Brunom1 fucked around with this message at 03:11 on Apr 26, 2014

Dr Pepper
Feb 4, 2012

Don't like it? well...

Setsuna's Ace Bonus is so hilarious.

Rody One Half
Feb 18, 2011

Wait, just to be clear, if Karen goes to the last mission, is that to the exclusion of Zero?

ImpAtom
May 24, 2007

Rodyle posted:

Wait, just to be clear, if Karen goes to the last mission, is that to the exclusion of Zero?

Nope. It is very very rare, almost unheard of, for launching one pilot to prevent another from launching.

Rody One Half
Feb 18, 2011

ImpAtom posted:

Nope. It is very very rare, almost unheard of, for launching one pilot to prevent another from launching.

No I meant in terms of voting.

Spiritus Nox
Sep 2, 2011

Oh boy, I've been looking forward to this part. 00 Gundam's first season has one of my favorite finales in all Gundam, and I'm excited to see how the game handles it. Although, it certainly can't drive the party into a corner as effectively when CB has the might of GOONZ backing it up.

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GimmickMan
Dec 27, 2011

The banter scenes with the Scott Labs crew are great. Crowe and Traia are quipping at each other and Esther in the middle is just so earnest about her contribution. Crowe might have started a little bland, and he hasn't grown much yet, but he's certainly not a boring main character.

And we're on to the S1 finale of Gundam 00! It is one of my favorite moments for one of my favorite Z2 debut series. It is not as challenging as the similar desert stage halfway into the game, but the miniboss rush is pretty fun and then you have to deal with part 2.

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