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

[Dex]

Your abuse of the letter "Z" has gone too far this time! 

 

Also I'm enjoying seeing a look at all the Version 10 changes, like the Tangrowth which I think is actually creepier than the Rift Carnivine. The eye placement is just disconcerting. Also props to literally everyone in the group for doing actually nothing during Nim abduction. That's something that Jan seriously needs to work on. 

[Commander]

On 9/10/2018 at 6:47 AM, DemICE said:

Yknow a friend of mine  reached this segment with a bug mono and every day kept crying to me "this is boooooorinnnng"    and i was like  "it isn't that bad" .   He eventually hiatus'd  it before  even reaching Crawli's fight

I will never understand monotype challenges no matter how many times people explain it. I have enough struggle as is to the point its kind of funny. Most games can really only be played once before the joy gets taken out of them but sometimes there's that one game you replay and get a kick out of regardless. That's where difficulty modes really best come into play. Strangely enough the issue is actually worse than before as there's added dialogue when there shouldn't be. Oh well I think people will appreciate my thoughts on the not next but following chapter. And ho boy this is going to be a VERY long chapter given the good stopping point.

 

On 9/11/2018 at 11:28 AM, Dex said:

Your abuse of the letter "Z" has gone too far this time! 

 

Also I'm enjoying seeing a look at all the Version 10 changes, like the Tangrowth which I think is actually creepier than the Rift Carnivine. The eye placement is just disconcerting. Also props to literally everyone in the group for doing actually nothing during Nim abduction. That's something that Jan seriously needs to work on. 

Zi zall speak with ze letters that Zi want when Zi want zem. I actually didn't talk about about the Tangela and Tangrowth but those actually look so much better than the Carnivine itself so I'll give props to that. As for everyone else, it's Golden Sun all over again.

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

Chapter 39: The Quest Day Ever

 

Yes, we are doing every single quest now and aren't stopping until we get to the end. That's a lot of pics.

 

(Well the shows over. I locked myself out)

 

If I didn't take forever to update, I would totally do a chapter that ends in one pic. But we be going on.

(And Braixen found a new friend)

(I mean the concept of talking Pokemon isn't that far-fetched)

(Why couldn't everyone else keep their explanations this brief)

(Was that so hard?)

 

Seriously, this is a good example of how to handle exposition instead of whatever we've been dealing with. Why do I end up liking the characters most people hate? Melia is one of those exceptions but I don't hate her as much as the beginning because bloody hell that mess.

(This is new. When did marts get fancy)

 

Also petition to make this the mart theme song:

Spoiler

Blame me when I was bored in my younger days for finding this crap.

 

(And time for what the bulk of this chapter is going to be)

 

But first...

(I should've taken more screenshots of this)

(......I can't believe that actually worked. This is gonna be fun)

(It's always the stupid random things that keep me coming back to play this game)

(I could do this all day)

(No really, I could do this all day)

(I'm having way too much fun here. Someone should stop me)

(OMG! He has a bone animation. 10/10 best event)

(...Please tell me this isn't one of those weird awkward moments I have to reject)

(I own two dogs. This is like a nothing)

(This may end up being a very bad idea. I already neglected one growlithe and I don't need to neglect another)

(Guess I don't have a choice)

(Welcome aboard, Rean)

 

So yes, this easily is my favorite thing in the game because I am a dog person. I'm actually very good with dogs to the point I actually managed to train and help control my sister's demon dog. So now I have an actual dog I have to take care of despite not asking for it. He even bloody sleeps and spends most of his time near me. Some dogs are much harder to control than others but all dogs like 3 things: discipline, attention, and food. Aelita throwing the ball was just an amazing added bonus. I didn't expect that at all. Now back to the task at hand:

(Meh. Mostly just want easy access to the boat)

(So I need to find sharp objects. Nice)

(...wow. so edgy. His name must be Cold Steel or something)

(Oh good a hunt. This will be easy).

(Told ya! Easy)

(..........Why is there a random Phione? Guess I better catch it...later)

(And that's the last one)

(Well that was really easy. Especially compared to the original. Bloody hell that was quite the trouble)

(Yeah. Now make my life easier)

(Please do. This is getting to be a pain)

(Probably the most important quest for me to do with the best benefits)

(I do miss the old shortcut. Less Pokemon to annoy you)

(...this doesn't feel that rewarding)

(That's better. Much better)

 

I'm surprised such a good TM came this early. Brick Break is such a nice move to have on Pokemon especially for screens and such. I'm not complaining as I didn't expect this nice of a reward.

 

Now we're onto...oh god

(I HATE THIS QUEST AND I HATE YOU!)

 

So spoiler as I've done this quest before. That fight took me by surprise and yeah I kind of really hate it. We'll talk about it later.

(If people can reach it, is it really a secret?)

(Must've joined the union. Those guys will do anything to not do anything)

(Oh boy a Timburr. I've never actually used one so it'd be a fun addition)

(All I need you to do is stand right here and I'll solve everything)

(Thanks. That leaves basically everywhere to look)

 

This is where I actually went to catch a Phione but took not pictures. Oh well. I had trouble finding it until it hit me to look where the bar was.

(WHAT DID I TELL YOU ABOUT STANDING IN THE SAME SPOT!)

(That would be me face palming. Literally the worst thing you could say right now)

(Why am I facing backwards anyways?)

(I say we just let all my Pokemon rusting in the PC finish the bridge and get this quest...it's never that easy)

(That's a lot of Timburr)

(Couldn't you just beam it inside a Poke ball until it calms down? Guess that'd be too easy)

(Of course there'd be rain for the dramatics)

(........There's a lot of things wrong right now. First, who'd believe a talking Timburr. Second, how do you even know Gurdurr would even understand?)

(Yeah. Totally haven't seen that before. Totally not at all. Not like Lucario could do it or anything)

(...........It's a Pokemon. What the hell would it do with the money?)

(Yep. Definitely a union member trying to gain recruits. I've seen this manipulation many times before)

(And sign the paperwork right here)

(Of course. It's Arcanine all over again. Totally didn't see that coming)

(Let's just get this over with)

(Well that's an awkward pic)

 

So how this battle went was I lead with Wisp Bone and Joker in which Wispy burns that Timburr in the pick on the right while Joke KOs the other one. Then Conkeldurr comes out and I have Joker use Reflect if it lives and Wispy burns Conk though I'm not sure if that's a smart or stupid idea as I don't know its ability. I think its Sheer force though.

(And now we slowly and painfully kill that Conk)

(As you can see, I have a lot of underleveled Pokemon I'm raising)

 

Loewe goes for the kill with Aqua Jet.

And then I get destroyed by Timburr. Let's continue from my second attempt.

(Wispy actually lived in this one)

 

This time I tried my best to keep everyone alive since Conkeldurr is the least troublesome Pokemon on the team.

(And I was careful to keep that Timburr alive this time)

 

(Thankfully Gaius gets a huge boost in this field effect)

(But pretty much my whole team dies to these Timburr. RIP Gaius)

 

And I also failed that fight miserably. Now to I think is attempt 5:

(I guess Sec was the answer after all)

(Bless you SEC for saving me all this trouble)

 

So what I did differently this time is switched out Joker I think for SEC but could've been Albedo so that I could use him later to deal with the actual threats of this fight.

(And that makes this bloody beast do actual tolerable damage instead)

(THANK YOU RNG! That helps me so much)

(And that's the last one)

(.................................................No words could describe my pain and suffering)

 

I am like surprised Derog did not wipe out on that fight. I was VERY lucky I spent a few hours getting a thick club a Marowak to even use for this fight and the fact it has Will-o-wisp which most people probably won't have. Conk is a complete joke compared to those Timburrs. A level 75 Conkeldurr is honestly the weakest member on the team and is supposed to be the big baddie. And nobody sees this as a problem why?

 

I'm just going to be outright in that I think this is outright an awful fight and the worst in the game. You have to deal with this bloody fight all for pretty much a pretty shitty reward if you ask me. It's not creative since it's just high level mons with pretty much the deadliest moves they could be slapped with. Stone Edge? We're dealing with level 65 Pokemon with Stone Edge. With that crit change it's a game that can make you loose multiple times with RNG being RNG. I hated this fight the first time around and now I hate it even more. I am so lucky I had A. Marowak otherwise we would be waiting a VERY long time before I even tackle this. If this was a mandatory boss fight, I'd have quit the game without A. Marowak. I'm not kidding that's how much I hate it.

(...That Timburr on my right is a floating head...)

(Now that Timburr is looking at me. It's making me uncomfortable)

(I'm too salty from that fight to make a snarky comment)

(Now two of them are looking away. I don't like this sob stuff either)

(Please tell me we're not having a second fight)

(Oh thank god it's over)

(That's basically any job. Isn't that also what you're doing?)

(I'm ready to unleash my rage on you right about now)

(Conk, please murder him. It'd make all our lives better)

(....Oh look it's Team Skull)

(Ranting on the internet about a silly fan-game?)

(I'm only in it for the goodies honestly. I don't give a crap what happens to them afterwards)

(This is about as stupid as the guy who sang a rap at the church youth group I was forced to attend)

 

Imagine hearing a guy rap "Daddy take me home" for three minutes straight. It's because of things like these I became an introvert.

(I'll challenge you to a battle right here and right now. Help Center. Loewe only.)

(Well at least it didn't drag on)

(Finally!)

 

So in the old version the bridge actually helped build another shortcut to traverse through the jungle if I remember right. Maybe there was an item but there wasn't anything too significant.

(It better be worth it.)

(...................Oh bloody hell. Now I know why he went on strike)

(Conk, please murder him. I don't even need the items)

(...This guy is dumber than the ra...you get the idea)

(Why do I get the feeling he's going to troll us and destroy the bridge?)

(That or he's screwing the guy)

(Turns out the bridge is safe...not worth it though)

 

Personally, I'm not going to use Rowlett. Next three gyms will pretty much just destroy it.

(And now I have to move a rock. Lovely)

(At least I'm getting good experience out of it)

(Well that was easy)

(....Great. Now gimmie my money)

(...How did she fit...I don't actually care)

(HEY VAL! DO YOU MIND HELPING ME OUT HERE!)

 

I'm just gonna show the pics and you make up your own story of how this battle took place.

(Traitor!)

(Thanks for the help, Val. I couldn't have done it without you.)

(Oh wait you were too busy stuck in your damn book to notice my struggles)

(What a good friend you are)

(What a surprise. These quests have been nothing but letdowns so far)

(Because 500 Poke is so much)

 

I really should reread Derog's reaction to these. This one was actually okay. A little stupid but that's because I pretty much dislike the entire concept of AA. There more annoying than funny which is saying something considering the main cast. Well since Tropius requires progressing the plot, we're going to fight Ad...Nova in the village and call it a chapter.

(That is oddly specific)

(I still miss Adrienn. She was actually fun to battle)

Also turns out I can't do that sidequest yet either because it requires having access to the north. So bloody hell we have to go through more of that. I should've taken more screenshots of the Growlithe.

(Let's just get this over with so I can fight the inferior Nova)

(Oh great more dialogue I can't rant about because it's analysis stuff)

(And people say I'm arrogant)

(It's things like this that make this analysis hard)

 

So the biggest issue with Melia in this segment is that she acknowledges the issue but then it is treated not like an issue. I know people say Trails of Cold Steel has the weakest story and characters of the series but the party banter and conflicts really help balance the cast out. I'm not going to go on a how to build a character rant though I should go on a main and support character rant. Main characters are plot centric in which the story moves where they go. We have two plot centric characters right now which are the player and Melia. That's a fancy way of describing protagonists which yes this game has two. Supporting characters are a little bit different as while they can play both long and important roles, the plot doesn't center around them. While some may argue having a likable protagonist is most important, I'd actually argue having a strong supporting is even more important. And right now we have a pretty terrible supporting cast. Her name is Aelita. And she lost all her character with basically no explanation. Can we go back to the doggy? I was happy there.

(Only because a certain ranger blocks my path)

(Were is Adam? I didn't see him anywhere. It's like he's not even here)

(If we're going on another date, I'm gonna need 10 growlithes to calm me down)

(...dammit)

(At the pace we're going, it won't be quick)

(Easy travel...that'd be too convenient for this game)

(Told ya it'd be way too simple for that)

(Course you are. And probably will until I fix the damn thing myself)

(Can we leave her in the wo...damn Xen wants her so we can't. Why couldn't they want like a rock or something? At least that doesn't have a mouth)

(Undine, please drown me here and now)

(Yet you would to a stranger you met for like 5 minutes. Yeah, that makes total sense. How did you even remember who I was after all that time?)

(...I don't think anyone can think lower of you than they already do)

(Hey Carvanha, I got some nice meat for ya! What do ya mean you don't eat stale meat?)

(I'm the person you spent the least time with of all the characters here given we were on a boat and I was shut up in a room trying to get over a death which you could have prevented. One picnic and you're BFFs for life apparently)

(Haven't seen them in a year at least. Probably a good thing)

(Yes, Veronica is uhh...same shit as ever and Ren is losing his goddamn mind)

(I try not to. One reminds me what I don't like about this game and the other is what I miss)

(I still have a lot of questions like why are we still out here?)

(Meh. Happens more than you'd think.)

(Not like I could say anything anyways)

(I should have brought some snacks)

(Oh boy this cliche.)

 

If the player could actually talk, I think this is where they would have finally snapped. It'll make sense but this is kind of half-hearted as while she does care about these people, she has something more important to do. The player just lost their mom and one of their best friends has been captured which was really out of their hands given they were dealing with that Carnivine. There's a lot of reason for their to be tension but because the player is silent there can't be any tension.

(...I'm the bloody leader. You're just acting like you are)

 

There actually really isn't anyone who really stood out as the leader of the group. Honestly, I'd say Braixen is the closest despite not giving orders. I've made two characters which had to grow into the leadership role they had. Many of the others earned it. It rarely is something that just happens with a snap of a fingertip but usually you can get idea who really is in charge and giving orders. Really good way to show it off or build it up is using a mentor type character. Usually are experienced enough to help guide a leader into the right direction.

 

(Oh joy more people)

(Why am I the one looking at her?)

(............Well that is true)

(That's someone we haven't heard from in a while)

(Can't say I disagree)

(Why am I here again?)

(Oh joy another cliche line)

(I guess...wait Aelita can learn stuff? Maybe now she won't run off and get herself killed. That's one less problem to deal with)

(Seriously can I move back a little bit this looks so weird)

(Or you could just train better Pokemon. That's a better solution)

(Is this where I make a joke about the power of friendship?)

(This is supposed to be torture. This is rather tame honestly)

(...Considering my winning streak, I think that makes us all big losers)

(Because knowing someone for 20 minutes makes you friends)

(.......Sigh...this is gonna be a long analysis)

(Now I feel really awkward. Jan, please fix this)

(No matter what way I look someone is left out)

(Wait, that was it. I was expecting like an hour of dialogue)

(...Like which type of hair gel we all use)

(Oh wait there's more. Guess I have to try and be funny now)

(You know that moment where two people are flirting with each other and you're just stuck in the middle listening. That's basically what the player is feeling here)

(...I don't really agree with you there)

(I do agree with you there though. Can we get Rean out of the PC and play ball with him again?)

(Fine. Only because I can't finish the sidequests until then)

(.........The three amigos are you, me, and Adam. Everyone else can go back to the ship and wait)

 

This is one of those times people over-exaggerate a scene being bad. It's not bad and while I think it could use some polishing it's actually kind of a good scene. The issue has to go around with Melia's poor character development which it's really hard to understand. I mean Aelita did say "shut up and get over it" which she doesn't care if Melia screwed up because they can't change their situation. Nobody said Melia didn't do anything wrong, nor did they say she did everything right. In fact, I think Aelita was mostly just trying to help her feel better as she did get to know her a bit on the ship. It's not a pointless scene as people make it out to be imo, but that's me.

 

Do I think Melia is a good character? Oh hell no. While I don't think any of this is necessarily bad, that is one major issue that just got skipped over. Why is Melia the leader? Valarie makes much more sense as she was the one who helped rope the getaway plan and kind of is the reason most of us were able to escape. Honestly, the plot probably would have been really good if Valarie was the leader. I would like to see this get addressed and answered in a version update as I kind of want to know why Melia is the one giving orders. For the sake of this run, we're going to assume that was addressed offscreen and everyone kind of agreed to just follow Melia since she knows the place best.

(Why do Aelita and Braixen get to sit on the couch and I don't?)

(But it's okay since I'm next to Adam. Adam 4 best girl)

(You could say this is his serious suit)

(Don't question a serious man. Seriously)

(I wonder if Adam and I could sneak out without anyone noticing?)

(There's terrorist on the island. Go get them)

(...Actually I know there's at least one grunt plus Eli & Sharon on this place from past versions)

(And they certainly act fast)

(Actually, it's all Crescents fault. And I guess Narcissa is partially to blame)

(Look at how serious this is. Maybe we should have brought Sirius)

(Well that was easy. Now I can actually do stuff and end this segment soon)

(Yes, and we'd like to take a peak...give it a moment)

(Serious business is serious...I'm running out of things to say, okay? after like 2,000 this becomes difficult)

(We shall pound ze Geara into smizerines)

(Wish everything dialogue wise was this easy and short)

(We accomplished more in Terajuma in a chapter then we did in 3 of Blacksteeple)

(Someone must've had a lot of burritos)

(This is why mountains can't have Mexican. Zetta, you need to leave immediately)

 

If I was still fluent in Spanish, I would rewrite all of Zetta's lines in spa...I just realized what I brought upon myself. Challenge accepted regardless.

(It's gonna get real hot real quick)

(Wait what? That's...what?)

(Are we just going to ignore that people can change how a mountain feels?)

(It's not like they are in...Melia, I've been trying to ignore it but for God's sake look at Crawli when he speaks)

(Adam, you are not helping)

(Though you aren't wrong. This is the stupidest discussion we had since...the rangers)

(When a mommy and daddy volcano love each other very much)

(I think Crawli and I are having a serious off)

(When a Pokemon has more personality than everyone else in the room)

(I needed that. I really needed that)

(This Pokemon is a brat and I love it.)

(Oh boy more questing. My favorite)

(...I've seen the part and I don't even know. Something about uhhh....acutally I don't even know. It's a weird segment)

(Neither of which is likely going to happen. Guaranteed to be slow and lewd to the fullest)

(Wait a minute...rocks can marry? So I broke up with wall senpai for nothing. I'm going back)

(Please don't send any rangers. This is a group I'm able to tolerate so I'd rather not find another annoyance to set me off again)

(Angie...ho boy, that's not gonna be a fun one to talk about)

(So basically some time when I was in prison. I carried out my year sentence in full)

(It wouldn't surprise me if they got lost)

(So I won't have to see those guys for a while.)

 

Spoiler

(So did I. Those are such boring names. Would have gone with Dumbass and Dumbass with Boobs)

(I'll become a ranger. Probably has better pay then whatever I'm doing now)

(And the cliche of the people we come to not being able to help us happened. Every war game is pretty much like that)

(Considering one of us can't fight, one doesn't have any badges, and the last one can't lead to save a damn life, we're doomed)

(Well at least there done)

(DADDY! It's so good to see you)

(Yep, definitely sounds like what kind of person would give birth to this monstrosity)

(Wait...does that mean Crawli is my brother)

 

I got myself into this mess, but we're too late to go back now.

(Why don't you love me, dad? All I wanted was love and respect)

(...Hi, I'm your long lost older brother)

(That's what happens when you use a team consisting of only Lewdilolols)

(So that's where I get my idiom's from. What did I get from my mom who might actually be my daughter?)

(You. Me. Dance off. Right here. Right now.)

(I'm not really sure. I think it's a vacation)

(Oh no not rep...)

(You are a man of culture, I see. No need to know what serious business is not your serious business.)

(Finally someone who understands me. Wherever you're going, I'm going with you)

(...And I'm neglected once again)

(Ain't no one here who can beat me in a dance off)

(Meh. Just a normal Thursday for me)

(Wait a minute we had different mothers. That makes you my step-brother or a brother from a different mother)

(Probably a good idea. Staying here would be boring considering Crawli neither dances nor helps)

(We're doing this again, aren't we? Who's gonna go next. My bet is Braixen)

(...That was a random guess which I somehow got right)

 

And I think I skipped the rest. And as for leaving...

(I have no idea who you are)

(WILL YOU PEOPLE EVER SHUT UP! YES! I was there like 10 minutes ago)

(Funny how a game that is hard to get lost always gives you directions while I game like Reborn where it's easy to get lost doesn't)

(Pretty much how most people playing this felt)

 

Again, not good, but not awful dialogue. It does its job and doesn't drag on and repeat stuff like usual. I mean we're hearing a bit too much about Angie but here it at least made sense. Yeah some things like the whole Rorim B was bad but it was brief so it's not really all that bothersome. What was that like 20 pics. Most of the ones I rant on are like 50 or more it feels like. Anyways back to what this chapter is about.

 

And we went through all of that just to do this:

(Hello inferior character who nobody likes since she replaced best girl)

(I'm only doing this for the Pokemon.)

(Great. This is starting to sound like a harlem game. At least give me girls I like)

(Pull out your balls and let's just get this over with)

 

I'll try to remember but I actually forget what happened here. I mean it took like a couple attempts so I'm just going to talk about each Pokemon.

 

Toucannon really wasn't that threatening but was at least threatening enough for me to use Will-O to weaken it. Pretty much helpless outside of that.

 

I pretty much used Gaius to take care of Tsareena since it couldn't do much against him and it was an easy switch in after Toucannon was switched out. Easy KO.

(It's Walter. Do I even need to explain?)

 

Vikavolt was more of a pain then a threat. Mostly sacked Gaius here to preserve SEC for later.

 

Pancha actually outspeeds so Crunch is really useful here to do some damage so Loewe, Gaius, or SEC and KO. I think on attempts after I saved Pancha for the annoying thing.

(This is from attempt to and beyond)

 

Okay so Lycanroc is pretty much the only threat to deal with. So Loewe can survive a rock Slide which activates Torrent which Razor Shell can one shot and if it couldn't Aqua Jet would then KO. This is probably the only time you are going to see Loewe do something.

(And this is where I lost)

 

So I had to restratigize on how to KO this Passimian which is the only real threat for my team to deal with given the level advantage. Guessing QA team skipped over optional fights like this given the leveling and stuff. Whatever. Walter here pretty much only had to weaken Passimian a little bit with Rock Slide while it went CC heave. After enough CCs, Loewe could shut it down with Aqua Jet.

 

And this time Lycanroc was the last Pokemon and was pretty easy to deal with.

(That's because you're not Adrien. That Hawlucha man)

(Certain local trainers are also much better)

(Is this like the last time we meet or something?)

(So will I: I don't care about anything you say)

(...Okay maybe I do care. One of them gave me Gaius who is awesome)

(So far I've only met two. I only like one of them)

(I'm perfectly okay with that)

(I won't, inferior Adrienn)

(Huh. I didn't even use Walter in the victory figh...I totally forgor about Jesus)

 

Wouldn't surprise me if I Jesus'd that fight with Endeavor. I know it didn't one shot him. And now for the last quest to end this bloody chapter.

(Yeah, the one with the Tropius...I don't like this quest either)

(It's a Tropius. I'd be depressed too if people ate my bananas)

(Oh god not this quest. It's almost as bad as the Conk)

(Time to go on an egg hunt)

(He's finally gone banan...sorry I'm running out of good jokes)

(And here's where the bullshit comes in)

(........I THOUGHT WE WERE OVER THIS)

 

So first, this grunt had to be here before the Xen trio arrived so that pretty much Xen had operation here regardless. Second, the overdramatic explanation has gotten old. Sure it's funny the first time but when every mission does that instead of "let's go find it" it gets annoying. Tropius staring off into the north was plenty of explanation. Then again, he probably needs to do this for most of the playerbase to understand. There'd be a bombardment of questions asking where to find the tropius egg or complaints if it wasn't flat out spoken.

(Who the hell wants a Tropius egg? I don't even want one)

(...If this is a reference I don't get it)

(.......................................................................)

(And you wonder why the Carnivine problem wasn't solved)

 

Unfortunately to finish all the sidequests you have to actually progress the story. And we progress a lot of it so we still have a ways to go:

 

(Well this is just lovely. If only the cabin were a little closer)

(Pretty sure he was kicked out for eating too many burritos)

(Seriously, how does he even stand a chance?)

(Maybe we could capture him and make him hostage to trade for Nim given he can make portals and stuff)

(I always picture Zetta with like a gangster voice. Like the OGs with the black suits)

(I'm just here to get a tropius egg. Don't mind me.)

(When Zetta is the voice of reason, you gu...Jenner has taught you well to put down the man)

(Melia, stop trying to stop him from telling important exposition)

(The awkward moment when the villain is the only one who laughs at your joke)

(I could think of 3 better comebacks off the top of my head)

 

"Says the guy who was locked in another dimension for a year"

"If your battling skills were as good as your mouth, you might be an actual threat"

"Could you and your boyfriend turn it down a notch? It's waking up all the neighbors."

(...Totally not implying he's a clone of Melia. Nope!)

(Not implying I know spoilers. Nope!)

(I would, but then your boyfriend would be mad)

(Aww that's so cute Braixen trying to act tough...and oh god where did that Primarina come from?)

(Easy KO for Wisp)

(I mean for Loewe. Isn't Loewe the best?)

(...I guess I'll take this Shadow Pokemon. Really don't need a Chinchou. I would've preferred it stay Jumpluff personally)

(That was easy)

(Jesus cheese ftw)

(Self explanatory)

(And the battle is over pretty much)

(*Ahem* Feel the sting of the swordmaster's blade. Man, I haven't said that in a while)

(Well I guess he caught one in the forest...I miss being able to catch those)

(No, no you did not.)

(Kind of wish my lead could be sent out too...or my starter at least. Would've been a cool touch.)

 

If you wanted to do the starter it'd be pretty easy as first you'd do a check for what starter they picked, then simply check to see if that Pokemon is in the party. If it isn't, then you'd probably just pick the lead Pokemon and use the follower script. Or just not have the Pokemon out at all then. If I could make it, anyone could.

(Oh god we're doing this again. It was old the first time)

(We get it? Now shut up and let the plot progress)

(Thank god Adam is quiet. Us quiet bros gotta stick together)

(Can we just shove him in the water?)

 

Seriously, that'd be hilarious and accurate. I don't even care if it's Melia or Adam. Someone should do it.

(...So he's not going to move out of the way by moving out of the way)

(Zat ez no Giratina zat ez ze Dragon Warrior Princess Chicken from another Dimension)

(Okay, now I'm getting a bit annoyed with Zetta. Geara is better)

(You do that while I go egg hunting)

(LMAO They forgot Aelita)

(Could be worse. You could be stuck here with Saki...which everyone forgot about. Told you they would)

 

And now back to our primary goal:

(Just give me the damn egg so I can sleep)

(Where the hell does Team Xen find these crazy people?)

(No, I'm here for my book I loaned you)

(Great. Somehow they found a way to make this more annoying. Lovely)

(And repeat this for like 20 times)

(Something tells me there might be something else in this cabin. Probably will forget about it before then)

(Probably a research lab on the volcano activity)

(Yet you would think Madame X would praise you for it. Irony?)

(Remind me when you have a baby to break into your house and snatch it leaving a note that says "it's just a baby. You can make another." Yeah. Not so funny now.)

(You're right. I don't.)

(Give me the egg and nobody gets hurt)

(Well that might be a small issue)

(Crisis averted)

(That was surprisingly easy)

(You have two crappy Pokemon and a Staravia. It was obvious who was going to win)

(Name's Commander. Also known as that guy who someone ends up stopping Team Xen because either a friend drags me in or they won't leave me alone)

(But it has a nice reward)

(Just give me the damn egg. I'm tired and I want to sleep)

(Thank you. Now leave me in peace)

(I am. I got my money)

(You fucking liar. You left your post and followed me here. Is there any Ranger here competent enough to do a good job? You're making Gen I's police look productive)

(Now leave me in peace...oh I think the plot is up north)

(I'll pick it up later)

(Sigh...guess I should do this since I'm right there.)

(There are so many face palms needed for this. Adam, face palm my head because it's that dumb)

(Because a volcano is such a great place for negotiations.)

(And...it's to trade this annoying thing for Nim. I don't know what you're doing but if it means no evil tyranny nor end of the world, I am honestly down with it.)

(How has the rain not cooled that very small pool of lava?)

(Yeah because beating your ass multiple times doesn't qualify we can do it again)

(I'm pretty sure we could either make the jump or have someone fly us all across one by one. This isn't rocket science)

(Fair. Going into active volcanoes is dangerous. Whatever. That just gives us all the time in the world to plan and prepare.)

(That...actually is kind of true)

(And the repeating dialogue is back. fun.)

(Just when the writing was starting to turn to okay we go back to the same song and dance)

 

There's no point for almost all this dialogue and if there was, then just axe the previous fight. No really, there's no point for it other than an Aelita laugh. I would totally have laughed my ass off if Aelita was stuck on that island for like weeks. Also the whole lava barrier is lame. Just saying.

(Oh great. You probably set the volcano to erupt or something)

(So something to note is most of this dialogue was added and the story was changed)

 

Seriously it used to just be you fight Zetta here and then he leaves. That was it. You also got a Jumpluff which was weird given Hopip were all around but whatever. Free Jumpluff. I will also talk about the other thing in a second.

(He means he was distracting you)

(Can we just kill off all the Xen execs besides Geara. It'd help the plot better)

(We should probably coast on out of here before this ship has sailed)

(And then Zetta just tells us anyways)

 

I hate when villains tell their plans but given this group, you gotta be literal and speak slowly for them to get it.

(You're telling me that like 30 trainers aren't capable of defending a boat. Am I really the only one capable of accomplishing anything?)

(And I will some time later)

(Meh. Being stuck here forever isn't really all that bad. When I get tired of one of you I just have to give a nudge...why didn't I threaten to kill Melia? I'm sure they may have reconsidered negotiations)

(After like a year or so)

(Given they waited a year doing nothing, I'm sure they gained a lot of patience)

(There's like an army on that ship. If they couldn't take care of it then they're hopeless)

(Fine. Only because of plot demands)

(That's something we haven't seen in like forever)

 

Also learned that I've been working on Redux/Hardcore for almost 3 years. 2 of those years pretty much went down the drain due to Gen VII updates. No wonder why I was so reluctant to work on it.

(It's a deoxys attack. A sucker punch could destroy it)

(Since when could...why does it have two sticks?)

(Probably dead. It'd be great if they stayed that way...unlike someone)

(There flowers are man eaters. Look at that rock in the right hand corner...stay away from those things)

(Hell if I know either)

(This is why you don't talk and battle at the same time)

EXP time

(Where did these even come from anyways?)

(Jesus is going to get a lot of experience from this)

(Finally, he gets a good move. Now I just need rock slide and we are solid.)

(Use a potion. Your wounds instantly heal...unlike people)

(Because you've been handling it so well before)

(Whatever. Let's just get this over with and go back to questing)

(Literally, that's the only one required to be fought)

(Joker is pretty good against them)

 

I taught Joker Signal Beam because Pyschic can only get us so far.

(The Deoxys on the Umbrella is a nice touch)

(So we all are going to team up to get surrounded. Great idea. Pure brilliant. And by brilliant that is the worst thing you can do in FE)

(I sadly don't get to do this because plot...which is lame)

(Diamond formation go!)

 

I really don't like this change and well a lot of changes. For newer players, Valarie, Adam, and Braixen and I think Aelita all were very passive and stayed on this ship. Yes, they were not involved in any of this. There was actually a cool little sidequest you could do where you KO all the Deoxys that attack the ship later to get a TM from Valarie which I honestly really liked. So all of this is completely new and one of the biggest issues is how the cast just kind of completely changed personalities with no explanation. Let me just describe them:

 

Melia: Stubborn and Rash girl who thinks before she acts

Post Jail: Same except she gives orders now

 

Aelita: Stubborn girl who thinks before she acts

Post Jail: Wiser and more quiet

 

Valarie: Cool headed and leader of the group

Post Jail: Whines about the heat and doesn't want to do much

 

Braixen: Dorky goofball but wise beyond her years

Post Jail: Sassy and likes to tease the others

 

Adam: Quiet guy who is a good listener

Post Jail: Quiet guy who acts like nothing is all that important

 

Character establishment is important and even if a character is godawful and you know it is, you have to keep it the same regardless otherwise you have this whole mess. And if you want to debate on some things, I'm the one who read and analyzed 1,000s of lines of dialogue for the sake of entertainment so hopefully I have some idea what they are like after all this time. The ship scene would have been a good transition to character changes but it was turned into an exposition dump. Now we have something messier than even the original Terajuma Jungle.

(Well this is also new. Hello Angie...I mean hello spoilers)

(There's an 80% chance I'm going to finish this chapter today)

(Not as fun as scrambling the fairies)

(Oh, that's Cera...I have no idea who that is)

(We all know this is Anju from Maria's segment, right?)

(...Great. More idiots following me. Just what I needed)

(Nice place you got there, but would it kill you to install some better lighting?)

(Is this because I meddled with the past?)

(Yep. It's always the crazy ones that fall me. Always.)

(What a nice...wait what! What happened to the epic boss battle and, and, the teamup with Adam to take down the master...oh wait this is Rejuv. No fun allowed)

(Ah, Melia. Just the idiot I want to destroy)

(...Seriously, why are we meeting Crawli again? It's not like he's going to be of any help)

(You don't say. What are we going to actually do something smart like send all the people back to their homes? Nah. That's too much intelligence for one day)

(Nope. You just start without me)

 

And we did all of that just so I could finish the HC quests. Honestly that was more disappointing than bad. One of those times where I think it's just better to save this for the end to fix the problem because it's a bit easier then you'd think it'd be but requires going through the whole story. Kind of the same situation as blacksteeple in which cutting out pointless dialogue would help. Hell, maybe even cut some characters entirely because if a character can be switched out with another character and get the same result, then that character shouldn't even be there in the first place. Good rule to live by.

(Do you know what I had to go through just to get to you? Just give me the damn money)

(.......Great a Tropius egg. Just what I always wanted)

(...They were more annoying than difficult. Each one brought their own layer of suffering)

(Of course it's not going to be that easy)

(Sigh...welcome to the second worst chapter of this run)

(Either the player could punch this punk in the goddamn face, take the ball, or the ranger could be...oh wait ranger being helpful. What a joke.)

(You are missing a few question marks there should be ?????????)

(If you're the one who disguised yourself as a Rogenrola, you probably do. Like how do you do that?)

(Is this supposed to be funny? It's not funny)

(You never get free handouts in this game. Never)

(.....It's not even that great of a Pokemon)

 

Spoiler alert: It saves my ass later

(At least we get to go through a little maze and fight a few more trainers)

(And it was changed. Dammit why does everything I like get taken away)

(With my hair color, I kind of blend in. Probably could have just said I was an AA)

(Honestly, all I really want is that TM on the right. Give it to me and I'll be out of your way)

(I think this is supposed to be like the Team Rocket for the game or something. It really is trying to be an anime)

(Hi, I'm new here)

(I can't tell which one of you is the boss. I'm guessing the guy on the left)

(You take care of them)

(I guess I'll show the battle but hell to describing it)

 

It took me two tries because I didn't expect a 6 v 8 battle with higher leveled Pokemon and I didn't bring my good team in. More tedious and annoying than hard. I don't even remember their Pokemon even. I think the Rogenrolla quest had a harder team even.

(I'll take on all 4 of you right now. Just give me a minute to heal and bring Walter)

(Sadly, I know that's true.)

(And we get no other reward from that guy for fulfilling his request)

(Yes, now give me a prize for doing your job)

(......You motherfucker)

 

And we're over the halfway point. I don't know what to say. I really don't like Anti-Assist and I think it's one of the dumbest things in the game. Zetta was a bloody mess and actually awful in this chapter, so many characters lack development, and rangers are completely useless. I guess the only good thing that came out of it was Brick Break and Magnemite named Auto who will be joining us soon. One thing I don't get is the whole thing about everyone thinks the group is cockstrocking Melia. They really aren't. There is an issue though with these scenes and it's the payout. Simple scenes like that bridge scene may seem pointless but a good storywriter knows their importance as it's to help get to know the character. A lot of little details were thrown in there that I'll actually be using in the analysis which should be Chapter 40. Might be a while but hopefully I can clear some things up. This is going to be a bloody mess to explain. But to some up my thoughts in a single phrase: good idea for a storyline, but awful presentation.

[Filthy Casual]

On 9/13/2018 at 2:52 PM, Commander said:

TFW you get an A on a group project but you do none of the work

 

As for that scene with Melia on the bridge, I see what you mean. After all, with proper development, it could have been great. However, Melia doesn't change past this point. In fact, this is a trope that's used in a lot of media (particularly in anime) that I wish wasn't as overused:

 

Character 1: I'm sad.

 

Character 2: Stop being sad.

 

Character 1: Okay!

 

I think that particular scene would have been much more effective after a more heated part of the story. As it is, there's no reason for it to be there. You could cut it out and it would make no difference. You're correct when you say it's not as bad as I everyone says, but for me, it's my least favorite scene in the game. That's just my two cents, though.

 

EDIT: I forgot! For the side quests to Crawli, I find that Cofagrigus works wonders. Thanks to it's great defense, Curse, Will-O-Wisp, and Mummy ability, it can dick with a lot of mons in this area. It especially came in handy in my most recent romp through the game at the Conkeldurr, as it could cripple everything around it.

[DemICE]

Yeah generally the game encourages you to delay doing the  help quests until after you finish the story of the surrounding place.  Which is why i do just that, except if i really need a Help Quest reward to beat the next segment.

I also find the part with Zetta pretty weak,  also  if we are the ones that fight him, what the fuck are the rest doing with their pokemon out ???    In my opinion the lava obstacle should be covering the cave entrance,  and it should have been implied that there are stalactites above which would make it too dangerous for a flying pokemon to try enter the cave like that...

 

Team Anti-Assist is forced comedy...  and  as for the Conk fight,  i didn't really have problem with it tbh...  I don't remember what i did in previous runs, but in my grass mono  it was  raining and  i set up  Growths  with  Shiftry and Whimsicott and then spammed hurricanes...    I had more problem with the last double battle against  Team AA in the "unchecked" room of the  Help Center.

Side note: Timburr learns Stone Edge by level up...  Those Timburrs had level up moves mander...

 

Filthy covered me about the bridge scene.

[Commander]

On 9/13/2018 at 7:15 PM, Filthy Casual said:

As for that scene with Melia on the bridge, I see what you mean. After all, with proper development, it could have been great. However, Melia doesn't change past this point. In fact, this is a trope that's used in a lot of media (particularly in anime) that I wish wasn't as overused:

 

Character 1: I'm sad.

 

Character 2: Stop being sad.

 

Character 1: Okay!

 

I think that particular scene would have been much more effective after a more heated part of the story. As it is, there's no reason for it to be there. You could cut it out and it would make no difference. You're correct when you say it's not as bad as I everyone says, but for me, it's my least favorite scene in the game. That's just my two cents, though.

If it were just you, that'd be one thing, but I feel like people are hopping onto this and getting onto this scene's case when in all honesty, it's such a minor issue. Actually it is pretty important and significant but the story is so vague it's hard to understand it. I'll at least say the plot could easily do without it but I guess I'd prefer it be kept in no matter how pointless it seems. It has to do with the few but tainting contradictions in Melia's character.

 

On 9/13/2018 at 7:15 PM, Filthy Casual said:

EDIT: I forgot! For the side quests to Crawli, I find that Cofagrigus works wonders. Thanks to it's great defense, Curse, Will-O-Wisp, and Mummy ability, it can dick with a lot of mons in this area. It especially came in handy in my most recent romp through the game at the Conkeldurr, as it could cripple everything around it.

I mean if I really wanted to, I could probably tear through any challenge and make it a joke despite all my complaining and struggle. I try to pick a more streamlined thought process as nobody likes to constantly grind to beat a boss. Most players just pick up a team of 6 (maybe 8 if they're into it) and want to run on through. And yeah I'm well aware of Will-O-Wisp since I'm usually a more defensive player. Intimidate would pretty much shut down this group as well.

 

On 9/14/2018 at 2:42 PM, DemICE said:

Yeah generally the game encourages you to delay doing the  help quests until after you finish the story of the surrounding place.  Which is why i do just that, except if i really need a Help Quest reward to beat the next segment.

I also find the part with Zetta pretty weak,  also  if we are the ones that fight him, what the fuck are the rest doing with their pokemon out ???    In my opinion the lava obstacle should be covering the cave entrance,  and it should have been implied that there are stalactites above which would make it too dangerous for a flying pokemon to try enter the cave like that...

 

Team Anti-Assist is forced comedy...  and  as for the Conk fight,  i didn't really have problem with it tbh...  I don't remember what i did in previous runs, but in my grass mono  it was  raining and  i set up  Growths  with  Shiftry and Whimsicott and then spammed hurricanes...    I had more problem with the last double battle against  Team AA in the "unchecked" room of the  Help Center.

Side note: Timburr learns Stone Edge by level up...  Those Timburrs had level up moves mander...

 

Filthy covered me about the bridge scene.

If a quest is available, I will do all means to complete it as early as possible if it is realistically possible. Side quests often are made to help strengthen and prep you for the main story often giving nice items and materials. More importantly they help flesh and make exploring the land worth it more as you are doing two things at once. Why explore something twice when you can do it all at once? Always going to do it ASAP and still will whenever possible.

 

Anti-Assist is one of those ideas that I question why, but hey we got past the worst segment now. And while it may seem idiotic, rarely do Pokemon learn coverage moves naturally which is often something that even the best slip up. I mean Ame thought Excadrill learned Stone Edge. I don't ask you to learn the Orbal table in trails (such as making Silver Thorn) so hey, I'll sometimes not realize stuff. I think Silver Thorn is 4 mirrage and 2 fire quartz. The whole Conk thing is a whatever as I have a belief to err on the too easy side in the early game then too hard. Not everyone playing the game is a Pokemon expert and you should help build them. Intense mode you can go more all out.

 

As for Zetta, that was a mess but I guess I could do a rewrite:

 

Zetta: So you all finally came. I wondered how long you'd keep your ole friend, Zetta hangin'

Melia: Who'd ever want to be friends with a creep like you?

Zetta: Ouch! Stuff like that hurts my nonexistent heart.

Valerie: Honestly, you two are acting like such children. What do you want?

Zetta: Nothing much. Just a little family bonding time.

Melia: If the professor wants to talk, forget it. Only family I need is right behind me.

Zetta: You don't get it, do you? After all this, you still remain our naive little princess.

Melia:  I know all about you and Team Xen's plans.

Zetta: Oh really! I know something you don't though. I'm willing to tell you if you beat me in a battle.

(group turns towards each other for a chat)

Valerie: This is obviously a trap, but I suppose we don't have any other leads so we may as well see where this leads us. If anything happens, we'll step in.

(turns back to Zetta)

Melia: Fine. I accept your challenge.

Zetta: Not you, [Player]! The damn kid is the reason I was trapped in that dimension so consider this payback.

Adam: Man, what did you do, [Player] to get so many people out to get you?

Braixen: How about you zip those lips and watch [Player] beat him?

Adam: Fine.

Zetta: Don't get so cocky. I'm much stronger than that pathetic excuse for a dimension Pokemon.

(Battle)

Zetta: Figures. I'd love to stay and chat, but it looks like my time up.

(Gets poofed away)

Melia: Damn. We can't let him get away.

(Everyone leaves)

Aelita: Hello? Did you guys forget I can't use Surf. Sigh...go on without me, [Player]. Hopefully, someone will come back to get me later.

 

(At lava pit)

Braixen: Well this is a hot mess.

Valarie: Not the time, Braixen.

Zetta: There's never a bad time to joke around. Though this does put a halt to our negotiations. The boss man wanted you to meet us at the peak.

Melia: So why don't you take us there?

Zetta: Too much work. Besides, you guys got bigger problems.

Melia: Explain.

Zetta: That'd ruin the fun, but since you did win the game I guess I have no choice. I am a man of my word. It was silly of you to bring all your big guns here. Nobody is left to take care of your precious little base.

Melia: I don't get it.

Braixen: Me neither.

Zetta: I forgot who I'm dealing with. For all the nincompoops here, we're attacking your ship on the shore as we speak. I wonder how many they killed by now. 5? 10? Maybe all of them.

Valarie: Dammit. So you were stalling us.

Zetta: And doing a fantastic job. Now you better hurry along to save little Timmy.

Valarie: I hate it, but he's right. We've got to back there pronto.

(Everyone but Melia and Player vanish)

Melia: I swear. We will be back and we will stop you.

Zetta: It's because of this 'we' that so many people are getting hurt. If you really cared about them, you'd leave them out of this.

Melia:...

Zetta: No reaction. Whatever. I got places to be and people to burn.

(Zetta Leaves)

Melia: Let's just go help the others.

 

***

I'm aware of some of the future plot points but not all of it. I'm not super satisfied with it, but hey, this is just demonstration stuff. If I was doing it for an official thing or really cared super deeply I'd reread and run an edit (and I'd need to know all the plot points). Also got an impression Zetta was the chill one of Xen. So now we have Forbidden Love, The Edge of France, Chilletta, Sad Madelis, and Nastmina. I'm not sure if that's better or worse than the original Xen.

 

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

 

Chapter 40: Melia-go-round

 

This is going to be a long talking one. Oh boy, we're at one of those chapter. So let's get started:

 

(This office is starting to...hold on I'm dying)

 

So for some reason whenever I was typing the clear editor kept coming in and out constantly. Whenever you post and image from a different site it comes out so those people probably know what I'm talking about. That was a funny little distraction. Hopefully, no more will pop up.

(I passed my one test I was studying for)

 

Oh yeah, that's why this part of the run came out so late. I was working on school stuff and cramming. Well not really cramming. Creating Hardcore/Redux does have its own benefits and perks.

(Aelita is probably sick of these meetings. We've been here for 8 days)

(The run is canceled?)

 

...I'm kidding. I may be slow but I probably won't cancel the run...despite my annoyances. I mean I still have 6 gym leaders after Crawli if I remember right so we still have a long ways to go. Halfway there though. Halfway there. Even though my goal is to pass Derog so I can read his run worry free

(Does that mean we'll send rangers instead?)

(Or we could I don't know send them back home)

(I VOLUNTEER!)

(I mean it's not like you're usefu...)

(PLEASE LET ME STAY!)

(At least he acknowledges his irrelevancy)

(We need the tank though. Someone has to protect the healer)

(Standing there and doing nothing is cool. Less annoying)

(Leave me behind with my rock. It's all cool)

(When you realize there are 4 gym leaders in this room and I only have one of their badges)

(Dammit, now I have to do work)

(So the only two people I like are leaving me. When did this become a soap opera)

(So we lost our brains and our brawn...we're screwed)

(I could go on a rant on this, but this is one battle I'll refrain)

(Hooray for not all characters talking. It makes things go faster)

(Uhhh buy the Item in the AP shot?)

(Or fly across it. Or just ride a Pokemon with fire typing)

(Hooray for conve...when will characters ever face the right way)

(I got nothing to joke about this. Lava surfing would be cool other than the whole dying part)

 

Someone find me a pic of a guy doing a drift on lava. There has to be something out there that did it.

(Good thing there's 3 gym leaders on the island who could give it to us)

(Or maybe just let us borrow yours for 5 minutes)

(Or give us a Pokemon with it?)

(Probably because there's no lava anywhere for like years)

(Or that. Should've called it Death Mountain for the Zelda Reference)

(Aelita really wants to leave)

(This is the Strength TM all over again, isn't it? I'll go get the beers)

(Yeah! We get to visit a new place)

(Of course. It's Akuwa...this game really likes recycling plot points, doesn't it?)

(I wonder what kind of books Crawli reads)

 

The moment you realize that was a stupid caption...

(Of course you don't. I'm guessing you have to give a chicken to a guy in the forest to get a hatchet so that you can find a giant to make a sword by giving him eye contacts kind of tedious)

(Rawr! So demanding)

(I probably will end up finishing this a day after this cap)

(This is about as awkward as high school where I had to stand behind my group of friends since I got tired of dodging everything)

(Warp pads are pretty useless imo since Terajuma is really small)

(Because fast travel doesn't exist)

 

I really don't think it'd be too hard to implement fast travel. The scripting part might be tedious, but being able to warp from town to town would be so helpful. Yeah, yeah I know fly does that but nobody gives fly early anymore. Reborn at least had a legit good reason not to.

(One of these days I'm just going to make a chapter of me doing rewrites of the entire dialogue of that chapter)

 

Well I liked Adam's slight development but that was more or less uneventful. Not bad. Not good. What a lot of this is.

(...Well this is also new. Why is Jan dialing back all the fun crazy stuff?)

 

So for those new here, the original of this scene took place quite a long while after this event and had said character swim across the whole ocean in rage. We actually do stop in Gearen City first but I can't remember everything. Most of what we're seeing is just added on dialogue. While I thought the swimming thing was silly, it was ridiculous enough for a laugh. I'd rather go back to that then whatever we have now and I thought that needed to be badly fixed which is saying something.

(I prefer the English version myself)

 

So for those who haven't played Rejuv and for some reason are first experiencing it in this run, the song that's being played is called Doggars where it reads off all the letters then yells Doggars which is the song that one poison gym leader in B2/W2 song. I forget her name. The Japanese version used Koffing's original name (for the song) while the English version used Pokemon. I'm really surprised the original wasn't the English version. Also they should bring that back in Gen VIII but I'm probably done being a Pokemon fan by that time so I won't know. I have 5 series with top priority, 8 which are on my watch and buy list, and 20 series I still need to try out a few games in. Pokemon is just one that doesn't interest me as much. Anyways, we're getting onto a tangent and would be on a long one if I talked about any of those on the list. Another series I still haven't played a game in is Suikoden.

 

Skipping the rest since it's meh dialogue. So many near pointless scenes in this segment and yet people say the bridge scene is the worst. 

(Screw you, let me sleep)

(At least let me find my bottom half. Being part ghost is hard)

 

Good advice for RMXP devs: make the sheet its own separate tile so that you can set it as always on top so you don't get this situation. It's a tad bit tedious but it'll look much nice. Either that or have the character on top of the bed. This just looks awkward but could make for a nice ghost visual effect.

(Maybe because I had to stay awake for a week straight afterwards)

 

I love how nonsensical this is. All my Pokemon do the work and I'm exhausted. Jan really has to lay off on that anime binging or whatever he's taken his inspirations from.

(I couldn't screw it up any more than I have even if I tried)

(Great until you showed up)

(More explanations. I preferred it back when gym leaders told me this stuff after I got their badge)

 

Glorifying HM importance in the plot really hurts it imo. We've gone through two of many conversations on this thing and it's far, far from over. I may flack on the whole Strength HM quest, but it was pretty brief in which Victoria says Cain is going after Kiki for it then we follow shortly after for the same reason. Doesn't get mentioned again until after beating her. That's it. It's mentioned twice if I remember right. I get why it has to be done here but it's whatever. As long as this is the end of Magma Drift discussion I'm fine.

(This couldn't be explained before because...)

(Everyone here is a nincompoop)

(The badge that teach it is now gone?)

(And we have two here in this village. That's an easy solution)

(Maybe if I became a gym leader all our problems would be solved then. I'll gladly replace the steel one)

(Given everyone's typing and choices, I'd say an issue for all of us)

(And here we have it)

 

And there's the irony there. The solution to all the issues is that game logic clashes with story logic. Flying over the small pit is very doable but there's actually a bigger issue with an active volcano. Heat and CO2. Both of those will kill you off very quickly if the lava doesn't. I'm no expert on it but flying over lava is risky yet it never gets mentioned. In fact, it makes you wonder why a whole army doesn't fly over the peak. It makes no sense and just gets ignored entirely. There's so many easy solutions to explain this. It's dangerous and risky without being able to traverse across lava so this should be a last resort and since their target is Melia, they likely aren't going to do something to Nim so it's better to plan then to rush in. Her backup plan would be to have a number of them fly in. Basically, they need time to prep so the Player working on getting the TM isn't a bad idea while on the way. Not that complicated to fix.

(How about you give me the sixth then? I mean Maria's badge is probably different then yours)

(Yes, and we have three gym leaders. Just let me challenge Adam and we'll be done and over)

(Of course it's never that easy)

(Well it's a bug leader. This will be an easy badge)

 

So I know people said the V6 version of Crawli was way too easy, but that actually was my favorite bug leader battle that I faced. Yes, I liked that one more than both variations of Shelly. Difficulty was just right for the time even if I was like the only one who really struggled. Really nailed the gimmicks to make the fight interesting at least for weaker teams like mine was.

(I feel less safe when I'm with you and Aelita. My chance of death drastically increases)

(Teenagers with their damn music. Some of us are trying to sleep)

(Okay this element is getting to be quite annoying)

 

Remember how I said it feels like the dev thinks we're idiots? It's the use of being unnaturally specific so that players have no way of getting lost. So many times the game just flat out tells you what to do or need to do instead of being a little vague. Like how the bloody heck would Melia know it was next door and not two doors down. I could see the arguments someone could figure it out, but hey

(I liked the original version so much better)

 

In the original Melia decided to go and meet said person next door which kind of made more sense as Melia longed to see an old friend. I'll let all these scenes play out but then I'll jump back into this. It's fun because I get to play and show off one of my favorite games to explain it.

(It's gotta be my 3rd least favorite character in the game.)

 

Aelita, you moved up 3rd to 4th least favorite. Keep going and I might end up saying you're meh.

(Yeah. No. We're leaving)

 

So fun little glitch is that the song plays while you're outside in the hall the first but then stops. I'm not sure if it's possible but it'd be cool to make the song louder the closer you are to the door. Yes, I know it's possible, but I don't know how much work is needed as changing the volume might restart the song. Anyways, let's meet a new team member:

(I was thinking about cars when naming it)

(You know, Magneton kind of looks like a chemical symbol)

 

And here's someone everyone forgot:

(It's been a long time, old friend. Welcome back)

 

And we're still not done as we have another temporary member as well:

(Do you know Dewey?)

 

Agate, Auto, and Dewey were all trained up for use later on since Exp is a lot easier to gain. I'm mostly using Magneton since I don't want to use Electrode or Raichu leaving my options limited.

(Probably in braille)

 

With that little distraction out of the way, let's get this over with. I don't want to but will.

(K-I-L-L-M-E)

(Knowing the plot, I'm pretty sure that's a legal disc)

(...........Yeah...........I didn't miss this)

 

As much as I hate Melia, she at least has some redeeming qualities. Venam doesn't...Please don't make me relive that.

(I am an agent of chaos though)

(Sigh....somebody just kidnap me here and now)

(I know. It's a tragedy she lived)

(She's the main character. She's the only safe from death)

(Can't say the same for me)

(Can I leave now? Please?)

(I will get into explaining that later as well)

(Funny enough, she still pretty much is. Like how did she develop...if you know what I mean)

(No, I really don't think you would)

 

This is another contradiction in Melia's character, but it's more of a lie and I really hope it is purposely supposed to be a lie. Believe me, this is the one thing

(Well that was about as climatic as the Zetta fight here)

(Somehow. She somehow remained the same. I don't know how)

(Maybe being booted through the roof gave her enough brain damage)

(Irl: since version 4 came out. In-game: 4 or so months)

(I wouldn't say recently...I mean honestly who though Melia was dead.)

 

If you somehow thought Melia was dead, you really need to play more stuff because that is the biggest pitfall most people fall into. Fake early game deaths are so common it's not even funny. I have my own rule of thumb: If a character is stated dead, they either are dead, or reappear rather quickly. There can be rulebreakers and should be rulebreakers but with this idea down it grounds the concept of death and keeps the impact it had. I mentioned before you need to establish ground rules in your world and not deviate from them. Rejuv did and now we have this beautiful mess.

(Does that clock say 4 O'Clock? Never noticed that until now)

(Why do people like Venam again?)

 

I get the whole teenage rebellion design but it just never did it for me. I mean Venam cranks it up to an 11 which a lot of characters who have a quirk exaggerated it to the point it becomes the character themselves. Name one characteristic or thing Venam did that didn't involve her being a spoiled teenager. The game also treats it like it's completely okay. Seriously, how do...I'm not going into Venam as Venam is an awful character that just frustrates me. I would defend Aelita or Melia before Venam. Yes, Melia. The more I look at her character the worse she gets. And she's one of the main characters. Bleh, moving on. Please move on.

(Remember about the time we were in a rush because Xen was threatening to kill our friend if we don't hurry? Yeah, me neither)

(I'm done. I'm not screencapping this shit. Instead you'll get emoticons and faces. That way we all can be happy)

(-_-)

( X.X)

(>.<)

(How does someone mistake a whiny teenager for a man?)

($_$)

(  )

()

()

()

()

()

()

()

()

()

()

()

( + )

()

()

()

()

( + )

()

()

()

()

()

 

Sorry if they're small. I don't really want to change the font size for every single one. Anyways, I get to log on to steam and play an old favorite of mine. It's such a good source material for explaining stuff. And...it's actually hard to find good NPC dialogue from the first game but here's just some examples:

 

Skies FC (contains spoilers)

 

Spoiler

Just as a small note these people you can talk to way before the event that takes place and they'll say very different things.

 

 

 

 

Cold Steel I (Pretty much spoiler free):

 

Spoiler

 

This is the one to pay attention to:

(You can go back to ignore mode now)

 

 

I wanted to bring the first one up as an example of NPCs changing dialogue to react to something instead of not caring. In fact, every place you visit in the Kiseki series has NPCs who usually end up acting more like characters than party members do in some RPGs. And it's done in very little dialogue. The best part is despite not seeing most of the chapter you can probably piece together what happened in the first one which is why I said spoiler. Cold Steel is a little bit more on what I was saying. You never have to talk to a single one of these characters yet they get introduced and you get to know them and their traits rather quickly to follow their storylines. Some of them are rather interesting as you dive into their daily lives. This actually is pretty much the minimum I expect from the main cast of Rejuv since we're with them a long time.

 

So what's the difference here? First off, I just spend like 20 pics going through and making emoticons for captions on a rather pointless conversation. With an 8th of that time, I've shown information and personalities from multiple characters who do the same thing Venam and Melia did just there. If someone suggests to you to add more dialogue to solve a solution, then they probably don't know what they are advising you. Adding more dialogue should only be done to expand and explain something very unclear but needed. It's better to leave that as optional then. It's probably more important to rewrite dialogue to shorten its length. I cannot emphasize that enough and while I do ramble and repeat in the run, this is just more of me displaying unfiltered thoughts. There's so much content in Terajuma where I go "Why is this even here?" which in a way makes it worse than Blacksteeple. And I doubt the issue is going to go away soon.

(It's raining, there's a Phione, and there's a man trying to bride a tree. Life is weird, man)

(That guy really wants in that tree's wood)

(...........I'm like the driest and cringiest pun maker on Reborn and that's even one I'd never use)

 

"And that is not the only bug I spotted. It seems my old rival has come to ruin my catch. Come, grasshopper. I must spread your blood on the dance floor."

 

.....Actually, that would be in-character for Rorim to fight us without thinking or listening.

(Reminds me of Henry writing)

 

So one of my specialties and probably one a few old RP players will remember me for is what I call jerk writing. This is for characters who try to find ways to irritate or annoy other characters just to get under their skin and often think of themselves as the superior. Pretty easy one to learn and master, but hard to work with without having skills with multiple characters. Don't let me RP a character for too long or I might start acting like them more or picking up habits. Anyways, it pretty much just takes practices until you get a character down though some characters I just cannot write for the life of me such as Florinia. Robotic speak with high level vocabulary is just something I'll never be able to do.

(Wait, did I really just sum this up in one line? Huh. That was unintentional)

(...And we're about to get a joke singles fight in 3...)

(2...)

(That's not singles)

 

So...being a ding-dong I didn't take that many pictures as I thought this fight was going to be a joke. Yeah, he has a Volcarona which was Crawli's ace. Rorim is what I treat as a regular trainer battle and for some reason he had one of the best bugs (close to being the best) in the game and we're not even in the 50s. It's like Luna with T-tar. Even if it's not tough, it's a mental freakout which you brain reacts accordingly. I didn't have my normal team since I thought this would be easy...then I just brought back Walter and it was.

(Yes, I lost the first time)

(Even then Volc does okay damage. Joker is kind of frail)

(And for some reason Ludicolo doesn't have Swift Swim...I think)

(I don't think I need to explain this)

 

I appreciate the idea but...I honestly have nothing to say about this fight. It's a cool idea but you pretty much are either over-prepared since Rock Type obliterates any of his main threats or under-prepared as one QD from Volc pretty much can make it an auto lose due to dancer. There really isn't a middle ground where you can say "Oh wow, that was a really good an intense fight" which is fine. That's more of a fault in the overall Pokemon battle system then a battle design fault. It happens.

 

But I'm sad to say that the shadow sudowoodo is no more and there's no way of catching that Shadow. Not unless we had the power to travel back in time...I wonder...

(Joker is surprisingly tanky)

(So is Auto)

(And the whole reason we did this)

(And yes, I think that is a really cool design and why I fought him again)

(Albedo is still relevant as well)

 

Yep, I went back to V9 just to get a single Pokemon. I have no shame...even if I lost all those achievements now. Yep, they reset.

(At least he isn't as tedious to find now)

 

I'll admit it was a nice change to put him back in Terajuma instead of him appearing here then teleporting back to Goldenwood without explanation. Really though, the old location didn't bother me at all and wasn't that tedious. Moving on though:

(Dad, you need to lay off those grudges)

(As long as it's under 5k Poke, I'm okay with that)

(Remember the good old days where if we say a gym, we ran in and got a badge? Now you have to go out of your way to find them and drag their ass back for the medal. You should get a badge just for doing that alone)

 

Skipping the dialogue since it's more of the same:

(Oh hey, new area unlocked)

(...It wouldn't be called a secret if it were easy to find)

(I couldn't even if I tried)

(In other words....wait for it....bug off!)

 

And after working my ass off in the cold hard rain, I return to this:

(I could imagine the player having a "are you kidding me" face on them. I would be pissed off too)

(I'm going back to emoticons again: )

()

()

()

()

()

()

()

()

(Remember when Valarie was relevant? Neither do I)

 

I love how the game is written to forcifully include so many characters then they all just disappear. Pretty much for a long while. Great writing. Couldn't have done it better myself.

(And we're back to contradictions in Melia...I love those)

 

More on that later. You'll have fun rereading these sections to really understand it better.

(Select choice:

  Let her join

  Don't let her join

>Let her join, but leave Melia behind

)

(Gee. I wonder if there is something else really important we should also do while we're at it. Not like we don't have 100 hungry mouths to feed or anything)

(We could bloody drop them off at Sheridan if we're in that much of a hurry)

(You probably shouldn't be yelling the secret we're trying to hide from everyone right by the rangers)

(...So much of this dialogue wouldn't be here if the player could talk)

(It's...pretty much Gearen City but less exciting)

Okay, I think we've finally hit my breaking point on this subject. So here's a serious thing: do you want me to completely remove any scenes where it's more or less a complete repeat of the dialogue because as much fun as it is to make captions while annoyed, I think it's just wasting everyone's time at this point. It's not like I could say anything that hasn't been said, it takes time to write and post it, and we're seeing it so much. Basically all I'd do is skip 10-20 pics and just give a note what it was about before moving on. I'd like to hear thoughts as it's about the same time to include as it is to read and skip them, but it'd only be for scenes not contributing to anything.

(I'm the new captain of this ship. Captain Black Mander of the 8 leaves, 1 shore)

(Yes, and you will take me there now)

(...Are we really skipping Gearen City? That's new)

(...We could have just skipped all that dialogue and got to here...lovely)

 

So just a little note is that you can talk to Augustus here and now regain access to Gearen City and all the previous areas. You really only have to fight Zetta and Rorrim to regain access which is nice. It means only Valarie is a big mess now.

(Will I ever get out of this damn rain? My coat and perfected locks will never be the same after this)

(At least there's not snow on the ground and I'm freezing my ass off or burning to death in the jungle)

(So you finally noticed your own stench. Took long enough)

(.......What's the worse that could happen? Get dirt on your boots? Actually, that sounds like torture)

(And by cautious go every way that looks dangerous)

(Oh hey, it's a Slug. I shall name you Sir Pearl of the Northern Marsh)

(You must flee this land, Sir Pearl. I sense my inner demons about to be freed)

(Hold up. How the...)

 

No matter how you put it, this doesn't make any sense as there's no way the impact of the explosion would launch machines this far out. If it was that impacting then the whole volcano would have erupted and it would have been bye-bye Sheridan. Also RIP all those Pokemon in the place then...that's kind of morbid. We had to have slaughtered at least 30 of them. Are we sure we're the good guys?

 

Skipping dialogue because screw this scene:

(Sums up pretty much what she was saying)

(I guess that too)

(...I totally would be okay if she never showed up again. Crescent Machina is liked by nobody)

(......................I'm not even going to try to comprehend this)

(.....I swear whoever is writing this is just trying to think of all the lines that probably sound cool with little thought. They aren't Brits.)

 

I have nothing against Brits. I just think that phrase is weird coming out of Melia which kind of came out of nowhere.

.........Also as a little note:

 

Spoiler

(I came back for him later. Yes. That exact one.)

 

For now, we must leave my trusty steed behind. He is too precious to be tainted with such sinful displays.

(FINALLY! Do you know how long I've been waiting for this?)

(Also, who would have guessed Ren would be good at business of all things)

(...Pretty sure after everything that happened, nobody would be in a good mood)

(LMAO! Never change, Ren. Never change. Doesn't even realize there's intruders)

(Hi. I know this is awkward, but please come back. I need an intelligent person to talk to. One that acknowledges my presence)

(He's not good at this whole evil thing, I see.)

(I'd say more like sold his soul, but whatever)

(That's about the reaction I'd expect from him)

(...Welcome to the real world where truths are all but lies)

(When you realize you have the shortest hair in the group)

(Well said, Aelita. Well said)

(I'm just trying to hold it in right now)

(Aren't you being a little hypocritical there, Melia?)

(I'm pretty much the only one who didn't think that)

(And Ren just got his first rejection)

(Why don't you have Mr. Biceps on the left and Freddy Vigor on the right assist you?)

(Don't worry, Ren. You can take her. She's a pushover)

(...Ren, I can assist you if you want. We are dealing with a Togekiss with unlimited power so you may need help)

(Seems like Ren has finally started to become a man, but sadly that day is still far away)

(Oh look, the game autosaved...how convenient)

 

So about that autosave...I'm not really a fan of it. Sure it'd save you a lot of progress, but then there's the issue if a player wants to backtrack and now can't due to that. I know the whole multiple saves thing but it's just a little note. I'm not really sure how it works either.

(So are we just going to leave these totally not stolen from another game Vigoroth alone?)

(A little?)

(I'm gonna go with the left...I think that's Elekid)

 

As a side note: Right is better as Magmar is so much better than Electabuzz. No idea why the Magmarizer and Electirizer are so damn late. I may mod one in if people really want to see me use Electivire since it technically is legal.

 

Also, that is the scene I was waiting for and I'll get into it in a minute but I want to clear everything else out of the way first such as this:

(Yeah, I'm not sure if I'll use him or not. Electabuzz is kind of worthless though...or mine is anyways)

(You must be a turtle then because I was exploring the outside and running from all those Slugma and Voltorbs)

(I'm going to give that a big pass)

(...You are slowly warming up to me. You know what I'm in a good mood. You're now into the okay characters range. Welcome to the not terrible group)

 

So thankfully we can also go to the East Side now (I don't think that was possible until after finishing this place in earlier versions)

(I think this was the Baltoy and the other side had a Masquerain)

 

If you were completely locked out of the other side though, I would say go for the left side no question. Masquerain is easily a better prize than Magmar. And remember it got a pretty significant buff in Gen VII making it even stronger.

 

Another thing I did before continuing was use this little exploit in the game. So whenever you switch versions, the game resets the achievements obtained. However, I believe the points are stored elsewhere so you don't get your points wiped. So if you continuously switch between versions you could gain an infinite amount of AP to get all the rewards. Even better is that the achievements increase after a certain amount so the points gained increased to 4 > 5 > 6 and so on. I may have used that to get all the items. Technically both legal and illegal. I'm still going to use the HMs on the Pokemon out of novelty, but now I have a lazy method if needed. I may have also gotten a certain TM (cough Sludge Bomb) way earlier due to it.

 

Now let's talk about the Ren scene:

 

If you think I'm going to go on a rant about how bad it is, that's actually not a bad guess but completely wrong. I'm going to sound absolutely crazy, but this is by far one of the best executed scenes in the game and rather masterfully done now. There's one detail removed that was there originally, but we'll talk about that in a minute and where that plays out. This scene for this game and how it fits in the story is awful. It's really a tragedy as it's outside factors that ruin it. So if you see this as an awful scene after I explain it all, I am not going to disagree with you. For those who want to see this in a new and better light, sit back and enjoy this analysis of a mary sue:

 

So to understand who Melia is we have to trace our steps all the way back to the very beginning. Before the incident in goldenwood. Before the player arrived. We start with a shattered mirror. It is a mirror with all the answers yet we can only see small bits. Jenner is a man who has sided with terrorist and took on the job of being a caretaker for a child which is a tool they needed. His job was simply fatten up a pig to be slaughtered. He, like most parents do, grew attached to this child to the point he felt she was his own kin. She accelerated in knowledge learning advanced engineering that many high schoolers would struggle to even understand, and became well qualified to earn a spot as a gym leader. This environment and learning gave something Team Xen didn't want: a girl who could think and act on her own and would doing so.

 

Jenner had a change of heart in which he couldn't let his daughter be turned into the tool that he was in charge of creating. Just like Neved, he was willing to do things against his goals and morals for the sake of his daughter. He knew what was to come and as a final act, he created the snag machine as a means for Melia to protect and fight against them. That wouldn't be enough though, he likely though, so he decided it might be wise to send someone else. There were only two people who could be trusted with this: Ren and the Player. While Ren was a close friend who was responsible (unlike Venam) and would do anything to protect Melia, time was not on Jenner's hands. The player was the only one close in the room and had to be trusted. He knew Xen hadn't corrupted a foreigner and they seemed like a do gooder so he took that gamble and sent them to help Melia. It's been too long to tell if it's intentional or not, but Jenner did everything in his power to help.

 

Up until Goldenwood, Melia would best be described as perfect. In her eyes, there was little that could make her life any better. She was off to a high ranking job, she was more intelligent than the average person, she had some really good friends, and she had powers and abilities nobody else had. While she may shrug it off, it likely made her feel good people were jealous of her and her powers such as attracting shiny Pokemon. There is nothing wrong with this, but it is set up like the player is supposed to like the and they are a great person. Even in Goldenwood, Melia was still the perfect girl being able to look at herself in the mirror and be happy.

 

Nobody is perfect and soon Melia would learn the truth of her happiness. The girl in the mirror was nothing more than a lie. Everything about her was a lie and everything she ever did was simply a lead up to be used as a tool. She looked into that mirror again and now she saw nothing more than a thing for people to use...except for the player. The player knew nothing about her so there was no way they could be using her, but tragedy struck and the two got separated. That is when the roles of Tiempa and Spacia come in and we don't know what exactly they did, but that leads us up to Blacksteeple.

 

It's funny how a girl meant to be used as a tool became a tool of someone else. We don't know what that duo did, but they set her with a new goal and resolve in mind: stop Team Xen. While the mirror may be cracked, the girl behind it is still there. Melia succeeded in her true goal: finding out the truth. Nothing else mattered. The people there were just people, but their souls would help Team Xen so she needed them out of there to stop them. Losing one soul was a minor issue, but hardly mattered since so many others were saved. Her focus on finding out about the tower was much more important and her getting all the info possible was what she called a success. There was no failure in losing a single life. She didn't even know the woman. Just notice how she reacts about the death compared to the others. Everyone else is trying to support and push the player forward to help overcome this loss.

 

This accomplishment really stroked her ego of being superior to everyone else. The fact that she stopped Madame X gave her the belief she was rightfully fit to order others without question. She also managed to trick and fool the best of Xen letting her to believe she's better than Xen and they are simply easy to pick off fools. She was already better than everyone else if not faultless. She didn't need anyone else either which is why she was going to continue her journey alone, but fate would not have that as we hit Terajuma. With Saki missing, Melia took responsibility and lead the group to look for her. We can assume the reason Valarie didn't take the lead roll was simply not to get into conflict with Melia over decisions made.

 

This leads into the return of Team Xen members Geara, Zetta, and Jenner. Melia can't help but show disgusts towers her father since all he did was prep her to be used as a tool. She lashes out of anger and frustration for perhaps being stripped of her perfect life and happiness. The shattered mirror is a void that cannot be filled and anything that reminds of her of that is a frustration. She's not even able to listen to reason and it blinds her. So much that she ends up making a mistake: getting careless and letting Nim get captured. This is the first time she questions her superiority and her power. She failed which leads to that bridge scene. This is the first failure she had and the first thing she feels accountable. Aelita jumps in and tells her to get over it because they can all fix this together. This is where Melia becomes a bit more trusting and letting others join in and help her.

 

Unfortunately, that ended up being a mistake. Being stronger than Zetta made her cocky thinking of him as being nothing more than a mere weak grunt. That's something Zetta tries to comment on saying she's blind to the truth and that they are bigger and stronger than she thinks Team Xen is. This was all simply a means to get her to break down and surrender seeing as the more they wait, the more people are going to get hurt. This puts Melia in a tight spot which she only has one choice: keep everyone but the player out of this mess. She realizes she needs help but people are going to get hurt which is why she's pushing for the player to get Lava Drift. These doubts make her start being a bit more careful.

 

It does leave us with the contradiction with little explanation. She acts with a sense of duty, but also act like a careless girl around Venam. I mean she is still a little girl and sometimes people break out of the mature role when close to someone else. So we'll simply keep that as the explanation for now. Pretty much Melia is a broken little girl who was desperate to find a purpose after being found out she was a tool. The role given to her is to use her powers and greatness to stop Xen maybe even giving her an impression she was a goddess or chosen one. Her failings do help ground her a little bit more, but the mold is still there which is where we get to Ren.

 

We don't know exactly why Ren joined Team Xen's side, but I don't think it's because of the Player. I hope not. Ren really didn't have anything left so Crescent perhaps approached him and he asked a certain question: "How do you revive the dead?" Perhaps Crescent didn't know the exact answer, but she could have told them if it were possible then Team Xen would likely find a way given the importance of Melia. So perhaps he joined Xen as a means to bring back the dead. You would be surprised at the extremes one would go to bring back the dead. Some are willing to turn into a monster themselves to do so. Oh? You didn't know Ren was in love with Melia? It's not a surprising fact and he likely took the death way harder then Venam.

 

Now I can explain the Ren scene. Ren is simply following orders when he discovers a truth: Melia is alive. He is in disbelief and perhaps angry towards Nastasia. While what he was doing was wrong, he wanted to explain to Melia he was doing it for her. Melia would not have it. She simply has a belief that she is above others and even if someone else was doing what she did, they are in the wrong and are evil. We don't know Ren's reasons, but we do know Melia viewed him as being the same as Xen: a murdering terrorist wanting to use her as a tool. Reason and logic aren't going to reach her and she demands Ren fight so he understands that. This ultimately throws Ren from a shaky middle ground into Team Xen's hands. With Melia hating him, he finally has nothing left. All he can really do is follow orders because if he ignores them, he's as good as dead given our heroes aren't going to help him.

 

We do have an issue with the explanation and thus the contradiction: we never see Melia demonstrate superiority directly and often dialogue is directed at her either being nice or giving orders. Everyone in the group is her friend. That leads to a whole bunch of issues if this true. Then if it's not, then try to explain her being a hypocrite to Ren. She's smart enough to realize the truths yet she doesn't. This should have been the focus of this arc but nope, we gotta have everyone talk about random pointless stuff and everyone has to get along. Now imagine the jungle exploration, but with Adam or Braixen with a little back talk on Melia's attitude. It would at least give insight that she's not exactly the best person in the crowd to be with.

 

So let's answer an age old question: Is Melia a Mary Sue? Yes. However, this recent segment is what we call the deconstruction of a Mary Sue. So what this does is simply take a character which fits the Mary Sue archetype and ends up changing them and molding them into a different character usually as a means to ground them. If done right, this can turn an awful character into an amazing one. It honestly would have turned Melia into a very interesting nature, but the writer's were too worried she'd be unlikable so she keeps her same Sue traits as before acting leaving us with a character with a lot of faults but nobody accepting them as faults leaving us back where we started. I would really need to reanalyze all of the dialogue again, but this just gives you an idea of what the episode could have been about instead of:

 

Melia: We're going to do this

Aelita: Yeah, let's do that

Valarie: I'm going with you

Braixen: Me too

Adam: I'm a rock

Crawli: (After this meeting, I'm getting far away from all these idiots as possible)

 

I know it's a little short, but I'm going to end the episode here since that's a lot to digest. And no, I still don't like Melia, but at least she's a hell of a lot more interesting to study than like...most of the cast. Also somehow gave myself more appreciation for Ren. Now I shall ride Sir Pearl into the sunset. 

[DemICE]

1 hour ago, Commander said:

Remember how I said it feels like the dev thinks we're idiots? It's the use of being unnaturally specific so that players have no way of getting lost.

After watching  most Poketubers playing reborn, I can see where is jan coming from. 

1 hour ago, Commander said:

Like how the bloody heck would Melia know it was next door and not two doors down.

If it was  3 Doors Down though i would know right away 

 

I like that the new team for Rorim B  is themed around him being a dancer. The rain nerfs the Volcarona so it isn't as overwhelming, so you only need to look out for  quiver dance boosts.

 

Wow that was some huge  Melia-Ren analysis.  Admirable.  I never bothered to sit down and connect all that together on my own, so it was actually a favor being done to me.  So in the end are you concluding that Melia being the mary sue she was till this point was justified?

 

By the way now that there is access to the rest of the map again are you going to dedicate a section  for  sidequesting/exploring?

[Dex]

All this for a TM so we can actually start to rescue Nim. . . . she should treat you to meal after all this is done all things considered. 

 

Once again, I think you may be the person I've ever seen play this game to actually like Ren. I like your explanation of Ren's actions, especially since you never quite get to the point of defending them. Understanding yes, defending no. At the end of the day, this young man has wedded himself to a group of terrorists that likely has a great deal of blood on their hands. It will at least be interesting to see how his arc goes from here. Also those Vigoroths kinda kill the mood of the scene, be kinda funny if you could battle them though. 

 

 

 

[Commander]

On 9/22/2018 at 7:37 AM, DemICE said:

After watching  most Poketubers playing reborn, I can see where is jan coming from. 

If it was  3 Doors Down though i would know right away 

 

I like that the new team for Rorim B  is themed around him being a dancer. The rain nerfs the Volcarona so it isn't as overwhelming, so you only need to look out for  quiver dance boosts.

 

Wow that was some huge  Melia-Ren analysis.  Admirable.  I never bothered to sit down and connect all that together on my own, so it was actually a favor being done to me.  So in the end are you concluding that Melia being the mary sue she was till this point was justified?

 

By the way now that there is access to the rest of the map again are you going to dedicate a section  for  sidequesting/exploring?

Uh to answer all of that: I'm sorry I place more faith in people's competence then what is displayed. I'm actually what most people would consider pretty bad at video games compared to most people I know which is saying something. So if I can figure it out and do it while the average person can't...that's like really, really sad. Also, I walked straight into that one. Maybe I should head to the backstreet to meet the boys instead.

 

For Volcarona, it's more of a mental factor then an actual difficulty. How about I put it a different way: let's say you're fighting an RPG where you meet a boss that is a huge dragon. You'd expect for it to be a long and hard fight, but in reality it dies in a hit or two as it has the same stats as a normal random weak enemy. That's exactly the mentality that kind of goes on with Volcarona. While it's not super powerful, it has been treated as such and often treated like a Pseudo in Gen V.

 

Also having a mary sue is not okay. The reason the term came up is because people really dislike those characters and traits. They aren't well done and often give off a mediocre impression to the point it can ruin a game. Yeah, a story can ruin the game. It's just the fact that a character can be redeemed if a writer puts forth the effort and learns how to counter the mary sue traits to make the character more enjoyable to see or be displayed. And also, this segment is worse than Blacksteeple. Less annoying to comment on, but everything is just so weak. This analysis is just based on my knowledge and trying to fill gaps that the dev probably won't answer or flesh out well. I'm mostly saying Melia could have been easily redeemed and even an interesting character with great payoff but oh boy post Crawli is going to be fun from what I've seen (sorry I like Derog's run so I spoil myself).

 

As for sidequests, I will have a chapter covering a bunch of them post Crawli. And...I get to show you a book called Carnelia...mostly because I don't have a good save on hand for Gambler Jack or the Doll Knights.

On 9/24/2018 at 11:48 AM, Dex said:

All this for a TM so we can actually start to rescue Nim. . . . she should treat you to meal after all this is done all things considered. 

 

Once again, I think you may be the person I've ever seen play this game to actually like Ren. I like your explanation of Ren's actions, especially since you never quite get to the point of defending them. Understanding yes, defending no. At the end of the day, this young man has wedded himself to a group of terrorists that likely has a great deal of blood on their hands. It will at least be interesting to see how his arc goes from here. Also those Vigoroths kinda kill the mood of the scene, be kinda funny if you could battle them though. 

I...thought you added something in an edit but maybe that was the bridge scene in an older comment. Memory is foggy so it was probably that.

 

So something I don't talk enough about is that most people don't care about story or character depth and really only like characters based on their looks and face value. Ren really doesn't have any of those as he looks so plain and without studying his character all he simply grinds down to is a whiny teenager who defected to the other side for some reason. And honestly I feel Ren SHOULD be the weakest character in this cast but he's not. If I had all the time in the world I probably could do a full rewrite of the plot to better balance it or at least fix some of these messes. Most of it isn't even hard fixes...just so many simple things that should have been avoided in the first place.

 

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

 

Chapter 41: This has been buggin' me for a while

 

(And we take a short break cleaning shop)

 

If a game offers me an exploit to make my life easier, I was going to take it, like I said. Besides, I had to go back and heal in case of a surprise fight...which turns out there was a heal right by anyways. Don't you love it when you backtrack for nothing.

(What kind of computer terminal is that?)

(...Missed opportunity for a witty line)

 

...Seriously, could have said anything witty or amusing but we just gotta keep Team Xen as plain as possible. Oh yeah, who knows what way my mood will swing by the end of this.

(So, you're throwing a temper tantrum? ...Don't do this to me game. Please don't do this to me)

(You know I would like having a hover chair like that. Make me look 20% cooler)

(If only that green stuff under had animations but tis the world of budgeting)

(...At least he knows his place)

(Ren probably realized he was nothing more than a goon at this point)

(Yes and like 3 other people are the only ones who believed that)

(Okay, time out)

 

What did they mean by quite some time? Is it implied they knew she was alive before Blacksteeple or is this simply the discussion about knowing due to that reveal. I know it's probably the latter, but the former choice honestly would be more interesting as if she knew, why didn't she tell Madame X? I said Nastasia pretty much gives off the leader vibes and would probably be a better character if Madame X didn't exist but that's a behemoth I don't feel like tackling today. Well I'll at least tackle one subject: what even is the point of introducing Xen this early?

 

We've had all this time seeing Xen so you'd think we'd know quite a bit about them and their purpose, but not really. Someone here want to tell me all the backstories and drives for Xen to do what they do? What about how they create all those Deoxys? Or how about the point of creating Dimension Pokemon or collecting souls? Or the whole Shadow Pokemon mechanic? I hate throwing Reborn at you, but it's one of the few games a majority of readers here played: do you want to know when you find out Team Meteor's goal? First episode to get an idea and the fourth episode for their primary goal. Most antagonist groups are very established within their first appearance and you have a deep understanding of why you have to stop them. Xen is so vague that thinking back I'm not even sure why they appear so much. When your goal is killing people for the sake of killing people it kind of gets old fast.

(It's because you're a goon. You only follow orders, not ask questions)

(...I'll just let Not Kamina answer)

(Sigh...if only you had a personality and character. I might have actually liked talking about you)

(Madelis has some crazy design fetishes. Can she make anything practical?)

(...couldn't you just call Lovrina? I mean she did do a good job of finishing Ein's work...even if Ein was cooler)

(You and everyone else, Ren.)

(He's actually aware...)

 

You know thinking on that, why aren't we allowed to snatch other Pokemon from them? I mean in Orre it made sense as the focus was to capture only Pokemon with tainted hearts as they were dangerous but here they are just kind of random. I mean we all remember that Makuhita attacking the player after all so as a means of saving the region he did something illegal for everyone's safety. He did steal Pokemon from normal folks as well. I know it's just a mechanic that really shouldn't be there at this point but oh well.

(Hooray for pointless explanations to justify a pointless mechanic)

(Let me guess: you only want their energy or something)

(Would be really cool if Pokemon these guys used before became sha...oh wait)

 

Another issue with adding Shadow Pokemon is the fact that you can't have them in doubles...for some reason. I know there's probably an easy fix but I really liked the idea of using one Pokemon's turn to throw a Poke Ball and the other one to take an action or heal. Someone should really work on adding or...oh wait Essentials is gone. Games aren't going to die out completely but the rate fan-games are being made should go down. I'm not going to really say much on takedowns other than there's logic behind both sides doing what they do and it's two wrongs and both are immoral.

(What's up with this lost, sassy child?)

(Really should make a better security system. This makes Sirius look more competent)

(...Pretty sure Ren is a hobo)

(There wasn't much to begin with...what even was the point of this place again?)

(You don't say)

(If we don't talk for 20 minutes or let me rant it all up for hours)

(...Could have been executed better but okay)

 

An issue here is that basically all of this is never mentioned again and it really should. Melia is the leader after all and...eh, let's just get to the fight and finish this.

(........You don't say)

(Let's face it: a turtle could escape from these idiots)

(She's at this perfect angle. If I have SEC use a Flamethrower, it'd be a 2-for-1)

(He's not wearing his serious suit. Must not be a serious issue)

 

Remember the time characters remained consistent...I don't either. Then again, what kind of character was Nastasia even established to be? That'll at least be something interesting to talk about.

(...how has Crawli not found out about this place? It had to be here for months)

(.........If you have no deed, it's allowed or what the street folks call "I don't see your name on it")

(I think it's an improvement. Less boring copy and paste cave scenes)

(These guys make me look like I progress fast. Which means that turtle is probably in South America)

(Or in the words of our street friends: "Fuck off")

(This is what happens when you put two monotonous characters in an argument)

(How I feel about this plot at times)

 

First off, there's no point in having us here the whole conversation and I'd rather have jumped in mid conversation. Also there were so many great ways to play out the scene and I really don't see how you could just end up like this:

 

Crawli: You have no right to build on my property.

Nastasia: So that's what they meant by a crazy green hermit. Run along, pest. I have places to be.

Crawli: Not a chance. I'm going to make you pay for ruining my place.

Nastasia: Just one time I'd like for an idiot to not get in the way of my plans. (Turns to see the other group) Oh look, all the sources of my pain and suffering are here. Ren, do whatever you want with them while I take care of this business.

 

Not my best dialogue but you get the idea. I always imagine Nastasia basically being done with this whole thing after people have gotten in the way numerous times ruining her plans. She even has to do Madelis's work to boot so I'd figure she'd be very annoyed by now.

(...Don't tempt me to drop this run)

(I really should have done a cliche line counter. Wonder how big it would be by now)

(If I offer Melia as a sacrifice, can I go home? I just want the badge)

(Do you really want me to answer that? I didn't think so)

(Battle time! At least it isn't Gunk Shot Gren Ren)

(...It's a good thing I taught Joker Signal Beam)

(Of course it's Sashed. Why wouldn't it be?)

(...Hooray for Scrappy making this a joke)

(Hooray for no Will-O-Wisp)

(Hooray for Bullet Punch finishing it off)

(And Albedo probably died)

(Now he died)

(Damn healing items. Wish there was a no items mod)

 

Oh if you're wondering how to make a no items mod, the easiest way would probably be to set the conditions for AI to use items to 0 when decision making then to use the normal can't use items code I made which is like 3 lines. Really simple to make though what I did was just use a difficulty mode and copy paste the trainers but without items. Might work on changing that to reduce the trainer text size and edits.

(And here's where things go from good to horrible)

(This damn bird won't die)

(Like at all)

(Unless you Jesus cheese it)

(take one guess at what happened)

(I love this Pokemon)

(And Dewey actually gets to do something...and its only accomplishment in life)

(Dewey the MVP)

 

Not much to talk about in this fight since it's a rival fight. It's just decent which is how I like my miniboss fights. No reason to make every fight super gimmicky or hard. Does its job just fine though there's nothing really to talk about since it's the same old strat.

(Cocky much?)

(And this is where Rejuv's core problem is)

 

The game has a lot of those mocking people for being weak moments. If it's not Melia it's Madelis here or Geara or someone else. It gets tiring. Nastasia never game me the impression she was that cocky or arrogant so this feels jarring and out of place...then again that's this chapter as a whole.

(Natowl would probably be a better Fire gym leader then the current one)

 

Yes, I am actually aware you used to team up with Crawli and got to fight her, but I never actually...I just watched it and oh dear god. Let's just not talk about that...ever. I mean yes, Jan has improved over time but he's trying to write something in a style that just doesn't work well with a silent protagonist as the drive. But...it's...don't watch that video of the original fight.

(Didn't you get you ass owned by my mom earlier?)

(Says the woman who got her ass handed to her by a pink haired underling)

(Looks like he's going to get training...that was awful)

(Bye. We won't miss you if you never appear again)

(Yes, yes I do. Just like that turtle who is the richest reptile in all of Brazil)

(Why the hell would you not try to capture her right now? She was your primary target)

(I...am I the only competent one around here?)

(I only have Dewey left and given these two, we're doomed)

(I am surprised she is just letting us walk away so freely)

(I think she likes us)

 

...I don't understand the logic here. First they try to kill us multiple times and capture us, but now they just let us walk away. You know what, I'm kind of done there. It'd make sense if it was a bluff as Madelis could have been really weakened but it was never explained just like so many things. At least this isn't a mess compared to everything else but bloody hell.

(Should've challenged her to an inverse battle)

(I'm stronger than Crawli so...I don't know...though the team I had was weaker)

(No shit. You both did literally nothing but let turtles escape life sentences.)

 

(............................)

 

Why the bloody hell would you just agree with what she said given that if she could destroy us all that easy why didn't she eliminate the problem that even her boss thought was a serious issue? It probably has to do with the prophecy and wants to keep us alive but there is absolutely no indication at all. Hell, she could have been feeling merciful and let Ren's friends escape just to make him feel a bit better. But nope, we just got a Mwahahaha moment and she walks off. And you have the audacity to just simply agree with what she says instead of thinking it through a bit more. That also doesn't make us feel any better but that we're all pretty much shit and worthless now and only got lucky to make it this far and alive. Sigh...

 

Days I've been rant free: 0

(I don't even think we see Madelis at any point in the story beyond this. At least I don't remember any discussion on her)

(I don't. Can I just kill Melia here and now? It'd solve so many problems)

Skipping the rest of this because...I'm tired of dealing with it


...It was mostly about him seeing this place and entering it...not much to talk about.

(Is this my eternal punishment for being an ass to people?)

(...........................................................hold it in. Just hold it in)

(If you were saying these things in real life, I would be strangling you and I am a pacifist)

(Excuse me while I accept that invite from our Brazilian reptile)

 

So basically this was just a copy and paste of the lesson Aelita gave her and nobody calls her out on this. Something interesting about a leader in a group is that there's usually almost always someone who challenges them or feels they are a better fit. That's not always the case but all groups help establish why one person is the leader. Being the leader in a group that goes into danger or one that is going through many hardships often will lead to that leader going "Why me?" One of my favorites and pretty much the fan favorite of the Trails series is Estelle Bright who looks like anything but a leader. She's loud, obnoxious, and rushes in before thinking about what she's doing. Reason why she's the leader is that she's the moral compass that keeps everyone together and takes charge. By the way, I didn't like Estelle in the first Sky game, but damn her growth in SC really, really changed my mind on her. Kloe is the best though.

Skipping that dialogue since it's just filling Crawli in...I'm going to probably start doing this more since there's not much to say. TO THE GYM!

(I heard that Sammy is such a cutie. You should totes ask him out. He don't need that Rachel bitch in his life)

 

I'm usually not very good with stereotypes or flamboyant/over the top character tropes, but I try my best. You know for the next chapter, I may just rewrite there quotes in this style since I'm running out of things to say...if we ever get there...

(You mean the one guy who got wrapped up in all of this even if he doesn't want to be)

(So be incompetent at my job and get paid for it? Sign me up baby)

(Or for that damn piece of metal to get that free meal out of the only woman in this game I really like)

(Oh boy, it's Sarge)

(There ain't anything holly about that)

(...At least the woman in charge is competent)

(Yes, yes you do apparently)

 

Not sure if person on the left or right is the guy

(Normally I'd through a rebuttal, but...I am a terrible trainer)

(At least someone appreciates me. Maybe I should become a ranger. Seems like a better life then the Melia squad)

(Apparently?)

(I'm sensitive about my back, lady. You hurt my feels)

 

I do have terrible posture so...

(...This has been the most interesting segment in like the last 15 chapters)

(Of course it's never that easy. At least I'll get experience out of it)

(...I hate you too, Bill. Hope your GF over there finds out about your affair)

(...I'll be back soon. I need to look for a nice dating spot to make a certain Bill as miserable as possible for this)

(It's all about the front and not the junk)

(Still better then listening to Melia. I also need to blow off some steam so this works out)

(I've met him like uhh 1...2...3...4...5 times already. I even have matching shades)

(Would you care to join us, Bill? I'd gladly have you solve the puzzle while I watch)

(Do it! Do it! Do it! You won't!)

(We're doing work. Let's get started already)

(I should have picked the first choice XD)

 

I chose the second since I wasn't in a sassy move. I assume she says the same thing regardless though.

(Fine...)

(Guess it's time to be productive for once)

(I like Holly. She accomplished more than most people in this game have)

(So stand around and do nothing? Unless they want to try and deal with the crazy ice lady)

(Not like I have anything better to do)

(Wow, I'll take that as a compliment)

(Hooray for work)

(I like puzzles so this shouldn't be an issue)

(Considering how much I played Zelda, this is basically what I do half the time I game)

(...Also not like I don't search every corner anyways)

(Like Loewe is just Samurott without his awesome name)

(...She's talking about the Ariados on the right, isn't she?)

(...not like I have to play Bayablade with them or anything)

(...I have a feeling everyone in this world is incompetent)

(Very incompetent)

(Oh...that's probably why they got stuck)

(Hello there, friend. Would you help a brother out?)

(THAT IS NOT HELPING A BROTHER OUT!)

(Oh. I never did mention this new member)

 

So I purified and trained Masquerain up. Any Pokemon with Intimidate is automatically a good Pokemon. Just saying. Also caught that Pinsir just out of curiosity if I could. I looked at it and...it's just not really good enough to use in Rejuv due to how the game is designed. I would love using the normal one but you really can't which kind of sucks.

(Yes, it was pretty easy)

(...I deserved that remark)

(...Probably deserved that one too)

(So basically all rangers?)

(All I see is mud and logs...there's nothing buggy about it)

(...Now I'm thinking about the Lost Woods)

 

So there's this thing going around called the Ocarina of Time Randomizer where every chest contains something random. Seems pretty cool tbh and I might try it out for myself even though I haven't played enough of OoT or 100% it. Think I got 18 hearts of the 20 though. Loved Attacking Toucan's reaction to all his bad items and Bluepies.

(You fail and you should feel bad)

(Probably should get my boots out for this)

(Yeah, yeah, leave the map and everything will reset)

(Except you and the trainers needing to be fought)

(Basically the not screw yourself over option)

(...oh...I thought it was a one way passage)

(...And I screwed up...I think)

 

Pretty easy puzzle but I did mess up once since I didn't realize I needed to move a certain log first. No idea how people struggled on this...unless it was different in V9.

(...which I've been doing)

(You really like putting a guy down, don't you. I deserve it though)

(...And my spirits have been restored. Let's do this)

(...We better do this because I can only do five)

(Oh joy more log puzzles. My favorite)

(Well that was easy)

(Oh hell no. I am not becoming dinner today...fine. Here lies the end of da Mander)

(Or not. I have no words to describe how illogical that was)

(.......Who the heck are you?)

(Are you that one girl I rescued from the cave in FRLG?)

(How the hell did you change clothes so quickly? Wish I could change mine that fast)

(Yes. Very. Like how?)

(And you did a horrible job. Couldn't even take care of a lousy Carnivine)

(...Too soon, Jan. Too soon)

(Let me guess: you're Crawli's mother)

(Close enough)

(At least he wasn't raised by Aunt Betty)

(Something tells me he went down the line to become a terrorist)

(...Or that. Wait...does that mean I was adopted...he lied to me)

(Oh hey character awareness. You're doing better than 80% of the cast)

(...Then hop aboard the screw Melia train...something tells me that's going to be misinterpreted and I'll be going to jail)

(Congratulations, you've now become more generic. Good for you)

(No, no she hasn't)

 

I guess being left on an island alone does stuff to you.

(Wonder if you can catch Pokemon in that water)

(...I've got nothing)

(Thank you Aelita for being able to do what most characters would be doing right now if they weren't silent)

(Yes, yes we did. And we made good time as well. 20 pics or something)

(Onward, we shall get our easy badge easily)

(If I have to battle you, I'm gonna cry blood)

(Oh....this better not be a mating ritual)

(So are you married or single because normally I'm not all for MILFs but...)

(...Shit. I knew it was too easy)

(...I could)

(I'd be willing to do both)

(Don't worry, you get used to it after making 5)

(...Dammit not another one of those)

(.........I take that back. I want nothing to do with you)

(...Shit. We're fighting a lot of trainers, aren't we?)

(Can I please be one? I want to get paid for saving people)

(We're not going to have to kill each other, are we? I mean Reborn does need it's food supply but...)

(Well I'm a dead man if it's hand-to-hand combat)

(Oh. Guess we're both dying)

(There's going to be an invisible staircase, isn't there?)

(...Well it'll at least get me out of this run)

(I have a gate feeling about this)

(No, but I don't have a choice, do I?)

(...And family is nothing but trouble)

(What about for 30 minutes?)

(...that's why half of you are dead, isn't it?)

(Eh. There's worse ways to die)

(Just let me jump already!)

(FOR WALL SENPAIIIIII!!!!!)

(And die just as quickly)

(Shit, I'm alive. Pretend you didn't hear that, Aelita)

(Remind me to ask Holly how many people died trying this)

 

Seriously, they couldn't put a lake or water underneath just in case. And no, spiderwebs aren't that strong in real life but it did make for a cool dungeon in OoT.

(Dorcas trusted others. Look what happened to him)

(Yeah. Let's just get to the gym battle already)

(...I swear this game knows what I'm about to say half the time)

(Yes, yes he should)

 

Honestly, I really liked this segment and it brings back vibes of what I want to see from Rejuv. There's no danger or threat or even a sense to rush and nobody to really get on my nerves. There was even a puzzle to distract me from complaining or ranting. It's rare for me to prefer the not as serious stuff but something about it here it's done just right. Even Anti-Assist as much as I hate them are better than the main story which is kind of sad. Xen is just not that interesting and neither is the vague prophecy that is never really explained or even talked about.

(...Oh god. I'm having final boss vibes from this)

(Guess we're gonna fight Crawli. Good thing I brought my OP team to smoke him)

(With love? Stars? A giant key that a bunch of hands are trying to take from us?)

(Or that)

(Sigh...guess I gotta do this alone)

(Me since I'm the protagonist obviously)

(It does give me sludge bomb later)

(Couldn't you do that already with your fists?)

(...Couldn't you get uhhh...1...2...3...4...5...6 badges from this island? You only need five to sure. Well 7 if you count Saki)

(Oh hey a good possible future Pokemon candidate)

(That was surprisingly fast paced. Why couldn't everything else feel this fun to write?)

(Meh. This is tame compared to what Ame throws at us daily)

(Awww...he does care)

(Wait that wasn't serious. And I had a hard time back then)

(Meh. Probably will be just as easy)

(Shit. He's Shademan. That explains everything. Bringing help to one poor orphan at a time...what do you mean that's not a ranger's job?)

(Considering who your father is, he probably stopped looking after 5 minutes)

 

(...I don't need your backstory, boy)

(...Dammit I wish my mother was alive. I don't want anything to do with half these nutjobs)

(...They don't. Do you see all the horror movies with them in it)

(And cue the battle in 3...2...1)

 

And this time I have it in Video Format:

Spoiler

 

Outtakes:

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

I decided to include the outtakes since nobody likes seeing only perfect runs and sometimes likes to see struggle. You may think "3 tries. You must've thought the fight was too easy." It's actually the opposite. I thought this fight was way too hard and when I saw the PBS data I was even more surprised it went that far. I want you to remember that we're at level 45 where teams are just starting to get established and people are settling in for certain Pokemon. The lead here is fine but it's beyond that where the issue goes. This fight is stacked in Crawli's favor. He loses 1 weakness, has a sticky web that can't be blocked or reflected back, and perfect Pokemon. Yes, all of his Pokemon have pretty much perfect movesets and stats. It was just absolute pure luck that I won this fight due to a single exploit (which I thought that Galvantula was Choice Specs seeing how much damage it did). What the bloody hell was the test group thinking to say that this was okay or passable.

 

So you're probably thinking "Oh he's being so whiny and calling it too hard but he makes a hard mode hack for a Pokemon game. What a hypocrite." Here's the thing: I spend 100s upon 100s of hours doing that. I don't want to be doing that when playing other games which is why I picked the normal mode since it should be a good balance of difficulty which I pretty much could pick up any team and still have it be manageable. Do you see that team? That is 6 mons that should all pretty much destroy him but honestly if the AI was better it'd be an easy win for him. He would destroy me that easily on normal mode. We're not talking intense mode where I think a fight like this would be perfect, this is normal mode. I'd rather be playing a SMT game over dealing with this kind of balance because this is a little extreme even for me for what I considered a Hardcore fight (almost Master fight levels).

 

And with that V9 was something I was willing to suffer through the stuff I disliked to talk about the good, but V10 we're back to the reason I quit in the first place. I'll take more about that later. I don't want a single fight to ruin what honestly wasn't too bad of a segment despite the character personality shifts and other weird things.

(...And I went back and you need Rock Climb for it...lovely)

(...Maybe it isn't in the swamp)

(The Yanma is the most interesting thing of this whole thing)

(Oh teleporting propaganda posters how I missed thee)

(I would make a religious joke here, but this is a christian server)

(How does she send those out?)

(And you've been unable to fix it, apparently)

(It's okay. I do it all the time)

(I'm outta here. At least I got the shiny badge)

(The battle, great. My mood, horrible)

(Only because of AI exploits)

(Hope you have better luck then I do)

(...You are the first person who's said that. Thank you. Truly, thank you for understanding)

(Why not try fighting Valarie afterwards? That's 2 badges out of the way then)

(Eh, Hawlucha will probably sweep)

(Yes, now can I go?)

(Where's Adam? I'll take him on right now and get that badge)

(Or we can do it the hard way. Seriously, we have a gym leader right here. Let me fight and get creamed at least before trying that option)

(...Couldn't we then just go...oh right we need the TM. Guess that makes sense)

(Well that's the end. Seriously, we did a segment in a month. Aren't you proud?)

(And this is what my team looked like after the battle if you were wondering)

 

I'm honestly at a loss on what to tell you guys. There's a number of things I could do to make this more enjoyable for me but if it weren't for the run, I'd honestly probably abandon Rejuv again right at this point ironically because we just went straight back to why I quit in the first place. It's just going to keep repeating itself and I'll have to rely on actually using strong Pokemon to win over being able to be a little gimmicky or creative. Maybe it's just me, but V9 I didn't feel overwhelmed bar Maria's Bewear but Valarie and Crawli gave me that feeling. And this pattern is going to repeat. Overwhelmed doesn't mean anything that kicks my butt...it simply means I just don't feel competent enough to even have a chance to win. Only time I felt that in Reborn was the Glass Gauntlet which to be fair was mostly my fault for all my severely underleveled and kind of meh team made for singles mostly.

 

I like writing the run and rants can range from me having a little fun or just blowing out some stress, but I really don't want to have to deal with these fights where I don't have an adequate team so I have to spend an hour training a bunch of new ones just to barely win on normal mode when I just want to try to pass through as streamlined as possible. I'm going to leave this open for at least a month, but I still want to do a run. If you guys really want me to continue through Rejuvenation I'll try to find solutions to make battles more tolerable for me (easy mode is not a solution), but I'm willing to open up to instead doing other games or hacks. It could be Desolation, SPEE, or even stuff like livestreaming games or even a written log of something like uhh...Dragon Quest 8. Obviously, I'll have to look into the game before deciding but I just want to hear thoughts.

[Filthy Casual]

1 hour ago, Commander said:

Pretty easy puzzle but I did mess up once since I didn't realize I needed to move a certain log first. No idea how people struggled on this...unless it was different in V9.

It's not different in V9. Honestly, I agree. The puzzle is quick, simple, and fun. However, I think when people say the puzzle is brutal, they're talking about the one puzzle before V9 completely changed it.

Spoiler

 

Long story short, I'm not a fan of that puzzle. It's very easy to lose track of what to do in that version, and I'm happy they updated it to make it more accessible.

[Feng Lei]

I would love to see you continue, simply because your insights are often whitty and thoughtful. And also instructive. So know at least that one person is learning something about storyboarding and game design while reading about a game they did not like.

 

Specifically, I had tons of issues with Rejuvenation, and it's extremely nice to read this run and watch a more subject-knowledgable person dissect the problems it has in it.

 

Funny, I actually was about to force myself to replay Rejuv, couldn't find the game, and found Desolation instead. Best game on here, almost. It's not quite Reborn, but it has the potential to eclipse it. If you want to do a run like this for any game, I'd suspect Desolation is a good choice. It would be interesting to read your thoughts on it and its flaws and strengths.

 

Although I was at least hoping you'd reach Angie. Angie scarred me in many ways. It would be nice to see your reactions to her.

[Dex]

Honestly, I can understand why you're getting tired of this game. The train scene shows a lot of what's wrong with this game. Once again, your "companions" do absolutely nothing and just let the bad guys get away. Say what you will about Crawli, he at least fought. I think at the very least, there could have been a handful to Team Xen grunts there to keep Aelita and Melia busy. It'd help the scene immensely. 

 

I remember you actually fighting Nastasia in a double battle with Ren in earlier versions of the game (you vs Nastasia and Ren). She had a Ninetales, Chandelure, and one of those clone Deoxys. It's honestly not a team I pictured her using but it would explain why she was able to steamroll Crawli. 

 

On 9/27/2018 at 6:31 AM, Commander said:

(I don't even think we see Madelis at any point in the story beyond this. At least I don't remember any discussion on her)

Spoiler

She does appear again but it won't be until you get into Grand Dream City which is still a ways off. 

 

Honestly we'll understand if you decide to take a breather from the game. We still have Derogatory to suffer for our entertainment, after all. 

Whatever you want do is up to you, but I would suggest Legends of the Arena. It's pretty fun but it's not nearly as popular, I think only Shofu has done a full playthrough of what has been released so far. It uses 4th gen mechanics and only uses Pokemon up to Generation IV, mostly. 

[Commander]

On 9/27/2018 at 8:04 AM, Filthy Casual said:

It's not different in V9. Honestly, I agree. The puzzle is quick, simple, and fun. However, I think when people say the puzzle is brutal, they're talking about the one puzzle before V9 completely changed it.

  Reveal hidden contents

 

Long story short, I'm not a fan of that puzzle. It's very easy to lose track of what to do in that version, and I'm happy they updated it to make it more accessible.

Honestly if it's the drop through a hole puzzle with the shifts...I really liked that puzzle. It's not that difficult but given my brain is able to comprehend uhhh...I think it's called geometric motion (whatever the term is being able to use my brain to mentally shift stuff) so maybe that's why I didn't mind it. Speaking of that, no matter what way I tilt my head everything I see is always the same as standing up so I can easily read a sign while upside down since it looks the same. Also lets me read things upside down which pissed my second grade teacher off during reading time. And I even read the thing with zero problem and she told me to flip it back. I was a special kind of child.

On 9/27/2018 at 4:52 PM, Feng Lei said:

I would love to see you continue, simply because your insights are often whitty and thoughtful. And also instructive. So know at least that one person is learning something about storyboarding and game design while reading about a game they did not like.

 

Specifically, I had tons of issues with Rejuvenation, and it's extremely nice to read this run and watch a more subject-knowledgable person dissect the problems it has in it.

 

Funny, I actually was about to force myself to replay Rejuv, couldn't find the game, and found Desolation instead. Best game on here, almost. It's not quite Reborn, but it has the potential to eclipse it. If you want to do a run like this for any game, I'd suspect Desolation is a good choice. It would be interesting to read your thoughts on it and its flaws and strengths.

 

Although I was at least hoping you'd reach Angie. Angie scarred me in many ways. It would be nice to see your reactions to her.

So I decided to continue on to Angie (which went surprisingly fast) and if things were going to be a repeat of Crawli, I was going to drop...it didn't so we'll keep going and hopefully by the 60s everything will kind of settle out. Thanks for your thoughts. Also I have a love-hate relationship with Rejuv. There's like glimpses of hope for the game which just gets bogged down by things that shouldn't be there, but it is what it is. I think the hardest part of giving feedback and criticism is not forcing your ideas or thoughts onto the dev or writer. It's the difference between the "Needs" and "Shoulds" for example:

 

-You need to keep you characters consistent

-You should flesh your characters out more

 

I'm not even perfect at it as I've probably made some of my own "Shoulds" sound more like needs as in my style and preference they are needs. It's also the very gray line that separates me from the haters since I try to approach this with reason and understanding. Like hell I could have pointed out even more things or every little thing but there gets to a point where it's more annoying than helpful. Also because some things are to the point where I feel everyone probably gets it. Anyways, don't worry as we'll at least do Angie which afterwards I have a vague idea of what's going to happen but it is uncharted territory in many areas like NPCs and sidequests.

 

Also, Angie hates me. No, I mean she literally hates me and has found new ways to bring suffering upon me (though some I really brought upon myself). What did I ever do to her anyways to deserve this?

 

9 hours ago, Dex said:

Honestly, I can understand why you're getting tired of this game. The train scene shows a lot of what's wrong with this game. Once again, your "companions" do absolutely nothing and just let the bad guys get away. Say what you will about Crawli, he at least fought. I think at the very least, there could have been a handful to Team Xen grunts there to keep Aelita and Melia busy. It'd help the scene immensely. 

 

I remember you actually fighting Nastasia in a double battle with Ren in earlier versions of the game (you vs Nastasia and Ren). She had a Ninetales, Chandelure, and one of those clone Deoxys. It's honestly not a team I pictured her using but it would explain why she was able to steamroll Crawli. 

 

  Reveal hidden contents

She does appear again but it won't be until you get into Grand Dream City which is still a ways off. 

 

Honestly we'll understand if you decide to take a breather from the game. We still have Derogatory to suffer for our entertainment, after all. 

Whatever you want do is up to you, but I would suggest Legends of the Arena. It's pretty fun but it's not nearly as popular, I think only Shofu has done a full playthrough of what has been released so far. It uses 4th gen mechanics and only uses Pokemon up to Generation IV, mostly. 

Honestly, I usually don't mind a story even if it's really bad. I've played through stuff like Neptunia, FFVIII, Star Ocean, and a bit of Riviera: The Promised Land. I just knew that if every fight was just going to be so ridiculously tough that I have to prep and completely swap my team every time then this game would just end up a pure chore to play. I hate the new Madame X Yveltal change, Valarie's Qwilfish probably would've pushed me over the edge (seriously, we're locked into a single area so I'd rather her be too easy or a joke then even considered anything too hard), but seeing both Crawli and Valarie be in these footsteps is a bad sign. You see my team, I'm pretty sure I could destroy Shelly 3 times in a row with only three of those Pokemon at half their level. Maybe a stretch but with that much advantage it should have been a cakewalk. In reality, Crawli probably could effortlessly destroy my entire team if it weren't for the AI exploiting. Thankfully, it's just an outlier kind of like Serra and Aya in Reborn (hence why those two recieved nerfs...then Serra got buffed).

 

And huh. I know Madelis was there but I didn't know about Nastasia. I try to avoid spoilers but it's kind of impossible. Oh well (also skim Derog's run usually only looking at his reactions)

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

 

Chapter 42 Orphans, Chests, and WHY IS THE SURF ENCOUNTER RATE SO HIGH!

 

*Ahem* I lost my composure there. Yes, we're at least going to Angie so don't worry about that. Might be a little while since I want to make some progress with Redux which hopefully will get done before an E19 announcement. QAing a game takes up a lot of time. Only have 100 events left to edit or something. Never build a hub area. It's a lot of work and very time consuming. Anyways, now we have what is probably going to either be the most boring or most interesting chapter of this segment: doing stuff that I can't rant about as much but will try to anyways.

 

Oh I should say something when I joke about stuff moving slow and all that I know it takes a lot of time to make these and sometimes I take long breaks. I'm just one of those people who would laugh at himself for saying even the cringiest of things which considering I make up words all the time. You probably wonder what honestly goes through my brain...but I pretty much right the first thing that comes to my mind in most captions. Though I do refrain when I think something might be too inappropriate. Yes, I have censors and control. Though my grip on that is about the same as gripping a water wiggler (or snake...it has a few names).

 

(So here's what my plans were before the Crawli struggle)

 

I'm not sure who I'm going to use but I can tell you that Ratigan (Raticate), Lifesupport (Buizel), Boomdock (Electrode), Sirius (Seviper), Dewey (Phione), Electabuzz, and Vivillion all are probably getting cut. Loewe (Samurott), Agate (Arcanine), Walter (Lycanroc), Gaius (Leavanny), Pancha (Pangoro), Joker (Mr. Mime), Jesus! (Donphan), Auto (Magneton) are all safe

Ones on the possible ax are Unfortunat (Qaugsire...he does have one job coming up), Albedo (Zangoose), Wisp Bone (Marowak), Reini (Masquerain), and Yanma is just unknown. Might bring it in but I might not. I'd love to use Electivire but that's not really an option unless I hack it in which I'll let you guys decide on yay or nay there. 

(I find this error hilarious)

 

There's a really easy condition branch to fix that.

 

So the first stop I go to is Akuwa town where I explore and surf around...and my god can we please turn down the encounter rate because I sure do love getting an encounter every 3 tiles, don't you? Anyways our first discovery is this:

(Who the hell lives on a snowy island right off the land?)

(I should have said "I can't read!" but I really did read the sign)

(...I forget what it said. Something about do not enter)

(See, isn't reading a good thing. I guess I am smartz)

(See, I'm a good boy)

(See, and people thought I never read anything. I just haven't read physical books in a while)

(If some old lady tells me not to go into the forest, I'm totally going to listen to her. Who knows what's in there)

(I will with a nice cup of pudding. Mmm...pudding)

(I...literally just got lost. I didn't even know there were rare Pokemon)

(...I was looking for an Oshawott...though it'd be here)

(I mean if I see one I like I'm not going to turn it down)

([Flips hair] the cold never bothered me anyways)

(They probably got sick of the wild encounters...freaking Seels. Someone needs to send them all to a club or something)

(Oh good, flashbacks)

(................................................................................................I know two people with that power. Both of them want to kill me)

(She's in a freezer. Or was from what I remember)

(Hmmm...needs some heads or stones on those pillars but it is nice)

(...That's why I'm playing the game. For the lore...and to rant on the lore)

(There's a powerful weapon hidden underneath the shrine?)

(...I hope it's a Vulpix. I really want one of those. He shall lead us to victory)

(...Oh boy. Now I'm interested)

(...Hmmm...I'm interested now. Let us hunt for this Emperor and bring him into the crew)

(...Whelp I'm outta here then)

(Or that. Yeah, I like this old lady. She should join the Adam family)

(Hmmm...hopefully I'll remember this when I can catch him)

 

I think you need 10 badges iirc. I only have 6 at this point so it'll be a while.

(Maybe it's a Suicune. That's one of my favorite legends)

(So get stronger or some hard to find item, got it)

(Or the pendant I got from my one "friend" could open it for us. Let's see what we got)

(...well that's a little bit of a letdown. Oh well free Piplup this early is not a bad thing)

 

If I didn't have Loewe, I'd probably use it. I really haven't used Piplup so it'd be a good little distraction. There was other stuff but nothing really worth mentioning. I'm not sure when I did all the caves but I eventually did do them all...including the pain in the butt one. But for now we jump back to something I forgot about:

(I missed some dialogue and I have no idea what she said before. Maybe something about following your dreams. Or was it beams?)

(...Oh I wish. Oh how I wish that was true.)

 

So funny story. My older sister is a teacher and she has a kindergarten job. Normally, you have some problem child who might throw a fit or act out but there's ways to get them under control. There is this one kid who looks like the size of a large 3rd grader and probably weighs 50-60 (maybe even 80) pounds and at first I thought my sister was exaggerating the story (she is a little dramatic), but when I saw the pic of the kid that even intimated me a little bit. So this kid is chemically imbalanced and very little will set him of and he will throw stuff and destroy anything in his path including a rocking chair, the board, and even a toy kitchen. Also will beat up other kids but its never gotten into sever injuries so far. Even better is that the committee in charge of handling problem children said to just let him destroy all the stuff and he is not allowed to be punished at all. So what happened a couple days ago is that he picked up some scissors and was about to attack my mother (she's a helper at the school) and all the kids are diving under their desks in fear. My sister left some scissors unattended for a second which he was able to grab but thankfully he snapped out of it and set the scissors down before anything really, really bad happened. Yesterday it was apparently worse as the kid apparently called the police 3 times and I believe he actually punched this big policeman in the leg and wasn't afraid of him at all. Finally some of the higher ups stepped in and are taking some action so hopefully it'll get better, but I can only imagine what is going through all these kids' minds in which some even go over to grab their stuff to protect it from getting destroyed and one kid who is a problem child did whatever means necessary to prevent him from throwing a tantrum by giving up what was his favorite crayon (he always took it from other kids) and watched it get broken. I'm just thankful it didn't hit the extreme of getting in the news or national news even. I hope it doesn't.

(See story above on my thoughts)

(Did I mention parents of other classes are starting to take action in fear of their kids' safety?)

(The school system is messed up?)

(Eh. My childhood was kind of weird. Not depressing, but not the best it could be)

 

So going upstairs and going back down you get this scene:

(Yes, I did)

(...That's a lie and we both know it)

(She's definitely not okay)

 

And now I jumped around once more thinking I was done since the place was getting renovated iirc. So I go and find a treasure chest and get...this:

(That's not ominous at all...maybe I should have done the other chest first...mmm...chests)

(I think I know what's behind Blacksteeple now)

(...Give me a minute let me think about this before saying anything)

(Okay now I'm not really sure what's going on...or do I?)

(Nope, not sure if I do since the other one only had one knight)

(...Okay, I'll take a free item)

 

I...don't remember what it was. I really should have taken better pics. Probably wasn't anything special anyways. Let's just look at the other one before I say anything.

(Yeah, yeah just give me the lore)

(Money? Power? And badass swordsmen?

(Let me guess: they all died)

(Time travel is going to be deeply involved in this game, isn't it? Lovely. That'll be a fun topic)

(Tiempa and Spacia or whatever their names are. Either they are those or relatives)

(Where's the men in the family?)

(Yep. Melia probably is a relative of the Grieswald or whatever the name is. She's too important to not be)

(That was until the Mirage nation attacked)

(And with order chaos shall always be born from it)

(Were they ever? Only perfect thing is that coat. No coat shall ever reach such perfection)

 

And that's it. Basically it ties in with the story with Blacksteeple about the knight who served the queen and died trying to protect it. Obviously, Madame X probably relates to it and is after Melia since she probably has descendant blood or basically is Maria...to break the barrier and access the throne...or something. I mean it's not bad but I'd rather have the whole thing in a book rather than have this vague trying to figure it out since I doubt the whole plot is going to be spoiled over it. I'm sorry to say but fantastic lore will not save a terrible story. I'm not saying the story is terrible but simply that no matter how good or bad the lore is, it can't save poor display or execution of events. An excellent story and save a weak world or loose lore though. If a story is good, people will want to dive in and learn more about it like the world of Zumeria which ho boy you are in for a ride if you dive into that one. The Xenoverse (Xenosaga/Xenogears) is also a pretty complex one but once you get the idea you get to see a pretty neat timeline. Dark Souls is a pretty famed one for its lore as well. Star Ocean is a pretty good example where the lore didn't save the games from getting mixed reception because the story is...something. It's hard to find examples as a well built story usually has good lore behind it. You'd have to dive into some lesser known RPGs like uhhh Tactics Ogre maybe? That's homework for anyone interested. Now let's move on to....

(Oh hell no. Nope, let's leave. Get me out of here)

(You tried to kill me)

(Just push her down the stairs. It'll be that easy. Just do it.)

(That's...a terrible idea considering what it unleashed. Why was a dragon princess warrior of another dimension down there anyways? I think something about wanting a new world)

(For once, I agree with the crazy woman)

(I guess it'd add move places to dig grave...though don't bury me there...ever)

 

If I died in the game, I'd want to be buried right in the middle of Goldenwood with the words "I'm finally free of my damnation"

(............)

(.............Go on)

(.............A step? You made what's considered a terrorist group of a town)

(...that's not childish thinking, it's extremist thinking)

(One should reach understanding of loss, not pain nor anger through following ones steps)

(You tried to kill me. You were no better than those who burned this place...probably for good reason)

(You tried to kill me)

(I don't think anyone else tried to actually kill someone over a misunderstanding)

(You tried to murder a little girl. I think you disrespect more than the deceased)

(...Do you have any understanding what you just did?)

(...Well at least you learned something. Just don't murder...anyone)

(YOU TRIED TO KILL ME! You should think about your actions before that of others for the love of the chicken gods)

(...If I had the option to murder her, I probably would right now)

(This better be an electrizer)

(...At least it wasn't revives...that'd be insult to injury)

(You think random junk makes up for throwing me in a jail cell. No, no it doesn't)

(..............................It's ethers. Nobody uses them)

(...If I ever see you again, you will know the true power of the swordmaster)

 

While I'm glad that was added into the game and it's acknowledgement of Saria's mistakes, I still hate her. She did try to kill not only Mosely but the player as well. I get that it's similar to an idea of a witch hunt but this isn't the middle ages where that would play more of a role but the modern ages. We talked about this in the goldenwood segment so we'll leave it at that. Also I'm indifferent to the change of all the areas and the addition of Wispy Ruins. Anyways, we get to see the second best sidequest...for a terrible mon:

(Who the heck are you?)

(...)

(Why am I so weak hearted?)

(..........Please tell me it's not towards me)

(The fandom isn't ever going to let me live this down, are they?)

 

My heart will always be with you Wall Senpai, but it is time to move on...but certainly not with this thing. Let's see my options are Crawli's Aunt, Narcissa, or Adam. What? The man has a rock hard bod. That's as close as I'll ever get to replacing Wall Senpai. I guess Valarie if I have to choose a woman close to my age. She complains, but at least she isn't going to drive me to the grave.

(Go get 'em you dog. Wait, are you actually a dog? If not, I apologize)

(Sorry, I don't have any Ice Cream and I don't want to give up my blue moon one)

(...This is surprisingly fun. I could do this for a full chapter)

(But I have to go do other things)

(...You are way too understanding...)

(If only the others understood me like you. Us silent types have to stick together)

(See, you do understand me. Not even Adam understands me this way)

(Yeah...it is fun)

(I really have to go...)

 

Maybe one more time...

(...Now I feel bad for leaving)

(Wait...I know I was needing to do something important. Something with children involved...meh Espurr is much more important)

(...Must leave. Must leave. Must leave)

 

>1 hour later

(Okay someone needs to do something about this relationship as neither of us are accomplishing anything when we're like this)

(...I really should just capture you)

(Oh hi uhh...Frediwinkle. I forgot you were here)

(...Did I just find a new best friend. Neat.)

(Team up and save the world like bros do?)

(Sure if it lets me leave this place)

(....Well that solves all our problems. Welcome aboard...to the box)

(I'm a terrible trainer. Just ask all 50 of my Pokemon chilling in the box)

(I said okay. Now get into my ball...that almost can out sexual)

(Well that was easy. Enjoy your new life in a box)

 

Well that was fun. Now there's nothing else that can sur...

(This is new)

(Oh a Sawk. I need a new one for my feet)

(I really should work on getting that ditto.)

(that's nice. Now let me through)

(Don't mind me. I'm just gonna pass on by)

(That's nice. Now let me through)

(Game awareness all Pokemon look alike)

(Sure if it mean I can go on by)

(Uhh hi, do you know which way is the daycare? I need to make sure I didn't leave anything there)

(Also I had something to do with children...I'm not in a cult, am I? I don't think I am)

(Oh no you didn't. I don't know what's going on but now it's on)

(Bitch, I will take you down right now)

(Heh. This will be a piece of cake.)

 

It was.

(And that's why you don't call me trash. Now gimmie my Pokemon and let me be on my way)

(Good. Now gimmie)

(...I don't know what attributes getting slaughtered means but okay. I just want through)

(Aren't they in the wild somewhere as well. Dunno but don't care)

(And because you do, I'll ruin your dreams)

(Sucks to be you)

(Dammit, at least give me a choice. I wanted Sawk)

(This is a terrible day. I changed my mind, take them both)

(...Really? We're really doing this. Sigh...it's never easy, is it?)

(May as well catch it. Could be useful for...something. Maybe a good benchwarmer)

(Well that was a waste of time)

 

Yeah I caught it, but I doubt there's anything here that'd interest me...

(Well hello there, beautiful. I guess today really is a good day for me)

 

I totally didn't expect to find a Heracross this early. And yes, I did catch it. Doubt I'm going to use it but who knows. I like Heracross and rarely use it. So next up is Goldenwood which shouldn't have anything interesting but...apparently it does now:

(...Yes, yes I do. It's adventurer rule number 5)

 

For those who don't know the adventurer rules (...even if I'm probably making some of them up):

1. Thou shalt only leaveth thy hometown only if thou isth on a journey to save a maiden

2. Thou shalt talketh to every NPC thy eyes cometh cross

3. Thou shalt enter the inn to rest even if thou has taketh no damage

4. Thou shalt buyeth and keepeth one of every item, weapon, and armor

5. Thou shalt enter every building thy can enter

6. Thou shalt examineth everything for thy loot for the taking

7. When thou is struggling to defeat thy enemy, thou shall vanquish all other monster in thy area to gain strength

(I see thy understand adventurer rule 5 as well)

(Then lock your doors. It's as simple as that)

(...Oh don't remind me of that b..)

(You're daughter is a very sweet and nice girl. Please don't call the cops)

(Wait...her name is Veronica Vasile. Should I start calling her Vivi, Viva, Vevi, or my favorite: VV)

(Since I don't want to go to jail...I'll play along)

(Yeah, totally didn't sneak off onto an island or anything for cash...totally)

(And I also signed into slavery...I'm go...is that a Sphinx! Gimmie!)

(Okay. Where is your lab?)

(Nope, just got here)

(...What if someone snuck on the train? Wouldn't that make all of this counterproductive?)

(Yet you are letting a random trainer waltz in...can I see you house as well? Now I'm curious)

(Wait a minute, are Veronica's parent's divorced? I should have asked that)

(Hmm...not bad. A little small, but not bad.)

(Isn't that in Kanto? Oh wait Johto, my bad.)

(Don't remind me of that. Ze memories zar painful)

(...I was there)

(...We already know this, but okay?)

(...I guess a researcher would be curious about that)

(That...was probably my fault)

(Oh yeah, I was wondering about that. Looked like something good was behind it)

(Yep, I remember now. Mosely was...some help there)

(He knows the hidden 8th adventurer rule)

 

8. If there is an area thou cannot access yet, thy contents shall be highly valuable

(You need me to do your dirty work and find it. I was going there anyways so win-win?)

Skipping that dialogue because there's not point in reading it.

(Yeah, just leave it to me)

(That...probably will help me out a lot. Thanks for the key)

(Back to adventure)

 

I kind of like this event and I don't know why. Nothing really springs out, but it is kind of unique in its own way.

(Hmm...tempted to catch one of those)

 

And now back to helping Venam's dad's quest:

(...wut?)

(Oh. A puzzle. Fun.)

(This shouldn't take long)

(It didn't)

(Sigh...I never can do my job quietly, can I?)

(...No...a Mankey did it)

(Why is it that anyone outside of Melia's group acknowledges my talents? Maybe I should just leave them all behind to die...Nim is an acceptable loss)

(Uhhh...she hasn't changed a bit for better or worse)

(...Well that explains a lot)

 

Yeah. He probably got a divorce.

(...Excuse me for a minute while a punch you in the face)

 

No, it is not okay to leave your child behind without any regrets. No wonder why Venam is kind of screwed up...still don't feel bad for her since she nearly got me killed...I'm starting to think I have a poor choice in friends.

(Yes, hopefully a new TM that I can use)

(That's not a TM)

(Well there's some books)

(Hmmm....something tells me we shouldn't touch it)

(It's gotta be Darkrai. Bad idea, bro)

(It's never that easy, is it?)

(Joy. All that work for nothing)

(...Oh more joy. I've got more work)

(Quick Mandman, to the V cave...I immediately regret typing that. It's a good thing I have no dignity left)

(Don't tell me I have to...oh quick travel. Nice!)

(So we give up?)

(Basically he's saying it be damaged hard, bro)

(It's just a Pokemon. One dies in a bit of lava every game)

(...I really am your slave now, aren't I?)

(You're conning me into making your life less miserable...should've known better)

(Only if it conveniently works out for me)

(So we need a checklist)

(So far so good)

(...that's all I use so that's taken care of)

(So it's basically like Shedinja. That's easy)

(...I think I have one of those...I forget where I found it)

(Definitely don't have that.)

(Sigh...all hope is lost then)

(Do I have one of those?)

(I guess that could work, but where the hell am I going to find a magnet)

(I just need the bloody magnet)

 

So we're sadly halting that quest for now since I have no solution to our magnet problem. I don't know if it's found on the ground somewhere or not but I'm not hunting wild nosepass. It's stuff like that why I don't have the old rod...which I forgot to do. I'm so great at showing off sidequests. Who knows what else I forgot.

(I'm only showing this off for one reason)

 

While I'm not going to show the Ditto quest, it apparently got changed and reset so now I have Ditto which oddly I didn't have before. Also got another Solrock which you have to capture now. Funny enough in like V7 I think you could completely miss it if you talked to the NPC and it disappeared then.

(And...we are doing all that work for nothing apparently)

 

Just wanted to show off this humorous glitch considering there's a huge plot segment revolved around it.

(Oh good ice puzzles)

(...Oh you've got to be kidding me)

 

So I got Lapras but I can't finish the Poliwag quest just yet. Sucks when you have all but one but we'll get him eventually and finish all the rest of them after Amber. Now for one last thing:

(She knows what's going on)

(I guess...)

(They're dead to me)

(...Didn't we just have a chapter with this basically on it)

 

By blood they can be directly called mother and father if they gave birth to you, but usually it's for someone who raised you as well as something like father-figure. Anyways, I find it ironic that the side content is more focused and well written over the main path. Like if the main story was written more along these lines there'd be less issues and less ranting from me. I get the experience part but then you get to stuff like Terajuma in which we see it all go backwards. I've played this part before and it was better back then. Issues? Hell yeah, but less issues over now.

 

Oh yeah there was a cool segment where there basically were rocks falling down at you while charging that got axed. Like I'm just shocked how it went from good to bad when the only issue was the puzzles. I get the puzzle changes because they needed to be dumbed down (though I am the one person who now kind of misses the old painful jungle as it felt like a jungle). Oh well, I think we all kind of got the picture at this point. Who would have guessed I was out of the frying pan and into the fire.

(...At least she didn't die to a lunatic terrorist with OP powers only saved by a girl who doesn't even acknowledge she has some blame)

(............)

(Pretty sure one of these kids probably just got lost and their parent is looking for them. Surely all of them aren't orphans in the wild)

 

That sounds like it'd make an interesting documentary.

(I...can't remember which one is which)

(Uhhh...you're a terrible mother if you let considering how well you handled just one kid who almost died)

(Uhh...no thanks. I think the solo train is the best life for me)

(What is up with this whole mother thing)

 

I think it's insult to injury since the whole mother death was executed badly. Not the scene itself, but the followup as it's like it never happened. The aftermath or continuation is way more important than the idea itself. Also, I do recall some things such as a future chandelure event since well it's impossible not to get spoiled for the entire Rejuv plot when you hang around the chat and forums. Kind of have the general idea of Angie and Amber segments and know most of the uhhh...Flora, Eric, Puppets, and Shota segments as well. I know you guys want me to act surprised but to do that I have to basically islolate myself and never talk to anyone since it well...there was a time where spoilers were sprayed like no tomorrow. Just want to say that when you expect a reaction from me and don't get one. Probably a good thing seeing my reaction to some stuff.

 

Also Maman passed out but since my reflexes are that of an armless sloth, I missed it. Bloody FN key. Least my screen doesn't dim anymore when I screw up.

(She's alive so probably)

(You passed out and I had to carry you up here. I really am an errand boy)

(Wonder how many a bartender witnesses daily)

(You did hit your head on that small child. The kid's okay. His head is made of boulders)

(Wait, it's happened before. How much have you been drinking?)

(No wonder why Mosely is a thief. Girl would starve if she relied on her mom to feed her)

(...I ain't got enough cash to afford my own medical bills so don't ask me)

(How old is Mosely again. Basically the one in charge...Mosely in charge...that's a scary thought)

(We all gotta go sometime, kid. Unfortunately certain people don't know how to stay dead.)

(No worry. People passing out in front of me is a common occurence. If it's not that it's getting captured, threatened, or outright dying. I am one messed up child.)

(...There are so many questions on why you think you're able to take and build an orphanage but...)

(Really? We're really going to add more people to the death count. Oh but Melia is excused from death sure.)

(You destined to get yourself killed faster)

(...You're really going to get back up and do it again...some people)

And that's all the sidequest pics I took. Honestly I just saw "wow, we really don't have much for this chapter" and kind of was going to slap this on for the Crawli fight to make it longer. There's really not much to talk about outside of well it at least being interesting and not dragging on. Seriously, these sidequests are how most scenes should play out. That's the price to pay for making a game with a silent protagonist in it. Though sigh...I guess I have to discuss more about silent protagonists:

 

The really weird thing about Terajuma is that the main focus is being fought with giving the PC something to do versus plot functionality. Melia isn't hogging the main character role and it's more like screentime is being swallowed up to get everyone to say something to the point the PC kind of just fades into the background due to not being able to speak. This unfortunately adds the need for Melia to say even more lines to drive the Player's actions and renew their goal which is saving Nim...even though they can already head up to save Nim. The plot then tries to cover up the questionable actions of the characters by giving them more dialogue to explain it. And the player has zero say in what the group does...so Melia has to take action again and drive the plot. It's a circle which honestly has one very simple answer: accept the plot point is silly or contradictory and move on. It's like messing up a line in a song. If you mess up, you continue the song regardless and let the rest play out. Sure people will notice, but if you freeze up or retry it's going to just be more apparent and probably end up in a worse mess than it should. I get changes need to happen, but flow should always be the focus.

 

Now let's talk about something that's rare: the player character not being the focus of the story or more specifically a silent protagonist. I've played a few games where they share the role with others (Xenoblade X and Golden Sun), but the only game I can think of where they aren't very involved is FE7. FE7 is actually a pretty good demonstration of how to pull this off effectively (though the story quality is another debate entirely) but I can't pull up any turn based ones off the top of my head. Deuteragonist personally is the best role to play for the mess we're in but there needs to be a balance and the big issue with Melia is that she kind of just told us everything we needed to do and had to follow her around. This goes back into letting the player feel like they are in control and the moment you take that away you pretty much are on the verge of losing most of your players or potential players to say the least. Maybe I'll make a COGA expanding more on the balance of characters since I think that's a topic a lot of Rejuv fans might want to see after my rants. Also while I may forget what I've said from time to time (hell there's probably going to be a 1,000 thoughts if I ever get to the end) most of the core ones I say don't change. My personal opinions may change over time, but most basic elements of effective story-telling are constant throughout history.

 

Also here's my box of what my main team for Angie was going to be and everyone else is level 50 from Audino trainers:

(Honestly, I think it may be too easy to grind since this took me an hour to do)

 

Anyways, I'm going to go back to play some more Cold Steel while I wait for this 50 GB application to finish downloading which I need for school which is why I kind of decided to output this chapter. See ya eventually and also...I swear Derog and I don't coordinate when to upload chapters. It really is usually just pure coincidence.

[Dex]

On 9/28/2018 at 8:36 PM, Commander said:

I swear Derog and I don't coordinate when to upload chapters. It really is usually just pure coincidence.

Like before last week, I would have agreed but now I'm a little suspicious lol. 

 

Sidequests and events galore this chapter. I like the secret Piplup event, I always did like the idea of wild starters as long as they were hard to find. Actually a lot of these side quests I've never even seen, though I tend to watch Rejuvenation through Shofu who is pretty bad about that sort of thing. Also said side quests deal with people I rather not have. The reward for the Sariah one is pretty wack, like wow. 

 

I updated from Version 10 midway through the 3rd Gym to fix a bug and I'm already seeing changes. Seems like the idea is to give you more pokemon options which I don't mind. 

 

 

[Commander]

On 10/1/2018 at 11:14 AM, Dex said:

Like before last week, I would have agreed but now I'm a little suspicious lol. 

 

Sidequests and events galore this chapter. I like the secret Piplup event, I always did like the idea of wild starters as long as they were hard to find. Actually a lot of these side quests I've never even seen, though I tend to watch Rejuvenation through Shofu who is pretty bad about that sort of thing. Also said side quests deal with people I rather not have. The reward for the Sariah one is pretty wack, like wow. 

 

I updated from Version 10 midway through the 3rd Gym to fix a bug and I'm already seeing changes. Seems like the idea is to give you more pokemon options which I don't mind. 

 

 

So instead of telling you why variety doesn't matter I'm going to give you a situation: let's say you have a choice between a rock and a feather. The rock gives you the power to punch and break through any material while the feather lets you be able to soar at any distance. That seems like a very tough choice given you could do so much with both. Now let's say the task at hand is just navigating through a cave with a lot of dead ends. Suddenly that choice becomes nothing more than simply whether or not you want to make your life more difficult since you can't really fly in a cave (and for the jackass who wants to be like "there can be bottomless cliffs" then assume it's a tunnel). There's a difference between choice and freedom of choice and if fights were designed like Crawli there really is no freedom of choice. Without that freedom or ease then there's no point to experiment beyond what works at the risk of losing any and all progress.

 

I can't tell you how many times people complain about difficulty being "too easy" yet stats show that being "too easy" works. Look at Pokemon, Zelda, Final Fantasy, the Trails series, the Tales of, or the Atelier. Most of these games are easier than Reborn and Rejuv (though also have difficulty modes to make them brutal) yet they are very well liked and recieved. It should make you go "Why?" I often actually tone down the difficulty for leaders by using a "weaker" team in order to better gauge the damage ratio. Obviously, they have to be harder than the original fight, but I still want them to be winnable with teams with a large variety and if you have a team designed to basically counter them then it should be easy. If it's not, then you can imagine so many options just falling off quickly and needing to plan instead of experience. Only reason I'm not struggling like I probably would is because I know what's coming. Most people won't be that lucky.

 

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

 

Chapter 43 Resorting to Violence

 

I'm getting worse and worse with titles. Anyways, I'm not really sure what I'm going to do about this run and Redux. On one hand, I really just want to get this done and finish it, but on the other, it's a good breather for working on the mod. And if it isn't obvious, I can only work on this or the mod but not both at once. No, neither is canceled but given I have like two years before I can officially complete and close out Redux, I'm not really in a hurry. Though at this point I think people are very aware. I just like restating it since most projects usually get dumped. Also anyone who bitches about low motivation: imagine having to edit and improve dialogue that most people won't even read and those that do and respond will pretty much just gripe or bitch about it. Yeah, I have to spend hours upon hours editing dialogue knowing that (and I still won't do a half-ass job like I did). I'm not complaining about the work since I ultimately am choosing to do it, but I just want people to think about that before griping how much work something like a run or fixing a program is. Probably still have a good 60 hours worth of work fixing that mess of dialogue.

 

Also, you are probably are wonder why I'm getting worked up about battles. I've said this before but I know there are two people who worked on them. That's two people who are doing half the level of work I pretty much do. But being honest here, I get making the fights slightly more difficult due to AI but that old wonky AI can be slightly controlled without throwing super OP options into the mix. Making the fights isn't that hard (unless you do like 100 which that can take a month XD), but testing them is a pain. I mean V9 was honestly at the right difficulty and it's kind of sad all of that was thrown away instead of built off of since it was fun using options like Seviper (and I even felt bad using Walter since he hogged that spotlight). Hell, I probably would have brought Albedo in to have some fun since I really like using him but he's fallen off almost into worthless now. And we're going back to pretty much relying on Walter even more.

 

If the devs are still reading this run (honestly, I probably wouldn't) then I just want to make one quick reality check. Your fandom is not your playerbase. There are many, many people playing the game you might not even realize just like how I don't know many of the people who are even reading this run. Let's just talk about the 10% aka the fandom part of the playerbase. Most of these people are close to die-hard Pokemon fans and are really into the competitive aspect (and were brought in due to Reborn). These people are going to have a very skewed perception of game difficulty and where it should be since what is easy/hard for them is very different from what the average person is. That's kind of why I get where Shofu is coming from in his latest Reborn episode (but pretty much disagree on a lot of his ideas, but I'd rather not make this a roast on him). When testing the battles, you should go into it with a mind of the average player or cater towards the weaker ones. That does not mean making the normal difficulty super, super easy, but more along the lines with an understanding. While it is what you want to do, but if you guys keep aiming towards satisfying the fandom with this harder and harder difficulty, I'll gladly be jumping ship after Shota since this isn't a game for me which is fine. This is just something to think about when doing these tests.

 

And with that, I get to pictures (even though most of us are here just to see an angry guy get salty about a free fan-game):

 

(...Sorry, but I don't think Fish is gonna fix you)

 

Aww...I really hope I have a pic of the new Surfing Sprite. I worked weally hawd on it.

(It's cold and dark...just like you, Melia)

(Are you seriously still bitching about the heat? Oh look a back of the sign. Wonder what the secret news is this time)

("Strange man murders orphans' godmother" Huh. Remind me to stay away from that loon)

(Also says something about magnets...why would I ever need that?)

 

Oh, I almost forgot. While I do want to try and cover many sidequests, I'm probably going to forget and miss a lot of them since they are all kind of out of the way. I can't promise I'll finish the Type: Null and it usually takes a month a badge to even get back to playing the game. So even if you tell me I'll probably forget. I know the following sidequests I kind of skipped:
 

-Poilwag (1 missing)

-Corrupt Pokeball (missing Magnet)

-Old Rod (whatever bloody Pokemon that was)

-Artist guy on Route 2 (Nope)

-One van thing on Route 3

-A couple trades

 

I also know about there being an Eevee from a certain trade now which I don't think I'll do. I'm not a big fan of using Eevee and if I was going to use one it'd be Flareon or Glaceon. Yes, I'm the one guy who really likes Flareon. And also, I probably wouldn't even dare try using a Delcatty in these games (in a more relaxing one like XD maybe).

(I think someone's bandanna is on too tight)

(...Can I just jump in the ocean over there and drown?)

(Oh look, someone that was completely forgotten)

(Look at how great your friends are. Completely abandoning you because Melia said so. Isn't Melia such a great leader?)

(Oh yeah I caught a Kingler)

(YES! I was smart enough to take a pic)

 

So now my noble steed has a part to play in this story. Yeah I edited the surfing sprite to be that though I'm not doing a bike or fishing one (no need to honestly). Now come, Sir Pearl. We have many ravishing pools of water we still have yet to cross. We also shall do it in a stylish manner no other trainer has before. I don't see any of you riding a fabulous pink Gastrodon. Y'all are about the generic fish thing or Lapras. It even has animations.

(And here we have the most broken Pokemon in essentials)

 

Zoroark is one of the wonkiest Pokemon in existence so if you end up in a situation where something is reading a Pokemon off your name (like Walter for me) then you know its Zoroark. That's often why, myself included set it to always be the lead Pokemon. It acts up otherwise due to poor scripting.

(...You aren't Saki?)

(...You are standing in a cave doing nothing...by yourself. Who's the fool now?)

(Okay that DEFINITELY wasn't in the original)

 

Pretty sure this door is to represent legendaries which is meh. I liked the idea in Reborn as it was more of a treasure hunt since they were out of the way. And sadly I know about Kyogre the whale and sorry if I spoiled it for you. I just don't want people hyping up this thing or be like "Oh, you'll be excited for what's coming up" and I guess I should tell you everything that I know happens in this game or what I've kind of come up with:

 

Spoiler

So basically we go to the Resort where we meet that one flying E8 member in which Venam shows up and a big argument between Saki, Venam, Amber, and...well those three in which the player has to decide which is the best then they take out the stress on the player before Amber gets taken by Madelis. Something, something see TM shop frozen then jump in a portal to find Angie who has Venam or something hostage. Fight a lot of people and run for our bloody live out of this place when Angie attacks. Then we got to go find the Magma stone which we fight a Groundon with the elder next to us and also at some point find and defeat Kyogre to rescue Amber/uhhh Flying girl where Madelis goes all fangirl wanting her autograph. Following that is the whole Volcano thing where Saki shows up on that weird machine and rescues that one girl from the Xen duo with it. Then there's the top of the Volcano fight where you fight Geara and Zetta with Melia which was hell and Jenner, Nim, and the Player all end up in the lava with Jenner only dying since Crescent rescued both also turned Zetta back into a Solosis which is revealed Zetta was created using Melia's DNA. Then Amber fight happens.

 

Don't really know the order of what happens next but you find some white haired person to fight then go and track down Flora and Florin to stop team axis or something who uses Dugtriobots. Flora is part of the group and depending on the path you can choose to expose her if you really want in which you fight Florin instead if you do for the badge though I think Flora gets caught regardless in both. Also something about Dimensional Garbodor and West Gearen where you fight...Erick? for a gym badge. Then you do some time travel shenanigans which affects the plot and changes everyone...or something. Everyone is different. Somehow you end up in Grand Dream City and you fight a bunch of people, see a puppet of your mom, then team up and fight the Puppets with Aelita for a badge. Then somehow you end up in a different time with Melia having to make a choice which sends you deeper into the past where you meet Kenneth aka Aelita's dad. Probably then find out Aelita is the fusion of Taelia and Vivian or something and you screw something up killing Aelita, then you go back to the past and fix your screwup by making some decision as Melia. Then you fight Shota and that's the end of the episode.

 

Also Team Axis uses a Dimensional Ferroseed which has two forms. Think that's in the Grand Dream City segment. Considering I have no idea of what exactly happens...oh yeah something about a stink bomb as well. On a scale of 1 to 10, how'd I do? Also, you can see why I'm not so excited about future segments now, can't you?

(If she's dead, does that mean I don't have to get all 18 badges?)

(Why did she...also how did she open those doors?)

(Please don't be)

(...How are you not able to handle these?)

(...Sharpedo are like some of the most harmless Pokemon in the game. Just punch one and it dies)

(...You have a freaking Togekiss. Get your ass off of it and do it yourself with a Dazzling Gleam)

 

(One montage of fighting later where I notice a squirtle and am upset I missed it due to a cutscene)

 

Also skipped some segment of dialogue by instinct since I was playing a different game for fun...hey, sometimes NPC dialogue gets a little boring.

(...Nope, I have no idea who that character is...thought she said Amber)

(Why would you go...nevermind I do that all the time)

 

So for those who played Xenoblade X, how many of you ran up to what looked like a monument in the water found in the jungle area out of curiosity and got their ass beat to death?

(Wait...she opened the door...well we know this person is important now)

(Wailmers, man. Those things are dan...what is this whale thing you speak of)

 

So something that really makes Pokemon terminology confusing is that animals don't exist but they do. You can hear people say Fish...I think but it just all leads to one big confusion as dogs don't exist but creatures that are like dogs do. It's like calling a Humpback whale a Wailord-like creature. It's a nightmare to both explain and see because while it may seem dumb to make a fuss over it, having contradictory terminology just makes it hard to use a proper vocabulary.

(...Saki, I think you need to lay off the cocaine for a while)

(Hey, is that sensei spot still open in Kakori Village. I'd like to fill it out)

(I'd be more pissed over anything for leaving me for a month all alone)

 

or was it two?

(The sad thing is if we didn't need to go this way we never would have found Saki and left her for dead)

(They missed you so much that they forgot your existence)

I'm...just gonna cut most of this dialogue since it's just...recapping info all again. I really miss when the player was wondering around by themselves.

(It's funny how you think you have a choice. There's no saying no to Melia)

(...You barely did jack on the island. The only thing you've accomplished so far is building a laser and distracting a guard...well that's more then the average person so...I guess I can't use that)

(That...really doesn't help this game's plot at all. Probably made it worse)

(It's...been 3 months maybe. This run has only been going on for a year)

 

It's been a year and I've kind of started running out of things to say...sorry. I know the quality kind of went downhill since Blacksteeple but there's only so much I can do with 1,000s of pics of slog parts and the fact that I can only cut so much as I do have to cover a good chunk. Irony is that I'm pretty sure most of these were inserted. This whole Saki thing was added as I'm pretty sure she was still with us in the original and the trio stayed behind on the ship while Melia, Aelita, and the player went on ahead. Maybe a little different but there was no dialogue in the cave (just a Scolipede fight and scene later). I get catchup and rescue scenes but we have done this what feels like every other scene and those that don't focus on Melia. Do you see why people kind of hate Melia? It's gotten to the point where the player really is nothing more than a secondary character. The plot would be the same even without them since the start of Terajuma. Let that sink in for a moment as that's how insignificant they are.

(I dunno. It's been a pretty long time)

(Motherf...)

 

Skipping the rest of this scene. I am done. I'll let you know anything important that you missed.

...Literally nothing happens. Just Saki humor which I am not in the mood to deal with.

(Two great water types in a single frame. Such a legend)

 

I totally would use a Blastoise as I love that Pokemon and it's really underrated, but it's a little bit too risky given how difficulty is handled in this game so into the dumpster it goes. At least in Reborn is has a very, very good use in the upcoming battle against Serra...Angie not so much.

(...Looks like Gen IV met a downgrade)

(...For once, we agree on something. Can't be worse than prison though)

 

You know what, I'm just going to only show dialogue that I find interesting from now on. So time for the Angi...I'm kidding that would be kind of cruel. We're just cutting the fluff that isn't even worth bothering with anymore since we know what I'm going to say and I really don't want to reread it. Probably going to cut this segment down a chapter though so...victory?

(...Oh no)

(.......Honestly, that is a pretty good one. You get a 1 star from me)

 

I kind of see where Braixen gets it from. Would have been cool if they acknowledged it or showed it better. So Braixen is a Pokemon that ends up imitating that who they are around. There are people like that and I can say that even I end up doing that a little bit. Would be hilarious if Braixen was quieter or lazy spending so much time with Adam, but I don't think we get to see that.

(Didn't we all? We don't even have her badge yet)

(Wow, these people are really mean)

(When you feel bad for Saki, you know shit has hit the fan)

 

After that show I need some relaxation...

(This...did not help much...also my coat is now drenched)

 

I never really ever liked hot tubs and I have no idea why since I like hot showers. Just a weird fact you guys probably didn't want to know.

(Tesla, that's her name I totally didn't forget about)

 

Anyways, the only place we don't want to go is North so we'll do anything but that. Adventure Rule #9: Thou must first go in ye direction opposite of where they need to

(Meh seems like a mash of Stark Island)

(I prefer the cave myself. Could make for a great secret lair)

(...I miss Adam)

(...Great...more Team Xen. Can we go one episode without them?)

 

Not sure if Maria counts considering what Indy's outfit looked like

(If I had the power, I'd shove you in the ocean and warn the others, but silent protagonists can't do that)

(Oh boy, this. I've opened a can of worms)

(I'm going to regret entering this)

 

So Pokemon Xenogene is on hiatus but at this point it's kind of like Desolation where I just don't think it's going to happen. If those two really do happen, great as I'd love to be proven wrong but honestly I think Xenogene kind of got forgotten about despite being something people were super excited about. Desolation is starting to reach there and is only alive due to the huge following. Redux is pretty much dead until I get a release out. It's kind of sad but over time games just get forgotten about. I mean how many of you know about the Mystical Ninja series. Yeah, that was one I loved as a kid but you rarely see anyone ever talk about it. Mana series is another good example...though it was revived due to a remake most people hated (and for good reason). It's scary to think Reborn will hit that point and it's basically what Ame's income is coming from. Speaking of Reborn, most of the reason I'm still around isn't because of that game, but Starlight Divide. I'm really curious how Ame's original product will look (as if it weren't obvious, I'm kind of meh on Pokemon in general...which most RPG players kind of are).

(Hooray for the Red wannabes)

 

So one thing I hate in a game is just random "..." lines. It's basically why even put an NPC there in the first place. Most NPCs you talk to once then forget about unless they are a major one. I don't know if he gets dialogue later but there's like two or three that do this. Really makes you question it. This isn't the only time I've seen it which is why it irritates me so much.

(Hi, I would like to order the best option for stress relief)

(...Angie, please leave me alone)

(I'd say more annoyed than scared. Damn posters)

(What's our motto? NEVER GIVE UP!)

 

...And so many of you that reference when over your head. It's one of the Tales victory quote staples in the series. Favorite version is Asbel's. Anyways, moving on.

(At least your more productive than those rangers)

(Girl2...I'll trade Melia for her. Though I feel bad for whoever named her)

(Wait what? Blizzards on a tropical island...give me a moment. Nope, we're not in DK Country)

(I don't remember her, but who knows. Pretty sure this is all new too)

(Have you tried brute force? I hear it's very effective)

(...Huh. That reminds me of something...something back in Akuwa...don't tell me...)

(Heh. No customers means no money so...)

(Nice cover-up. this woman knows how to run a business)

(Welcome strange lady who apparently now thinks she knows me very well after two encoutners)

(...Thank you. The first person I meet who is actually happy to see me. Well besides Novae but I try to not think about her. #BringBaedriennBack)

(Where do I even begin? I've been sent into the past, thrown in jail, and now stuck on an island with a bunch of idiots, incompetent rangers, and some crazy ice lady. Also some crazy people tried to kill me. Other than that, I've been doing just fine)

(...I'm not sure if that's a compliment or not but...considering I'm aiming to be the Pokemon Champion it's probably an insult)

(Oh look someone I don't want to see right now. Go away and let me the protagonist)

(What is this god you speak of?)

(...Never heard of her)

(Is her inner fangirl about to come out or something)

(You're kidding me. Literally every bloody person on this island news you name. Even the Vileplume know your name)

(Also probably because she's aware of all the gym...wait if she's the normal gym leader...who even is participating in this league besides me...and Aelita?)

(Dammit. Now we're going to have to listen to her. Why'd you have to bring that up?)

(You see? This is what I have to be dealing with. Wouldn't even let me be leader despite being the only one competent enough to get stuff done)

(Too bloody late now. Pretty sure everyone knows our exact location...given her screw-up.)

(She can. And she makes the worst one.)

 

Seriously, she let our mother die and really tossed it aside like she had no blame on it, let Nim be captured along with carelessly letting us get sucked up alone in a dangerous dimension, basically let Zetta play her, made a permanent enemy out of Ren, and worst of all, acts like she didn't screw up at all.

(...If I was taking a vacation, it'd be anywhere this posse isn't. Crossbell sounds nice about now)

(Pretty sure Valarie was relaxing on the beach and Saki was peeping. Very serious business indeed)

(Oh Melia, I found the gym. You're welcome)

(I'll take the bad news first)

(...Let me guess: she's dead)

(Shit. I was just kidding. I don't wish that on anyone)

(Probably buried under Angie's Blizzard)

(Oh. Nevermind then. I'll go get her.)

(...That's a good idea)

(What image are we at? 124. Oh heavens no she's not going to be that easy to challenge. We've got another 900 or so pics to go)

(...Tesla if you're doing this for me, thank you)

(Melia listening to someone...that's a first)

(She's taking a train to sleepy time junction)

(Melia and Relax. I'd say never.)

(...This girl can't be worse then Melia so sure)

(Feel free to use handcuffs)

(This woman. She is my savior. Ridding me of all my problems)

(Hahahaha! Wouldn't surprise me if she ran to me halfway through to get all the credit)

(Now where have I seen a ginger haired girl in...oh god no. This is a mistake)

 

Remember my analysis of Melia. Yeah...the game treats it like you're supposed to have a very good understanding of it, but it just comes out as weak...because nobody was there to challenge or question her decisions which would have made this a much stronger scene and Melia a much better character. Melia to me is mostly wasted potential which is sad because there was potential unlike a lot of these characters. Anyways let's go find Amber but first..

(I feel mildly uncomfortable...remind me to never step foot in here again)

 

And now let's go talk to the BEST character in the game:

(Hi.)

(A Cold Steel 3 localization announcement, a Nintendo Switch, Redux to magically be done, and Budew memes to just vanish from existence)

 

I really have hated Budew anything for the past 4 years. It was funny for a month but you can imagine after this long...it just gets tiring very quickly. Of course I feel that way about a lot of memes (including one that I just removed from my head I hated that much) so don't take much offence to that.

(I am this close to knocking you out and dragging your ass back to the resort)

(Want to test that. If I win, I get a badge.)

(Guess what? I'm not poor either and I have the rock god on my side. Who do you think it gonna win?)

(Hell no)

(You've insulted me by opening your mouth)

(Why isn't there a third option)

 

For a game well known for it's funny second option, I find this highly disappointing. I'm like positive this got changed so this is so disappointing there's no "I'm not sorry" option. One of the few saving graces in the story to make it fun and enjoyable to go back and look at.

(I know you're an annoying damn teen. Who the heck hired you as a gym leader? Are they like that desperate for a fire leader? I...probably could do a better job than you could at it)

(...Just knock her out and we'd be done. Just knock her out and we'd be...)

(Dammit she turned around)

(Or we could do it here. Rules don't say we're required to fight in a gym.)

(...If I murder her, take a piece of medal, hide the body, and say that she disappeared, does that still count as me earning a gym badge?)

(If that's true, time to die, bitch)

 

Also seriously, there's are like the lamest choices I've seen in the game and it's just disappointing and a missed opportunity because Amber is a great character to get into a heated argument because you probably hate her a little bit. Will finish this thought in a moment.

(...When I was 7, my favorite CD was Shania Twain...I totally just didn't admit that)

(...It seems we share a common enemy. I shall call a truce, for now)

(I...yeah that sounds like something Veronica would do)

(That definitely is something Veronica would do)

(...Let me see if I still have that B/W2 soundtrack. Would that suffice?)

(Great since I'm a silent protagonist, the only thing I can do is visit another character I hate)

(Are we really doing this?)

 

So Amber is that character that would be fine...but there's just no reason for her to exist between Saki and Venam. She's just a teenage brat, and I mean literally the stereotypical teenage brat which Saki and Venam both kind of fill. She does it better than both of them and would take her over either of them any day, but I just don't see the point. It's not a good trope to have let alone 3 and all you are going to do is simply annoy the players. She's not a long term characters which those who fit that fold can end up great characters like Junpei from Persona 3, Jusis from Cold Steel...wait those are guys...uhh...I guess Rin from Fate since all I can think about are Tsunderes. I'm missing out on Crossbell time by doing this. I really would like some appreciation for holding off on something I've waited a year and a half to do just to make an update.

(We're really doing this.)

(Why am I doing this? I hate you)

(...I'm really just going to leave right now...also this is worse than the original but that's nothing new)

 

I know about the whole ridiculous her swimming across the ocean, but I found that to be so stupid it's great. There's nothing wrong with being a bit over the top and I think Jan having second thoughts removing all of that kind of made this segment pretty hallow. A hallow game is worse than a bad game because it means you take no experience out of it. Even SAO Lost Song which is one of the worst RPGs I've ever tried to play, I found more memorable than this now. I really think that sums up why I just can't really get much out of the game in these segments. I'm just not feeling it. I just took a look back at Reborn and even in one single segment I was able to output that abomination...which I don't think I could do the same for Rejuv. It's just sad since up to Narcissa I've really felt the spirit of the game and it had good synergy despite my rantings.

 

I'll be brutally honest that even though I rant and probably hated on the pre-Blacksteeple parts of the game, I feel like I was way more passionate about it then I am now. That Venam reaction at the end was literal rage. I did not get any angrier at the game then at that moment because I was into it. I don't want you to think how good or bad it was but I was invested. Blacksteeple I was partially invested and it wasn't until the group talks that investment vanished. Like there's a lot I liked venturing back to in Blacksteeple and if it weren't for the sheer amount of filler dialogue I probably would absolutely loved it and talking about it both the good and the bloody awful. Original Terajuma I was fatigued from all the Valarie attempts (damn Lanturn), but honestly it was everything else that pushed me forward and if my game save wasn't literally unplayable I would've continued. Angie gave me hell and I was just done, but I was willing to give it another shot.

 

Jan's a big boy and he can take it, but this is honestly mediocrity. I think the moment you step on to Terajuma is mediocre and what I would call unacceptable. I would blame myself and my fatigue, but you have to remember I took a 3 month break on top of working on WLL. I badly wanted to come back on work on this game and the next segment because WLL made me even more invested in Rejuv. And no, old Terajuma is not like this saintly good segment and has its own beats of issues, but I care more about something I saw not giving a crap what like 2 and a half years ago and was so done then what we have now. If you think I'm sitting on a high horse shitting on Rejuv because I can, I will bluntly way that the previous chapter isn't supposed to exist. It was probably one of the best experiences I had with Rejuv so much I decided to start taking screenshots of random things and forgot for other things. I didn't even think about that until now like I am very bummed out I couldn't figure out a convenient way to get a magnet to finish that one quest or the orphanage quest couldn't continue. I wish I took way more pictures as well as that's the part of Rejuv that I want to spend 5-8 hours on certain days working on chapters.

 

I say this to make a point: Jan is way better than this and shouldn't accept with just that. Blacksteeple may have been a long stretch due to how it went but playing it and writing it were two different stories. Terajuma both of them matched up. This honestly in some senses feels half assed and in return if feels like my recent chapters have been half asses (and I'm not talking about the captions because that's a different story) and that's why I think I considered dropping it as it was like "what else do I really have to say." So I'd be frustrated with battles and frustrated with coming up with new things instead of sounding like a broken record. If this continues on and on, I might have to...but it didn't. That's the thing. I'll probably be able to explain that in a few chapters.

 

And just for one more realization: For the amount of work put in, I pretty much get what most people would consider is nothing in return. Yes, I'm happy and thankful to the people who read and comment, but do you honestly think I'm playing this game and writing out a run because I like getting a few comments and rep points? Well yes, but I could do that in more effective and less time consuming ways. There's just something about this game that I like now and I don't know what it is and it's enough to spend 100s of hours working on it. (Just imagine if every chapter took 3 hours to make at least...ps it's way more).

(I mean I probably would have been one of the ones who was fixing so...thank you?)

(Believe me, I won't tell Melia anything I don't have to)

 

I'm getting sick of Melia bashing. I would bash Amber, but...you'll see.

(Gib doggars)

(...Smart player. You concealed her name)

(Too bad it did nothing)

(...oh boy, I already know this isn't going to end well)

(You could say...I have a gut feeling this isn't going to work out...oh no, I'm worse than Saki)

(Joy. More people problems. And they wonder why I'm an introvert)

(Joy. I'm getting dragged in to teenage drama)

(Huh. That reminds me I should check on Adam)

(OH HI VALARIE WHERE DID YOU COME FROM!)

 

Sprites moving across different maps. Gotta love them and gotta hate them when you forget to get rid of the one in the old location

(It's a pond. I wonder if it has any Magikarp)

(Who the hello are you?)

(Don't mind me. I'm just looking for Sharpedo teeth)

(Yeah. Yeah. Just kiss already and make up)

(There ain't anything hot about her)

(I wish to be no part in this childish war)

 

Which reminds me:

You're just so annoying

God you're so annoying

Acting high and mighty

like you're the queen

 

Did I ever talk about my vocaloid phase? Man, that was such a good time. Irony is my favorite song (though I'm not 100% sure if it's vocaloid). Just checked, it is.

(This is one of those things I wish didn't have to happen but does because of the characters)

(You about done. We are trying to save a hostage from being killed, you know)

(Do I really have to drag Melia here just to stop this? Please say no)

These stairs are surprisingly comfy)

(............really.......)

(..................I'm starting to see why Amber hates Venam. I'll hold her if you want to punch her in the gut...what do you mean you don't want my help?)

(You better stop before I punch YOU in the gut)

(How is she playing that thing?)

(Yep. I'm pretty sure she stole it now)

(You know what if we're going to suffer through this I may as well post the full song)
 

Spoiler

 

(What's up?)

(...You brought this upon yourself)

(Finally. I'll help bury the body when you're done)

(I am the machine)

(Well that's one way to bury the body)

(How...does that even work? You know what, not even gonna question. Logic is not this game's specialty)

(Great. Tell me you got a badge off her. That'd make me almost like you as a character if you did)

(I don't see no badge)

(She's dead, Vem)

(I said she's dead, Vem)

(Go ahead. That's two women I hate out of my life)

(Yes, a very good idea)

(Shit. Well if I die that'll make this game much shorter so here goes nothing)

(No, she has a strong case of talkitus. Only a fist full of rage can cure it)

(Amber, I am so sorry you had to deal with her for lord knows how many years)

(I'm feeling bad for Amber. Look what you're making me do, game)

(I hear people with tiny brains our self conscious about these kinds of things)

(Thank you. If you did that 20 minutes ago, we wouldn't be here, but you don't care about that, do you?)

(At least you learned one damn thing since Melia died)

(Oh great they're back at it again. What a joy to watch)

(Oh they're done. Thank the Uxie I'm free)

(Probably where we'll find Uxie in the postgame...kind of like where Suicune statue is located)

(It's a Ux..oh right Gen III. No wonder why they don't recognize it)

 

(Name one person who uses Uxie. Azelf at least gets use)

(Given I'm the only one here who can use Surf, you may want to break it up or I'm leaving both of you on the island)

(That's it, I'm telling Tesla you both died from an accident)

(Oh. Another poster. I always like some good propaganda in the morning)

(Are we really...nope, nope. I'm done. We're just gonna skip it and avoid the blood pressure increase)

 

Jesus what is this: Golden Sun: Dark Dawn?

(Yes please. Now grab onto Sir Pearl as we venture out of...wherever we are. I don't remember. Who are you guys again?)

(Remind me to steal that CD and give it to Amber so I don't have to deal with hearing that song ever again)

 

And so we do what we had to which was drag Amber's butt all the way back. We also just had to get Venam involved as well and we all know how much I like her. Teenage brats I tell you.

(Excuse me while I go dunk my head in some hot water while a creepy guy in a speedo stands right behind me)

(Yep, it's the official bring back every character I hate segment to make them relevant. We just need Crescent for maximum annoyance)

(By the way, I met your dad. Why did he get kicked out of the city?)

(I'd probably still have called her Veronica just because)

(Okay, can we please just move Venam from the area as it isn't helping my situation at all)

(...This is probably what Charlotte would've turned out if she still had a mother)

(*ahem* We didn't start the fire)

(Normally, I don't take sides, but Amber kind of has a point. I think she has a right to hate Venam for setting a building on fire and blaming it on her)

(...why do people like Venam again? She is literally the second worst person even betraying one of her besties...inb4 it wasn't her)

(Quick, tie her down before she escapes)

(Dammit why can't anyone here what I'm saying)

(Also please don't make too much noise. I can only handle one of you people at a time and there's 3 in this room)

(What pic are we at...245...nope, we still got at least 400 more before a battle)

(I'm not sure if I should let her go or strangle Venam...maybe I should do both)

(Please don't. You have made my life more complicated then it already has been.)

 

Okay so I really don't care for any of this because nothing comes out of it. Amber is honestly not that bad of a character and is just a spoiled brat. At least she has a reason to be pissed off. All this time she's been trapped here all because Venam wasn't willing to fess up to something which even after all of that pretty much isn't willing to admit it either. Now let's imagine if Melia burned down your house and you saw it happen, but everyone blamed you and shunned you not believing a damn word you said. She lied and now you pretty much are very miserable due to it. I can see why Amber is so pissed at Venam. If it were all a fabrication from Amber, then we should have known from Venam, but this is just ridiculous trying to understand so we have to assume Venam is at fault because let's be honest her character is just so aggravating. Venam is just a scumbag and learned nothing. Sure it was funny the first time with the berry but she really has degraded worse and worse. She nearly killed her friends and not learned her lesson. Now she's stealing money from people. And it's all perfectly okay (and you wonder why her friends left her). What is up with Rejuv and not wanting character growth?

(Something tells me there's a lot more to the story as why she spoiled her...also where's the father)

(Challenge accepted. I'm the master of annoying people to get what I want)

(Go away, Saki)

(We can leave you here if you want. Not like you are relevant since I have your badge)

(I already know how this is gonna end. And man, her room is so clean)

(If I had the option, I really would have punched you in the face by now. Damn RPG linear mechanics)

(Give me your badge and you'll never have to see me again)

(Venam, I need you to say absolutely nothing at all)

(You just stole money from people. Also how the heck can you take challengers if you're all the way out here?)

(If I had the power to refuse challengers, I probably would use it too. Fighting all those annoying idiots would get annoying)

(I...are you actually behaving? What did you do to Venam?)

(I'm a silent protagonist. Bothering people is the only thing I can do)

(I agree. Angie really is getting on my nerves. Well not as much as the rangers...thankfully most of them are dead)

(If it involves fighting me in a gym battle, sure)

(I agree. Let's have one of the highlights be a crazy gym battle to hype up the mood)

(I uhh...that's probably not a good idea. You do realize half this island's terrible police force is gone, right?)

(The woman turned a city into an ice tundra. This is a bad idea.)

(This is a very bad idea)

(Maybe she actually had the heart to give back the CD after all this time)

(...You are the worst liar)

(Thank you for behaving. Nobody died. See, this is why you should behave more often)

(...Don't encourage her)

(...that son of a bitch)

 

Really? Did she really just steal one of Amber's Pokemon? I actually thought she was doing something nice and was going to actually give her praise but then you realize that'd be not like Venam and then I might actually like her so now...we're stuck with this...though that scene honestly was pretty good. I'm guessing Jan just doesn't understand how to deal with big groups because the 1-on-1 writing is usually fine.

(oh dear god, please don't tell me...)

(This is why I only want sons if I ever have kids)

(Don't mind me, I'm just gonna pretend to be invisible)

(At least unlike Veronica, you have good comebacks.)

(...also when did I suddenly gain a harem? I didn't ask for this)

 

Or maybe it's Melia's. Don't really care. I want men and I want them now.

(Grow a spine, woman)

(You see Venam, this is how the world views you. Take a minute and reflect on it.)

(YOU'RE THE DAMN WOMAN OF THIS HOUSE. It's your job to get this under control)

(I'm pretty sure if you're getting into an argument, Saki is gonna win. The woman can make a laser out of a satellite. By the ways, what did happen to that anyways?)

(They don't, but I do.)

(.......Alright which one of you was dumb enough to keep scissors within her reach?)

(.............Oh dear god.)

(Why? Just...why?)

(Remind me to never, ever talk to these people again.)

(She deserved that. Also, let it sink in that Saki is the best character here.)

(She tried to murder her so I think that's fair)

(I'm...kind of inclined to agree. I'll help fill out the restraining order)

(Am I the only one who saw Amber nearly lose her head? That's acting immature? I don't want to know these people's version of crazy is)

(See Venam, this is a day in my life. I have to deal with this and not be able to say one damn word)

(...thank you lady fate for granting my one wish. I needed this, but I had no idea it come in the form of a spoiled brat)

(Dammit, Venam. You were doing so well)

(...Amber, I will be your wingman, but unfortunately, I'm no longer given that choice)

 

I probably would have selected Amber if given a choice here, but nope another cool thing about this episode was axed where you got to choose best girl. I just cannot comprehend how one of the better segments in Version 7 became what I feel is one of the worst (if we treat version areas like episodes). I don't like referencing the old material so heavily but it's just so...different. By the way the conversation is fine and what I expect from Jan, but man, I almost want to try and find a V7 download now.

(Yep, she's the tsundere of the group. Give her time and she'll grow on us)

(...Can I please just stand up for Amber? I know she's being a jerk, but she's being ganged up on by everyone)

(So when can I reclaim my role because Melia sure is doing a fine job screwing it up)

(And this is where the problem lies. Nobody explained that our friend is about to be killed and we need a plan to save her. Gee, I wonder if an Elite 8 member could help us save her)

(...there's a time to be formal and a time not to be. This is a time not to be)

(That...was easy. I don't blame her. I never want to see any of these people again either)

(...If it's murder Saki, I will gladly comply. Just meet me out the back so we can get...wait a minute, Saki's a bloody gym leader. Why are we even arguing this)

(Shrug okay. Just let me access my PC and...)

(Buy some items...and...)

(I'll gladly beat up Saki in front of you. That would solve all my issues)

(Okay. It's all for a piece of medal)

(No, no, please let me do this. I need a good stress relief. I'll take them both on by myself. Reborn taught me many things for 6 v 12)

(Okay, now let's just get it over with)

(Yes, this is about as close to punching you as I can get so I'll take it)

(Let's go. I am gonna take you down. Me vs two people I hate. This is the perfect stage. If only Adam and Ren were here)

(...............................Do you realize everything wrong with what you just said?)

 

I just love how this makes the strength quest in Reborn look rational. We have two gym leaders at our disposal and our only solution for the badge problem is not fighting them, but having to fight some random girl giving us hell just so that I can assist in Melia's rescue mission. That's it. That's literally it. We can't challenge Saki nor Adam because that'd make too much sense. You can argue that they are too high leveled, but that doesn't mean they can use a weaker team or hold back even. The whole point is to help the player and assist them as best they can, not about being fair in the league. This always irritated me and I'm surprised Amber didn't make a comment on it.

(Deal.)

(...Can I take Valarie instead? Or the hiker outside? Please, someone save me so I don't have to deal with her stealing my win. Just let me have this, please)

(Dammit Amber. I thought we were on the same side. Why do you betray me?)

 

Honestly, I probably wouldn't have picked Melia if I had the option. I get why it was changed, but I'm not happy about it. I just hate how all the characters cockstroke Melia and the one character who didn't gets treated like an awful person. Amber really is the only person I can stand in this room which is really saying something.

(...Sigh...let's just get this over with)

(I'm just gonna bring my lowest leveled mons)

(Because I need to release some stress)

(Sadly, I wish I could join you, but I have to deal with Melia and her solutions. One day. Just for one day I'd like my role back)

(Get out of here)

(Please do. I mean please do. There is nothing more in this world I could ask for)

(Yes, Valarie. Help her give in.)

(Dammit. And worst of all there ain't even a romance option for dealing with all this second fiddle)

(I just want this unsatisfying win to be over with now)

(Whatever relaxation she went through is gone, I could tell you that when Melia went back to demand mode)

 

I know what you're thinking and I know a lot of people dislike Amber from what memory serves, but I honestly think she would be the best addition for the group and this isn't because I like her. Goodness no she's honestly pretty annoying but she has great chemistry with the cast so it's interesting to explore. She is the only one so far to even acknowledge Melia's superiority attitude and that alone really just displayed what all the character's are like. She's the character Melia needs to display actual growth and make into a fleshed out character. It's already helped out Venam a little bit though we don't know much of what's going on with her. I honestly think that should have been the focus of the plot and we fight Amber this episode after exploring so much of that backstory, but that sadly isn't how the game works.

(...You have no room to talk. Of all the people in the group, you're the one that strokes Melia's balls the most)

(You say it's childish yet you want to beat me)

(Spoiler alert: I could've beaten both with full teams by myself)

(...I probably am going to)

(Don't worry. I blame Melia for not being able to stay in one place while I settle this mess)

(...I don't think she's talking about the battle)

(I want to talk about Tesla for a minute)

 

If you've forgotten the plot, I do think after this chapter you should go back and read those old lines of hers as it's actually a pretty interesting dynamic between her and the player and kind of better explains why she does what she does. Of course I'll go into it, but hey at least she got better characterization in the update.

(Melia, you couldn't disappoint me more than you already have)

 

And time for our 30 lines of dialogue before a battle just because reasons...

(Can I trade sides and team up with Saki?)

(Don't care. Battle)

(...This is why I'm glad I'm out of high school. Don't have to deal with this. Like oh my god Amber over there is totes lame and she can't even hold her guitar properly)

(Save this kissing for later. This is a manly sport so let's act like men)

(...I can't disagree with that)

(This is just sad. Maybe Amber was trying to teach them a lesson all along...nah, that's not Amber like)

(So basically have their pokemon faint in 5 seconds. Great to know)

(Thank you, Amber. Please join our group so we can be productive)

(...More like a huge handicap)

(Yeah...I'd be surprised if any of my Pokemon are above 45 considering we fought like one trainer)

(And the firesweep train is a rolling)

(And rolling)

(And that damn snorlax screwed everything up)

(And we won)

(Thank god that snorlax is dead)

(This would be so much easier if I did it myself)

(Uhh how many Pokemon did I lose...I don't even think I used Loewe)

(And I had a handicap)

(She looks so happy to lose)

(Because you fought with steel types against a man with two OP fire types)

(...You're one to talk. Thanks for letting half my Pokemon die due to bad decisions)

(...It did nothing)

 

No seriously, all I did was take out Saki then take out Venam. Really easy fight with my only hinderance being Melia. Honestly, I think I would have felt better and made the battle more interesting if I was fighting by myself. All Melia did was some chip damage then get in the way especially with that Snorlax which did like no damage and since it was tanky all the Pokemon always gunned for me. Really hate how arrogant Melia is.

(Please don't be coaching two gym leaders on how to do their job. Besides, Venam has pretty good coordination. She helped me out of a jam with that Galvantula)

(Don't tell me we're going to do this again)

(I would more call it me yelling at Melia wishing I was alone)

(It was an unsatisfactory victory but a win is a win and I get exp...oh wait Melia stole that from me. I got money. Money is nice and doesn't annoy me)

(Wait image are we at...359...nope. We aren't facing her yet. Still way too early)

(I will take that. Gives me a break from all of this episode progress)

(She listened to my idea. See, I know how to get things out of people)

(I get it. I like it. I'll go for it. Now let's go get some fliers)

(Yet we have time for a battle, sail all the way to a random island back on the mainland, relax at a resort, and have a battle which I'm required to win and you're saying we can't just do one party. Besides, we still need that TM so it's not like we don't have something else that takes priority. I like this idea)

(You are the bloody master of wasting time. If I have to go through one more pointless meeting...)

(You guys really are lame. I want to do one fun thing and I've already accepted Nim is dead. Let me at least have this.)

(It's funny because it's true this time)

(I'm surrounded by idiots not aware of how to get a bratty teenager to do what you want. Force is never the answer)

(If anyone asks, it's all Melia's fault)

(Where's that spine? For a woman so high you'd think she'd be fierce or strict)

(It uhhh...kind of is. That girl needs some discipline)

(Says the woman who gets kicked out on a daily basis and possibly had something to do with her dad being banished)

(Oh well. At least I get to be the star of the party. That's one high school dream I never achieved)

(...I'm pretty sure Geara and Zetta are just working on their numbers...by that I mean their songs. They are still a band...we should have a battle of the bands.)

(If it's free stuff, I'll take it)

(I've always wanted to stay in the luxury life)

(Yes, that will be necessary)

(...Please tell me I don't have to share this room with any of them. Two I hate and one I'm terrified will kill me)

(Wait...I get my own Villa, sweet)

(I just got an upgrade. Sweet! I could get used to this kind of treatment)

(Or is this a different kind of invi...I'm not ready for this)

(Yes, go. Get out of my life. Now!)

(This is about to get sexual, awkward, or sexually awkward)

(Yeah, yeah we all know you think you're a queen)

(I'm scared, confused, and excited all at the same time)

 

Well that was...a chapter. Is this going to be like a thing where I end up liking characters most people hate, but yeah, I really do like the addition of Amber so I guess I take back the whole not understanding why she was added. I just think the whole Venam argument is just a little...we all know I have a bias against Venam so let's just leave it at that. I really like Tesla and Amber and how they are handled in their scenes honestly feels like a huge step up from the huge back step that was Crawli's segment. I just wish there was much more dedicated to them compared to what we get...unless there's more in post Angie which I don't think there is. Melia is a terrible leader yet she's treated like a great one which is why I joined #TeamAmber (which side are you on?)

[DerogatoryTrainer]

#Team Amber

 

Represent yo.

[DemICE]

Dunno i think these segments of rejuv are kinda how  human's civilization advancement works.  

Has more stuff to do  and QoL improves,  looks much fancier too,    but if you scrape the surface  you notice that certain aspects have become worse, while disguised as better (like food quality). By the way this doesn't extend to battles. I like the new ones much more than the previous ones. I can understand this is purely subjective though

 

Speaking of advancement, when i was 7 i didn't have a favorite CD because i was still listening to cassette tapes >.<  (mostly Scorpions) . The 90's was some pretty interesting span of years where many new things slowly spread more. (i guess the first years after 2000 can also count into that.)

 

By the way i do feel the v8+ content does work on some of the character's  development. At least more than currently (also introducing best girl).

[Feng Lei]

I felt almost exactly the same way, Commander, surrounded by all those bratty teenage girls getting into a cat fight. I don't have a problem with a largely female cast, but these characters all have such utterly flawed personalities, and none of them have improved at all. Well, Saki was always kind of a... enigma to me. She felt like a more mature version of Terra before getting her hair dyed. Let her ty-dy her hair, giv'er some suspenders and let her replace her iron mallet for a wooden, and we have Terra's secret identity exposed. No wonder she done went crazy and moved to Agate Circus.

 

As to the battle, I definitely believe Melia shouldn't have been included. It was an easy enough fight as it is. And yep, my fight, too, had the Metagross doing exactly squat.

 

Overall, the Crawli segment was definitely worse, though. This one was irritating as all hell, but it did NOT last forever, from what I recall. And Amber grew on me as a troubled character who really, really needed a friend in her life who wasn't any of those girls. Who wouldn't get messed up with them? Valerie just walked right out without a care. Another is a blonde 10 year old genius who somehow aged rapidly and has a demanding personality (It really is a blonde thing, I guess. Melia basically acts just like a certain family member I know.), and another is a violent delinquent who threatens the life and property of everyone within geographic proximity to her. Ouch.

 

And her mom is trying to be loving and supportive... in all the wrong ways. Or has been a little TOO much so. But yes, Amber is really a great character to delve into. You know what would have made things better from my POV? Here's a random brainstorm:

 

Have THIS be where the boat was towed for repairs. It makes more sense to me that they'd send everyone right up to the luxury resort rather than some random dockyard outside a life-threatening jungle. I mean, really? Then we could have had the Amber segment. The plot could be rearranged to streamline events. Have a gym badge axed for using Magma Drift (Still an awesome move, tbh). Have everyone readying for Amber's party, only for Venam to arrive by breatstroke to cause chaos. Amber runs off to the cave, and Venam pursues to torment her. You follow. Only, when you reach the Sharpedo Cove, you see neither girl.

 

Instead, it is hailing. Dozens of posters start drifting down amidst the wintry spell, and one lands atop you and teleports away. You pick up a flyer floating in the surf and read about Angie, and lo and behold, it is addressed to you! Le Silent Type! Angie is challenging you to face the Cold Truth, as she has invited the two naughty girls to do so ahead of you.

Upon returning to the resort, we find Telsa in a tizzy over the posters, in near tears about Amber being on them along with Venam, encased in ice!

Resolved to save her daughter lest she suffer Nancy's fate, Tesla and the M&Ms (Melia and Minions) join together to storm into the frozen side of the frozen island and rescue their frenemies!

 

But then a horde of Deoxys swoop down, delivering a message from Angie through brute force that the invitations were for Commander, and Commander ALONE to face her. The others are not yet prepared to face the Truth's touch.

 

And so you fight your way all but alone into Angie's domain to rescue the rascals.

 

In all this, Nim would have already been captured, preferably right after first running aground, and Crawli wouldn't have been introduced yet.

 

Back to Angie, she gets the Popsicle treatment. Along the way, you find that Crawli had been frozen in her dungeons after being tricked into abandoning his Ranger siblings for Turkish Delight, where he was then led into Angie's Tower and turned to stone frozen. You now have badges for Magma Drift, and Crawli is free, along with Venam and Amber. But where O where can that TM be?

 

You return to the resort and find Madelis finishing her roundup of the heroes, who were exhausted by fighting the Deoxies +hordes of Xen grunts. You part ways with informing that she took the TM Magma Drift with her from Tesla and Amber's mansion, or wherever it was, and there's like, probably no other one out there. Hah!

 

And then, after successfully obtaining Magma Drift, you and Aelita follow suit, finish the mountain mission, and then  return to face Crawli in his gym. Only, Crawli is not there.

 

And so, you learn about the hidden cove in Sheridan. Aelita actually knows about this place, so you hop on over, but not before she warns about how the Elder always said that area was cursed from Garufan magic, and that no one should be there at all.

Lo and behold, you get to the hidden Sheridan wetlands to find machinery, and perhaps some tunnels leading to the Garufan ruins with Groudon. We explore, and find connections to Madelis' Shadow Pokemon Palace with cool plumbing and awful door service, only to find Ren helping Nastasia do something at the ruins. Maybe Garufan related? Or perhaps just collecting damaged remains.

 

Scenes play out in an order appropriate for above changes (maybe remove the Groudon and instead have Natowl kill the Elder when she saves you all from her fire pokemons' fury, since this time she's not interested in letting you get away! The Elder dies, triggering a spell on Aelita or perhaps fulfilling some Garufan blood-ritual inadvertantly activated by messing around those dangerous ruins, and Nastasia is forced to retreat. Aelita faints afterwords unconscious. 

 

From there, you go back to fight Crawli, who apologizes for having been useless thus far (he didn't go to the volcano because he was still suffering from hypothermia or just feared going in with bug types, or maybe needed to check out those suspicious activities his dad reported going in Sheridan Wetlands. Could be funny seeing Rorrim.B explain how he knew about that secret hideout, after all....

 

And then move on from there to wherever. I don't recall much after Terajuma because that's when I totally ran out of game investment and basically just gave up making sense of it.

 

How does that flow? Does it sound more concise than the current version?

 

Apologies, brainstorm rant over. I just can't resist when the urge strikes. Commander does this to me, apparently.

[Commander]

On 10/3/2018 at 9:56 AM, DemICE said:

Dunno i think these segments of rejuv are kinda how  human's civilization advancement works.  

Has more stuff to do  and QoL improves,  looks much fancier too,    but if you scrape the surface  you notice that certain aspects have become worse, while disguised as better (like food quality). By the way this doesn't extend to battles. I like the new ones much more than the previous ones. I can understand this is purely subjective though

 

Speaking of advancement, when i was 7 i didn't have a favorite CD because i was still listening to cassette tapes >.<  (mostly Scorpions) . The 90's was some pretty interesting span of years where many new things slowly spread more. (i guess the first years after 2000 can also count into that.)

 

By the way i do feel the v8+ content does work on some of the character's  development. At least more than currently (also introducing best girl).

I want to say writing is highly subjective and if a story is popular and well liked it could be called great writing like Twilight even if many critics state its flaws or call it "fan-fiction" writing. Anyways, I really hate when people focus all on the features a game adds which are more just bells and whistles. Like fast travel is the most amazing thing in a game, but the game isn't awful just because it doesn't do that. Sometimes these features take away from certain experiences which is kind of why I'm against mods in general or tampering with the game until you first experience it fully.

 

Let's talk about battles for a minute as there's two ways to go about it: stream-line and grind-it-out. Stream-line is basically the focus of having bosses be easy enough you usually can win within two or three times with a few obvious exceptions. This is the modern style of RPGs letting players feel like they're very progressive and getting stuff done which is recommended especially now that RPGs are getting longer and longer. Grind-it-out is kind of a term I refer to older RPGs and games with the prime example being Dragon Quest. The idea here is that bosses are way tougher than everything else and you need to adequately prepare for them, but that rarely is enough so you need to grind for money to have the best equipment to even be able to challenge them...which usually you can tell since money feels really, really stingy. Reborn was very steam-line with bosses of course being a struggle and a few hiccups that were smoothed out...until E18 where difficulty kind of came out of nowhere. It's such a big turn off that if cheating weren't easy nowadays I feel like most people might of dropped it (I don't know if I would have or not). I'll be honest that I was kind of done at the glass gauntlet and I even said "this is something I think is too much even for Redux," to myself.

 

Rejuv I can't really say but from the V10 I played is very grind-it-out like as you are supposed to focus on team building and maximizing your team's strength. If you don't have the right team, you could end up being screwed which for people walking in blindly is very common. Yeah we have some early game broken mons like Lycanroc but believe me, Walter really only saves the day if he outspeeds otherwise he's kind of worthless. A large chunk of people actually like this style of gameplay because it ends up being way more difficulty and requires strategizing and planning better. It's a long discussion but both have their pros and cons and it's probably easy to tell what I prefer (hint: I'm a story kind of guy)

 

We'll eventually get to the V8 content but I may have taken a sneak peak at a certain new Sensei and it got a chuckle from me.

 

On 10/3/2018 at 9:42 PM, Feng Lei said:

I felt almost exactly the same way, Commander, surrounded by all those bratty teenage girls getting into a cat fight. I don't have a problem with a largely female cast, but these characters all have such utterly flawed personalities, and none of them have improved at all. Well, Saki was always kind of a... enigma to me. She felt like a more mature version of Terra before getting her hair dyed. Let her ty-dy her hair, giv'er some suspenders and let her replace her iron mallet for a wooden, and we have Terra's secret identity exposed. No wonder she done went crazy and moved to Agate Circus.

 

As to the battle, I definitely believe Melia shouldn't have been included. It was an easy enough fight as it is. And yep, my fight, too, had the Metagross doing exactly squat.

 

Overall, the Crawli segment was definitely worse, though. This one was irritating as all hell, but it did NOT last forever, from what I recall. And Amber grew on me as a troubled character who really, really needed a friend in her life who wasn't any of those girls. Who wouldn't get messed up with them? Valerie just walked right out without a care. Another is a blonde 10 year old genius who somehow aged rapidly and has a demanding personality (It really is a blonde thing, I guess. Melia basically acts just like a certain family member I know.), and another is a violent delinquent who threatens the life and property of everyone within geographic proximity to her. Ouch.

 

And her mom is trying to be loving and supportive... in all the wrong ways. Or has been a little TOO much so. But yes, Amber is really a great character to delve into. You know what would have made things better from my POV?

Saki is what we refer to as the gag character. Their purpose is simply to bring forth comic relief which is often why they get mixed reception. Now a little tip of the trade is to balance them. I mean I've never even used a gag character let alone ever thought about it...well there was one but considering he was a villain...yeah I wouldn't count him towards that. Problem is that there's a point for everyone where a character like that goes from funny or entertaining to just straight up annoying because their character is only built for humor and runs on it. And that's the most important detail when even considering building a character like that. I think Reborn handled its forced hand at using one quite well limiting her screentime to what not even 1% of the game vs Saki's 3-4%. It might be 10% but you get the idea. What makes Terra a fascinating character is what's below that facade. Very deep and interesting character to talk about and speculate.

 

If I had to rewrite Saki, it honestly would be an easy change. Simply change her from trying to be this funny character to having a happy-go-lucky personality. You honestly don't lose much of her character and you could see why Venam really hates her. We know Saki is brilliant but imagine if she was going into art instead of engineering. That would be an interesting character to explain and explore. A lot of her mean lines would have to disappear or be altered but you still have mostly the same character, but without the weird gags. I don't know how interested people would be in me explaining how Saki would work or her lines, but I'd be glad to elaborate or show examples. And yes, keep that dumb scene which she launches a dish 1,000 feet in the air since that's part of Rejuv's stupid fun (not a bad thing) which is where it shines.

 

So yeah I would let it be a 1 vs 2 since it really is easier now than it was even before. As for Metagross here's an easy solution: Choice Scarf EQ lock. I actually wouldn't mind Saki being a terrible gym leader since well being carefree she probably inherited the job due to her father or something. And I'm not talking like Texen's underleveled stuff but actually using a not very well built team then maybe later when you face her she's actually competent. This is just "what ifs" since a lot of this is too late for Rejuv to change. I really do dislike Melia's inclusion since it was supposed to be the player's moment and it's now her moment. I'm actually going to bring up something cool I got from playing a certain game which may explain some stuff.

 

Now something I do have to comment is that framed narratives...actually that's uhhh a different term...in-progress plots have an unfortunate case of can't be changed since they were planned out beforehand. Most written works have a framework which cannot be changed. The path which the player is pushed and tugged cannot be changed otherwise we'd have many, many issues, but I like and dislike some of those ideas. If it weren't for this fact I'd go into more details on what I like and dislike (Crawli being frozen would be quite interesting). Anyways this is kind of how I'd go about a rewrite if I was in charge and needed to do so:

 

***

 

First thing is the boat scene would remain the same for better or worse. That is beyond my control as too many events rely upon it on top of the forced Melia fight in my requirements. The biggest and most notable change is...all the rangers are gone. None of them are on the beach shore and none in the jungle. If I didn't have a specific reason for doing so, I would keep the ranger scenes like they are despite me disliking them. I want to make note of this because it is very, very important on how this rewrite is portrayed.

 

So the gang lands on the beach searching around to figure out where they are. Melia and Valarie are checking around near the hut when Melia suddenly recalls that they are on Terajuma. Valarie is in disbelief given how far away that is compared to where they currently were. Adam heads back to the group with Braixen saying there isn't anything of interests. I'd probably have Braixen say "We would've searched longer, but Adam couldn't SAND it any longer." And have Adam grumble, "This is why we keep you as far away from Saki." Valarie then asks Melia if she remembers if there's a town in this area so they can stock up on supplies before heading back to Gearan (or whatever that island is called). She says that Kakoriku Village is just a short walk through the jungle. Valarie complains about having to go into a humid jungle with Adam inserting "A little heat never killed anyone." Braixen then replies, "Actually according to the studies of the..." Valarie then goes. "Nope! I don't want to hear it. I'm going right now." Before running off. Adam then turns to the rest of the group and says, "Sorry about that, but she grew up in a really cold climate so she kind of hates heat. I better catch up to her before we lose another one." Then Braixen and Adam run off. Melia then goes "Seeing those three makes me wish Ren and Venam were here, but nothing can be done about that. Oh! I should probably tell the captain to park at the docks before low tide kicks in." She runs off and it's just you and Aelita which she says, "Something tells me I'm going to have quite the tale for the elder by the end of this."

 

We then skip to the vine scene in the jungle which is kind of the same in which Valarie kind of helps guide the conversation (since the rangers aren't there) also commenting about how there's so few people around. Melia walks in and sees the situation where she recalls a teleporter being close by. Then we have the same old dialogue except maybe have the cave collapsing be the reason they fight outside. Whatever everything up to the teleporter is the same. We then get to the teleporter which Melia tries but it seems to be broken. Conversation is the same but when they are about to leave, Valarie asks if Adam can stay behind and watch the boat. Melia doesn't like this and says they need to stick together while traveling through the jungle. Valarie responds that she feels something is very off about this. She also already lost her people once and she wasn't about to let that happen again especially since they didn't know how long they'd be gone. And if Adam wasn't going to go, she was. Adam says he's going since she's right. He's the strongest and definitely could hold down the fort while they're gone. Braixen also says she's going to go with Adam since all of this traveling is tiresome on her feet. After Valarie leaves the room, Melia gripes about giving orders despite her being the designated leader.

 

The Carnivine scene would play out the same. Maybe cut some of Valarie and Aelita's lines but not much needs changing. Instead of Braixen having dialogue explaining what happened (it'd be optional dialogue later) it's simply cut to when Geara captures and gives the demand for Melia to surrender later. They retreat and we get to the front gate. The gate scene I'd play similarly except have the two guards bicker with each other on why the other didn't resolve the Carnivine problem. Melia interrupts asking if they'll let them in and a guard responds "Sorry, but foreigners are banned." Valarie is about to lose it when Crawli interrupts and meets them face-to-face. He apologizes for his rangers' actions and tells them to keep the gate open for now and to meet him back at his office. Melia explains the situation there and Crawli says he cannot help. Something has been going on in Kristillite Town and he sent all of his trained rangers there to resolve it, but not a single one has reported back. He's had to promote rangers prematurely and load them with work just to keep his own village protected and guarded from whatever caused all his rangers to disappear. He doesn't feel comfortable sending improperly trained rangers on such a risky mission, but he will give access to the mountain. Melia understands and the group leaves.

 

Before the group leaves off the beach, Valarie suggests Melia stay behind with Aelita since she is their primary target and they could be walking straight into a trap. If everything looked fine, they'd tell them and bring them along. Melia says they'll be fine as long as they stick together and flies ahead. Valarie really isn't happy with this and surfs on with her Primarina, completely forgetting about Aelita. Aelita tells the player to just go on ahead without her. There's actually two ways I'd offer for the Zetta scene to play out. Option A is for something similar to my rewrite before having him challenge the player 1v1 to spill a secret. Option B is to have Aelita and Valerie duke it out in an argument annoying Zetta in which he says "Just quickly beat me so I can leave this pitiful display." I prefer option A myself. After the battle Melia marches ahead again, but Valarie turns around seeing smoke. She says she needs to check it out and for the player to keep an eye on Melia. Zetta scene and the Deoxys scene plays out pretty much the same except it slowly fades to black before jumping to the bed scene. I feel the Angie scene should be straight up cut as it doesn't add anything we need.

 

So now we jump to the meeting (again) since the bed scene probably would stay the same. Anyways, they talk about the Lava Surf TM to get in and instead of saying Crawli doesn't have a spare copy, I'd say he just lost his a long while back and hasn't gotten a new one since the mountain was dormant for so long. He doesn't like the idea of them going to Krisillite, but he can't stop them even if he wanted to and says they'd be his hero if they also stopped whatever was going on over there. Crawli also asks what was going on in the southern part of the island as his rangers saw smoke. Melia explains that there was an attack on the ship but it's come to an end with no casualties thankfully. Valarie adds that Adam was able to keep them at bay for quite some time. Melia interjects that if Adam stayed with them they wouldn't be in this mess in the first place. Valarie hears this and finally has it saying that if Adam didn't stay back people could've been injured or worse, killed. Crawli breaks up the fight by calling out Valarie for her behavior saying that she should know better by now especially given she's the face of Akuwa Town and her actions reflect people's impressions of that place. Before they could continue, a ranger breaks in saying that a curious ranger has gone missing. Crawli apologizes for ending the meeting early but this was an emergency. Valarie and Melia leave the room without speaking a word and Aelita goes "That almost got ugly there. I'm going to step outside for a bit."

 

When the player leaves the room, that's when I'd put that oh so infamous bridge scene in. If it has to go back where it was originally it can (before the first meeting), but hear me out here. So Melia would be glad to have alone time with the player after so long. She then apologizes with how she acted during the meeting as it was uncalled for as everyone was safe which is really all that mattered...well almost everyone. She also apologizes for both Nim and the player's mother. If she would have handled those situations better then maybe they'd still be here. She feels bad given how close those two seemed to the player and then asks the question "Do you hate me because of it?" It doesn't change much since she's about to continue thought before Aelita interrupts. You know the rest before they all go back and Melia hears a strange song being blasted in the gym which she rushes to see. I'd also place Valarie near a pond reflecting that maybe Melia was right and she shouldn't have questioned her orders like that since she is the leader and she's actually the one acting childish.

 

Melia and Venam scene is the same (then shifting back to the player saying she realizes they need more gym badges), but Venam says that Crawli left already and has no idea where he went (I'd place the Venam arriving right after the player exits the meeting) and then Melia recalls hearing that Crawli's dad arrived back home rather recently and says that maybe he'd know where Crawli went. I'd leave it at being somewhere in the forest, but we all know you need to be specific mentioning the waterfall. And then you'd meet Rorrim B (which I realized is Mirror backwards) and this is the first time you meet in a long time leading to the reveal he's Crawli's father and reveals he knows where Crawli went.

 

Rest of the events go down the same, but I would have Melia be kind of a dick after Aelita suggests telling Valarie and saying they need to hurry and don't have time to search for her. Rest plays out the same until they all arrive back. Melia goes up to Venam but if you go up and follow her (this is all optional) she says there's someone more important she needs to talk to. You can follow her and see that she went to talk to Valarie. It's pretty much just a "Hey, I need to talk to you" since I want to imply it happens during the gym match. Gym match happens the same and I just realize how the hell did Crawli read that sign? How about he asks the player to read it and the makes note of the name, Angie. He wonders if that's the cause of his problems as he continues to stare at the piece of paper. When the player leaves the gym, they are greeted by both Valarie and Melia saying they need to head to the resort since Valarie heard news that there's a gym leader there. Also she assures they won't get into any more fights before the two head off.

 

Yeah, yeah it's a first rough draft, but you get the idea. Also that took a long time so no chapter this time and maybe later (besides those segments have plenty to talk about). Basically the tl;dr version is to make Valarie more relevant and a character and remove Adam and Braixen since they contribute more being offscreen.

[DemICE]

...really.. i found the gauntlet fairly decent.   Not easy, but i won it first try, and before you say that i may be a special case,  i needed more than one tries for all of  adrienn, titania, amaria.  Even when i had the episode downtime to prepare some pokemon i liked.   Which is why i don't  count  the leaders up to e15,  despite needing like 20+ tries for charlotte and 10+ for ciel, so comparatively,  the gauntlet isnt as far in difficulty than the rest of the big battles.    It just caught people off guard.   There are tons of tools at out disposal that late in the game,  and anyone who has issues (like shofu) probably are bored to strategize, or  explore to get said tools.   Exploring reborn is very rewarding.  If you didn't bother,  you deserve some extra suffering.

 

I do not know about Dragon Quest, but it sounds  like in that game, you need to get out of your way to actually  grind for exp/gear.   This isn't the case for v10 rejuv,  since with the new exp system, you can get new members as you go without actually wasting extra time (except if you consider hunting to get said mons as extra time, while i consider it part of the exploration i expect someone to do and reap the rewards).  So the term "grind" doesn't apply anymore.  It's just people too stubborn to get out of their limited roster gameplay because that's what the main series games taught them was enough.  

[Filthy Casual]

On 10/3/2018 at 1:46 AM, Commander said:

Well that was...a chapter. Is this going to be like a thing where I end up liking characters most people hate, but yeah, I really do like the addition of Amber so I guess I take back the whole not understanding why she was added. I just think the whole Venam argument is just a little...we all know I have a bias against Venam so let's just leave it at that. I really like Tesla and Amber and how they are handled in their scenes honestly feels like a huge step up from the huge back step that was Crawli's segment. I just wish there was much more dedicated to them compared to what we get...unless there's more in post Angie which I don't think there is. Melia is a terrible leader yet she's treated like a great one which is why I joined #TeamAmber (which side are you on?)

I feel like Amber is designed to be the character you're supposed to hate. As such, I've never actually had a problem with her. I like her fight, as well.

 

Funny you mention wishing to fight her alone, because I believe in early versions, that used to be a thing. You would have a choice between who you think is the strongest. If you chose Melia, you would fight with her. If you chose Amber, you would fight against both by yourself. My problem with this is that this decision would affect relationship points. I don't know if they'll mean anything eventually, but if it did, that wouldn't be fair to people who wanted to fight both by themselves. I, too, would like it if we fought both by themselves, but for me, I'm ultimately okay with fighting with Melia. After all, her mons make a great meat shield.

[Commander]

On 10/13/2018 at 9:35 AM, DemICE said:

I do not know about Dragon Quest, but it sounds  like in that game, you need to get out of your way to actually  grind for exp/gear.   This isn't the case for v10 rejuv,  since with the new exp system, you can get new members as you go without actually wasting extra time (except if you consider hunting to get said mons as extra time, while i consider it part of the exploration i expect someone to do and reap the rewards).  So the term "grind" doesn't apply anymore.  It's just people too stubborn to get out of their limited roster gameplay because that's what the main series games taught them was enough.  

So just a simple fact that I think you just kind of glancing over: just because a game is viewed by the general consensus as bad doesn't mean you can't enjoy or love it. The same for a fight being too hard. I'm not going to dive to deep into that logic since basically you have to learn to use your opinion to guide your criticisms, not justify them. Hardcore Julia was a fight that I found super easy but due to the sheer amount of people struggling I nerfed her. Also nerfed Aster and Eclipse (and forgot Gen VII buffed Lunatone and Solrock so fun times).

 

As for DQ, the games really are a lot of fun and worth picking up and trying. DQ IX is probably my favorite of the couple I tried and really is a gem despite a couple parts being kind of grindy. The crazy part is that there's no saving in dungeons...at all. It really makes the stakes high and basically you feel that game over. Early game is really intense due to that. I think you can still continue after a game over but you get really punished from doing so. And that's kind of the magic of making every action important. Unless your DQ7 though, most of these games are shorter or faster than Reborn. That did bring up something I do want to talk about.

 

Limited rosters are actually great for game designing. It not only is much easier to balance (where all fights feel difficult), but because it's limited you learn how to optimize your characters and grow a bias much easier. It's impossible to use every Pokemon and Reborn's limited exp really bites here. It's a bit of irony when you think about all those quests. It's like in an RPG where you pick up the most powerful weapon after going through a 2 hour dungeon and not use it simply because it requires your character to be worthless for 8 hours. Redux and now Rejuv have a band-aid fix to that issue, but I still think a majority of Pokemon are still in that worthless category. Clefable is a great example. Super good Pokemon, but nobody uses it. It's the mess and price with Pokemon as most RPGs players get excited about getting someone new to play and control.

 

Also what it feels like when you're favorite character in a game becomes playable:

 

On 10/13/2018 at 10:40 AM, Filthy Casual said:

I feel like Amber is designed to be the character you're supposed to hate. As such, I've never actually had a problem with her. I like her fight, as well.

 

Funny you mention wishing to fight her alone, because I believe in early versions, that used to be a thing. You would have a choice between who you think is the strongest. If you chose Melia, you would fight with her. If you chose Amber, you would fight against both by yourself. My problem with this is that this decision would affect relationship points. I don't know if they'll mean anything eventually, but if it did, that wouldn't be fair to people who wanted to fight both by themselves. I, too, would like it if we fought both by themselves, but for me, I'm ultimately okay with fighting with Melia. After all, her mons make a great meat shield.

Amber definitely is a love to hate character, but honestly she grew on me quickly seeing the shit she has to go through. And yeah, I know about fighting her alone and you could choose to fight with Melia back then as well. I kind of wish that the player had to option of fighting them alone (just a dialogue box of choice of "I can take them both") which would resolve all issues (and who cares if we lose Melia points). Also scarf Explosion Metagross...make it happen people.

 

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

 

Chapter 44: Something, Something, Praise Angie

 

We're off to a great start with that horrible title

 

(Last time we met someone who gave a damn about me)

(I should have tried getting to this chapter on my birthday)

 

Funny enough my birthday is in February...and yes, it's bloody cold at that time.

(I decided to pick the most accurate representation of my thoughts on this game)

(Yeah, and I hate sour stuff)

(I'm a 24 year old man...and I still help my mom in the kitchen)

 

I do know how to cook a few things...though usually I'm in charge of the basic or tedious stuff. Cleaning afterwards is not fun either. You probably know where this is going.

(I hate people who blast their loud music...or that ass who taps drumsticks for 3 hours straight)

(Can't really say they're wrong)

(Not all but most do so it's no surprise)

(Well the teenage years are the worst of it...then they're gone)

(Still think the E8 thing is weird.)

 

So something you don't really think about is that 4 is this magic number in RPGs. There's 4 crystals in many Final Fantasies which are based on the 4 elements many older RPGs built plots around. The big bad often has 3-4 henchmen who serve as generals or key characters. I don't think I'll be playing this game to the end because I have bigger fish to fry and conquer (and once Reborn is completed, finishing Redux is my biggest priority...but it's a low priority until then). I really don't want to deal with 8 leaders in a row as struggling on one just adds to a very, very slow pace until the end. It's not like an E4 where you feel like you've accomplished something major getting through a quarter of a brutal gauntlet you spent the whole game preparing for. I will make it through the Grand Dream arc though because bloody hell it took two versions just to get here and we still have a long ways to go. 9 trainers is too many but too late to change that now. 4 really, really well designed betters tops 8 hit or miss ones any day. I could say cutting it down to three instead of the natural 5 could top anything with careful investment.

(Nah, she's probably depressed or something. Aren't all teenagers like that?)

(I mean we do have things in common having to deal with those idiots. It's fortunate there's no pubs in this game otherwise I'd be over there a lot)

 

So thinking on that, I could totally see me in this world being the guy at the bar trying to get drunk but failing since he doesn't like alcohol. If I ever get into the game by some miracle, all I ask is for a Delcatty and a Ninetales. Those two are kind of iconic for me once you get to know me. Though if I had a full team it would be Ninetales, Delcatty, Cherrim, Venusaur, Infernape, and Alakazam. If Doubles online every becomes a thing, I totally would use the Ninetales and Delcatty combo.

(It's gotta be she's bullied by all her friends, right? Oh...you mean her attitude)

(If only chapters could get done that fast)

(Let's face it: that's everyone does looking at the screencaps now. I am a man of my word though)

(Doubt it could make me cringe more than SAO: Lost Song)

(Huh. I have no idea what that does)

(Shit. I am not ready for this)

(Ladies and gentleman, whatever happens at the resort, stays that the resort)

(Oh boy my favorite thing in RPGs: finding out what's behind that locked door)

 

Seriously, I hate locked doors that you never can open. I don't care when, but that door better be opened at some point or we're going to have a problem...GF!

(Either I'm getting laid or we're about to enter a very long dungeon to take Telsa down at the end. I'm hoping for the first one)

(How does that bed even work? Reminds me of the isolation room)

 

Seriously there's a very, very small bedroom in my house that's in a closet. It's called the Harry Potter room and it's hard to move around in. I mean put a TV and PS4 in there and I'm good.

(Yeah. Why is this in a PG-13 game?)

(Well that escalated quickly. Gone from hobo to honcho in a year)

(All of my sexual desires left from hearing that name alone)

(Well whatever moment we were having is ruined. Wait, what do you mean we weren't having a moment?)

(Trust me lady, you do not know my pain. By the time I get to Shota, it'll be bloody V13 kind of pain)

(Being a solo protagonist is thing thing I WANT to be right now.)

(Something tells me that wasn't my mother and I'm some chosen one to save the world which Melia is gonna end up ruining or something. I could be god for all I know. Also, I already clean up Melia's messes so...nothing would change)

(Normally I'd rant, but you're a millionaire so I'll just shut up and nod my head)

(Let me think about this...)

 

She's rich, her daughter isn't that much to handle, she's rich, it's far away from all the idiots I hate, she's rich, and I can relax any time I need it. Any normal idiot would say of course, but I'm a special idiot. After this chapter is done, I gotta go clean up a certain headquarters of a certain scientist.

(Also I could use Amber as a Saki and Venam repellent. I am really liking this situation even more)

(Wait there's more?)

(........This is *sniff* the happiest day of my life)

(If this is the welcoming gift, I wonder what the wedding will be like...I mean nothing)

(And I'm always welcome here. Hell, this is better than Reborn where I sleep in a cardboard box in the corner)

(Oh hi, li'l sis)

(Since we're family, I'm allowed to give you noogies now, right?)

(By the way, you owe me a gym battle so while Tesla buys paper we can hand...)

(I'm trying to help you so would you please...shut those lips)

(Really should have went with the dating thing to see how she reacted.)

(I would send you to your room, but you'd like it there)

(She's not wrong about the us...wait she did save me from a sinking ship. Why can't the people who actually do work be with me?)

(Not the worst but...kind of bad. Sorry...it's the truth)

(I...leave my mother out of this)

(Nevermind...wait...that explains a lot)

(Boy I'm going have a really long talk, aren't I?)

(That's one too many ups there, Jan. Gotta up your game, buddy)

(At least she acknowledges it)

(............Have not had)

(You dun goofed now. Though if she runs away, I'll gladly drag her ass back...I need to anyways)

(S'okay. Just leave me alone with...all this money and fancy stuff. I don't mind)

 

I know I was talking about something but I kind of forgot because hooray for terrible short term memory. I guess something I really like about Tesla and Amber is that their characters are understandable. So let's go back a moment to one of my favorite games: LoH Cold Steel. Most games the second time through its a worse experience, but honestly, I thought Cold Steel was better the second time through. It's all because of how many little details are jammed into the story which you won't catch until you've experienced the entire plot a first time. I thought the plot was slow and dragged on with Chapter 3 being one of the worst...now I ended up appreciating it a lot more than I did.

 

Tesla is similar to this. We don't see it since we have no idea up until this point. It's also why Tesla has been supportive towards the player compared to everyone else because she actually understood how the player felt. Funny how small, kind gestures ended up meaning a lot more than it did. We really don't see that kind of detail in any other character. That's also what makes Tesla interesting to look back at and also I find it odd that the older characters are overall more interesting than the main cast. The villains are dull (none of them really stand out), the main cast is a messy shift (why give us the main protag role if we aren't the true main protag), and most of the joke characters fall flat. The sad part is that Tesla and Amber are the level of character I expect from the main cast. I want to just make it clear that I'm praising a game for just being average. Want to establish that before continuing on.

 

Amber and Tesla also hit something I don't think we also hit before: they feel like actual characters. It's not some nonsensical thing like Melia taking leader without question or Venam shrugging off losing all her friends. I know there's proper terms but for my sake (I know these aren't correct) let's just refer to the conflicts in Rejuv as internal conflicts and external conflicts. So for external conflicts we'll refer to as conflicts that take place outside of the group usually with the opposing side. Every conflict against Melia or the player is just the "bad" side or the negative one. This should be true for most cases, but it's good to throw a wrongdoing once in a while. It's fine since that's how game design works but if you take the philosophy "there's no good or evil, just perspectives" you'll really end up with interesting heroes and villains. I personally start with a black and white scale when plot and character design then slowly push it more and more gray. Another topic I could go way more into detail with proper terminology but I dunno what you guys are interested in.

 

The problem with Rejuv has to do with internal conflict as I'm calling it. Basically think of how an individual handles conflicts. Melia bottles up any conflict in her way or pretends its of no significance. Venam bottles up any conflict or pretends its of no significance. Aelita handles the main plot pretty direct, but anything about her personally we don't hear much on. Ren was pretty bottled up but actually let out small bits giving us insight. Pretty much all of team Xen does this. Any conflict that comes there way either gets passed or completely dismissed. If it puts them in an ugly light, we aren't going to see it...now enter Amber. Obviously, I haven't seen much but I'm going to try to piece together a character we've seen for a very, very short time especially compared to everyone else.

 

We don't know what Amber was like before she was moved to the resort, but we can get a feeling of why she does what she does. She didn't want to be a gym leader, but she had to be. Your parents are very influential to who you are and Tesla was gone most of the time. So Amber really only had her father which I can probably assume left (don't think he died...someone can correct me) and all she ever knew was how great her mother was. It's more likely she took the gym leader role because she either wanted to be as good as her mother or for people not to look down on her because of her mother. It's possible she avoids gym battles as losing would only distant herself more from her mother who basically never loses. The two were obviously close as seen by the kitchen scene, but as they grew older, the two grew more and more apart. We'll jump back to this in a minute.

 

The more interesting thing is that Amber doesn't have too many friends. I'm going to assume it kind of was like that when Amber did live in Gearen City as well which is why she really did treasure her friendships she had. Now here's the real kicker: I'm pretty sure Amber and Venam were very, very close friends. I'm only able to deduct this because of that Doggars CD. I really do think that was Amber and Venam's favorite thing to listen to in Gearen City. I also shows when they fight it ends up brief as at the end of the day they were friends and they cared about each other (which is probably why Venam dived after her). Crazier is that I think they both are lying about what happened to the CD. Venam told Melia she illegally burned it and Amber tells us Venam stole it, yet Venam denies it. It's probably that Amber gave it to Venam which due to an event she feels like that's the only reason why the two became friends in the first place. That's due to a fire that happened in Gearen. We don't know the full story, but we can likely assume Amber didn't do it. Instead of fessing up or defending her best friend, she did the opposite. She let her take the blame for something she didn't do and that just crushed Amber as she was forced to move elsewhere.

 

Now let's go back to Tesla. We know that Tesla spoils Amber and often spoiled kids act bratty which she does act like her mom is a prop or servant. I'm not claiming Amber was ever a nice person or one who didn't get on a lot of people's nerves. Whats interesting is how she acts. Her two biggest activities are playing music and going into the cave. The funny thing is that those are both considered ways to relax or relieve stress. It's very clear she's very unhappy about this new lifestyle. In other words, she's depressed and lonely. So perhaps some of her attitude is simply just to get attention from people since her family pretty much ignores her (mostly due to Tesla's job over anything). And that leads to present day...

 

So now we go back and look as Amber in the cave. Good old bratty Amber. She says she'll only battle us if we get her a Doggars Album. That was her way of saying screw off since it was impossible to find. Now let's look beyond the text here and get a little crazy. What if she actually meant "if you make me happy again, I'll battle you." The times with Venam could have been some of the best and her memories of the Doggars jam outs probably still haunted her in a way. That Doggars Album was a sign of their friendship one which burnt to the ground. What's more interesting is when Venam and Amber confront each other after so long. As pitiful of a show that was, it pretty much showed neither was willing to back down or ever willing to restore their friendship though I feel Venam was egging Amber on and getting her mad. Kind of wonder if she did that when they were friends.

 

So after she runs from the spa back to her house, we see something unusual. Venam goes to talk to Amber. That's very out of character for Venam as she usually just lets things be. She was pretty nice towards Amber as well mostly for the purpose of trying to get her to battle the player...and then turns back to a piece of scum stealing one of Amber's Pokemon. And now we throw Saki into the mix. I have no idea how she fits in but the three probably were friends. As much as I dislike Saki's character, I'd like to actually know something about her. Highlight of Amber calling out her replacement and being the only one to criticize her. Pretty much Amber wants the player to beat Saki and Venam because she thinks that'll make her feel better...it doesn't so she goes back to her party idea. After all, she is trying to avoid losing...especially with two people she despises around.

 

As for Tesla, her character is much more straightforward. She wants to make sure others don't have to suffer what she had to go through (since losing a parent is a very big deal). I'm really surprised she didn't say anything about Melia when she denied her father...but we have to look back at Tesla's husband so perhaps she knew it was better to not say anything. Basically, her heart sometimes acts before her mind and she does nice things to make others feel better. She's aware what it did to Amber yet she's not sure how to handle it (she pretty much didn't have parents in her teen years). This doesn't make her weak though as honestly she's strong and that's not talking about her Pokemon. Despite the horrible situation they're in, she's able to keep moving forward with a smile on her face because that's what she needs to be for her employees. So obviously went through a lot of hardships and that's what made her snap when Amber said she hated her. She didn't want Amber to know but sometimes the truth just slips out when we least expect it.

 

Now these may be incorrect since this is very little info to go off of, but at there's so much more to work with compared to most of the cast and I really feel like a good character can be pieced together if the writer presents what is needed. Though it's the presentation itself that determines how well made they are. Also if you're wondering how I made those analysis, I actually based them off of two trails characters:

 

Spoiler

For Amber:

(Alisa Reinford from Trails of Cold Steel)

 

For Tesla:

(Kloe from Trails in the Sky)

 

Yeah you're probably are wondering how Kloe is basically Tesla, but it's more like seeing Kloe mature into a character like Tesla. Kloe is my favorite Skies character. Honestly would say she's one of my top 5 favorite characters because of 3rd. And I'm going to stop before I go on a Trails tangent.

 

Maybe I'll do a playthrough of the Prologue in Trails in the Sky just to show the beauty of the series...even if that's pretty much the worst part of the series. While I'm being shameless, the two Cold Steel games are coming to PS4 and I recommend those version over any of the others since the steam controls are a little wonky (not awful but annoying) and it's a big step up in graphics and VA over the PS3 version (still good and pretty cheap to find nowadays). I pre-ordered mine off Amazon. Can't say how stock will be handled but hopefully they'll be plenty of the normal editions around afterwards.

 

Maybe I'll make a list of the trails equivalent of each character. I guess Ren would be Loewe. That would mean the protag is...Joshua...holy shit.

(Okay where did that poster come from? Is that Amber's?)

(Yeah because I can totally tell by a dialogue box)

(...Dammit. I didn't think the reaches of telemarketers could extend here)

(Why is their a bystander looking away?)

(Oh hi Xen, long time no see and by long time I mean...has there even been a chapter without them?)

(I can see that. Though why doesn't she roll like 2 feet to safety)

(How did she get captured by these goons...oh wait she doesn't have her Pokemon on her)

(If I had a dollar every time that worked, I'd be broke)

(Please don't be Geara...please don't be Geara)

(Oh thank god)

(Well she's partially responsible for wrapping up in this mess...actually, she started a lot of messes...how is she still a part of this group?)

(I love how I'm the only one she recognized or called out. She must actually be a fan)

(I...will refrain from answering)

(Great two hostages. It totally worked well the first time.)

(...If you really wanted that vacation home, there's better ways)

(I mean...are any of the Xen Admins in good standing? Geara and Zetta went AWOL and Neved...uh...what did Neved even accomplish?)

(Terrorist have guidelines? Do you have to sign a wavier now too?)

(Can't argue with that logic. I didn't have to do this but...pick a time and place and I'll meet you there)

(What status? Your team has been grounded to a bunch of idiots with an OP leader...who lost to a 10 year old girl. It's a surprise you're all not considered a joke)

(Thanks. Could you leave out your life story next time?)

(For the love of...if you aren't going to install benches, don't ask stupid questions)

(Thank you. Finally learned not to talk too much after being beaten to the brink of death by a Pokemon)

(What if I say no? Getting sick of my friends and family turning into game pieces)

(...What are they even doing up there? Probably rehearsing for the opening number)

(Why are we negotiating in a mountain? There's a bloody arctic tundra to the right of us that's a better meeting place)

(So either give Melia to you and Nim dies or give Melia to Geara and Amber is taken away...forever. Well that's an easy choice)

(You realize that Nim takes priority, right?)

(No, no I can't. What are you going to do? Turn her into a shadow person...oh god this is a Persona rip off)

(The people standing their like idiots letting her talk)

(Didn't I beat two of you last time? No? Nobody remembers that)

(Should've went with The Ravens)

(We're really going to just stand here. Okay. Guess I'll die now)

(Dammit intern-kun. Don't ask questions nobody wants answered)

 

So I missed the quote where she says "Because I said so." I mean it's humorous nonsense which unfortunately it feels like Rejuv is two different games. On one half the game feels like it parodies the anime with its wackiness and nonsense and on the other hand it feels like the story is trying to be serious and be taken seriously. Someone want to explain what this game is trying to accomplish here because it's bloody confusing criticizing things when on one hand it'd be fine, but on the other it'd be fine only if it was focused on the other type of story its crafting.

(Throw a bloody rock or something at him. Just don't stand there and do nothing)

(Great. And now I have to sleep on hard wood...dammit get my mind out of the gutter)

(Oh good I'm sleeping on my transparent bed)

(........It probably wasn't important anyways)

(Really? We're worried about badges. Look to my right. There's the solution to our badge problem)

(I really find it quite hilarious that we need a badge and have TWO gym leaders we haven't faced and one that could finish registering if we really needed it)

(Probably tracking Xen as we speak)

(...Why didn't we recruit her earli...I'm done. Just send me off in a box to Reborn)

(Let me guess: you gotta be the hero. Gotta take all that glory for yourself again)

(Don't bloody go to the mountain and let the other 5 of us handle it...and maybe Aelita)

(Thanks...Saki, just give me the badge. It'll save us a lot of problems later)

(I mean...is she still battling Crawli. Well considering his team...I could see why she's struggling)

(That...is the most intelligent thing we've heard in a while. Guess that brain of yours does work)

(...Well she isn't wrong about that)

(And we know who the first to die is going to be)

(Besides, I have the power to freeze time in which it only continues in this world once I upload a chapter. Nobody is in any danger anytime soon...I wonder what a year as a statue feels like)

(It's not like Saki would've been much help)

(Bwahahahaha! It really shows how competent we are at handling some goons)

(This conversation is getting very...)

(Interesting)

(I think I'll call her Diama)

(This has something to do with Indy, doesn't it?)

(Uhhh...I dunno. Maybe to give us a prese...everybody run that maid is gonna blow)

(She has...a church. Haven't been in one of those in a while)

 

Even if you are an atheist, you should totally look at some Cathedrals just to see their designs. Not a big fan of them personally but I'm glad I got to see a couple famous ones regardless.

(Don't ask why a tyrant asks you to do something...I should start running now, shouldn't I?)

(Nevermind...I'm listening)

(Don't ask questions. If she wants to give a badge then so be it. Can't be harder than getting it from you idiots)

(Well she has been stalking us)

(I get to be the protagonist because Melia isn't allowed?)

(Dammit. So close)

(Something tells me this is more an order than a choice)

Skipping the rest of the dialogue since it's pretty much this:

Valarie: This is dangerous. Are you sure it's a good idea?

Melia: We have no other choice other than the obvious one in front of us and stealing Crawli's Lava Surf TM so we must go no matter the danger. Yep. No other choice.

 

And 2 minutes later...

(It's f****ing cold, man)

(After all I've been through, this is just a normal day)

(Valarie really would have liked this place)

(Uhhh....seems pretty majestic to me)

(Can we at least have a snowball fight before we go into the part where I almost die...again. I almost die a lot)

(I mean there's a Pokemon that literally does just that)

(Yep. Just an average day in the life of Rejuv Mander)

(hahaha! You make it sound like it's gonna be easy. Gotta be some convoluted plot device pulled out of the dev ass to prevent us from doing so)

(And there it is)

(Well that's one way to greet guests)

(I'll call you Ravillgir.)

(I think Ravillgir is a better name)

 

...for those who don't get it: Random Village Girl

(Who is Angie? Is she like your god or something? Goddess. I mean goddess. Don't kill me)

(Shit. Karma caught up to me)

(Oh goodie. Free stuff. I love free stuff)

 

(Uh...probably not. Gotta do sidequests, talk to everyone twice, hunt for invisible items...)

(Venam gets it)

(Oh...we're playing the manipulation game...)

(Can I get the badge from Angie first?)

(Free TM is a free TM)

(Probably not.)

(That's...the one thing I wouldn't go after. It's a piece of metal I don't need)

(You guys do that while I do...anything but that)

 

So just a heads up, I don't know what Derog did, but I didn't manage to get the same dialogue he did and I did try going to the church but it's guarded. I'm guessing you have to leave after going down to the beach to get that dialogue. Just want to point that out. And now for random NPCs

(What the hell even is romantic about Terajuma? It's a jungle...oh the resort...why are you here then...oh Angie trapped you)

(Buddy, you better be good in bed or you're getting a divorce)

(Uhhh...you're one of those crazy servants...aren't you?)

(I'm just gonna stand here until you let me buy stuff)

(Lord, forgive the me for what I shall do to this sinner)

(Just let me by stuff and be on my way)

(Shit...I don't want to talk to you)

(You mean a fandom? That sounds just like a fandom to me)

(Still more character than Valarie)

(I mean it's not like you make any income unless you sell blankets. Those probably make a killing right now)

(Wonder what my boyfriend...I mean Adam...I mean I wonder what Adam is doing. You tell him this...you're dead)

(Wait a minute, you're a servant to Arceus. I see why they gave you this job)

(Hmm...I see must potential in a friendship with you. Would you like to meet my friend, Melia?)

(You are a lethal weapon...I like it)

(Maybe not as lethal)

(You, my friend, are my new secret weapon)

(Yes, yes you are)

(Here's my number. Call me when you get off duty. I have an important mission for you)

 

I like this NPC.

(Can I get Dunderbolt while we're bargaining)

(Well that's convenient. What else do you sell?)

(Don't ask questions. Just gimmie)

(And things go south in 3...2...)

(1...)

 

And they became frozen.

(Bye! Don't forget to change your name)

(Is she the leader of a rebellion or something?)

(We need more guys in our group. Tired of listening to these girls chat my ears off)

(Pretty sure how customers feel waiting for an associate to find something)

(And why you shouldn't rush them)

(Damn. This was almost a good day for me)

(Is that the essentials ice or hand-made? I can't really tell.)

(Kind of looks out of place but it's a free game so I can't complain too much about that)

(I'm pretty sure the old version looked nicer but it's been like 3 years since I saw that so who knows)

(You don't say...what we talking about? Ice. It's could and it kills. Ice is evil)

(Uh Melia...use that brain for a minute. Crawli WAS trying to help. Look at what happened)

(She fucking froze a house instantly. If that doesn't scare you, nothing will.)

(I will. I'm getting the hell out of...dammit script. Why do you force this upon me?)

(...We're going to need a lot of guns and I just know the gal who can get us some)

(No, I think killing is a better idea. She froze a house instantly. She'd break out of jail effortlessly)

(I doubt it. Some...wait I almost died again. I guess I'll be safe since we checked of the "I almost died" criteria for each section)

 

I don't have much to comment other than Rejuv really like reusing story elements again and again in a plot. You almost get killed in V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7, and V8 (or whatever on you fight Amber). I'm not kidding someone tries to kill you in each version at least once. You're also pretty much always with Melia, Venam, or Aelita who basically does the talking for you and directs the plot forward. Though in V3 you are kind of given the drive, but it's shared with Maria. V5 and later it's pretty much following someone else which kind of sucks. It's also pretty much a stop team Xen then face leader every single version. And it's strung together by conveniences. I just want to call this out now since it's more interesting than "here we have the same issue as before." I mean plot doesn't always have to be interesting and it's okay here. Just not interesting to comment on, but I do want to talk about a framed or segmented plot.

 

There's aboslutely nothing wrong with segmenting the plot to have a similar structure. LoZ Minish Cap divides segments into collecting the elements. It gives good insight when players should take a break and put down the game as it's a good stopping point then. It just pretty much tells you what to expect and for how long. It's an issue when things get samey. This plot is actually very similar to V2 in which Madelis kind of has Keta's village in her palm. Or the prison segment where Neved has everyone as a prisoner. What probably happened was the story was rushed too soon or not planned out enough and now Jan is going back and fleshing it out. You really do need two people when writing a plot. One who writes the plot and the guy who the writer punches in the face for making their life harder. Joke aside, it really does help having someone look it over and try to understand it. Plot is the hardest thing to change so it is better to be safe then sorry.

 

Now, I'm going to make this simple to understand what the same and different means so I'll give an example where the plot feels the same and completely different using the famous "party member has been captured"

 

Example A

Segment 1:

-Player travels to the map

-Person A gets captured by Villain A

-Player rescues Person A

-Person then challenges and Defeats Villain A

 

Segment 2:

-Player travels to the map

-Player talks to Person B shortly before they get captured by Villain B

-Person A rescues Person B

-Player defeats Villain B while this is going on

 

Segment 3:

-Player travels to the map

-Player walks to square when Persona A, B, and C get captured by Villain A who reveals he didn't die

-Player rescues Person A before falling into a trap

-Player escapes and rescues Person B and C

-Player defeats Villain A when Villain B comes back and is defeated with both escaping

 

Example B

Segment 1:

-Player travels to the map

-An Elder tells the story of a maiden who was capture by Villain A

-Player rescues the maiden

-Villain A kills Maiden as it turns out it was a trick and the Villain was the maiden

-Villain A joins the player

 

Segment 2:

-Player travels to the map

-Many villagers talk about a merchant who disappeared after visiting the lord's manor

-Player talks to the lord and learns merchant headed to spooky woods

-Player visits woods and overhears merchant and his scams ripping people off

-Player confronts mechant who flees

-Player saves merchant from vampire in the forest

-Merchant decides to abandon his ways and joins the player

 

Segment 3:

-Player travels to the map

-Player turns around and Villain A and Merchant are gone

-Player travels a bit and finds Villain A but is stopped by Maiden and Vampire

-Player defeats both causing him to wake up in a strange hut

-Doctor explains a plant they ate caused a hallucination

-Villain A and Merchant wake up as well

-Doctor Joins the group

 

Admittedly, it's 3am so you can only expect so much from me at this hour. Anyways, the biggest thing I want to tell you that these two are basically the same thing. The same framework and all the events more or less happen the same way. Key difference is what causes the transitions and that's the beauty of writing. When people say they've wrote one thing five different ways this is what they mean. Though I feel a lot of Rejuv's rewrites are pretty much rewriting it the same way but with more wording and explanations where explanations shouldn't be. And there are difference in each segment and I often cover and talk about both the good and bad. Admittedly, I know the next part is pretty different but that's a 2 part behemoth.

 

Then there's the Amber segment afterwards. That's probably going to take longer than Blacksteeple. Drinks up for having another year in Terajuma.

 

And for the people who are curious who I consider the Kiseki equivalent to the Rejuv character is:

 

Spoiler

Also as a note, that doesn't mean they are the same character or same personality. This is also for kicks (and based on appearance order...somewhat)

 

Player: Joshua

Player's Mother: Karin (could also be for young Melia)

Amanda: Anelace

Jenniper: Richard

Ren: Loewe

Venam: Angelica

Melia: Rean

Sharon: Josette

Eli: Gilbert

Zetta: Bleublanc

Madelis: Duvalie

Crescent: Campanella

Keta: Cassius

Aelita: Estelle

Elder: Schera

Indy: Weissman

Maria: Renne

Mossley: Tita

Narcissa: Vita

Geara: Walter

Saria: That Old Guy in the Lighthouse

Maman: Teresa

Neved: General Morgan

Nastasia: Kanone

Madame X: C (yes, that's his name)

Saki: Millium

Valarie: Instructor Sara? (Nobody else even fits close)

Adam: Zin (or Zane if you're playing the PSP version)

Braixen: Celine

Rangers: The Noble Faction Army

Crawli: Carl Regnitz

Rorrim B.: Olivier

Holly: Neihardt

Tesla: Kloe

Amber: Alisa

Angie: McBurn (More like a fusion of him and Weissman)

 

[Azure NightStriker]

Melia : Rean - I died at this comparison :^)

Rangers: The Noble Faction Army - I did a spit take at this

 

I'm loving the tidbits of Trails content in this series, makes me smile everytime I see them

[Commander]

15 minutes ago, Azure NightStriker said:

Melia : Rean - I died at this comparison :^)

Rangers: The Noble Faction Army - I did a spit take at this

 

I'm loving the tidbits of Trails content in this series, makes me smile everytime I see them

I honestly wasn't expecting anyone reading this to be too much of a fan of the Trails series...obviously I love that blasted franchise. Onion Graham is my favorite of the main protags if you're wondering.

***

 

So after doing two chapters in the Trails in the Sky playthrough, I kind of realized something...I've been forcing myself to like this game. I mean I always had issues but I think after all of this we've really gone from "wow, I dislike a lot of stuff in this game" to "Joy. There's more stuff for me to complain about." It's not the subcaptions which play a part, but more, I'm just tired. I don't hate Rejuv and in fact most of V9 I really enjoyed it even Blacksteeple which was a brutal grind and test of my patience. I was frustrated and I ranted, but V10 broke me. Like getting crushed by Valarie was the start and Crawli didn't help and I just haven't bounced back. I'll go over it more in the review (which I'll do up until Angie) but...yeah, it's just not good. I would switch back to V9, but it's far, far too late for that and now we're back to where I was and what I hated.

 

When Shofu said he was "playing Reborn for the fans" I absolutely understand what he's saying now. I love talking about Rejuv to people since responses have been so varied and people were brutally honest. I'll probably hang around and still watch the game progress even if I'm no longer a player. I'm not just stopping the run, I'm legit stopping after Angie so I'm just going to do the whole thing and end it here. I'll at least cover my thoughts on the future areas and ideas I've seen to end it on a less sour note, but I really, really dislike the direction the game suddenly went. I'm also getting old and the harder the game is, the more a turn off it becomes. Pokemon is worse as if you hit a will it might be impassable unless you spend hours resetting or grinding new mons for possibly better luck. This isn't quite a lack of motivation or commitment unlike last time either so yeah, this is actually real and not one of my mood swings.

 

Here's the key difference between those two runs: I did this run to push me to play Rejuv while the Sky one I'm simply doing while playing the game. This run will be a thousand times more popular than that other one which is in the now dead gaming general and I honestly don't give a damn. It's fun relooking at that game and talking about it even for a small handful who will even read it. If I had that same motivation and interest towards Rejuv, this run wouldn't have slopped down to the quality and energy its given off. It'd be as good as the early chapters (or maybe not) and not gone to probably skim the captions and read the rants.

 

And for those who don't believe me, I actually don't hate Melia as much as I give off. I actually still do think she's a bad character but she actually has a lot of potential to easily fix many of the flaws she has that maker her a character I really dislike. The biggest issue isn't her character (other than the child nonsense) but the fact we didn't see her character growth and understand how she came to be this "leader" and main character pretty much cutting out the meat of what makes many protags end up so likable and interesting. Because of that, I think another layer should've been added or that should've been explored. It's one big gripe I have about the rewrites. Sure Jan explains things and removes the nonsense, but it rarely expands on stuff kind of making it the exact same as before. That'd be fine if that weren't many of the flaws I see in the game. I think fans would be willing to suffer through old Terajuma Jungle if let's say Melia, Valarie, Crawli, and Aelita had fantastic character development in exchange instead of most of those being props. But that's a big old debate and we're here to see the finale of this run.

 

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

 

Finale Chapter 45*: A Maiden's Tears

 

*See bottom of the chapter

 

...I just thought that sounded cool. Don't judge. We're also doing 50% of the Angie segment in one chapter so I'm not going to do a screencap every pic.

 

(She's quite the good peni..pianist)

(Does she actually wear boots. Oh idioms...I don't miss those)

(So we're standing here and keeping the crazy ice lady waiting)

 

Something that always bothers me is when characters stand around and talk while the bad guy just stands there and lets them do that. Sometimes it can make sense, but usually it's just pure nonsensical. Probably had that argument before though if I were Angie, I would've froze one of their butts by now.

(Oh look, it's the rangers actually being of some use. I guess they do make great room decorations)

 

I know it's supposed to be intimidating, but I preferred when the room was just empty with Angie. It felt much, much more intimidating then and made her have a much better appearance. Cera...I honestly have no idea why Cera exists.

(She seems to know exactly what I want then)

(Kind of agree...kind of don't. Now if I'm allowed to smash my gift...)

(Great...more crazed religious people)

 

So I never really liked the church being an evil entity aspect in RPGs. I mean Xenosaga had it, but they actually were a terrorist group with a very, very good drive and reason behind them and not really taking over the world. Just the pope who was a godawful character and terrible final boss. Everything else around it was pretty amazing. Kiseki though...oh where do I begin? They nailed how to do a church group and despite being good, they do have some questionable amount of power which I feel there is a link between them and the main villains of the series. Maybe I'll find out in the Crossbell games. If you love Angie, Trails of Sky 3rd villain is certainly something for you.

(...Ah Melia, I didn't miss you. Also can't you read the captions? You have superpowers so that'd be easy)

(...I didn't think she was that bad)

 

That hypocritical statement reminded me of something funny which was apparently on 4chan (yeah, somehow this made it there). Melia, Venam, Saki, and Amber are referred to the 4 Bitches of the Apocalypse though apparently Melia is the least annoying one. I only side with Amber because she hasn't dragged me close to the meat grinder...unlike the other 3. I didn't forget what you did, Venam. I will feed you to Indy personally if we ever go back.

(Huh. I never realized Angie was wearing a ponytail)

(Yeah, I too would leave if someone interrupted my performance)

(I was forced to by the plot. Don't throw those two into this)

(Eh. I got 3 others I could possibly collect and a 4th one is in...I should've asked Madelis to get me the TM for Lava Drift. I'm an idiot)

 

That reminds me. I'm pretty sure Light Platinum has Lava Surf. I know it was one of those old hacks that did it...before it was cool.

 

(I also took a trip to Liberl and Crossbell)

(Yet I'm referred to by my alias. My real name is...)

(You...are one to talk. How did you become a gym leader again?)

(Also put a terrorist, accept a badge from the past, and there is no order)

(You've never read "The Wrath of God" have you, Melia?)

(Yeah. Let's call out the crazy lady who can freeze people instead of trying to get a badge. That always ends well)

(I already know I'm a terrible and lazy jackass so you got nothing on me, lady...shit we're in a church. Which one is god of this world? I think its Naga. Naga save me)

(It's a goddamn magical artifact. Don't question it)

(You aren't wrong there. She does kind of abuse her friends to get what she wants)

 

Sadly, we never see this progress any further despite being great character development.

(Please tell me this isn't judgement day. I'd probably go to hell otherwise)

(Heh. Caring)

(Maybe not so much that last one)

 

If I was there, this is where I would interject "I think you're book might be a little broken as Melia isn't any of those things"

(...Angie, let's just leave the Melia roasting to me)

(...This is one of those things that...)

 

So everything Angie says shouldn't be a surprise and if it was, then it means the writing is poor. I mean I see it a bit now but it could've been done so much better than have Melia's lashing be her coping mechanism. It just kind of makes her...for lack of...this is the goddamn finale so we may as well go gun-ho. She's a bitch. She is a goddamn bitch and bitches at every problem in her way. And everyone just lets her do it because she's special and the leader. She also became the Amber replacement which I'm sure that girl was thrilled about, but she ain't allowed to lash at Melia in frustration because Melia is perfect. These people need to grow up and get the fuck over themselves.

 

Also, I am sorry to swear in the house of thy lord, but thou must speaketh the truth.

(I do. I really do)

 

Hmmm...let's see what the book would say about me.

 

"Thou is smart and wise beyond his years, but his attitude and arrogance drives those away along with being a coward. Also, he thinks he's funny when he's not and irritates people"

 

If you want to humor me and make a passage for me or your own, go ahead. I'm like the one person who would make a thread just to roast me if people wanted to do that. I have no shame.

(Amen. A to the bloody men)

 

I have waited over a year and this is the first time I can honestly say...thank you game, I needed that. And despite all of this, it simply gets chucked away...or at least I think it does...it's confusing what happens to cause Melia to leave...

(I could cry right now. There may be no better way to end this journey)

(So see these two, they haven't done a damn gym fight since my battle with Venam. That was a year ago)

(So they really are worthless pieces of rock. All this time I've been doing it for nothing! Screw you guys, I'm going back to the resort where I'm welcomed)

(It's a religious figure in an RPG. Were you expecting someone not corrupted by power?)

(...See. She's like me. She acknowledges her problems)

(Oh hey, boss time?)

(I don't see any bosses anywhere)

(No...I'm Gon A. Murdrazu)

(Let's not. I think this is the perfect end to me. Cold and alone. Alone without suffering)

(See. We should just stayed there to die. Now I've got two bitches to find)

(Wait...did the lord just answer my prayers?)

(I'm...the protagonist. What a great way to end the series)

(I...am the hero. I am the one who gets to kick ass and nobody can take that way. Alright, Angie. I'll play your little game)

(See you on the top floor, finale boss)

(Oh hey free TM...what a g...I'll stop. But hey, free stuff is nice)

(Oh no. Shadow Angie has risen. Where's that bottle I just emptied)

(Hmmm...there's something off about that pitch. Take it from the top)

(That's rude. She's been giving us great hospitality)

(Trust me, she never will. Music isn't her forte...or being nice)

(I too enjoy this holy funk)

(This woman, she's breaking the two characters I hate...this...what a great way to end the run)

(Okay now she's being mind controlled. We all know she cockstrokes Melia...in more ways than one)

 

When I said I was going all out, I wasn't kidding. Since we won't ever get there...I don't get the whole Melia and Venam thing. There was never anything there than them just being friends. Well kind of close friends...which makes it weird considering Ren...mother of god that guy just can't get a break, can he. Now I'm not against having gay relationships in games but...most romances in games are often week as it takes a long time to properly build then execute. That's kind of why I'm not a fan of forcing LBT that one acronym in media. I think it's an insult since these people struggle and it's not just a simple happy ending. I kind of like Modern Family's take on it. Basically if it's included, fine, but don't include it for the sake of representation. All you'll do is get funny looks. I'm not against these elements at all, but for the love of god, try to make sure you know what you're doing.

(I should probably stop this, but I'm not going to. Let this finale end on a happy note)

(I'm kind of neutral. It's not the same if I can't kill her)

(That or annoyed with all the sacrifices. There's a reason real God asked for it to stop)

(Are you actually surprised? There's not much going up there)

(She's Pope Agnie the Cold Blooded. She slays the sinners in cold blood)

(.........Makes you wonder where they came from)

(Hmmm...are you sure those weren't from my heart?)

(Hi, do you guys have any snacks? The maid back there said you were out)

(Or we can just battle. Why can't we just chat like normal people?)

(...And they will)

(Yeah...that was easy)

(I guess all minions suck in this world...who aren't AA...but those guys suck in a different way)

(Why didn't she just do that to us?)

(I've stopped questioning this game's logic since the pervy grandma)

(You aren't wrong. Guess it makes management easier as well)

(You do have some good points and you hate Melia. I'll think about it...though I do want to get out of here)

(Either she's flirting or she's my rival...I'm not sure which one)

(Thou shall no swear in thy house...if thou name does not start with "C")

(Is this like that we have 3 bells to reach her segment?)

(You do that and I'll watch. I'm tired of being the hero. I have to deal with people's shit)

(So basically I do all the work and you take credit. Lovely)

(Rorrim, what the hell happened to you?)

(I'm just...)

 

This is the stupidest thing Jan has ever written. Hi, I'm Commander. It's spelled C-o-m-m-a-n-d-e-r. Also, there's a missing space, but that could be the text box limit. That thing is annoying.

(There's a period and a space missing...good job)

(Uhhh considering Angie doesn't kill anyone she hates, he's probably a good guy)

(That is a fair argument)

(...I like him. He's the only one in this room not driving me up the wall)

(Na-na-na-na Na-na-nana Angie's World)

(I say take him with us)

(...It's not speaking Catholic nonsense so it's not a trap)

(You never used your brain before so why start now?)

(Why is this even a choice?)

(It only took us 5 years to get in Reborn so thank you for not taking as long)

(It's not like he's going to be able to get out of here)

(Oh great. This is going to be a long one)

(Oh so the truth finally comes out. Good. I didn't like you anyways)

(I kind of believe it. Man, I missed a persona reference hanging from the low tree)

(Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimmmm! I'm sorry I never am going to save you)

(Eh, I just want to go home is all)

(Or that. Just get the girl and let us go home)

(I didn't know Azery was in this game...he looks good in a maid outfit)

(And skipping the easy battle)

(And they died. Guess we'll never have to see them again...not like we would've anyways)

(Oh good we get to see Melia sacrificed. What a fitting end to this shitshow of a run)

(And the big reveal she is Maria in 3..2..1..)

(I didn't get pics of her flipping in and out)

(Plot armor. She is immune due to plot armor)

(It's dark hey Venam wanna...oh wait I hate you)

(Did she die from that fall? Nice)

(Oh yeah, this is breaking for some reason)

(...dammit she's okay)

(Venam actually doing something...that's a first)

(And cue lazy animators)

 

Black screens are an old trick to warp characters out of cutscenes. Kind of lazy, but lazy isn't always bad.

(Maybe there's a warp point to escape)

(Why we had to see this...I honestly have no idea...)

 

No really, what was the point of that.

(Yeah, I don't really need it)

(I think Melia broke Angie. She's giving me this creepy stare)

(Venam, you're making my life harder than it already is. I just want a badge and to go home to daddy Cassius)

(Wait...is she getting a heart...nah)

(Isn't that a cliche. Whatever. It's battle time)

(Today the town, tomorrow the world)

 

(OH GOD WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR EYES)

(You don't fucking say. You're holding the problem. Maybe if we drop her, she'll let us leave peacefully)

(Though I think we crossed the point of no return)

(And cure that battle)

 

So what happened was I had the audio set to my monitor which wasn't plugged in meaning I didn't record any Audio. I tried to replicated the sound, but that's the best I could do...sorry

 

Spoiler

 

 

Outakes (No Audio)

 

 

Yeah...Angie I almost won first try then RNG screwed me. RNG screwed me a lot in this fight especially trying to figure out that the AI input reads and why things were acting off. It's a pretty decent battle and man, that was a climatic finish and while the game does go on, I don't think I could nail a final battle any closer than that. Angie is suffering and I certainly suffered.

(Shit, she's about to use her suicide attack)

(I didn't give you permission to kill me)

(No shit, Verlock)

(This is paper mario all over again)

(It's cold)

 

So I'm pretty sure Jan used that free RMXP art for this but...it looks pretty intimidating until you realize it's scripted. It's just one of those illusion tricks to scare you. It works so it's fine though it is cool seeing things get distorted showing Angie's demise.

(Damn, I was hoping to be the only one who made it out alive)

(And here she is...again)

(Wait...didn't she use a Froslass?)

(...I know nothing about that)

(Why can't I ever get credit for making good decisions)

(Says the guy who lost the town to her)

(...I highly doubt that)

(If only I was good at recording Gifs that would look awesome)

(...Well that's a solution)

(Well that was disappointing)

 

I kind of wish Angie actually died since she kind of comes back later. She sounded like these were the final minutes of her life and I would've loved seeing it all pan out. This cast is already too bloated so a one-off character like Angie would've been fantastic. I just haven't been saying much because there's nothing to be said. Angie is great and something this game needed since post Venam. I honestly wish she was the final boss of the Terajuma segment because her execution was done just right from her entrance here all the way to her fall. I don't care about her beyond that though. I know she was Maria's mother or that maid in the freezer which I know had a deep connection to Indy before finally being corrupted by her own ice powers losing control or something, but that can be explored even if she's dead. She's not that interesting beyond seeing her on stage and damn does she slam those truths on hard.

 

Another little thing I kind of wish was done was that Angie took that Ice Gym Leader's team to use against the player. I would've been a nice detail and better explain what happens, but oh well. That's a nitpick over a complaint. Also felt good to be the lead instead of following Melia's orders.

(No, no it doesn't. Oh hey, free TM)

(You mean they don't know each other despite being registered under the same league? Have these guys ever been to a meeting or anything?)

(You...did jack shit. I tried saving you guys and then we almost died. The end)

(Oh hey free badge)

 

Will get to this in a minute.

(I'm liking this logic)

 

(Yes, yes I would have)

 

(You'd be out of the frying pan and into the freezer...that joke was bad. We shouldn't end on bad jokes)

 

(Don't question the man who gives us what we need)

 

(Thank you lazy and irresponsible gym leader)

 

(He'll probably show up again and have a long tragic backstory. This is how there games work, right?)

 

(Just lay her on the ground somewhere. She'll be fine)

 

(What did I say about being a bitch, bitch)

 

(And it's weird knowing this is the end...of the chapter)

 

This is probably a rather disappointing chapter for what is a pretty solid segment, but I'm just kind of done with Rejuv and did this to at least no end on a cliffhanger. I'm not going to lock the thread but yeah, we're done. There's not going to be any jokes nor any revivals to surprise people. But now, let me cover some of the future things in the game and my thoughts on their ideas (I haven't exactly seen their executions).

 

So I have a pretty good idea what happens up through Valor Mountains...I forgot about something. I really like the idea of a gym leader just giving us a badge for no apparent reason. I honestly wish we saw that in a more playful way then basically beating Angie. It's a pretty funny idea that could come about with a "WTF!" kind of reaction. I love it and that's one of those small things that help mix things up. Seriously, I'd die laughing at any game that you go through a complicated puzzle expecting a fight...and suddenly you earn a gym badge. Most of these fan-games are more or less the same (and even Reborn falls into the samey category) so stupid things like that help...

 

Hold on I gotta add that comment at the top...Y'know, I think I'm going to restructure how I go about this after I take a long hiatus. The subcaptions kind of are there for me to really digest and break the plot to discuss it more, but we're getting to that point so change may be good. I have got to figure out a better way to tackle these things and I'll probably do something closer to this but with more breaks inbetween scenes doing rants or stupid stuff. WHY CAN I NEVER SAY I QUIT! I mean if I really need to stop I'll stop it, but we'll be taking a break. Like a 6 month break. Is it sad the thing I dread the most if spending an hour on a gym leader over the 14-20 hours it'll take to do all of the Volcano segment? Also something I'd like to know is if you guys mind like 6-7 pics in a row not have captions or anything. That'd cut down 3 hours on each chapter to crank out.

[DemICE]

It's not weird that you're taking a break when a game that is supereffective vs you suddenly becomes your current activity.   It is called attention shift, and is the reason my Chrono Trigger is still in hiatus.  

I agree that Angie's segment offers a pretty atmospheric experience (see, this is one fight that got nerfed compared to when you last played.).  Too bad you missed that secret scene with Anju and Indy.
I don't mind multiple pictures stacked on top of each other if they are part of the same scene that you are commenting on in the end anyway. 

 

I do hope if you ever reach Grand dream city, your interest towards rejuv is helped some.

[Gentleman Jaggi]

6 hours ago, Commander said:

I kind of wish Angie actually died since she kind of comes back later. She sounded like these were the final minutes of her life and I would've loved seeing it all pan out. This cast is already too bloated so a one-off character like Angie would've been fantastic. I just haven't been saying much because there's nothing to be said. Angie is great and something this game needed since post Venam. I honestly wish she was the final boss of the Terajuma segment because her execution was done just right from her entrance here all the way to her fall.

Could you elaborate a bit on why you consider her to be done so well? Personally this is my absolute least favorit part of the game so your praise of it kind of threw me off here.

So far she's the game's decidedly least interesting character to me; just another nutcase with some unexplained superpowers that seem to be reserved for the bad guys. Her interactions with Melia and Venam here don't offer much to go with either since they're all under the cover of Angie's mind controll-ey nonsense. I mean I would've been okay with most of those claims, but the bit about Venam not caring anything about Melia just drags the credibility of that whole deal through the mud. You can say a lot about the characters in this game and "doesn't care about Melia" is probably what would come up for very few of them, if any.

Honestly what I hate the most about Angie has to be her dialogue. Most of it is just the repeated drivel of a madwoman without a shred of credibility. She doesn't even feel like a threat either. It's pretty obvious throughout this arc that it's building up to a direct confrontation with her and at this point we're only what, about a third into the game? Worse yet at this point we've already been face to face with Madame X, an antagonistic madwoman with unexplained superpowers who we know is more powerful than we are and who's left us a lovely reminder of that fact in the form of our dead mother. Compared to that Angie just... falls flat. Note that doesn't mean I think Madame X is a good antagonist - I just think Angie is worse.
Reborn's El is honestly a much better take on a fanatically religious antagonist - We get just enough explanation to make his fanaticism believable rather than him just being mad "because magic", he's usually pretty practical about his plans, always working to a specific goal, and he shows up about halfway through the game, when we've already got a good idea of what's going on around him, and he's established as a major threat with an actual connection to the plot. Angie just sits somewhere in the mess of "getting sidetracked from being sidetracked" that is terajuma.

Short summary: to me Angie is an uninteresting antagonist with no lasting effects on the plot or characters stuck in the middle of a messy arc.

 

 

Do with your run what seems like the most fun to you. Playing a game should never be an obligation and if Rejuv is only grinding on your nerves right now then spare yourself the hassle and do something more fun.