Board 8 > SaveEstelle/LeonhartFour in Different Houses: Quinton Exists Edition [SELF]

(+) Yeah! (+)

Yeah Cold Steel 3 is definitely the quickest to dive straight into the action out of the Trails games I've played, unless you want to count things like the first 15 minutes of Sky SC. (Which unfortunately comes before the worst tutorial/intro segment in the series...)
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Man, this really is like the Infinity Wars of RPGs.
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But it's also like watching Infinity Wars without having seen all the MCU movies, at least for me. You can make obvious connection points with Crossbell stuff when it pops up, but I'm sure it would have more punch if I'd actually watched/played them (like the Randy/Shirley stuff)

Also, I expect to split focus between Team Rean and Class VII here, kinda like in the prologue. I don't think they'll just sit back quietly while Rean saves the day. I wonder if they'll team up with Agate at some point. Feels like a natural pairing if he happens to drop by to check on Tita and some sort of occurrence pops up nearby.
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Yeah, no way am I playing Cold Steel without watching Crossbell first

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SaveEstelle posted...

Yeah, no way m I playing Cold Steel without watching Crossbell first

Which means you're officially 6 games behind

I didn't want to wait until the new patch was actually available to play the first Crossbell game when I'd already have CS3 at my disposal, and I didn't really want to just watch an LP either.
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#BringThe3rdToPS4

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Also, I do wonder what sort of leverage they have over Rean that forces him to automatically accept official orders from Osborne. It could be something cliche like threats against his family or something, but you can tell Rean clearly accepts those orders from Lechter against his will.
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pyresword posted...

Yeah Cold Steel 3 is definitely the quickest to dive straight into the action out of the Trails games I've played, unless you want to count things like the first 15 minutes of Sky SC. (Which unfortunately comes before the worst tutorial/intro segment in the series...)

Le Locle is amazing i will fight you

Worst tutorial/intro is CS1.

Leonhart4 posted...

Man, this really is like the Infinity Wars of RPGs.

no ****ing kidding. (i say this without having watched any of the MCU) day 2 is a trip.

Crossbell stuff, yeah, it's very nice to know that stuff. I can answer questions as I'm sure a few others here could too if you're interested.

SaveEstelle posted...

#BringThe3rdToPS4

given 3rd may well be my favorite game of all time it continues to kill me inside that you won't play it. i hate pc gaming too but dammit trails was like the one way my hand could have been forced.

Leonhart4 posted...

Also, I do wonder what sort of leverage they have over Rean that forces him to automatically accept official orders from Osborne. It could be something cliche like threats against his family or something, but you can tell Rean clearly accepts those orders from Lechter against his will.

I thought that was more or less explained as it happened? Osborne is a total ******* and literally creates situations in which Rean basically can't refuse (on purpose because he knows how to play Rean). Like in this case, the Imperial Government is intentionally doing nothing to help instead of sending the RMP or the Imperial Army to help. If Rean does nothing Ouroboros could easily run over a few towns or something so Rean is forced to accept to protect innocents from potential harm. I mean, perhaps there's more to it that we'll learn later but I felt it was a sufficient explanation at the time.

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CS1 Chapter 1 beated.

well that escalated quickly. like holy **** can things even escalate further from here? *sees chapter 2 title* ...okay that might do it.

Day 2 -> Chapter 1 End Spoilers: Road trip to Hamel featuring Agate was nuts. I feel like so many things happened here that I want to talk about that I've forgotten half of them already. It's kinda interesting that Agate was the "backup plan" for the Bracer presence here against Estelle and Joshua. I mean I agree with that assessment but Agate is the higher-ranked one, isn't he? And even that presumes he wasn't caught by them in the timeskip. Tita volunteering to come in their place too is interesting, and also explains why she'd get involved in this mess beyond working with Schmidt.

As for Hamel itself, that remix. Interesting that Agate's story didn't include the Weissmann connection to the incident to show how Ouroboros is tangled up in it too. Props to Duvalie (and Shirley to a slightly lesser extent) for the respect shown to Loewe's grave. Also Kernviter sighting! Huh, Duvalie explaining it's de-powered answers a question in the back of my mind on why no one would try to steal it for its Divergent Laws abilities.

(next post because oh my god this chapter)
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CS1 Chapter 1 End: Somehow an Enforcer + Duvalie fight is just the warmup for the train of insanity that was to come. Shirley drops a goddamn Aion on their heads. Everyone's just lucky it wasn't the White Aion and just the scrub Aion. Nevertheless, Ouroboros seems to be practically at the point where they can produce better-than-Divine-Knight mechas now.

and then ****ing Fie's dad shows up. I *did* take Xeno and Leo literally back in CS2 so this isn't the biggest shock but THEN HE'S LIKE "I HEARD YOU LIKE DIVINE KNIGHTS!" ...Assuming that is one. Thomas said there were 7 so we've got some to work with. Had some weird cube-like effects with it though. Also him and Zephyr are working for someone who's gunning for Ouroboros. ...Given Ouroboros's objective is to reclaim Phantasmal Blaze and they seem to be treating the Branch Campus as irrelevant logic dictates Zephyr is working for Osborne here... which raises the question of, if so, how many people know? Claire? Lechter? Presumably not Millium and Altina.

Looks like Crossbell is next and based on the cutscenes we'll meet Alisa, Emma, and... I think that was Machias's voice. Tio too, probably. crossbell hype.

yo chapter 1 went from 0 to 60 at the end of day 1. and then from 60 to like 4397835 at the end of day 2.

cs3 not playin'
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Ugh more smoke and planned outages

I guess this is just going to be a yearly thing now?

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Noctis gets a Versus XIII Costume in Dissidia or something

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zr9iiGBTdLQ" data-time="
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xp1337 posted...

Crossbell stuff, yeah, it's very nice to know that stuff. I can answer questions as I'm sure a few others here could too if you're interested.

Well, it's kind of easy to figure out how the pieces fit together from the context, but it certainly wouldn't have the same emotional impact.
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Yeah, this is part and parcel of why my stance for the last several months has generally been "find some way to experience Crossbell before CS3."

And as I've said before, if not in this topic: yeah chapter 1 is insane. Easily the best initial segment (so prologue for the games with good-length prologues, chapter 1 otherwise) in the series, and rest assured there ain't no breaks to this train.

because that would upset Pablo
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xp1337 posted...

Leonhart4 posted...

Also, I do wonder what sort of leverage they have over Rean that forces him to automatically accept official orders from Osborne. It could be something cliche like threats against his family or something, but you can tell Rean clearly accepts those orders from Lechter against his will.

I thought that was more or less explained as it happened? Osborne is a total ******* and literally creates situations in which Rean basically can't refuse (on purpose because he knows how to play Rean). Like in this case, the Imperial Government is intentionally doing nothing to help instead of sending the RMP or the Imperial Army to help. If Rean does nothing Ouroboros could easily run over a few towns or something so Rean is forced to accept to protect innocents from potential harm. I mean, perhaps there's more to it that we'll learn later but I felt it was a sufficient explanation at the time.

Yeah this was also my take on it. I don't think it's that Osborne has direct leverage over Rean, I think it's just that Osborne is intentionally engineering situations in which innocent people might/will die if Rean doesn't take action.

~~~~~

As far as Crossbell stuff goes, I don't actually think it was incredibly necessary for chapter 1. There's a bit more weight behind the Randy/Shirley stuff, but honestly I think most of the emotional weight of that character arc is in the Crossbell games itself and that things are more or less settled now.

Chapter 2 I think there's a lot more potential for there to be emotional context missing from having not played Zero/Ao. Though in fairness, I think the game does make some attempt to cover for that possibility and is at least somewhat successful. (Since I have watched playthroughs of Zero/Ao, I don't think I'm in a position to say exactly how successful...)
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pyresword posted...

Chapter 2 I think there's a lot more potential for there to be emotional context missing from having not played Zero/Ao. Though in fairness, I think the game does make some attempt to cover for that possibility and is at least somewhat successful. (Since I have watched playthroughs of Zero/Ao, I don't think I'm in a position to say exactly how successful...)

With Chapter 2, unless there's been significant changes to the script, I literally don't know how a lot of it makes sense without playing zero/ao. Which, I suppose, means those changes must have happened? *shrug*

Also the game starts straight-up spoiling pretty much everything that happened in Crossbell so <_<
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dowolf posted...

pyresword posted...

Chapter 2 I think there's a lot more potential for there to be emotional context missing from having not played Zero/Ao. Though in fairness, I think the game does make some attempt to cover for that possibility and is at least somewhat successful. (Since I have watched playthroughs of Zero/Ao, I don't think I'm in a position to say exactly how successful...)

With Chapter 2, unless there's been significant changes to the script, I literally don't know how a lot of it makes sense without playing zero/ao. Which, I suppose, means those changes must have happened? *shrug*

Also the game starts straight-up spoiling pretty much everything that happened in Crossbell so <_<

Well I mean, just from Cold Steel 1 and 2 you already know the basic sequence of events that happens in Crossbell: (spoilers okay to read if you've played Cold Steel 1/2) ie. Crossbell is under pressure from both major countries --> The IBC asset freeze happens and Crossbell declares its independence --> weird magic stuff happens and the declaration is declared invalid --> Erebonia invades Crossbell And I think that's really all you need to know for the chapter to make sense from a logical perspective? It's possible I'm forgetting something I guess. There's some discussion about exactly what the "weird magic stuff" was that might go over people's heads but I don't think it's really needed to understand what's going on here anyway.

From an emotional standpoint, (CS3 chapter 2 spoils) I do think the game goes through some effort to show that national identity is important to Crossbell citizens through discussions about the SSS being heroes and about how people are upset with Chairman MacDowell not being invited to the dinner or whatever. I'm not sure how far that will go, but I do think it's a lot better than nothing.
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Well, I guess it also depends what you mean. I'm only really talking about the main story here.

There's NPC dialogue stuff and some of the sidequests which--yes--I think there's effectively no explanation/context for it at all.
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pyresword posted...

There's NPC dialogue stuff and some of the sidequests which--yes--I think there's effectively no explanation/context for at all.

That's largely what I mean, yeah. Though also, like, does the game really explain who Chairman MacDowell even is?
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dowolf posted...

pyresword posted...

There's NPC dialogue stuff and some of the sidequests which--yes--I think there's effectively no explanation/context for at all.

That's largely what I mean, yeah. Though also, like, does the game really explain who Chairman MacDowell even is?

Not really, but they at least say that he's a well-respected Crossbell politician.
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given 3rd may well be my favorite game of all time it continues to kill me inside that you won't play it. i hate pc gaming too but dammit trails was like the one way my hand could have been forced.

Well all I have is a Chromebook, so...!
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time to watch an LP then
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...man we should all just chip in like 20 bucks or something to buy SaveEstelle a potato that'll run it and Cold Steel 1+2.
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He has a PS4 so playing Cold Steel isn't the issue...!
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Yeah, I have a PS4! And I've resigned myself to watching the Crossbell games already for obvious reasons. I really wanna play Trails the 3rd though since that's like a thing that I can do.

Except I presently cannot!
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i don't know about chromebooks can they really not run it? i assume if you can install steam you can run 3rd. i was under the impression the system requirements were like "ti-83 calculator or above"
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xp1337 posted...

i don't know about chromebooks can they really not run it? i assume if you can install steam you can run 3rd. i was under the impression the system requirements were like "ti-83 calculator or above"

I cannot install Steam
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that would do it then!
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heck yeah indirect Estelle and Joshua reference (that's like #2 or 3 for Cold Steel so far...?)

also I'm glad they've done a good job of demonstrating just how powerful Laura is now

her moves are so awesome-looking
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Trails in the Sky The 3rd is also available on GOG, though I know next to nothing about how the service works or if it works for Chromebook.
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pyresword posted...

Trails in the Sky The 3rd is also available on GOG, though I know next to nothing about how the service works or if it works for Chromebook.

As far as I'm aware, Chromebooks are designed to be browser/Google app/word processor suites -- and little else. I bought mine for $100 and I love the thing; it replaced my old one which I also loved. The only downside, of course, is that I can't presently play Trails the 3rd!
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Chromebooks don't play Windows games, no.
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Aww yeah, new Mandalorian trailer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmI7WKrAtqs" data-time="
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Man, it looks so good.
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user SaveEstelle needs to play Cold Steel if only for Neithardt

a man who looks like Cloud Strife but voiced by Liquid Snake
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nice
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heck yeah Hamel is happening

I saw this coming from the moment Tita almost let the name slip at the beginning of the field exercise and I knew it was close by

but I guess we have to wait because we're switching to Class VII like I expected
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so I've learned that people have something new to say if the "Talk" icon is colored blue and they don't if it's colored gray

good to know
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It's so cool to have Agate explaining backstory from Trails in the Sky to Class VII. I do wonder who the other A-rank Bracer is who came to Erebonia with him. My first guess would be Schera since we already know it can't be Estelle or Joshua. It couldn't be Cassius since he's not a Bracer anymore (Plus, I'm pretty sure he achieved S rank or something anyway).
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Ahaha, Rean observing how Lloyd probably has the ladies fawning over him with his demeanor and looks, only for Randy to immediately point out that the same applies to him as well.

Love this game.
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Cold Steel 3 Chapter 1 complete

Way too much happening there at the end to sum it up succinctly, but suffice it to say that it was pretty awesome. If the rest of the game is like this, I can see why it's ranked up there as perhaps the best in the series.
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Leonhart4 posted...

It's so cool to have Agate explaining backstory from Trails in the Sky to Class VII. I do wonder who the other A-rank Bracer is who came to Erebonia with him. My first guess would be Schera since we already know it can't be Estelle or Joshua. It couldn't be Cassius since he's not a Bracer anymore (Plus, I'm pretty sure he achieved S rank or something anyway).

I'm with you on first guess being Schera. Cassius is indeed S-Rank (although during FC it's stated that S-Rank is a "secret" rank so I don't think that's supposed to be public knowledge that it even exists) and not a bracer. Kurt is the dark horse option. He was A-rank, and I want to say at the time of FC/SC he was actually the only A-rank in Liberl. Agate and Schera were B-rank back then though Agate at least was obviously promoted. Anelace is probably out, SC makes it sound like she was also a newb with Estelle and only had a few months on her at best. If saving Liberl from Ouroboros and the Liber-Ark couldn't get Estelle and Joshua to A-rank (they were robbed) there's almost no way Anelace got there having not even been on that op (also robbed.) Guess there's the rest of Kurt's crew but I don't think we know their ranks.

I actually thought of Zin too before remembering he's from Calvard and shouldn't count for that discussion.
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my most anticipated game of the fall is finally out today

FF14 patch 5.1
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xp1337 posted...

Leonhart4 posted...

It's so cool to have Agate explaining backstory from Trails in the Sky to Class VII. I do wonder who the other A-rank Bracer is who came to Erebonia with him. My first guess would be Schera since we already know it can't be Estelle or Joshua. It couldn't be Cassius since he's not a Bracer anymore (Plus, I'm pretty sure he achieved S rank or something anyway).

I'm with you on first guess being Schera. Cassius is indeed S-Rank (although during FC it's stated that S-Rank is a "secret" rank so I don't think that's supposed to be public knowledge that it even exists) and not a bracer. Kurt is the dark horse option. He was A-rank, and I want to say at the time of FC/SC he was actually the only A-rank in Liberl. Agate and Schera were B-rank back then though Agate at least was obviously promoted. Anelace is probably out, SC makes it sound like she was also a newb with Estelle and only had a few months on her at best. If saving Liberl from Ouroboros and the Liber-Ark couldn't get Estelle and Joshua to A-rank (they were robbed) there's almost no way Anelace got there having not even been on that op (also robbed.) Guess there's the rest of Kurt's crew but I don't think we know their ranks.

I actually thought of Zin too before remembering he's from Calvard and shouldn't count for that discussion.

Yeah, I had to go back and check the dialogue to confirm if it said Liberlian Bracer, and it does, so that ruled Zin out. I doubt Erebonia would be too fond of letting someone from Calvard into their borders while they're at war with them anyway...! I was trying to think of any other NPC Bracers from Sky that it could be, and I totally forgot about Kurt. I'd love to see him again, although I doubt they could make him as cool as he was in the original.

BY MY ARTS

Also that weird flash that Rean had there at the end of the chapter where he somehow saw Joshua's memories or something made me wonder if he's somehow from Hamel, too. I mean, he DOES kinda have similar physical features...! I don't know how that would be possible, although at the age Baron Schwarzer found Rean abandoned in the snow, it would've been around the time Hamel was destroyed, I think...? I forget how old Rean was when he was taken in, but he would've been just shy of 6 years old at the time since he's a month away from being 20 on the 14th anniversary here. That would make me wonder if Osborne's just lying about being his father in order to manipulate him, and he was somehow involved with Hamel or something. This is all just total conjecture on my part, but it made me wonder!
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The Mana Sword posted...

my most anticipated game of the fall is finally out today

FF14 patch 5.1

I found a party for my daily leveling roulette ridiculously fast last night like, two minutes fast and I was like, Huh, weird. Then I saw the purple-colored text noticed that maintenance was about to begin and I realized these were probably the only brave souls on Exodus willing to risk it.

Thankfully, we landed on Sastasha, and our tank player did big pulls, as they say in MMO land. We barely made it!
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Just started Chapter 2 and Alfin mentioned "14 years ago."

Confirmation baby
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So I learned Verizon is offering a free year of Disney+ to users who have unlimited data plans.

Sounds like I might need to upgrade my plan.
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The Mana Sword posted...

my most anticipated game of the fall is finally out today

FF14 patch 5.1

Oh yeah im still waiting for Smash patch 6.0 too

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https://imgur.com/qwdR7bB
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netflix with the most clutch save in star wars franchise history since the ewoks
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Oh nice, I like that they found a way to let you have Bonding events with the old Class VII (and Laura's all caps text still containing directions on how to compose a text was fantastic) even though they're not around all the time anymore.

plus more free times with Laura yes please
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