Board 8 > SaveEstelle & LeonhartFour in New Houses: Final Fantasy Music Edition [SELF]

(+) Yeah! (+)

LeonhartFour posted...

Next up is the Horror Coaster, which is another "anyone can do this" one, but thankfully, there's really nothing unique about the experience for each person and I have zero desire to play this mini-game over a dozen times, so moving on!

i suffered so you did not have to

You are correct, with one exception. If you take Altina to the Horror Coaster, Millium comes too and it's pretty cute. Not entirely unlike how she accompanies Jusis for sparklers but I liked the Altina/Millium interaction a lot more.

LeonhartFour posted...

Regardless, the different fortunes turn out to be pretty neat. I think Sara's and Crow's were my favorite of this bunch.

Yeah, Beryl's Fortunes were the best of the different events IMO and I wish more people could go get them. I liked Celine's as well, but pretty much all of them were good... except Elliot's where it just seems weird he was an option compared to the others.

LeonhartFour posted...

It seems like meeting Claire here was optional

It's doubly optional. You only get the orbmail if you sent her a gift back when you were in Crossbell in 3-2 (the game auto-sends the gift at the end of the act if you forgot until after you couldn't send it because once you head out to face Arianrhod you can't send gifts and left it in your inventory like I did) And then yeah you can just totally blow her off and ignore the mail even if you do get it.

LeonhartFour posted...

Now it's time for Rean's choice! I wasn't expecting Rean to teacher-zone Juna, that was great. Alfin's was honestly kind of cute. I'd be okay with her being the canon over Alisa, at least! But after watching Alisa's scene, it feels pretty clear what they want the canon couple to be! Altina's VA absolutely nailed her scene. Fie's "Get a clue" line delivery was excellent, too, and we learn her birthday is August 31st! Sara's was all right, really nothing special.

I pretty much agree with all your takes here. Except Juna because I didn't have her available because she was one of my drops on her second heart event. Alfin's was cute and Altina's VA was fantastic in that scene and it'd be a top-tier scene in general if not for the fact that the scene gets back to the "romance" part. Altina's distress and anguish that Rean is choosing to hangout with her and spilling her worries about being "fake" and Rean telling her she's not is just so good. And yeah, lmfao Fie's reaction to Rean's "oh man if i knew it was your birthday we would have thrown a party!" was gold.

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I just watched Alisa for now. I watch the rest after beating the game. Alfin should be pretty good.

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All right, let's move on with Cold Steel IV!

The Great War begins. The water textures here, however, are not great. Everyone has departed from Mishelam and we're back on the Courageous II. We're getting ready to have the strike teams take down the Salt Pales, and then the Courageous II will charge in once the barrier is down. But first, we have some requests we can take care of while we're on standby in addition to cryptids and Magic Knights appearing.

Then the finale's title pops up: Scattered Petals, Dying Flames. We have no required members for this part, so we'll let the randomizer do its work. It gives us Rean/Laura/Elliot/Musse/Alisa/Ash/Sharon. Not bad. I get notifications that the situation in western Erebonia has changed completely, and I can also explore Stargazer's Tower. Oh, and Millium has a Brave Order available if Jusis is in the party now. Then we get a call from Thomas saying that the final volume of the Black Records has been deciphered. It's basically a summary of Cold Steel IV that tells us that the ending is unclear, so thanks for that!

Let's explore the Courageous II first. We have three new requests, one in Alster from Sandy, one about Alan from Bridget, and a wanted monster request. I come across a conversation between Gaius and Mueller about Kevin, saying how he was involved in both the Liberl and Crossbell incidents. I guess I can count on him showing up in Azure then...! I opened the map and it looks like literally every location in the game is available to me now, although not all of them have new content. Sara, Towa, and Michael bring up Vice Principal Heinrich, and Sara echoes my thoughts in that this is the first time I've even thought of him in forever. Perhaps the biggest shocker here is that Rean actually said something bad about someone (even if he did quickly follow it up with a "benefit of the doubt" statement). Towa's also a little on edge because she realizes the conclusion of this operation will mean the perma-death of Crow, for real this time.

Victor and Roselia have an interesting conversation talking about the original Arseid, named Shion, who witnessed Lianne Sandlot's resurrection. He apparently got to experience these memories because of his time under the control of the Gnomes.

More later.

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CS4: Not sure if the map labels these but just in case: Revisit the Shrines where you fought Rutger and Arianrhod. At the end area, there should be a Zemurian Ore Shard at each. You can theoretically collect the one at Rutger's as early 3-2 but I don't think it was marked then, I just went there myself and found it during that section. Maybe it gets marked for the finale idk.

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we've been slowly moving through attack on titan. last episode was 1x05 or so?

eren just got eaten an episode or two ago. if this holds, that's pretty awesome. he was unbearable, and it's a pretty surprising killing of a typical protagonist. unfortunately, his friend, who appears to be the new protagonist, is also unbearable.
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CS4 Finale - I just finished the sweep of the Courageous and Sutherland. Only missing a sidequest at Hamel entrance because I probably need to do something with Renne in Crossbell first. So Crossbell sweep will be next. Got the Zemurian shard from Rutger in 3-2 so and now Arianrhod's. Oh, and I can't challenge Victor to VM. Hmm. I hope it's just that there's some opponent somewhere in this chapter I haven't beat yet and not that I missed something. Also Musse was pretty fucking hard in Pom Pom Party and still one more left.

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SeabassDebeste posted...

we've been slowly moving through attack on titan. last episode was 1x05 or so?

eren just got eaten an episode or two ago. if this holds, that's pretty awesome. he was unbearable, and it's a pretty surprising killing of a typical protagonist. unfortunately, his friend, who appears to be the new protagonist, is also unbearable.

Attack on Titan spoilers but nothing beyond where you are.
That was a good scene. I didn't see it coming at all when I first watched it.
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Dragon Ball Z Episode 70 complete!

Featuring Frieza's magical breath.

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BK_Sheikah00 posted...

CS4 Finale - I just finished the sweep of the Courageous and Sutherland. Only missing a sidequest at Hamel entrance because I probably need to do something with Renne in Crossbell first. So Crossbell sweep will be next. Got the Zemurian shard from Rutger in 3-2 so and now Arianrhod's. Oh, and I can't challenge Victor to VM. Hmm. I hope it's just that there's some opponent somewhere in this chapter I haven't beat yet and not that I missed something. Also Musse was pretty fucking hard in Pom Pom Party and still one more left.

Challenging Victor only requires having every VM card, and every past opponent is still available except Cassius (but you can buy his card instead). It's a bit annoying to track down some opponents but you haven't permanently missed that.

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Attack on Titan Season 4 Episode 8 complete!

My wife and I were both highly upset about Sasha getting killed. Also, it looks like Eren went rogue and used his leverage as an indispensable Titan to force the Scouts to attack Marley to get him back. I wonder what's made him so emotionally dead inside to begin with, although we saw traces of him heading down that road at the end of season 3.

And I do not trust Zeke at all. I don't know how they convinced him to go along with their plan (or it kind of sounds like this was his plan all along and he convinced them to help him), but he's definitely got some ulterior motive beyond helping the Eldians be free.

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Ratchet and Clank is free on the Playstation store for everyone, not just Plus members.

So yeah, get it.

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That's the remake?

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Yeah, it is.

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It's a hype campaign for the PS5 game to be sure but it's a good game

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Dragon Ball Z Episode 71 complete!

Oh wow, it's like chapter 4 of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door!

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All right, it's time for some Cold Steel IV, Finale Edition!

Still exploring the Courageous II. We get a cute little convo between Rean and Laura about their time together the night before. I assume this happens with whoever you choose, but it was cool. I find Rex and Munk establishing a comm link with the Arc Royale and we get to hear from other Thors graduates we haven't seen in a long time, like Klein and Lambert. I can now play Musse in Pom Party, and I manage to beat her on the first try! Only one person left! I wonder who it is.

I find a sidequest where Stark wants to show his appreciation for all Crow has done for him, and Rean suggests challenging him to a game of Vantage Masters. Stark invites Rean to observe the match, which naturally means I have to actually win the game myself. Darn it, I nearly went the whole game without having to play Vantage Masters! At least Stark has a ready-made deck. Oh, upon losing, I can either retry or proceed as if having won. Wow, a blatant cheating option, but I'm guessing you get bonus AP for actually winning! It takes a few tries, but I do eventually win on my own. Upon winning, the prize he asks for is Crow treating him and Rean to a meal in Jurai after the war is over. Crow reminds him not to ask the impossible, but Stark chides him for having given up already. So are we moving toward an ending where Crow somehow stays alive even after the Rivalries end? Regardless, it gives Crow the motivation to look beyond his situation, so that was cool.

That's all for tonight.

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Leonhart4 posted...

Dragon Ball Z Episode 71 complete!

Oh wow, it's like chapter 4 of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door!

I am struggling to find the connection

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Persona 5 Strikers beated. Good game! Should definitely be played by anyone who liked P5 since it's a direct sequel (feels like more of one than P4A, for example). Good new characters, and gives the old cast a chance to interact and have fun together. Dungeons and stuff are solid - much less Warriors-y than I would've expected. Really feels like Persona 5-2, but with a more action RPG style battle system (kinda similar to FF7R's, honestly).
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pjbasis posted...

I am struggling to find the connection

It's a body swap plot where the hero and bad guy switch places.

Also glad to hear Strikers is good. I'll have to check it out eventually.

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Oh yeah I forgot that happened in Paper Mario. I need to play that game again! I wanna beat Bonetail this time.

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I bought P5 Strikers the other day and it's on deck for me after Utawarerumomo: Mask of Truth but unfortunately my time to play that has been cut into fairly significantly of late so progress has been slowed there and may remain so for some time.

I just retook Nakoku and Brainwashed!Maroro brought down the bridge. He's also apparently on some steroids or something because his magic power is off the charts now. The twins commented on it and I assume it's Woshis's doing but man. Also since I last posted some thoughts on stuff that's happened there the journey to Rulutieh's homeland was good, and while I was not a fan of Vurai surviving the MoD ending I have forgiven it because the confrontation of him coinciding with Nekone's emotional breakdown and all the parallels to the real!Oshtor/Vurai fight were just excellent with Haku coming out on top this time and providing a different end to that retread. "There is no brother who does not worry for his sister." was a great moment in the Haku/Nekone "sibling" relationship.

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pjbasis posted...

Oh yeah I forgot that happened in Paper Mario. I need to play that game again! I wanna beat Bonetail this time.

Yes please. It's so good.

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Dragon Ball Z Episode 72 complete!

Now it's time for Gohan vs. Not-Goku! This should be good.

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CS4 Finale - I think I'm good to go for the final dungeon. Got the trophy for all quests. I have three Black Zemurian Ore weapons right now. 100% Books, Recipes and Fishing, including getting all the associated prizes. Max Thors Unity rating and Instructor Rank. Landscapes, Vantage Masters and Pom Pom also complete. And all Master Quartz, Trial Chests, and Lost Arts. I wonder if doing that quest with the Holy Beast of Earth will change anything about the ending.

The only things left are 100% Profiles and Enemies, but that won't be possible anymore.

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Okay, let's get back to the Cold Steel IV Finale!

We're done with the Courageous II, so now it's time to explore the rest of Erebonia. I visit Dreknor Fortress, and we're actually welcomed inside now. Turns out Zechs is here visiting General Craig and Neithardt. We're informed that the 3rd Division is to head to the frontlines through North Ambria and the 4th Division through Liberl, and they're to overcome any resistance they met with force. Neithardt urges us to stop the war before this happens. It was nice to have Elliot in the party for this one because we get some extra dialogue with his dad.

The Bobcat II is parked outside the gate that leads to Hamel, and Josette is talking to Estelle, Joshua, and Agate. They wanted to pay their respects at Hamel before everything goes down, but we need Tita and Ash in the party first, so I run back to the Courageous to get them. Then we have to hunt down Renne in Crossbell (I'm guessing she's there to meet Harold and his family), so I guess I'll head there next!

But that'll have to wait for another day.


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Finally got past the anime material in the MHA manga

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Wow, my 30s are officially halfway over. I'm not sure how I feel about this.

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haha old

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I finished the third book of The Wheel of Time series. I gotta admit, I wasn't totally sold on it for the first 80% but the last 20% was excellent. I think I'd consider the second book the best one so far because it was just consistently good all the way through.

Also I've already downloaded the fourth book and this one is massive!

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Personally, I'd say book 3 is the weakest of the first 7 or so. Less Rand focus is disappointing, though the ending's great. Mat's the real star of book 3 - that's where he gets good, IMO.

4-6 are in a bit of a different style, but they're just about my favorite chunk of the series. Hope you enjoy them just as much!
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Yeah, this was definitely the breakout book for Mat. Perrin was fantastic, too, but he's been a top tier character in every book so far.

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Shadow Rising is Perrin's best book in the series, so you should like that.
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It's so weird to think that the world was still "normal" on my birthday last year, and everything changed literally only a week later.

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happy birthday!

rip goku's old body

also AOT s1e10 eren being alive is kind of cool but also a huge disappointment. as soon as he came back the show became like 100% less enjoyable again. but it is true that that ability is really cool.

is that guy who orders eren's execution voiced by chris sabat?
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Chris Sabat voices a lot of random characters at Funimation so it's possible!

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LordoftheMorons posted...

Finally got past the anime material in the MHA manga

Just in time for the anime to come back

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Happy birthday!

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Leonhart4 posted...

Chris Sabat voices a lot of random characters at Funimation so it's possible!

yup, just googled "chris sabat attack on titan" and confirmed. that character had an insane amount of yelling lines that episode.

weirdly, i didn't guess that he voiced all might from MHA at all!
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Cold Steel 4 - Doing Aurelia's team last. Toval is such a chump compared to his team lol

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Dragon Ball Z Episode 73 complete!

Multiple battles going on at the same time is good stuff.

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Namek always felt very series climax for me, despite the rest.

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All right, time for some Cold Steel IV Finale!

Still exploring Crossbell. Hey, there's Fran and Noel's mom. I run into the Hayworths, but Renne isn't with them, so now I'm not sure where she is. Xeno and Leo are talking with Ashleigh at Neinvalli, getting what they need for their raid. Sully is hanging out with Jona, and they let us know that the elevator to the Thaumaturgical Sector is wide open and isn't being guarded for some reason. Sounds like we need to check it out.

Irina and Gwyn are at the RF branch in Crossbell. They've stopped production of the Zauber Soldats, but the Imperial Government is putting more on them than they can realistically produce overall, so they're in a bit of a pickle. I finally find Renne on the East Crossbell Highway talking to Harold, and they actually make plans for their families to meet up once all this is over, which was nice. With that, we can finally move on to Hamel. Once we trigger the sidequest, everything goes red, literally. The Liberl crew says it reminds them of Phantasma.

Oh nice, Joshua takes the party lead here, just like old times. We encounter a bunch of ghosts who turn out to be the manifestations of the memories of Hamel, like in Phantasma. This raises the question of who the mastermind is behind all this. We encounter Joshua's and Ash's parents, and how they each handle seeing them was really good. We find one of the Seventy-Seven Devils waiting in the village, and Rean suspects the anomalies in the spirit veins (as well as the appearances of the Empyreal Fortress and the Salt Pales) are allowing creatures from other planes to pass into this one. Loewe's sword is glowing with a strange light now, apparently having been revitalized by the Great Twilight. After the battle, we get a brief message from Loewe's spirit in the sword and then everything returns to normal.

Let's get back to exploring Erebonia, Crossbell specifically. We find Ines, Ennea, and Bleublanc in the Wetlands, and they've set up a memorial to Arianrhod. It provides a nice photo op (with their permission, of course).

More later.

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CS4: The Renne scene with Harold and the Hamel sidequest are really, really good. I saved that bit for the last part of my tour of all areas and it made for a really nice capstone.

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Yknow I actually like Blue Coins. Gives me a reason to explore these worlds and interact with the environment. I like how varied the conditions can be too.

On the other hand, there are some very annoying things about them like being exclusive to certain Shines that makes the completionist me bug out.

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Yeah, I just wish there was a better tracker for them. You might figure out each level has 30 at some point, but if it just said x/30 from the start, that'd be nice. I also agree about the exclusive levels, makes it hard to search them out.

Other than that I do like the concept.

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Searching for blue coins trying to get to 120 Shines is what made me turn on Sunshine by the end.

If they'd just used those blue coins to make a couple more worlds, I'd probably think more highly of it.

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The worst thing about blue coins is that every time you collect them it pauses the game and pops up a dialogue box. If not for that I probably wouldn't mind them at all.

It is true that they largely make trying to 100% Sunshine a recipe for hating the game, but I don't really see that as a problem.
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LeonhartFour posted...

If they'd just used those blue coins to make a couple more worlds, I'd probably think more highly of it.

I don't think development time works like this!

Just got 100 coins in Gelato Beach, which may be the worst thing I've had to do in a Mario game holy fuck.

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pyresword posted...

The worst thing about blue coins is that every time you collect them it pauses the game and pops up a dialogue box.

And every time you get a new nozzle in every world. Lots of little annoying things like this in the game.

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Nah, I get it. But they do feel like filler because they probably felt like they couldn't have fewer Shines than Mario 64 had Stars. And Sunshine could've used a couple more worlds.

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