Commander's Rejuvenation Adventures (A Rejuv Not Cancelled Run) [Chapter 62]

[YinYang9705]

the thing to take away from all of this is that stoic mastermind characters are lame, and something something, I have no idea where I'm going with this

also since this is the 100th post since the OP, have a little something to celebrate that

 

this totally isn't that I was going to post, but since it's the 1st thing that came up, I said fuck it and decided to share it with

[Commander]

On 11/19/2017 at 5:14 PM, DemICE said:

So much this!  I'm between happy that i meet yet another one that knows the pain, or sorry.

Well az long az you're happy, ze Geara ez happy    ( ͡~ ͜ʖ ͡°)

 

 

Now concerning Crescent, i can understand that Jan tries to mix up magic, with Pokemon.  The result is that at some point, some broken magicians would appear. The problem is not the existence of magic and humans that can use it. The problem is that because this is pokemon, in the end, it won't even matter, and everything will end with just a pokemon battle. Like with Angie. Pretty anticlimatic. Other similar  examples?  Yu-Gi-Oh.  "Ohh im an all powerful ancient spirit that has numerous ways to fuck you up but noo lets duel with this marketed card game." And lose. And call it a day.      

 

Also don't feel that bad about updating speed.  I will be perfectly honest and say that i didn't expect you to update this during e17 beta testing xD

It only took me a month to respond

 

Been a while but power does not define the character as it's merely a trait. What you are referring to is villain hype in which a villain looks intimidating and powerful but you don't get to even fight or see them even use their full powers like Lusamine. What you are kind of looking for substance over style which this is a great example of it (it's better if you're a star wars fan):

 

Spoiler

 

On 11/19/2017 at 6:57 PM, YinYang9705 said:

the thing to take away from all of this is that stoic mastermind characters are lame, and something something, I have no idea where I'm going with this

also since this is the 100th post since the OP, have a little something to celebrate that

 

  Reveal hidden contents

 

this totally isn't that I was going to post, but since it's the 1st thing that came up, I said fuck it and decided to share it with

Little late but I did get to responding. I'm actually surprised we reached 100 posts this early in the run given there are only like 30 chapters. That really does say a lot. Anyways, let's get this show on the road...again.

 

And if anyone thought this run was dead, I was not kidding in saying that I was slammed with stuff at points but it's Winter break, the public release of E17 isn't out, and I needed something to do. HC players know how it works as this stuff can take months before I can even touch it again. Just have patience and it'll come.

 

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Chapter 27:  The Episode we try to accomplish stuff but say screw it and advanced the plot

 

So I do have a fun little surprise I'm going to try and get done on or before Chirstmas but I doubt it. Anyways I tried to accomplish a bit of stuff after Narcissa like getting flash and catching a couple new possible candidates for the team. I think I forgot a few things but oh well.

 

Okay so what happened is that I accidentally clicked buttons so we're missing some dialogue but it's Aelita so...I guess we're going with Commander abridged, but highly accurate version:

 

Aelita: Whoa! These trees be smoking some snarly stuff dude!

 

(Flora...sadly I actually know who that character is)

 

(I will give brownie points for having English on a sign. That's harder to do thank you might think)

 

Also is Aelita allergic to flowers or something? I don't even remember this scene.

 

Oh something random for a bored coder. I'd actually love to have that thing in the menu that let's you look at old dialogue. It's not something important but it's a nifty tool that helps if you accidentally clicked and missed a string of dialogue. Not something I'm saying Jan needs to do but mostly for a bored person looking for QoL features to create.

 

(This...is way too fitting for this time of year)

 

And presenting the greatest present of all...

 

(The best girl doing the best thing in the world: puns...Viri would be proud of this caption)

 

(Something tells me this is a very bad idea)

 

(That sucks since I might have accidentally got into an accident with it)

 

>>>Heh. Car jokes.

 

....Excuse me while I even cringe at what I just wrote. This is gonna be a long episode...help

 

(This brings back memories of that Heartgold nuzlocke story I have lying around. RIP Prince the Bayleaf)

 

I don't think I actually said this but sometimes I do give nicknames to Pokemon that were mons I used in a nuzlocke such as Zuko the Ninetales and Rydia the Beautifly. Names are kind of random but usually the ones that shine are named off of a video game/tv show character. My two favorite nuzlocke mons I used probably were Scarface the Zangoose and Steve the Sudowoodo. Both have quite the tales to tell as well. Only one of those I listed is actually still alive.

 

(I...really don't get this...someone want to explain it to me...and it better not be related to the cinnamon challenge)

 

(Well he said moo because he...)

 

(Dammit, at least let me finish)

 

(Or as we say in Fire Emblem...)

 

(They are the hottest guys around)

 

(I'm like the one person who does not like dipping my fries in a Wendy's Frosty. Everybody else around me loves it)

 

(Apparently they were a little salty from the results)

 

(I once had I friend who knew almost everything....we aren't friends anymore)

 

Funny story about that guy is that despite being very smart (and he's looking to be very successful right now seeing some news on him) not a lot of people really liked to approach him. Intelligence can make you very unapproachable since it's actually human nature to avoid feeling inferior. Pretty much my high school life how I felt despite actually ranking kind of high in my high school. Being wrong is actually a good thing which still phases me how people aren't willing to admit they're wrong on even something silly.

 

Now we're doing life lessons with Commander. Is their any boundary he will not cross in this run?

 

(......At least I haven't crossed into that boundary)

 

(GOTTA GO FAST!)

 

(...And it's rant time)

 

So I'm kind of mixed here. I love Nim's character as it's kind of what I'd call Terra done right. When you first see her she's a weird goofball and crazy be but the lighthearted writing just worked so well and it was hard to predict what she'd do. The present thing here at the beginning was perfect but a couple of these Nim clones were...jarring or out of character to be honest. Take the Sonic one for example. Basically she's spouting off a meme. I don't think that really fits her at all since I kind of picture her more flighty especially when she spoke her own mind back on Route 2 talking about it being a lot of work warping the player. Not a big deal since these are all short but I thought it could be better. (I generally feel memes are best suited as Easter Eggs like how I literally made all of the CoM doors an undertale reference instead of just saying locked on them. My favorite still is Ciel's Chamber for the door to the computer room: "The door is locked. How is this possible?")

 

Now we get to...

 

(Well I certainly don't remember this)

 

(Correction: Nim is the best [close to] legal aged girl)

 

(Fun fact: This happened to me irl...two years ago...on the coldest day in winter)

 

(Let me guess: you left your keys in the house. That...totally didn't happen to me)

 

Best part about that story is that I complained to my parents that the garage door opener was out of batteries multiple times. Normally I could have actually gotten in but...I couldn't due to that.

 

(Sadly I see adults do this as well...and my sister does that with her phone)

 

(Seriously folks, don't do this to your important stuff)

 

(...I'm suddenly having deja vu)

 

(That'd be really convenient, wouldn't it?)

 

Funny thing is that I actually looked in my bag and had the itemfinder. Then we had a montage of failure of me trying to register it. You see in Rejuv, you can register 3 items. The only thing is that they are linked to function keys. The thing about my laptop is that I have to hold the Fn key to use any of the function keys. Also, if I hit the screen brightness buttons, the screen goes completely dim and I have to restart the whole computer just to fix it (I think the inverter is broke or something). In other words, function keys aren't my friends. Also shift is so much better than a function key (F5) so I don't know why that was changed or labeled like that. And you all wonder why I get cranky.

 

>>>I played this segment barely being able to see until I restarted my computer.

 

Also, I have 0 idea how this Laptop even still functions as well as it does after 5 years. So much for replacing it (because the moment I do my dad is snatching it from me).

 

>>>Still have it due to broken keyboard \o/

 

(searching for stuff is my specialty...actually I meant losing people's stuff is)

 

(For some reason tis reminds me of Dr Seuss's One Fish, Two Fish, Red...)

 

I'll get back to this in a minute.

 

(Don't ask me how she wasn't able to find...she's been stuck out here for months)

 

(There are some things you don't want to know. That's one of those things)

 

(That last caption drove me into the gutter. This did not help)

 

(Not a fan of this line but like she said "whatevs")

 

(Pretty sure by the time I get there this place will be remapped)

 

And since I skipped some dialogue that I have no idea what was spoken I will give another accurate representation of what happened:

 

Mosley: Maman, I'm home! I also brought home a nice dinner that this scary, not so scary lady made for us.

???: Mosely, where have you been? You better not have been to that town again. I swear you're gonna get yo bitch ass killed if you aren't careful.

 

(Take a look at the flowers. You'll notice a little tint of brown on some of them. That's a nice little touch)

 

(Trust me ma'am, you never have seen anybody like me before)

 

(So saving people from death makes you good friends. That's good to know. Excuse while I go hire someone to push Jan off a cliff....I'm going to save him. You think I'm a sadist or something?)

 

(You know, it must really suck not having a backyard)

 

(Wait...her actual name really is Maman)

 

Funny story is that I did upload a pic because I was kind of like WHAT! when I saw this screen. This is a response I got:

 

 

To be fair, I really haven't been following Rejuv and I really haven't been keeping that much up to date with the game. I wouldn't even know about the progress if somebody didn't post it in discord. Only reason I keep up with Reborn as much as I do is for planning. Also I want to say it wasn't THAT long ago since Rejuv actually moves and progresses very quickly especially compared to Reborn. I actually only noticed when V1, V4, V6, V8, and this Version came out as those where the only times I really checked this place. Most people only check for updates monthly or bi-monthly.

 

Actually, I want to go more into that. Pokemon is the most developed community when it comes to creating content especially since you can make a game based around the franchise nearly from scratch outside of the battle system. The Fire Emblem community, aka the second closest, still relies heavily on hacks to accomplish this. Most fandoms aren't this lucky and many franchises still have games that aren't localized which a few people take up the task of trying to localize them. One of the biggest monoliths is Zero no Kiseki which those people just reached the halfway point. There's also the Mother 4 project that's still ongoing and somebody is working on translating the enhanced version of Tales of Destiny. It's really hard to keep track of it all.

 

Huh? Someone's actually trying to make a better version of Thracia trying to get it done by the end of the year...interesting. Basically all I'm saying is that while Pokemon is the biggest thing around, it's not the only thing. A year is actually a short amount of time since most projects take 1-2 years to complete given most are translations. Like I could see why people thing it takes forever for me to update but in reality it is actually moving pretty quickly for the level of work (roughly 1 month). I just want to give a perception of time since this is a hard concept to really understand.

 

(I thought it was just Mosley's house)

 

(I DON'T LIKE QUESTIONS! BAD THINGS HAPPEN WHEN YOU ASK QUESTIONS!)

 

Also on a different note, I thought I got a B in a class but somehow I got an A. Who would've guessed? It's a good day and a ton of stuff going on. Also if you are wondering why I get so random sometimes, just typing random stuff helps me get focused again. ADHD stuff. And also because this last semester has been stressful.

 

>>>It happened again the semester after too

 

(I think they care a little bit TOO much)

 

(Trust me, I know this hotel is unhealthy. Unfortunately, it is the only one that accepts dogs)

 

I know I shouldn't joke around as these are serious things that happen. Feces on the ground is a common thing I hear on the news. I am living in a place that is just slightly above low grade conditions since there aren't any mice around (or raccoons thankfully). My dog has been having it worse since her stress and anxiety is really bad. My mom thinks it's lamb that's reacting and giving her diarrhea. No blood so don't worry too much about her. Pretty much all I'm saying (and I also mean this literally) is that I've been dealing with a lot of shit. I'm not in any serious danger or health issue and mostly just wanted to use that line as it was too good to waste.

 

>>>She seems perfectly fine after we moved into the house. So that's good news.

 

(Have gotten stuff thrown at me. Never got kicked out though)

 

(Many is a strong word. I would like someone to pull up a statistic there to see if many or some would be better suited there)

 

Not picking on Jan here specifically but tread carefully when using these kinds of phrases. Orphans are bad and having many of them is a really, really bad thing. It's like saying there were many car crashes this year when there were only 5 that year in the area you lived. My rule of thumb is to try and avoid generalization when possible. Even something like add "Aevium is no exception" just narrows it down a tad bit.

 

(That's something I have in common with them)

 

Fun fact: a large chunk of my play time in games is merely me just wandering around in areas. Even if there are 0 items in the area, I would still wonder around the whole map. It's just something I like to do.

 

And...another missed cap so you know the drill:

 

Maman (if that even is her real name): Even without a map, my beautiful singing voice guides the children to this enchanted garden through the night.

 

(So basically when they turn 10)

 

(If it weren't for Mosley, I'd make a Peter Pan joke here...wait)

 

In case you aren't seeing the connection:

Spoiler

Mosley totally is Peter Pan. Please tell me you guys see it. I think I'm starting to become as bad as Kit. And for those who don't know it's a guy who made a few nuzlockes such as a run of Black 2.

 

(Tell me you guys aren't seeing this. This girl holds the secret to immortality)

 

(You are the chosen one. I shall obey your every command if you tell me your secrets)

 

(Mosely, nobody can stay mad at you for long)

 

(.........For some reason I feel insulted but I don't know why)

 

(Oh joy another lady dropping her labors on a man)

 

(Did I ever mention I hate kids? Something tells me that won't influence anything)

 

(........I'm supposed to trust a stranger I just met with a bunch of orphans. That sound perfectly logical especially with the fact they totally wouldn't get lost or anything on the way or...die)

 

(Since I'm an adult, can I please just adopt Mosely? She's been the most helpful person so far)

 

(I'm guessing that's a no. Well at least I still have you...sexy coat)

 

(Well we know who got the short end of that stick. Never send a man to do a woman's work...I think that's what the saying is)

 

(The teenager in her is already starting to come out)

 

And guess what? More abridging:

 

Maman: Back when I was younger and full of life I was set out to be quite an accomplished trainer. Heck, all the boys and the girls swoon to me, but then this island made this league and everybody left leaving my bitch ass alone. They even left their damn kids. Somebody gotta take care of those terds and guess who that somebody is?

 

(...Dammit now I'm thinking about Trials of the Sky. The orphanage chapter is like one of my favorite ones in the first game)

 

(...If you're asking to dye my hair, the answer is no)

 

(You don't say. It looks about the size of my house...if I had one)

 

(So basically 10 people. Yes, you can easily do 10 people here if you really try. Trust me, I'm a master of tight places and being uncomfortable)

 

(Okay, that's actually a fair point...not everyone likes being uncomfortable)

 

(....Couldn't you just ask people to sleep in trees? I...totally haven't done that)

 

(And she's admitting she's broke)

 

(You're asking a homeless man for money...you must be desperate)

 

>>>I don't even have a family...'cause she died on the ship

 

(The cons of being a silent protag. Nobody understands you)

 

This lady is lucky since I had 20k on me I donated not expecting her to renovate so soon. Kind of missed out on a couple things including the inside of the house. Not a big deal. I really should have called this chapter the Lost Losers of Loosing Loses

 

(I forget what this is referencing. I mean I'm old but not that old)

 

(If that happened, I'd pull out a ring and ask for your hand in marriage right here and now)

 

(Your husband is as real as my love for you)

 

(......................Excuse my while I go scream)

 

Due to an incompetent man's incompetence, he must once again show his incompetence by playing an incompetent girl being incompetent:

 

Nim: That was really fun. We should play some more right now.

Commander: I really need to get to Akuwa, but can I please have whatever you're on right now? It's...for a girl.

Nim: I thought you'd say that. Now I have to do this!

(Warps to another dimension)

 

(Did...the stage change a little bit? I don't remember the rocks there)

 

(For those new to this run, I beat her up until she let's me go home. Now you're caught up)

 

(I uhh...have some untrained mons with me)

 

(And some oldies make their return...in the worst situation possible)

 

Not a major complain but something that bothers me is just how hard it is to grind new Pokemon in fan-games. There's just no convenient way to grind other than off Audino trainers or low level Pokemon. I know this is going to get changed a bit in V10 but it's a problem with A LOT of fan-games. Actually, the V10 changes is why I'm not really doing a Rejuv Hardcore. One of the people working on it does kind of know a bit of how my mind works (but even I cannot comprehend it sometimes) so it'd just be people stepping on each other's feet more than just providing something. Anyways, the issue is that opponents have low level and low amount of Pokemon compared to bosses often being unevolved. You gain so little that grinding off of wild Pokemon is more effective and easier than using trainers for exp. That's sad and a problem especially considering what's coming up.

 

Albedo and Gauis didn't do much.

 

(You can probably guess what happens afterward)

 

(Duosion really likes Toxic)

 

(And it's gone. First time as well)

 

I know I rely on Walter WAAAAAYYYYY too much but he's just so freaking useful. Rock Slide and high speed for a rock type is rare with the only other option really being Aerodactyl (and Archeops but I'm not a fan of that one). Neither of them are available at this point. Seriously, I'd use an Aerodactyl but it's way too far in availability to even be viable.

 

(I didn't actually expect to win given she OHKO'd 4 of my mons right at the start)

 

(You used 5 weak Psychic types...your fate was sealed the moment the battle began...also because I have Loewe)

 

(No, I wanted to rot in this...cave? forever.)

 

(So basically hope, joy, and a piece of junk that has become irrelevant)

 

(It's a town. There's obviously going to be buildings)

 

(So it became a ghost town........ironic considering where we just were)

 

(You're worried. That worries me.)

 

(That might just be my insomnia rubbing off on you)

 

(Sound like Fish's insomnia)

 

(So basically this whole thing was a rouse to stop me from coming to town like Santa Claus)

 

(...Nim's being serious. I can't take her being serious)

 

(Cue in 3...2...1...)

 

(Phew I thought Nim was...replaced with an evil twin or something. Only she'd give us this at a time like now)

 

(Spoiler alert: I never could find the bike shop)

 

(Not sure if that pun was intentional or not)

 

(Tsundere moment?)

 

(Yeah, yeah let's just end this segment already)

 

Now we take care of more things I forgot about:

 

(Like this)

 

Also, I remembered about the Zumi quest:

 

(This took 1 hour to find I kid you not)

 

(Sigh...I really don't want to do this but hopefully the reward is at least worth it)

 

(Commander predicted the future here)

 

(There's only one thing to do...)

 

Spoiler

 

 

Not really much else to talk about, but I suppose I can bring up an old point. So there's one game I picked up and played from my collection called Akiba's Trip. I was not expecting much from this game because the graphics are meh, the battle mechanics are terrible, and the story is kind of generic. Loved what XSeed did with the little sister though. I actually had a lot of fun with the game as it had some innovated ideas and the design of Akiba was rather interesting (it's a really weird game that just somehow works despite its HEAVY flaws) which kind of goes back to this run. It doesn't matter how many flaws, errors, or problems a game has or even whether or not a game is better than something else. If you have fun with it, then it was worth the time playing it. I still think Reborn is a superior game to Rejuv but that wouldn't mean I necessarily enjoyed it more (Xenoblade is the best Xeno game in the franchise despite Xenosaga being my absolute favorite as an example). There are things in Rejuv I like more than Reborn.

[Personthing]

Yeahhhhhh, the level curve is pretty bad at some points. There's often just not enough fighting between the previous gym leader and the next boss that you can often go into these 5 levels under, especially if you're at a point in the game where there aren't any new help centers to get exp from. On my last run I just spent all my spare money on the rare candy vendor in Gearen for when I was feeling underlevel'd for the next boss. I bought a grand total at least 40 rare candies and ended up using about 30 of them. Didn't change up my party of 6 at all after getting Type:Null and Heracross before the secret shore factory (you can return to the mainland right before the factory after you make your way through the secret shore), and did all the help center quests too. Also those rare candies only saw usage after Type:Null and Heracross caught up in levels.

[Commander]

On 12/20/2017 at 7:14 PM, Personthing said:

Yeahhhhhh, the level curve is pretty bad at some points. There's often just not enough fighting between the previous gym leader and the next boss that you can often go into these 5 levels under, especially if you're at a point in the game where there aren't any new help centers to get exp from. On my last run I just spent all my spare money on the rare candy vendor in Gearen for when I was feeling underlevel'd for the next boss. I bought a grand total at least 40 rare candies and ended up using about 30 of them. Didn't change up my party of 6 at all after getting Type:Null and Heracross before the secret shore factory (you can return to the mainland right before the factory after you make your way through the secret shore), and did all the help center quests too. Also those rare candies only saw usage after Type:Null and Heracross caught up in levels.

Trainers having more pokemon doesn't hinder the difficulty at all unless you are designing it like Reborn which I'm very against (it really, really is starting to show with Amaria). I know Jan is doing the level cap thing and changing the trainers but that doesn't necessarily solve the problem. Lack of EXP just adds artificial time (also dang on the Rare Candies as that is a major problem).

 

Anyways the easy solution is a surplus of exp and a level limiter. I really recommend people considering this.

 

The harder solution (which isn't really THAT hard) is to take the normal exp formula and times it by 2^(Enemy Level-Player's Pokemon Level) with some caps and limits of course such as a 999/9999 exp gain limit. This eliminates any need for a level limiter though it requires someone to raise the levels of wild Pokemon/make trainers repeatable and money gains lower for those trainers. So if a level 40 Pokemon fights and defeats a level 45 Pokemon, it'd gain like 1000 exp instead of 200 and a level 46 Pokemon defeats a level 45 would only gain 100 exp. That isn't the exact answer or equation to use but it's to give some insight to solve the problem entirely instead of a temporary solution for high level difficulty games.

 

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Chapter 28: To Prison Island!

 

I'm looking these steam sales and I'm like...they're not really that good so instead you get another chapter in the run. Anyways, I'm probably going to cut down to 100-200 pics a chapter especially on these segments since they are all dialogue heavy and it's hard to cut down on them. Some of you might like shorter chapters, but most of you probably don't care and are happy that I'm actually uploading stuff. This one has A LOT more to talk about over the previous one. Also, I haven't played past this point so I'm going into this a little more blind than usual.

 

(I think he just needs his coffee)

 

(He just need his damn coffee.)

 

(Considering everything I've been through thanks to you, I don't blame them for hiding)

 

(...Yep...I have a rant coming through)

 

(I uh...actually forgot what a defibrillator is. Don't ever let me operate on you. Ever.)

 

So I get Aelita is a bit of an air head at times, but it is a bit frustrating looking at a situation eerie like this and not being suspicious or even a bit afraid. You know what a good reference is and it's actually a Pokemon game: Phenac City's hostage situation in Pokemon XD. That place felt out of place and odd even with folks not residents there. Basically she should be going "I have a very bad feeling something bad is going on around here, but we can't leave an old man to die like this." I guess what I'm saying is that I really hate how stupid Aelita is. I'm not a big fan of this and I have created characters who aren't the sharpest tools in the shed but none of them are so ignorant that if they saw a town like this that they wouldn't tread carefully or suspect something bad happened. This isn't even about the end result as MOST characters would have ended in the same outcome as well.

 

I guess we can go a little bit more into Aelita. I think the reason she's a very unlikable character is not for the fact of her ignorance (which gets annoying when analyzing), but there's actually a bigger issue. After life threatening incidents, she didn't learn a damn single thing from them. First time she acts rash and she nearly gets killed. Second time she was acting rash (a little more justified) and senselessly lashed out and someone without even listening and her carelessness nearly killed her again. And now for the third time, she is acting without thinking so what do you think is going to happen? That's what I really hate about her character. If you want a character like Aelita done right, look no further than Estelle Bright from the Legend of Heroes Skies series. This fan favorite in the franchise made a lot of mistakes early on, but she learned from them and she changed over time but still kept the same core character at heart.

 

(Mayhaps you should figure out if he's dead or alive)

 

Thinking on that, does Aelita even have any medical experience. That would have been an interesting fact or development for the character. Sorry if I sound grouchy but I really don't like Aelita. She has her ups, but they are just far and few.

 

(...I have no idea what you're saying. I'm starting to feel like Lloyd from Symphonia)

 

(Errand boy strikes again. Now savior of old men and their coffee everywhere)

 

This is one of those scenes I feel should be relooked at and rewritten a tad bit so it's a bit more clear what's going on. Just to give you a basic understanding: Aelita came into town and saw an old man in critical condition. She likely hollered for help to get people's attention. What she shouldn't have done is walk around searching for someone (you don't leave someone in critical condition alone). She likely given her basic knowledge in health and medical practices would be trying to get the old man stable or breathing, but knowing how Sheridan has revitalizers or whatevs in the PC, she assumes that it's the same here and asks the player to search for one while she helps keep the old man alive. This is a mess of an explanation but I'm just telling you the logical thing a person would do.

 

(8.5/10 too much water)

 

This isn't a complaint but I just wanted to say that even using basic graphics you can create a cool looking map that's really nice to look at. There's a slight error in elevation with the stairs in the middle compared to the two sets on the left and right making healing spot look a tad higher than the rest. But for a nothing map it looks really nice.

 

I also kind of wish you could actually skip the old man thing unintentionally by going to the gym and doing a certain thing. It would have lead to some funny dialogue change but more or less could've worked the same. Just a minor detail.

 

(This is the equivalence of handing a 6-year-old a shotgun. It's a terrifying thought)

 

(So basically this is her first time doing this....please don't kill an old man)

 

(Old Man be pissed we woke him up from his nap)

 

(...That's one way to get straight to the point)

 

(You know, this town really likes stating it's called Akuwa)

 

(I know the feeling, old man)

 

(.......I'm starting to think that conspiracy where Rejuv was supposed to be a musical is starting to actually be true)

 

(Funny because you have no privacy online. They know everything man. Including your SSID)

 

(Irony here is that Aelita did this in the last segment/version/episode/whatever the heck you call that)

 

(If an old man cannot correct the errors of Aelita's way, nobody can)

 

(But...she's a girl?)

 

(...Aelita had a terrible childhood think back on it)

 

(...And Aelita learned nothing from this...like usual)

 

This is advanced level writing but a character like Aelita actually does have potential from being a very unlikable and annoying character to an absolute favorite. The reason I say it's advanced isn't because it is hard to do but it can go so, so very wrong and leave a very bad impact on the story. The way this works is that the writer intentionally writes in a way that the readers despise or hate which they focus purely on that idea and just wish that character would just disappear forever (and be happy it would). Most people just stick with the unlikable level which either makes them uninteresting or boring really. The viewers could either be given information and insight on the character over time to weaken their hatred which can actually turn around and be their favorite or the harder method to pull off is a character revelation. The later is intended to hit like a truck and be a really big shock.

 

Aelita is a very hard character to pull this off mostly because the short amount of time there is before a certain event happens. Pretty much the only way I could do it is with everything I have right now. So what we'd need to dissect first is Aelita's character. All we have to go off of is that both her parents are dead (though one never really talked to her) and Team Xen is responsible. Madelis also whooped Aelita in a few mere seconds. Her father even was going to let her entire village die. The best way to describe anyone with a background like this is a "Suicidal Savior." She's actually very depressed losing her father and finding out the truth that she's focused on one thing: stopping Team Xen. She really doesn't care about the dangers or the risk so long as it gives her a chance for revenge which makes her do some...irrational things. Death also does not matter much to her if it gets her the means of ending them.

 

We know that this isn't true due to the Goldenwood events which she acted rationally and went out of the way to aid them instead of focus on getting to the next town. If we went with the above though, her revelation would be her realizing the value of her own life and that she's more valuable than merely a tool of heroism. She'd start gaining self worth and actually think before acting and maybe even come up with a good plan. You can't really do that kind of design due to how and where Aelita was used...which causes a lot of issues.

 

(That's the second weirdest thing I've heard from an Old Man. Thunderation being the first)

 

(This old man reminds me of someone)

 

(You could at least say your name...nevermind)

 

Did I mention Aelita is really mean and rude as well? Mostly rude. I'm done talking about Aelita now. Actually there's something I want to talk about but I'll do it at the end.

 

(He was taking a nap. He wasn't knocked out...I think)

 

I'm doing the screencaps and I can't even keep this old man story straight. Did it even say he was hit by something giving him a concussion? 

 

(I...actually completely forgot the whole conversation now. What were we talking about? And hi, I'm Commander)

 

(...Can I have the old man on the team to replace Aelita?)

 

(It's freaking December. Why would anyone have Christmas at the...nope...only one song reference per chapter)

 

(I'm starting to think this guy is related to Quagsire)

 

If by some odd reason Rejuvenation takes place many years after Reborn, can we name the old man after me? That old man matches me a little too perfectly. I have a terrible memory, have fallen asleep on the ground, and get grouchy when people don't show manners. Did I mention I have a terrible memory because I forget stuff all the time?

 

(Something tells me that's not going to work)

 

(Did you not hear me when I said hiding from you?)

 

I'd also like to mention I believe Aelita is the character I've cut the most screencaps for. She has so many one word lines.

 

(................I think if someone kills her I'd be a bit too happy)

 

(Maybe because they thought he was dead or something. I don't know)

 

(Going to an area surrounded by water in a very eerie town. That sounds like a brilliant idea with 0 chance of us getting killed)

 

(........I'm trying to figure out which side of your brain is fried because the other is functioning nearly perfectly)

 

(And you should be able to hear the excitement here or by the old man)

 

(If that's the nuthouse, you can lock me in the building with the others)

 

The best part is that I'm not even in the prison and I'm already losing it. Like I'm really losing it right now.

 

(When there's no receptionist, that usually means nobody is here...or they all died)

 

(I'm starting to think that half is a quarter. Something is functioning in there though)

 

(Don't you have to pay to see it though?)

 

I'd die laughing if you had to pay to get in. 2 Poke would take the cake. And for those who don't get that, think about boats and death.

 

(And now we should probably turn around)

 

(Great...now we can't steal all the water...)

 

I realized an interesting fact just now. For those who have played this segment, think about the trainers in a certain place and what pokemon they used. That's...a nice touch tbh.

 

(And further down the rabbit hole we go)

 

(...And she still hasn't figured it out)

 

(I could make a Legend of Heroes reference here but nobody would get it)

 

(It's 'cause I'm a sheep)

 

Thinking on it, that was not fun trying to figure out how to make the hair look wavy but not too wavy on that sprite (sucks so much that we usually see the back of the sprite) it also makes me realize how many times we see the back end of the protag.

 

(What was your first clue? Was it the fact that this is the only machine back here?)

 

(I...thought she lived like a caveman honestly)

 

(How in the hell is she able to figure out what an Audio File is but couldn't deduct that the people in this town abandoned it or were kidnapped?)

 

(I'm having flashbacks to a certain briefcase)

 

(No, I can't hear you)

 

(If I had an overly long title it'd be Commander N. Chief, creator of Reborn Redux, and local LPer of Pokemon Rejuv)

 

(Whelp, they were attacked by terrorists or a herd of Sharpedo got loose)

 

(Yep, the Sharpedo got loose)

 

(They're getting eaten alive)

 

(Bye Adam. Sorry I never got to meet you)

 

>>>Hold the phone. How did they capture him if Valerie is her owner. PLOT HOLE EXPOSED!

 

(Damn those Sharpedo are savages)

 

(Damn, now we came here for no reason at all....wait why did we even come here?)

 

(Oh god, they bred)

 

(And she's dead. Wow, what a crappy story. Someone should make a movie based off it called Sharpedo 3)

 

(The sound of people making love...what do you think we were listening to? It was a distress call)

 

(This girl. If her head was any more thick, she'd be a rock type)

 

(You better not push the blinking red butt...wait I thought you were good with computers)

 

(OH GOD TURN IT OFF! It's ugly!)

 

(No, this is Commander!)

 

>>>Hangs up!

 

(But we'll take a message for your girlfriend)

 

(You mean you don't recognize this hair and this coat. Pretty sure I'm your boss...oh this isn't Reborn)

 

(Don't mind me. I'm just going to start running before he looks up my record)

 

(NO, WE WERE LOOKING FOR SAKI!)

 

We didn't even know about Valerie until a few seconds ago. She could have just said someone.

 

(Darn. I guess it was terrorists after all. I guess I have to call off the move about a storm of Sharpedos killing everyone in Akuwa)

 

(Thank you for stating the obvious once again, Aelita)

 

I can't even be funny with her lines is another problem. They are just "I don't know what that means" most of the time. It's actually a lazy technique to get people to explain something that is obvious for everyone but the player.

 

(Are we the good guys, bad guys, or the target? Make up your mind)

 

(Isn't that what everybody suggested? Thank you Aelita but I am going right now...if I wasn't a silent protag trapped due to plot convenience)

 

(You don't ask questions. It's like when a forest fire happens. If a cop says GTFO, you GTFO)

 

(...And we're going to die in 3...2...1...)

 

(I'll translate these lines: Leave now!)

 

(Sums up the US Government pretty much)

 

(I think he's saying Xen Team Xen)

 

(And someone slashed the power...or Valerie forgot to pay the bills)

 

(At least there's no explosion...this time)

 

(I...don't like the sound of that)

 

(Sheridan? I want to GTFO this region)

 

(Maybe if you didn't talk they wouldn't find us)

 

(Maybe they just aDOOR making that sound)

 

I got them a jumbled somehow. Pay no attention to that error. Knocking should be right above this screencap.

 

(That's probably the dumbest thing Aelita has done the entire game and that's saying something...nope next one tops it)

 

(I really wish he said I'm batman here)

 

(At least she handled this better than Charlotte did)

 

(...Aelita, I'm gonna just let you do that while I hide behind that computer figuring another way out)

 

This is literally the dumbest thing you could do in this situation:

 

(There have to be at least 20 grunts)

 

The scene here is fine, but I get to make fun of all the logical errors they made. The first being standing in a wide open area where they are exposed on all 4 sides plus the sky. The smart thing to do would be to run back into the computer run to force them to funnel.

 

(Also, how the hell do those wing things even work?)

 

(How I feel about you, Aelita)

 

The second thing is running under those flying guys. One should have easily been able  to swoop and capture us.

 

(This here just takes the cake)

 

If there's one place you don't want to be in this situation, it's the water. You've now literally trapped yourself in a contained area with your clothes now soaking wet hindering your movement. So now you're literally a sitting duck to be captured as you're movements are slowed. Water is used to help conceal your movements for escape, not a faster escape route. Running under the swooping guy was a smarter move tbh.

 

(I didn't even know Xen had this many members)

 

(If I had my real team, this would be a cakewalk. This'll be interesting though)

 

(Aelita, I found your twin. If you look on top of the corner of that Pokemon center, you'd see a Xen with...half a brain. I call her Hafza)

 

[3 minutes later]

 

(I don't know, I didn't even get to battle)

 

(Looks like this is the end of Commander...the silent protagonist who rants)

 

(Only five...lovely)

 

(And we're toast)

 

(No, you lost. I only got to stand here and do nothing)

 

Normally, I'm okay, but there was 0 reason Jan couldn't throw some battles that could be lost here. You didn't have to team up with Aelita when fighting them either as there's just so many you'd have to divide and conquer. It's also not like you'd have to cut out that much either there already were cutouts. Would have made the scene more impactful if you actually fought and lost (even throwing a Magneton shocking the player if they keep winning some very hard battles). It's not like Exp is in a surplus since the previous route really lacked it from trainers. I grew about 1 level from each of my mons if even that from it. And it's not like this next segment has a lot of trainers either. It wasn't even that hard to include either.

 

(Quagman is back)

 

We are calling him Quagman. That will be his canon name.

 

(This is exactly like me so much)

 

(This is definitely me. I totally would forget about the entirety of this believe it or not)

 

(Food would be nice about now...and a change of clothes. Thanks Aelita)

 

(Trust me, Aelita is the last person I want to be with right now. Good thing the other person I really hate is dead)

 

(And that's a good moment to end this chapter)

 

Not much else to talk about but I did want to bring this up. Reborn is a bit better at handling this but has issues, but I just feel like many of the characters of Rejuv just feel splattered into the story and are kind of a hope and pray that they stick. Aelita just feels so disconnected I have a hard time believing she has a history with the region or that she's even a part of it. She barely even knows anybody. It might be due to the isolated writing style (I have said many times that characters develop better in pairs rather than alone) which with a silent protag really doesn't help. I really hate harking on old material but we just came off of a really good segment that showed promise and suddenly we're back to normal. And we still haven't even made it to the jail yet.

[DemICE]

Look who is here,  i totally delayed posting in order to bump this thread when it would slide to the 2nd page

On 12/20/2017 at 12:10 PM, Commander said:

(Flora...sadly I actually know who that character is)

Why sadly? I find her character, and that whole part generally interesting. 

On 12/20/2017 at 12:10 PM, Commander said:

The best girl doing the best thing in the world: puns..

Meanwhile tons of people just cringe at Nim for some reason.  I find her a good comic relief.

 

On 12/20/2017 at 12:10 PM, Commander said:

...and my sister does that with her phone

does she still have that phone?

 

On 12/20/2017 at 12:10 PM, Commander said:

Also, I have 0 idea how this Laptop even still functions as well as it does after 5 years. So much for replacing it (because the moment I do my dad is snatching it from me).

9 years and counting here. Still playing Starcraft 2.  Laptops can last a long time if you take care of them.

 

On 12/20/2017 at 12:10 PM, Commander said:

(That last caption drove me into the gutter. This did not help)

You always do manage to get into these binds.  Well think positively, it's not a d**k joke this time!

 

On 12/20/2017 at 12:10 PM, Commander said:

Not a major complain but something that bothers me is just how hard it is to grind new Pokemon in fan-games.

Taking aside what you said next,  This issue could be remedied by the simply fucking stop making wild pokemon be so low levlel.  Make them be very close or even match the levels your team should be at that point. It would help tremendously.  See Tourmaline desert, having pokemon that you can readily catch and use in the next 2 gyms with zero training, like excadrills,  krookodiles, marcellos, cacti,  its so damn convenient, and their high levels also provide good exp for your existing team.  High level wild mons is what i'd do in my game and i consider it totally cool.  And if a pokemon should have evolved by that point, then it would be evolved. No more of those level 32 Zubats and stuff.

 

On 12/20/2017 at 12:10 PM, Commander said:

(and Archeops but I'm not a fan of that one)

Inconsistent ability aside, it doesnt matter much when you oneshot 90% of the game.    Also charlotte done in 3 rock slides makes you just love the bird.

 

On 12/20/2017 at 12:10 PM, Commander said:

(This took 1 hour to find I kid you not)

Make that like 3 for me.

 

------------

About Aelita, i never really got triggered by her as much as you did, but then again i never really questioned things that deeply.  The whole lighter/anime-er(?) atmosphere of rejuv, drives you away from trying to think these things too much , for the sake of having fun.  It generally seems that the least deeply you think about the games you play, the more you enjoy them. And when you return tired from work every night,  you tend to do just that. 

Its good to read playthroughs of this nature, as they serve as the eye-opener for people like me. They would be pointless in canon games with their shallow stories (gen 5 excluded), but here the creators put actual effort in the story so such feedback is worth it.

-------------

 

On 12/22/2017 at 11:52 AM, Commander said:

I also kind of wish you could actually skip the old man thing unintentionally

I wish most roadblocks worked the same. Gen 1 kinda worked this way for the most part after Cerulean.  Nowadays many seem so forced.

 

On 12/22/2017 at 11:52 AM, Commander said:

(I...thought she lived like a caveman honestly)

It seems every major character in this region has technological knowledge. Hell even a braixen has.

 

On 12/22/2017 at 11:52 AM, Commander said:

The second thing is running under those flying guys. One should have easily been able  to swoop and capture us.

The wings look pretty dysfunctional. And following the stupidity of evil teams over the last 20 years, it doesn't surprise me they still use them.

 

On 12/22/2017 at 11:52 AM, Commander said:

Normally, I'm okay, but there was 0 reason Jan couldn't throw some battles that could be lost here.

I was thinking of adding at least one situation if i made a game, where you are just surrounded by hordes of enemies, and just fight a continous stream of randomly generated battles until you finally get defeated.  I might have even added an achievement on how much you managed to last.

 

On 12/22/2017 at 11:52 AM, Commander said:

Good thing the other person I really hate is dead

If you say it many times maybe you will believe it,  you must be thinking.

 

 

"Fun"  part coming on ahead.  Can't wait for the rants.  Which is the latest part of the game you have ever reached you said?

[Commander]

 

After this chapter I have to pick it up and play it again which this is how I feel about that:

 

Spoiler

 

 

As nuts as this may seem, I actually prefer doing the screencaps and writing about the run over actually playing them game. It's probably the only reason I haven't put it down. These last few segments are kind of bad simply due to the lack of side content and exploration. You get 1 sidequest in each of these segments. 1 vs the 5 or 6 in the first two segments. You don't get Shadow Pokemon which you got to do in the first two segments. There's only a couple meh event Pokemon excluding the mystery egg. Speaking on that, I got a Darmanitan but I RMXP'd it into something else that'll be a surprise (not sure when I'll use it). Oh wait there's 2 in the Marianette chapter because I forgot about the Kingdra statue. Still, you get the point. It also doesn't help that it went with Reborn's low exp strat making it very hard and tedious to swap out Pokemon without Audino grinding.

 

I'm a firm believer that if you really want to train a new Pokemon at the start of an episode/segment, it should be ready or nearly ready by the end of the episode and able to face the boss. It's why I have a hard time playing these fan-games. I'm actually that guy in RPGs who actually swaps out all my party members and levels them all up. Even in Fire Emblem I still raise the full unit count you can take into battle instead of the recommended train only 8-9 up. Kind of sucks I might have to stop team swapping after this point (I do have a couple newbies in the works though).

 

------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Chapter 29: I fought the law, but the law won

 

Well it's been along while, hasn't it? I'm kind of taking a break from Redux because it's more of a slow and steady pace (Episode 2 basically is the Episode 2 version of the last episode). Now as for everything that happened in the run, I hope you remember because I don't. Okay, I actually do because I had to read every bit to dialogue twice at least. Instead of just jumping into the story because everyone wants to see me go into that, let's actually talk about an infamous RPG element.

 

If the desert isn't the worst area in an RPG, it's usually the prison. Here's some great advice for rookie storyboarders (if that's not a term it needs to be one): NEVER make a prison segment if you use a silent protagonist. If you have to include one, make it brief or fast paced. Chrono Trigger is one of the very few I've seen this concept work great but that was due to the brilliant build-up. I legit don't want to spoil it because it was one of my favorite surprises and it was brief, but set up a fantastic tone. I'm also talking about from a story perspective, as from a game perspective like Wind Waker it's a good thing to spice up the gameplay (which can be hit or miss, but another topic).

 

So what exactly is a prison setting? It's basically a setting where the main character loses power to the point of feeling helpless. Trapped. Weak. Worthless. This is generally the stereotype as the MC really didn't do anything wrong or was tricked. When the hero actually is a villain, it does get a tad more interesting, but that's a different subject. The problem with a prison is that it's very tight and very restrictive. The player often ends up at points of not really being able to do anything or needs to wander around for progress. They also can't brute force their way out (then why would you even want a segment in the first place). It's in these parts where dialogue and map design is key. There's no fighting or lack of fighting making these generally drag out until near the end.

 

Best way to go about these is to make them short, have little lore or brief, and conversations that develop characters if they are needed. In other words, a minimalistic approach is best. I generally dread these segments as they are usually boring but Xenogear's D Block really made me change my mind about them. Before I even go into this demon segment, I really recommend you guys playing or watching that segment because it is Blacksteeple Castle done right. And also thinking on it, SCREW THAT BOSS! It took me five attempts just to barely beat it.

 

And now for what you've been waiting for:

 

(How may I take your punishment?)

 

(Did Jan just look at the name Deven and just flip it backwards?)

 

(I think you are fortunate I'm not your warden or I would've fucked you over by now)

 

(So he's a man of slave labor. I can get behind that.)

 

(I mean it happens more than you think. Look no further than Kony).

 

(.....It's because they can. What else is there to it?)

 

I'm not going to lie, if you are going to make an argument or fight, I'd rather it be more forceful. Have Aelita spit at the guard so break free only to be shocked or beaten. It'd make a better impact than her typical "I don't understand" situation. Is it easy to make that? No, but leaves more of an impact.

 

(Even the guard is stunned by how much of an airhead she is)

 

(This line is good but...)

 

There's nothing wrong with this line at all. Blindly following somebody is a good tactic to play for a villain as you don't give them a reason to betray you for your ideals. It's kind of the minion role of not asking questions so you can reap in the rewards. My gripe is the fact this goes completely unchallenged by the cops. These guys hold no moral compass at all and are quite easily disposable. They also aren't treating the two characters here like slaves or dogs. That's kind of why I wish the "cops" or guards were built up and fleshed out a lot more. A centralized focus on that would have been much more interesting...then what we'll be experiencing.

 

(He kind of said that in non-idiot form)

 

(She's not with me)

 

Okay, how the hell do people think Victoria is WORSE than this. I mean Victoria can get irritating but at least she isn't dumb enough to call a bunch of armed men idiots while being completely defenseless. I'd have to relook at the Under the Grand Stairway events but that's the only good comparison to this. It's like that moment where the main protagonist declare that the villain CAN'T do something that they're doing. You just...cringe. Now let's...finish this scene before this gets delayed another 5 months.

 

(I think you awoke bad cop)

 

(I DIDN'T EVEN SAY ANYTHING!)

 

Remember how I talked about Xenogears before, it's such a good works to examine to see how to fix this. Imagine this event happening without any of these characters and only Neved discussing it with an officer briefly. I'm pretty sure that's how it plays out. It's been like 10 years since I played that game so my memory is a tad rusty.

 

(...............You are slowly stooping down below Melia)

 

Instead of explaining it, I'll just show a pic that explains everything she just asked:

 

(That legit happened not that long ago)

 

(Can we make Aelita one of the 5 sacrifices please?)

 

(........Excuse me while I go bang my head on that suspicious looking brick wall in the background)

 

Okay, I get why Aelita is so dumb in this scene, but I am not a fan of it. She does these things so that we the player can understand why certain things are the way they are or why can't we do certain things. In my opinion, it's a bit of amateur writing. It's not forced writing, but it drives irritation and annoyance to the point it feels unrealistic. I've used the term realism when building characters as it's not a device to make characters as realistic or as logical as possible, but to make them feel like people who have feelings and emotions and not machines shouting out dialog text. I mean it's also hard to avoid these situations (when explaining lore, I had to have two characters have terrible geography knowledge which also was useful for some humor), but we've just been piled on by the same tactic for like half of the game up to this point. Man, I'm on a rant roll today. Heh...I feel obligated to make this:

 

Spoiler

I'm no stranger to poor ROMs

You know they're bad and so do I

A full playthrough is what I'm working

You wouldn't get this from any other guy

 

I just wanna tell you how I'm feeling

Gotta make you understand

 

Never gonna give you praise

Never gonna like the game

Never gonna stop the rants and help you

Never gonna make it through

Never gonna say its good

Never gonna tell a lie, it hurts you

 

I've know this game for so long

It gives me headaches, but I'm too tired to say it

In truth we both know what's really going on

We know the game's good so we gonna play it

 

And if you ask me what I think of it

Don't tell me you're too blind to see

 

Never gonna give you praise

Never gonna like the game

Never gonna stop the rants and help you

Never gonna make it through

Never gonna say its good

Never gonna tell a lie, it hurts you

 

I spent way too much time making that. After all, I must deliver the finest levels of crappy entertainment.

 

(Huh...it must be contagious or something)

 

(Aelita in a nutshell)

 

(Oh joy the brat next door decides to speak)

 

Spoiler alert: I don't like Saki

 

(The only time I ever like seeing girls fight is in the WWE...for reasons)

 

(Now I understand why the officers don't question anything. I wouldn't want to deal with this either)

 

(......I'm pretty sure that was only you, Aelita)

 

(All of this is just for one explanation folks)

 

(If you touched your balls like I did, you'd know why. Oh wait, you don't have any)

 

(Hooray, we can't use our Pokemon because of reasons)

 

(Basically the typical you can't use your weapons/your weapons are gone stereotype)

 

I do prefer Xenogear's exploding collar as it lead to a couple interesting scenarios but mostly allowed everyone to move free while still being a prisoner. There really wasn't too much fighting though oddly enough minus the dungeon segment...which is a whole different scenario (and no it wasn't for escaping).

 

(I figured that out a while ago)

 

Like legit, all of this could have been summed up in this line...

 

"Blacksteeple Castle is more like a prison to me. We here to do hard labor and to top it all off we can't even set our little Pokemon buddies out. Poor things are trapped in there. If not for ourselves, we gotta make it off this island to save them...somehow"

 

Then you could have Sanaki butt in and things would turn out like they are. Like there's multiple ways to go about this scene, but the Aelita stuff is very old and I'm tired of seeing a girl that naive and no progress at all on her character. This is the fourth situation like this she's been in and learned nothing. You know what, I'm starting to sound like a broken record. I guess since it's been a while so I'll brief on what makes characters interesting and great (in this order):

 

1. Drive

2. Growth

3. Personality

 

You don't actually have to have a reason behind a drive as it's just why a character is doing something. In Celeste, the main character is going to climb a mountain simply because she believes she has to but doesn't know why. If you can't tell me why a character is there or for what purpose, then there's no point in them even being there if not existing. Growth is very important if not as important as the drive. Growth talks about a change in a character after an experience. Estelle Bright is a character I hated from the moment I first saw her as I disliked a lot about her. After finishing Skies SC, she became my second favorite main protagonist simply due to her character growth. Personality is simply a flair to avoid giving characters monotone or static voices which grows stale very quickly.

 

I hope you guys like rants because you're getting rant roll'd here

 

(We literally could have been here in three lines of text)

 

(Says the girl who literally acted like we aren't supposed to be here)

 

(I really don't like Saki's personality)

 

I can't say it's bad or anything, I'm not just hung up on someone using the same gag to prolong the conversation especially a simple term like baby. I didn't care for Terra that much...until I really dug deep into her character and she's easily one of the most interesting characters in the Reborn game.

 

(She's doing her best. There's just a wall of text blocking her)

 

(When Mosely reads my letter, I hope she comes to rescue me)

 

Legend of Mander: Mosely's Awakening soon to be released in a store near you

 

Now I'm imagining Mosely using a key to cut grass. Am I going to turn every character into some wacky version of themselves?

 

>>>Everyone but Madelis apparently

 

One of these days I may start a pool of donations to commission a piece of artwork referencing all the changes I did to characters (I'd match the donations if it's small enough). Probably not for a long time though.

 

(Nope, never heard of you)

 

(Wow...I'm starting to wonder if that ponytail is really a ponytail)

 

(We checked one place...and ended up here. So yes, we looked everywhere)

 

(...Why does she start to sound like somebody I know?)

 

Btw, Waldo is easy. That dog though. There was one challenge with a whole bunch of pictures of that dog but only one was real. If you can find that, you can find anything.

 

(We are in prison and there's nothing else to do. If we can't piss off the dumb one, then we have to handle with...(shudder)...boredom)

 

(Not sure if serious or sassing)

 

(Wait a minute! You're not black!)

 

Sometimes I wonder how NPCs would react to some of my captions

 

(Now Aelita, the one thing to do here is not let them know you're real name)

 

(And the first to die is...)

 

(The second thing to do is not let them know where you lived)

 

(........That's literally the one thing you shouldn't say to an armed guardsman without a plan)

 

(The first part fine...but the second part...)

 

(That guard be like "I'm surrounded by idiots" on the inside)

 

(Pretty sure she's only looking out for herself...and her sanity)

 

(This is where you lie about where you're from)

 

(...This is why you lie about stuff. To save your ass for a little while longer)

 

Seriously, we were surrounded by Team Xen members who captured us and put us in jail. Team Xen hates us for screwing up their plans. Why would you ever want to give up your identity to them.

 

(Probably to somewhere not nice)

 

(I'm sure the warden would ask me questions...but the perks of being a silent protagonist)

 

(Until we meet again...wait I'M FREE! TAKE HER! TAKE HER FAR AWAY FROM ME!)

 

(That's definitely a good sign...that I'm safe)

 

(...that's a terrible warden)

 

(...not even real prisons are barbaric)

 

(That...concerns me more)

 

(Thanks mysterious voice in my head)

 

(Hey, it's better than making screencaps for thousands of pics)

 

(Oh good another beautiful lady who will drive me up the wall)

 

(Oh good. Now I have another friend who I want to kill.)

 

And we end it here...because for some reason I don't have any more screencaps. I'll say that Saki isn't that bad, but I'm just not really that much of a fan. I'm probably going to work on this run through March then get to back to work on Redux in April so don't expect like 4 month wait periods inbetween chapters. Also as a side note, I'll probably play through up until Valerie in the V9 version to avoid any glitches before updating. That should be released before I reach the end of Blacksteeple just as an FYI so some thing may have changed which feel free to mention to me when I get to those parts.

 

Also, Never Gonna Give You Up is now stuck in my head so if you'll excuse me, I need to sing something else catchy to get it out of there.

[YinYang9705]

The real reason Chrono Triggers prison segment works is the same reason Wind Wakers prison segment works: you actually play the game during it

 

>why do people think Victoria is worse than Aelita

blind fanboyism or the 10ish episode gap between her appearances 

 

That said, Blacksteeple

Who thought it was a good idea to have a longish segment in a Pokemon game where you spend the majority of it not playing Pokemon

which isn't really helped by how it ends

[NarutoK]

@Commander

Heh heh! Keep it up my bro. I actually can't wait for the Madame X fight, the Sheridan Wetlands Battle, and the post gym-battle Amber stuff.

[Commander]

On 3/6/2018 at 7:57 AM, YinYang9705 said:

The real reason Chrono Triggers prison segment works is the same reason Wind Wakers prison segment works: you actually play the game during it

I was actually referring to

Spoiler

The fact that everything you did at eh beginning of the game had a consequence leading to what most players got was a guilty verdict. Very few games pay that much attention to detail and make you suffer the consequences of your actions. I do feel like Reborn is doing something similar but on a grander scale. Anyways, I really loved that part because it was pretty action packed in Chrono Trigger.

 

Now for my suffering to continue (there is legit one screencap I legit will suffer through many chapters just to make)

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 30: I swear Adam has a Beard now

 

(...But was she hot?)

 

(...Is she related to Aang?)

 

(Isn't that a good thing?)

 

(This is a good time to explain stuff)

 

So the important thing about slavery isn't actually about making the slaves feel comfortable/miserable or happy/sad because that doesn't matter in the end. The important thing is to keep them busy. Busy people do not have time to think or plan or talk. When people talk is when things can start to go bad because people are not dumb...like Aelita is being portrayed as. They'll eventually find weaknesses in your security and exploit them as a means to escape. So the work here I wish was addressed to keep discussion from going on or being bare minimal. There's actually what I feel like is a lot of wasted dialogue in this place that should focus on the environment, especially with the guards.

 

(...Are you sure Marluxia isn't the warden? That'd explain a lot...Aelita better pray it's really Neved)

 

(Worst. Abduction. Ever.)

 

(I am the king of this castle! Obey my every order!)

 

This made me think of something hilarious. Think about Neved for a second. Now picture him singing I wanna be like you. The sad parts is that song can sum up like half the events that happened here. But seriously Neved singing would make this part amazing. Hell changing any dungeon segment into a Disney musical segment would make it more bearable. I'll see myself out.

 

(Hey look, I found a friend like me)

 

(Sure, you do that buddy. You'll find a way off a freezing cold i...)

 

Did anybody question why an island is freezing cold? I mean yeah it's possible, but the likely hood of all of this is so little it's actually kind of funny. You'd need resources to keep the place warm, proper dresswear...which most people don't have, and a way to replenish supplies. I say that because people here are treated nicely and it's not like a holocaust situation where they don't care if people freeze do death. It is possible for this to work, but it'd have to be around I'd say 20-30 degrees for people to not need warmer outfits than they use. I only know this because I'm from Indiana and we get great influxes of weather. This is something I really would've liked them going into more but they don't because the rules and logic of this place don't matter.

 

(I don't like the sound of that...)

 

(And bad thing happening in 3...)

 

(2...)

 

(1...)

 

(What a shocking turn of events for our friend)

 

I'm not going to lie, I would've preferred this scene didn't exist as it just is there to serve as a warning not to do something dumb. It is perfectly fine just to do this:

 

(No, I won't back down)

 

And after a very shocking surprise, you get sent back to your cell. Due to a glitch the other area becomes accessible for some odd reason. I probably could fix it if I looked at the event but it's a minor glitch.

 

(Minor detail, but I'm surprised Jan removed the Pokemon screen from the menu)

 

(You can't tell me it doesn't look like he has a beard)

 

I'm just gonna say that I think I would love Adam more if he had a beard. You don't see characters with a beard in these games. Then I could call him Blue Beard...this is the dry jokes that kill people chapter, isn't it?

 

(Missed opportunity to use the term wife, Jan)

 

(Okay time out for a minute)

 

You don't need to be below zero to have this environment. If it was that cold half of the people here would already be dead. And on the topic of freezing cold water, it actually wouldn't kill you so long as you weren't in it for too long. So that part is fine it's the below freezing that bothers me. Thinking on that....why are we planting flowers in the first place? I'm just...not gonna question it at this point because this whole place doesn't make sense. It would if it was warmer, but it's not.

 

(You'd think Mr. Blue hair would be the water boy...or the steel...or the ice...)

 

Seriously, what type leader even is Adam?

 

(That's taking the ice bucket challenge to a new extreme)

 

(You guys can make out whenever. Don't mind me here or anything.)

 

(...I've been here the whole time...after the ECT)

 

(He has a beard therefore he's awesome)

 

(Aren't you looking at the girl who likes to defy reason?)

 

(I feel like so much of this dialogue could be cut and it'd be fine)

 

No really, from the start of this chapter to the end of Blacksteeple is roughly 1.2k pics. Most parts (from one badge to the next) barely don't hit the 1k mark. I think Marianette's hit 800. I don't normally make a comment on this, but I'd say a good 100 lines of text could be cut and we'd still have everything said still intact. It's very important when making long segments of dialogue without any action taking place. All I'm going to say on the ordeal...for now.

 

(I WAS WRONG! ARE YOU KIDDING ME YOU JUST SAID THAT!)

 

(Probably because you'd end up causing electrocution which could lead to more problems)

 

(Uhhh...Gym Leaders from what I've seen hold no responsibility whatever other than being figure heads)

 

(For some reason, I feel Adam and I understand each other a bit too much)

 

(We're in the overworld. We all have big heads)

 

(No, we're painting you as the lady crazy enough to swim in uncharted freezing waters)

 

(OMG! IT'S A PIRATE!)

 

(It gives you an adrenaline rush. That's not opening your mind at all, but a good way to blow off steam)

 

(NO! The beard is a lie! You have betrayed me, Adam)

 

(It's anyways...and wait, how do you know my name?)

 

(Wait, you didn't answer my question)

 

Like, how does she know my name? She's been swimming...oh Saki did say it so I assume she picked it up from that. Not very clear though.

 

(I'd say reason for suffering is a better way to describe her)

 

(The only difference is that Whitney's Miltank brings all the boys to the yard)

 

Welcome to chapter 30 the "how many song titles/lyrics can we drop"

 

(I haven't seen dialogue this dull since FF2)

 

FF2 as in the actual FF2 which actually has a decent plot which was really good for the time it was built. That game sucks though, but dang was that game had balls. 3 of your party members died ballsy.

 

(I'm sure that's just an excuse so Nevy could break out into song and dance)

 

Well, I'm the king of this castle. The Island VIP. Just let me do this stupid stuff, okay. It helps me keep my sanity while continuing this.

 

(You act like this is some really bad thing or something)

 

(Gee...I wonder why he'd want a terrorist who was part of wrecking a big chunk of Team Xen's plans)

 

(I hear rumor's Neved's singing is their most deadly weapon)

 

(Okay, back up for a minute)

 

I get the whole heroes have to save everyone business, but this part does piss me off. They literally act like it's a necessity to save Aelita or they can't do anything. Nobody suggests even leaving her behind for the sake of survival. Like if any normal person was given a chance to escape or survive, they very well would leave a friend behind for their own sake. Aelita is a stranger to these people yet they don't question leaving her behind for the sake of the greater good. Let me step into Xenogears for a second:

 

Do you know what happens in D Block for Xenogears:

 

Spoiler

Your group escapes with only about 4 people in total as the warden kept his end of the bargain. The one character had to leave his "friends" behind and anyone still in the jail was kept there. You were free and banned from ever going back. There was never any grand escape plan as it was all about your own escape. Nobody else mattered.

 

Not saying that they shouldn't have tried to find a way to rescue Aelita, but something should have been placed to say maybe they'll have to leave her behind in the end.

 

(Wait...doesn't that mean the guards can't use their Poke Balls either?)

 

So what has to be a glaring problem with the logic here is the guards and Neved. There's a signal that blocks Poke Balls, but it doesn't block the signal of the guards and Neved. Since it doesn't do that, there has to be a way to do the same on other Poke Balls which Saki should have been able to figure out by now. Then again, Saki is uhhh...special is the best way to put it.

 

(That ocean looks kind of gray...does that make Valerie...that'd explain a lot)

 

(Why am I looking at the gray waves?)

 

(Hey, I think I can see my house from here)

 

(Yeah, Adam. Do whatever the woman tells you.)

 

(More importantly, why does it not stop the guards?)

 

(This is the root of the problem. Saki knows how Poke Balls work)

 

>>>She study dem balls like nobody else

 

(Hold on, so this is probably one of Madelis's inventions...given she's the tech expert)

 

I actually feel bad for Madelis because she just got shoved out of any spotlight or recognition at all. Almost as shafted as Serra.

 

(Oh good a full explanation of something nonsensical in the first place)

 

(Oh good it continues)

 

(Yes, Adam. You can't expand your balls and call out your Metapod)

 

We are throwing everything in today

 

(That's...a new one for me)

 

(If you're hitting on me, I decline. I have enough crazy women in my life as is.)

 

(.................................I just realized this is a very stupid conversation)

 

Okay, I don't really see the point of Saki being like that at all. If it was to avoid cops hearing them I'd understand if she was subtle or going around the question, but she pretty much is being blunt and outright explaining so a cop hearing would understand what she's saying. Which brings back...oh god this is Madelis 2.0 conversation. Please end me now.

 

(Something tells me it's not that easy)

 

(....I feel my rant button being pressed right now. And you guys were doing so good)

 

(Now I understand how Vegeta feels around the Goku crew.)

 

(Adam, I believe this is the start of a beautiful friendship)

 

I could imagine if the character could talk they'd have this kind of conversation:

Adam: These two are going to be the death of me

Commander: Welcome to my world. Every girl I've met was about to be killed then almost got me killed.

Adam: So you know my pain.

Commander: Dude, I've lived your pain.

Both: I think I just found my new best friend.

 

(The ocean...it's calling my name)

 

(At this point, I'm pretty sure Saki is Melia's age. I really need a list of how old certain characters are)

 

(Adam, you're with me, best buddy)

 

(That is the dumbest place to put an antenna)

 

Seriously hiding it behind stuff is a terrible idea as it gives interference let alone nobody can keep a good eye on it in case somebody touches it or meddles with it. Just saying. But of course these are also the people who plant flowers in below zero weather.

 

(Whatever that antenna is smoking I want it)

 

(Thank you best buddy for summing up my thoughts)

 

(Basically it's not what we're looking for)

 

Just for the sake of anyone play, please turn your brain off when playing this segment. That's what I did and it wasn't so bad. Now I have to go back and relive it and actually read these lines of dialogue.

 

(Hack it to reverse the signal?)

 

(That's...a terrible idea. Wouldn't someone realize the repeater is gone? Also it doesn't even solve the issue)

 

(I'm starting to think Saki is black Melia...that sounds so wrong and so right at the same time)

 

(Congratulations, Adam. You are now the smartest person in the game)

 

(Seriously, what type does Adam use? Dolphin type?)

 

(And cue the second stupidest scene in the game)

 

I don't have a pic but the thing just flies away straight up (which it should not do that and if it did it'd be in the ocean). This hurts my brain. Like if it was a silly adventure I'd be more okay with this, but Rejuv does try to be serious and wants you to take it serious which is seriously a problem, seriously.

 

(And we're about to die in 3...2...1...)

 

(Wait, how is it even red like that outside?)

 

I believe I lost 5 IQ points by this point in the chapter. I only have about 100 left.

 

(Well at least we know what it did)

 

(This...leads to a very stupid controversy later)

 

(Best FE:A character)

 

(Yeah. F*** the police!)

 

(And...I F'd up)

 

(IT WASN'T ME! IT'S THAT NPC GIRL DOWN THERE!)

 

(Finally I get to talk to the man himself)

 

(Last time I took the game seriously I ended up with a long rant)

 

And...I'm just going to stop it right there because oh dear lord I was wrong. Fine, I'll at least go through Neved so that this isn't a torture chapter.

 

(Does anyone else find it funny he has all these how powered pieces of technology yet still uses a candle?)

 

(Ah yes, I remember you quite clearly now. You're my next door neighbor who hates my dog pooping on your lawn)

 

(I...this line irritates me)

 

(Ah yes back in the day where I wore a black cap and black...everything)

 

(You realize that's one letter away from being Never, right?)

 

So this is Nevy. He's...something. Honestly, he's pretty boring overall. And no, he doesn't actually sing. I would honestly be okay with this IF this was the only time he was going to show up in the game. Forgettable villains have a niche role of serving as bosses for one battle or giving off an impression to hate them, but forgettable characters are needed since there's this thing called bosses in RPGs. It helps make other characters shine out more or get a picture of the greater villain. Anyways, let's get back to Mr. Nevermore.

 

(Pretty sure that's how every mod feels on here...especially in ye olden times)

 

(I still don't get why everyone is afraid of you)

 

Seriously, there's not a single Xen grunt on this island. I'm sure it pretty much consists of Akuwa residents and those on the SS Oceana only. Which goes back to I wish there's was more lore and context on the place because you have an interesting setup. It's the Stanford Prison Experiment in a sense. If you haven't done research on it, do it. It's a very interesting subject which this should have used as a reference. Just imagine good cops and people breaking and manipulating the minds of people and the effect it'd do to them. Then have a small handful of characters who haven't snapped into that position such as Neved, the leaders, and one other prisoner. It's a tool to distract players from the main scenario. It is A LOT more work but it gives players more interest than just wanting this segment to move on and be over. Just imagine prisoners treating you like crap simply because you were caught "breaking" the law and everyone was punished for it. Moves start becoming more important and time is now running shorter.

 

I'll go into this more and more over time as it will make things that seem nonsensical feel more realistic and like they'd actually happen. But really please watch the documentary on the Stanford Prison or wiki it because it really is such an interesting subject to talk about then look at this game and simply put in the subtle lore and you have something very morbid.

 

(If I wasn't compliant, I wouldn't be here and you'd be talking to yourself in an empty room...not that you didn't do that already)

 

(And ho boy another long explanation)

 

(I don't know why Jan just didn't write the elites of Team Xen. Though that's not saying much given we beat a few of them with weak teams)

 

(He's basically saying we were doomed from the start)

 

I'm not trying to pick on Jan too much, but Death Wings. C'mon man. You could come up with a better name than that. I would've accepted The Flying Dutchmen, The Ravens, The Winged Beasts, or my favorite, The Beatles. This totally wasn't an excuse to use another song reference.

 

(Speaking of that, you may have missed an old man at the entrance)

 

(Yeah, you're one of the few evil teams who need to send your elites to capture a mere 10-year-old boy)

 

Don't worry, I'm sure Neved would put me in the torture chamber if my smart mouth went off.

 

(You captured and enslaved children. I think we're beyond rash)

 

(.....Because you want to use them as hostages to control the region?)

 

Did anybody really wonder why they were abducting people? I'm pretty sure it's like the norm for RPG protagonists. "Oh the men of this town were slaughtered and the women and children were taken as hostages. Dammit, I wanted to watch the football game, but I guess this Monday will be spent saving their asses." Yes, their have been variations of that satire but I really want to know if there was a protag who wanted to watch a football game over the hero's duty. I'm being serious.

 

(This is where I'd go "The heck did I do?")

 

(You're kidding me, right?)

 

There are three people you should blame for this whole mess: Madelis, Zetta, and Crescent. The only thing we've done is take out one of the Dimension Pokemon in that Shadow Factory which Keta would've done anyways and probably succeeded. Madelis was the probably the one who screwed up the most as she got Melia killed and her cockiness lead to the factory's demise. I mean I'd get that we know way too much, but so far we've been a mere fly who's done minimal damage.

 

(She sounds like somebody with a very short temper. That's like sending an army of trucks to try and capture a little girl...wait a minute)

 

(Why are you following this lady again?)

 

I get Madame X is supposed to be intimidating but unlike Lin, she's throwing a temper tantrum right now. Don't believe me? She wanted to hunt down a mere pest because they cause minor problems and are far from the main issue. That'd be like Lin or Solaris gunning after the player due to being in the Mosswater Factory invasion. It's a little extreme. Doesn't make for an interesting main villain though.

 

(I'm not sure if that's an insult or compliment)

 

([Facedesks] This is why Adam is the only person I can talk to)

 

We aren't even the bloody problem. You people are literally just taking out your frustrations on me like my existence screwed you over. The only difference is that Aelita would've died in the explosion since Crescent doesn't care about her. Everything else would've happened nearly the same since Ren would've done half the things I did. The result would have been nearly the same as Crescent would've zapped Jenner and Zetta regardless when you think about it. And yes, I am basically stating that the main protag is basically irrelevant.

 

(Can I leave now? This conversation is making my brain hurt.)

 

(That's Madelis's fault and you bloody know it)

 

(Oh hello my friend text skip jankiness)

 

(I just can't take this serious)

 

I'm sorry but I'm laughing rereading this. It's supposed to be intimidating, but she basically murdered people because things didn't go her way. She went on a rampage murder spree. "Oh no my plans failed. I better go murder everyone now." -Madame X. Yes, the leader of a super advanced and pretty powerful group (with pretty clever ideas and tactics) goes to barbaric murder when things don't go her way. I don't know why I find this hilarious but I do. Someone somewhere (probably Neved) is probably going to want to murder me for this...that pun was not intended.

 

I can only imagine what she's like when she's out of clean clothes or when there's no food left. Gotta murder someone to make herself feel better.

 

(Sorry, I'm too busy laughing my ass off)

 

(That's one thing we can agree on)

 

(DAMMIT YOU USED GRAMMAR INCORRECTLY!)

 

(......that...makes...little...sense)

 

(...you realize we're all trapped on this island so I'm bound to see you again)

 

(It was the grammar. People with bad grammar, besides me, deserve to die)

 

(The Sigmund is strong within this one)

 

(I guess I'll do just that)

 

(Thanks for that whole lot of pointless info dump you gave me, buddy)

 

Okay, it wasn't that bad, but it could've been so good. 80% of that was just pure gibberish just to scare you, but much of that could've been saved for later. Oh well...I realized we've only reached the quarter way point from the start of this segment (Giratina Statue) all the way up until the end of Blacksteeple. That's right. We are only 1/4th of the way there. Kill me now.

 

(Also, why are there fallen pillars here? For a castle that's supposed to be cleaned up, you'd think that's the first thing they'd want to get done)

[RedAlert]

I thought that you'd finish blackshitpile for sure by this chapter, but looks not :/

And it really is painful to see npcs being so stupid isn't it? I mean the main premise might be cleverly thought out (although it has its own inherent problems) but the plotarmor is just so agonizing.

[Personthing]

1 hour ago, Commander said:

 

I get the whole heroes have to save everyone business, but this part does piss me off. They literally act like it's a necessity to save Aelita or they can't do anything. Nobody suggests even leaving her behind for the sake of survival. Like if any normal person was given a chance to escape or survive, they very well would leave a friend behind for their own sake. Aelita is a stranger to these people yet they don't question leaving her behind for the sake of the greater good. 

I kinda getcha here but at the same time, Valarie, Adam, and Saki (especially Valarie since most of the people are from Akuwa town, and she's charged with their safety) want to save every single person trapped on the island, so missing Aelita is a big problem to them.

[Commander]

On 3/6/2018 at 7:47 PM, NarutoK said:

@Commander

Heh heh! Keep it up my bro. I actually can't wait for the Madame X fight, the Sheridan Wetlands Battle, and the post gym-battle Amber stuff.

Madame X I actually planned for in advanced. You could say that level 100 Alakazam was my experiment to make sure it'd work. Let me tell you, that Alakazam didn't know what hit him. As for Post Amber, I actually don't know what happens in that segment other than a couple things I've seen here and there. Will be interesting for sure.

 

On 3/6/2018 at 8:54 PM, RedAlert said:

I thought that you'd finish blackshitpile for sure by this chapter, but looks not

And it really is painful to see npcs being so stupid isn't it? I mean the main premise might be cleverly thought out (although it has its own inherent problems) but the plotarmor is just so agonizing.

Hahahaha! We aren't anywhere even close to being done. You'll just have to suffer with me to get through it since March is going to be get through a large chunk of Rejuv month for me. I also don't think Plot Armor is the issue but more like conveniences.

 

On 3/6/2018 at 10:10 PM, Personthing said:

I kinda getcha here but at the same time, Valarie, Adam, and Saki (especially Valarie since most of the people are from Akuwa town, and she's charged with their safety) want to save every single person trapped on the island, so missing Aelita is a big problem to them.

I think the best reference to what we are talking about is the alm vs clive situation in FE Echoes. The scene wouldn't be half as good with one without the other as it revolves around Clive's reasonable choice being the wrong choice. I was more or less asking for the contrast over the actual choice because at this point we're just going through the motions. I actually thought a lot more about the topic and it's kind of scary to the whole did the leaders actually make the right choice. Which the result is a thrown chair. Yeah...we'll get to that discussion which won't be fun for me but fun for you to see me crack.

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Chapter 31: We are Neved, Neved, Neved getting back to gameplay

 

My chapter titles are getting dumber and dumber. So I have some bad news. My keyboard has decided to piss me off a bit by breaking. S three letters decided t break causing my keyboard t fnctn lke ths and nt wrk rerly as y can see. Have sltns fr t bt they aren't ractcal. Whle t'd be hlars fr a segment lke ths, 'll se rer englsh fr the caps. This is as painful as you can imagine. In addition, I cut my finger trying to fix it so now I'm apparently emo. It's a tad painful, but if I'm not suffering, it's not Blacksteeple.

 

([Has Flashbacks to Dr. Jenkel's lab])

 

(Excuse me for plot inconveniences preventing me from getting away.)

 

I must say this little scene is actually kind of cute with the NPCs doing stuff. Adam taking a nap is amazing.

 

(I thought my terrible jokes were terrible. Jan 1uped me)

 

(Oh that reminds me...)

 

A little girl threw an antenna 100s of feet in the air. Let that sink in for a minute. There's no logical way you could say that scene was smart, well played, or had any logic at all. Best part is that I don't really have a good recommendation to fix it since it's a required event to happen just like that. Also, the Dragon Ball Super Ultra Instinct song is stuck in my head. That makes this 10% more tolerable.

 

(I don't know how Adam finds that comfortable...at all)

 

(Now I know why Adam is asleep like that.)

 

(If you're drawing what starts with an H and ends with an I, please stop. There's too many Houdini pics in the worlds as it is)

 

(So all of that took an hour...damn Neved is quite that talker)

 

(Reading this text almost hurts as much as typing)

 

(Something tells me it's a way to bring back the dead)

 

(hahaha! If only it were that easy)

 

Now I'm actually going to get into Saki's character a little bit as this actually might make you hate her. Saki would need not only need about an IQ level of 180 or higher, but so advanced skills in machinery that she can dissect a machine and reverse engineer it in mere minutes. Basically, she's actually a superhuman. The only reason she isn't a Mary Sue is because she mostly gets ignored but everything else about her character aligns.

 

Now we don't see this now but this is an old trope that I'm sure you've seen before. Generally it happens more in what I consider cartoon logic in which a character creates something almost instantly. That does bring up an old topic we always here me ranting on. The Saki thing really isn't that bad and I would let it slide a lot more if certain conditions were met. I guess this is also kind of confession time as well:

 

If the plot was designed with an overall different tone and intention, Rejuv would most likely be the best Pokemon Fan-game created so far. Jan and his crew really aren't recognized enough for what they really should be because all I see people talking about Reborn vs Rejuv is about the plot generally. Rejuuv generally strives more in the visuals department and actually on the simple scenarios. In other words it's fun to watch and move around. Look at this scene even. It's actually pretty enjoyable and surprisingly full of life. And these things aren't easy to make either but there are so many which make them so memorable. Reborn relies heavily on environment and dialogue for most of the experience. While it's great, it also backfires quite a number of times.

 

If Rejuv showcased the episode 1 I saw in the version of the game, I probably would've been more involved and actually helped resolve a lot of gripes people have about this game. Not really change it all that much but some significant changes would have happened. The first thing I'd probably mention reading the entire script of dialogue is ask what the heck is up with all this lore? A lot of it is just kind of forced in adding to large sections where you spend time being drowned in it and rarely is it relative. Who remembers what those statues said? What about Shadow Pokemon? I don't really remember anything about Dimensional Poke either. This really drowns out stuff I really like about this game and sure while I despise Melia, I feel like the picnic adventure is one of the better moments of Rejuv. I'd take her over long sections of explanation any day. Even Aelita over another Madelis scene to explain Team Xen's evil plan. I'd even have the balls to argue that the Team Xen concept and lore feels very forced into a promising game.

 

Now I know my image is skewed since characters are generally what I'm most interested in the games I play. They are the actors and they perform the actions as good acting can save a bad plot in some cases. Exposition cannot be avoided, but I'm sure you've heard the term show, don't tell. I hate that term (not what it means), but it serves its purpose here. Something you need to know about writing a story is that people tend to forget...a lot about it. Very rarely can people remember what a character said or heavy details about the lore. I'm sure somebody is going to say they know all about Rejuv and I'll counter it saying I don't even remember everything from Reborn and I've probably looked at it a lot more than the average player. If you tell players all this stuff they are going to forget it so my rule of thumb is to grind 8 sentences of the exposition into a single sentence. Use the rest to give character insight and interesting, but unimportant facts. Let's me just show you something using Indy:

 

"The ignorance of youth ever grows, but I cannot be too harsh as I must've been the same at your age. Listen well as this tale may save you from your own destined future. Long, long ago there was a girl born with a disfigured form. She was shunned by all of our ancestors believed to be the cause of a plague that spread far and wide on the region. Many desperate fools aimed to kill the girl in a desperate attempt to keep their loved ones alive. As much as they tried, they could not for the girl had a gift. She could see what was yet to come and use it to escape fate time and time again. Fate would have her way as she eventually was captured and to be executed in the middle of a local tribe. It was here where she foretold the infamous prophecy: 'The plague is but the calm for what is coming. The very threads of this land's fate will lie in your descendants. Five of their souls will unlock heaven or hell depending on how their heart swings. It'll all begin when one from beyond the grave fades away once more.' Her last words which puzzled scholars, but soon even they have forgotten the importance of them. Now, only a blind man couldn't see that time has almost run out."

 

No idea how accurate that is because I completely winged it, but I tried doing a little bit of everything in that tale. While my version is indeed much longer, it grinds down to having a short thing straight up telling you or getting a lot of little worthless information but with more personality. There's actually a lot of ways you could have a scene like that be responded to as well which is the beauty of it. Thing I probably gripe about the most is when a game gets all explanationy to try and answer all questions we have or to better understand the situation. Would've actually been kind of cool if we didn't know about the fact we couldn't use our Poke Balls until we talked with Saki on the beach (letting players figure it out on their own looking at the menu). Not too much you can do about it because Rejuv is way too deep in at this point, but I'd imagine Jan would be really great at making light hearted adventures. That certainly isn't a bad tool to have.

 

(But with Popsicle anything is possible)

 

(There are some things he said that should not be repeated)

 

(Damn ths c0mfeter es breaken and me needs ta stah w1th the ran 4 r1ght n0w)

 

1 have a new ladt0d wh1ch 1 was bsy transferr1ng stuff s0 that's why th1s dart 1s very sh0rt s0 s0rry ab0t that bat 1 am t1red 0f deal1ng w1th th1s br0ken keyb0ard.

[DemICE]

This segment  seems to affect our masochistic venturer dangerously. 

 

Well at least it accomplishes what a prison segment should, technically: make us suffer.

[Commander]

On 3/12/2018 at 3:08 PM, DemICE said:

This segment  seems to affect our masochistic venturer dangerously. 

 

Well at least it accomplishes what a prison segment should, technically: make us suffer.

I'm a masochists now. I guess I'll add that to the list. Well good news is that my suffering is lessened now.

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 31.5: This is the first and probably last half chapter because I have a new laptop now which hopefully resolves the issue permanently

 

Creative title, I know. But yeah I decided to get a new lappy within my budget of 1k bucks which believe it or not I got almost half the cost of the old Lenovo one I had for 5 years. Let me tell you: I bought it purely so that I could play PS3 level games with no godawful lag and it feels great. I also discovered this game being made called Rhythm Doctor. That was a strange but fun demo. Might be a good time passer while waiting for my "quality" content chapters. Now for an actually decent lengthed chapter which you've all come to expect from me:

 

(...I still think singing is a worse fate)

 

(Oh look, Adam is actually awake. I'd imagine he has a headache now because that can't be comfy)

 

(Can I just go die now?)

 

(You're implying there was a good time to strike)

 

Again, I feel like I'm the only one bothered by this but they are bloody jeopardizing everybody simply because of a single hostage situation. You know what, I'm not even going to continue. Let's just say that the more I think about this place logically, the less sense it starts making. Let's start off with the very start. The player had to have come here by boat with a duration of an unknown amount of time. Due to how boats work, it couldn't simply set off right away and likely would wait a few days for refueling and such. There's no talk on that subject for planning an escape that I remember and it's just thrown off. Let's just continue for now...

 

(Basically an assault plan turned into an escape plan)

 

I will say though while I'm not a fan of those Hydreigon statues I do like quite a bit of the sprite designs here. Some things I wish were more explained liked the stone seat outside, but my memory of this place is foggy from the first time I played through here. Not a fan of it back then and I thought it was bigger.

 

(Adam, you're officially rising up in the ranks of my favorite people in this game)

 

(Well, we are in prison and I'm here. Somebody is gonna suffer one way or another)

 

(That's a joke, right?)

 

(Seriously, Adam is the first character with a moderate IQ in this game)

 

You know in defense for Aelita, I'm not a very big fan of characters with personalities similar to hers. Take Estelle from Trails in the Skies. I really did not care for her all that much in the first game, but her character development turned her into one of my absolute favorite characters. Same kind of went for Agate but he gave off a more arrogant appearance. What really changed my mind about these characters is that they have a lot more depth to them than they give off. There was a reason why Agate acts the way he does and Estelle actually turns out to be surprisingly smart.

 

There's nothing wrong with this, but I pretty much see a broken record of lack of character depth. This has more to do with more with the mediums we experienced and age. When I was younger, I actually experienced mediums mostly to do with dialogue and writing. I mean I did watch TV and stuff, but most of what I watched was only out of boredom over enjoyment. I also grew up a lot more fond of games with a lot of text and depth over time. Paper Mario was one of the first games I played and loved, but over time I loved it even more than I did. So I did find my niches (story RPGs and action RPGs) which I play and look for. Jan I feel skews more towards shonen animes for inspiration and probably where his thought process grinds more towards. This is more action focused and more about the visuals and doing stuff. A vast majority of people prefer this style and it's what they seek. This ISN'T what defines the genre as well, but generally shonen works do not have all that much character depth and even sometimes one off characters. It's all about fast paced and being full of action.

 

You can kind of see where the issue here is. I know there are a lot of people who absolutely love Rejuv the way it is story wise and don't mind a lot of characters because that's what you are looking for. It also leaves me puzzled by why people recommend playing this for the story if people played and loved Reborn's story. They're two different things and two different styles. Everything else about the games are similar where Rejuv has better side content while Reborn kind of has the better puzzles. That's where we go back to me. I'm not saying I dislike Rejuv as it does do a lot of really fun things, but it kind of is overall forgettable when it comes to plot to me. Now I'm not sure how people stand with my thoughts but just think about how much you agree or disagree with me on many of the subjects I said and talked about. It'll all click as I explain a lot at the end of this chapter for both sides.

 

(Okay, that was a decent burn)

 

(Wait...I think this is the Agate Trio if they were watered down...swear if Adam is the fighting leader)

 

(If it were obvious she wouldn't be a hostage)

 

(Like the guards or Neved? They seem to know everything)

 

(Yes, because generic NPCs are willing to tell us everything)

 

(Man, I wish I was better at making subcaptions)

 

I think we kind of get the point that these are very long and uneventful dialogues so I may start cutting a lot of them out...not that I haven't been doing that already. Maybe you'll get to see sassy dialogue if I get tired of it enough...or right now:

 

Valarie: We're the only important characters in this place so let's stand out by wondering around in the quarry where the guards can openly see us and ask numerous people questions not looking suspicious at all. But we gotta be careful because the guards are on to us after causing a bit of trouble before, but it's irrelevant as they are irrelevant and have no relevance to this place at all other than to make the place look tight on security.

 

Saki: Okie dokie bossy lady who likes to talk a lot

 

Adam: Why am I here again?

 

So now my goal is to cut down the remaining segments by 200 pics since we aren't even close to halfway there. I'm not kidding.

 

(They never really bothered explaining this detail. RIP Bow. You were the only thing I liked about Aelita)

 

(Jan, I would also like to know the answer to this)

 

(OBJECTION! NPC Bo said the opposite detail)

 

This NPC will be called NPC Gi. I only picked a name fitting for their creativity. The old man in Akuwa town is now NPC Gra. From this point forth I shall name every NPC in a screencap in order to make this game feel more immersive.

 

Time for more abridged Commander lines because he's tired of screencapping this unscreencappable stuff.

 

Valerie: Two people told you two entirely different stories that contradict each other. Since they are NPCs they cannot lie nor be delusional so this all must be true.

 

(So...you just wasted all our time when you knew the answer)

 

Seriously, we could have deducted that already without having to move us to the quarry and waste even more time. Also another gripe I kind of have is that we always kind of just follow these three everywhere which is pretty much just Valerie and Saki doing everything. Basically, we're pretty much worthless for this entire segment...though that's not really anything new given everything that's happened (what's one thing we managed to achieve by ourselves).

 

Valerie: That means you're shit out of luck there and she's as good as dead, but I spent a long time saying that we had to save her, but now she's irrelevant so let's get back to actually make progress on the plot which really hasn't been explained so far.

 

Just an FYI if someone ever makes an abridged version of Rejuv, you have permission to use anything I write for the characters. Just don't ask me to make it. Only thing I'd ever consider doing is making a synopsis for Rejuv like I did for Redux.

 

(It feels kind of awkward standing here like this...at least I'm inbetween two ladies)

 

(This is the philosophy I live by)

 

(Yes because Pokemon battles are so tiring on the body)

 

OMG! I just thought of I perfect dumb Pokemon video. Have a guy say "I'm hitting the gym" and have him make workout grunts while giving orders. If something like this exist, please just link it to me. Would be surprised if somebody hasn't made that joke.

 

(But I thought Adam was the reasonable one)

 

(I'm pretty sure I'm the only one dressed and suited for that type of event)

 

(Well hello suspicious person who I clearly don't know or recognize at all)

 

Oh yeah there was an unauthorized message sending the guards in or something. Kind of weird they'd have that installed but I could possibly see why.

 

(And we're about to get into one of the funniest things I get to talk about)

 

I get the cloaked person stereotype, but uhhh....this kind of takes it to the extreme a bit.

 

(Okay, so you're that desperate)

 

(Never takes newbies to the warden my ass)

 

Okay so let me explain a few things here. Her story really doesn't make any sense as you'll find out because of the whole cloak business. Falling into the water with that on would kill you, but let's not talk about that. If she was starving and cold that'd work because getting lost at see usually is a death sentence.

 

(I'm guessing it's name is the Titanic)

 

(Dat epic typo right there is a total W)

 

I probably should report these things but...I'm a wee bit too lazy to.

 

(And Neved is about to call it in 3...2...1...)

 

(He and I are thinking the same thing)

 

(Yep, that's what I'm about to get into)

 

A person swimming in these waters for an hour actually is not impossible, but very unlikely. Now if M...ysterious Lady had a design that was not cloaked I'd believe it more tbh, but that cloak just contradicts everything I'm saying as a heavily clothed person wouldn't be able to make it. So there are people who swim in frigid waters and come out just fine and I think they can go for about 20 minutes. Based on the character attire and how they handle this environment, I'd say it's around 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit. So the waters would not be below 0 but still very cold to the point I think somebody could make it about 40 minutes before hypothermia kicks in and kills them. But for someone not trained in these conditions it'd be roughly 20 minutes before death, but we're going to give her 40 minutes due to reasons. Jumping into that water isn't going to kill you right away and you could probably justify someone lasting an hour. This though:

 

(Oh boy this is gonna be fun to explain)

 

(And oh boy this is going to be fun to explain)

 

Now I actually only know 5 of her entire team, but only one of those 5 would actually even be capable of performing this because it's a flying type. We'll assume that the flying type would likely only be able to stay airborne for 20 minutes without needing to land due to various reasons. So yes she would actually be able to realistically swim to the island factoring everything in, but using her pokemon to swim makes little sense as none of them could carry her weight with the waters. Think about a human tugging another human along. That would not be easy and you'd probably not even make it very far before that person is exhausted. Likely this is all a cover story, but it may actually be possible if we calc the flying mon in. It just goes back to the old question about her clothes. If she touched the water at any point, she'd need to immediately warm her body up which stripping down kind of is needed. Also her soaking wet clothes would also reveal her face pretty much. That's a whole different topic which could be untold stuff, but this situation technically is possible, but highly unlikely pretty much stating the mysterious girl is lying somewhere.

 

(Neved probably knows she's lying but doesn't really care)

 

(This is actually an important detail)

 

(...Does that mean I get stuck with her in my tiny room?)

 

Okay, now I want to talk a minute about that little detail. We know this tiny island is close to Never Winter City so we know it's close to the colder climates, but we also know that it may not be as far off the map as we think. We know from the "shipwreck" that it's an hour a way from there. That actually implies it might be barely visible from ship routes. Still haven't figured it out. We were deported here in plain sight. Maybe we were tied into a crate or something but they basically used a normal dock to get the prisoners there. In other words, nobody would be able to figure out their suspicious activity because it all worked and functioned like a normal ship. It actually probably was a normal cargo ship with Xen affiliates in control who sailed the ship on a route from Akuwa to New Winter City, dropped the prisoners off, and then finished delivering its cargo. Would've been interesting to here these kinds of bits in the story as it's kind of a little bit cool lore about the place and how they maintain it like getting supplies and smuggling.

 

(Wait, you didn't let me get an offer)

 

(Tell me Neved really isn't that dumb to trust somebody not willing to show their face)

 

(Neved, you are now the second most reasonable man in Aevium)

 

(Probably that lazy guard. Biggs? Or was it Wedge?)

 

(Nevy is already onto her)

 

(I would answer that question, but I'd be banned from Reborn)

 

(She swam across the goddamn ocean. She'd probably be able to break the guards in two)

 

(What Neved is trying to say here is "This looks like the start of a beautiful relationship")

 

(These two were meant for each other)

 

(Looks better than the old version)

 

(How old is this mysterious figure? I thought she was like 16 or something)

 

(They're gonna bang each other, aren't they?)

 

I have probably emotionally scarred so many people right now. And my response to that is: You're welcome. Believe me, I've seen weirder stuff than that.

 

(Told you he's thinking about it)

 

(Well he's technically not wrong)

 

(And thus the temptations of man overcome intelligence once more)

 

(Being the female gender is both an advantage and disadvantage at the same time)

 

(But...we're out of rooms)

 

(Wait, where is going to sle...do I even need to ask?)

 

(Probably asking her to torture me because of how much he loves me)

 

(Oh...I forgot to ask Neved the one question we've been needing to know for the past few months: Where's the goddamn bathroom in this place)

 

And that's a good stopping point. Also, you guys realize I wing these things so I'm ruining all your favorite characters without even trying. I swear every time I feel like quitting I find something like that to keep me invested in this thing. Anyways, back to the thing I wanted to talk about before about how polarizing my thoughts are from the normal person:

 

Blacksteeple Prison should have been the best segment in the game and actually isn't as bad as people make it out to be. The best way to put it is that it's lost potential because of how empty it is. There's nothing to this place other than following the trio around for very unimportant events which really aren't that interesting. I think that's the biggest problem with this place just being so much wasted dialogue. The other issue is how little involvement the player has. I'm actually going to completely change up the scenario a bit. What if instead of mysterious figure being the one who joins Neved side, you were the one to do his dirty work in helping. Think that's dumb but he has Aelita basically at his fingertips whom he could execute basically making you his puppet. Now you have a moral conflict as Neved wants you to destroy the resistance that's rising in the place (especially because they trust you), but also need those people to escape making some hard moral choices. Ultimately the result is the same, but you'd get some unique dialogue depending on your choices and actions shortly afterward before everything diverted back to the same path as before. If we did that, I'd honestly say this segment would likely be my favorite part of the game especially with how many options and story changes could open up (like having to beat a disobedient officer before they are murdered for treason). That's the kind of stuff I'm looking for, but alas the game is what it is and soon we'll be on another very long segment of this place. Hopefully, we'll be out before chapter 40.

[Commander]

Well Spring Break is almost over for me so let's get this done before I have to start doing more busy work stuff:

 

Chapter 32: Foxy Flowers of Fulfillerment

 

M. Girl: Warden, there's no more beds to sleep in. What will I ever do?

 

Neved: Not a problem, young mistress. You can spend all night long in my chambers.

 

M. Girl: Oh Neved, I could never. I'm so young.

 

Neved: Age should never be an obstacle of love

 

M. Girl: But what will the others think. Surely it'll bring nothing but suffering to you.

 

Neved: I say damn them all. I'll freeze then into oblivion to be with you.

 

M. Girl: Oh Neved

 

Neved: Oh M-Girl

 

(Random smooching noises)

 

(How long have you been there? Oh god, nobody else saw me playing with the dolls, did they?)

 

(Oh joy, now I have to go google this word)

 

 

Spoiler

.......I actually knew the historical term, but uhh...I think it's being used here

 

(Just because my hair isn't slick doesn't mean I need a bath)

 

I'm trying guys. So many of these are just hard to make something clever or interesting. Then again, they're probably getting old and rusty...just like my grandpa's 25 year old dish washer.

 

(There was a caption here, but it was removed due to R7...I'll let you use your imagination)

 

(I'm not against that. It improved Heather's entire character)

 

(Watt are you jolting on about? It's quite a shock he'd surge to such amplitude means.)

 

If I was really in prison, I'm pretty sure someone would've murdered me by now. I mean honestly, how many of you would actually want to be trapped in the same place with me for the rest of your lives.

 

(I'm pretty sure she's older than you)

 

Wait...did we really just repeat everything that was just said?

 

(Seriously, we had another repeat in the same general area.)

 

(If Rejuv hasn't broken me yet, I doubt you could break her that easy)

 

Just for the record, Rejuv is far from the worst RPG I've ever played. That's a tough one to decide on since I've played a ton of hacks which I really didn't care for Flora Sky or Light Platinum. I will defend Raptor Ex though even though I know it's bad, but I had a lot of fun with the game. It was onto something with that final boss though. Off topic though, but I could probably go on forever about the few games I absolutely hated.

 

Oh, I remembered something. I'm up until the boat so I'll likely try to swap over to Version 10 after the events of Blacksteeple so you may see a couple things that aren't present in the current release. And there are things I'll probably spend a long while talking about when I reach and see the changes, but added content like scenes and more lore is a thing I'd like to know about and then I can comment on it if anything changed in my mind. I gotta keep my place as best...second best written run of Rejuv

 

Spoiler

 

How I felt when he started updating again after a long hiatus

 

(Oh good more pointless events to waste everyone's time. My favorite)

 

(....That is the stupidest thing I've ever seen)

 

Seriously, I don't understand the concept of planting flowers here. I know there are fantasy flowers that can live in harsh climates, but even those aren't in abundance or easy to grow/maintain. It's like trying to order firemen to put out a forest fire with just buckets of water. I mean there's actually a bigger thing they could focus on and around. I'll give you a hint: it's all around us. Snow is something that can be a problem as it's really hard to traverse on so plowing it would make sense. You could also...turn it into drinking water. Or how about fixing the statues likely getting many cracks from the cold weather. I'm sure I could actually find plenty for these people to do.

 

(Oh don't worry, I've already experienced that once)

 

(Corporal punishment.......we're in fucking jail. What else can they do to me? Find and murder my brethren or something)

 

(I'm continuously playing a game that makes me rant, suffer, and frustrated for months now. Clearly, I'm a very intelligent person)

 

(Why do I have a feeling she reads the Daily Poppet)

 

(Oh good, more little girls to boss me around)

 

(Can I just say something?)

 

If I were Neved and that situation would happen, I'd be red alert on everyone because whoever did that has the strength of a goddamn Pokemon which wait for it....would imply somebody was using their Pokemon to do stuff. I know Jan probably only did it for the LOLs, but I'd probably would have made it an important detail about Saki. Let's say it'd probably make her character a lot more interesting and reasonable over what we have now, but that's a tale for later when...that happens.

 

And skipping the filler stuff...it's like 3 words

 

(Yeah, it's such a downgrade without that ponytail)

 

Skipping that (get used to this)

 

(.........Remind me why we have a library in a prison)

 

It's actually not that uncommon to have materials to read in prison iirc. Not really sure how prisons currently handle books though since you technically could hide contents in those. I did watch a bit of a show on prison before and how they put people in there to spy on the prisons and give feedback being in the prisoner's perspective.

 

(That's........the dumbest plan you have)

 

Okay for a game design perspective it's actually not that bad, but it's just added tedium. The library actually would be a cool concept in practice as this would be a push to explore it, but it's really just so empty and nothing to really touch. I know it's a ton of work, but having a bunch of interesting lore or tales would really make it a cool place to relook at. Also as a spoiler I knew this place was dialogue heavy so I didn't screencap any of the books. Thankfully we have our handy dandy RPGmaker so I can relook at it.

 

(If anyone bored wants to make changes to the in-game textboxes, please do as it'd save all of use so much more time)

 

I'm not gonna lie, this story felt kind of half assed simply just to answer some lore questions. Look at the last line of text. There wasn't really even a war being talked about. I know I didn't say I'd help work on Rejuv before, but honestly I'd gladly spend a good month or two writing stories and trivia into bookshelves all across the region because it's actually something I like doing. I'm sure you'd guys would like having seven or more of this:

 

"Eons ago when Kingdom of Aevium still reigned and Pokemon were but not, there live a lone queen, the guardian of the land. With time she grew bore of her loneliness so she hired a sole knight with one duty alone: to protect the queen. She grew quite fond of him and perhaps he of her, but such a bond would not last long with the test of time. Evil has risen to the doorsteps of her kingdom causing the knight to fulfill his duty. The battle was fierce, but the battle ended with a knight returning, but not of which the queen was fond of. In his hand he held the blade of her beloved knight, but even this did not cause her to fall into grief and despair. She raised her bow piercing the armor of her knight's killer 'til he breathed no more. And thus, the war ended and peace and prosperity continued to all but the one who ruled it."

 

I'd actually probably make it longer or more engaging, but there's a lot of missing variables and context I'd need to make sure it's correct. I did make the assumption that the two loved each other (which is generally kind of obvious), but I also assumed she fell back into despair afterwards. I'd actually write that she disappeared once the war ended, but we don't know that either. It's also sad because it would have had a great tie in to an event that is coming up (not for a long while though). Also, that really didn't take me all that long, but mostly because I wasn't to focused on writing in "ye ole English"

 

Oh f....forgot about some dialogue

 

(......Why couldn't I just follow you?)

 

(Pretty sure he's the only one with a brain here)

 

(From this angle, it looks like her jaw dropped...and I'm dying of laughter as I picture it with glowing eyes)

 

I'm not crazy, right? you guys see it too, right?

 

(Nevy really likes coffee...he'd probably get along with Johnathan...actually, I think they'd become besties)

 

>>>Old HC joke as I wrote about him being cranky without his coffee

 

(Because she's been driving everyone up the wall)

 

(I'm ngl, it would have been cool to have a sipping animation. Oh well, zero budget games have their limits)

 

(She's the only one I know who'd get herself almost killed multiple times in minutes)

 

(I'm pretty sure M-Girl is more special than anyone else here.)

 

(I'm all for it personally)

 

(I'm going to have to call this place Blackrant Island...that sounds racist)

 

I actually wrote and designed this character all around the concept of having to live in his father's footsteps and he really was proud of it to start. I'm not going to spoil much (obviously), but let's just say that he ends up learning a certain lesson the hard way making him realize he is not his father. So I really disagree on the idea of punishing somebody simply because you couldn't take it out on someone else. Plus, they did give Keta proper punishment by brutally murdering him with Mewtwo. Whatever, this is a battle I'm not really going to get into too deeply because it is a silly one.

 

Okay this was a misclick but it's pretty funny

 

(Rejuv for best action adventure)

 

(His heart is in adventure...god that was bad even for my standards)

 

(Oh joy another engaging character personality reveal)

 

Let's be honest: Neved is a really boring character. He's loyal purely for the sake of being loyal. Basically I characterize this class as kind of the soldier class. He puts his duty above all morals to the point he doesn't even question authority. It works in characters such as Solaris's case as they are powerful and to be feared, but in Neved's case, he's just boring. There's nothing really all that interesting about him. He talks about how he does it for his daughter coming up, but it shouldn't change your view on him. It makes Madelis look interesting.

 

(I probably would've used the term children as it's better suited for the idea)

 

(I think we all kind of do)

 

(M-Girl understands)

 

I know her name is Emma, but M-girl has really caught on for various reasons. It's short for Mysterious Girl...obviously. Don't worry, I'll definitely be talking about M-girl much, much later.

 

(Oh I haven't seen Evil Kamina in a while)

 

(Because a certain somebody was dumb enough to kill him...oh wait that would be the smart thing to do)

 

This argument feels dumber and dumber the more it goes on. Sorry, but torturing Aelita simply because your group has anger problems is kind of silly. Oh, I have a good analogy or where this was a good thing. You've all played Fire Emblem Path of Radiance, right? I'm kidding as that game's hard to find. But in it the Black Knight kills Gawain, but is unsatisfied with the duel. That is why he purposely left his son alive so that he would use this moment to get stronger so that he could have a duel to match the one he idolized so much for his strength. The Black Knight pretty much was that powerful foe you wanted to take down and it feels so good when you do. And he is very scary. Nobody in Team Xen really gives off that impression leading to the whole I don't really see the purpose of them beating Aelita up purely do to her dad. I would see it more for keeping the player in check, but there really was no follow up on that.

 

(You know, this line would have been really cool if that were true, but it hasn't even been a year)

 

I would've liked seeing the concept of bringing Keta back to life to make him their servant or agent. In other words, it would have been a very interesting story as the grotto Keta would be the original Keta trapped from the afterlife due to his revival and the Keta in the city would be the one who was supposed to be a mindless puppet, but slowly began to regain himself as Keta's soul was ripped in two being a part of each.

 

(M-Girl, something tells me you still don't get it.)

 

(Believe it or not, I have thought up a situation where that happened before)

 

(M-girl, you're just trying to get yourself killed, aren't you?)

 

(Sharp tongues are always the ones to get off)

 

(M-girl, you need to learn to shut up.)

 

(In other words, he'd slowly freeze her to death. I'd appreciate if you did that now)

 

(Isn't it obvious? It's not his daughter.)

 

(...So you kill and torture in the name of love?)

 

(Still doesn't make you any more interesting)

 

(You know, Neved really should invest in a lamp. I believe you can find some bear sized ones downstairs)

 

(And thus we see just how much he trusts M-girl)

 

(You're gonna ask when this cutscene will end, right?)

 

(Actually, I want to ask how only their Pokeballs are disabled and not yours)

 

(A doctor somewhere tried that once. Let's say it didn't end well)

 

(Neved is Canadian. Everything makes sense now)

 

I can officially check off Canadians on the list of people I've insulted. I'm almost positive they make maple syrup to sell in Neverwinter

 

(Ah yes, that warmonger)

 

(M-girl would know a thing or two about failing...tech)

 

(Well she's not wrong)

 

(It's as if this was designed intentionally)

 

(Yeah, we gonna burn da house down)

 

(........Doesn't seem like you're doing a good job of that)

 

That's a bloody lie and he knows it.

 

(Now I want to see Neved fighting with his fists for some reason)

 

(It's Team Xen. They drive trucks like nobody cares and have tanks. I'm pretty sure they prepared for a war to break out or something)

 

(I wonder if there's wine in that fridge because I'm gonna need a good one of those when this is all done)

 

(Meanwhile, the guards are probably yelling at a strange dressed man to stop singing...or saying sexual innuendos...and to stop flirting with them. There's a lot damage I could do during a cutscene)

 

(We declare war on the Trump?)

 

(......................................................................Please just die)

 

(I'm pretty sure that's not coffee if Neved is this relaxed to an answer like that)

 

(Emma does not get it. They are after the blood of fallen soldiers to revive an undead army)

 

(Blood is harder to get when it's spilling out)

 

Skipping dialogue because it's a repeat of before

 

(He probably wants to be alone....doing things lonely people do)

 

(So you're gonna throw that wild dance party then, yes? It'll last until the Popo shut us down)

 

Meanwhile in the library....

 

(For some odd reason, I can hear some faint yelling that sounds familiar. Must be my dead ex-boyfriend coming back to haunt me or something........I was going through a phase, okay?)

 

(Also this riddle is bad and whoever wrote it should feel bad)

 

That's it for this place. I'm not kidding. We'll never need to visit this place ever again. Ever. And I also really don't remember this but I'm pretty sure the old version just took you there.

 

>>>I forgot about a certain...kind of important...scene

 

(I'm also not a huge fan of the new tree that blocks the path)

 

I'm going to say that this was kind of a bad change because the old version had a small sliver you squeezed through which is more believable than walking through a tree. If that was the solution, then surely other people would figure out that there is a set range and they can move out of the range by going through the trees. Believe me, I'm sure the design was intentional as there's even a house back here. But alas, we'll never get that answer.

 

(Knowing Jan, it probably took him that much time to make that)

 

(......Yet it's located in an easy to spot place from a cop looking overhead)

 

Just gonna say that the new location is really unrealistic and easy to spot. Not that big of a deal as a bunch of RPGs due rely on that convenience once in a while. Not as cool as Xenoblade X's where you have an early game area with a bunch of strong enemies around so it's better to sneak and not go the violent way. That game is super solid...except for the story and characters which range from meh to great (pizza guy best character).

 

(I'm pretty sure the Warden does, but he just don't care)

 

(You make it sound like this is paradise)

 

(Is laying in the snow and dying an option because I'm not sure how much more I can take)

 

Okay the dialogue isn't that bad, but right now it feels like I'm listening to a political speech on a topic I don't really care about at all and it's the only thing they talk about. The Neved parts are good, but besides him, all we hear is about Aelita and not using Poke Balls. We actually could have cut the entire Poke Ball signal talk and placed it into here. Spoilers but let's say there was not spot and they used Braxien's powers to create a jamming signal to block off the signal block. They found this spot which was a good place to plan for an operation in which Saki figured out a few things they could do. It makes that fox a very important piece and could then bring up how the signal thing works. But alas, it'd be really hard to change the plot of this place, but my gripe is that the entire segment is filled with 90% filler and 10% interesting dialogue not really the concept of no battling (though believe me that does make segments really boring after an hour)

 

(Oh good I can battle generic wild mons while I spend many hours listening to long segments of dialogue)

 

We're not even halfway done with this place, folks.

 

(Okay, now we gotta have that...talk)

 

One of the biggest issues with silent protagonists is the excessive need to write in a monologue style. A consistent issue with Rejuv is the fact that the story isn't willing to commit to one style. There are times where the game treats the silent protag like a blank protag not feeling anything (in which players are supposed to reflect their emotions onto it) and then there's defined silent protags. The latter practically gives them a base character who has emotions and feelings and could be viewed at as a person. You see this in Rejuv from time to time and honestly, the dev teams just needs to go full in instead of dipping the toe because it is a bit jarring. I also partially feel the silent protag was forced into this game simply due to not wanting to break the tradition in fear it'd make the game bad or at least it was never considered. We all know how much I love silent protags.

 

(It's probably because y'all won't shut up. No wonder why I'm the best character in the game)

 

(You know, I kind of pictured Saki being a little...overdramatic or at least more than this)

 

(It's almost as if they can't comprehend we're in below zero weather...according to the NPCs)

 

(...Excuse me while I facepalm...again...Arceus almighty just strike me where I stand and end this)

 

If I was really a spy, then I'd have to be really good at my job and pretty believable. They put a bit too much trust into a newbie who's been here only for one full day. I probably could name a handful of characters that seemed super trustable but were really spies in the end (cough *Citan* cough). Just me being ranty here and I really wouldn't count this off in a review for the game.

 

(It's almost as if you're foreshadowing something in the future.)

 

(.....I'm not sure if I should be happy or terrified for that)

 

(Unless it's Adam's brother Samuel, probably not. I hear that guy makes good beer)

 

(IT HAS A STICK! TAKE IT DOWN QUICKLY BEFORE EVERYTHING IS BURNED!)

 

>>>BotW references. Gotta love them.

 

(I HAVE NO IDEA WHY I'M STILL SHOUTING, BUT I HAVE NOTHING BETTER TO SAY HERE!)

 

(I still don't see why the team hasn't questioned there being a house in the middle of nowhere)

 

I'm pretty sure it's not stated that they built this house, but they wouldn't have had the time or materials to accomplish this. Oh well, it's a whatever thing.

 

(Did jan just lazily take the back of Saki's hair and flip it to make the back of Aelita's?)

 

(Moans about this not being ToCS and wanting to play it)

 

(Oh god it's a female as well...nope we are not going there nope, nope, nope)

 

(trust me foxy lady, I scare a lot of people when they see my face)

 

(Oh god, I think we found the tsundere character in the game. Shoot me. Shoot me right now before it's too late)

 

(Hello wall! I'm please to make your acquaintance. You are the third smartest character in the game so you have my praise and respect)

 

(...You couldn't give it a better freaking name. I mean we both could've figured it out after the previous cap...)

 

I secretly think this was intentionally designed to see people like me crack because goddammit I'm getting close. Like this is the kind of situation where I want to up and quit this run for good bad which none of the other parts came even close. There's just so many writing sins that we just see repeated again and again. Which leads to the bigger problem: there's two episodes worth of dialogue in this place alone, but most of that is completely pointless or time wasting dialogue. Believe me, y'all should be fortunate you can just turn your brain off while people like me have to literally read and analyze all of this dialogue. Best way to describe this place is a bowl of Lucky Charms, but the box is defective and has not marshmallows in it. Sad part is that I think this place got renovated twice. Trust me, I'll be talking A LOT about this place in a recap because it really deserves more than a "Oh this is the worst part of the game" comment as there's a lot to talk about. Let's just try to end this chapter before the time bomb we call rantmander goes off again.

 

Also, I'm going to be calling Braxien Fally from this point forth. Just give it a moment and you'll figure it out. If you haven't, try saying it aloud a couple different ways.

 

(Well it's too bloody late to turn back now...you aren't going to murder me, are you?)

 

(I need a subtitle to recover from my rant.)

 

(Why do people look away when they are talking to each other? Is this a new tradition? Wall senpai, teach me the meaning behind this custom)

 

(Wall senpai told me things about you that cannot be said aloud)

 

(Talking Pokemon is so tacky like Reborn. Talking walls is where the trend is now.)

 

(Pretty sure every nuzlocke mon could talk)

 

Fun fact: I did draw up a deep nuzlocke series with a lot of lore behind it. One thing I did do for it was have all Pokemon be able to speak the human language. I actually don't think Pokemon speaking human language is really all that out there or ridiculous truthfully as with enough intelligence, it's very possible. Think of it as learning a second language in a sense. So I'm not really bothered by talking Pokemon, but I could see why some people are. I do have some crazy nuzlocke tales such as Leon's curse that maybe I'll share during the playthrough if it gets really boring or not much to talk about.

 

(Because she's a Pokemon and she'll get beat up if anyone sees a rare Pokemon out in the open like this?)

 

(Oh good, why don't we share everyone's backstory while we're at it?)

 

(Yes, wall senpai told me the whole story)

 

(I thought we didn't have much time. Why are we telling pointless backstories?)

 

I swear it's like the tournament of power time here. Speaking on that, that last episode of DBS pulled an asspull, but I don't give a damn because goddammit it made me so happy. I never expected to be excited this much for an episode of Dragon Ball. Oh wait, this ain't Dragon Ball. What was I doing again? Something about foxing walls...oh...

 

(But who owns that Poke Ball?)

 

(Oh, that answers my question...now for the other 500)

 

(Why must everything lead back to dirty thoughts for me?)

 

And no, I'm not a furry at all for the two of you wondering. We're just gonna leave it at that because that topic can get very uncomfortable very quickly. Let's just say I've been very deep into the rabbit hole to the point very few lines I'm not willing to cross nor am really bothered by. However I would like to take this time to say that if you feel uncomfortable or offended then please...grow a spine and get over it. And don't worry as you're not alone because by the end of this run I'm sure half the community is going to hate me for some random reason if the haven't already

 

(But do you tute on your dute with a flute...yeah, I'm pretty sure my brain is fried at this point)

 

(And here you have Rejuv's very own Pikachu. You want to beat it with a stick due to how worthless they are, but the plot demands them to stay)

 

But honestly, I've grown to like Pikachu more and more as time passed on. I actually didn't hate it because of the anime, but because the goddamn thing always activated static. It's like Golbats with confuse ray. Screw those things. Run. Focus Commander. You can do this. I believe in you.

 

(You have a warm house with entertainment. I have a cell with...are there books in there? We really should've checked)

 

(I've done that and heck no it doesn't)

 

(How long does it take before I freeze to death outside?)

 

(Oh joy, I'm sure Saki can read my mind)

 

(Anyone with a bloody brain knows that is a terrible idea. Let's bring a bunch of deadly, probably starving beasts we've never met and hope they don't kill us. Brilliant plan)

 

(Spoiler alert: that's what we f*cking do later here)

 

(Wait, hold on a minute)

 

A normal prison would have a police force strong enough where an officer could gun down a couple people no problem in case of a possible prison break. So under normal circumstances, we'd have no chance even with all our Pokemon. You can't tell me this was not intentionally designed to end in a massacre.

 

(No plan is perfect. Something will go wrong even with the bestest of plans)

 

(Nah, wall senpai can take them all down. Nothing can break the mighty wall)

 

(I...legit forgot everything that happened in this segment)

 

Seriously, I can't even remember almost any of the dialogue I've been reading in the past hour. That's kind of sad. Probably because it's boring and forgetable...just like most of this cast. I'm probably just going to do a rewrite for this segment because goddamn I don't think anybody is enjoying it at this point. It's not like the Elias and Dittoceus scene where the scene is good, but way too damn long. These scenes are short and drag on forever. So here's the rewrite sponsored by Wall Senpai.

 

[continuing on from the previous caption]

 

Saki: While I could totes beat any of those loser guards, beating them all at once is trouble. We all tried that once in Akuwa Town and look what happened.

 

Braixen: Still, we may have no chance no thanks to you showing this foreigner our only means to fight back.

 

Saki: Braixen, you can trust Commander. They are a really trustable guy. Trust me.

 

Braixen: And is this the same person with their friend being a hostage Valerie told me about? I'm sure the Warder has his fingers wrapped tight around this one.

 

Saki: They were the ones to tell us that Aelita was a hostage. Now stop accusing Commander before you scare them off.

 

Braixen: Fine, but only because Valerie trusts them.

 

Saki: So did our cute little adventurer find anything?

 

Braixen: Saki...you're embarrassing me. And yes, I did find something quite interesting. On my stroll, I noticed something odd. I saw a castle.

 

Saki: Braixen, we really don't have time for your sass.

 

Braixen: No, no, no, I'm not talking about that castle. It was a different castle though it looked very similar to the Blacksteeple one. The most peculiar thing is that a barrier around it.

 

Saki: That's weird. Are you certain there's a barrier around it because I feel like at least one of the guards would've mentioned it by now.

 

Braixen: Yes. I didn't believe it at first, but the Warden approached it and placed his hand onto it. But oh I wouldn't go there. Something about it makes my fur stand up straight.

 

Saki: Just like Spinarak.

 

Braixen: Don't even speak of those damnable creatures.

 

Saki: Alright, alright. No need to be so cranky. I wouldn't worry about it though. It's not going to get us off this island so need to go snooping there. It is weird though that even the Warden can't get in there. It makes you wonder...

 

Braixen: If you're about to wonder off, Valerie has given me full permission to burn your butt.

 

Saki: I'm not THAT much trouble. Oh snap, we've been gone too long. We gots to get outta here before da popo throw us in the brig [Runs out]

 

Braixen: Honestly, I can't tell if she's a genius or a complete moron.

 

And yes, I did actually make the scene shorter despite adding content, but there's one thing left to do here:

 

(Wall Senpai, will you be my waifu?)

 

(Saki kind of sounds like me imitating a black guy. Don't ever ask me to do that impression)

 

(I wish he used the number instead of the name here...though on the flipside it is a nice detail)

 

(Speaking of...why is there an Absol Statue here?)

 

(Does that mean we have to make out to make him leave...There are only two people here I'm willing to do that with and Saki sure ain't one of them)

 

>>>Dr. Jenkel and Quagman?

 

Skipping boring dialogue

 

(Yes we shall plant the illogical planting of plants which will die instantly)

 

(What was the first clue: the fact she wears a cloak or was swimming in the bloody ocean)

 

(I'm pretty sure not a single person I met said hi in this game. Most just give you a mean look or challenge you to a battle...or try to hang you...or capture you...I'm starting to think people aren't very nice in this game)

 

(Oh god no. My luck with women is terrible. They either nearly get me killed or sent to prison.)

 

(So if I talk to her, you'll leave me alone...you have yourself a deal)

 

(Yes, but society frowns upon it)

 

(I accept that as permission to stalk you from now on)

 

(M-girl, I'm starting to think you're anti-social. Welcome to the club)

 

(Because she can boss us around and doesn't live in a cage...I think that's a valid reason)

 

(I swear that sprite looks like she's about to fire her laser)

 

(I'm having a weird sense of deja vu right now. It's almost as if I've seen the Absol Statue somewhere else before)

 

(Devices as in tech...yep this is ringing some bells)

 

(Oh hey I never noticed that crack on the Absol statue...nice touch)

 

(Doesn't like Team Xen's objectives...)

 

Guys, I finally figured out who M-Girl is. It's gotta be Mosely as she heard me screams and came swimming to my aid to break me out. I mean who else could it be as there's only so few girls who have M in their name and piss off Team Xen as much as she did...and also have lighter colored hair...oh something I actually didn't mention but has been bothering me for a while. You see these walls. It really, really bothers my vision that they don't have any shading at all. I get that it's hard to sprite but the lack of shading sometimes can get kind of irritating on my senses. I already have depth problems so let's not screw with my senses more than we have to.

 

(Maybe I should have named M-girl Camus)

 

(Damn I wish this dialogue was less monotone than it is)

 

This is what happens when you put monotone characters together. Like this scene is amazing but uhh...yeah...you'll figure it out. Also it's like one of the few scenes from that series that aren't spoilers

 

Spoiler

 

 

(Oh yeah, those pillars also defy logic...for some reason)

 

(...And somebody is about to die)

 

(FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!)

 

Skipping more dialogue

 

(Seriously I'm cutting down on dialogue and it still flows well...kind of freaky)

 

(That...actually is interesting character development)

 

(If it weren't for that cop watching us, I probably would've killed you for saying that.)

 

...I don't have a screenie but basically Valarie gave her the middle finger before walking off.

 

(For some reason my urge to punch you rises)

 

So Neved is basically the most emotionally unstable of the Xen Admins losing his temper and being more personal compared to the others. I can't really say all that much because I'm not all that invested. And yes, I am aware that it's very hard to express emotions through sprites as you don't have the visuals nor the voice acting most games have nowadays. I'd say the best reference or example to look at is Final Fantasy V. Seriously I really think Rejuv fans should really give that game a try as it's very different compared to the FF games following it. And the GBA Version imo is the best iteration of it. But the point I'm making is that the games story was generic, but a few members of the cast were lively and fun. I could honestly give better comparisons of Rejuv and FFV than it and Reborn. Probably the best reference material Rejuv could use to fix a lot of its issues.

 

(Wait a minute, how the heck even is Valerie allowed over...did she swim under the moat or around or something?)

 

(You'd think she'd be facing Saki and not me...is there something on my face?)

 

(Oh, I'm definitely smiling on the inside)

 

(Seriously, look at her, not me)

 

I'm not even going to bother with the last four pics as it just says that we're all turning in for the day. Oh yeah, the book in the shack was about handling abuse owned by a woman called Anathea. I know the one maid in the cellar is Anju, but I can't actually remember who the heck Anathea is but probably Marianette's mom...or something. That's probably going to be the last update for a little while as things with school are going to get busier and my Spring Break is over...well...it was over two days ago but you get the idea. But since I don't think I triggered fans enough I made something special for you all about my thoughts on Pokemon Rejuv:

 

Spoiler

(7.8/10 Too much feels -IGN)

 

This picture seems to be completely missing I can't promise to fix it because it was merely a crappy edit of that ign pic. It just had the Xander pic saying "An Emotional an Engaging Journey" but with Xander's head replaced with Madelis.

 

[Commander]

Commander's inner conscious: Isn't there something you should focus on trying to get done?

Me: Nope

(Fans begin to riot in the distance)

 

Chapter 33: Pokemon Rejuv but everytime Aelita talks, her dialogue is replaced with dog noises

 

(Oh look, we finally get to play as a different character. This sounds fun)

 

(Oh my god, that brings back The Longest Journey memories)

 

There's a part of the game where you order cops on and off duty and it's really fun. It's a fun little game that I kind of wish got a remake or a port since it was made in the 90s. Surprisingly good voice acting as well.

 

(M[el]ia Drew is on the case)

 

I always wonder how many people pick up on my more obscure references.

 

(We already went over this. No there isn't.)

 

(........Slams head into desk)

 

It's not the scene. The barrier is literally forgotten about after this exact moment.

 

(Oh look, I'm now an edgy teenage girl)

 

I know how character changing works inside out after my experience so I'm sure the Maria thing had a sprite of Maria when looking at the menu. I forgot to show it though. Obviously we can't look at the pokemon but they are still my Pokemon as well. This is merely a skin change as it's still me. And that's all we have on "Commander Ruins the Magic Show". I honestly probably could explain how a vast majority of eventing works by merely looking at it if you guys are really interested to see how it's done, but there is actually one I cannot figure out. The Magma/Aqua Job hunt from Reborn still has me puzzled to this date on a couple things. Alas we have hit the train of topics of not which we must briskly depart.

 

(Hello worthless books that hold no significance)

 

There's very little to explore here. On the left side there's the Zorua and Pangoro tale, but I cannot recall there be anything too interesting. This was a missed opportunity for a dirty magazine joke. Oldie but a goldie.

 

(Oh I actually screencapped it)

 

If you didn't connect the dots yet, it's pretty obvious who this is or at least somebody you know.

 

(Children's tales often hold the most important information)

 

That reminds me of something. You've probably heard Legend of Heroes Trails games or at least heard me say it a bunch of times, have a pic of best girl in the series, and waiting patiently for them to announce CSIII at E3. Anyways, there's actually a quest where you collect a bunch of books for a super weapon. More importantly though, these books vary quite a bit and actually have a full story. Carnelia is a tale of a badass nun delivering an artifact to a church based on a guy's perspective. It's actually a true story and relates to a character in the Cold Steel series. There's some truth to all of them...but I really need to reread the Doll Knight books to see what that was about. Most people's favorite is Gambler Jack, but I really liked Doll Knight. Point is that a children's story can do quite a bit for a game and really is a cool little pastime.

 

(...What's the point of the Castle having secrets if the book is easy to find that spoils them)

 

(Spoiler Alert: It really doesn't)

 

(And...here we go)

 

(The designers screwed up so they had to do patch work to make it functional. I'm starting to think Blacksteeple is a representation of the entire game)

 

And...boring dialogue about this being suspicious and oddly so easy to find. No creepy Neved popping out from behind to stalk Emma either. Though I'm afraid to ask why Neved installed a hidden dungeon in this...Neved is a sexual predator. That would explain so much.

 

(My inner edge is telling me to cut stuff so I did)

 

Oh joy my two favorite characters in the same room. All we need is Madelis and we'd have the hole crew of everybody I hate. Of course there's no chance we'd meet her out here in the middle of nowhere on a freezing cold island.

 

(Edgy Mcedge with a side of tragic backstory at your service)

 

(How to be a good character?)

 

Okay, I've beaten that joke to death at this point. I'm sure somebody somewhere is going "man, all this Commander guy does now is rant about the same old material. I'm getting outta here and watching me watch some Poke Tuber instead." I agree so for the remainder of this chapter, I ban myself from ranting and saying negative things about any characters or plot points. I was I liked wine because I feel like it and we haven't even started.

 

(One worded questions which no significance. My favorite)

 

(Very good Emma. You used your above average IQ for an NPC's deduction to figure out by listening and repeating what the other person just said to confirm and make the player all the more aware that she does not know what is being asked. Gold Star for you.)

 

(By power of reason and logic, Aelita surely wouldn't answer and give information to a questionable character who she doesn't know and totally looks and seems very suspicious)

 

(It's okay, Aelita. Not everyone can do the right or correct thing)

 

(And since Aelita is such an honest character, Team Xen totally is unfairly punishing her and not suspecting that she's lying or anything. Team Xen is so bad and unfair they should be stopped. They hurt people and hurting is bad)

 

(Ah yes, it is very hard to miss the signs that Keta gave off very clearly that things were not going very well for him and something was really bothering him for a long while before even I met him)

 

(Neved was only trying to receive the answer he believed was right. Neved did nothing wrong)

 

(Ah yes, Emma now is displaying empathy at the proper time. Such emotions shown so well is much improvement compared to earlier scenes)

 

(Now, now, Emma only wanted to show me that you were okay. I am thankful knowing my comrade who has lead me into dangerous and near death experiences whom I only have known for a day is safe so our friendship can blossom deeper)

 

(Here's a random note: why is it called a dungeon if there's no dung in it)

 

My joy for this seen seems to have taken quite an excessive tool and since I need a minute's rest, I shall skip the last two pics of this scene even though they are great and fulfilling dialogue of great importance on the sexuality side this Emma is on before cutting out to our favorite protagonist:

 

(Crack-pai is nice, but not as Wall Senpai)

 

And if you were thinking that this positive attitude would cease once I reached the end of the scene due to tiredness or fatigue, you would be wrong. I am now fully committed to giving you the most joyful positive experience of the greatest part of the game as I can. It's because we all love the joys of long cutscenes with great and engaging dialogue and not actions and gameplay where we beat poor, cute and innocent creatures to near death. We are a kind, loving species who like making each other feel good.

 

(Oh Valarie, you are my favorite fan-game water gym leader who hasn't tried to kill me)

 

While Valarie is an engaging and fleshed out character, it seems I would prefer a certain famous other water gym leader over her, but only a little big increment.

 

(Ah yes, she showed me that fire type who likes sticks)

 

(Ah yes the intelligent decision to disappear once more when we are not already very suspicious. Smart move.)

 

(An escaping of this place would be the most of pleasures)

 

(It seems I have a feeling of grasping something else at the moment...out of joy for action)

 

(Ah flowers, what a wonderful representation of who I truly am)

 

(It should be a could exercise to embrace the wonders of flowers. They are beautiful but illogical in this place like myself)

 

And now I shall greet and old friend of mine:

 

(Ah Turret, you're my favorite character in this place.)

 

(I believe that is a book to handle not so friendly gentlemen in the proper way)

 

(Silly Braxien, books are light, but highly effective weapons so they can't be heavy)

 

(I'm sure that is going to be an interesting and deep character just like all of the female cast is)

 

(Don't throw the books out yet. Books are wonderful sources of information and so helpful...just like Wall Senpai)

 

(But our productivity increased from nonexistant the moment I reached this map and activated the sequence of events we see)

 

(I believe this shed is the same temperature as my sleeping quarters. It's a nice temp that I could sleep in it forever never needing to wake up)

 

(She put as much consideration as I did for this 20 slide powerpoint over a topic I've done 3 essays on which was only worth about 5 points)

 

(Very good Valerie you won a logic for your sharpness)

 

(This is a great use of repeating obvious information we already know because the player forgets so much according to the developers)

 

I am having a wonderful time right now and am happy as can be in this great well thought out system. I have no regrets for my stupidity intelligent decision as I learned that my kindness is as deep as Madelis's character. Now if you excuse me, I need a moment with my pillow...a long moment to tell it my true feelings for this game because I cannot contain such joys.

 

(And as you can see, Valerie is into grabbing people's balls to release their contents)

 

(Because violence solves everything)

 

(I would be worried as well, but I believe in you, Misty)

 

(Because Pokemon are unintelligent creatures made for obedience and slave trade, they totally wouldn't start a revolt being free from such shackles. We'll be fine)

 

("Le gasp...Pokemon eating Pokemon. What is this conspiracy?" said Commander as he bit into his Karp Fillet)

 

(Sounds like something I'd do. I am a gambler after all. I also play poker so long as I'm the dealer).

 

(I believe it's best left up to the imagination to picture what she is doing right now)

 

(She's a strong independent woman who needs no mech. She'll be fine)

 

Oh, I do have a little bit of a random thing to talk about that isn't run related. There's a bunch of leaks and talk going around about Generation VIII. The leaks are kind of wishy washy, but more credible than what it usually expected from them as the second big leaker talk is more credible than the first one. Pokemon has been atrocious with a lot of leaking activity lately but the translator leaking has said he doesn't get many of the script information as his role is purely translation but he had no signals yet or indications of a lot of these new things the original leaker mentioned. A lot of little things about the game are being confirmed and we'll likely get a trailer for E3 which is likely what they're pushing for.

 

The one thing I want to make clear is that Pokemon is not making an MMO. There is no evidence at all supporting this or even to dive into that system. The leaker who stated that got a lot of his information early on and it mostly is just very reasonable obvious logic Pokemon would be one of the first to have a chance to develop and create on the switch. It sounds as if they are making an entirely new battle mechanic to add onto the game which is centered around an ATB system, but information implies that we may still have the classic Pokemon mechanic as a primary system still at hand. I do think the online system will be bigger and better as USUM seemed like a prototype concept for something which would be a good tie in for this crazy dimension stuff.

 

The reason I think this is because Game Freak has been advancing and re-enhancing the formula for who knows how long and they added even more depth and gimmicks to it as well. Why would they nearly perfect the engine if they planned to replace it shortly after? This is a very simple easy to learn system and basic so it really confuses me why they would "dumb down" and simplify it for real time combat. Mentioning an ATB (Active Time Bar) would've made more sense imo if they were going to completely shake up the formula because it's close to the original design while shaking it up for interest. There's validity, but seriously, take everything with a grain of salt. I'm almost positive it'll have a big focus on online as it sound similar to the FE Fates situation and there's a lot of evidence to support that.

 

And that's my rant but it's not about Rejuv so it doesn't count. You see this talk pop up, you can quote me right and use this as a response. Your welcome for saving you time. Now back to relevancy where I murder myself with kindness.

 

(This is high quality dialogue and scenario writing for Rejuv's standards)

 

(Oh how delighted I am to screencap this mature and engaging dialogue)

 

(Yeah, teenage rebellion. Nobody ever has gotten hurt trying that)

 

(Oh look, a guard who is actually doing his job for once)

 

(...........................................................................SAKI'S JAPANESE!?!?!?!?!?!)

 

Does that mean I'm Japanese? What is this Japan you speak of?

 

(This is quite a different take on the saying "Smack that ass")

 

(....Something tells me that was not a wise decision)

 

(Either this was some brilliant plan or a really faulty one...I'm going with brilliant)

 

(Fun fact: all right is the proper English way to say alright)

 

(It kind of looks like Snoop Dog's hou...haven't I used that joke already?)

 

(Remember to be friendly to the environment and not to hurt trees. Because without trees, we'd all be dead)

 

(There a many things I want to say right now, but I am under oath.)

 

(Thank you for stating factual information that the player could not understand without proper explanation)

 

This is not a rant or anything negative so it doesn't count, but one thing I feel happens in a lot of games, not Rejuv of course, is that they decide to bog down on explanations to give players understanding. Sometimes it is actually better and more effective to not explain something and have players wonder about it instead. Take Xenoblade for example. The Mechon are never really explained but when you analyze and study them, you can get quite a bit of information and start to figure out how they move and function and even what they are. It's really a fascinating subject to look into and study.

 

(Rejuv is a good game and everyone should play it)

 

(That is a very convenient cave which conveniently is needed to progress the plot because conveniences are what make a game great)

 

(Wondering into mysterious caves on a prison is a great idea)

 

(We could use the nonexistent jump mechanics)

 

(Because climbing is too logical and we need an easy map design for a solution...which is good game design)

 

(We now introduce real time mechanics)

 

(Hooray, now we can progress the plot)

 

You know, I do question why the stairs weren't just built in the first place. There's a house there and a cave entrance so the trees could simply have just been hiding it. Just saying. This is still positive stuff. Nope, no negatives whatsoever.

 

(Yes, yes it did. I just love the cast of this place soooo much)

 

(Thank you for your great observations which you can see so well by not looking that direction)

 

(Apparently friends talk to each other by facing away. The more you know)

 

(Free stuff. My favorite thing to collect in my nonexistent backpack)

 

(The way this scene is put up it reminds of those cliche movies where the guy and girl make out before being chased by a scary person or creature)

 

(This totally doesn't imply that I'll need it later...totally not)

 

(Why did I have to obtain this....don't ask questions just positive things. This is a good segment which is fun and enjoyable...very good fun...fun)

 

(Probably only sells potions and poke balls)

 

(I'm starting to think Snoop Dogg is Madame X)

 

(Y'all think I'm crazy but the proof is right in front of you)

 

(Finally, I feel like something exciting is about to happen)

 

(Aha, we are on a stealth mission. How exciting. Everyone loves stealth missions in RPGs)

 

(Should I be worried that Team Xen runs on simple programming?)

 

(And now I'm having vibes of that one anime...Railgun something. It's got a bunch of clones in it)

 

(I'm crying tears of joy how fantastic this dialogue is)

 

(Oh my. Madelis said something I can agree with for once)

 

(Now, now be nice Madelis. Even if it's true it's not a nice thing to say)

 

I honestly was doing really good and fine until this part. I am not mentally prepared to handle this level of high quality dialogue. And you know how I love Team Xen so much and they are all the best characters ever. I would never say anything bad about them.

 

(That was kind of random, but it skipped a long string of point...ful dialogue so let's keep doing random)

 

(Did Neved sleep in the closet or something before this?)

 

(Now I shall turn my head so that the totally cleverly people can hear my evil plans)

 

(I would actually like an explanation of why that place was very important as Shadow Pokemon are super relevant in this plot and totally not shoehorned in)

 

You know what, screw this positivity. I'm just slamming my head and torturing myself because they trying to fix a faulty hardware issue with coding which makes no sense. The only reason coding would be needed would be to reprogram a system that was replaced which it probably wasn't. The is fault in the cooling system or the machine is being overworked. I'm starting to think this place was built by monkeys. And my god could we please not have characters turn away all the time. When characters are static it's very hard to justify them looking away. Okay, I'm good, but oh hell no am I ever doing the no negativity thing again. I have to do something to keep my sanity in a run.

 

(I don't even get this room thing. I probably wouldn't have even added it in)

 

I think a better line would've just been her complaining about being stuck on this god forsaken island. Because it is just pure torture.

 

(I'm starting to think Madelis is new at this)

 

(I want you to remember this. It's a contradiction as you'll find out later)

 

>>>They are admins as well. Remember that.

 

(What is she going to try and slice us into pieces with a sword like some cliche RPG or something. Hah swords in Pokemon would be so stupid)

 

(..............................................I may have spoke too soon)

 

(Okay, I really need to say something right now)

 

I was going to wait until later but as you can honestly see...there's really no point in having both Madelis and Nastasia as both have bland personalities and both really could easily fill the others role. It's frustrating as I'm looking at Madelis and she honestly had the potential to easily be one of the best anti-heroes in the game. Even if she is one later, she'd still be a rather poor character as this stuff, everything happening now is so critical in a plot. I said that already but the cool thing about a pivotal moment is that it can turn boring scenes into really good ones on future playthroughs. It's a term I usually refer to as double writing which simply means a scene is meant to be seen in two different ways which is actually hard to pull off well. I'm not really asking for advanced writing levels here and actually saying to focus on the basics.

 

There's actually something I said before which I kind of have to take back. I once said story is the least important part of the game. I'm kind of in an odd stance and have to go with "it depends." So many narratives I've seen save what would have been bad games and ended series before they even could continue. I play games for the storylines usually and a cool gameplay mechanic is generally a nice plus. You could point out other mediums which would be better for a story, but video games are like a mix of a visual novel and a movie on how they present the story. People are engaging in movements and actions, but you have more control over it. It's kind of why Pokemon turns me off in general.

 

Anyways, story really needs to have a few simple things to be successful or enough to avoid complaints: a good foundation/transition into the world, memorable moments, and a focus is a great start. I'm going to start with the foundation by saying things you really should never do. Don't start with a dream sequence, flashback, or show a scene further on into the story. I've only seen this work well or effective very, very few times because of what it does. Flashback is the iffy one which is not to be mistaken as a flash forward to the current plot. Basically these are merely concepts to try and introduce you to the world and give a very important event that greatly affects the plot or the main character. Seriously, don't do this as it pretty much just leaves players confused and dampens the buildup to an event later. In other words, it does more harm than good. So a foundation or transition is basically giving the building blocks of what the player needs to know to enjoy the game. This is a hard question to answer as there's no right answer as it grinds down to the plot. The wrong way to do it is to jam a lot of information and expect players to know or remember it a few hours later after not touching it. Rejuv's is not good, not bad, but just okay and it works. A lot of Golden era JRPGs are a good example of this done right if you're curious and want to study up on it.

 

Now we get into memorable moments. 60% of a games plot is stuff that you do not care about or is always particularly interesting. You never really here people talk about people's time walking on the world map, their visits to town with their NPC dialogue, or miscellaneous messages. Sometimes there's even plot points you straight up forget until someone says something about them. Anyone remember that Sewer Boss in Chrono Trigger? There's a lot that goes on in a single scene which you'll have certain ones where you'll go: how do I make this memorable? It's everything. The things I post in this run are just pictures and that's a terrible representation of story. Graphics may appeal to the eye, but that only does so much. Characters are merely pixels until they are built up and fleshed out so players can understand them or even grow found of them. Movement gives depth to what is going on and makes it easier to understand. Dialogue often is a reflection of the character's thoughts, but sometimes no worlds need to be spoken. And music cements the emotional impact. The mistake here is neglecting that 60% and putting your focus specifically on these moments when the moment itself is the least important bit. Substance is so important and it's why scenes that speak no words of have no dialogue can be impactful.

 

Rejuv has these even if they are wishy washy at times. The biggest issue I have with Rejuv's story is the lack of a focus. And yes, I am very unfocused and rambly, but we aren't talking about that kind of focus. The focus I'm talking about has to do with plot progression and what the protagonist strives for as a goal. Basically it's a "why the hell am I going to these places?" type of ordeal. You're already shooting yourself in the foot with the league system as that's your cliche focus. The bigger issue is that the path traveling has so little connection to each other it's almost laughable and requires a lot of backtracking. 80% of the plot is pure coincidence which I hate to beat around the bush is bad writing. Well I can say that percent is true up through the first have of the V6 segments. There's random elements in the game that are often forgotten about or pushed to the side such as Shadow Pokemon and the Garufa when they should be complementing it.

 

I rant on the plot A LOT if you couldn't tell because I'm someone who really likes to talk about plot. I also get that even the greatest games sometimes fall flat once, twice, and even 20 times. I've also played games with worse overall plots than Rejuv. Fire Emblem Fates is a good example. Where would I even start on that one? Anyways, we all know this section has been really boring and there's like nothing to even give humor on. So anyone who's still with me here, thank you for helping me through my suffering. Also fun fact, I forgot we've been to prison twice before this. Jan has a strange fetish for dungeons. Just like having a main hero cast full of girls

 

(She does. It's called her ass)

 

(look at that fabulous monitor background tileset and how it perfectly meshes with the cave walls)

 

(THANK YOU! No backstory moment for once)

 

My chair needed a break anyways.

 

(Evidence that the most intelligent character in this game is Wall Senpai)

 

I know y'all be hating that a brick wall is my soon to be wife, but I don't care. I know how everyone digs dem big chests and booties, but I ain't into that. I'm all about the character and Wall Senpai delivers there. They are a kind, caring, and the only goddamn thing willing to listen and acknowledge me by facing the same direction I am. They are also wise beyond their years. People think I am crazy, but I'm not crazy. You are the crazy one. You can't see things the way I do. Prison has taught me so many things. So many. And I've met so many wonderful men....I'M A KANGAROO!

 

(This game in a nutshell)

 

(Does anybody actually do that in the game?)

 

(Is that actually the correct spelling of mustn't?)

 

(Told you, anti-hero material)

 

(Love how this is supposed to be super mysterious but really obvious)

 

I mean seriously, why didn't this set off red flags that "Nancy", a canon character, is our supposed mother. It wouldn't surprise me if the player was some kind of clone as well...you have no idea how many times I've seen that in a game.

 

(...Yeah...Team Xen really isn' that smart)

 

(If there wasn't a name before it, I would have zero idea who's talking since they all sound the same)

 

(...That's not Snoop Dogg)

 

If Snoop Dogg really was a part of Team Xen, I'd freaking love it at this point. I'm pretty sure I stopped taking this game too seriously somewhere in the middle of the Keta segment and just trying to find good laughs. Sure I rant, but uhh...this game tests your endurance. I'm sure I'd do similar stuff to Reborn, but I've probably read much of the dialogue way more times than Rejuv's. Man, I really need to start finding new material. There was a game that came out a couple days ago uhh...The Alliance Alive. Man, I really am considering trying out the demo as it seems interesting.

 

(Forshadology much?)

 

>>>Term actually comes from an LP I read of the game that actually is absolutely hilarious and worth reading if you're bored

 

I learned that term from Xenogears. \o/. Never play that game unless you want to go through every emotion in the human body. I salute anyone who does a runthrough of Xenogears because they know not the beast they came upon. Definitely on par with Xenoblade despite coming out about 10 years before it. Damn, I'm getting so bored I'm talking about other games. You know what, I don't care anymore. We all know what's coming anyways as it's pretty hard to avoid the topic and that topic is going to be "fun" to cover.

 

(Can't let you do that, Xen Delis...that sounded cooler in my head)

 

(Btw, are we on Day 2 or Day 3. I'm pretty sure we're on Day 3...maybe we're in DBZ time)

 

(That stands for getting shit done after spending 5 chapters of utterly pointless dialogue)

 

(I'd like to fiddle with Madelis's machine...if you know what....when this place makes you like Madelis more you know it's bad)

 

(Hello daughter, how is your day?)

 

(If you knock her out and mug her, I didn't see anything)

 

(Why is Braxien facing...)

 

>>>Checking out dose hips

 

Okay, is anyone else bothered by the character orientations besides me here? Because holy smokes I didn't realize how bad it was. Something tells me the devs don't like this place either and rushed it a bit when revamping it.

 

(And the stupidest thing you could do is turn your back on the enemy)

 

(Sure...and I'm a holy saint who praises rejuv for it's emotional and engaging story)

 

(I mean given I'm probably older and have gray hair...yes, yes she would be my mother)

 

(Wait a minute if this is part of the castle...how big is this place?)

 

(Yeah, another boring conversation shortened)

 

I'm not really angry right now...just REALLY tired of this place. We still have 600 screencaps to go. Hooray!

 

(Sigh...sure, whatevs)

 

(I'm pretty sure they are better at distracting themselves than you are at it)

 

(Who cares? She's obviously part of this evil team or at least a valuable tool so...they won't kill her...yet)

 

Gaming Cliche: A close loved one to the protag is often killed off either at the start of the game or when you are reunited with them so that you have some hatred towards the evil group.

Commander's Gamer Fact: Only half of gamers' favorite villains actually outright kill someone important

 

>>>Next time on Game Busters

 

(Bye daughter who calls me her son)

 

(What is she even?)

 

Okay we're going to skip a lot of dialogue because you get the idea. All they do is talk about planning since the news of the sinking ship means that the captain is here and a good idea would be to find him to drive us out of here by boat. They then look at the terminal and they see it's to the Poke ball block thingy...Yes, I just skipped 15 pics of dialogue. You're welcome.

 

(Why is a Fennekin more tech savy than an entire group of terrorists...I really have to stop asking questions)

 

(Didn't we already just hear...)

 

Alright, somebody is going to die today. I have heard too much repeated dialogue that I need to kill someone. I vote @Azeria to be the victim since it would be minimal loss of value for the community. RIP. You may or may not be missed. This is like Golden Sun Dark Dawn all over again. I don't think that game is bad...but mother of god when they all just keep repeating each other near the end and adding comments for every scene.

 

(Oh joy my computer skills are about to lose it again)

 

(I...must resist)

 

(Pokemon Rejuv...trust nobody)

 

(Yes, yes it is)

 

There are only two people we know who are capable of performing such actions. Saki who honestly would nail it being the evil character of the group (though that'd make her discount Terra) and a certain other character who I dare not mention the name who is dead and likely will never show up again. Let's say that it's Saki's doing.

 

(makes all the girls I met jealous)

 

(Let it go off to end my suffering)

 

(You know what's funny, I legit forgot all about this)

 

(Basically this is a master control)

 

Just an FYI, this whole segment makes absolutely no sense and it's some of the worst writing you will ever see in anything. It's one of those "what was the writer smoking when they came up with this" because while I know a few things about tech, the chances of this actually happening or being logical. Let's start off with the programming. If it reached a certain head, it would melt and fry components until it could no longer function. At worst a component would explode and catch fire but it'd be so little it wouldn't matter. Secondly, most of the wiring you see here would normally be underground to avoid exposure and wear from people stepping on it. Not as extreme as the explosion situation.

 

>>>When I say worst I mean logical sense and not awful. This is something that's supposed to make sense but doesn't which...probably was just trying to raise tension.

 

(Or you could, I don't know, break the CPU running the thing)

 

(She's the reincarnation of another character I so love)

 

(Still doesn't give a clear understanding of her age but probably Venam's so...2)

 

(Okay let me just show you how geek knowledge works)

 

You see this right here, it's supposed to represent a terminal or engine similar to the Frankenstein movie. Those devices on the left and right are what are supplying this power. You could easily break both of them with the Pokemon we have and solved the whole problem we're having. A system without power is a system that doesn't work.

 

(Can we just call them the Snoop Doggs...please?)

 

(Taking out the Snoop Doggs probably isn't the wisest move)

 

So the thing about breaking or cutting the Snoop Doggs is that it's very easy to reconnect the wires inside of Snoop Dogg back together. The Snoop Dogg is merely there as a layer of protection. Also we're going to call these boxes wrappers.

 

(Okay I cut some stuff so Imma need to explain)

 

When the main module or M&M is disconnected from the Snoop Dogg the wrappers will kick in an generate enough power through Snoop Dogg so that this hood will keep working like it should. So even if you cut M&M you need to cut all the other wrappers otherwise Snoop Dogg will be a problem. Valerie suggested we take hit these wrappers with some hot beats from Braxien, but if we make it any hotter in hear we might raise the roof before getting burned by M&M. So Braxien said we should talk to Saki to figure out how to approach this in a cool new way to chill these wrappers out.

 

Trust me, that was more interesting than what the real thing was and a lot less scrolling to go through.

 

(Yes, it was M&M all along)

 

(And the greatest asspull in the game is coming up in...)

 

(Ah yes the most logical part of this segment)

 

(Because that's a smart thing to do)

 

(This is quality writing right here folks. High quality)

 

(Thanks for being super specific because it's SO hard to find)

 

10 seconds later...

 

(Man, you were so difficult to find. You have no idea how long it took)

 

(It's official. It's a custom tradition in Aevium to drop your baby on the head the moment it was born)

 

>>>That was kind of harsh...doesn't mean it's untrue

 

(Why would any guard give you...considering they give people pick axes to carry around, I shouldn't really ask. How have these people not escaped yet?)

 

(Finally! I've been meaning to get into a fight with that tourist guy)

 

(I just love how gullible these guards are)

 

(Why would...this guy is kind of smart, kind of not)

 

12 seconds later...

 

(Because you people are blind)

 

(And the cop is being a dumbass again. I think that dish did a number on him)

 

(You've come to wrong town, fuzzball)

 

(Oh boy finally some action sequence)

 

....Which we will be doing probably sometime next week. And time for news thingy about Redux. I know I kid about it earlier but I'm putting that project on hold...probably for a long while. I just don't want people to pop here or send my DMs why I'm making new chapters of this run while the mod is silent. I can make time for this since it's only like 2 to 6 hours a week a chapter. Redux I need 20 hours a week to make progress and quite frankly, I don't have the time to do that anymore. So chapters of the run will pop up more constantly, but I don't know if or when Redux progress will be made. Also sorry if I feel grouchy or being way beyond my normal critical and bashing of this segment. We've finally passed the worst of it though and can finally talk about more interesting stuff in the next 2-3 chapters before finally ending this place. There's A LOT to talk about in those sections.

[YinYang9705]

its finally happened, blacksteeple has finally broken you

That makes two rejuvenation runs that have done that

 

back to a comment you made in the previous chapter

I have no idea on what 2 stage fire starters have to do with Congolese celebrities, but it certainly was one of the more interesting things I learned today 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fally_Ipupa

[ArcBolt27]

probably a stupid question but i honestly dont know why this is happening only with this thread but anyone else having issue seeing the pictures commander uploads with the run or is it just me cuz for a while i was able to see them all perfectly fine but after a while they just stopped appearing............. what's weird is that this specific thread is the only one that it happens on, no other topic/thread on the site have this issue for me............ any ideas? (been using google chrome before and after the issue occured if thats any help)

[Chickens]

Well, I have the same problem too.

It appears like this to me

[ArcBolt27]

at least im not the only one having the issue >.>

[Commander]

On 3/29/2018 at 10:18 PM, YinYang9705 said:

its finally happened, blacksteeple has finally broken you

That makes two rejuvenation runs that have done that

 

back to a comment you made in the previous chapter

I have no idea on what 2 stage fire starters have to do with Congolese celebrities, but it certainly was one of the more interesting things I learned today 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fally_Ipupa

So I finally get back to this and turns out that Blacksteeple isn't going to be the death of me...

 

On 4/25/2018 at 1:19 PM, ArcBolt27 said:

probably a stupid question but i honestly dont know why this is happening only with this thread but anyone else having issue seeing the pictures commander uploads with the run or is it just me cuz for a while i was able to see them all perfectly fine but after a while they just stopped appearing............. what's weird is that this specific thread is the only one that it happens on, no other topic/thread on the site have this issue for me............ any ideas? (been using google chrome before and after the issue occured if thats any help)

Sorry I've been dead for a while and slow on the response but I shall explain what happened:

 

Postimage, the image hosting site I use,...went down. All of the images were backed up on the other server so I will be able to recover them, but that will require me to replace every single image. Normally, I would simply just use Reborn's image uploader...except reborn doesn't have that so...yeah...that's caused some problems. Anyways, I'll be working on fixing that this weekend which will probably take me a few days to fix...send help...

[Candy]

2 hours ago, Commander said:

Postimage, the image hosting site I use,...went down. All of the images were backed up on the other server so I will be able to recover them, but that will require me to replace every single image. Normally, I would simply just use Reborn's image uploader...except reborn doesn't have that so...yeah...that's caused some problems. Anyways, I'll be working on fixing that this weekend which will probably take me a few days to fix...send help...

I would recommend imgur, I think it's reliable so far as I've seen

[seki108]

1 hour ago, Candy said:

I would recommend imgur, I think it's reliable so far as I've seen

Seconding.  I've used it reliably in most of my Fantasy Maiden Wars   and  Duel Links status updates, among other things.

[Commander]

14 hours ago, Candy said:

I would recommend imgur, I think it's reliable so far as I've seen

 

13 hours ago, seki108 said:

Seconding.  I've used it reliably in most of my Fantasy Maiden Wars   and  Duel Links status updates, among other things.

I've used imgur before and I really didn't care for it. Maybe if organization was a little easier or I spent time with it I'd be more invested, but those arguments aren't very valid reason for me to switch. I've used Post Images for 6 years now and this is the first time something like this happened. Funny enough, I'd actually be done fixing this if I could edit the coding on the images, but...Reborn changed a lot of functions. Post images lets me navigate and upload 1k images at a time easily and it's pretty well organized. I'm going to keep using postimage, but if this happens again, I might convert the run into google docs since that'd be easier to work with as it'd remove three steps of the process.

 

I'm not saying imgur is bad and I know its ups and downs, but we all have preferences. Also because I don't believe I have some of the early images in this run it'd be a hassle to transfer. So fixes are going to be pretty slow up until chapter 3 where I can swap out images instead of having to find them to swap them. Or was it chapter 4. You guys get the idea. And as a fair warning: any image uploader is susceptible to this so always have backups. Also replacing all those images is really not that bad to me since it's but a small amount of time compared to modding HC.

[Commander]

So I may have missed one of my dailies but oh well I did two one day so it evened out. I got past all the tedious ones so it can't get any worse....

 

 

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF................

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Chapter 34: Madame X is a Slow Ass Flier

 

So yeah...postimage is having some laggy glitchy thing due to the transfer or something so I basically have to hit the refresh button a few times to load an image up. I'll wrap up and post the images left on the server first before seeing about converting to imgur. Now what exactly was I doing?

 

(Oh right murdering people for their stuff)

 

Sorry for the little uploads but school keeps me busy and I still have stuff needed to get done but I decided to take a break before getting back to it. If this post is uploaded past Sunday, that means I got it done and am on Summer break...for a month.

 

(I'm pretty sure he's suffering from brain damage at this point)

 

(Can I please kill him now? I'm pretty sure nobody wants to sit through this)

 

(I...suddenly remembered why I don't like this segment)

 

Y'know, sometimes it's good to take a long break before getting back into something as it clears your head. Tales of Graces F was a good example as a lot of the early game is annoying and has a lot of very boring parts...or annoying character traits that can make you dislike the game. I picked the game up in the second to last dungeon in the main game and actually really enjoyed the plot for what it is. This...not so much. I don't actually mind waiting a long time to finish a game because I don't have the time like I used to for a one run and done type deal since RPGs take forever. I have a lot of patience and can wait years to finish something. Hell, I waited 10 years to finally manage to be able to play Tales of Vesperia due to...a lot of limitations and issues like not having an Xbox and the game not being playable through emulators. So don't ever worry about me canceling this run...just expect long intervals inbetween though.

 

(The guy who thinks aliens are among us thinks we're the dumb ones. I...really don't care to relive this)

 

I thought this character was stupid when playing the game and I think he's the same now.

 

(I'm having second thoughts about coming back here)

 

(Seriously we're having a 20 minute conversation around a random NPC trying to hype it up or something...well that didn't take long)

 

Here's a new game: take a shot every time I go on a rant.

 

(...Yes, let's discuss...I have said this so many times do I even need to mention it?)

 

(Seriously, I could have solved this conversation with one string of dialogue)

 

Valerie: Now, \PN! Attack him while he's caught off-guard.

 

(I LOVE BLACKSTEEPLE SO MUCH!)

 

Man, I wish a Tempest Trial was going on since this would be a fantastic time to do one while I work on this.

 

(He didn't know of this spot yet...he uses one of the wild inhabitants)

 

(Take a guess at what happens here...oh yeah Gauis is back)

 

(...First interesting piece of dialogue in the past 5 chapters)

 

(Oh I have many plan for you. I have a lot of frustration and pain built up and you're the dummy who gets to see it all)

 

(I'll go get the shovel)

 

And the only interesting thing here gets [Redacted]

 

(Where have you been the last two chapters? I'm beyond crazy. I'm super crazy god super crazy)

 

(Adam: The only one here whose brain isn't fried)

 

(I thought we were done with the boring talk stuff...my mind must have blocked this)

 

The dialogue of this badge segment is double the normal length. Keta's hit 1k and we're past 1k already here and we're about 70% of the way through which might be a little too high. I was going to save this for later, but the issue isn't the plotline, but the fact that the character is a silent protag. I don't know why people jump to silent protags like they're great tools because the design was created due to budget constraints in the older days when stories were shorter and not as heavy. Heavy plots and silent protags just don't mix. A main character needs defined traits and characteristics to work in them. I know people will use Persona against me but...I could counteract with a lot of things. The PS3 version of Legend of Heroes Cold Steel actually displays why silent protags can hamper or ruin things (there's no silent protag but something jarring does occur in the game and it's very apparent). Sorry to vent, but I keep seeing people slap silent protags in these fan-games when the ones that stand out and are highly regarded didn't. Super Pokemon Eevee and Legends of the Arena come to mind. I'll probably continue this discussion later.

 

(Oh yeah...we're trying to escape. I had forgotten about that from all the unproductive talking)

 

(We murdered a guy. Once you play Fire Emblem enough, that moral goes out the window...unless it's Fates...)

 

(On the bright side, this does help make good recaps for my long intervals between episodes)

 

(I wish it was a treasure hunt. It'd be more interesting than this)

 

Seriously, we could have done this entire scene in one caption. Player attacks cop. Adam and Commander dispose of evidence. Adam makes a snarky comment, and then we continue. There's a reason why "[Name] explained the situation" captions exist. It's to skip information we already know. And for those who don't want to reread the broken run here's a rundown of what happened in Blacksteeple:

1. Commander and Aelita got captured

2. Aelita is being tortured and used as a piece against Commander but not really and turns into pointless filler

3. Saki breaks an antenna and Commander gets in trouble but not really

4. Commander gets shown a secret place he can use Pokemon

5. Random Girl who somehow survived an impossible situation becomes Neved's right hand man without any suspicion

6. Our Mom is alive and works for the enemy...or maybe. Also all of team Xen is here except the ones we like and care about

7. Saki makes a dish thingy or something that we can use to cut the power...which we can't do any other simpler way due to science reasons

 

Not even going to get into the dish thing and the nonsense around that but...you can see why I'd say it's pretty boring. Nothing is that significant and the filler piles on. You could literally cut half the plot here and get the same result.

 

(Tempted to stop here and go back to WLL...which makes me think of WWII which makes me think of Persona 2...I'm weird okay)

 

(I still don't understand how that works, but okay)

 

So little bit of a controversy but for a laser to function the way we need it, it'd need heat which would cause smoke from using it leading to the same problem we had with Braxien. Unless we go with Derog's Lightsaber thing but...you know what this is more complexity and effort than the game deserves. I'm sure we could've also used Adam's rock type pokemon to solve the problem.

 

(Why not right now? Seriously...delaying is always a bad thing)

 

(See, what did I tell you? We could've fixed this problem by now if we did...isn't the computer overheating which will cause an explosion or something? This game confuses me sometimes)

 

(Honestly, there's nothing more punishing than spending half the run in this place)

 

(I know the answer:)

 

Spoiler

 

(Giving a dangerous weapon to a wild animal: what could possibly go wrong)

 

(But I don't wanna...)

 

(She could probably hide underwater. They'd never check there)

 

(Oh yeah I forgot to show this detail. Gotta love how it got cut off)

 

(I still think those beds look weird)

 

(I TOLD YOU IT WAS A TRAP BUT NOOOO! Nobody listens to the silent protag)

 

(Does than mean we're actually going to start building something tomorrow)

 

Skipping the dialogue about the whining

 

(Probably won't come for another year or so at this pace)

 

Skipping more pointless dialogue that nobody cares about

 

(If I were the average Pokemon player, I'd be lost for skipping all the dialogue not knowing what to do. Fortunately, I play RPGs enough to know this is the point where I use a pickaxe to hammer down the strange looking wall finally since strange things are always the solution)

 

(I know that he shall never forgive me, but murdering this wall is my only means of escape. Perhaps it's a sign that Wall Senpai and I...were never meant to be. *Sniff* I'll never forget you, Roger)

 

(No, no I didn't. And I should leave you all to die if I weren't horribly outmatched and need numbers to even the odds because you're all terrible people. Good day! I say, "Good day, sir!")

 

(Oh joy more mystery girl cutscenes. Everyone's favorite)

 

(Even Neved forgot the plot at this point)

 

(A doctor tried that. You could say it burned him later...yeah, yeah no more horrible Reborn references)

 

If someone asked me if I'd rather work on another chapter of Blacksteeple or livestream Bratz: Rock Angelz with live commentary...I'd probably pick the Bratz game...not that I enjoyed it or anything...I only know of that game because my younger sister got stuck all the time and I had to help her...totally so that she'd get done faster and I could get on the Gamecube to play a different manly game like Super Mario Sunshine.

 

(Plot convenience?)

 

(It's probably due to limitations of the engine and lack of knowledge from the developer so he designed it so that players kept their Pokemon and data without tampering it or the possible ragequits and frustration from the idea of losing all their progress and friends that are their Pokemon)

 

(He's saying it doesn't matter what happens. Everyone's screwed)

 

(We...totally aren't planning that or anything)

 

(Are we some kind of training group to turn these incompetent cops into something competent or a threat)

 

(...Can we talk about something more interesting?)

 

(Pretty sure that's called Quintessence)

 

(New and original plot. 10/10 super creative)

 

I have seen this plotline used so much it isn't funny. Bad guys collecting all the energy or a bunch of it to become almighty and then use it to try and rule or destroy the world. I mean I don't mind if the villain collects tools or artifacts since generally those scenarios the villain its usually a side goal of a villain and not their main purpose. But so many villains try collecting a power source and it always ends the same it gets tiring.

 

(I swear people need to learn to shut their mouths otherwise it'll get them killed)

 

(...Wait, you're getting married. How long was I gone?)

 

(At this point, sign me up if it means getting me the heck out of here and dealing with all these people. I'd take Madelis over these idiots any day)

 

(Why would you want M-girl when you can have me?)

 

(...Are you sure this isn't a marriage proposal? It sounds like one)

 

(Yes, he trapped everyone in a cell making it not look suspicious at all)

 

(Because people totally aren't able to make weapons used for murdering or nothing)

 

(...He knows...I'm starting to wonder if he even knew about that free spot in the back)

 

(.............)

 

(.........Neved is an idiot)

 

The freaking guard told us your exact plan and people were suspicious already. Why am I even ranting at this point. You know it's bad. I know it's bad. And we both know we both want this segment to end quickly because we're bored to hell and I have to repeat myself on the issues and the dialogue is so uninteresting. At least with Bratz Rock Angelz I can change my outfit, hair, and character whenever I want to be in style no matter the style. Not that I would know or anything.

 

(He'd probably get demoted if that happened.)

 

Skipping the dialogue talking about Madame X doing her job and reaping people tomorrow. Trust me, I'm doing you guys a favor with these skips because I have to read them, but you don't.

 

(Poor Tom is going to die alone)

 

(.......................So that implies Me...M-Girl is going to be killed as well)

 

(So let me finish this and see if I can figure out how this connects)

 

(Okay...fun time)

 

So remember that thing Indy did before, I think that's kind of the method that Madame X is going to do or something. Basically drain them of their life and keep their soul. I can't really say for certain due to how vague, dull, and filler this segment is but that's a pretty good baseline to get an idea what's about to happen. 

 

(...Wait if Neved wanted to marry M-girl...would that mean he has...nope, we are not going cross that line in the LP. Nope!)

 

(Neved, you are trusting somebody who you haven't even seen their face and not expecting it to bite you in the back)

 

(You mean she's actually able to do a job a normal person would be able to)

 

(That's bull. You just sat up here bossing people around while eating potato chips)

 

(If Neved wasn't an old man, I'd make the joke "he's got that hots for you" but that'd be creepy on so many levels so we'll say "he's tired of looking at ugly ass...men")

 

(M-girl, I have no idea how you haven't been killed. I would've killed you by now because of how terrible you are at covering your ass)

 

(When a nutty man tells you things, you don't question it. That's how people get killed)

 

If M-girl had half a brain, she'd know not to crawl too far up the tree given Neved is a terrorist put one way or another. While he is more friendly and compassionate compared to the others, he still will put himself first in a situation or well his goal first before anyone else and a questionable girl acting odd and out of line definitely would set some alarms off. She's prying info off of him yet he thinks nothing of it. She's acting way too rational right now when bombs were dropped on her. That seems suspicious to me. It's as if she knows more than she gives on.

 

(It's official: Adam is the smartest person in Aevium)

 

(Cue the forced backstory to actually explain a character)

 

(Sigh...where's a bench when you need it?)

 

(Considering your an old man, that must have been a long time ago)

 

(You make no sense Old man, but okay if it makes this progress faster)

 

(Oh good I get to talk about something fun)

 

So today I learned the difference between a villain and an antagonist. An antagonist is someone who opposes the protagonist, which we already knew. A villain is someone who is evil or does evil deeds otherwise known as based on their traits. Now Neved is one of those characters who is blinded by his own faith and despite being somewhat good, he threw his morals out the window...which honestly makes him pretty much a hollow shell. I know a lot of people would compare him to Solaris which he does look similar even, but there's actually a noticeable difference. Solaris has this bigger picture goal which he believes the ends justify the means as the creation of a new world means everything done in this one is gone. It doesn't matter what he has to do in order to accomplish this though there's a lot hidden below the surface of this to analyze.

 

Neved is very different. Like most of the Xen admins, he kind of comes off as a joke. He doesn't feel powerful or even that much of a threat. He's not very intelligent either making some very poor choices and doesn't really show much caring either. He only does stuff for his daughter. Now let's say he's actually Indy, then that'd make him a whole lot more interesting but the plot doesn't really tie that connection well or at all. Him being Indy would explain and tie in how the organization was founded since their outfit matches Indy's, but Indy would have to be a broken man to be where Indy is. Neved is not a broken man, but an empty shell. Madelis could have pulled this off better. Heck, a monkey could fill this role in the story better. I mean family bonds are nice when writing a character (in fact plenty of times I have characters act differently towards certain characters because of status and relations) but it doesn't define them or make them a character. I don't think Neved is terrible, but just boring and not a fun one to analyze. I dislike Aelita, but she's at least interesting to analyze and talk about over dull.

 

(Repeating stuff makes people remember. Repeating stuff makes people remember)

 

(Because he has nothing else going for his...I'm sorry this is a dry segment and it's hard to screen capture. Ranting makes me tolerate it)

 

(Oh god we're not even into the backstory yet)

 

(T_T No more. I can take no more)

 

Oh one other thing. Another issue that I don't think the writing team (or person) didn't really account for at the time is that character development is best used by building two characters at once in the dialogue. M-Girl pretty much only is there to make Neved talk and serves no other purpose. We learn nothing about her or even hear anything other than to carry a conversation on. I guess I can draw up a little example to show why it's important and works:

 

Person 1: And now I sit here with fate and death dancing around me. If I act and show my face, they will all die knowing I betrayed them. If I hide and do nothing, they'll still be killed off one by one. What choice do I have but to be a spectator to my group's own slaughter. I suggest you flee from this place now before your next.

 

Person 2: When I heard of your name, I respected you and thought of you as a great man. Now, I realize your nothing more than a mere coward. I'm not going to run, at least not like you. If there's people who need rescued, it's my job to rescue them. That's what I plan to do.

 

Person 1: Are you asking to die? It sounds like it to me. There's no way a mere child like you could stand up to whatever crafty man is pulling the strings behind this. What could you even possibly do?

 

Person 2: It's true I'm a mere child who barely even knows how to hold a weapon, but there's one thing I have that you don't: a chance. Maybe I'm a dumb kid who's marching to his death, but at least this dumb kid can say he tried. And honestly...I don't even think I could live with myself if I let all my friends die for me.

 

Person 1: Tell me, what's your name?

 

Person 2: Why do you ask?

 

Person 1: You're someone worth remembering, even after you're gone.

 

That's just a brief version as when it comes to book writing there's way more things you need to do to fully flesh out a scene. That's an entirely different topic and way off the rails so we'll stop there. There's a reason I dislike silent protags and it's due to one-sided conversations. When you write stuff, you need to limit them as much as possible even when a certain character is the focus. The reason to do so is for two reasons: contrast and tone changes. Contrast allows for disagreements or shifts in subjects going from everything's fine to arguments. Maybe the protagonist did a stupid mistake and a friend of his calls him out in which we find out what looked like a dumb move was the best possible course of action informing both the friend and the player. Tone changes are also important as it adds variety from humor to sad moments.  It adds dynamic. Oh god, this is turning into a COGA. Point is that this could have made the segment great or even exciting but it just doesn't try going anywhere. Now let's continue this slow tread to inevitable death.

 

(Guard: It turns out that the three days we've been here is actually 3 months. We've hit some kind of time vortex or something)

 

(Hooray word glitches blocking out my name)

 

(It took him this long to realize that. One of your guards is obsessed with aliens for bloody sake)

 

(Wait...those can track people?)
 

This just makes things even more contradictory as you'll find out. How the heck weren't they able to stop a small 10-year-old boy. Then again, most regions have that problem.

 

(Another plot point that doesn't get explained but I'll probably have to explain)

 

(To you mean "get out" as in leave or "get out" as in you're surprised)

 

(Thank the heavens. I'm getting tired of these M and Neved segments)

 

(I'm pretty sure she'll beat the living hell out of whoever opens that cage...at least I'd expect a fight trainer and the daughter of the guy who man handled Mewtwo for a few seconds to be able to accomplish)

 

(...So they don't want to kill me....yet Geara tried to kill me)

 

I'm confused. Am I supposed to be killed or not be killed? Why am I relevant again?

 

(...Change that to year)

 

(Le gasp...big bomb about to happen)

 

(Ze bomb of ze spoilz of zurprizes haz dropped)

 

(Man, I wish these textboxes were bigger)

 

(Let me guess: Madame X is actually in the basement watching football)

 

(DUN! DUN! DUUUUUUUUNNNNNN!)

 

And that's a good stopping point...since I still have schoolwork to do. Anyways for those new to the run, I'll be making updates to the last chapter I fixed the images for in the title so you can always check there. I was supposed to talk about something else, but I forgot OH! RIGHT! I know this game is part of the fanfiction genre so in a sense I am being too harsh on it. Now the funny thing about fanfiction is that it can get laughably bad which is very entertaining to read...which Rejuv does do that at points. I could break down why people like and love the story when I don't as well, but we're all in this together while I get to the end. So if some of you people like the story and are starting to hate it because of my bashing, take my words with a grain of salt and remember what you liked about it. Just because a story has a lot of faults or the general consensus is that it's terrible doesn't mean you have to dislike it and can love it. Also, we actually got a battle in. It's been like 5 chapters, right? I stopped counting.

 

Also, I love the Internet as I can't believe I have a pic to sum up everything newbies missed in the recent chapters:

 

Spoiler

 

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get to playing the sequel Bratz Forever...I mean get back to my homework.