View Full Version : Let's Play the BEST GAME EVER!!! (FFIX)
Pumpkin
02-21-2017, 06:56 AM
So as some of you may know, FINAL FANTASY IX IS THE GREATEST GAME IN EXISTENCE. Okay, that's a bit subjective, but it's a super solid RPG and really the game that got me as in to the genre, and video games in general. I wouldn't be where I am now without this game. It was always there for me in good times and bad and yada yada it has a special place in my heart, blah blah, ~*~MAJESTIC~*~
So here we go, Imma play some FFIX for yous guises! Enjoy :jess:
http://i.imgur.com/tEA1DRU.png
I am soooooo hype. This is the Steam version so I am excite to see what they've improved.
So we start off with a cutscene involving a ship being tossed around the raging seas. The camera zooms in finally for us to see a woman and a young girl.
http://i.imgur.com/1yFCuS3.png
As you can see, the real-time graphics are done by Akira Fujii. Thank you Mr. Fujii.
Alas, twas all but a dream and we are greeted to the face of a beautiful princess awakening from her slumber and opening up the windows to the kingdom below. Queendom, I guess.
http://i.imgur.com/HqY6Djc.png
Don't compare those two images too hard.
So anyway, we learn who did the character modeling while an airship sails in to the kingdom.
http://i.imgur.com/4Hoitel.png
On it, we take control for the first time of a monkey-tailed young man.
http://i.imgur.com/9zrktmu.png
Ugh, dem graphics. I know some people have already seen the crisper, cleaned up graphics by playing on emulators but this is my first time not playing it on the PS1 discs and it is AMAZING. I can actually see Cinna's ugly mug!
I am all butterflie-y all over again.
I figure in the interest of being open, I will let you all know that I am doing the max gil option in the game. I've played it many times before, I'll still be grinding, I didn't do the levels or abilities or any of that. But dang it if I don't want to be rich! I didn't change much else, just sped up the battles and a few other preference based options.
Here is our young mystery man:
http://i.imgur.com/bu7EMzb.png
So after poking around the airship while the game harasses me to light a candle, we get some info!
http://i.imgur.com/wZbwjhv.png
Afterwards, we finally light the candle and are greeted by 3 dudes. We now get to choose our name.
http://i.imgur.com/7BaUIHU.png
I normally name my characters in this game other things, but with the Let's Play I'll just stick to default.
Note: The game may or may not have already lied to you.
I am liking the new name input screen, looks pretty smooth.
After naming our character, our little group is attacked by a weirdo in a dragon mask.
http://i.imgur.com/LiEotHC.png
To battle! Which means stealing for 15 minutes while Cinna dies.
http://i.imgur.com/MOmJh46.png
For those of you who are not familiar with the game, it means stealing for 15 minutes while Cinna dies.
http://i.imgur.com/1fp03vG.png
After the battle we get laughed at by this jackass and rounded up in to the meeting room. It is time for... THE PLAN!
http://i.imgur.com/Rrf5QsV.png
http://i.imgur.com/CBSA131.png
How will we accomplish this? By posing as a theater troupe!
http://i.imgur.com/viDWLrW.png
Now anyone who has played this game knows that this is the point when you troll the Boss by repeatedly asking if you're supposed to kidnap Queen Brahne.
http://i.imgur.com/UiuzSz9.png
Keep doing it for about 15 minutes AAAAAAANNNNDDD
http://i.imgur.com/0r65MNe.png
Ruby shows up and you get one extra line of dialogue!
Worth it.
After finally confirming the actual kidnap target, the Prima Vista docks in Alexandria, revealing the best character in the best game:
http://i.imgur.com/BGscOfT.png
*hype intensifies*
Oh, also the logo and whatevs
http://i.imgur.com/4NaixFB.png
We now get to take control of the cute little dude I just showed you. He is immediately bumped in to and falls over, upon which a nice little girl returns to him his dropped ticket.
http://i.imgur.com/u6x02Pt.png
The grace. The dignity.
http://i.imgur.com/v6oVbai.pngTip for beginners: Instead of walking forward when you take control of the little dude, exit the screen behind you for a whole other area.
So we quickly learn that a play is going on in Alexandria (the one Tantalus is performing) and the nobles have come to watch it while the peasants scrimp and save to maybe afford a ticket to the show. Most watch from the rooftops.
Also, some more info:
http://i.imgur.com/HVLrdaB.png
Good Guy FFIX acknowledging the historical contributions of women.
http://i.imgur.com/v6oVbai.pngTip for beginners: Search around the walls and such to find hidden treasures!
Here's our new fella, by the way, Best Character McGee:
http://i.imgur.com/g0MGMPx.png
And upon exploring, we find more info:
http://i.imgur.com/BojMn6C.png
There will be a quiz. I also get to suck at jump rope, yay! I'm not used to using a keyboard for this game. That is the only reason I am not good at the jump rope mini-game.
The ONLY reasons :shifty:
http://i.imgur.com/v6oVbai.pngTip for beginners: Make sure to explore the whole city before going to the ticket booth!
So after exploring and stealing Hippaul's secret treasure, we head to the ticket booth for some info dump:
http://i.imgur.com/z8CpUVU.png
http://i.imgur.com/jws3IXF.png
It is finally time to show our ticket but it turns out...
http://i.imgur.com/VTNf1nm.png
http://i.imgur.com/z09Rgfs.png
And that's how we didn't get away with forgery.
Anyway, we run in to a rat-faced kid who bumped in to us earlier and he has a proposition for us.
http://i.imgur.com/42LF0X5.png
http://i.imgur.com/16ePQTp.png
That sounds reasonable! So with our help, the rat-faced kid steals a ladder.
http://i.imgur.com/v6oVbai.pngTip for beginners: Stick around in the alley for a second to meet Alleyway Jack who will teach you about a card game. Don't linger for too long though or he'll steal some of your gil.
http://i.imgur.com/PBUbxaY.png
After learning about cards from Gilgaaaaaaaa......lleyway Jack, we head back to the rat kid who sends us up the bell tower, which is interrupted when a Moogle falls on us.
http://i.imgur.com/LyOw6EX.png
We get to meet our first moogle friend and also see Stiltzkin, the great traveling moogle!
http://i.imgur.com/luOK72R.png
The moogles act as your save points and also
http://i.imgur.com/3hJFMiD.png
We get to deliver mail for the moogles :jess:!
I'm going to stop here for now because it's 2 am on a Tuesday, but gosh I love this game.
Will Tantalus kidnap the Princess? Will the point-hat boy get to see the play? Tune in next time!!
Bubba
02-21-2017, 12:12 PM
I sooo want to follow this but I haven't played FFIX yet!
"Let's play the BEST GAME EVER!!!"
Oh, boy, here we go. We haven't even started and I'm gonna be having an argument!
"-(FFIX)"
...Oh, OK, you actually are using the best game ever. That's cool, please continue about your business!
Wow, I never knew you could get an extra line by trolling Baku hahaha. I know about the save moogle but it never occurred to me to try it here. I love this game.
Depression Moon
02-21-2017, 02:52 PM
I would so do this with you, but I have no working controllers right now.
Pumpkin
02-21-2017, 06:01 PM
We're back with our pointy-hated friend, following after the rat faced boy who leads us to the rooftops.
http://i.imgur.com/fGKyLot.png
Indeed we are, luckily the boy has some reassuring words for us
http://i.imgur.com/vPgLQVy.png
http://i.imgur.com/WXIYSgq.png
:stare:
So anyway, as we continue to follow him, we realize we haven't made introductions yet!
http://i.imgur.com/00mUDx4.png
http://i.imgur.com/l5Tknmb.png
http://i.imgur.com/8zmdufF.png
And now we have a name for the best character ever!
And puck.
http://i.imgur.com/v6oVbai.pngBeginner tip: Explore the rooftops for extra treasures!
Finally the show begins and Vivi and Puck manage to sneak their way in
http://i.imgur.com/xmV5pNM.png
Queen Brahne is rather excited for the celebration.
http://i.imgur.com/ec8BMtC.png
Not everyone, however, is showing the same enthusiasm.
http://i.imgur.com/MeFWKVg.png
That's one sad princess.
http://i.imgur.com/ZsR4vQf.png
Look at this goob.
http://i.imgur.com/IKqRMXY.png
http://i.imgur.com/RDlN9Aj.png
The play begins but I won't show you much of it because go play the game!!!! IT'S SUPER GOOD!!!
Basically at some point we have a sword duel.
http://i.imgur.com/YdZRrhy.png
And gosh was it harder on the keyboard for me. I'm so used to the PlayStation controller. I got a decent score the second time around though:
http://i.imgur.com/a2eFeRN.png
So anyway, Zidane and Blank make their exit stage left and begin to put their kidnapping scheme in to action.
http://i.imgur.com/idMKrlm.png
http://i.imgur.com/ntoiBoB.png
However, on the way, Zidane runs in to a hooded-girl whom he immediately begins to shamelessly flirt with.
http://i.imgur.com/9zR5SLG.png
http://i.imgur.com/2RiFjmx.png
Smooooth operator~
When Blank shows up to ask what's going on, the girl takes the opportunity to bolt it.
http://i.imgur.com/BIkoMet.png
Zorn and Thorn, the court jesters, aka the video game characters my boyfriend despises most in the world, let General Beatrix know that Garnet is in trouble. Beatrix informs the queen.
http://i.imgur.com/PAhvZFu.png
She orders Beatrix and
http://i.imgur.com/2dQy3Ze.png
And Captain memorable here
http://i.imgur.com/sSwWMDd.png
Steiner, to retrieve the Princess at one. Steiner, being the Captain of the Knights of Pluto, orders his troops to assemble.
http://i.imgur.com/0hq2m3K.png
Unfortunately only two show up and they happen to be in their undies.
http://i.imgur.com/gXAPp01.png
And now we begin to search for the Princess!
http://i.imgur.com/v6oVbai.pngBeginner tip: Try to find all of the Knights. If you do you'll get a nice reward. Also, when you report them in, take note of what is said about each, it will come in handy later on.
http://i.imgur.com/rNEjlPH.png
Here is our handy dandy list of knights to find. I do find them all. I won't show you every one but let's just say that most aren't super enthused about their jobs.
http://i.imgur.com/KbXEQv3.png
This one with the patch face and no name is not sketchy at all!
http://i.imgur.com/Y0DjXy4.png
Also who is this goofy goof?
http://i.imgur.com/bROoASl.png
http://i.imgur.com/v6oVbai.pngBeginner tip: Go see Brahne again during your search for an item!
After searching around, Steiner finally finds the Princess being hounded by a ne'er-do-well.
http://i.imgur.com/xLHgr25.png
Just as Zidane is about to catch her, she kills herself by jumping off of the castle tower.
http://i.imgur.com/4IaruzY.png
And thus ends our story.
Really though, she's just fine and Zidane goes after her.
http://i.imgur.com/j2FAmP8.png
http://i.imgur.com/q2UQ4Ak.png
Steiner attempts the same trick only to go crashing in to the Prima Vista.
Garnet escapes in to the airship, knocking in to Ruby along the way.
http://i.imgur.com/XWe5hAn.png
Zidane comes along shortly, only to be blocked by Ruby who needs to vent about the Princess' rude behaviour.
http://i.imgur.com/zjh0BGF.png
Zidane finally catches up with the hooded girl.
http://i.imgur.com/ekos49n.png
OH-EM-GEE IT'S THE PRINCESS WHAT A TWIST
http://i.imgur.com/fMlCuiu.png
That is a bit more of a surprise though.
http://i.imgur.com/pyaHVlC.png
And that's how babies are made~
Their chat session is interrupted by Cinna, who leads them to an escape hatch just as Steiner busts in looking for Garnet.
http://i.imgur.com/A38yXvB.png
He is joined by one of his knights who conveniently gets stuck in the escape hatch trying to chase after them.
http://i.imgur.com/10PZDKI.png
http://i.imgur.com/v6oVbai.pngBeginner tip: While escaping through the engine room, turn the wheel on the engine for extra treasures!
Unfortunately for us, Steiner finds a way to cut us off anyway. On the brightside, the sketchy knight was actually Blank in disguise!
http://i.imgur.com/IkKwDHB.png
A boss battle ensues during which Cinna almost dies again and then Steiner slashes the armour off of Blank, revealing the oglop bugs Blank was hiding in there.
http://i.imgur.com/ynSjaVk.png
http://i.imgur.com/KdYNb8P.png
Thankfully for us, everyone hates oglops.
http://i.imgur.com/e5lT00r.png
It doesn't take long for the others to catch up, so we're stuck heading up to the stage and improvising the play.
http://i.imgur.com/8wcS3E1.png
Meanwhile, Vivi and Puck are enjoying the show when the guards notice them where they shouldn't be and begin to chase them around. Vivi trips and Puck ditches him, so Vivi has to run on stage, where he casts a fire spell to defend himself. Sadly, the Princess is in the way and her hood catches on fire. She flings it off, blowing everyone's cover.
http://i.imgur.com/VwfCk7x.png
http://i.imgur.com/F6aGpwl.png
Always quick on the uptake, that Steiner. Garnet tells him to leave her alone, but he doesn't listen.
http://i.imgur.com/Jwux3Af.png
Another boss fight ensues, after which the Tantalus theater troop prepares to take off with the Princess.
http://i.imgur.com/RmSXWEX.png
Queen Brahne does not take kindly to this and orders the Prima Vista to be fired on.
http://i.imgur.com/af6HkVo.png
Explosions and stuff
http://i.imgur.com/uo3ARZe.png
http://i.imgur.com/kfSFLLX.png
http://i.imgur.com/0VWBa9E.png
Eventually she fires a Bomb, meaning an actual Bomb enemy at the ship.
http://i.imgur.com/J8WJoRr.png
It looks much more impressive there than in the game itself. Steiner keeps trying to fight us while we try and convince him that there is a bomb behind him that's going to explode.
http://i.imgur.com/kXrbREJ.png
The battle menu is different. It's not bad, but I'm not fully sure what I think of it yet. Anyway, finally the Bomb grows large enough to blow up and Steiner FINALLY notices it.
http://i.imgur.com/y051LVj.png
Another explosion happens, but thankfully the Prima Vista makes it out.
http://i.imgur.com/sgx5B8c.png
http://i.imgur.com/XmU9HkA.png
Brahne is quite upset.
http://i.imgur.com/LAP4TFe.png
The Prima Vista doesn't make it out without issue, however.
http://i.imgur.com/rWkXfCw.png
And it makes a crash landing in a nearby forest.
http://i.imgur.com/bgBvZpR.png
http://i.imgur.com/eqr3stH.png
There's Zorn and Thorn in the background. And here is the state of the Prima Vista:
http://i.imgur.com/7l7Ag4l.png
It'll probably buff out.
Cinna and the rest of Tantalus are ordered to put out fires and make sure everyone is okay, but they unfortunately can't find the Princess.
http://i.imgur.com/omTgLwj.png
Zidane had been thrown off during the impact, but quickly reunites with Cinna to get an idea of the situation.
Meanwhile, we are shown our first Active Time Event, which depicts scenes of what's going on elsewhere with our other characters.
http://i.imgur.com/D0CnaEL.png
And that's where we will end for today after that hectic opening. Tune in next time!
Karifean
02-23-2017, 10:11 PM
I don't think Umineko is particularly suited for Let's Playing tbh.
But Final Fantasy IX works =P
Pumpkin
02-24-2017, 05:17 AM
Welcome to the Evil Forest~!
http://i.imgur.com/aYu72g5.png
When we left off, Zidane left in search of the princess. Well, we do find her. Sort of. Steiner is also there.
http://i.imgur.com/kYnYAHC.png
This leads to a battle which introduces the largely useless Trance system.
http://i.imgur.com/UhjagUL.png
Trance leads to an increase of abilities that varies from character to character. The bummer is that it activates when your Trance gauge fills after being hit so many times, and you can't save it. So usually it will activate on some random encounter when you don't even need it. Anyway, in this fight and the next one, the monster drains the HP of the character so you'll need to keep them healed. After defeating this thing the first time, it runs off with Garnet.
http://i.imgur.com/cIFu0o0.png
http://i.imgur.com/WDUo2Ry.png
Afterwards, it comes right back to snatch up Vivi. Fortunately, Vivi can defend himself by casting Fire from the inside of the creature.
http://i.imgur.com/0tAkngi.png
Vivi is pretty rad.
Just to add insult to injury though, after the thing is killed it decides to poisonously fart on everyone.
http://i.imgur.com/uS9u2cL.png
Zidane luckily... backflips... over the gas but the other two aren't so fortunate. Vivi ends up bedridden back at the Prima Vista whereas Steiner gets locked in a storage room.
Blank goes to Vivi to administer him some magical medicine.
http://i.imgur.com/nY1s1wf.png
After hearing that creepy news, Vivi understandably asks if he's going to die.
The answer is yes, Vivi, we all die eventually.
(I just summed up Vivi's entire story in one sentence. You're welcome.)
http://i.imgur.com/veK8WY3.png
Steiner is also given some magical medicine, which is finds highly suspect.
http://i.imgur.com/5ymtnRl.png
In the end though, he decides its worth the risk.
http://i.imgur.com/9HUjhNg.png
Zidane, meanwhile, is talking to Boss Baku about rescuing the Princess. Baku, however, decides to prioritize his men and get the heck out of the Evil Forest ASAP.
http://i.imgur.com/0hlBXPf.png
We get some ATE's around this time:
Ruby is left behind,
http://i.imgur.com/Ys26ypB.png
Steiner finds a Garnet doll,
http://i.imgur.com/1XkOy3Q.png
SHE'S 16 NOW SHE JUST HAD HER BIRTHDAY, he feels the need to explain to himself.
And Cinna, meanwhile
http://i.imgur.com/GXXKQDb.png
Zidane goes to pay a visit to Vivi.
http://i.imgur.com/KPFMMWO.png
Zidane disagrees with Vivi's harsh self-criticism and compliments his fire conjuring skills.
http://i.imgur.com/m2oyO9m.png
http://i.imgur.com/IkzLdCJ.png
This conversation leads Zidane to an inner debate about whether or not he should go against the Boss and get Garnet back.
http://i.imgur.com/uqxTSk8.pngBeginner tip: After the flashback to how Zidane met Garnet, choose not to go after her for a second scene.
Zidane, renewed in his resolve to save the Princess, decides to venture back in to the Evil Forest.
http://i.imgur.com/6ZOlfsP.png
http://i.imgur.com/eQp6UjM.png
Turns out that Baku was actually expecting this to happen and waits for Zidane.
http://i.imgur.com/hEZhSzV.png
Predictably, this leads to a fight:
http://i.imgur.com/eetXjUu.png
After winning the fight and getting punched in the gut, Baku gives his blessings.
http://i.imgur.com/aYrRbYM.png
The next order of business is to recruit Steiner to the cause.
http://i.imgur.com/RoSkuV5.png
Things are off to a good start.
http://i.imgur.com/DmIhiJ2.png
Zidane, being the tactful gentleman he is, proceeds to insult Steiner by calling him Rusty.
http://i.imgur.com/uNz8IWH.png
(The sound of Steiner's armour clanking is the best, btw.)
Steiner makes it clear he won't work with thieving kidnapping... thieves, when Zidane explains that this is something he's doing on his own.
http://i.imgur.com/jfS2zRG.png
He eventually convinces Steiner to come along.
http://i.imgur.com/qSeSLft.png
http://i.imgur.com/MlUG8yO.png
Steiner, from the get-go, has a strong respect for Vivi. So off to see out little black mage friend!
http://i.imgur.com/TDaYtWh.png
While Vivi is still hard on himself, the other two assure him that his Black Magic is an invaluable asset to them.
http://i.imgur.com/8dvZC4A.png
Zidane and Steiner are friends!
After convincing Vivi to help out, Steiner pulls him aside with a request:
http://i.imgur.com/6OFw55I.png
http://i.imgur.com/2YMxdbY.png
And thus we gain an invaluable skill for the next boss battle.
On our way out, Blank decides to give us a ribbing.
http://i.imgur.com/A03sjOa.png
Turns out he is not jealous, but actually wanted to give us some medicine in case we get plant-monster inseminated again. As you do.
http://i.imgur.com/T3SHLb4.png
After getting Blank's version of a blessing, we set off in to the Evil Forest again. But not before mail time!
http://i.imgur.com/TjhU0xO.png
Yay!
So anyways, we head in to the forest and get a little ATE where the Tantalus band starts playing to improve moral.
http://i.imgur.com/IaJCC1i.png
Then we come across a small clearing in the woods where we can relax and take a breather.
Fun fact: I did not run in to a single random encounter in this forest. Not one. Before and after this point. Making me paranoid.
http://i.imgur.com/uqxTSk8.pngBeginner tip: You can recover HP/MP at the spring the moogle was drinking from.
Speaking of moogles, MAIL TIME AGAIN!
http://i.imgur.com/amfFY8x.png
http://i.imgur.com/VLysXM6.png
http://i.imgur.com/uqxTSk8.pngBeginner tip: Make sure you select Mognet from the moogle menu more than once in order to get everything!
And another ATE of Tantalus getting ready for their departure:
http://i.imgur.com/byoNJ3r.png
After leaving the forest clearing and STILL NOT GETTING IN ANY FIGHTS, we get a sneak peak at the boss:
http://i.imgur.com/t3rguiH.png
Which we then get to fight! (Yes, it looks much more impressive in the FMV.)
http://i.imgur.com/0OYIkM2.png
http://i.imgur.com/uqxTSk8.pngBeginner tip: Fire and that magic sword skill come in handy this fight!
After a little bit, Blank comes in to join the fight as well!
http://i.imgur.com/n8RzQg7.png
This fight took me a while because of the stealing, but since I used Focus on Vivi a ton of times, it actually only took two hits to beat it. Not too shabby!
http://i.imgur.com/uqxTSk8.pngBeginner tip: Focus is broken. Use it.
http://i.imgur.com/C9kcUHf.png
Garnet starts to come to, but we're unfortunately not out of the woods (teehee) yet.
http://i.imgur.com/F794t5F.png
These weird thangs start to chase us and the forest starts to attack us.
http://i.imgur.com/Kd5MIBW.png
Not only that but the forest starts to petrify.
http://i.imgur.com/DzYzBde.png
Zidane is almost caught by a plant monster before Blank shoves him out of the way.
http://i.imgur.com/RJESTgG.png
Dat ass.
Blank is unfortunately caught but as Zidane is running away, he throws the map at his friend, who is reluctant to leave him, ensuring that Zidane gets it.
http://i.imgur.com/KSYBlzQ.png
The Evil Forest soon petrifies, as does our poor friend Blank :(
http://i.imgur.com/w7EepPX.png
http://i.imgur.com/48VWN3M.png
Zidane is understandably upset but gets a camp started for Garnet and the others. After being fussed at by Steiner for being dastardly and not morally upstanding, Garnet comes to.
http://i.imgur.com/Won9LVo.png
Steiner fusses more.
http://i.imgur.com/C22ydWg.png
Garnet tells Steiner to stop fussing and that she wanted to be kidnapped. Steiner doesn't believe it!
http://i.imgur.com/Xv7g9rt.png
He does agree that he will keep watch over the camp though in the name of protecting the Princess, but he and Zidane argue about what to do next. Zidane suggests resting because Garnet hasn't recovered her full strength, whereas Steiner wants to get going because they're low down topographically, meaning they're surrounded by dangerous mist. This is called the Mist Continent by the way.
http://i.imgur.com/7O4XUt1.png
Zidane and Garnet talk about Blank's sacrifice.
http://i.imgur.com/vTr69MK.png
http://i.imgur.com/dMMzR6I.png
http://i.imgur.com/RniMVCN.png
http://i.imgur.com/Dxwdlvo.png
In the morning, we set off, but not before a moogle friend shows up.
http://i.imgur.com/qDSMjMT.png
http://i.imgur.com/GdCnQww.png
This flute allows us to save our game anywhere on the world map! It also has unlimited uses, so go crazy!
http://i.imgur.com/uqxTSk8.pngBeginner tip: Literally go crazy with it. Your moogle friend will get increasingly less and less patient with you if you call many many times in a row without actually saving or doing anything. Try it out!
With our flute in hand, we set off for the cavern!
http://i.imgur.com/8xIMJ7w.png
Tune in next time~
Freya
02-24-2017, 08:11 PM
Dat moogle will murder you!
I actually found it easier on the PC version to get 100 out of 100
Also if you had a corded xbox controller, you can plug it in and play the game with a controller. It makes it sooo much easier
Pumpkin
02-24-2017, 08:12 PM
Wow as if you would just ask me if I have a corded xbox controller
I'm a lady, how rude
Freya
02-24-2017, 08:38 PM
SEE IF I TRY TO HELP AGAIN
Formalhaut
02-24-2017, 08:44 PM
Dat moogle will murder you!
I actually found it easier on the PC version to get 100 out of 100
Also if you had a corded xbox controller, you can plug it in and play the game with a controller. It makes it sooo much easier
I play basically all my games on PC (not that I play many, mind) with a plug-in controller. It feels much more natural than having to use key-bindings. I pretty much only play The Sims with a keyboard and mouse.
Pumpkin
02-24-2017, 08:45 PM
I HOPE YOU'RE FOLLOWING THIS LP FORMY
Formalhaut
02-24-2017, 08:52 PM
Oh, I will be! I just saw the last comment and thought I'd answer. I'll give an in-depth reading of it now!
Which reminds me. I need to update my FFIV LP. How do you take screenshots in Steam, by the way? I've never figured it out.
Pumpkin
02-24-2017, 08:53 PM
I think you press like F12 or something but I just printscreen and paint
Pumpkin
02-25-2017, 04:30 AM
We left off after Evil Forest and Blank got petrified and now we're headed for the Ice Cavern. But first, being good RPG players, we will explore and find another area! There's not much to do here but we get some extra scenes.
http://i.imgur.com/asLT77W.png
http://i.imgur.com/oUkbdxU.png
http://i.imgur.com/EgKTMK1.png
Surely nothing can be amiss here! No siree!
http://i.imgur.com/nErTcOX.pngBeginner tip: If you go examine the gate and persist with it, you'll be able to talk to someone.
After checking around, we head for our destination!
http://i.imgur.com/VZs8gCH.png
http://i.imgur.com/of3yu57.png
http://i.imgur.com/GKIISfR.png
http://i.imgur.com/z5dwPGL.png
http://i.imgur.com/Co5hMid.png
After that awkward mood killer (thanks Vivi) we head inside the cavern, which a few of them are not dressed appropriately for.
http://i.imgur.com/LU7FbcS.png
Upon entering, Garnet is already excite about seeing everything, while Steiner fusses at her for not being cautious enough or whatever.
http://i.imgur.com/2Fj8KYK.png
http://i.imgur.com/XDm0Eqj.png
He would be. Look at him, he has no sleeves.
http://i.imgur.com/nErTcOX.pngBeginner tip: There will be areas where the mist is thicker in the Cavern and then it will fade away. Stepping in to the mist will almost guarantee a battle whereas waiting for it to clear will usually save you from one. Use this to your advantage whether you want to fight or avoid doing so.
Along the way we find some ice walls, which Vivi can helpfully burn down with his magic.
http://i.imgur.com/iPy6lu7.png
http://i.imgur.com/b12awh4.png
http://i.imgur.com/mSNyPZv.png
There's quite a few of these areas so pay attention!
It's actually a rather short dungeon and before long we arrive at a fork in the road, with one path looking clear while the other one has a raging blizzard coming from it. We go to the safe one first to find a moogle friend trapped in the ice.
http://i.imgur.com/zZZKByB.png
After being freed by Vivi, he calls us bastards before thanking us and giving us another letter to deliver. Afterwards we head to the obviously ominous path.
Unfortunately, it's super cold and our party starts dropping like flies.
http://i.imgur.com/3zBJJUs.png
http://i.imgur.com/RBjCbrD.png
The screen goes black before the sound of a bell can be heard. Zidane wakes up.
http://i.imgur.com/omK3a18.png
http://i.imgur.com/nErTcOX.pngBeginner tip: You're probably going to want to make sure you're fully healed right about now.
Going to the next area, Zidane finds this pleasant looking fellow who admits to causing the blizzard:
http://i.imgur.com/cd5mnye.png
This leads to one of my least favourite boss fights in the whole game. Our Black Waltz friend here summons a Sealion:
http://i.imgur.com/V7b9uRS.png
And the only character you get to use is Zidane:
http://i.imgur.com/sIg8F01.png
Unfortunately, if you're trying to steal from them both, this will be a long fight. Not only because you have two bosses to steal from but because you'll probably have to stop and heal a few times. If you get Trance, like I did, the fight can be ended in a few moves. Unfortunately I didn't get to steal but that's okay, I know I can get the items later.
http://i.imgur.com/nErTcOX.pngBeginner tip: Defeat the Black Waltz first or he'll just summon more Sealions. Also, the gem in the middle of the Sealion changes colours depending on how much damage you've done, and when it's in the red he'll start using more powerful moves.
After finishing this annoying boss fight, we hear voices.
http://i.imgur.com/O0KvOBL.png
Zidane's a bit freaked at first but then just leaves like it's nothing.
http://i.imgur.com/603t8Bi.png
It's THOSE two.
After returning to the previous area, Zidane finds his friends (and Steiner) awake and confused.
http://i.imgur.com/LOPveZ6.png
http://i.imgur.com/IuFpqdE.png
http://i.imgur.com/G0aJqsN.png
Aside from the terrible accusations, Zidane does stupidly decide to say that nothing really happened, no big deal, let's move on. Like maybe, just MAYBE, the Black Waltz and the comments about there being more on the way to come get the Princess might be worth mentioning. Just a thought.
Anyways, we finally get to leave the Ice Cavern even though that little waterfall area was pretty!
http://i.imgur.com/59U1q1o.png
I don't know what Vivi is doing there. They spot a village in the distance.
http://i.imgur.com/8iyORT8.png
http://i.imgur.com/VzjYRIw.png
Garnet is excited to get going but Zidane tells her to hold her horses, being a wanted Princess and all.
http://i.imgur.com/yJM56KA.png
Steiner, however, disagrees with this. Because of course he does.
http://i.imgur.com/yvwhATb.png
The Princess fusses at him and he looks temporarily ashamed.
http://i.imgur.com/dytHW7x.png
http://i.imgur.com/T7RN1Uq.png
Zidane and Steiner of course get in to a fight and Zidane's dagger falls to Garnet's feet. Vivi's also visibly on the sidelines like "dese jackasses"
So anyway, Garnet picks up the dagger and asks Zidane what it is.
http://i.imgur.com/4WglDfM.png
http://i.imgur.com/5HHYZk6.png
Before interrupting him and deciding on her new name.
http://i.imgur.com/mFoZKAA.png
Yup, Dagger. I've played this game so many times that I don't even remember if it's weird or not.
http://i.imgur.com/QVe7dtO.png
After more fussing from Steiner, the group heads out.
As usual, be sure to explore a bit first! You can find South Gate although you can't go through without a border pass.
http://i.imgur.com/OLWKZqo.png
http://i.imgur.com/nErTcOX.pngBeginner tip: You can call for a girl named Mary and wait a little bit and she'll let you rest and buy items!
Also, if you head to the observatory you can activate a sidequest by looking at the old man's theater ship model.
http://i.imgur.com/dC0rusB.png
http://i.imgur.com/Fn084Fl.png
We also run in to our first friendly monster who wants some ore in exchange for AP!
http://i.imgur.com/TzJBs2s.png
He also sends his regard to the next friendly monster you meet. Keep your ore's, they'll come in handy. AP are the points needed to learn skills and abilities. You get very good amounts from these monsters.
http://i.imgur.com/vfIdSqu.png
After all of that is done, we finally head to the next town.
http://i.imgur.com/nyQ3Gvk.png
Vivi is immediately smitten with the windmills but Zidane urges them to go rest first.
http://i.imgur.com/3uGjOOR.png
Despite his attempt at assertiveness, Zidane brings them to the Inn. The Innkeeper is asleep so Zidane wakes him up.
http://i.imgur.com/Hq6DKJR.png
http://i.imgur.com/uFtA74k.png
Dagger is a bit uncomfortable with everyone sharing a room, but that's country living for ya! So they head inside and Zidane asks Dagger why she wanted to be kidnapped.
http://i.imgur.com/AdX5w8n.png
She says she wants to go to Lindblum. This unfortunately means border crossing, which isn't something one can do all willy-nilly on the Mist Continent.
http://i.imgur.com/PfvD2cP.png
Dagger won't give us the exact reason she wishes to depart, but asks that we trust her.
http://i.imgur.com/wwQffrt.png
This of course leads to an argument between Steiner and Zidane before Zidane gets struck with Chronic Hero Syndrome, an unfortunate disease that affects hundreds of protagonists everywhere.
http://i.imgur.com/gMlL2Ev.png
http://i.imgur.com/1ou9yMa.png
After seeing Vivi dozed off, because he ain't got time for dat, they all decide to get some sleep.
Zidane wakes up the next morning to the sound of a singing voice and everyone has already left the Inn.
http://i.imgur.com/SCPAoId.png
He guesses Dagger is doing the singing. We get to explore the Inn a bit, learn our lucky colour for today (green) and see some Easy Money type books. We also get a few scenes of our friends. Dagger is pondering to herself about her situation:
http://i.imgur.com/mqHat9d.png
http://i.imgur.com/cSyRW3y.png
Dagger takes this opportunity to converse with the farmer when an oglop hops her way.
http://i.imgur.com/fROk3qv.png
http://i.imgur.com/Ce7NvV3.png
http://i.imgur.com/wOtIvRv.png
After remembering his advice, Dagger throws the oglop in to the air and screams.
http://i.imgur.com/f32Kwbh.png
Vivi, meanwhile, is having his own troubles.
http://i.imgur.com/GzOWjXn.png
The kids in town start to run away from him when he gets too close.
http://i.imgur.com/rN3rIhz.png
Aww, why is poor, sweet Vivi being bullied :(
FIND OUT NEXT TIME!!!
But first, a word from our moogles:
http://i.imgur.com/XhwdExt.png
Tune in next time to learn the ugly truth behind a peaceful village~
Formalhaut
02-25-2017, 11:27 AM
http://i.imgur.com/VZs8gCH.png
http://i.imgur.com/of3yu57.png
"Oh really Garnet, wherever did you get that idea from?"
Pumpkin
02-26-2017, 06:27 AM
So while we go explore Dali, the Innkeeper is being a bit sketchy.
http://i.imgur.com/9DDzraR.png
http://i.imgur.com/05zylDj.png
Wonder what's going on here...
Dagger, meanwhile, is trying to pick up some casual conversation.
http://i.imgur.com/9zXogcy.png
http://i.imgur.com/vCuUYWC.png
While we explore town, we can check out the Mayor's office, which we promptly get kicked out of.
http://i.imgur.com/G4RovRP.png
We can also get our first Stellazzio coin, collectable zodiac coins we can trade in for treasures!
http://i.imgur.com/If6Axt2.png
Afterwards, we head back to the item shop to find Dagger staring at the shelves. After Zidane imitates her for a bit, she finally realizes he's there.
http://i.imgur.com/zN21mx2.png
http://i.imgur.com/552pWE5.png
Because we nice people, we compliment Dagger's efforts by saying "It's Ruby!"
http://i.imgur.com/x6aSXE6.png
http://i.imgur.com/dolENUO.png
http://i.imgur.com/s8pNoYi.png
http://i.imgur.com/bYi2Jzv.png
"Be yourself but don't really we need you to pretend you're someone else so we can sneak around."
http://i.imgur.com/TUllOFm.pngBeginner tip: If you can afford it, buy at least 2 of every piece of equipment. It'll come in handy later on.
Meanwhile, the Innkeeper is still being sketchy. He made a special call...
http://i.imgur.com/bLjLnOy.png
We send Dagger back to the Inn and go look for Vivi, who is staring at the windmills. After Zidane awkwardly guesses he's having girl troubles, an issue Vivi couldn't care less about, Vivi talks about the noises he's been hearing.
http://i.imgur.com/zp3rftq.png
Final Fantasy fans know that this means Chocobo, although none can be seen.
http://i.imgur.com/cuS0MvD.png
After that conversation, Vivi agrees to head back soon and Zidane walks off. Unfortunately...
http://i.imgur.com/wBxyw31.png
Vivi is magenapped, very sad :(
Also, if you creep on Dagger through the Inn window, you'll see her practicing her speech some more!
http://i.imgur.com/4jtgTBU.png
Pictured above: Garnet, being herself.
We return to the Inn and let Dagger know the situation.
http://i.imgur.com/LLPPNtO.png
Turns out the Princess has been quite enjoying herself.
http://i.imgur.com/VmTlXXV.png
But she isn't without her suspicions either.
http://i.imgur.com/3QroEAK.png
They're not nearly as cute as the kids, especially the little girls in this village, so who cares, really.
http://i.imgur.com/cSI4GiX.png
Putting the issues aside, Zidane lets the Princess know that he is a man with a plan.
http://i.imgur.com/emZ5aaU.png
Unfortunately, it doesn't involve Steiner.
After a brief time skip, we see Zidane boring Dagger to death with his lame stories, when she insists she is TOTALLY INTERESTED but where the heck is Vivi though?
http://i.imgur.com/DQ1yOuF.png
Of course we can't ditch our adorable amigo, so we head out to go look for him.
Steiner meanwhile has been keeping himself busy by helping out at the bar!
http://i.imgur.com/wUYs4FR.png
http://i.imgur.com/Jc7kT6K.png
Steiner then switches gears to try and figure out how to get the Princess back to Alexandria castle.
http://i.imgur.com/4MY1uEO.png
When she learns that he's a knight from the castle, she decides to share some info with him.
http://i.imgur.com/Knf10bJ.png
Isn't she just precious?
So anyways, back to the search for Vivi, we go check the area he was last seen, but there is no sign of him.
http://i.imgur.com/yE7g1sm.png
They do pick up some crying sounds though coming from a pipe sticking out of the ground.
http://i.imgur.com/Z8mJnMk.png
He tells us how some man came and grabbed him.
http://i.imgur.com/gm75ddv.png
So we of course promise to go rescue our scared little friend.
CONVENIENTLY for us, the little hatch that was always guarded is suddenly unattended!
http://i.imgur.com/QFq69oU.png
So we head down to some strange underground factory area. We overhear two dudes talking about something ambiguous and why something was just moving around.
http://i.imgur.com/FJXo30d.png
They also discuss the Mayor's brother, the Innkeeper.
http://i.imgur.com/hYWKY1i.png
http://i.imgur.com/i9LK4kA.png
After the conversation, we see the two men pushing Vivi out.
http://i.imgur.com/c5SVbrg.png
Zidane takes a fit and goes to attack but Dagger silences him and drags him off to the side. She says she wants to know what's going on and how it relates to the castle. She urges him to not cause any trouble yet, and Zidane agrees on the condition that he will jump in if Vivi is in danger.
http://i.imgur.com/TUllOFm.pngBeginner tip: There's some good treasures, make sure you pick them up!
As we explore deeper in to the factory, we discover some pretty sketch stuff.
http://i.imgur.com/5OtCssf.png
We find Vivi, stuffed in a crate. Vivi is having himself a bad day.
http://i.imgur.com/aHXpLD8.png
http://i.imgur.com/So0Jdhb.png
Zidane tells him to try and do something next time, to stand up for himself.
http://i.imgur.com/n6IUGcY.png
With Vivi found, we head further in to investigate what exactly is going on.
We learn that soylent green is PEOPLE!!
http://i.imgur.com/TUllOFm.pngBeginner tip: There will be a door with mist coming out from under it. If you open it, you can go get some treasures, but it will also cause random encounters to appear in the dungeon.
What we actually find further in is some more weird machines.
http://i.imgur.com/OAEK5zi.png
As you can kind of see, there is mist being sprayed on the eggs, and then they start hatching. What's in the eggs you ask?
http://i.imgur.com/QRvx2jl.png
Imagine the existential crisis you would have if you found a factory full of yourself like this? Vivi's day just got worse!
http://i.imgur.com/897hr5d.png
Before we can get in to the details, we hear some voices and Zidane shoves everyone in to the machine to hide.
http://i.imgur.com/TswZaX0.png
This leads to our heroes being shoved in crates and packaged in to a giant barrel.
http://i.imgur.com/3hVsiFR.png
Steiner, meanwhile, is trying to arrange transportation for himself and the Princess back to Alexandria castle.
http://i.imgur.com/5s1xzIP.png
Old man Morrid, however, gives zero craps about anything not related to coffee.
http://i.imgur.com/XXSpdhm.png
Morrid gives absolutely zero craps.
After following him to his house, because Steiner is an intense fellow, he offers us some coffee, which Steiner gratefully accepts before remembering his mission.
http://i.imgur.com/4dE84sX.png
http://i.imgur.com/FZnnFfc.png
http://i.imgur.com/EIzIsy9.png
Morrid's crap count remains at zero. After Steiner pleads with him to tell when the cargo ship is arriving, and being made fun of some more, he explains to Morrid that this is a matter of right and wrong.
http://i.imgur.com/lm1PGOs.png
Everyone knows right from wrong, explains Steiner, who simply gets chuckled at by Morrid.
http://i.imgur.com/b5NB8SD.png
Finally having the necessary information, Steiner heads to check out the cargo ship, which he spots in the distance.
http://i.imgur.com/m18VZ3a.png
Noticing some stuff coming out of the ground, he charges his way over to the cargo ship to investigate.
http://i.imgur.com/QzsB77E.png
He notices a giant barrel which he decides to try stabbing because why not. That's what I do when I spot barrels.
http://i.imgur.com/w3GJM2Q.png
Turns out the barrel hosts out heroes. Zidane and Steiner argue some more because of course they do, but Vivi is the one really having a rough time.
http://i.imgur.com/A0CWARO.png
Zidane only says they should stick by him before asking Steiner where the cargo ship is headed.
http://i.imgur.com/f86ZGde.png
LIAR
LIARRRRRRRR
Before we have time to react though, we get a new friend!
http://i.imgur.com/hJlzi8G.png
"Oh no, not another one!" exclaims Zidane.
http://i.imgur.com/qQvtg7o.png
AND YOU DIDN'T THINK TO TELL US THIS EARLY WHEN WE SPECIFICALLY ASKED YOU IF SOMETHING HAD HAPPENED?
But for some reason no one fusses at him and we instead get a boss fight.
http://i.imgur.com/Ej5RQGr.png
http://i.imgur.com/TUllOFm.pngBeginner tip: He won't attack Dagger so she can focus on healing the others. Also, he will counter Vivi's magic, so either use Focus a few times to make your shots worth it, focus on using only the magic sword with Steiner, or just be ready to heal after Vivi's turns.
After the fight, Dagger's doubt about her mother continues to grow, while Steiner's loyalty remains forever strong as he refuses to believe the Queen would have anything to do with whatever is going on.
http://i.imgur.com/tdS3xUe.png
http://i.imgur.com/M9aWXFO.png
We choose to rest at the Inn again before leaving, where the Innkeeper is shocked to see Vivi still up and around.
http://i.imgur.com/TUllOFm.pngBeginner tip: If you forgot to do anything underground now is your last chance to go back.
And that's all for this time. Stay tuned next time when we'll board the cargo ship and learn more about the dolls we saw in Dali!
FFNut
02-26-2017, 07:51 AM
I've been enjoying this and it is making me want to replay this gem.
Galuf
02-26-2017, 05:24 PM
It isnt subjective. Ff ix IS the best game in existence. Anyone who disagrees is actually from jupiter. Where ffxiii is the best game in existence
Formalhaut
02-26-2017, 09:37 PM
I'm awfully tempted to play this after finishing FFIV! Especially now that I'm actually using my Steam account.
Squall Leonhart Loire
02-26-2017, 09:46 PM
It isnt subjective. Ff ix IS the best game in existence. Anyone who disagrees is actually from jupiter. Where ffxiii is the best game in existenceNope, Xenogears. :D
The cargo ship is where my first copy of FFIX would always crash. The disc was damaged so after the South Gate FMV it would die.
Galuf
02-27-2017, 03:44 AM
The cargo ship is where my first copy of FFIX would always crash. The disc was damaged so after the South Gate FMV it would die.
Same except it would crash just before vivi blasted black waltz and it was the ps1 problem whivh I found out here to fix it was to uh turn the ps1 upside down... kinda weird. And it worked
Pumpkin
02-28-2017, 08:26 PM
I have the next update ready but imgur is giving me some troubles today. Next update should be soon!
Pumpkin
03-01-2017, 02:29 AM
Alrighty, we're back!
Next stop, the airship! Steiner insists that he will go speak to the cargo ship crew to get them on board. Dagger is starting to realize he's being a bit sketchy.
http://i.imgur.com/CNLC7tL.png
http://i.imgur.com/ni0m0RJ.png
Zidane already caught on to the fact that the cargo ship is actually headed back to Alexadria, but he asks Dagger to trust him because he has a plan.
http://i.imgur.com/SoFHUqf.png
Vivi, meanwhile, is still struggling with what they saw underground.
http://i.imgur.com/fKcahPD.png
Before they can discuss too much though, the cargo ship starts taking off and our crew has to hurry up and get on.
http://i.imgur.com/0chGT0E.png
After some accidental butt groping and fussing, they head in to the cargo ship. Vivi is still afraid of heights.
http://i.imgur.com/wiJMogX.png
Unfortunately, all is not well with our little buddy even when he goes inside when they realize that the airship crew is those Black Mages they saw. He tries to talk with them but they are completely unresponsive.
http://i.imgur.com/t7jOaGA.png
http://i.imgur.com/NxN1a3v.png
Zidane asks Dagger to support Vivi and then plans to get the ship to go to Lindblum.
http://i.imgur.com/1NuJ78u.png
http://i.imgur.com/eLQH9kw.png
On the deck we find Steiner wallowing in misery.
http://i.imgur.com/SkpLLHh.png
Zidane quickly tells him off, which upsets Steiner until he realizes that Dagger is on the ship like he wanted. The he reveals his ~master plan~ of using the airship to go back to Alexandria. He sure did pull a fast one on nobody.
http://i.imgur.com/5fDcNol.png
That's pretty harsh. Zidane, meanwhile, gives limited craps and only wants to go get the ship turned around. Steiner, being the standup fellow he is, starts to consider a more lenient sentence for Zidane, who has helped keep the Princess safe.
http://i.imgur.com/34qFKPO.png
Meanwhile, trouble's-a-brewin.
http://i.imgur.com/5YCSA3L.png
http://i.imgur.com/lalS709.png
That's a face you can trust.
Zidane commandeers the cargo ship and turns it around, which greatly upsets Steiner.
http://i.imgur.com/xJRBsB9.png
The Black Mages start to react to this, to the confusion of everyone.
http://i.imgur.com/IS5TNdB.png
Dagger and Vivi had made their way up to the deck but unfortunately, Black Waltz #3 decides to drop in and electrocute poor Vivi.
http://i.imgur.com/qVaMXRx.png
http://i.imgur.com/iNWuHxU.png
Vivi has some unexpected allies thankfully and the Black Mages show up to shield him.
http://i.imgur.com/3fS9Ozv.png
http://i.imgur.com/N2X14Tv.png
At this he starts killing the Black Mages with his super magic or whatever.
http://i.imgur.com/dbSGfac.png
This makes Vivi sad :(
http://i.imgur.com/kzd5LnB.png
http://i.imgur.com/B8SQxIL.png
Black Waltz doesn't care about how sad Vivi is though and so he MUST BE DESTROYED
http://i.imgur.com/2EX4Hv4.png
Vivi, upset at what happened, goes rushing out to confront the foe. Steiner and Zidane soon follow.
http://i.imgur.com/4nhSZyl.png
http://i.imgur.com/r2PUXRy.png
Leaving their destination in Dagger's hands, the other three confront the Black Waltz.
http://i.imgur.com/xZArQV2.png
The Black Waltz calls the Black Mages mere tools and Steiner calls his actions reprehensible whether they were his allies or not.
http://i.imgur.com/U7bYVRI.png
And then of course we have a BOSS FIGHT!
http://i.imgur.com/haqnPr8.png
http://i.imgur.com/nQSZVV2.pngBeginner tips: This will either be a very easy fight or a very hard one. The last thing you can steal will take a long time to steal unless you have luck on your side. You'll also use many items. If you want to save Vivi's auto-Trance for after you've stolen, you can use Square (or equivalent) to switch to other characters with active ATB bars.
So after a stupidly long fight in which all three of my characters ended up in Trance, the final Black Waltz is defeated!
http://i.imgur.com/7cIJw6c.png
BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!
Turns out we did not defeat the Black Waltz.
http://i.imgur.com/WYdilWq.png
Zorn and Thorn decide to hightail it while the Black Waltz steals their ship.
http://i.imgur.com/O0Sy7yu.png
Nothing concerning there.
It doesn't take long for the others to notice the impending threat.
http://i.imgur.com/kez8nSC.png
http://i.imgur.com/VeRdJqL.png
http://i.imgur.com/0sjHmC5.png
Vivi stands sadly on the dock, sad about the loss of his people as the Black Waltz closes in.
http://i.imgur.com/BZSCCZg.png
http://i.imgur.com/ycoTSRC.png
http://i.imgur.com/MKFmgKc.png
~Intense faces~
The Black Waltz makes its way to the cargo ship and resumes his attack.
http://i.imgur.com/iH2LpkL.png
This time Vivi is having none of it and manages to blow the Black Waltz back a bit.
http://i.imgur.com/xKpMcDH.png
Unfortunately, having used up his energy, Vivi collapses. Zidane rescues him just in the nick of time as they begin to pass through South Gate, still pursued by the crazed Black Waltz.
http://i.imgur.com/jVsyVeS.png
It follows them in to the gate where it begins to cast a spell, which in the close quarters of the gate just goes awry and sets his own ship aflame.
http://i.imgur.com/POh5uJW.png
This causes a massive explosion that propels the cargo ship forward and out of South Gate just in time.
http://i.imgur.com/G21sRhE.png
While everyone else is down about what just happened, Zidane is as cheery as ever.
http://i.imgur.com/6e7VSfO.png
http://i.imgur.com/AFcFJQr.png
http://i.imgur.com/PhYrCER.png
But I mean, aside from all of that...
http://i.imgur.com/C6aYMO2.png
Vivi is still pontificating about how similar he is to those Black Mages and for once its Steiner to the rescue.
http://i.imgur.com/sIZenTJ.png
http://i.imgur.com/H9vSI4g.png
http://i.imgur.com/rvCsuhq.png
Don't piggyback off of Steiner finally saying something smart!
Anyways we now pull up to the massive industrial city of Lindblum, a whole city inside of a castle.
http://i.imgur.com/MoVvCZP.png
http://i.imgur.com/kbQkpsZ.png
There's also a castle in the castle.
http://i.imgur.com/n2SPiud.png
We dock in the castle castle and meet some soldiers who find us pretty suspicious.
http://i.imgur.com/z5nO9kr.png
Everyone is super impressed with the castle except for Dagger, who has been here before.
http://i.imgur.com/QCjNICS.png
Anyways, Dagger tells the guards she wishes to speak to Regent Cid and shows her Falcon's Claw, a national treasure, as proof of her identity since she's traveling in a cargo ship with weirdos. They call Minister Artania who recognizes her immediately. She's obviously familiar with him as well as she calls him Uncle Artania.
http://i.imgur.com/QCjNICS.png
Next time we will be going to meet the Regent, but first, here's an update on our traveling moogle friend Stiltzkin!
http://i.imgur.com/pctMxzt.png
Pumpkin
03-03-2017, 04:58 AM
Okay so we have a big info dump this update. Pretty interesting stuff though
Honestly I kind of drag my feet around this part. It's my least favourite of Disc 1. The beginning does the stage setting and in Dali and the airship you really get to see your group binding and everything. After this part the story really starts to pick up. But Lindblum at first just kind of doesn't make me as excited about the rest and the Festival of the Hunt is always a source of stress for me.
BUT ANYWAY
Let's get some info, shall we?
http://i.imgur.com/vQsIKgA.png
Cid VIII was the regent before the current one. If you notice an image of the airship in my last update, it wasn't flying above the clouds but above very thick mist. That's why it's called the mist continent! So using it as a resource was something special.
http://i.imgur.com/eJGhVjq.pngBeginner tip: Head to the aircab area. It won't let you leave the castle yet, but you'll get an extra little scene!
Before going to see the regent, we meet an airman.
http://i.imgur.com/d8v1p0H.png
http://i.imgur.com/hiS1GGI.png
Uh oh, what's going on here?!
Zidane doesn't care though and just starts flirting with her instead.
PRIORITIES
http://i.imgur.com/LAGBlvD.png
She quickly makes her escape and we head to the elevator where Dagger heaps praise on to the regent.
http://i.imgur.com/t3bZl0Z.png
So we head upstairs but something seems amiss.
http://i.imgur.com/pX9tzEK.png
In case you can't tell, the throne is a little on the small side.
http://i.imgur.com/q023Kz3.png
Also the regent seems to be an oglop (those bug things we saw before).
Steiner doesn't take well to this and punches him across the room, which I'm pretty sure is grounds for beheading.
http://i.imgur.com/6UYP5gH.png
For some reason though, no beheading is done and we are told that this IS, in fact, Regent Cid. Steiner, being Steiner, does not believe it and thinks that the Princess is being mocked.
http://i.imgur.com/bkGMGbN.png
Vivi with the best commentary.
http://i.imgur.com/EFmNCAn.png
http://i.imgur.com/tKMKpkB.png
And Regent Cid is positively identified by his moustache, which leads to Steiner backing off a bit.
But why is the regent an oglop?!?! you might be asking. WELL they're about to explain that!
http://i.imgur.com/J5GNFL1.png
http://i.imgur.com/wmtijoa.png
After remarking how crazy that is, Dagger tries to get to the point of why she came to Lindblum. Cid urges them all to rest first after their journey and have some lunch.
http://i.imgur.com/OCsXIl7.png
Zidane decides that the castle food is not up to his absurd standards and heads to a bar in town instead.
http://i.imgur.com/1f3SajG.png
After exchanging some familiar words with the bartender, indicating that he regularly patrons this establishment, he starts flirting with a waitress.
http://i.imgur.com/iPCJ3f8.png
Apparently Zidane is ovulating or something because his flirting has been excessive lately. This also annoys someone at the bar.
http://i.imgur.com/sEyTcoY.png
http://i.imgur.com/Ma1tBGI.png
Dose racial slurs tho D:
http://i.imgur.com/VfjRufP.png
Thems fightin words.
Turns out that Zidane and the woman are actually friends and he takes this time to tease her a bit.
http://i.imgur.com/mbvH698.png
http://i.imgur.com/V2gRqsO.png
http://i.imgur.com/icTCvR5.png
You get the idea. Eventually he drops the act and we get to name our next playable character!!!
http://i.imgur.com/QHN0b4u.png
http://i.imgur.com/Xb44AUA.png
I didn't know her race was actually Burmecian. I mean I know that that's where she's from but I didn't know that's what they were called. Better then rat-people, I guess? What about the Cleyrans, are they also considered Burmecians even though they are also rat-people but live somewhere also? I dunno, Steam FFIX has raised more questions for me. The graphics are excellent though, I can actually see details now, which is super nice.
ANYWAYS, Zidane and Freya sit down for a chat.
http://i.imgur.com/4uJDm2P.png
http://i.imgur.com/bUy21wg.png
Aw :( They share that it's been 3 years since Zidane and Freya last saw each other and Zidane asks what brings her to Lindblum.
http://i.imgur.com/cYe4m0J.png
Ugh that festival. UGH TIME LIMITS. UGH.
So Zidane offers her some words of encouragement regarding finding her boyfriend and asks if she's going to return to Burmecia.
http://i.imgur.com/txaVdYH.png
http://i.imgur.com/Ndtmg6y.png
Meanwhile at the castle, Dagger and the regent are discussing the happenings.
http://i.imgur.com/ETcJXIB.png
http://i.imgur.com/KVisPhl.png
Dagger says she's worried her mother is up to no good and starting to make trouble in the neighbourhood, but when she tries to tell anyone, they just chalk it up to grief over losing her father.
http://i.imgur.com/Pu4fShr.png
But as it turns out, the theater ship was going to kidnap her.
http://i.imgur.com/OfvD4RI.png
http://i.imgur.com/vlC1Gh0.png
Turns out the regent and Baku go way back.
http://i.imgur.com/KDPFTSf.png
He states that while he knew something sketch was going on, he couldn't act directly or it would start a war.
http://i.imgur.com/wop7EvM.png
http://i.imgur.com/2fPq7x3.png
He assures her that he will help as her Uncle Cid.
After that, they head for the airship docks, which are very much empty.
http://i.imgur.com/OXIRfhp.png
http://i.imgur.com/Xu9BAl2.png
That means they could go to places where there was no mist. Dagger asks if the ship was taken by the man who attacked him.
http://i.imgur.com/acPlG8l.png
..........................................................................................
http://i.imgur.com/qePfUCv.png
http://i.imgur.com/KtGOaa6.png
(His wife is named Hilda)
http://i.imgur.com/BgTmI9U.png
And thus we get to hear the TRUE story of what exactly happened to Regent Cid and his airship.
Cid agrees that once the Hilda Garde 2 is up and running, they'll go speak to Queen Brahne.
The next day, Zidane and Vivi wake up at the Inn.
http://i.imgur.com/JSLuIAS.png
Zidane explains to Vivi that people come to Lindblum from all over the world to pursue careers in art and engineering. He also shares that he doesn't even remember when he first came to Lindblum.
http://i.imgur.com/gk8OBXM.png
He says he's going to go check out their HQ and invites Vivi along, who politely declines, saying he wants to go explore the city by himself.
Also Ruby gets in touch.
http://i.imgur.com/yXupxbE.png
Stay tuned next time when we slaughter monsters that are released on the town for sport and points!
Karifean
03-03-2017, 10:57 AM
I really liked reaching Lindblum when I played the game for the first time. There's something pretty impressive about the city itself, and the music is great. The Festival was kind of fun too, although I kinda wish it'd been more clear how it works.
Pumpkin
03-07-2017, 10:49 PM
Sorry guys, I've been busy with irl stuff, but I should have another update up on Thursday and Friday and hopefully one more after that before I leave for a bit~
Depression Moon
03-08-2017, 12:33 AM
I named Freya Helga or Rachel one time just for the lulz.
Pumpkin
03-10-2017, 06:32 AM
Today we will be exploring Lindblum before the festival begins!
Turns out SOMEONE is a terrible moogle hater
http://i.imgur.com/prp33Qu.png
Anyways, Steiner is wandering around town, generally getting himself lost
http://i.imgur.com/4QueVGL.png
http://i.imgur.com/4P1XcyV.png
Female Red Mage is having none of that! Being Steiner though he is rather oblivious to what just happened and turns his attention to a street stall.
http://i.imgur.com/d0UDQ3D.png
http://i.imgur.com/fW7K8Z8.png
http://i.imgur.com/eugKNKf.png
FACT. Steiner decides, what the heck, he already drank poison back in the Evil Forest, might as well.
http://i.imgur.com/WvmgZ6r.png
http://i.imgur.com/1LZB5ho.png
And thus begins Steiner's love affair with pickles~
Zidane, meanwhile, does some shopping.
http://i.imgur.com/d2N8hgH.png
Who indeed
This is why I told you to buy extra equipment if possible, because you can now use that for synthesis! Speaking of which, there's a little story between the synthesis shop owner and his son that goes throughout the game.
http://i.imgur.com/PtQmrdb.png
As the son's skills improve, so to does the available equipment. It's a neat little detail that help bring the people to life.
http://i.imgur.com/k6yBjJN.pngBeginner tip: When you exit the Inn, there's a screen towards the south where you can have a bit more conversation. Also be sure to THOROUGHLY explore Lindblum within the next little while if you care about finding everything because some of it will become inaccessible for the rest of the game.
http://i.imgur.com/FIIdvHi.png
We get to read some nice statues, and learn more about Lindblum culture, which is broken down in 2 four districts. The first is the business district which is where you do your shopping and also houses the Church and an angry little dog. The industrial district is where the bar was where we met Freya and is the center of engineering. The theatre district is where all of the upper-class art types hang out and is also where Tantalus headquarters is located.
http://i.imgur.com/B4ucqY6.png
*sad violin*
So anyway, Vivi is also out doing some shopping
http://i.imgur.com/C21N0P0.png
http://i.imgur.com/2hgvd0I.png
http://i.imgur.com/jaTMQZV.png
She gives it to Vivi for free because he's adorable and Vivi had earlier taken note of a sign in the shop.
http://i.imgur.com/pD3B3C0.png
He decides to inquire
http://i.imgur.com/fDrjsRG.png
http://i.imgur.com/yjIMoik.png
http://i.imgur.com/o74ezER.png
This is where a miscommunication happens because Vivi runs off excitedly, assuming that puppies are going to be released in town for snuggles or something when that really isn't the case.
http://i.imgur.com/ahRtACx.png
If you're wondering where Steiner is during all of this, the answer is "Still lost."
http://i.imgur.com/JcazmEU.png
He does meet an old gentleman who tells him he's at the bridge where the airship docks connect to the castle.
http://i.imgur.com/1Q7RY9M.png
http://i.imgur.com/fFm0aCC.png
The old man explains that the Hilda Garde 2 will run on steam instead of mist and Steiner finds this PREPOSTEROUS, which causes the old man to tell him he's living in the past.
We head to the theatre district where a bunch of fangirls are... fangirling all over an actor.
http://i.imgur.com/RV0Qvab.png
FFIX dealing with issues of transspeciesism way back in 2000.
http://i.imgur.com/9Swva4w.png
After Zidane tries to get them to fangirl all over him, which fails, the prestigious Lowell arrives on the scene for like 10 seconds. After which time he bails and may or may not come back in a moogle costume to get away from the crowd
http://i.imgur.com/ON72hkP.png
Sure enough, the disguise receives nothing but disdain from his unknowing fans, allowing him to escape.
http://i.imgur.com/Jmu6t5N.png
....................
SO ANYWAY
We head to Tantalus headquarters to find no one there.
http://i.imgur.com/XYTsAQA.png
As the bell rings out over Lindblum, Zidane wonders what Dagger is up to.
http://i.imgur.com/PDqgOme.png
Dagger, it turns out, is trapped in her room.
http://i.imgur.com/aoNV5gN.png
http://i.imgur.com/G6OtJjo.png
She is upset by this, reminding herself that she came here to figure out what's happening with her mother, not to be protected.
Back at Tantalus HQ, two kids come in and greet Zidane
http://i.imgur.com/dOGJg5j.png
http://i.imgur.com/PTVQdSE.png
After establishing their de facto membership, they ask Zidane some questions about the kidnapping plan. Then, in typical kid fashion, they just blurt out whatever they want to.
http://i.imgur.com/ZQcvKL8.png
http://i.imgur.com/VddAKO4.png
The kids tell him that she probably misses him and he should go see her before they scamper off.
http://i.imgur.com/w7wmbKn.png
And now we see Zidane trying to find excuses to actually go and see her.
In case you were worried about Tantalus, rest assured that they managed to escape.
http://i.imgur.com/fYfppXp.png
"I can't believe I got to drop some exposition!"
http://i.imgur.com/JhvHmIs.png
http://i.imgur.com/ehVbw9Q.png
http://i.imgur.com/c5uV1nW.png
Despite its flaws, this is actually a good scene because it helps the player out later on when they arrive here. It shows Cinna drinking from a spring which makes the "HP restored" chime noise. It shows Blank open the treasure chest so you know why it's already open when you get there, and it talks about Cinna making coffee off in the corner, which if you recall, pertains to a certain sidequest...
Zidane heads to Lindblum castle to find the Princess is not in her room
http://i.imgur.com/QimYijC.png
Steiner is already there, apparently having found his way, and immediately blames Zidane for what's happening before running off to find her.
http://i.imgur.com/322mwSV.png
He hears her singing the same song she was singing in Dali and realizes she's upstairs. There's unfortunately a problem.
http://i.imgur.com/Sr9TD78.png
He can't use the lift to go upstairs because its guarded by the man with the face of a 12-year-old. Luckily for us there's a sleeping, suggestable guard whom we can wake up and trick.
http://i.imgur.com/qQrybAv.png
So after beating him up and taking his clothes, we get to go upstairs.
http://i.imgur.com/JpLugmN.png
Zidane takes off his disguise ON THE LIFT because why not, apparently? I mean sure, there are guards upstairs, but we can conveniently get past them without a disguise!
We do find Dagger upstairs singing to the birds before Zidane scares them all away.
http://i.imgur.com/SuJwuh3.png
After a bit of awkward conversation, Zidane points out the giant telescope we can use to look around the surrounding area.
http://i.imgur.com/uyLURwC.png
http://i.imgur.com/gmFDNU7.png
This looks much better than the actual overworld, btw
Dagger asks to use it and spends that time berating herself internally.
http://i.imgur.com/ditW0Gl.png
http://i.imgur.com/VXU4Anp.png
http://i.imgur.com/0Ys0RS7.png
She asks him if he just did it because his boss ordered him to, and he explains that his boss didn't want him to and he had to leave Tantalus because of it, which he shares that he's done before.
She changes the suject to ask how Tantalus was planning on kidnapping her and he says that they were going to put sleeping weed in her tea, but since she came along willingly, they didn't need it.
http://i.imgur.com/YDeviPG.png
http://i.imgur.com/jwGsKz4.png
She calls him out on his shameless flirting, so he shifts gears to ask about the song she's been singing
http://i.imgur.com/HQFcyFh.png
http://i.imgur.com/6gXqCaI.png
While she sings, we get to see what everyone else is up to.
http://i.imgur.com/fcjUtvm.png
While admiring that FINE piece of armour, Steiner overhears another customer badmouthing Queen Brahne.
http://i.imgur.com/fcjUtvm.png
http://i.imgur.com/RrHQrGs.png
Vivi finds some toys that some kids were playing with.
http://i.imgur.com/c0lIvwb.png
And Freya is jumping from rooftop to rooftop, as you do.
http://i.imgur.com/WtH7rKh.png
She then expresses some vulnerability when she asks Sir Fratley where he is because she needs him.
Back at the castle, Zidane makes a fool of himself.
http://i.imgur.com/kD3wN9c.png
If you recall, he asked a different girl about that...
Smoooth operatoooorrrr~~
http://i.imgur.com/EFlgiXX.png
After some passive-aggressive comments, Zidane once again tries to recover with idiocy.
http://i.imgur.com/nETnPt1.png
But because she's already smitten with him, she agrees.
FESTIVAL OF THE HUNT PREP
And Freya is here because why not. We got to name her so we already know she's going to be a party member.
http://i.imgur.com/P4KiUAF.png
Ugh time limits. UGH STRESS
Also he signed up Vivi without his permission
http://i.imgur.com/1glDndL.png
And offers him to date Dagger if Vivi wins which NEITHER OF THEM WANT and he didn't even ask if she was okay with this. Man Zidane's kind of a butt sometimes, huh?
And so the bests, some of whom are adorable (Mus) are released on to the town!
http://i.imgur.com/CXjmCxr.png
Next time we get to Festival of the Hunt which is bleh, but the story really starts to pick up with the bigger plot afterwards so that'll be fun!
Stay tuned~
Old Manus
03-10-2017, 04:19 PM
Always wondered whether "I Want To Be Your Canary" was just a dumb name or a bad translation.
Pumpkin
03-14-2017, 04:31 AM
And so begins the Festival of the Hunt!
http://i.imgur.com/vOdj6f5.png
http://i.imgur.com/NbgXkt7.png
http://i.imgur.com/6yBGfEa.png
After some spectating on the part of Dagger and Steiner, the hunt begins! I have 12 minutes to win this thing. If you, loyal viewer, want to win, just follow these easy peasy tips! Send money to
Okay, seriously though, these are good tips to win.
http://i.imgur.com/M4nEDUC.pngFestival of the Hunt tips~
*Optimize Zidane's equipment. You can skill grind later but this will be useful to prevent damage, which will save time spent healing, and, if you have The Ogre weapon, should allow you to one-shot kill all of the enemies other than the big hunt.
*Your goal is to get to the end of the business district around the 4 minute mark if you want an almost guaranteed win
*Don't take that to mean you can slack off before then, you'll still need other points to win, you just won't have to try as hard
*Different monsters are worth different amounts of points. The Trick Sparrows are worth the least and generally take the longest to initiate battle with. If you can run in to one right away, go for it, otherwise just leave them for clean up if you have time
*You should have time to do a general sweep of the Theatre Dsitrict followed by the Industrial District before leaving for the Business Dsitrict
*Depending on how much time you have, head over to the Buisness district with about 6 minutes remaining and do a general sweep of the area EXCEPT for the shop area
*Once the timer has gone below 4 minutes, head to the shop area to find a small scene with the big hunt
http://i.imgur.com/cNg4xpm.png
During the scene, Freya will jump in to help you while giving you the points for the kill because she's a better person than Zidane.
http://i.imgur.com/BOJcYbe.png
Don't worry about stealing, you'll encounter these as regular enemies later in the game. Have Freya jump to deal decent damage and avoid damage in return. It does take longer for her to attack that way though, so keep that in mind.
I also noticed a reference to the Strange Gourmand or something like that, which made me chuckle. It's funny how many references there are to Quina before s/he joins your party.
If you have any time left, like I did, just go clean up those Trick Sparrows you left in order to further secure your lead. After 12 minutes, the Festival is over!
http://i.imgur.com/QlKepsz.png
http://i.imgur.com/L3i5c1W.png
Unfortunately the celebration is interrupted by something terrible.
http://i.imgur.com/2HWOO4A.png
This is where the story really starts to pick up and go in to its bigger plot, so I'm pretty excite! Minister Artania warns Cid not to approach in his current form, but Cid is not concerned.
http://i.imgur.com/XNmgcQH.png
http://i.imgur.com/QCM4xz0.png
http://i.imgur.com/h5JwqhW.png
Uh oh, Spaghetti-O!
The man sadly passes away before they can get him to the infirmary.
http://i.imgur.com/5ydTgxw.png
Well that's a bummer.
http://i.imgur.com/dRIQyEG.png
http://i.imgur.com/P6E21Dt.png
Freya, meanwhile can't wait for reinforcements while her homeland is in danger.
http://i.imgur.com/CLtxum4.png
Zidane offers to go to, an offer which Freya initially rejects.
http://i.imgur.com/tLDyKWk.png
Eventually she thanks him and then Vivi speaks up.
http://i.imgur.com/zlX0MMQ.png
He's having that whole Black Mage identity crisis if you recall correctly.
http://i.imgur.com/R6JEml7.png
Unfortunately for Dagger, who just inserted herself in to this situation, the others don't exactly encourage her to go.
http://i.imgur.com/BaquomF.png
She is worried, however, that if her mother IS starting a war, she has to stop her and do something to help prevent more people from being killed. A noble sentiment, but turns out that even Zidane isn't on her side for this one.
http://i.imgur.com/Qk1YVTn.png
http://i.imgur.com/QhyF1eS.png
Cid tries to calm them down for the moment and asks them to enjoy the Festival feast while they wait for the gate to open.
http://i.imgur.com/9oHZw9N.png
So they head downstairs for a hearty celebration meal.
http://i.imgur.com/bCQZn2E.png
After some reluctance to eat, they eventually all decide to dig in and enjoy the feast.
http://i.imgur.com/CkUY3qK.png
Turns out that this isn't the food-coma type of sleepiness, but rather something else at work. Everyone starts dropping like flies.
http://i.imgur.com/C3b9lzV.png
http://i.imgur.com/my0DTjL.png
Everyone except for...
http://i.imgur.com/CXel7sP.png
http://i.imgur.com/TgNqa9B.png
Steiner's a treat, isn't he?
http://i.imgur.com/ggiPQzf.png
http://i.imgur.com/rSCfy4x.png
So yes, Dagger has drugged them all so that she can leave on her quest of justice. Steiner voices his objections in one of his rare early moments of insight.
http://i.imgur.com/bkVejeq.png
But he eventually agrees to go with her after she talks about how she needs to stop her mother from starting a war with the three great nations.
http://i.imgur.com/x73DwNC.png
And with that, they sneak out.
http://i.imgur.com/9NwxI0Q.png
The others wake up a short time later and wonder if Dagger went to Burmecia on her own.
http://i.imgur.com/AntVVNk.png
Thinking that's where she went, they agree to try and catch up to her.
http://i.imgur.com/m9AKPDO.png
It's time for some more
http://i.imgur.com/M4nEDUC.pngTips for beginners~
*This is a really good time to ability grind the equipment you have. There's a free healing spring you can use to your heart's content, an easily accessible shop, it's easy enough to return to Lindblum if need be, and the next boss is a toughie, so grinding a bit can help.
*You can also begin your Chocobo side-questing at this point and recruit another character early.
And so we will end with a new mognet from Stiltzkin!
http://i.imgur.com/BT7iPbA.png
Unfortunately my next update won't be for a while. On top of going out of town soon, I'll also be doing that grinding I just finished talking about. But hopefully it won't be too long before the next update. See you next time~
Pumpkin
05-06-2017, 11:09 PM
So the forum ate my last post but that's okay! We just picked up Quina last time.
Now it is off to Chocobo's Forest!
http://i.imgur.com/FSOGg9v.png
http://i.imgur.com/HKLw5HD.png
But we are on a mission, it is not the time to play with Chocobos!
http://i.imgur.com/QQb3ekT.png
http://i.imgur.com/ksHSGSZ.png
Oh okay.
http://i.imgur.com/FTlefFw.png
Apparently it is time to play with Chocobos. Choco initially runs away from me and I have to go get him with ghysal greens
http://i.imgur.com/FrQTGJk.png
He sure does like me, that's why he ran away! But anywho, if you go back you can play the best Chocobo Hot & Cold which is all kinds of awesome!
http://i.imgur.com/FTlefFw.png
So basically you dig around for treasure and Choco, the best Chocobo, will give you an indication of how close you are. Sometimes you'll dig up treasure maps for outside of the forest where you can find super good items~
After messing around with the best minigame, it is time to continue on with the story which is less upbeat right now. We head to Gizamaluke's Grotto and Freya finds some of her companions dead.
http://i.imgur.com/9aqNlJ0.png
http://i.imgur.com/8kBNKVm.png
http://i.imgur.com/BQJZF9d.png
This comment of course makes Vivi feel bad.
http://i.imgur.com/R1H7LbJ.png
http://i.imgur.com/vc840uh.png
"My friend Freya's buds were killed and her homeland is in danger. Sure hope Dagger's okay."
So we head inside to find more dying people (there's a trend here)
http://i.imgur.com/5z1LXSi.png
And we get these bells that open doors and shatter when you use them. I actually love the item description though.
http://i.imgur.com/3JUEavN.png
It sounds so uplifting and then you see how it says it's a warning and it's just a quote with a lot of depth, I feel
Going further in we find some more soldiers being killed by Black Mages
http://i.imgur.com/SPhaskX.png
Lalala~
We also find Zorn and Thorn in charge of the whole ordeal and they don't seem to remember Zidane at all, although he seems familiar.
http://i.imgur.com/JkCEVNV.png
After defeating the Black Mages they send after us, they get spooked and run away because Zorn and Thorn.
Eventually we meet a moogle in distress.
http://i.imgur.com/KZ1Blj5.png
http://i.imgur.com/TLIGoSH.png
And they just got married too, how sad
http://i.imgur.com/O7ALgQp.png
Oh no, what will we do? Well, Vivi to the rescue!
http://i.imgur.com/TY5rLzT.png
Well it turns out her husband LOOOVVVESSS Kupo Nuts, so after giving the nut to her, she lets her husband know that she has a delicious surprise for him, after which he bursts out of the bell like it's nothing
http://i.imgur.com/QVs0qFM.png
He then takes the nut and runs away in to another room. After following him, we get a new mognet message
http://i.imgur.com/ye0kx6w.png
Her husband also gives us the Holy Bell we need to continue in to the boss room.
http://i.imgur.com/I6dak8j.png
And if you do bring them more Kupo Nuts, they have more babies!
Don't think about that one too hard.
So in to the boss room!
http://i.imgur.com/PkG74B7.png
Master Gizamaluke, for the record, is this lovely creature here!
http://i.imgur.com/cLvWTxi.png
He can be tough but if you grinded earlier when I told you too you should be just fine~ Especially if you recruited Quina and got yourself another party member.
After defeating him, we get something completely different!
http://i.imgur.com/TuLfy9h.png
http://i.imgur.com/7O6juD4.png
Garnet is in the bag in case you're wondering
But to cross the border, they need to do a bag check
http://i.imgur.com/BrbMVml.png
............no..................
http://i.imgur.com/2JnIcjR.png
UH OH
http://i.imgur.com/QLf51iI.png
That's right. He packed the princess in with a bunch of stinky pickles. Short guard cannot stand it so we get sent inside the gate.
Let's talk to some people!
http://i.imgur.com/qV3snGH.png
Exposition~~
And here's an adorable interaction between Part-time Worker Mary and the newly Jobless Jeff who just lost his store
http://i.imgur.com/b3UvHLO.png
http://i.imgur.com/j9LyX2d.png
too relatable
So anyway, we go and free Garnet from her pickle prison but first
http://i.imgur.com/UOaP993.png
http://i.imgur.com/FNzgYVh.png
I love Short Guard
So anyway, Garnet is finally set free for us to continue our adventure
http://i.imgur.com/eTl80e2.png
(Don't worry that won't last for more than 10 minutes)
So we head to the tram/train/lift thing which is about to head back in to Alexandria where Garnet plans to go to have a talk with her mother
http://i.imgur.com/PKY0fpl.png
http://i.imgur.com/1HpjVwe.png
See, I told you it wouldn't last long
Tune in next time to see whate else Steiner and Garnet get up to~
Pumpkin
05-08-2017, 07:03 AM
Alrighty then, Garnet and Steiner have finally made their way to the cable car to head back to Alexandria.
http://i.imgur.com/ZbiKvex.png
Part time worker Mary thanked us for telling her to follow her heart or whatever happened before. After taking a seat, Steiner called Garnet Princess again and she fusses at him.
http://i.imgur.com/w9PexuZ.png
http://i.imgur.com/7H8R6ze.png
Steiner, the notorious Zidane hater talks about his terrible foul mouth but admits he's not as dumb as he thought he would be.
After that convo, we're brought back to Gizamaluke's Grotto to see what happened after our big boss fight.
http://i.imgur.com/D0jG3J3.png
So of course we have to head to Bermecia. But not before grabbing Choco and finding a treasure chest! Note that you'll have to walk a little bit to get to his footprints with this one.
http://i.imgur.com/BiDOwCL.png
And then Choco was drugged and he died. No, actually he just went to a ~magical place~
http://i.imgur.com/h6Ikd4P.png
http://i.imgur.com/IuRZfyn.png
This isn't weird or anything
http://i.imgur.com/A21AMj9.png
BUT Choco evolves in to river Choco and now we can cross rivers with him, yay~~
Choco is so awesome
We make another pit stop on the way to Bermecia.
http://i.imgur.com/Hq45cXZ.png
Freya is obviously worried about this but Quina decides this is too depressing and he needs to stop and smell the flowers. Literally.
http://i.imgur.com/ai1eABS.png
The strong powerful Dragoon looking up to Quina the frog gourmand. I mean... sure.
Tbf Quina is my second favourite character in this game, s/he is just a hoot.
With that, we make our way over to Bermecia.
http://i.imgur.com/3wXl3A4.png
...since I decided to reminisce during a crisis like this.
http://i.imgur.com/WGidsDy.png
http://i.imgur.com/hYSA25j.png
But not until I monologue a little bit! So with that, we finally head in to the wrecked city of Bermecia, once one of the four great powers of the Mist Continent.
http://i.imgur.com/iUKLQ9r.png
Yup, it rains here. Forever.
Kidding aside, this section is one of the most memorable to me. It's got such great atmosphere and it's a turning point in the story to show that things are more serious than just runaway Princesses and moogles. I mean, those things are there too, but something about corpses all over the rainy streets just makes things a tad more serious feeling.
Also we get cancer
http://i.imgur.com/OdslMS4.png
The Zodiac Stellazio coin, I meant.
Zorn and Thorn make another appearance and after defeating the Black Mages they send after us, they take a fit in a way that basically equates to "I'm telling my dad!"
http://i.imgur.com/ZkZzBQu.png
After meeting up with a dying man who tells us to search under the bed, we get another bell/key to proceed further in to Bermecia.
http://i.imgur.com/UNbuYxl.png
I just love some of these item descriptions, I'm telling you.
Further in, Freya and Vivi have a conversation about the killer Black Mages going around and if he's okay to continue on.
http://i.imgur.com/0GlWk08.png
http://i.imgur.com/sNHiACe.png
http://i.imgur.com/ncB1hMN.png
This is why I love Vivi. Finds others like him being manufactured on a weird farm after getting kidnapped, sees them being used as weapons of mass murder, decides he's going to press on no matter how painful it is. You go Vivi!
http://i.imgur.com/CaRKsez.png
Quina is helping.
A Bermecian family rushes over to us, ready to pick a fight since we have a Black Mage with us, but Freya talks them down.
http://i.imgur.com/2FMKp8I.png
http://i.imgur.com/C9cp8IJ.png
He advises us to ditch everything and GTFO because we aren't going to win this one, but Freya has resolved to go on.
http://i.imgur.com/c6tHr8K.png
Freya is a true patriot.
Further in we meet another struggling family.
http://i.imgur.com/yiMPPHP.png
http://i.imgur.com/EefWntY.png
http://i.imgur.com/uF2s8ef.png
Aww and she's preggers too. He keeps telling her to leave but she sticks by his side. Luckily hero Zidane arrives in the knick of time to save him from the collapsing ugly frog statue thing.
http://i.imgur.com/rl0n372.png
He's happy we saved him and tells us to come and visit him in Lindblum after his kid is born. He and his wife escape safely.
http://i.imgur.com/Rvbkol1.pngBeginner's Tip: There are mimics in Bermecia. If you see a chest positioned diagonally instead of straight, it's a mimic. If you want to fight them, cool, but if you're low on supplies and want to save up, avoid those chests.
Further in, we meet another moogle and deliver one of the letters we had.
http://i.imgur.com/5VcePjW.png
SPEAKING OF, guess who decides to show up!
http://i.imgur.com/AhVWixp.png
Keep buying supplies from him to keep getting better stuff as his journey continues! There's also a moogle shop here with new equipment and remember to buy at least 2 of everything if you can afford it~
We also find a new nifty spear for Freya to beat up some Black Mages, which of course makes Vivi a bit sad.
Onward to the palace.
http://i.imgur.com/tsgv7Yp.png
After deciding to leave her alone, she suddenly hears something and effortlessly jumps 5 stories in the air.
http://i.imgur.com/RGfyQFq.png
Needless to say, the other party members struggle a bit more.
http://i.imgur.com/rofUMj8.png
Once Zidane and Freya make it to the top, we see Brahne and someone else conversing.
http://i.imgur.com/u3nRos4.png
http://i.imgur.com/Bd3vjJd.png
The name Beatrix sends Freya in to reminisce mode again.
http://i.imgur.com/pMcPIBE.png
http://i.imgur.com/y1hggeF.png
Fratley is so fancy. He tells her he doesn't know if he's strong enough to protect Bermecia and so he must travel.
http://i.imgur.com/tNzyhIL.png
http://i.imgur.com/IxXIvdL.png
He promises once again before leaving.
http://i.imgur.com/Wz8hQtu.png
http://i.imgur.com/1UvMJxh.png
Geez that hits the feels :(
http://i.imgur.com/bdiTcXI.png
But before the conversation continues, a ~fabulous~ man appears.
http://i.imgur.com/KAE0geP.png
Brahne and Beatrix talk about how they've been searching for the king but to no avail.
http://i.imgur.com/KuUCxjq.png
http://i.imgur.com/8HKYuQm.png
http://i.imgur.com/JvgclKX.png
Cleyra is protected by a giant sandstorm you see. But apparently Kuja has a plan.
http://i.imgur.com/VdNo0Sl.png
Zidane asks Freya about Cleyra and why they call it the City of Illusion.
http://i.imgur.com/EgnqEth.png
http://i.imgur.com/KXRGAyw.png
This time the conversation is interrupted by a Bermecian soldier attempting to take on the baddies solo. Zidane and Freya step in to save him.
http://i.imgur.com/yU0EzVB.png
http://i.imgur.com/bKABjlj.png
Vivi and Quina also show up just then because sure.
Note for this fight: You cannot beat Beatrix. The best you can do is stay alive long enough to steal all of her stuff and hope she doesn't end the fight too early. I only got 2 of her items but oh well.
This fight sadly leads to a crushing defeat for our heroes.
http://i.imgur.com/Yh7i0ks.png
Kuja also takes this opportunity to make commentary, look down on us fabulously, and escape on his Silver Dragon.
http://i.imgur.com/dWOOqHM.png
Behold Kuja in all of his glory!
http://i.imgur.com/xc4ragf.png
http://i.imgur.com/cYS8BnQ.png
http://i.imgur.com/Y0XoaC3.png
And off he flies in to the... uh... whatever is going on there.
And thus we come to the end of Disc 1!
Before we go though, let's check in on what's going on elsewhere.
Short Guard and Tall Guard, whom you may remember from South Gate, are talking about the crazy stuff that's been happening. Tall Guard asks short guard if the pickle dude was suspicious.
http://i.imgur.com/O7jUy0C.png
Words of wisdom.
Tall Guard tells Short Guard what an odd man he is because he was the one who was initially suspicious of Steiner, and Short Guard tells us that's how he wound up where he is!
What a beautiful story.
http://i.imgur.com/V4gRVno.png
Steiner is still in denial before we reach Alexandria.
http://i.imgur.com/L3T5H4M.png
And we get another mognet message delivered!
http://i.imgur.com/ZUsSqHq.png
Next time, Garnet and Steiner meet up with some unexpected allies! Stay tuned~
Formalhaut
05-08-2017, 12:26 PM
I always found the end of discs to be really exciting times. Full of changes and new plot threads!
Depression Moon
05-08-2017, 06:07 PM
I always found the end of discs to be really exciting times. Full of changes and new plot threads!
I agree with this. I also miss playing Final Fantasy games and this year marks the series 30th anniversary.
Formalhaut
05-08-2017, 08:26 PM
Maybe I like compartmentalising games and stories into sections, but I just really like the disc format. There's just something about seeing something huge happen on screen, followed by the splash screen of 'End of Disc One, Please Insert Disc Two'.
I don't know, I think it's really cool.
Pumpkin
05-12-2017, 07:43 AM
So Garnet and Steiner disembark in Alexandria and meet some old friends
http://i.imgur.com/nNjxWu8.png
Heading back inside, we strike up a conversation. Or at least try to amidst the fussing from Steiner.
http://i.imgur.com/qmD2Tkc.png
http://i.imgur.com/Ovv0oWI.png
After being fussed at, Steiner backs off and the cable car arrives.
http://i.imgur.com/6I1NUub.png
Marcus and Cinna say their goodbyes because one is heading to Lindblum and the other...
http://i.imgur.com/pE7Viiy.png
Exactly. But why, you might ask. Well, Garnet had the same question
http://i.imgur.com/L8AAZjq.png
Well, Marcus can answer that for himself.
http://i.imgur.com/G0qAJIe.png
Brother = Blank
http://i.imgur.com/5yi8nzr.png
http://i.imgur.com/Ubdhg21.png
Or at least he would be if he wasn't hanging around the station eating cake. Garnet decides she wants in on this cure the petrification plan, but Marcus is not as enthused about the idea.
http://i.imgur.com/6rZ9Uv8.png
http://i.imgur.com/iKvqv37.png
Garnet explains how she drugged him and ditched him, as a lady does.
http://i.imgur.com/WRJSj8E.png
And then she blames him
But before we can get in to all dat drama, something happens with the cable car!
http://i.imgur.com/nzKKfIV.png
How rude. They prefer to be called alternate saints.
Hearing this, our ensemble heads outside.
http://i.imgur.com/JOGsVDH.png
Oh look, it's our old friend Black Waltz #3!
http://i.imgur.com/TFzlbDP.png
Unfortunately we are lured in to another boss fight with no answers from the damaged Black Waltz.
This fight can be pretty annoying, especially with the steal rate but he doesn't have anything you can't get soon enough anyway so don't beat yourself up over stealing everything with this one.
So we defeat the Black Waltz once and for all
http://i.imgur.com/nC1yWys.png
http://i.imgur.com/XQUTqJ2.png
Marcus, full of tact, decides this is the time to bring it up. Steiner is like WHO COULD HAVE DONE THAT
http://i.imgur.com/ggo5oGx.png
Honestly I don't think he was doing it for her benefit, I think he's that oblivious and blindly loyal.
http://i.imgur.com/qW2uUOj.png
That'll stop her for sure. Nothing wrong with this plan!
Anyways, we head back on the cable car. I keep forgetting what it's called and had to scroll up to remember
http://i.imgur.com/EFA1fsa.png
"What, you mean the mass drugging?"
http://i.imgur.com/78o9C8c.png
Or that
http://i.imgur.com/WgHnXQZ.png
Marcus knows what she's getting at with this
http://i.imgur.com/32Rq81A.png
Basically, yes.
http://i.imgur.com/R8TlCc4.png
http://i.imgur.com/P4w1NrY.png
Before we head to Treno though, we make a quick stop by Dali!
http://i.imgur.com/m3zqWTR.png
It has been a whole disc
There's not much new going on. The farm lady fusses about the new factory and the lack of farming and Garnet vows to help her out.
We also run in to another friendly monster, yay!
http://i.imgur.com/xNMy62U.png
Also take your time getting around here, Steiner and Garnet will probably be a good bit lower in levels than Zidane and co. if you did stop and grind. So get some exp on your way around and learn some abilities.
So we finally arrive in Treno, the City of Nobles
http://i.imgur.com/P8iNTZw.png
I JUST SAID THAT
http://i.imgur.com/tEzsvsb.png
http://i.imgur.com/khRVdVA.png
While those two fuss, because Steiner can't help but fuss, Garnet takes off on her own.
http://i.imgur.com/FqQzBXy.png
And while Steiner freaks out about that, Marcus takes off too, leaving poor Ol' Rusty all alone.
There's actually a good bit of side things to do here. By putting 10 gil in the fountain many times you get another Zodiac!
http://i.imgur.com/3o6K2sB.png
D'aww
Afterwards you get this lovely ATE where Garnet is robbed
http://i.imgur.com/g5l4exf.png
She loses 1000 gil but if you follow the ATE's properly, you'll get your money's worth.
http://i.imgur.com/hgdhCLb.png
http://i.imgur.com/EJmggZs.png
..............
http://i.imgur.com/8d4TS6H.png
...................................................
http://i.imgur.com/Zu1EYNc.png
And there you have it! This won't be the last we see of this dastardly dude.
We also meet some interesting characters
http://i.imgur.com/e7t68Oh.png
How... fun and not depressing
And these two kids who are fussing about the nobles taking their land and detailing their plan to get rich and become nobles themselves and rule the town
http://i.imgur.com/432p5Hs.png
http://i.imgur.com/iSxBFnt.png
Kids these days, amirite?
We also get another letter from Stilitzkin
http://i.imgur.com/px4Y59G.png
Hmm...
While in Treno, it's a good time to make a shopping list because they have a good weapon shop and synthesis shop if you have the cash monie
We eventually find Garnet in the auction house. Steiner yells out how he was worried and she says she doesn't know how she's supposed to find the supersoft with him running around shouting like that.
Garnet is very sassy toward Steiner
http://i.imgur.com/epXPP5e.png
http://i.imgur.com/XjfSaAo.png
Brutal.
We also got to see Kuja in an earlier ATE, watching her from the auction house balcony...
http://i.imgur.com/s5ZhGnj.png
Speaking of auction house, you can buy some super great items here. You'll probably have to come back later when you've built up more cash but since I used the max monies cheat I could afford some goodies right off the bat.
I got some good equipment and these special items:
http://i.imgur.com/QnNTn8b.png
http://i.imgur.com/TeSfg15.png
Earlier FF references~
http://i.imgur.com/cAaXu80.png
http://i.imgur.com/Huvyi2a.png
We also find another Zodiac thing in Treno
http://i.imgur.com/HjJixHY.png
Overcompensating much, Taurus?
This is also the city where you can trade them in for prizes but Imma hang on to them for now.
At this point you can leave the city, follow the forest outside of town, and find another special place before going on with the game.
http://i.imgur.com/bMFklTL.png
We find another coin there
http://i.imgur.com/SxiuwEF.png
And some special info...
http://i.imgur.com/p4nC8dd.png
http://i.imgur.com/NFLkC7O.png
And I will leave you to ponder that while you wait for the next update~
Will they find the supersoft? Will Garnet convince her mom to not be a power crazy warmonger? Will Steiner stop getting in to a tiff with everyone? Find out next time!
Formalhaut
05-12-2017, 01:41 PM
Good update!
I was genuinely surprised you go back and cure Blank of his petrification. It's certainly more thoughtful than what happens in FFIV...
Pumpkin
05-13-2017, 04:18 AM
Okay so back with Garnet and Steiner, we meet back up with Marcus in Treno and it does indeed seem that he has a lead on the Supersoft. So Garnet follows him while Steiner yells at her while following closely behind.
http://i.imgur.com/ZiUWONE.png
Baku also meets us there and checks to make sure Garnet is okay with becoming a criminal.
http://i.imgur.com/5nSXcjV.png
http://i.imgur.com/ZyQLXyl.png
Steiner's response sets Baku on a bit of a tangent.
http://i.imgur.com/t04lF3y.png
http://i.imgur.com/4D3QAID.png
http://i.imgur.com/NesGqpp.png
Steiner is, as expected, totally confused.
Meanwhile, at the auction house, the auctioneer asks Kuja how things went in Bermecia
http://i.imgur.com/k326lOJ.png
He also mentions seeing Garnet in the crowd earlier and the auctioneer asks if he wants a meeting arranged.
http://i.imgur.com/10EwYP4.png
http://i.imgur.com/AouRo9r.png
http://i.imgur.com/GHBM14b.png
o.o
So anyway, back on the little boat, Steiner and Garnet are having some introspection
http://i.imgur.com/XQULE6n.png
http://i.imgur.com/DAoxJZb.png
http://i.imgur.com/FDNLSlH.png
Worried slightly about what Baku said, Steiner tries to push those thoughts aside, while Garnet has some thoughts of her own.
http://i.imgur.com/RQS3y3R.png
She questions why she's even here with Zidane's friends trying to save Blank's life
http://i.imgur.com/n4C11S8.png
http://i.imgur.com/LljRWJp.png
We head in to the synthesis shop after hours to start looking for the Supersoft, but it isn't long before someone shows up
http://i.imgur.com/0LU4yK4.png
Turns out, it's an old friend of Garnet's looking for some ink.
http://i.imgur.com/Rp53GKl.png
http://i.imgur.com/AzVCQFe.png
Steiner assures him that they are not doing anything illegal at all, but Garnet explains what they're looking for.
http://i.imgur.com/fZPNsZJ.png
http://i.imgur.com/NeNFdDl.png
Another voice calls down, wondering what the ruckus is, and Dr. Tot quickly agrees to help us while taking care of the synthesis shop owner by pretending the noise was all him.
http://i.imgur.com/Ydh5X5V.png
Giving some time for Dr. Tot to prepare, we head back to report to Baku.
http://i.imgur.com/FENzhGw.png
http://i.imgur.com/dMUrUkz.png
How awkward, she's standing right there. Fortunately (or unfortunately?), Baku is a very honest man and doesn't try to play off his comment.
http://i.imgur.com/QEEQnjy.png
http://i.imgur.com/pXZKDRu.png
We head over to Dr. Tot's house and make pleasantries while Steiner apologize for what happened earlier.
http://i.imgur.com/42iiuEM.png
http://i.imgur.com/qx5qRIs.png
Marcus quickly does help himself, since that's the whole reason he's here.
http://i.imgur.com/ntg5hAC.png
Woo, good job team!
While here, Garnet asks what brings the good scholar to Treno, and it turns out he has a sponsor here. She also asks about the giant globe in the middle of the room and they go check it out from the inside.
http://i.imgur.com/CACd50S.png
It is slightly damaged, but, you know. This leads to Garnet reminiscing about when she was a child.
The memory starts with Dr. Tot rambling about Eidolons and stones that disappeared from texts 500 years ago.
http://i.imgur.com/SZGq3uv.png
He thinks that the royal jewel in the Alexandrian royal family is to small to be the one from legend.
http://i.imgur.com/5FMUcKb.png
Oh well, I'm sure it doesn't matter and that this will not tie in to the plot in any way whatsoever!
Little Garnet pops down to complain about how she doesn't like books except for that 'I Want to be Your Canary' one by Lord Byron.
http://i.imgur.com/j1p3vgA.png
Oh children. So precious. So stupid.
Back in the present, Dr. Tootsie assures Garnet of his loyalty to her if she ever needs any help.
http://i.imgur.com/DRA1fve.png
Also, don't look at her butt you perv, she's 16!!!
Taking him up on his offer, Garnet explains to him a little bit about what's been going on.
http://i.imgur.com/C0UI1k4.png
http://i.imgur.com/kRnNXCP.png
He tells her about an underground passage way leading back to Alexandria because of course.
http://i.imgur.com/9scKVeP.png
And so Marcus stays with us a bit longer too.
http://i.imgur.com/6Gy40c7.png
We also get to deliver a letter and find out about this love hexagon
http://i.imgur.com/1lxuyRA.png
http://i.imgur.com/6slPCuH.png
This is another good area to grind, especially since Steiner and Garnet are at a lower level than your previous party probably. It's super easy to just go back in to town and buy more stuff or rest at the Inn and there's a save moogle right there. It can be pretty dull though because there are only like 3 screens, but I would recommend doing some grinding here.
It's time to flip a few switches when ready
http://i.imgur.com/w9mqALP.png
The gargant is indeed a giant insect that kind of follows the tunnels. But there are ways to get it to change course by using food. By flipping the right switches, we get the gargant to stop for us so we can hope in it's nifty trolley and head back to Alexandria.
http://i.imgur.com/EniMOUt.png
Dr. Tot asks Steiner to protect the Princess
http://i.imgur.com/xNsNlNp.png
He says that he will always protect her but that he, a lowly knight, cannot exceed his authority. Dr. Tot seems to know which way the wind is blowing though and asks him to think long and hard about that and make up his own mind.
With that, we head out on the gargant. Not long after, it gets stopped by a weird beasty thing.
http://i.imgur.com/rQrBKAV.png
If you did grind this should be a pretty easy fight. Whack it a few times after you steal and it'll run away, or you can just wait a while and it'll also decide to run away.
After defeating the beasty, we head back on the trolley and stop off at Alexandria.
http://i.imgur.com/ZqRA8Ws.png
I guess it wasn't a part of the tour when he signed on as a knight.
http://i.imgur.com/5xtA8wt.png
http://i.imgur.com/i3vkrju.png
http://i.imgur.com/9cSh8TY.png
Steiner quickly came to regret not listening to the Princess.
http://i.imgur.com/RrMm7z9.png
He of course blames Marcus like Marcus could somehow do this? But unfortunately, while they fuss, another gate opens in front of them.
http://i.imgur.com/OFr8Enz.png
At this point, our two buddies Zorn and Thorn show up to tell us we're all under arrest.
http://i.imgur.com/YKU4FlG.png
http://i.imgur.com/6o8hte3.png
Seems that they have order to cease the Princess. Everyone exclaims in shock!
Meanwhile...
http://i.imgur.com/u9pk2kJ.png
http://i.imgur.com/axP78m4.png
http://i.imgur.com/lrwjvGZ.png
As you'll come to find out, he is 100% correct on this.
So with the agreement that they'll head to Cleyra, they stop and ponder where Garnet could be.
http://i.imgur.com/NjuqRR3.png
And despite putting on a brave face for the others, we learn that Zidane is actually very worried on the inside.
Stay tuned for next time~
Pumpkin
05-15-2017, 06:23 AM
I apologize in advance because this is going to be a massive update. It's a pretty climactic point in the story though so I guess it is what it is! Hopefully you can still enjoy it~
First we arrive in Cleyra
http://i.imgur.com/bnK0qAr.png
And have to climb aaaalll the way up that trunk to get to the settlement up top. Quina can learn Auto-Life and White Wind, both of which I would recommend snatching up while you're here. This area is also a prime example of how FFIX expects you to walk up against walls, because not all treasures can be seen. Also, make absolutely sure you do everything you want to do while you're here.
We get a mognet delivered:
http://i.imgur.com/zCnDi52.png
And then we eventually make our way up to Cleyra settlement
http://i.imgur.com/B7mqqKB.png
It's actually super pretty up here. Two Oracles were awaiting our arrival.
http://i.imgur.com/2OqLNvD.png
http://i.imgur.com/KnqBEud.png
I gathered. With that, we're offered a tour, which you can accept or decline. If this is your first time, I would highly recommend taking note of the path you follow during the tour. It might come in handy in a little bit.
http://i.imgur.com/gbyVn7B.png
http://i.imgur.com/mWZKIKp.png
http://i.imgur.com/vjf03L9.png
http://i.imgur.com/Fph2Bsn.png
After the tour of the pretty town, we're dropped back off where we started and we can begin exploring at our leisure. Visiting the Inn gets us this nifty letter from our friend Ruby!
http://i.imgur.com/0gjwDeF.png
This also brings a few ATE's out.
Quina, it seems, is not having a good time.
http://i.imgur.com/op7PEj5.png
S/e starts harassing the locals
http://i.imgur.com/uY7gSjp.png
Vivi, meanwhile, is being harassed
http://i.imgur.com/aDBdIyL.png
http://i.imgur.com/17X2U1D.png
They bully and chase poor Vivi in to the Inn :(
http://i.imgur.com/lrZtlt5.png
http://i.imgur.com/GIBkVIM.png
Thankfully the situation gets resolved and they see that Vivi is not their enemy. But at this point you can go check up at him in the Inn and he's still not feeling great, understandably.
Quina seems to be doing a bit better
http://i.imgur.com/5sFBUJm.png
http://i.imgur.com/oRITw8t.png
And we learn a bit more about the town
http://i.imgur.com/mRpiT3h.png
I dare you to just go out and say this to someone in public. This is the most fantasy nonsense ever.
http://i.imgur.com/9z07fEq.png
http://i.imgur.com/aSU5lcV.png
We go to meet up with Freya who asks us to head back to the Inn because she'll be a while. But on the way there we seem to find out about some kind of an emergency.
http://i.imgur.com/lN7qrPK.png
Well that doesn't seem like a good thing
http://i.imgur.com/jnz6abF.png
http://i.imgur.com/38ysfur.png
So while the oracle goes and does... uh... that, we rush off to rescue the kid. We run in to our other party members there because they wouldn't want us to do another boss fight solo right now.
http://i.imgur.com/26vr8Qo.png
http://i.imgur.com/7Snc284.png
http://i.imgur.com/26Y3Yfl.png
http://i.imgur.com/0rqwwNE.png
Oh look, it's our old friend Puck!
That whole scene was just magical btw
So we fight the Antlion. It's pretty simple, just Focus with Vivi while you Steal with Zidane and a few good Blizzara's should do the trick depending on how long stealing takes. I wouldn't worry about keeping your health at max because he'll just lower it with his sandstorm attack.
So we rescued Puck, who turns out to be a missing brat Prince
http://i.imgur.com/0k7MX0r.png
After Freya tells Puck that they should go check in with his father, the King, Puck decides to bolt it
http://i.imgur.com/7a9WOJq.png
http://i.imgur.com/1CjEPFG.png
He enslaved me and then ditched me when we got caught doing the illegal thing he put me up to doing and laughed at me when I almost fell to my death.
Good times.
Freya reports to the king that she found his son, who is still as mischievous as ever
http://i.imgur.com/uaJdr0q.png
http://i.imgur.com/ZNfO5sm.png
And he looks like he's 5 so I mean, good on him for leaving and adventuring from that young age.
http://i.imgur.com/a20neXg.png
That's right. It's dance party time.
http://i.imgur.com/1NZM7Bu.png
And thus the dancetastic ritual begins
http://i.imgur.com/0Up4nTo.png
One of these dancers is not like the others~
Unfortunately, a bad omen comes to be during the ceremonial dance
http://i.imgur.com/WTuWFtT.png
What does that mean?
It means this giant blue light appears and removes the protective sandstorm
http://i.imgur.com/pHuTBiF.png
http://i.imgur.com/NJRUl5b.png
Which is, you know, not good.
MEANWHILE
http://i.imgur.com/EAssOlf.png
http://i.imgur.com/lqFyNMC.png
Heh heh
Garnet is also at the castle, being upset about general goings on
http://i.imgur.com/tFzURie.png
http://i.imgur.com/x4bubYw.png
That's also around the time Kuja started showing up, if you can believe it.
Zorn and Thorn show up and order the Princess to go see the Queen
http://i.imgur.com/TUFWr6k.png
When that doesn't work to stop them, she tries another tactic
http://i.imgur.com/XgDmsgg.png
Unfortunately, her newly acquired slang simply confuses them and they drag her off
http://i.imgur.com/DPU06p7.png
http://i.imgur.com/RfHN5wh.png
http://i.imgur.com/Sl19JE6.png
Whether you choose to believe her obvious lie or not, Kuja decides to step in and be a creeper
http://i.imgur.com/ddYTvW6.png
And so he magic drugs her and puts her in a coma or something
http://i.imgur.com/JhkCrnd.png
So Zorn and Thorn drag her off to the basement
http://i.imgur.com/FeYicrT.png
And so they too start performing a ritualistic dance because that's apparently what the creators were in to at the time
http://i.imgur.com/7lHm62x.png
Back in Cleyra
http://i.imgur.com/rdy4MIj.png
But hey, at least you can see the sky now? And you won't get sand in your eyes as often?
No?
We also find out that some Alexandrian soldiers are headed up the trunk, as this mognet puts it.
http://i.imgur.com/ruQb1lY.png
You get to control Freya for a little bit, so make sure you check the mognet moogle in the Inn during this time and buy some goods from Stiltzkin. Head to the town entrance when you're prepared
The group meets up at the entrance
http://i.imgur.com/VXtaK83.png
Er... yeah.
And they start heading down while fighting off Alexandrian soldiers. That's when Freya notices that something is wrong right as Puck shows up
http://i.imgur.com/dY02Th6.png
http://i.imgur.com/KwaUDRW.png
And so we rush back to town to find it in chaos and being attacked by Black Mages
http://i.imgur.com/QMIBIhs.png
At this point, you'll have to guide survivors to the cathedral by giving them directions. They risk dying if you do it wrong and you'll get less goodies from them later. How do you know which way to go? It's the same way you went on your tour! Hope you were paying attention~
Also the moogle is off to the side where the Antlion was if you want to save and rest up.
Once we reach the top we find ourselves surrounded
http://i.imgur.com/xnQHPOb.png
And all of that rescue work went to waste!
Is what you might think, but an unlikely hero saves the day!
http://i.imgur.com/wgnhnCx.png
...rather poetically, for some reason?
Yup! It's Freya's long lost lover, Sir Fratley!
http://i.imgur.com/SAmzXwd.png
http://i.imgur.com/NXomu5h.png
...........................ouch
Turns out poor Sir Fratley has amnesia. Puck found him and he had no memory of anything, but still felt patriotic towards his duty as a dragon knight, so Puck brought him back to Cleyra
http://i.imgur.com/CoxZnkc.png
Vivi tries to check on Freya, who isn't the happiest at the moment
http://i.imgur.com/2uvglYV.png
http://i.imgur.com/KjFv8RW.png
http://i.imgur.com/sIL5Z1f.png
http://i.imgur.com/SF4L4GZ.png
As sad as that is though, we don't have much time to focus on it, because Beatrix decides to show up and steal the precious jewel!
http://i.imgur.com/8OAblIy.png
And so we chase her outside, but not before talking to the survivors and getting goodies and stuff. Also this would be a great time to remove equipment on Quina that you might want to have access to after Cleyra
Once outside, she kicks my butt again.
http://i.imgur.com/Xoi8X2Y.png
And they do withdraw using the magical floating, shimmering balls of plot coupon
http://i.imgur.com/y8zZCqT.png
So Zidane, Freya, and Vivi all decide to use the magical plot coupon and end up on Queen Brahne's airship
http://i.imgur.com/OLVrS9L.png
Quina decides not to come along
The Queen is rather enjoying herself
http://i.imgur.com/afV9Ggs.png
And she uses this opportunity to summon the Odin she stole from Garnet in that earlier scene
http://i.imgur.com/P5CCYtB.png
And Odin decides to throw his lance right at Cleyra, causing a few problems
http://i.imgur.com/jXjYEus.png
http://i.imgur.com/uu12oTw.png
Those problems being the complete and utter decimation of Cleyra.
http://i.imgur.com/tIL7xuN.png
And the Queen is absolutely giddy about it
Our heroes witnessed all of this and are understandably not coping well
http://i.imgur.com/7GYdEC0.png
http://i.imgur.com/BqkNygX.png
At that moment, Beatrix can be heard. She talks to one of her soldiers and shoots down the ass kissing she finds herself on the receiving end of
http://i.imgur.com/2pWKd5A.png
After sending the soldier away, she wonders about why Brahne would use the Eidolons and the Black Mages when he forces should have been enough
http://i.imgur.com/VlnM5ov.png
A few Black Mages go past, being told they're getting in the plot coupon pods to warp to Alexandria
http://i.imgur.com/DWXDMMP.png
Beatrix goes to report to the Queen, who snatches the jewel out of her hand without a word of gratitude
http://i.imgur.com/Va3WGnx.png
http://i.imgur.com/khY1SFr.png
http://i.imgur.com/aL8rvQ5.png
She states that Garnet will be executed when she gets back to Alexandria. Beatrix is visibly disturbed by this, and Zidane takes a fit from his eavesdropping spot
http://i.imgur.com/bDMTPDT.png
Vivi has a plan and takes them down to the pods.
Once you head downstairs, head back up and to the door where you were eavesdropping and you'll find a moogle friend there with another letter:
http://i.imgur.com/blKPTMJ.png
And that is where we will end things for now! Stay tuned for next time~
Pumpkin
05-16-2017, 05:18 AM
Alrighty, so Vivi, Zidane and Freya are in some escape pod nonsense things heading to Alexandria. In Alexandria...
http://i.imgur.com/xhxzRIH.png
YEAH!
So then you have to do this like swinging minigame which is more fun than it should be in order to crash in to the side and smash your way out of your prison cage.
http://i.imgur.com/nGYs9z0.png
After Steiner and Marcus escape, Marcus decides to ditch poor ol' Rusty
http://i.imgur.com/LHXxmbG.png
Luckily, and totally believably, our other heroes happen to teleport drop right beside him
http://i.imgur.com/SSY00PP.png
Steiner is overall not super excited to see them because he's a man on a mission
http://i.imgur.com/xiWIDlJ.png
http://i.imgur.com/jsacsjD.png
Of course, Steiner doesn't believe Zidane and so he must hear it straight from Vivi before he'll let it sink in
http://i.imgur.com/Eg8vwQP.png
http://i.imgur.com/9RVjJlG.png
Don't worry, this is more than enough time. Frustratingly, if you finish in 10 minutes she'll still show up very shortly afterwards. What happened to my other 20 minutes?!
During our escape Marcus provides us with a bit of help and gives a quick update to Zidane
http://i.imgur.com/Q0uX2y5.png
http://i.imgur.com/3RyCMci.png
At this point we run through the castle being "chased" by incompetent guards who take forever to react to you and won't follow you to the next screen.
"Oh no, they went in to the other room! No way I could follow them!"
Finally we arrive in the Queen's chambers or something
http://i.imgur.com/2FL5Q6g.png
Flipping the switch on the wall opens up a secret passage through the fireplace in to the dungeon below, where we find Garnet!
http://i.imgur.com/I0YvpS3.png
This leads to a laughably easy fight with Zorn and Thorn. Just focus with Vivi while stealing with Zidane. They both go down when one goes down. Also you can cancel out all of their spells by attacking the one who is charging the spell. It is entirely possible to avoid taking a single hit this whole fight.
http://i.imgur.com/Cqs9UA9.png
And so we rush over to the Princess to see her laying on the cold, hard, stone floor, and that just can't be comfortable.
http://i.imgur.com/CzGl7c6.png
Steiner doesn't handle it well
http://i.imgur.com/sRn8KFq.png
Freya has some good news though
http://i.imgur.com/ti82tyt.png
http://i.imgur.com/vmhMHzA.png
Look at Steiner's pitiful face back there
After that we get to heroically carry Garnet all the way back upstairs and we also get another mognet!
http://i.imgur.com/LkwPOkW.png
Meanwhile
http://i.imgur.com/WcIBHFF.png
You go Marcus!
Back with our heroes, Steiner is finally starting to realize that maybe blind loyalty isn't always the best thing
http://i.imgur.com/w4zAjwP.png
Zidane struggles with what's happened to Garnet
http://i.imgur.com/9ORBbNZ.png
http://i.imgur.com/udMJHqO.png
http://i.imgur.com/TTlFgEB.png
http://i.imgur.com/LFXepIJ.png
I sense character development~
Before too much of that can happen though, Beatrix arrives to kick our butts
http://i.imgur.com/RfWbufQ.png
Can I just say how amazing Beatrix's hair and coat are?
http://i.imgur.com/bF7BPQq.png
So she beats us up again
http://i.imgur.com/UzgjnhK.png
Zidane decides to try words this time because fighting her obviously doesn't work
http://i.imgur.com/yqdBKIa.png
Poor Vivi over there
He also asks her what her duty is
http://i.imgur.com/DpaXLsk.png
He then points out the comatose Princess on the couch
http://i.imgur.com/xTGePmh.png
Anyone else like how Zorn and Thorn are just chillin there while this is all going on?
She tells them about how the Queen was planning to execute Garnet when she got back
http://i.imgur.com/6kbjiSp.png
http://i.imgur.com/BM30ntQ.png
http://i.imgur.com/0DnDdMN.png
Freya tells her it's too late to seek forgiveness (because of the whole mass destruction of both of her homes)
http://i.imgur.com/HTcg0QN.png
And so she tries with a little bit of encouragement from the jesters
http://i.imgur.com/UbFU5ga.png
Thankfully they are wrong and the Princess comes to
http://i.imgur.com/WcnDi5D.png
Brahne also chooses this moment to come check up on us
http://i.imgur.com/CC4u5F0.png
And like children, Zorn and Thorn tattle on us
http://i.imgur.com/6wqP5vw.png
This time though, Beatrix decides enough is enough
http://i.imgur.com/D3ZhAcs.png
Freya also stays behind to help out and allow the others time to escape and we get to do a few fights with Beatrix in the next section, yaaay
So we run all the way back down to escape when Steiner decides to get all existential on us
http://i.imgur.com/RbUJGef.png
Well, there are many theories, Steiner. Some think it's the work of a higher being, whereas other...
http://i.imgur.com/v851LyW.png
http://i.imgur.com/hJ0O9Wr.png
Oh you meant why aren't you fighting with them. Oh, my bad.
http://i.imgur.com/7S2SEcl.png
And with that, he rushes back up to help the ladies who could probably curb stomp him if they wanted to
http://i.imgur.com/vXXPVj7.png
http://i.imgur.com/g7b8xc4.png
Freya and Beatrix are slightly higher up, still fighting the good fight
http://i.imgur.com/WBfdCEB.png
SPOILER! It is
But even if it wasn't, the Knight in Rusted Armour has arrived!
http://i.imgur.com/M1HtGBn.png
http://i.imgur.com/nU6esXk.png
Zidane, Vivi, and Garnet, meanwhile, get stuck in the same trap as earlier. Oh, also, when you're passing by the door where you found Garnet, it's a good idea to go save, tent, and mognet at this time
http://i.imgur.com/NiUO093.png
This time in the trap, Marcus saves us again with the help of the newly freed Blank!
http://i.imgur.com/NL2N3Rz.png
They say their hellos and explain what happened
http://i.imgur.com/YGW7GFc.png
http://i.imgur.com/jZIXjoH.png
Blank is, understandably, a little behind the times.
Anyways, they hold up the enemy so we can get to the gargan. Seeing everyone staying behind and fighting, Garnet feels conflicted
http://i.imgur.com/o9Ip7TR.png
http://i.imgur.com/WHhgLag.png
I also like how Vivi's already chillin in the seat like "I mean, I'm getting out of here so..."
So off we go on the gargan, destination Treno, since Steiner actually entrusted Zidane with the Princess amazingly
http://i.imgur.com/bCEC1jd.png
Sadly the poor gargan finds itself one again harassed by an ugly snake thing
http://i.imgur.com/I6jZYEm.png
This boss fight is a bit more annoying since he likes to cast mini on your part but not too difficult. We defeat the monster and get back on the gargan, but it still isn't smooth sailing from there
http://i.imgur.com/l71tnYh.png
And because it's chasing us...
http://i.imgur.com/dt8FQRg.png
We fly right by Treno
Not only that, but it seems we've reached the end of the line
http://i.imgur.com/m9OJVuo.png
And fall we do.
Back at Alexandria Castle, Queen Brahne is expecting some guests
http://i.imgur.com/Q3glbkY.png
Uh oh~
Anyways, her guests
http://i.imgur.com/URg9huL.png
Yeah...
http://i.imgur.com/dtzwWNM.png
http://i.imgur.com/1XDJpwE.png
As much as I dislike Lani, that was a pretty slick response
So the two bounty hunters get their orders
http://i.imgur.com/L77FrMm.png
http://i.imgur.com/ryRp7V9.png
NO NOT VIVI D:!!!!
She also specifies that it's the pendant she wants and she couldn't care less about Garnet's fate. The other bounty hunter is only really interested in Zidane, who he heard was traveling with the Princess
Our heroes at this point have crash landed
http://i.imgur.com/AUlzT5i.png
Yeah
http://i.imgur.com/NttzRsq.png
http://i.imgur.com/24ntQCt.png
But before our plans can be put in to motion, we meet an unexpected celebrity
http://i.imgur.com/RUGnVla.png
http://i.imgur.com/gBjg2Nq.png
He makes Garnet feel guilty and powerless and asks her what she wants to do
http://i.imgur.com/Y8qf7Cc.png
After being reassured by her that she doesn't want to use her summon magic to cause more destruction, Ramuh considers lending her his power
http://i.imgur.com/8Dt0bPN.png
We have to find all 5 Ramuh's who will each give us a piece of a story, which we the have to compile!
We also get another mognet!
http://i.imgur.com/Qqou0aj.png
See you next time~
Formalhaut
05-16-2017, 07:29 AM
~exciting~ plot stuff!
Worrying about Quina though! Hope they made it out okay!
Galuf
05-16-2017, 11:15 PM
Yeah the scene where my favourite character Quina dies. Is so heartwrenching. Its in my top 5 saddest moments in ff for sure. Rip quina you will be missed. Not by many. But by me atleast!
What do you mean she doesnt die? Pfft way to ruin the moment!
also oh god I envy those graphics. they are so... smooothhh
Pumpkin
05-18-2017, 05:22 AM
So we go around Pinnacle Rock looking for the 5 story pieces but PLOT TWIST
http://i.imgur.com/5rFpVsc.png
We only need 4! There are actually two different endings to choose from. Here is the story:
http://i.imgur.com/T7dgyks.png
http://i.imgur.com/ILsOjOG.png
http://i.imgur.com/xvZOtKn.png
(Shoutouts to FFII)
And the two possible endings:
http://i.imgur.com/zcG3q9F.png
http://i.imgur.com/AjuNdCX.png
But I won't tell you which one I picked, I'll just leave that up to you to choose which one you like more!
With the story properly compiled, Ramuh agrees to help Garnet
http://i.imgur.com/kbaZUjq.png
Yay summon~
http://i.imgur.com/Cn224Ht.png
FFIX just casually dropping incredibly valuable life lessons in one sentence
http://i.imgur.com/y2emjPM.png
http://i.imgur.com/rcU2u2r.png
Ramuh's voice magically appears to answer Zidane while also dropping some more great life lessons
http://i.imgur.com/GXYVKZG.png
http://i.imgur.com/vcuZskf.png
http://i.imgur.com/RG9Eu6e.png
Aww how happy is this. Finally things are going good!
http://i.imgur.com/sXp6qrZ.png
Well I hope you're not getting too happy because I have some bad news
http://i.imgur.com/HLTGGdA.png
It sure is buddy! Here to bomb the crap out of Lindblum!
http://i.imgur.com/NaHrqUo.png
Brahne also sends in the black mages, of course
http://i.imgur.com/bypcgMT.png
Which leads Zidane to noting some similarities to what's happening here and what happened in Cleyra
http://i.imgur.com/yMjM4e3.png
So Garnet and the others rush off but something stops Garnet in her tracks
http://i.imgur.com/Z3a1nTd.png
Oh look, Zidane was right
http://i.imgur.com/p4gOOqX.png
Atomos is just friggin creepy looking, isn't he?
So anyways, gravity Eidolon Atomos shows up to suck up a huge chunk of Lindblum
http://i.imgur.com/BkVrTcR.png
Imagine looking outside and seeing that how terrifying that would be
Sadly, all our heroes can do is watch on
http://i.imgur.com/Gdg6PFI.png
http://i.imgur.com/AfcsMDD.png
Garnet's face is just heartbreaking
We head to the heavily damaged Lindblum where Vivi is told to stay back
http://i.imgur.com/YIykUps.png
Because of the whole Black Mage thing
We learn that things are not going well in Lindblum. Some soldiers are pretty happy
http://i.imgur.com/mLc2dgW.png
And people everywhere have lost family
http://i.imgur.com/sArlXL8.png
Zidane also stumbles upon a group that seems to want to torture one of the Black Mages
http://i.imgur.com/k0PvjNm.png
http://i.imgur.com/c4zdzqN.png
Unfortunately, they don't take well to Zidane's interference
http://i.imgur.com/SZbfxeZ.png
You can also stop by the Inn to get some more Mognets
http://i.imgur.com/k5pWncG.png
http://i.imgur.com/Ld10t8L.png
You can actually find Lowell in the Theatre District in a little bit when the cable cars run again before setting off. You can also find a woman panicking over finding her husband who was in the Industrial District which is 100% gone now. And he daughter is just there wondering why her mom is crying.
Ugh. The feels
http://i.imgur.com/wC2DnsG.png
See?
So after meeting up with Minister Artania, he takes us to see the Regent
http://i.imgur.com/RuIJKal.png
http://i.imgur.com/6xc3zLP.png
Garnet is still worried about those who were left behind
http://i.imgur.com/cGZfv4s.png
http://i.imgur.com/Oe5W4M7.png
Around this time, poor Vivi shows up in custody of the Lindblum soldiers
http://i.imgur.com/WJY2esC.png
http://i.imgur.com/5duk8b4.png
They pretend Vivi is disguised to fool the enemy. Poor Vivi being discriminated against
So now it's time to get down to business
http://i.imgur.com/gPEuWxX.png
http://i.imgur.com/ZGcKLio.png
So that means
http://i.imgur.com/cRZIRbK.png
And where do we find Kuja?
http://i.imgur.com/5DO1ja6.png
Oooh~ But how will we get there? Zidane suggests an airship
http://i.imgur.com/xOMT2Rc.png
So he asks about the new airship that can fly without mist. Seems that's also a no go
http://i.imgur.com/2WEmQjH.png
http://i.imgur.com/X11Ttwq.png
http://i.imgur.com/HsOO2tC.png
The harbour is also a no go because Brahne also has that seized. So how are we supposed to get there?
http://i.imgur.com/jxcRgtS.png
http://i.imgur.com/7imxiLO.png
Sure that sounds like a really good and not at all unreliable plan. Luckily for us, we're in a video game and 99% of rumours are true!
Before you head out you can go to the Theatre District to get Lowell, check on your two mini-thief friends at the Tantalus hideout, and pick up some stuff, including new things available for synthesis.
Speaking of synthesis, you may remember the shopkeeps son not taking his job seriously and making the flame too hot. Well now his dad's hands were badly burned by Black Mages, so he's trying to make a serious go at taking over since his dad can't synthesize anymore. He still has a ways to go unfortunately
http://i.imgur.com/4Y2P1ZX.png
BUT he is getting better and as a result, new stuff can be synthesized!
Once you're ready, it's time to sneak in to the castle and head to the Falcon's Gate, where Garnet expresses concern about venturing in to largely unexplored territory. She also worries that she'll lose Zidane and Vivi and wonders if she could manage by herself
http://i.imgur.com/BSqiQ93.png
http://i.imgur.com/pFNb26J.png
We also see that Brahne and the Alexandrian troops are planning a long sea journey...
When we arrive downstairs, Cid shows up after having sabotaged the enemy
http://i.imgur.com/NO0VBnc.png
Having bought us some time, he gives us a world map and sends us on our way
We stop on the way for another mognet
http://i.imgur.com/wI2UY56.png
And head to Qu's Marsh to look for the cave
BUUUUUT we can't get help to the Outer Continent without a little help from an old friend
http://i.imgur.com/qLIpg1r.png
http://i.imgur.com/2oOdw9R.png
And so Quina agrees to help us look because more yummy yummies.
(This is also the point where Quina becomes mandatory, everything before this was optional)
And now is a good time for a bit more grinding and side activities, so the next update might take a bit longer
Stay tuned~
Formalhaut
05-18-2017, 06:27 AM
Oh so Quina was optional before this? Interesting! Glad to see they're alive again!
Also, wow this game is getting seriously dark now.
Galuf
05-18-2017, 11:23 AM
LONG LIVE THE QUIN (a)
formy your awesome because most people want to see her die :cry:
Pumpkin
05-19-2017, 07:47 PM
So now that you're back on the world map, you can do some more Chocobo Hot & Cold and get a few more items! Also collect any chocographs you may have missed
http://i.imgur.com/RObLSQ8.png
And we get to show off Choco's new look!
http://i.imgur.com/YP4jfym.png
http://i.imgur.com/yr4wP35.png
Alright then.
This is also a good time for some frog catching and grinding. You won't gain much exp but you can get a good 2 AP per fight around chocobo's forest most of the time. If you have equipment that teaches Ability Up, absolutely prioritize learning that for everyone you can and make sure to equip it. I'd learn and equip level up second.
So we head back to Qu's Marsh and speak with our old friend
http://i.imgur.com/A6jEsxk.png
After Quale's usually maybe, maybe not thing, he gives us some info
http://i.imgur.com/pUp6f9c.png
So leave his house and head to the far right to trigger a scene
http://i.imgur.com/BguR2At.png
http://i.imgur.com/w59idQK.png
This leads to the entrance we seek as Quina blasts though the chains guarding it while chasing frogs
http://i.imgur.com/OXxHric.png
http://i.imgur.com/IZs4WnZ.png
S/he does lose the frog though :(
http://i.imgur.com/t8aVixT.png
Frog heartbreak aside, it is time to venture forth!
http://i.imgur.com/Na8wyUw.png
Yaaaay!
Except we immediately get chased by this ugly thing when we enter
http://i.imgur.com/XS74nYz.png
Booo!
After dodging axes, the thing falls in to a pit
Yaaaay!
http://i.imgur.com/Ivq954V.png
But we're not out of danger yet!
http://i.imgur.com/bSylPRZ.png
Man this has been an emotional rollercoaster
Bounty Hunter Lani appears and Zidane begins flirting before being scolded
http://i.imgur.com/S77ZaOX.png
http://i.imgur.com/raKeP4G.png
http://i.imgur.com/qv2RJ8Y.png
Buuuuut Lani isn't there to return Garnet to Alexandria
http://i.imgur.com/OFgRsLT.png
http://i.imgur.com/qUjpBqz.png
This leads to a boss fight. Lani's going to mostly target Garnet so keep her healed up
After the fight, Lani withdraws
http://i.imgur.com/tOLTTHA.png
And we get to further explore Fossil Roo! We find some untamed garngans which can be used to ravel around
http://i.imgur.com/hO2O5Yt.png
And we also meet a treasure hunter
http://i.imgur.com/CbkudTu.png
He gives us some helpful tips to explain the water and switch system used to navigate Fossil Roo
http://i.imgur.com/QDVKG6h.png
http://i.imgur.com/mRREnUE.png
We also run in to our friend Stiltzkin!
http://i.imgur.com/hyXDa6W.png
And get another mognet
http://i.imgur.com/MKoGNeQ.png
Sure enough, you can find this moogle through an excavating mini game. Just go to the far right wall on the top level when you're offered to dig in exchange for potions. There's also some good treasures around here and a few more black magic spells Quina can learn
Eventually, after flipping the right switches...
http://i.imgur.com/kyePZZi.png
Our friends are amazed at the lack of mist as they emerge on to the outer continent. Our first stop is
http://i.imgur.com/03xEpMR.png
http://i.imgur.com/i3Tx2uO.png
Quina runs off, excited about the prospect of new food and Zidane makes a comment about food being all s/he cares about
http://i.imgur.com/fE0V3ki.png
Roasted
http://i.imgur.com/mar86rV.png
Zidane tries to be smooth before realizing Garnet has already walked off and Vivi's the only one left
http://i.imgur.com/SrC5CPx.png
http://i.imgur.com/0Dq86lU.png
So anyway, in to Conde Petie we go!
http://i.imgur.com/vac7bT6.png
After an attempted greeting of Rally-Ho, Garnet and Vivi are allowed to enter the town, but Zidane is being a bit more stubborn
http://i.imgur.com/sKI6zIm.png
With that out of the way, let's explore the new town!
Vivi gets in the middle of a marital disagreement
http://i.imgur.com/li3EFqD.png
http://i.imgur.com/WMsGUV1.png
But is surprised to find the dwarfs are not afraid of him
http://i.imgur.com/A3I3JWj.png
http://i.imgur.com/ICOtTi9.png
Quina gets mistaken for the thief that's been ravaging the town
http://i.imgur.com/kGEJWd2.png
http://i.imgur.com/2xKfS6b.png
http://i.imgur.com/eqbgpOt.png
http://i.imgur.com/9SFITs7.png
Poor Quina
Zidane searches for information
http://i.imgur.com/4kmvAre.png
http://i.imgur.com/n1VOKRg.png
Without much luck
Garnet gets swept up in a conversation about someone looking for a wife for their son and suggesting maybe Garnet
http://i.imgur.com/ERTtgB2.png
http://i.imgur.com/eYF8Wpd.png
We also get a strange visitor in town...
http://i.imgur.com/CdT2DtU.png
And speaking of that thief that's been ravaging the town
http://i.imgur.com/TzvSXnY.png
http://i.imgur.com/BEF6581.png
Hmm~
While out shopping, we run in to the strange visitor
http://i.imgur.com/6YMvUhQ.png
Vivi is quite excited, but the Black Mage gets spooked and runs away
Thankfully, the locals have some helpful information for us
http://i.imgur.com/HuF3KZF.png
Next time, we go see what's going on with these Black Mages
Stay tuned~
BTW Pumpkin, I read on reddit that there's an HD Backgrounds mod out for FFIX Steam!
Pumpkin
05-20-2017, 03:35 PM
Interesting!
Galuf
05-20-2017, 06:50 PM
Ok. Soon we will see 10000 screenshots of every turn pumkin has trying to get the fairy flute from hillgigars
also I really like how square actually like. Understood our speak and gave it to the dwarves. Its funny
Pumpkin
05-20-2017, 06:51 PM
pff
Ok. Soon we will see 10000 screenshots of every jump pumpkin has on the jump rope
ftfy
I know she's been saving it up
Pumpkin
05-22-2017, 02:28 AM
On our way to track down the Black Mages, we run in to another friendly creature!
http://i.imgur.com/JEQGEiY.png
And then we arrive in a strange forest
http://i.imgur.com/xOnfFio.png
Basically you walk back and forth until all of the owls fly away. After that, you'll catch up with the Black Mage, who is using magic to show that the apparently dead forest is actually lush and beautiful
http://i.imgur.com/aMnqiWN.png
We follow him to find that this was covering a special village
http://i.imgur.com/cHapIs7.png
This is one of my favourite sections of the game, it's so wonderful
Our arrival, however, is not taken very well by the locals
http://i.imgur.com/f8tfoh7.png
Vivi is obviously quite excited and runs off to chase the runaway Black Mages. Garnet chases after him, and Quina goes to try and eat a chocobo egg being housed in the village
http://i.imgur.com/WC0i0BL.png
Vivi meets up with some other black mages
http://i.imgur.com/u3nXUyJ.png
After deciding it's okay to talk to him, Vivi asks how they got here.
http://i.imgur.com/FUh1hOa.png
http://i.imgur.com/3ROm3Gv.png
When Vivi asks what the place is where they're currently standing, he gets a very straight answer
http://i.imgur.com/qCFhkTL.png
He also gets a story from Mr. 56 explaining things a bit further
http://i.imgur.com/12IcLlp.png
http://i.imgur.com/D9hMI23.png
http://i.imgur.com/1Jhsi9n.png
http://i.imgur.com/2zGbpPt.png
Garnet meanwhile is having some trouble conversing with the locals at first, who don't trust her and think humans are just out to use them. Eventually she wins them over, though
We also find Virgo
http://i.imgur.com/k6K02g1.png
And then head over to check on Garnet
http://i.imgur.com/mU2aLxb.png
She goes out to check for him and we find Vivi running off, obviously upset. We go see Mr. 288 to learn a bit more about the situation
http://i.imgur.com/uV1aWdn.png
http://i.imgur.com/O10ToPZ.png
When Zidane answers no, Mr. 288 explains it was the same for him. One day he just became aware
http://i.imgur.com/NqWDvtp.png
http://i.imgur.com/9g1Gvux.png
Imagine just waking up one day to find you murdered people. That would be terrifying
http://i.imgur.com/uFJmD12.png
We also learn a bit more about what happened since
http://i.imgur.com/SPE8gPW.png
With a bit of a clue as to why Vivi is upset, we go see him in the Inn
http://i.imgur.com/eaMXYYP.png
Vivi makes it clear that he doesn't want to talk about it right now by pretending everything is fine, so we decide to call it a day
During the night, Garnet sees Vivi leave alone and gets concerned
http://i.imgur.com/Cn0TWrK.png
http://i.imgur.com/UKoTAbc.png
Joking aside, Zidane has a more serious explanation of what's probably going on
http://i.imgur.com/Q4KfqPO.png
http://i.imgur.com/vbDUZnP.png
So what might he be looking for?
http://i.imgur.com/Ad8bnNz.png
This also leads in to a story Zidane has about a man looking for his home
http://i.imgur.com/WAe65Ox.png
http://i.imgur.com/49Vh40I.png
http://i.imgur.com/th8DkVS.png
Gee, I wonder who this story is about
http://i.imgur.com/EYoXmTE.png
http://i.imgur.com/0u5ngPs.png
Unfortunately, he didn't succeed in finding his birthplace
http://i.imgur.com/VHH7tWS.png
http://i.imgur.com/3rbDKkC.png
http://i.imgur.com/QCJ7nGa.png
http://i.imgur.com/du6Qd81.png
http://i.imgur.com/GkSSov9.png
After that... sad story, we see Vivi has gone back to talk to Mr. 288 again
http://i.imgur.com/gn1TMLf.png
http://i.imgur.com/ri8dOAX.png
http://i.imgur.com/8ltVxkV.png
http://i.imgur.com/3IwJLrW.png
And thus poor, sweet, innocent Vivi has to start facing the fact that he too will die someday
http://i.imgur.com/cSjgOaP.png
http://i.imgur.com/mNxIz84.png
Maybe someday soon :(
Mr. 288 himself is still not sure how he feels about dying
http://i.imgur.com/V18skk6.png
http://i.imgur.com/O5zoaZv.png
http://i.imgur.com/7vXTASo.png
Aww
The next morning, we get some intel from one of our new Black Mage friends
http://i.imgur.com/Rfy50Rk.png
http://i.imgur.com/VbKcgLz.png
Just as the group wonders if Vivi is going to choose to stay here with his fellow Black Mages, he runs up to us
http://i.imgur.com/VFsty32.png
And so we once again embark on our journey after meeting new friends
http://i.imgur.com/iheWFT7.png
And getting another letter
http://i.imgur.com/K3ggRF9.png
Wasn't that a wonderful bit of story?
Stay tuned for next time where there may or may not be a super weird wedding between two characters~
Galuf
05-22-2017, 10:45 AM
Watch out. This is where the game gets sad. Maybe just me though lol.
also if you see yeti... tell him he is not ugly. He is on the edge of despair right now he can use any help he can get :(
Also goodluck on condie petie lol.
Pumpkin
05-22-2017, 08:09 PM
Before heading back to Conde Petie, we say goodbye to the villagers
http://i.imgur.com/6TwWeWE.png
I'm right there with you, buddy
Also in all of my playthroughs, I never checked these paintings before
http://i.imgur.com/WohiLOU.png
That's neat.
So we head back to Conde Petie
http://i.imgur.com/BYM3bWn.png
But unfortunately we cannot pass
http://i.imgur.com/GnF9yLR.png
http://i.imgur.com/RsjHjJe.png
And we have to go speak tae His Holiness who is wandering around a hallway and worrying
http://i.imgur.com/cE0s1AU.png
He also tells us we cannot pass, unless...
http://i.imgur.com/AjKCgiy.png
http://i.imgur.com/2HX1sTg.png
Zidane jokingly tells Garnet they should go for it to get through to the Sanctuary
http://i.imgur.com/xEYbEUc.png
Zidane is quite shocked by this, saying that this isn't enough reason to get married, but Garnet is determined to go through with it
http://i.imgur.com/dGP0lva.png
http://i.imgur.com/f2NpNYD.png
Important questions to ask during a wedding
http://i.imgur.com/YDpckcf.png
.....................................
So anyway, Garnet and Zidane get married
http://i.imgur.com/nsSX6vS.png
http://i.imgur.com/8S79rR4.png
Aw
http://i.imgur.com/tTiHqxT.png
Pretty sure that's what they say in Vegas
But that still leaves another matter
http://i.imgur.com/j6hfJQz.png
http://i.imgur.com/heHPwRQ.png
Mueheheheehehehe
http://i.imgur.com/GjGmJfq.png
http://i.imgur.com/Cf3wyCQ.png
So after a rather awkward ceremony, Quina and Vivi tie the knot. Quina decides to be a good sport about things
http://i.imgur.com/f8LCXIi.png
Awww
So we head to see the twins but we're soon interrupted by another matter
http://i.imgur.com/vtLfk1K.png
http://i.imgur.com/AkmXT5Q.png
And so the tiny thief and her moogle collaborator dash off and we chase after them. This would be a good time to unequip Quina btw
http://i.imgur.com/YUom2qq.png
We catch up to her pretty quickly because she got stuck on a branch over a cliff. When he moogle sees us, she runs away
http://i.imgur.com/WPxKJxL.png
http://i.imgur.com/hLGyWJy.png
The little girl gets spooked and urges us not to eat her because she tastes bad
http://i.imgur.com/SLTjzFK.png
Not totally deterred, Quina goes chasing off after the escaped moogle and knocks the girl down in the process
http://i.imgur.com/w6SVwGd.png
She immediately starts picking on Vivi for being smaller than her because she's not a "kid" like him and then picks on him because she introduces herself first and says he should introduce himself to a lady first
http://i.imgur.com/xoAtJBm.png
And thus we get our newest party member!
http://i.imgur.com/pluVkkh.png
http://i.imgur.com/zJsu4RU.png
Valid reason
Garnet decides its a good idea to take Eiko home, and when Zidane agrees while indicating that they're newlyweds, Eiko gets curious
http://i.imgur.com/8NHC4kP.png
http://i.imgur.com/XjZt3cb.png
http://i.imgur.com/pwnQutG.png
The Zidane rejection train continues
http://i.imgur.com/AaHRwNx.png
And so we start heading to Eiko's house, getting a look at the Sanctuary on our way
http://i.imgur.com/pxBWnkA.png
We learn from Eiko that it's actually valled the Iifa Tree
http://i.imgur.com/jy4fG0q.png
Turns out only the dwarfs call it that
There's also another mognet letter
http://i.imgur.com/tVP3Hl2.png
And we once again meet up with Stiltzkin
http://i.imgur.com/jj8aoUS.png
Further on our way to Eiko's house we run in to a terribly annoying boss fight
http://i.imgur.com/WR6R8Fb.png
This fool. If you care about stealing, be prepared for a long one. Get a sandwich and a drink and a blanket and settle in for a little while
During the boss fight, we learn that Eiko can also use summon magic
http://i.imgur.com/8Z6JKpK.png
http://i.imgur.com/dNhL1Ql.png
http://i.imgur.com/P5su9PN.png
And thus a bond is formed!
Imma end here because stealing that stupid flute took way too long, but next time we will head to Eiko's house!
Galuf
05-23-2017, 01:02 PM
Wow pumpkin... didnt know youd resort to cheating just to pretend you stole the flute. Im reporting you to shauna.
Depression Moon
05-24-2017, 09:42 PM
Just looking at images of this game makes me feel good.
Pumpkin
05-25-2017, 05:57 PM
Today we learn more about our new friend Eiko as we take her home!
http://i.imgur.com/ODoBlhm.png
http://i.imgur.com/OndwWje.png
Zidane, as polite as ever
http://i.imgur.com/BEYT3JN.png
Since Eiko is home, her moogle friends come out to greet her
http://i.imgur.com/oDl8B9s.png
Mog comes out of hiding and gets fussed at
http://i.imgur.com/Uj6tWV4.png
We head further in to the village and Eiko is all about her hero Zidane
http://i.imgur.com/hnAMLSN.png
Zidane has some questions of his own for the tiny summoner
http://i.imgur.com/ByXDUCR.png
But instead of answering, she barrages him with questions
http://i.imgur.com/MYxWA3E.png
Since he doesn't get a chance to answer, I will try to answer for him!
He doesn't know
16
Steal
After Kuja
http://i.imgur.com/y3W7yUi.png
The kind that doesn't have sleeping weed in it
???
???
Garnet
Noticing that Garnet seems a little out of it, Zidane goes to check on her and thinks maybe she's jealous
http://i.imgur.com/gdJ2COm.png
http://i.imgur.com/fyn5hwg.png
http://i.imgur.com/Qa9K58q.png
With that, Eiko invites us to dinner
http://i.imgur.com/ZUtNBMO.png
Speaking of Vivi, he's stuck tackling with the recent news about how Black Mages have been dying
http://i.imgur.com/R42hWmu.png
http://i.imgur.com/N1L4CJ6.png
And he starts asking the questions we've been asking ourselves forever
http://i.imgur.com/YYT4OUS.png
http://i.imgur.com/sp9oY24.png
Eiko, meanwhile, starts prepping for dinner
http://i.imgur.com/lyh1aF2.png
http://i.imgur.com/QPkYIRN.png
Er... yeah
http://i.imgur.com/jRWgbxW.png
Puehehe
http://i.imgur.com/4k82TaJ.png
As everyone gets to their tasks of helping, Eiko looks up at the sky and asks her Grandpa for help
http://i.imgur.com/vjsc0xa.png
While in Madain Sari, we also get another piece of our Zodiac story!
http://i.imgur.com/i7NdD1A.png
And we see that Garnet is having some struggles of her own
http://i.imgur.com/hvzuHi0.png
http://i.imgur.com/o18F17k.png
http://i.imgur.com/FHGhsLz.png
And you thought you had parental issues
http://i.imgur.com/YUNxral.png
http://i.imgur.com/QHJEdVg.png
http://i.imgur.com/6YXNaD5.png
And so two of our characters needed to go to a whole new continent to learn more about themselves.
This is why they tell you to travel after high school!
We head to Eidolon Wall to find that access is restricted. But we do see an old friend
http://i.imgur.com/l0pgPbI.png
Upset by the subpar sand, Quina jumps in to a river
Where s/he is soon fished out
http://i.imgur.com/wgrcjq1.png
http://i.imgur.com/8WgUqih.png
Speaking of which, when cooking with Eiko, make sure to prepare enough water for at least 11 people and help the moogle out when they're fishing in order to fish out Quina
Still not done cooking, we are offered a tour of Eidolon Wall
http://i.imgur.com/wRDmwI4.png
We also go get Garnet, figuring she'd like to see this
http://i.imgur.com/FkoyHFu.png
http://i.imgur.com/qOnE3jg.png
While Garnet learns more about the eidolons, we learn more about the summoners as well
http://i.imgur.com/48QGk0W.png
http://i.imgur.com/9Ch1c9y.png
Meanwhile, after fishing up Quina
http://i.imgur.com/JlMIz4X.png
http://i.imgur.com/obnffFv.png
Quina quickly clears up the misunderstanding, more concerned with helping Eiko prepare a proper meal
http://i.imgur.com/BaXim9H.png
http://i.imgur.com/8Sb0gVu.png
With Quina and Vivi's help, dinner is finally prepared and it is amazing
http://i.imgur.com/Mv5zQ24.png
http://i.imgur.com/r7MJtYp.png
And my screencap got photobombed by a moogle apparently
During dinner we ask Eiko more about herself and this place
http://i.imgur.com/YBoMv7h.png
http://i.imgur.com/vD60ynT.png
(That means they're dead)
http://i.imgur.com/1A6XdCk.png
Aww poor child
Although living with moogles doesn't seem like a bad time tbh
http://i.imgur.com/PsKg2sG.png
(That means she's six)
http://i.imgur.com/CzCghom.png
So most of them died and after her grandpa... well she was the last one left
http://i.imgur.com/gNdcnAC.png
http://i.imgur.com/p9YhqBi.png
We also learn about the horn on her forehead
http://i.imgur.com/9PnoXBP.png
Afterwards, her and Garnet chat about literature that they're surprised Eiko has copies of since she's so far away from the Mist Continent.
After dinner, Eiko asks if Zidane wants to eat her cooking everyday and he says sure. Not satisfied with his half-assed answer, she asks us to help with the cleaning
http://i.imgur.com/Ws3osWh.png
While helping (or in this case standing there holding a pot) we ask her more about the Iifa Tree
http://i.imgur.com/5ucxOU9.png
http://i.imgur.com/xy47f8D.png
We ask her if she'll break the seal for us and she says no
Later that night, Vivi and Zidane do some male bonding
http://i.imgur.com/nbx3cQ8.png
http://i.imgur.com/Hq3LNUh.png
Time for a Zidane peptalk!
http://i.imgur.com/MGla25p.png
http://i.imgur.com/ffsjZ2p.png
http://i.imgur.com/9purhz4.png
He then tells Vivi that he just wants to protect those he cares about
Eiko, who was eavesdropping, decides that she's going to follow her heart and come with us when we leave
http://i.imgur.com/m1Kppvg.png
Meanwhile
http://i.imgur.com/rxDjjVt.png
Zidane and Vivi decide to pee under the stars
How... romantic or something I don't know
The next morning, Garnet tells us she wants to come back here because she feels a sense of comfort with this place
http://i.imgur.com/wk8XzUG.png
Eiko sneaks up and tells us we need her to unlock the seal and asks Zidane if we want her with us, to which he replies of course he does
http://i.imgur.com/uPyBVi7.png
Garnet walks away after asking Zidane why he needs to be so nice to everyone, and Zidane asks Vivi if he's settled his feelings on what was worrying him. He says he hasn't
http://i.imgur.com/AR3d99S.png
And the next update will be a while because this is a good place to grind (free healing) and Eiko has a loooot of catching up to do, but next time we head to the Iifa Tree!
Stay tuned~
Pumpkin
05-27-2017, 04:17 AM
Alright so before we head to the Iifa tree, we can get another one of our special coffees for Morrid in Eiko's kitchen
http://i.imgur.com/8JxjqB7.png
After that it's time to head to....
http://i.imgur.com/y8pPcqi.png
Yeah!
http://i.imgur.com/lw6RmJR.png
Either that or teens hang out here to vape
So anyway, there's a barrier protecting the tree, which we knew, and after Zidane bodyslams it to no avail, he asks Eiko for help
http://i.imgur.com/0iid6Op.png
She does a whole little boom boom spell thing
http://i.imgur.com/Dheky9A.png
http://i.imgur.com/tZzzjJc.png
http://i.imgur.com/aGqBLUe.png
http://i.imgur.com/opUvpoo.png
And so Garnet starts to feel insecure about her lack of a horn
We head inside the Iifa Tree and deliver another mognet
http://i.imgur.com/1AyKio8.png
Speaking of Vivi, he's not doing so hot
http://i.imgur.com/983tE0v.png
I'm right there with you, bro
Eiko takes this opportunity to act as his big sister and tells him to stay close. Zidane asks Eiko if she has any info on this weird mechanical/natural tree
http://i.imgur.com/dklDBuH.png
Zidane does the obvious thing and steps on the big circle with the triangle on it
http://i.imgur.com/JtRtHXE.png
And finds that it goes down like an elevator
http://i.imgur.com/HF7IWuR.png
After waiting for it to come back up, they all head down, further in to the Iifa Tree. One of my least fave dungeons. It's just kinda super linear and ugly and the monsters are pretty annoying. Anyway
So we end up somewhere more vibrant looking
http://i.imgur.com/QAZk0Af.png
http://i.imgur.com/KqV7wow.png
So Eiko hops on a sketchy looking leaf and it doesn't move. So we decide to all hop on it and then it moves because sure
http://i.imgur.com/6WZkx2Q.png
I guess you need to weigh more than like 12 lbs. Also poor Vivi again.
So anyway, Eiko explains that moogles are like fairies (very plump fairies) she asks her friend Mog, who hides away in her dress, what she senses.
http://i.imgur.com/mfh9Ub8.png
http://i.imgur.com/RTw0IhK.png
Good job Mog. Good job.
So after random battles with zombies and zombie dragons, we get to talking about the mist
http://i.imgur.com/uRxBxCh.png
http://i.imgur.com/unLPNtt.png
Those seem like excellent and complicated questions that certainly won't be straight up answered in like 10 minutes
http://i.imgur.com/ScTlhGo.png
http://i.imgur.com/x4w9Kre.png
Eiko asks for an update and Garnet explains how Black Mages were being made there before apologizing to Vivi
http://i.imgur.com/51lDSVw.png
http://i.imgur.com/Rih4CMq.png
He's so smart and precious
So we reach the bottom of the leaf.... thing and arrive and yet another high up place. Eiko asks Vivi for his company as she goes to scout things
http://i.imgur.com/TmhaVAY.png
"Helpless"
Zidane and Garnet also chat about how the tree seems alive but also like part machine and also like super old
http://i.imgur.com/C8LROs3.png
Eiko asks Zidane to romantically gaze down below with her
http://i.imgur.com/ovvcQ5I.png
It's very... green. But it turns out Eiko wasn't looking anyway
http://i.imgur.com/KIz8Sys.png
http://i.imgur.com/DxS1WnY.png
There there buddy
But before Eiko can creep Zidane out further, something happens
http://i.imgur.com/hzmiDNL.png
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No.
IT'S ZOMBIE TREEEE
http://i.imgur.com/QdKoCge.png
http://i.imgur.com/YuwL3JB.png
BUT WHY
http://i.imgur.com/lUEZAYS.png
http://i.imgur.com/QvJLgbO.png
Say what you will about Evil Zombie Tree, but man is he easy to get answers out of. None of that vague villain stuff for him. Just straight answers
But how does this tie in to Kuja?
http://i.imgur.com/QvRG3lC.png
http://i.imgur.com/AVXIgP5.png
http://i.imgur.com/wjsqoEV.png
DUN DUN DUUUUUUUUUUUUUNNNNNNNN
http://i.imgur.com/F6suZEc.png
And if no more mist flows, that means there will be no more Black Mages...
http://i.imgur.com/F7kh6Gt.png
And so we get a boss fight and I will give you a hint for making it super easy. He's a Zombie Tree. Maybe if you have some restorative items to spare...
So with Evil Zombie Tree defeated, the mist begins to recede
http://i.imgur.com/6ezyBzT.png
Not just here but also back on the Mist Continent
http://i.imgur.com/KWJmGPh.png
http://i.imgur.com/2M2sifq.png
http://i.imgur.com/KyIYV00.png
They're gonna have to rename it now
http://i.imgur.com/YZjFgwV.png
Oh we're being serious again
http://i.imgur.com/hjTskwA.png
http://i.imgur.com/aHQSma3.png
http://i.imgur.com/EToyYux.png
Poor Vivi. He wonders if this will make his fellow Black Mages hate him
http://i.imgur.com/AcxCouh.png
http://i.imgur.com/Ccqm3mn.png
Eiko can be a sweetie when she wants to be. Honestly I like her more and more everytime I play the game. I have mad respect for this six year old who lost her whole tribe and whose whole family died and it's up to her to keep the summoner legacy going and these people show up one day tangled up in this massive mess and she's like "I gotchu"
So the gang decides to wait for Kuja, figuring he'll show up with his mist supply gone, but unfortunately Eiko gets some bad news from one of her moogle friends
http://i.imgur.com/UFwsBnY.png
http://i.imgur.com/owKp9mE.png
And because we're her new besties, we decide to go with her
Stay tuned next time to find out what's going on back in Madain Sari~!
Galuf
05-27-2017, 11:26 AM
Yay we are at the same spot in the game 😀
Pumpkin
05-27-2017, 07:37 PM
Alrighty, we head back to Madain Sari to see what happened
http://i.imgur.com/dq1vpyv.png
http://i.imgur.com/tNslg9R.png
Seeing that she's upset, Zidane tells her she can cry if she wants to
http://i.imgur.com/bE7hsix.png
Six is pretty grown up
Nah I'm not trying to sell her short, she is pretty grown up for her age. But at the end of the day, she's still a small child. Poor thing
http://i.imgur.com/0XU1PUo.png
She wonders if it's her fault because she left the village and broke the seal on the Iifa Tree. Zidane comforts her
http://i.imgur.com/LzkXcZV.png
Eiko agrees and reiterates that she was not going to cry because she's a grown up and grown ups don't cry. Tell that to me when I play a sad game.
http://i.imgur.com/or30ftm.png
http://i.imgur.com/EviRNV4.png
After she leaves, Zidane puts the moves on Dagger and tells her he always has a shoulder if she feels like crying
http://i.imgur.com/zscDtzn.png
And so he starts teasing her again
http://i.imgur.com/Eu2xWqV.png
What a goof. But before more flirtatious shenanigans can happen...
http://i.imgur.com/Bdkjrz6.png
http://i.imgur.com/OZJu2Qu.png
Uh oh
Sure enough, our old friend is back
http://i.imgur.com/DKEPvfP.png
Zidane tries to get Mog to help him with an Eiko rescue plan but Mog is too much of a coward, so we have no choice but to confront Lani head on.
Lani has since drugged Eiko with some sleeping weed since she was so rambunctious. Zidane gives Garnet the side eye
http://i.imgur.com/kFcC2pn.png
Lani says this is too good of an opportunity to pass up however. She came here trying to get Garnet's pendant and found one just like it here. She asks Garnet where her pendant is now and Zidane confesses to having it
http://i.imgur.com/EJLVBWp.png
However, sensing that Zidane is up to no good, she tells Vivi to bring it to her, which he reluctantly does.
BUT THEN
http://i.imgur.com/mA3FbUS.png
A mysterious hero comes to our rescue, opposing the dastardly Lani
http://i.imgur.com/ENyP4xM.png
Who is this mysterious man??
http://i.imgur.com/jZosAFo.png
Lani asks him what his shedealio is and why he's betraying her like this
It's super embarrassing
http://i.imgur.com/4pKUHSJ.png
And so, not wanting to take everyone on, she takes off threatening to collect his bounty some day
As for our hero
http://i.imgur.com/LUoPmN3.png
SURE
So after we beat him up with just Zidane, pretty easy fight, he asks us to kill him because it's what you do when you lose a fight
http://i.imgur.com/W3i9xAk.png
Zidane doesn't really care about that though and just wants Eiko's treasure back
http://i.imgur.com/rOeSmty.png
The dude is still all like WHY HAVE I NOT BEEN KILLED YET
http://i.imgur.com/5OgyQGI.png
http://i.imgur.com/kw7yvsx.png
http://i.imgur.com/f37wZml.png
At this point the guy is just a broken record
http://i.imgur.com/rQGeolx.png
And now Zidane is just tryna sound cool
So the dude leaves and Eiko demands Vivi follows after her when she goes back to where the treasure was being held
http://i.imgur.com/8ySIkJp.png
We also follow after Eiko to see how she's holding up
http://i.imgur.com/0rKBHcl.png
http://i.imgur.com/E7LA4fs.png
Friendship is hard
Eiko is struggling with a tough decision
http://i.imgur.com/0ovklSX.png
But she wants to travel with us
http://i.imgur.com/ZyHYEC1.png
It doesn't matter what you say though because-
http://i.imgur.com/JQ9QQHd.png
Yeah
http://i.imgur.com/dVtEXzg.png
http://i.imgur.com/8zApnHW.png
Aww Vivi. Too presh for this world
http://i.imgur.com/qEiWaEo.png
Mog is worried that Eiko is mad at her
http://i.imgur.com/dV75Fiu.png
But at the end of the day, they're both still besties
http://i.imgur.com/36Jqysl.png
Not only are they besties, but they're like sisters
http://i.imgur.com/6ejV33D.png
They even have matching ribbons they made for each other
http://i.imgur.com/h3p7yP3.png
She asks Zidane if he'll dance with her when that day comes
http://i.imgur.com/sFR9AAd.png
Smooth
Later on, Zidane finds Garnet in a little boat under Eiko's house
http://i.imgur.com/PdflRjn.png
http://i.imgur.com/5g5NGOk.png
Muehehe
But before long it goes to more serious talks
http://i.imgur.com/4EGhBhw.png
http://i.imgur.com/mWQA19l.png
Zidane says that they did all help, but they also each had their own paths to walk
http://i.imgur.com/KoL2Zis.png
OH YAY IT'S STORY TIME
http://i.imgur.com/PJMkkU6.png
http://i.imgur.com/elMMg5f.png
http://i.imgur.com/hy7u4HT.png
After venturing together so far, Ipsen asked Colin
http://i.imgur.com/LhY0L6f.png
And the answer?
http://i.imgur.com/5a95Ovn.png
D'awww :3
As the boat drifts out to sea, Garnet hears the song she sings that no one else knows
http://i.imgur.com/x4V6B66.png
And finds some of her memories triggered
http://i.imgur.com/Bj54Ijk.png
http://i.imgur.com/yfmCEep.png
And so we see a memory of Madain Sari undergoing a disaster
http://i.imgur.com/frwgvk0.png
And a small girl and her mother escaping on a boat
http://i.imgur.com/FlvjskL.png
http://i.imgur.com/s0TqE8L.png
So Garnet tells us some more about her past
http://i.imgur.com/YXIcE8k.png
And before then...
http://i.imgur.com/iTiyTfU.png
http://i.imgur.com/nu0Zxsf.png
Garnet wants to ask Dr. Tot more when she gets home about who her mother was, how she got to Alexandria, and why she doesn't have a horn
http://i.imgur.com/dd8Qc1E.png
http://i.imgur.com/TrpaKU1.png
With that, Eiko makes up her mind to join us on our quest, which surprises Vivi the next morning since he slept through all of this
http://i.imgur.com/omWkV3K.png
http://i.imgur.com/5WQoXm5.png
But before we can leave, our friend comes back
http://i.imgur.com/GTUaWTS.png
OH MY GAAAWWWWWSSSSHSHHHHHHHHHHHH
http://i.imgur.com/TNb9Cjw.png
And that's a good idea said no one ever
http://i.imgur.com/kyoL7d0.png
http://i.imgur.com/BMuuXo9.png
"Human"
And so we get our last party member.
Next time, we finish up disc 2!
Stay tuned~
Galuf
05-27-2017, 07:57 PM
Theres amarant for you formy :). He is a wee bit odd.
Pumpkin
05-29-2017, 06:37 AM
After grinding Amarant a bit we head back to the Iifa Tree, where our newest party member wants an update
http://i.imgur.com/tfHMcEw.png
http://i.imgur.com/tz5X8Qs.png
Kuja decides to show up at this point, pretty unconcerned about the mist being gone
http://i.imgur.com/ociF04k.png
http://i.imgur.com/7bNWVxd.png
They keep calling it a silver dragon, but it looks pretty green to me. Especially right next to Kuja
Our heroes heroically rush up the Iifa Tree in pursuit of Kuja, since that's the whole reason we came to this continent, but we hit a snag when most of the party can't climb up the steep trunk
http://i.imgur.com/dzqopd1.png
But this of course is not a plan Zidane approves of, so he comes up with a different one
http://i.imgur.com/KAbNqQe.png
But now it's Amarant's turn to dispute the plan
http://i.imgur.com/4BCGr2f.png
And so off he goes with a child in each arm
http://i.imgur.com/13abVUo.png
Yeah, "spirit." Zidane grabs Garnet on a piggy back and away they go!
Kuja, meanwhile, is monologuing about how the strong imprison the weak or something. Very Darwinian
http://i.imgur.com/J2qeqLc.png
The party catches up to him and has some questions
http://i.imgur.com/dPOVwQW.png
He denies it, claiming he simply gave her a push. And the Black Mages?
http://i.imgur.com/W9qoNCB.png
http://i.imgur.com/RoAIIwt.png
Vivi, upset by what he's saying, tells him to stop
http://i.imgur.com/yzVa4jo.png
Zidane takes this to mean the dregs of souls is the mist. Garnet asks how he can be so heartless about everything he's done, but he doesn't see the big deal, saying people die all the time. He continues to deny that he made Brahne go all psycho
http://i.imgur.com/fkxaeDF.png
As if to prove him right, Brahne's ship fleet arrives
http://i.imgur.com/n7osdJF.png
The Queen herself seems ready to betray Kuja, something he was anticipating
http://i.imgur.com/Hipq7TI.png
http://i.imgur.com/kw7r4PD.png
http://i.imgur.com/IkRsm5x.png
And so Kuja leaves to go fight Brahne and her fleet of ships full of Black Mages
http://i.imgur.com/B6CEhzk.png
http://i.imgur.com/vqCzLme.png
Now, I know what you're thinking, and so is Zidane
http://i.imgur.com/swIn4bI.png
They argue for a bit about this
http://i.imgur.com/r7Msrar.png
And this part actually gets me because I have similar issues with my mom. I mean, she didn't try to kill me or anything, but we've had a lot of troubles. Yet still some part of me cares about her when I wish I didn't
SO ANYWAY
http://i.imgur.com/Xst9eKi.png
When Eiko points the way, Garnet runs off on her own to try and get the Eidolon to save her mom and the rest of us have to chase after her while being pursued by weird mist monsters
http://i.imgur.com/ARxSQK4.png
She arrives to the sealed Eidolon, Leviathan and asks for his power
http://i.imgur.com/Vveab4F.png
But unfortunately...
http://i.imgur.com/1VKE9XA.png
Brahne isn't out of the fight yet though, and she has a trick up her sleeve. A trick Kuja was waiting for her to pull out
http://i.imgur.com/ez90m9q.png
http://i.imgur.com/TfXKw8o.png
http://i.imgur.com/LWg4SQF.png
Bahamut faces off against Kuja and the Silver Dragon
http://i.imgur.com/ZMoAU3n.png
http://i.imgur.com/ove03Mt.png
http://i.imgur.com/sw4dGBN.png
And while it seems like Kuja probably lost that one, he's not out either
http://i.imgur.com/9A18svC.png
So pretty graphics for PS1 era~
But if you're wondering if Kuja made it out uninjured, well...
http://i.imgur.com/BkptpnJ.png
Not... entirely.
The fact that Bahamut is fighting on Brahne's side gets Garnet excited, although Mog is quite concerned
http://i.imgur.com/iyzqeSO.png
Kuja himself is quite pleased that Bahamut has made an appearance
http://i.imgur.com/WXYJYJn.png
He starts monologuing again about how Brahne's time in this play has come to an end
http://i.imgur.com/CAekSat.png
And so Kuja pulls out his own Ace
http://i.imgur.com/k0QP3yE.png
A giant eyeball in the sky! Gee, where have we seen that before
So the eye does something weird to Bahamut
http://i.imgur.com/Yx0JtkJ.png
And basically kills the black mages on Brahne's fleet. And that is when, to her horror, Bahamut betrays Queen Brahne and begins attacking her fleet
http://i.imgur.com/gBJdE5x.png
Before disappearing. Kuja leaves looking quite pleased with himself
http://i.imgur.com/YcGexxi.png
Also he's finally sitting down, good for him
We don't know why Bahamut betrayed Brahne
http://i.imgur.com/KFtcFYD.png
This part always gets to me
http://i.imgur.com/XloBoAv.png
http://i.imgur.com/NpGVFKJ.png
Such genuine, human emotion. Grieving for someone who has hurt you and feeling empathy because that person was loved by a friend. It's just beautifully tragic
http://i.imgur.com/QXUko0E.png
http://i.imgur.com/9MCNW9w.png
After telling her daughter that she will make a much better Queen, Brahne dies
http://i.imgur.com/lYRxY14.png
They took Garnet's mother with them
And now I hope you're ready for disc 3, whoo~
http://i.imgur.com/p1EFRWh.png
http://i.imgur.com/gvNFKkK.png
We get to see Beatrix and Steiner again, both wholeheartedly agreeing to help Garnet
The citizens of Alexandria made a pretty rose bouquet for Brahne because even though she went a bit psycho, they remember the better days. After placing the wreath on her mother's grave, Garnet walks away and towards the kingdom she will now be ruling
http://i.imgur.com/7GPibIR.png
http://i.imgur.com/M1Rardc.png
After saying goodbye to Brahne, they head back to the castle
http://i.imgur.com/jt3pDWp.png
Zidane, meanwhile, is pouting in a bar
http://i.imgur.com/MRcJ9X2.png
Figuring he doesn't want to talk (because he literally doesn't) Cinna asks Ruby about the new mini-theatre she just opened up. They all leave to go see it and Ruby tells Zidane to come along when he's ready. On the way out, they run in to Vivi and Blank explains how Beatrix, Freya, and Steiner fought so hard after the party split up that they had to carry them out on their backs
Now we get to be Vivi again, wandering the streets of Alexandria just like we did when the game started. Except a lot has happened since then.
Blank and Marcus talk about how difficult it must be to be in love with someone who is about to be Queen
http://i.imgur.com/4GvtW1C.png
And we finally meet the moogle who was supposed to be delivering all of the letters we've been delivering
http://i.imgur.com/S7zMEln.png
http://i.imgur.com/7CSUvOZ.png
http://i.imgur.com/FBsce1d.png
Stilitzkin has some more stuff for sale so he can continue on his journey
http://i.imgur.com/FU23WGv.png
And we get a few mognets, one of which was actually delivered by Artemicion!
http://i.imgur.com/VLzTkdx.png
http://i.imgur.com/YuNnDfw.png
Tune in next time as we continue in to my favourite disc of the whole game!
Formalhaut
05-29-2017, 01:57 PM
That's some heavy plot stuff right there.
Pumpkin
05-30-2017, 07:37 AM
So when we left off we were Vivi in Alexandria and you can do some nifty things like race a hippo.
You can also see that Alexandria has changed some since we were here last
http://i.imgur.com/75b90gw.png
We also see the dumbest and most tragic misunderstanding ever
http://i.imgur.com/8ehQvLp.png
http://i.imgur.com/Hi2yc6s.png
We also see the Mayor of Dali is visiting Alexandria
http://i.imgur.com/aASBWOM.png
And not having a good time.
Eiko is amazed at the castle
http://i.imgur.com/Mx9TUdr.png
A gigantic house indeed
Meanwhile, Blank wants us to go watch Ruby's play with them
http://i.imgur.com/qVwa295.png
Because he's late and doesn't want Ruby to notice him sneaking in. How dare he use Vivi as a pawn in his game?
So Vivi goes in and introduces himself to Ruby, who likes him because who wouldn't like Vivi? And he sees Cinna again and calls him Uncle Cinna, which Cinna is not a fan of
http://i.imgur.com/l1agX9p.png
Blank takes this opportunity to sneak in
http://i.imgur.com/bDp5LVi.png
http://i.imgur.com/S5XsqnR.png
OR NOT
Back at the castle
http://i.imgur.com/NTXgrnS.png
Steiner tells Garnet she has better things to do than talk to Zidane. Dr. Tot comes in and gives us some gemstones
http://i.imgur.com/ofjMa5g.png
Awkward~
So Beatrix stays with Garnet to help get her in to her fancy coronation dress, and Garnet asks her if she can see Zidane, which also gets a no. Poor Garnet
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the castle
http://i.imgur.com/UlT4JuQ.png
And so she decides to write him a letter, a foolproof plan. Conveniently, Dr. Tot appears
http://i.imgur.com/DMGaCHq.png
After calling his hat nerdy, she enlists his help in writing a love letter
http://i.imgur.com/yq8L995.png
The horn sends him to memory lane, remembering a ship that washed up with a dead woman and a little girl inside
http://i.imgur.com/0rijQWI.png
And the girl
http://i.imgur.com/FOKMGTA.png
Except for one small detail
http://i.imgur.com/I8wPt1c.png
http://i.imgur.com/erOyX4C.png
http://i.imgur.com/5WxQwYz.png
And then all of the other Ronso made fun of her with chants of HORNLESS, HORNLESS
Speaking of being adopted, Garnet decides to tell Beatrix, who takes the news rather well
http://i.imgur.com/bIYOW4o.png
http://i.imgur.com/x7QROaZ.png
Back with Eiko
http://i.imgur.com/IHkxNtp.png
That's how love letters work, apparently
She thanks Dr. Tot, introduces herself, and takes off to deliver the letter, leaving Dr. Tot rather confused about where she said she lives
http://i.imgur.com/isJ08lh.png
On the way to deliver the letter, however, Baku ends up bumping in to Eiko and his huge belly sends her flying
http://i.imgur.com/bWzwCJh.png
And because it's Eiko, she gets caught on something and can't get down
http://i.imgur.com/XxwUfOc.png
And that's how Baku nearly killed Eiko
http://i.imgur.com/glaTXnz.png
Not that he cares much...
Eiko's bad luck doesn't end there though
http://i.imgur.com/phU3npv.png
And so she asks Baku to deliver it to Zidane for her
On his way out, Baku and Steiner get in to an argument
http://i.imgur.com/v84cM4g.png
http://i.imgur.com/AZcLsY4.png
During the argument, he drops Eiko's love letter and both he and Steiner take off in a huff
As for who finds the letter...
http://i.imgur.com/kWt6uO9.png
http://i.imgur.com/7j1S8oF.png
http://i.imgur.com/NJDAzmR.png
Zidane, meanwhile...
http://i.imgur.com/AUlJXsw.png
...is still pouting
His friends show up to try and console him but he isn't having it
http://i.imgur.com/qpzQrn5.png
Baku comes in and, desperate to get his mind on something else, Zidane begs him to be let back in to Tantalus
http://i.imgur.com/I2bHPYI.png
Unfortunately, Baku doesn't accept
http://i.imgur.com/qz78LpW.png
Vivi comes in and breaks the tension as he does so well
http://i.imgur.com/0beP3iw.png
http://i.imgur.com/ApULVnk.png
And Zidane, being who he is, puts on a brave face for Vivi and agrees that they should go and encourage her before she becomes Queen
So off we go to the castle while Baku remembers he forgot something
http://i.imgur.com/gFET2qQ.png
http://i.imgur.com/9gDZTDs.png
What a carefree man
We also get another mognet
http://i.imgur.com/52sEMYu.png
And so Stiltzkin is off on another adventure~
Freya and Amarant meet
http://i.imgur.com/EfFAD2T.png
It goes well
They start fighting and Zidane has to break it up, only to learn that Freya is pretty upset at him
http://i.imgur.com/OmELoTz.png
She says that Kuja will probably come after Garnet next, but Zidane says she doesn't need him anymore
http://i.imgur.com/T2nNZ38.png
While exploring the castle we also get more of the Stellazzio story!
http://i.imgur.com/HN3DqBT.png
We also arrive just in time to see Eiko being kicked out of the castle by Steiner who as we all know is very against fun
http://i.imgur.com/wxtD31P.png
Steiner then fusses at us for our general existence in the area before Vivi tells him they want to see Garnet
http://i.imgur.com/KaHCXkq.png
So Garnet comes out in her mega dress and everyone is like WOW SO BEAUTY but Zidane says nothing. Before Garnet walks away, Eiko runs up to say her goodbyes
http://i.imgur.com/SndLIWS.png
http://i.imgur.com/MUjTnHM.png
http://i.imgur.com/KC2mbYC.png
D'aww
http://i.imgur.com/WjvakWH.png
And so with gems traded, Garnet heads back to do... I dunno, get ready for her Queenly duties, I guess. Zidane then lets out his feels about how he made a whole big speech for her but it would be a lie and he couldn't bring himself to do it
http://i.imgur.com/UpMjEJ4.png
http://i.imgur.com/p52BbWn.png
That is one troubled young dude
I hope you didn't forget about the whole love letter affair because later that night
http://i.imgur.com/jLLSc8D.png
Eiko decides she's mad at him and wants to take off before Zidane can show up (not knowing he never got the letter) but she hides when more people appear
http://i.imgur.com/ziZs7lU.png
It turns out that Blank somehow got a hold of the love letter too
So while Blank goes on about what a stud he is, yet more people arrive and the two of them have to hide
http://i.imgur.com/TrfR39M.png
Rushing to hide they accidentally, you guessed it, DROP THE LOVE LETTER
Which is promptly found by Steiner who is out on patrol
http://i.imgur.com/65o8GQX.png
Good catch Steiner
Beatrix then arrives, since she got the love letter earlier asking her to be here
http://i.imgur.com/2T8SWMc.png
The two of them get close as the hidden onlookers get more and more invested
http://i.imgur.com/Tybc6rb.png
http://i.imgur.com/KcFASse.png
But in the end, Baku ruins this like he ruins everything
http://i.imgur.com/AdV7nu1.png
http://i.imgur.com/POeNgGs.png
So anyway, Eiko storms off, pursued by Dr. Tot who has some questions for her
http://i.imgur.com/aBcV0Fx.png
She says she will be glad to answer his questions and asks if they can go to his house to do so
http://i.imgur.com/dve0Xho.png
http://i.imgur.com/AJrNBNW.png
And so we all decide to go to Treno using the Gargan Roo transportation method
That night, as they travel to Treno...
http://i.imgur.com/BhRGK9G.png
But when they see Blank and Marcus patrolling...
http://i.imgur.com/cuxqzWW.png
And so off they go, as quickly as they arrived
Before Eiko answers some questions, she decides she wants to go sightseeing and drags Vivi along with her
http://i.imgur.com/CKERsBR.png
After she runs off, Vivi meets an old friend who helped him get to Alexandria at the beginning of the game
http://i.imgur.com/qUg1J11.png
Who convinces him that maybe he should stop by his house
Amarant runs in to some trouble from the dude who scammed Garnet earlier on
http://i.imgur.com/NhGogke.png
Scared away by his reputation, he runs off as Eiko walks up
http://i.imgur.com/aK4nQCg.png
http://i.imgur.com/KMJLYkc.png
So he plans to use a little girl to collect the bounty on Amarant
http://i.imgur.com/PsKOglW.png
What a creeper jackass
After his offers to help her sightsee fail, he offers her food.
Which has a rather unintended consequence
http://i.imgur.com/kbwGcw4.png
http://i.imgur.com/0mMBATO.png
http://i.imgur.com/DktSiiV.png
Muehehe
And finally, we get another mognet!
http://i.imgur.com/IfRB5UF.png
Next time we explore some more of Treno~
Stay tuned!
Pumpkin
06-03-2017, 06:22 AM
So while in Treno for the card tournament, you can also get some nifty new stuff at the Auction House. Just make sure you have the funds. If you're short on funds, you can get some in the sidequest stuff I'm about to show you. Prioritize equipment/synthesis first though, the auction house will still be here when you have money and nothing to spend it on. But you can get the Dark Matter there now, which will allow Garnet to summon Odin!
Now for the sidequest!
Leave Treno and head over to Dali. On the way, we get a bit of good news!
http://i.imgur.com/FbtP0cj.png
Aww, she won him over :3 At least someone's love life is going well, poor Zidane
So anyway, head to Dali and sneak in to the Mayor's house. If you recall, he is currently in Alexandria on vacay. Now here things get a bit tricky. Go check the desk to get a Mini-Brahne figurine, and then keep checking the desk until the kid falls asleep. Then go check the heater and you'll get the Mayor's Key.
With the Mayor's key, go to the windmill next door. The windmills have stopped turning due to the disappearing mist so you can get some treasures upstairs. After that unlock the door with the key and head outside. Check the corner past the chocobo and grab a chest with mucha mula. And then, just because FFIX wants to be tricky, check the chest again. There, you will get the final coffee you need for Morrid. Ta da!
http://i.imgur.com/XJuTEyM.png
http://i.imgur.com/bPhqFHs.png
With that, you can deliver the coffee to Morrid, and in exchange he will give you the Prima Vista figuring next time you head to the Tantalus hideout, I believe. Yep, you just traded 3 rare items for one rare item. Yay.
http://i.imgur.com/e03BBYg.png
But hey, you go to make an old man happy!
http://i.imgur.com/qEE4YLP.png
Oh...
Oh dear...
Err... so hey, maybe if we swing by Vivi's place, something happier will happen
http://i.imgur.com/qxpf6Ac.png
If you recall, we found this place with Garnet back on disc 2. Vivi tells us a bit about how he ended up with his Grandpa
http://i.imgur.com/VwpmRV4.png
Grandpa Quan, of the perpetually hungry Qu tribe, was trying to fish for the mist in the air to try and eat it...
http://i.imgur.com/nE0AYvt.png
http://i.imgur.com/Jrrysx1.png
And so he caught Vivi
http://i.imgur.com/kZ0oQee.png
http://i.imgur.com/b9IXU8S.png
Uhhh
Yeah
No one tell him
We head back to Treno to card tournament and in a few optional ATEs, we learn about Amarant's past and his ties to Zidane and why he wanted to fight him so much.
That's right, Amarant is so unimportant to the story that it's relegated to optional ATE's.
http://i.imgur.com/wOrM1b4.png
http://i.imgur.com/kvuBzVt.png
It's flashback time!
So Zidane was stealing from the auction house, as he does, and Amarant decides he'd be good to fight
http://i.imgur.com/UfbslKz.png
But just as they're about to fight, Zidane does a sneaky sneak and tries to make it seem like Amarant was the actual thief
http://i.imgur.com/S3NmaZC.png
http://i.imgur.com/cPJs6vf.png
And thus Zidane makes his escape
http://i.imgur.com/khdPx47.png
And Amarant's story comes to an end.
Freya then laughs at him for falling for such a childish trick and we go back to playing cards.
Quina, meanwhile, is having some struggles of his/her own
http://i.imgur.com/r5UVFZg.png
S/he decides that the water looks delicious in his hunger induced daze
http://i.imgur.com/gF9o7D3.png
But in the end, hunger wins out
http://i.imgur.com/LiYhrd6.png
Eiko heads back to talk to Dr. Tot about how her entire tribe is dead (lalala~)
http://i.imgur.com/lg9zfFZ.png
http://i.imgur.com/1Z9P8Yt.png
So they get to talking about Garnet and Eiko shares that they've exchanged gems
http://i.imgur.com/AjCcAZj.png
I'm sure that won't become relevant in just a few minutes
Eiko then remembers that Mog hasn't come back from her play date with the Treno moogle
http://i.imgur.com/oqoaWBl.png
Zidane is still playing cards
http://i.imgur.com/P0S4eA8.png
You may not remember her, but Erin is one of the girls Zidane hit on in Lindblum when we first got there in Disc 1. She was going to be a pilot for the new airship. Well now she's kind of a stand in for poor Regent Cid who is the ACTUAL card champion but is also an ooglop
http://i.imgur.com/pw0HAO7.png
http://i.imgur.com/NfQIgjr.png
And so I beat Cid and win an item and a nifty Oglop card and I didn't even have to reset this time! Go me!
Zidane makes small talk about what regent Cid is doing here, chilling in his cape
http://i.imgur.com/8Cl8e6R.png
http://i.imgur.com/nHG4vJi.png
That's right! Since we got rid of the mist, a lot of things stopped working, including airships. But now it seems the Hilda Garde is starting to get on track and it can fly without mist. Unfortunately, it's still pretty rough around the edges.
Not that we have time to worry about that though
http://i.imgur.com/ePSoTK3.png
http://i.imgur.com/XMyYbDh.png
Uh oh, spaghetti-o!
So back in Alexandria, our friend Kuja is being... Kuja
http://i.imgur.com/4RlbSvA.png
And so he summons Bahamut which, if you've been following the story so far, you know is no bueno
http://i.imgur.com/9lMIP2b.png
He starts blowing up the town, as you do, and Garnet is not super hype about this
http://i.imgur.com/E2aGqCw.png
http://i.imgur.com/nvHvbRK.png
She summons the Knights of Pluto and THIS IS WHERE THE NOTES I TOLD YOU TO TAKE BACK ON DISC 1 COME IN HANDY as you have to assign them to do certain tasks. The better you do the better your reward!
Steiner and Beatrix go out to destroy some baddies while having sexual tension
http://i.imgur.com/i8Jy25P.png
She suggests they return to the castle since there's no end to the enemies
http://i.imgur.com/dJ18h3E.png
http://i.imgur.com/tNfiD5Q.png
D'awwwwwwwwwww <3
After some more fights, they find themselves surrounded
http://i.imgur.com/hVa4xg4.png
http://i.imgur.com/b0HSzhR.png
And so did Beatrix and Steiner become bf and gf and have beautiful knight babies with perfect hair and rusty armour~
Garnet is still in the castle hearing strange music and, if that wasn't weird enough, towers and staircases start appearing magically
http://i.imgur.com/PTt9u4g.png
What an exciting coronation this has been!
Zidane and co are headed for Alexandria on the rickety airship that's literally about to break down
http://i.imgur.com/9AEmVKq.png
Oh how fun...
Eiko, meanwhile, has her special gems that she traded with Garnet start to glow which, COINCIDENTALLY, is what was happening to Garnet
http://i.imgur.com/64tB5rr.png
Yes, poor Vivi fell down again
I do like how everyone has stumbled except Zidane who's just chillin over there
So Eiko hears Garnet spiritually or something
http://i.imgur.com/tFfDXhM.png
And since we're right over Alexandria, Eiko decides to just suicide jump down to the new Queen
http://i.imgur.com/5vCPKs7.png
Kid either has guts or faith or both but good on her
The gems start resonating with one another which allows Eiko to survive and not become a pancake
http://i.imgur.com/M7X8Aut.png
http://i.imgur.com/JQRcLVU.png
Which is always a positive
The two of them coming together leads to pretty FMVs
http://i.imgur.com/4858SY4.png
And Eiko explaining to Garnet what the heck is going on
http://i.imgur.com/SDt8ZZN.png
And so they pray for Alexander's blessings to protect Alexandria
http://i.imgur.com/JfdEXbP.png
This seems pretty cultish without context
So anyways, this leads to a light show and the summoning of the mighty holy eidolon, Alexander!
http://i.imgur.com/3kOf4IL.png
http://i.imgur.com/cVyhWES.png
Alexander and Bahamut face off, which is super nifty and Alexander protects the kingdom from Bahamut attacks by shielding it with his massive wings
http://i.imgur.com/2oEjEgZ.png
Eventually he even manages to defeat Bahamut in another fancy FMV
http://i.imgur.com/0SgVqXr.png
http://i.imgur.com/2cLxGSb.png
Super pretty, especially when you realize this was a PS1 game. I know I'm impressed and I've seen this scene like a million times.
Seriously, go play the game if you haven't already
Anyways, Kuja decides he wants Alexander now because he apparently thinks eidolons are Pokemon
http://i.imgur.com/Hd492E4.png
http://i.imgur.com/LcpTDdV.png
And so the giant eye ball appears in the sky again to try and take over Alexander as it did Bahamut
http://i.imgur.com/wC3Ztbj.png
At this point we learn that the Invincible/Giant eyeball in the sky is actually a ship.
A ship with someone aboard...
http://i.imgur.com/QU8LBx4.png
http://i.imgur.com/V2HFuVC.png
This mystery man fusses about how Kuja has gone against his purpose and he'll show him.
And Zidane too...
And with that he does some... video game magic stuff, I guess?
http://i.imgur.com/mAJO9fG.png
Anyways, the Invincible does not end up enslaving Alexander as Kuja wanted, which Kuja finds to be pretty upsetting
http://i.imgur.com/yiVjtb0.png
And with that, Zidane and co arrive in Alexandria
http://i.imgur.com/Z0I7SiR.png
You can go fight a book at this point if you want but make sure you're ready!
We will find out what happens next time~
Karifean
06-03-2017, 11:18 AM
This is such a hype way to get things rolling right back when they were cooling down. Alexander vs Bahamut is definitely one of the all-time classic FF moments.
Are you gonna fight Tantarian?
Pumpkin
06-03-2017, 04:10 PM
I did, actually! It was tough, I had to use a few Elixirs, not gonna lie. Especially for poor Freya who was way underleveled. Also unfortunately she was dead when the fight ended so no AP for her >.<
Pumpkin
06-04-2017, 07:03 AM
So after fighting a dastardly book and evacuating the castle we make our way up to the magical part of the castle
http://i.imgur.com/Hz6EJ58.png
http://i.imgur.com/oTwH3nC.png
"We are in such a rush after we did all of those other things that now we're going to stand here and argue about it while we could be just heading up the stairs but THIS WILL SAVE TIME YOU GUYS HAVE TO GET OUT!!"
Video game time is odd time
http://i.imgur.com/1ZhEKce.png
Everyone else in the party: "Oh, OKAY"
http://i.imgur.com/y3t8sSU.png
After some time spent arguing that could be spent rescuing Garnet and Eiko, the others leave and Zidane heads up as Castle Alexandria begins to fall apart
So the Invincible starts attacking Alexander because Garnet's goal is literally to kill as many people as possible
http://i.imgur.com/K9CIONt.png
Unfortunately it works and Alexander's pristine and beautiful wings start to turn black and burn up
http://i.imgur.com/nNZpkpJ.png
http://i.imgur.com/UI5A7zh.png
STOP STARING AT HER BUM AGAIN
Garnet's gem also starts going crazy and electrocuting her
http://i.imgur.com/ufkRihx.png
http://i.imgur.com/Dwfi6Yx.png
And things start going even worse for poor Alexander
http://i.imgur.com/ReuLVEa.png
As the castle falls apart, Garnet is about to fall to her death but HERO ZIDANE TO THE RESCUE
http://i.imgur.com/EVnkuKz.png
http://i.imgur.com/hAk8CE4.png
Straight out of an action movie
Happy to see him, she gives him a giant hug
http://i.imgur.com/NtU4rv3.png
His face tho
And so the two of them escape on some flag banner thing like they did at the beginning of the game. No clue where the heck it came from or how it's safe to use. Just don't overthink it
Oh yeah Eiko was rescued too
http://i.imgur.com/MLFLluC.png
More rescue hugs and this whole thing just pissed Eiko right off
http://i.imgur.com/cDoN0Ur.png
http://i.imgur.com/iSjVwTg.png
The look on her face is just perfect there I cannot get over that xD
So anyways, rescues happen and Zidane decides that this, of all times, is the time to confess his feelings
http://i.imgur.com/UMSU1Rx.png
Like dude, get out of the castle first
Anyway so they eventually come to their senses and leave just as the Invincible decides to just mess everything up
http://i.imgur.com/UaLd6sX.png
http://i.imgur.com/GvbHZMl.png
http://i.imgur.com/K3TX3u1.png
And there goes poor Alexander :(
http://i.imgur.com/694f5y4.png
And there goes the rest of Alexandria
http://i.imgur.com/gRC1FeT.png
http://i.imgur.com/m7awRLv.png
Garland says some vague cryptic things and now we fastforward a little bit and find ourselves in Lindblum, which is being reconstructed
http://i.imgur.com/V0wLgru.png
Baku and Blank also show up and Blank is told to give Zidane a message to meet with Cid when he wakes up
Zidane wakes up after having been out for quite a while
http://i.imgur.com/9cQFl8A.png
Blank arrives but before he can give Zidane the message, Zidane rushes off in search for Garnet
Meanwhile...
http://i.imgur.com/0NPdljV.png
http://i.imgur.com/il4UlpA.png
Anyways, Zidane finds Garnet at the telescope again
http://i.imgur.com/sYIoA8d.png
Unfortunately, no matter what Zidane says to her, she simply replies with silence
http://i.imgur.com/YQl0CFY.png
http://i.imgur.com/p2E02Hi.png
Kidding aside, Zidane begins to feel pretty insecure about her not speaking to him and decides to leave her alone and give her the space he thinks she wants
http://i.imgur.com/7p3TeSv.png
Aww
So back downstairs, Blank comes to give us the message and Zidane responds pretty poorly
http://i.imgur.com/6s44LIG.png
After more snapping at Blank, he gives us the message to go see Cid. We also meet most of our pals in the conference room who are (mostly) happy to see Zidane alive
Garnet does not meet us there though, as she's lost in thought on the roof
http://i.imgur.com/KbE4vVa.png
http://i.imgur.com/cnLZgyg.png
http://i.imgur.com/Pftgssa.png
Poor thing. As soon as she becomes Queen her kingdom is just destroyed
Back at the conference room, we discuss the situation with everyone
http://i.imgur.com/QvZ9WxZ.png
http://i.imgur.com/NOgOWnK.png
While we ponder Kuja's motives, Cid has some new info for us
http://i.imgur.com/IMr8e8g.png
He also saw some black mages with Kuja
http://i.imgur.com/FQAagHJ.png
Vivi does not take the news well
http://i.imgur.com/Usz7Hdy.png
One of the few times Vivi ever shouts, poor thing
Speaking of Kuja and the Black Mages
http://i.imgur.com/AFOIkmQ.png
http://i.imgur.com/jdK85HI.png
He is indeed with some Black Mages and our old friends, Zorn and Thorn. Also, I never noticed before because the graphics look soooo much better on Steam but Kuja's clothes are burned and stuff, which is nifty. Showing that he's finally finding himself challenged
So while we were watching that, Cid explained the whole cheated-on-his-wife-so-she-turned-him-in-to-an-insect thing to everyone
http://i.imgur.com/fb6KUaD.png
http://i.imgur.com/azb7hx7.png
Let that be a lesson to you cheaters out there
So Dr. Tot has been called in to see if he can help the regent and Eiko comes back with some bad news after checking on Garnet
http://i.imgur.com/U8t2ENf.png
Since Dr. Tot is here, he goes to check on her and confirms this to be the case
http://i.imgur.com/UXAZTwb.png
Fortunately this is not permanent, but it will remain an issue
http://i.imgur.com/wLzlc63.png
Leaving Eiko to watch Garnet and babysit a blubbering Steiner, Zidane heads back to confer with Tootsie and Cid
http://i.imgur.com/5vAIETK.png
Cid is desperate to become human, however, so that he can get working on his new airship and we can take revenge upon Kuja
http://i.imgur.com/yLt64Ch.png
Getting the solution from a strange comedic book, we need to get some uncommon ingredients
http://i.imgur.com/tEDxvtM.png
There's no way this could go wrong!
Remembering that Cinna has one of the potions, Zidane heads in to town to talk to his friend and find the other two ingredients.
Speaking of Cinna, the Tantalus is working to rebuild Lindblum and Marcus finds himself in need of a hammer
http://i.imgur.com/dUXrW2b.png
http://i.imgur.com/Skv2DS3.png
Things we know about Cinna:
-Has a Garnet doll he can't sleep without
-Loves Bundt Cake too much
-Obsessed with his hammer
In Lindblum we deliver another mognet
http://i.imgur.com/4E3NfJR.png
We find another Stellazzio coin
http://i.imgur.com/7rgBpFe.png
And we check on the people of Lindblum who are keeping their spirits up while they rebuild
http://i.imgur.com/wK3EH13.png
You go Grandma Pickle!
http://i.imgur.com/ygVQMGf.png
http://i.imgur.com/wkqHLIL.png
http://i.imgur.com/3SIK7Jx.png
Poor little Joanna
Even the birds are starting to rebuild their families
http://i.imgur.com/QInhFg9.png
Precious :3
The blacksmiths son has also come in to his own since we've been away
http://i.imgur.com/B4xawIg.png
Which yes this is the time to buy equipment and synthesize
Alice, who used to own the weapons shop before it got destroyed, has a potion for us
http://i.imgur.com/cSlkNrY.png
We also run in to some old acquaintances in the Theatre District
http://i.imgur.com/gnH2SKj.png
We rescued them back on Disc 1 from a collapsing statue and she was preggers at the time. Well now
http://i.imgur.com/RHhUm53.png
That's... a lot of children
I love how much personality NPCs have in this game and how many have their own little side stories. Makes the world feel more alive that way
We get another potion in the artist's house
http://i.imgur.com/SkxY5KJ.png
And then we go find Cinna for our last potion
http://i.imgur.com/g58uxxs.png
With that done, we head back to deliver the correctly mixed potion to Cid
http://i.imgur.com/JmjPyA1.png
Yep, that's right.
He's a frog now
http://i.imgur.com/9h2hTYH.png
Back to the conference room we go!
So Cid, being fed up with everything right now, tells us he's going to give us a ship. As far as where we go to find Kuja, Vivi has a suggestion as to where we can get clues
http://i.imgur.com/iU03Rfe.png
So we decide to head to Black Mage Village to speak with the Black Mages and find out what's going on, where Kuja is, and why they went with him
On our way to the ship, we get another event with Quina
http://i.imgur.com/p3WyCDB.png
Feeling like he was offered a free pickle, Quina helps him/herself and we need to go to his/her rescue
I imagine if you try and leave without going to see Quina in the Business District that s/he will end up joining you anyway, but I never didn't go get Quina because I love Quina so maybe someone else can explain what happens?
Anyway
http://i.imgur.com/cPANkp2.png
After we pay for the disagreement between Quina and Grandma Pickle, in which one thought "try" meant free sample and the other meant that try means buy and try, Quina joins up with us once again!!
http://i.imgur.com/84tlZah.png
This time for good, yay!
We head to the ship, the Blue Narciss, and see that Blank is our Captain!
http://i.imgur.com/TlCYNYz.png
http://i.imgur.com/mqDP1sG.png
http://i.imgur.com/v5KJHpc.png
And while Quina has an internal dilemma about whether or not to eat the Regent who is now his/her favourite food, we set sail for Black Mage Village!
The next update will be a while though because I finally have my entire party at once and I need to get them all of their abilities on top of sidequesting.
Stay tuned~
Pumpkin
06-06-2017, 06:58 PM
So after copious amounts of grinding (har har), darn you Rebirth Ring, and some sidequesting, we are ready to resume our journey!
But first, here's some new things:
http://i.imgur.com/awDCnyK.png
We can go to Chocobo's Lagoon now with our ship. It'll be a big detour with the river chocobo but it's worth it.
http://i.imgur.com/HUxYzUW.png
With river chocobo you can only dig in half of the lagoon, so it's half the time and half the price.
While hunting for Chocographs we get another Chocobolution!
http://i.imgur.com/rLIFkqL.png
With Mountain Choco you can head back to Chocobo's forest for some new stuff as well, which leads tooooo
http://i.imgur.com/2hv7Rst.png
And now Choco is officially more useful than our ship, although I guess we need to keep the ship around for party switching.
With your new ship and/or Ocean Choco you can go do some exploring and head to the Northwestern Continent for another little town
http://i.imgur.com/5xzZtMD.png
Esto Gaza is super pretty. There's not much going on there at the moment but you can pick up some new equipment.
Another note, when you have your River Choco and are heading to the Lagoon, the little island where you summon Choco has some super strong beasties. So either watch out or be prepared for some tough fights. If you can tough the fights out and have an abundance of tents and the like, this is a great place to grind. I got my party up to levels 50-60 here which getting my abilities learned.
ALSO do as much Chocograph stuff as you can on the world map. You'll get some amazing items. No matter how you go about it though, now is definitely the time to strengthen your party at least a little bit, especially since Steiner and Freya will probably be lower on the levels than the rest of your party.
So once aaaaallllll of that stuff is done, we head over to Black Mage Village to find it mostly abandoned.
http://i.imgur.com/Y8IcReZ.png
But why did they go with Kuja?
http://i.imgur.com/9XI8CbZ.png
http://i.imgur.com/BBp3CLX.png
And thus does the fear of death drive them to do bad things.
See, they really are just like real people!
Vivi, however, believes that Kuja is a liar
http://i.imgur.com/qVm2vn5.png
When Mr. 288 wonders if maybe they are really just puppets, Vivi asks where they went and Mr. 288 says he won't betray the others and tell us. Vivi then leaves to go see the two left at the Chocobo shack
The two at the shack are actually celebrating a birth!
http://i.imgur.com/ErvVF26.png
Is little baby Chocobo :3
The happy couple then begins to cry
http://i.imgur.com/Tx4RFja.png
We head outside to see that Mr. 288 was listening in
http://i.imgur.com/g59g6lo.png
http://i.imgur.com/hkQMExd.png
http://i.imgur.com/9Z39YDo.png
Vivi then asks him how long until he himself stops
http://i.imgur.com/DcjiTT1.png
http://i.imgur.com/prRQ0Zb.png
Vivi has to work through some of his emotions. He says when his Grandpa died, he was told not to be sad. But when he found out he would die, he didn't know what to feel. After seeing Garnet cry when Brahne died, however, he realized that he was sad and scared.
http://i.imgur.com/2SWqHbt.png
http://i.imgur.com/bQzZobh.png
Having gotten through to Mr. 288, we learn the location of Kuja's super secret base
http://i.imgur.com/TtbJyo2.png
Having heard the conversation, Garnet goes back to berating herself for not being able to stop the attack on Alexandria
http://i.imgur.com/WfT7gKL.png
She starts wishing she were strong like Vivi, when little Eiko comes to the rescue
http://i.imgur.com/iEPLxjj.png
We head over to the desert to find his palace. You'll see four quicksand things and if you pick the wrong one you'll have to fight some antlions. When you do find the right one, it turns out Kuja had been waiting
http://i.imgur.com/rc8k61y.png
After locking us in tiny circular rooms and threatening us with fiery death, Kuja has a proposal
http://i.imgur.com/vdSUe44.png
http://i.imgur.com/ZP8wZIM.png
You get a choice but you don't really get a choice.
With that, Zidane and Cid are let out of their room and Zidane is summoned to Kuja's private bed chambers.
This is getting kind of indecent, I know, but stay with me here
http://i.imgur.com/VqIWDZG.png
http://i.imgur.com/yqnCRtL.png
http://i.imgur.com/3gzcaBK.png
He will even send us on his fancy airship, the Hilda Garde I. As for why he doesn't just go himself
http://i.imgur.com/wCslGZB.png
http://i.imgur.com/0YATuvP.png
Such a flatterer
http://i.imgur.com/XXBsAM3.png
We get to pick 3 party members to join us. Keep in mind that whoever is left behind will form another party, so try to balance for that while also keeping in mind you can't use magic while in Oeilvert. You can use it to heal up if you leave and whatever, but that's up to you.
I usually put Garnet in my Oeilvert party but I decided to do something different this time and have a physical party at Oeilvert and a magical one at the Desert Palace, so I took Steiner, Freya, and Amarant with me.
So after telling Kuja he'd better keep his promise to keep our friends safe, we head out
http://i.imgur.com/zzHJOJQ.png
On the airship ride over, we get to see our best friends, Zorn and Thorn again!
http://i.imgur.com/SOcdPMq.png
But they started developing a consciousness without a strong sense of self, which has led them to being easily manipulated.
http://i.imgur.com/jg8S3UC.png
Zorn and Thorn then laugh about how stupid the Black Mages are to join them when they won't be extending their lives anyway and they're basically just toys ahahaha
http://i.imgur.com/6N7LPVG.png
And with that, Zidane goes to chill for the rest of the ride over.
We basically get dropped off at the other end of the continent because why not, but the clowns will sell you some stuff if you need it. If you opted for an all melee party like me, maybe stock up on some healing items while you can. Especially since there are cactuars in the area.
There's also a shop moogle once you arrive in Oeilvert. Which we do. It's a weird place.
http://i.imgur.com/uNWIqi7.png
There are monsters here that will summon a clone of one of your characters. Take em out fast because if they do summon the clone, they'll kill off the party member in question. I think you may be able to kill them with a soft, if that helps.
Anyways, Oeilvert is basically a giant history lesson.
http://i.imgur.com/YeoCi2d.png
Wondering why Zidane can read the strange language he responds with
http://i.imgur.com/3c3Eo4s.png
And that's when Zidane went to a special facility
We do meet up with Stiltzkin again who got here somehow???
http://i.imgur.com/Mn8pGDH.png
http://i.imgur.com/OAGrVCj.png
As you can see, the moogles give zero craps about the strange place because they are LIVID about the mail not getting delivered. Which I get. Mail is important, you know?
Anyways, more history
http://i.imgur.com/yWhi44i.png
But then it didn't
http://i.imgur.com/jkukhEU.png
But then there weren't
http://i.imgur.com/xfPsDZh.png
Oh, hello strange wall heads. Nothing concerning here.
http://i.imgur.com/xjn2cgW.png
That sounds like a negative thing
http://i.imgur.com/Nge4m41.png
It failed
Isn't history fun?
But then they came up with another solution that has been left vague for no reason I'm sure
http://i.imgur.com/Lw6w65V.png
Apparently the results of this last attempt are still pending
After leaving the talking heads, we go in to another area to see Terra and another planet merging together. That probably doesn't mean anything, best move along!
http://i.imgur.com/i7iXBic.png
So we find the stone we need but boss fight of course. It's a toughie because you can't use your healers to heal in battle and you can't use black magic. Try to steal if you can but it's not a huge biggie if you can't, you can get the equipment later on.
Meanwhile, back at Kuja's palace of evulz
http://i.imgur.com/dUmQvxF.png
http://i.imgur.com/yvylkfv.png
Stop showing off, Kuja. We get it, you decorate
http://i.imgur.com/k1XnPso.png
http://i.imgur.com/fNKVief.png
Well gee whiz that wasn't part of the agreement! But don't worry
CID TO THE RESCUE
http://i.imgur.com/kRzjiCF.png
And thus begins a silly minigame where you have to approach a key on the cage of a beastie by pressing X repeatedly. But if he spots you you have to start over so you have to be sneaky. Zany music also plays because of course it does
http://i.imgur.com/7kpWXAg.png
Afterwards you have to put weights on a scale to climb up the scale and flip the hourglass. It's pretty easy, just put the heavy stuff on there.
Anyways so everyone is free yay!
http://i.imgur.com/IDzyYts.png
And with that we will end this for now. Find out what happens next time on This Game Cannot Take Itself Seriously
Stay tuned~
Pumpkin
06-08-2017, 04:37 AM
So when we left off, the gang was trying to escape
http://i.imgur.com/zJZCEdI.png
Basically it involves lighting candles and getting bloodstones which are actually nifty pieces of equipment. If you get all of the bloodstones through puzzle RPG stuff, the boss fight will be that much easier!
Also I just thought about it today but if you already had the anklet and Garnet learned Healer you could bring her to Oeilvert and have her heal that way but OH WELL, SOMETHING FOR NEXT PLAYTHROUGH
Anyways, mail time!
http://i.imgur.com/9v6mID3.png
The mystery of the missing mail continues.
After enough puzzle shenanigans it's boss fight time!
http://i.imgur.com/g34YiCy.png
I took all your bloodstones, watcha gon do now?!
After a relatively easy boss fight, we get a meanwhile with Zidane getting back from his errand
http://i.imgur.com/juFfetl.png
He heads inside where Kuja uses his intercom again, I dunno what he's doing
http://i.imgur.com/a7VQrTa.png
http://i.imgur.com/3pwYtlj.png
Kuja pls, his heart belongs to Garnet
Anyways so we head inside and after demanding to see that our friends are okay, we see this
http://i.imgur.com/pmJzENC.png
http://i.imgur.com/U7OWDNt.png
Outside, Steiner is freaking out and pacing back and forth
http://i.imgur.com/cpiKa4l.png
At that moment, Eiko and the others arrive
http://i.imgur.com/jI6TjqR.png
Vivi's already going, look at him
So everyone rushes in to Kuja's room but Eiko gets shut out
http://i.imgur.com/Gy247xH.png
And unfortunately...
http://i.imgur.com/1OqPDjv.png
Anyways, when the gang bursts in, Zidane is a bit confused
http://i.imgur.com/cphC1oA.png
Kuja confesses that they were fakes and that he planned to kill everyone anyway after he got the Gulug stone. But since that plan failed, he decides to just magic the stone away from Zidane
http://i.imgur.com/ngxWFLt.png
So he takes off in the Hilda Garde
Also there's a cute Namingway card you can get in his room
http://i.imgur.com/Bk9uh0p.png
Anyways, we give chase in our ship and somehow catch up even though I know I parked that ship a ways off and this dude is in an airship
http://i.imgur.com/arqN7jc.png
Look at us go!
http://i.imgur.com/tC1lGK4.png
So he heads to Esto Gaza and we ask someone if he saw Kuja come this way
http://i.imgur.com/IJsAr98.png
http://i.imgur.com/DAY1DW1.png
http://i.imgur.com/H7TN9in.png
That's... helpful
http://i.imgur.com/rxBc16Q.png
This is starting to sound like a cult thing
Anyways he eventually tells us that Kuja did indeed pass this way
http://i.imgur.com/QV6GF7O.png
He tells us about Mount Gulug which used to be inhabited by mole people or something and since Kuja opened the sealed door, monster attacks are a thing that is happening
Also new equipment here yay! And more insight in to the missing mail mystery
http://i.imgur.com/62EktTp.png
So of course we head to
http://i.imgur.com/PVCUIGY.png
Watch out for dragons, they can be pretty nasty. Some neato treasures around here though.
We also get some more mognet stuff done
http://i.imgur.com/c27w8FU.png
...........oh my
http://i.imgur.com/2NoQlpO.png
Eventually we find Eiko with our two favourite clowns
http://i.imgur.com/YvHFFh1.png
http://i.imgur.com/BfsBMZJ.png
Yes, that is the eidolon extraction ritual, how fun
Unfortunately for them, it does not seem to be working
http://i.imgur.com/wH2vWU1.png
Kuja loses patience with them and tells them to get it done
http://i.imgur.com/vZv4Ieo.png
Because the eidolon extraction is not supposed to happen before age 16, as we saw with Garnet earlier
Kuja, however, couldn't give less of a crap about Eiko's life
http://i.imgur.com/Hy85EsQ.png
So they try to get back to the extraction, but Eiko has a little hero
http://i.imgur.com/6Wd07Iq.png
Who turns out to be a bigger hero than expected
http://i.imgur.com/Fy0Lpsi.png
http://i.imgur.com/RSy6SuR.png
http://i.imgur.com/ZWuShpR.png
And so a battle begins in which Eiko summons the actual form of Mog
http://i.imgur.com/GCzlur6.png
Who just decimates Zorn and Thorn
http://i.imgur.com/B46ZPm9.png
Aw how sweet
http://i.imgur.com/ZtTsO6a.png
http://i.imgur.com/FtzFKAM.png
Kind of sad too :(
http://i.imgur.com/t2BQj2D.png
Trance is this game's special attack/limit break type of deal in case you didn't remember
http://i.imgur.com/xyRgx7k.png
http://i.imgur.com/wcH3wHH.png
So after his monologuing he announces that he's done with us and sicks the clowns on us one last time
http://i.imgur.com/mwgXUz1.png
Nope, they're actually this ugly thing
http://i.imgur.com/U3KgXgY.png
Anyways, Kuja leaves, Zorn and Thorn die, and Vivi comes back looking sad
http://i.imgur.com/GxLkzJR.png
http://i.imgur.com/fJR9EtS.png
Turns out the black mages aren't having the easiest time coping with what happened
http://i.imgur.com/2FEX1aE.png
http://i.imgur.com/f1xvRec.png
http://i.imgur.com/mBOhCbu.png
And so tiny, clumsy, naive little Vivi became our most mature and wise party member
Anyways a lady's voice calls out to us so we go check that out
http://i.imgur.com/HBFWHTI.png
The woman recognizes Garnet and we learn that it's Cid's wife!
http://i.imgur.com/etDCfR5.png
After confessing that she surrendered his airship, we decide to talk back in Lindblum. Turns out that when Kuja stole the airship, he didn't expect to get her too and basically kept her prisoner
http://i.imgur.com/Lvbsh7A.png
It's something?
And since he's a villain he decided to tell Hilda his plan, which she found both scary and yet dull
http://i.imgur.com/Iw4KJfj.png
http://i.imgur.com/TK6NoxM.png
OUCH
After apologizing, groveling, and promising to never cheat again, Hilda agrees to turn Cid back in to a human
http://i.imgur.com/TNRSSSQ.png
And with that, Cid is finally human again!
http://i.imgur.com/Ul0E0WJ.png
Old habits die hard
And that is where we will end today. Stay tuned~
Pumpkin
06-09-2017, 05:14 AM
We have a short update today
Lady Hilda calls us in for a meeting to discuss Kuja's evil plans of evilness
http://i.imgur.com/3IjFRCz.png
Unfortunately, Zidane's not used to seeing the regular regent
http://i.imgur.com/qwT7EEy.png
So he leaves to go work on that while Hilda gives us the deets
http://i.imgur.com/ZCgs7g6.png
She also talks about him being an alien
http://i.imgur.com/RIYa3Hz.png
http://i.imgur.com/BAenQE6.png
In case you missed those plot points, there you go!
While we're having this discussion, Steiner is out looking for the Princess
http://i.imgur.com/zSSHklN.png
He runs in to Baku and the gang who are trying to rebuild their home
http://i.imgur.com/Mjv37wX.png
Despite his rudeness, Baku and the others offer to help him look for Garnet
http://i.imgur.com/9ZTbylY.png
Back in the meeting
http://i.imgur.com/Ci4SalR.png
But of course it's not just that simple
http://i.imgur.com/jPSCNzm.png
http://i.imgur.com/4ZgbEFZ.png
And since they don't know much about the continent or the castle, they decide to call it Ipsen's Castle after the explorer that Zidane talked about in his story earlier
When they decide to head over there, Steiner comes back with some bad news
http://i.imgur.com/GoYIGJy.png
http://i.imgur.com/KStoWmo.png
To Alexandria!
How he and the Tantalus get there like right away when the Blue Narciss is being used for the new airship which isn't ready yet and all of the other airships are grounded is never explained. I guess they could have taken the Gargen but that's still a hike to Treno first.
How did Garnet get there?!
Eh whatever. Video game magic.
While Blank is supposed to be looking for the Princess, he's instead chatting up Ruby
http://i.imgur.com/ikado8F.png
Zidane isn't having much luck himself
http://i.imgur.com/XNsxvb4.png
Baku arrives and also says they haven't seen her, but he spotted someone who might be able to help
http://i.imgur.com/vcL9e71.png
He means Beatrix. So after chasing her around the harbour, we finally track her down but she hasn't seen the Princess either
http://i.imgur.com/IySYmrB.png
But when Zidane says he's sure she was here, Beatrix suggests they head to her mother's grave and asks him two favours
http://i.imgur.com/YcvOFd6.png
http://i.imgur.com/x2SCHnr.png
So we head to Brahne's resting place to find that, happily, Garnet is there and also got her voice back!
http://i.imgur.com/GqZvOsh.png
http://i.imgur.com/gyqrAr7.png
Se still has a lot on her mind though and decides that she wants to keep journeying with Zidane. She says she always worried about looking and acting like a Princess and then a Queen, but she isn't ready and the Alexandrian people deserve better. So she's going to be selfish and join us.
Zidane gives her the thing Beatrix asked us to
http://i.imgur.com/WYWL1uL.png
http://i.imgur.com/meYhCwe.png
And with that we can have her learn to summon Bahamut, yay!
http://i.imgur.com/bAesyjp.png
By knife she means the dagger that helped her make her last important decision
http://i.imgur.com/J7yli7t.png
And that's when she kills herself, how sad
No, of course she doesn't. But it issssss
http://i.imgur.com/rjOBRSu.png
HAIRCUT TIMMMEEEEE
http://i.imgur.com/ImUHkPj.png
Which a lot of people will recognize as a physical way to express making a change in your life. It's why some people die/cut their hair or change up their look when romantic relationships end, for example, or when consciously choosing to start a happier chapter in life.
And so she lets her long luscious locks fly away in the wind as we see Alexandria being rebuilt
http://i.imgur.com/TUKfSEC.png
http://i.imgur.com/Bj0qCs0.png
Symbolism ho!
http://i.imgur.com/ISfkz09.png
http://i.imgur.com/pq1msfT.png
Gosh I love her short hair so much. It's my ideal short haircut, it's just amazing
As if she'd cut it that perfectly though
Anyways, as Garnet beings a new chapter in her life, the Hilda Garde 3 gets up and running!
http://i.imgur.com/62NpSHm.png
http://i.imgur.com/AWkewPU.png
And now we have a nifty airship~
The gang comes to pick us up and are shocked by Garnet's new look but even more shocked by the fact that her voice has returned
http://i.imgur.com/f38c3Iq.png
So we set our sights on Ipsen's Castle, but not before taking care of a few side things!
First we go get two more Chocograph Pieces by playing Chocobo Hot & Cold and then we unlock another chocograph which gives us
http://i.imgur.com/WXONV5W.png
Gold flying Chocobo yaaaaay! Now he can climb mountains, cross the ocean, and fly!
1000% amazing, you go Choco
We can also head to an island that has a great place that I love
http://i.imgur.com/0anhsWn.png
It's filled with books and water and you think that wouldn't work out but it does and I love it and I want to live there
We also get another Stellazzio here
http://i.imgur.com/lN1RfEf.png
I think we can agree that Capricorn is the real hero of the Stellazzio story
You can get some nifty new items here by doing a lift/switch puzzle and also there's a good synthesis shop as well.
On top of that, we run in to an old friend from Cleyra!
http://i.imgur.com/28Lv1Jq.png
And we will leave off with that happyness and stay tuned for next time!
Pumpkin
06-12-2017, 06:19 AM
Welcome back, both of my viewers! We have an exciting update today.
First off, remember how we got our Gold Chocobo? Well once we collect all of the chocograph pieces, we can go to the last Hot & Cold area to get the last of the hidden treasures!
http://i.imgur.com/dHdy6xm.png
As you probably would have expected, it's the toughest area yet, but there's only a few Chocographs left.
Also there's an option to examine something related to eidolons or summon magic or something. Just leave it alone. LEAVE IT ALONE until you've completed the friendly monster sidequest and are very VERY prepared and have saved. If you have not done those things
LEAVE
IT
ALONE
Now then, after completing that and doing some level and ability grinding and getting some super cool items from the chocographs, we head to Ipsen's Castle
http://i.imgur.com/yXqoZhc.png
You can't see the full thing but it's basically like... reflection castle. It's upside down on the bottom and right side up on the top
So since we got here and Amarant realized he's had no plot points, he decides to go be a jerk again
http://i.imgur.com/ejcbOzd.png
You can see the upside down bit there
http://i.imgur.com/utCDI6v.png
http://i.imgur.com/4m0R6CS.png
So Amarant leaves and no one really cares and inside we go
http://i.imgur.com/SyHuHfK.png
Ipsen's Castle is an odd place where the stronger your weapons are, the weaker they are! So hopefully you saved some of your beginner weapons, but not a huge deal if you didn't. They have them scattered about the place. We also get another Stellazzio coin!
http://i.imgur.com/BCXFN0O.png
And we deliver another mognet
http://i.imgur.com/MPv822z.png
So after going through the odd but still pretty straightforward dungeon
http://i.imgur.com/fPeWQKi.png
We arrive at the obvious plot area to find Amarant is already there
http://i.imgur.com/enKT3YY.png
http://i.imgur.com/bDKMnhm.png
Okay bye
So he leaves and we go check out the mural on the wall, which is a world map with some mirrors on it. Each mirror has a little hint
http://i.imgur.com/W0aJgvl.png
So we take the mirrors because this is a super weird, mysterious, and unknown place so why wouldn't we just take these things and oh no something happens
http://i.imgur.com/xiiKEqj.png
And then this gross thing shows up
http://i.imgur.com/ZnQ6rZt.png
If you've been leveling and ability grinding appropriately, this boss should be a breeze, especially if you have Vivi in your party. He does less damage than is regenerated by auto-regen in a single heal. Just Focus Vivi while Zidane steals and then you should easily be doing damage like this:
http://i.imgur.com/SB3xv38.png
If you haven't put hours in to grinding because you have a life or something (loser) then it still shouldn't be the most challenging of fights.
So we defeat the gross thing who mumbles incoherently about one for all or something and head back, at which point Vivi almost falls through a trap door
http://i.imgur.com/HsuWnYn.png
We head back outside to be told that Amarant never came back out
http://i.imgur.com/HJ2jbNS.png
http://i.imgur.com/Nkfs3Yc.png
So we head back in and if you fall through the right trap door you get a treasure. Just keep trying. We also find Amarant
http://i.imgur.com/4rktTtC.png
After some talk about independence this and why are you rescuing me that
http://i.imgur.com/llGq1Gz.png
Zidane yells at him a bit about teamwork and friendship and Amarant decides to join us again and for some reason is suddenly just fine despite having been injured before
The power of friendship!
I didn't want to screencap the whole convo but it's basically:
A: Why you helping me?
Z: Cuz that's what I do
A: Is this what teamwork is?
Z: Yeah, sure
A: Cool cool, let's head back
So we leave and go back to the airship to discuss the new things we learned
http://i.imgur.com/bjwQvlX.png
The mirrors are each on a certain area
http://i.imgur.com/mc2rEBM.png
http://i.imgur.com/169sub2.png
"Nah I figured out exactly what we have to do based on the cryptic ramblings of the weird monster"
Which means 4 teams of 2. Conveniently we have 8 party members. And now we know why Amarant is in this game!
Also I am going to tell you right now that if you have not learned a lot of Blue Magic with Quina or taught him/her some abilities and leveled him/her up with the rest of them... drop everything and do that now.
Anyways, back to the plot
Eiko immediately teams up with Garnet
http://i.imgur.com/OMvuhcR.png
Like makeup and shoes and boys and the mystical beats that we can summon to do our bidding that can wipe out entire cities.
Just girl things~
http://i.imgur.com/V1Vl8L7.png
Also can I just point out here how much happier Garnet looks in her portrait now than before. I'm telling you, the new haircut is amazing
So anyways, first shrine is where we drop off the summoners, and it is the Water Shrine
http://i.imgur.com/VH0HyQK.png
Looks safe
http://i.imgur.com/5MDX4ck.png
http://i.imgur.com/kGPMEwg.png
Next is the fire shrine where we drop off Amarant and Freya
http://i.imgur.com/5H7Xw9P.png
http://i.imgur.com/pyIuNPL.png
Amarant fuses about being teamed up with Freya until Zidane asks if he'd rather have gone with Eiko, which causes him to silently accept the pairing
Next is the Wind Shrine, which doesn't look the most... flattering, let's say
http://i.imgur.com/XTwFhzu.png
Steiner and Vivi get sent there
http://i.imgur.com/YIOZv2O.png
Vivi immediately gets blown back by the wind so he has to walk behind Steiner and it's pretty cute
http://i.imgur.com/cXre3zM.png
And then last but not least, Quina and Zidane head to the Earth Shrine!
http://i.imgur.com/mh0QFbC.png
http://i.imgur.com/gXaZsgo.png
Quina is very happy because s/he is always happy
http://i.imgur.com/YDda2UZ.png
Zidane explains that it was more of a case of getting stuck with him/her than anything, but Quina doesn't care
http://i.imgur.com/qJCKWrA.png
So presh :3:
So anyways, everyone heads further in and sees places to put the mirrors, but booby traps and bosses because of course
http://i.imgur.com/fBGDS3w.png
http://i.imgur.com/QsautqB.png
Everyone has a moment of LET'S DO THIS and Amarant packs all of his character development in to a few sentences with his "Hey maybe there's more to life than not trusting people and picking fights"
http://i.imgur.com/jQgXZMD.png
http://i.imgur.com/v1XQclA.png
Vivi and Steiner are best team <3
http://i.imgur.com/ZUeUU6V.png
You know, that is a super valid question and Zidane's response is literally "I guess we'll figure it out when we get there!"
So anyways we get to boss fight with Zidane and Quina. If you've been leveling Quina properly and have some good Blue Magic, like White Wind, you should be fine. If not this might be a frustrating fight. We don't fight the other three bosses right now, and we don't even get to see the one Eiko and Garnet fought yet. Not that I'm complaining much because it's pretty ugly
So anyways, baddies defeated, mirrors placed to break the seal on the Shimmering Islands so we can get to Terra. Only one issue remains
http://i.imgur.com/WotRcAK.png
But before Garnet can answer (we all know her answer anyway)
http://i.imgur.com/dN7fgvo.png
Now all that's left to do is prepare to go to Terra via the Shimmering Islands
http://i.imgur.com/nE28k8P.png
http://i.imgur.com/vsrWAoJ.png
It's super close to where they start you off near Esto Gaza, so just head on over after you've prepared and this happens
http://i.imgur.com/RYspjBP.png
Nothing concerning here
http://i.imgur.com/61MG72K.png
Nope, nothing at all
We get to watch the souls going through
http://i.imgur.com/30CA4Ti.png
And then the airship makes its way through the... soul waterfall thing
http://i.imgur.com/GIqpeSq.png
And then we start floating because why wouldn't we
http://i.imgur.com/b9exwNy.png
And then we get the old school Doctor Who intro
http://i.imgur.com/pQIHWmS.png
And arrive at this...
place...
http://i.imgur.com/WQ9ILrL.png
And then we thought to ourselves, gee, this is weird, maybe we shouldn't have been so blasé about going through a soul portal in to another world
http://i.imgur.com/yimjH1l.png
Or we think about the blue light
So anyways Garland appears in that hole beside the tree after it grows magical harp strings
http://i.imgur.com/i2mja8f.png
As you do
After Zidane tries to tell him his name, Garland calls us an ignorant fool because who cares about names. Culture shock!
http://i.imgur.com/BISixI5.png
http://i.imgur.com/XFnAtqq.png
So we also meet a girl with adorable pink ribbons in her hair
http://i.imgur.com/4CFBDCm.png
She also has a tail and looks similar to Zidane.
Probably not important.
So we head further in to find a sort of town
http://i.imgur.com/1OTo6ss.png
http://i.imgur.com/gxXiO1g.png
http://i.imgur.com/Eqs8bI8.png
Oh, we're back to the cult stuff
http://i.imgur.com/hqSW3K3.png
before we can explore though, we see our old friend The Invincible!
http://i.imgur.com/bVDk3gQ.png
Zidane and Garnet look up in awe
http://i.imgur.com/WFkUE0b.png
And no that didn't need a screenshot but I think we do need to keep appreciating the new Garnet hair
Anyways, as The Invincible flies up to do who knows what, Garnet has flashbacks to it destroying Madain Sari. And if you recall from before, when she remembers that stuff she faints. And so does she faint again this time
http://i.imgur.com/GHJvWKF.png
And then FFIX sums up the human condition
So we head to Bran Bal to look for a place to rest Garnet
http://i.imgur.com/cQDt2t3.png
And yes, they are just as exciting as Zidane is!
http://i.imgur.com/i1n51sS.png
http://i.imgur.com/lYq3lwO.png
http://i.imgur.com/vV0JZ96.png
Haha, classic Zidane! Always going on about creating perfect Genomes to be vessels for souls!
http://i.imgur.com/5eDxDfh.png
They're just as upbeat and friendly as he is too!
Also, yes, that is a moogle in that basket. A moogle who has never heard of mognet no less!?
http://i.imgur.com/F3HNebn.png
Stiltzkin, how did you even get here???
So next time we look for a place to rest Garnet and figure out more about what's going on!
Stay tuned~
Depression Moon
06-12-2017, 06:56 AM
I feel like they don't give you enough time to dig for Chocobo's Air Garden.
Pumpkin
06-13-2017, 06:34 AM
We are back and getting to the end of the game, can you believe it? A few sections left and they're pretty story heavy so bare with me. Afterwards I will be hopping right in to Final Fantasy VIII if that interests you!
First thing's first, Zidane finds a spot for Garnet to rest, but he starts not feeling so hot himself
http://i.imgur.com/cpkCZIF.png
Eiko meanwhile is asking the locals for some medicine without much success
http://i.imgur.com/JawKtSR.png
http://i.imgur.com/kZREsEN.png
>Eiko travels to a whole new place with a different culture
>Calls them all weirdos
Anyways, cute pink Zidane from before shows up and asks where Zidane is, which Eiko misconstrues as flirting
http://i.imgur.com/VAZAAAV.png
http://i.imgur.com/ok8OMMW.png
Her response doesn't do much to clarify things, let's be honest
http://i.imgur.com/p3wTthf.png
Eiko, as you can see, is having none of it. Ain't nobody allowed to flirt with the man her bestie is in love with that she has a crush on
Back with the others, Garnet is resting and Freya notices that Zidane has been a bit gloomy
http://i.imgur.com/yeXX8Md.png
http://i.imgur.com/QqgG21V.png
Garnet wakes up and explains why she fainted when she saw The Invincible
http://i.imgur.com/RRjovdr.png
http://i.imgur.com/fWZYjT7.png
It's because she realized what we realized a whole disc ago
So Zidane glooms about and heads to the Underground Laboratory after Eiko begrudgingly gives him the message and upon seeing the people in the weird test tube like things, he realizes what's been going on
http://i.imgur.com/4NZ0pOD.png
http://i.imgur.com/E8jMPWV.png
Pink Zidane explains a bit more to fill in some of the blanks
http://i.imgur.com/HLoFKQB.png
And Regular Zidane is pretty bummed about the whole thing
http://i.imgur.com/lik4PJ5.png
After wondering why he's not a zombie like the other Genomes
http://i.imgur.com/lwuNT0q.png
STOP FLIRTING OMG
She basically explains how the Genomes are basically without souls and that Garland made them
http://i.imgur.com/zzg3tUS.png
http://i.imgur.com/dtEqank.png
See the Genomes aren't the Terran people. They're basically soulless vessels. If you remember the Oeilvert section, Terra fell on some hard times etc
http://i.imgur.com/QtpueAK.png
http://i.imgur.com/Fyfkk6J.png
Well that doesn't sound concerning!
http://i.imgur.com/fOuVjHE.png
Oh, okay!
When Zidane asks why now, Pink Zidane explains that they had to wait until the right time
http://i.imgur.com/29ttFcA.png
Garnet gets worried about Zidane and sends Eiko out to look for him. But he is first found by Quina who tries to find the food in every situation
http://i.imgur.com/OzWFSY9.png
After awkwardly licking the stone to taste it, he sees Zidane who is moping about.
Elsewhere in town, Vivi is trying to converse with the Genomes, who aren't being very responsive. When Zidane comes along, Vivi says they remind him of how the Black Mages were when the first saw them way back on the cargo ship
http://i.imgur.com/P5UDAFa.png
Can't tell if insulting or not
After Zidane mops away some more and talks to Amarant about how mopey they both are, he meets back up with Pink Zidane so that he can go and meet with Garland
http://i.imgur.com/K4zaEmd.png
People with castles are so pretentious
Eiko saunters up after Zidane leaves and wonders why he went alone, not fully believing Mr. Teamwork WOULD go alone
http://i.imgur.com/RQUxp35.png
Sensing that something is off, Eiko rushes to get the others
Zidane, meanwhile, magical tree harp teleports to Garland's castle
http://i.imgur.com/cgNMz3f.png
And immediately insults it
http://i.imgur.com/pS8MasE.png
We meet up with Garland who is basically all business and not at all concerned about us showing up in his soul castle unannounced.
http://i.imgur.com/fNILk2L.png
http://i.imgur.com/xa5VvZD.png
Zidane is pretty upset about the whole Terra taking over Gaia thing that Pink Zidane mentioned
http://i.imgur.com/WmRZGyV.png
"I don't want to destroy Gaia, I just want to essentially destroy it"
So anyways more plot dump about the genome sent to disrupt the flow of souls on Gaia through war
http://i.imgur.com/dBTB7Ny.png
Omg Zidane, you can't just ask people why they don't have tails
http://i.imgur.com/gSABRgm.png
So he's basically a teenager
Garland continues to walk very slowly through his castle while monologuing
http://i.imgur.com/4s3YkrL.png
But you see, eventually Kuja would die, so he made a new Genome, Zidane, to essentially replace him
http://i.imgur.com/RLO1nir.png
It's not uncommon for an older sibling to feel rejected when a newborn arrives in to the family
http://i.imgur.com/ZLK0Td2.png
That is usually less common though
http://i.imgur.com/xdGu0l3.png
So he creates wars because wars mean more deaths which means more soul stuff
http://i.imgur.com/AIBdnH9.png
http://i.imgur.com/Gg4WBQp.png
And yes, we did do that Zombie Tree battle on disc 2, but Garland assures us that we didn't stop anything
http://i.imgur.com/8Gt3MYU.png
He also shows us his nifty glowing soul globe
http://i.imgur.com/01mV4nS.png
I wish I had one.
So after all of that, Zidane is pretty bummed that it turns out he was created to destroy Gaia
http://i.imgur.com/z0R3kOd.png
And so he reacts in the most reasonable way possible
http://i.imgur.com/N6MMejv.png
Uh, sure
And he decides to do it solo because it's a family matter or whatever, but with everything going on, he kind of has a breakdown
http://i.imgur.com/LxdxM89.png
http://i.imgur.com/dzBZhpO.png
http://i.imgur.com/nffnUNp.png
http://i.imgur.com/3UJ7GY5.png
And thus did FFIX sum up depression
He is woken up by Vivi and Eiko
http://i.imgur.com/mYtTUMP.png
But Zidane is not really feeling it
http://i.imgur.com/iLd8OG0.png
After the two press him further, he snaps
http://i.imgur.com/Y6eoWgM.png
He leaves them behind and ends up in a fight against a beastie, when Freya and Amarant arrive to rescue him
http://i.imgur.com/FOIN7p4.png
After leaving them behind, he runs in to Quina and Steiner who are also concerned about him
http://i.imgur.com/6JTutLF.png
Aww, he cares about him
But Zidane leaves them behind too
http://i.imgur.com/PLAQcuY.png
We end up in another fight and Garnet has to show up to heal our sorry behinds
http://i.imgur.com/Aavga7L.png
And fuss at us a little bit too
http://i.imgur.com/C18UYmO.png
Okay, a lot
http://i.imgur.com/4GsC4ya.png
Garnet gets upset at him again because the whole game he was Mr. Friendship and always there telling them to rely on him, but he won't do the same
http://i.imgur.com/O5CjF7o.png
A few others arrive to show that she's right and they care about our hero
http://i.imgur.com/hxEWtlW.png
You tell 'em Quina
http://i.imgur.com/fy3gRlu.png
They're besties now :3
And with that, Zidane's character comes full circle. He apologizes for being a jackass and the group decides they're going to go kill Garland TOGETHER
BECAUSE FRIENDSHIP IS POWER or something to that effect
Next time we go face off against Garland and probably get to the last disc. Stay tuned~
Darth Ganon
06-13-2017, 07:49 AM
Absolute best part in the game right there. :zidane:
Pumpkin
06-14-2017, 04:23 AM
Big update incoming as we finish disc 3 and finish up some sidequests before the final dungeon!
We head through the annoying dungeon that is Pandemonium and deliver a mognet from that Terran moogle that was super hype about this whole mognet thing
http://i.imgur.com/uGNZyCX.png
The other moogle was sufficiently less hype about it
We find Garland further in, monologuing to himself as he likes to do
http://i.imgur.com/xCYN88k.png
http://i.imgur.com/e70HTcF.png
Someone just took Philosophy 101
http://i.imgur.com/MCtISM4.png
Get em Zidane
http://i.imgur.com/1H0caZs.png
http://i.imgur.com/5l9XQyS.png
"I'm the only one allowed to monologue!!!"
I hope you're ready for a boss rush~
First we fight a Silver Dragon
http://i.imgur.com/EInQs7L.png
It was very easy, I beat him with counterattacks while I was trying to steal
So then we have some more questions for Garland about this whole Terra souls thing
http://i.imgur.com/V94hcKn.png
http://i.imgur.com/i6h2jb3.png
There's actually a neat little touch of body language here. He was facing us all head on and confident until he mentions that and then he turns away
http://i.imgur.com/FcSDyfe.png
This leads to another boss fight, this time with Garland. If you Focus Vivi while Zidane steals, Flare should do a full 9999 damage to him and the fight won't be super hard. Worst thing is he likes to cast Stop so remedy that fast
After the fight, we prepare to lecture Garland about friendship again but Kuja comes in with The Invincible
http://i.imgur.com/Bdw9D4C.png
http://i.imgur.com/YjrHiEo.png
http://i.imgur.com/QXDNxSa.png
Who is he even talking to?
http://i.imgur.com/dFVKNrO.png
Himself, I guess
So Kuja pops on down
http://i.imgur.com/OI2RYVv.png
http://i.imgur.com/D1sH9J7.png
And that leads to our third boss fight. Still not super tough, should be able to deal with it without much problem if you've put the work in and equipped good skills like auto-regen
But after we defeat him
http://i.imgur.com/JoSLMc9.png
http://i.imgur.com/UQU6BR5.png
He goes all Trance on us
http://i.imgur.com/4AmKsXS.png
And pulls that crap. But hey, he has a tail now!
http://i.imgur.com/zrzijhO.png
http://i.imgur.com/y19Nl3M.png
Basically, The Invincible absorbs souls when it does its whole evil eye thing and he is using their power to Trance
http://i.imgur.com/rV3sSjR.png
And apparently it absorbed a very powerful soul by the Iifa Tree. Queen Brahne's soul
http://i.imgur.com/Qho9nhG.png
http://i.imgur.com/QYXi4pu.png
Look at Zidane taking a nap over there. Lazy
http://i.imgur.com/HR9Uoay.png
And so he just kicks Garland off the edge. And so does Garland meet his anticlimactic end
http://i.imgur.com/yhOVn9Y.png
Although he does manage to antagonize Kuja one last time before he finally passes
http://i.imgur.com/EIcCnDA.png
http://i.imgur.com/uVuU8CD.png
Garland created Zidane to replace Kuja and now that Zidane has become more powerful, it'll soon be bye bye Kuja
http://i.imgur.com/wqB9XIm.png
http://i.imgur.com/wjAOtOh.png
And so Garland gives Kuja one last massive Screw You before his life ends
http://i.imgur.com/ja3k0Iw.png
Kuja doesn't deal with this news very well
http://i.imgur.com/bBfy2lp.png
http://i.imgur.com/A92ruIq.png
Ah yes the "If I can't be alive neither can anyone else" line of reasoning. This is why people who are afraid of death don't get to have superpowers
And then Kuja begins angrily destroying Terra. Juts like straight out destroying the entire planet
http://i.imgur.com/3bIV9KY.png
http://i.imgur.com/OsFSVd0.png
http://i.imgur.com/gtqM3cC.png
The party decides this is a good time to leave
http://i.imgur.com/4ZANxBv.png
http://i.imgur.com/dCRZUji.png
Garnet joins Zidane and the two of them head back to Bran Bal while the others secure the ship
On the way, Zidane gets a bit creeped out
http://i.imgur.com/aNrdTLN.png
And Garnet gives zero craps
While they wait for the teleporter to activate and bring them to Bran Bal, Zidane apologizes for his earlier behaviour when he went all selfish antisocial jerk and tells her he has something else to say, but gets shy about it
http://i.imgur.com/qGUm9aE.png
After Garnet fusses at him for the stupid joke, he finally says what's on his mind
http://i.imgur.com/EoTyn2D.png
He thanks her for rescuing him and the two get close as the teleporter finally activates
Meanwhile, during the escape...
http://i.imgur.com/xDGOOVd.png
The others get to the ship, while Quina somehow teleports from underneath it
http://i.imgur.com/Y46deup.png
And Zidane goes to rescue the Genomes, where he finds his sister Pink Zidane and tries to get her to leave
http://i.imgur.com/uiktTdI.png
http://i.imgur.com/mJ0tlxG.png
When she asks if he has an answer he responds with
http://i.imgur.com/wSfGx72.png
She also finally opens up to us a little bit and we learn that he name is not Pink Zidane, sadly
http://i.imgur.com/fpWr9zF.png
http://i.imgur.com/GBA7Ppb.png
And so everyone hops on The Invincible and gets the heck out of Terra before it is annihilated
http://i.imgur.com/dqtwuPZ.png
http://i.imgur.com/OGK7n4k.png
And we arrive safely back in Gaia
http://i.imgur.com/ZhyJXeR.png
But our troubles aren't over yet
http://i.imgur.com/n5wpsQd.png
The party doubts that this will be the end of Kuja
http://i.imgur.com/yi4xIGR.png
And they easily figure out the most important place on Gaia where they can probably confront him
http://i.imgur.com/Yzghng8.png
There's more bad news though
http://i.imgur.com/e5hk5Im.png
http://i.imgur.com/vyZ2Suq.png
Welcome to disc 4!
Before we get to the whole confronting Kuja thing, we need to drop our friends the Genomes off at a special place where they will be well cared for
http://i.imgur.com/SZMfrsw.png
http://i.imgur.com/nLeUguh.png
So the Genomes try and get used to the locals, including the absolutely adorable Bobby Corwin
http://i.imgur.com/PaSnkWm.png
Look how cuuuutee
Bobby Corwin then proceeds to chase the Genome
Quina offers his/her own life advice
http://i.imgur.com/qY6TO8H.png
And others learn about the differences between the two worlds
http://i.imgur.com/Dee5iUm.png
http://i.imgur.com/wjlGEtn.png
With the Genomes resettled, we go to head out on our quest to the final dungeon
http://i.imgur.com/sco9JaL.png
Mikoto comes out to show her support
http://i.imgur.com/PWMgbOG.png
http://i.imgur.com/vVoOKNP.png
Zidane calls her his little sis, which she says is silly while turning away in embarrassment, and then we head out to sidequest before the end game!
First thing Imma do is get all of the Stellazzio. There's actually one on The Invincible, which we now get to fly around
http://i.imgur.com/cYcnWf4.png
We bring all 12 coins to Queen Stella
http://i.imgur.com/lSI7sBE.png
And with that we head to a place very nearby to get the conclusion to our story
http://i.imgur.com/voD6lJ8.png
http://i.imgur.com/kd7fxnA.png
http://i.imgur.com/x8IlAVc.png
Aww :3
Using a Dead Pepper, we can also solve the problem of Mognet Central
http://i.imgur.com/kDvpjmO.png
Basically one of the moogles was using the oil for the gears to give himself shiny fur
First step is to head back to Alexandria where we can check up on the rebuild efforts
http://i.imgur.com/rYSpSpC.png
Little Ilia is super presh
http://i.imgur.com/g6KgxLw.png
You can also get a card here from one of the townsfolk and we see that Ruby is having some trouble with her main star
http://i.imgur.com/vvRF4RR.png
Dem legs on Lowell tho
At the bell tower you can buy the final items from Stiltzkin who escaped Terra just fine, obviously
http://i.imgur.com/2kEXw8B.png
And he gives us a ribbon. You can also speak to Kupo who will initiate the quest to help Mognet Central
http://i.imgur.com/ldvQnyj.png
We then have to go around the world delivering letters to moogles. At one point we are brought back to Black Mage Village where we can check up on everyone, and apparently an item in my inventory reacts with the musical box in the Inn
http://i.imgur.com/KxTAvMK.png
That's quite the music box...
Mikoto wonders what the point of cemeteries is since the dead people probably don't care, and Mr. 288 explains that it's a way to show that they will remember them
http://i.imgur.com/gGJT5ol.png
Mr. 288, always a well of knowledge, also explains why he thinks the Genomes and Black Mages are so similar
http://i.imgur.com/Owg2crt.png
We continue delivering mail
http://i.imgur.com/frMwchK.png
Which eventually leads us right back where we started, in Alexandria
http://i.imgur.com/kbikrL0.png
And it turns out Ruby had it the entire time. So we get some from her and head back to Mognet Central where things get fixed back up again
http://i.imgur.com/5qEyQFb.png
Now there are a few more sidequests you can do like fighting the super boss in Chocobo's Air Garden, getting all of the Dead Pepper locations, finding the beaches and Chocobo's Paradise. I'll leave some things to mystery for those who have never played the game. But I'll only be doing one last sidequest, which is incredibly convoluted.
First, head back to Madain Sari with Garnet in your party and go to the outdoor area of Eiko's house. You'll see Lani who will run away. Head back to The Invincible and make up a party that has neither Garnet nor Amarant and head back. Lani will talk to you this time and tell you a bit about what's been going on
http://i.imgur.com/tU1susm.png
She got tired and the moogles took her in and have been taking care of her. She now feels bad about the selfish, money grubbing lifestyle she once had, and mentions that Eidolon Wall might have some nifty info
So head over to Eidolon wall and walk clockwise around the circular room, past the ! of the entrance, until you hear a chime sound in the song. The walk counterclockwise and do the same thing. Then switch back to clockwise and continue this pattern 9 times until you get a message saying everyone has been healed. Now you can head around the room and learn more about the summoner's tribe
http://i.imgur.com/bqS5Rp4.png
As you examine all of the summons and get info, you'll notice one of the summons (Ifrit) isn't able to be examined. Once you've examined all of the other ones, return to Ifrit where you get the final message, some words from Garnet's father
http://i.imgur.com/MOPrkcY.png
And that is where we will end for today. Next time we take on Memoria and finish up the game!
Stay tuned~
Pumpkin
06-14-2017, 09:10 PM
Are you guys ready for the finale? Big update incoming, I apologize in advance.
First thing is to head to Memoria when you're ready. Make sure you are ready because it's basically like 8 bosses with story and a bit of walking in between. You'll be able to recognize Memoria because it looks like this
http://i.imgur.com/yiQ4wsw.png
Oh and also just a ton of silver dragons come flying out
http://i.imgur.com/zgVmA5T.png
Like just... a TON of them. We start getting attacked, but thankfully some backup arrives
http://i.imgur.com/C7G3mi8.png
Now that the mist is back, the airships can fly again!
Pew pew dragon airship fights happen
http://i.imgur.com/bh66k0X.png
http://i.imgur.com/U8LovFo.png
But not only did the Lindblum fleet and the Hilda Garde 3 show up, the Red Rose arrives to lend a hand too
http://i.imgur.com/TO1WksJ.png
http://i.imgur.com/r1mEtFH.png
http://i.imgur.com/le3mVvK.png
Aww they're in love :3
http://i.imgur.com/hSjY9Q1.png
http://i.imgur.com/qyR8b3b.png
When Garnet asks Steiner what he meant by that, he goes scurrying to the side
Anyways, thanks to the help of the others, we get a clear path in to Memoria
http://i.imgur.com/uUWIce2.png
Where we have to fight this thing in the ugliest background of all time
http://i.imgur.com/jhQL4XT.png
It's not a super hard fight if you can keep from ripping your eyeballs out
Anyways, we head in to Memoria, which is weird, and Zidane starts hearing a voice
http://i.imgur.com/UR4NxvM.png
And the voice belongs to none other than
http://i.imgur.com/aluGnUQ.png
Our good friend Dead Garland!
http://i.imgur.com/GRkiKMm.png
Creative naming there
http://i.imgur.com/D2mmFiF.png
Further in the dungeon, we get to fight the Fiend from the Fire Shrine
http://i.imgur.com/AmqmlSq.png
Not a very hard fight. I should mention to CHECK EVERYWHERE THOROUGHLY in Memoria, even if it looks like there's nothing. There's a lot of hidden save and card masters (for some reason?) and ultimate weapons. Be thorough in your search
Further in we see Alexandria castle
http://i.imgur.com/ZOWZNRi.png
And suddenly the attack and Bahamut vs Alexander thing starts playing back
http://i.imgur.com/xhz9IMs.png
But Quina apparently didn't see anything
http://i.imgur.com/GxinD21.png
And then Garland starts giving us history lessons
http://i.imgur.com/mTTFrac.png
Further in, we see another memory of a little girl and her mom
http://i.imgur.com/WRGBsHU.png
http://i.imgur.com/vdIDKGn.png
Which Zidane could oddly see even though he wasn't there
http://i.imgur.com/QSYUIP8.png
Instead of a straight answer, we get more History Time with Garland
http://i.imgur.com/nwfpdfq.png
But he explains a bit more as we get further in
http://i.imgur.com/RePh1xz.png
http://i.imgur.com/bmZuIff.png
But once again, back to history lessons. Garland is nothing is not cryptic and vague
http://i.imgur.com/qkCkesq.png
http://i.imgur.com/15rBoOi.png
As we walk up to the giant eyeball in the sky (as you do) we fight another one of the fiends, this time from the Wind Shrine
http://i.imgur.com/sjoRd5p.png
But Tiamat was wrong and now Tiamat is dead
Further in we see some more weird stuff
http://i.imgur.com/s4kjTad.png
Also you probably didn't notice just from the LP, but there are two moons in the game, a blue one and a red one. We now know that the red one is actually Terra's moon
http://i.imgur.com/rNwYrbS.png
http://i.imgur.com/KJXb9xP.png
http://i.imgur.com/iWsUCWQ.png
In all honesty, despite the planet assimilation nonsense, I'm starting to feel a bit bad for Terra
Next we end up in an ocean
http://i.imgur.com/h5ORjkk.png
http://i.imgur.com/9XMOeac.png
After a brief moment of Quina worrying that s/he is drowning, Zidane tells him/her that it's all in the mind and we proceed forward with Quina being able to breathe again
http://i.imgur.com/aYYRxFA.png
http://i.imgur.com/kjB1zsp.png
http://i.imgur.com/QlMFgHn.png
It's actually neat learning about the history of this fictional planet, I like it
Next is the water fiend we didn't get to see when Eiko and Garnet were at the Water Shrine
http://i.imgur.com/enJ60in.png
So ugly. Probably also the easiest of the fiend fights. Enjoy your breather boss, it only gets worse from here!
http://i.imgur.com/pUbUZMs.png
http://i.imgur.com/qlESQ9A.png
Next boss is the Earth Shrine fiend who likes to try and death at your characters
http://i.imgur.com/MajW7Kw.png
After beating him up we head further in and find just... space
http://i.imgur.com/F3H163w.png
And wander through space we do
http://i.imgur.com/oMIpD2j.png
Until we reach a small light
http://i.imgur.com/WgLOzhu.png
http://i.imgur.com/HJjUZX3.png
Is it just me or is this starting to feel like a school field trip to a museum
http://i.imgur.com/keuSgRp.png
http://i.imgur.com/eIHXvHm.png
http://i.imgur.com/P8vCVt2.png
And gee, what could that presence be?
http://i.imgur.com/vd7UYyP.png
You didn't really expect this throwback to classic FF to not have the crystal show up at some point, did you?
http://i.imgur.com/aKHo4qX.png
http://i.imgur.com/SA2VRAf.png
And with that, Garland is gone. Again
Can't shut up even after death
http://i.imgur.com/GoWqSdO.png
Kuja is so polite, what a nice young man
http://i.imgur.com/hq60LvB.png
http://i.imgur.com/AKdN3y0.png
http://i.imgur.com/tMmt5PS.png
http://i.imgur.com/5xTt981.png
http://i.imgur.com/n0IhaNw.png
OOOOHHHHHH we get right to the heart of it. Thems, of course, fightin words
But first we have to fight this stupid thing
http://i.imgur.com/1caIQhy.png
And then we get to fight Kuja
http://i.imgur.com/bFDt1Kf.png
So he pulls the same Ultima crap when we win the fight and things start falling apart
http://i.imgur.com/kp0UzNU.png
And then NO LAST BOSS FIGHT HAPPENS THAT IS ABSURDLY TOUGH and we get brought back to the Iifa Tree somehow, which we find going all kooky and haywire
http://i.imgur.com/ywfiDiD.png
Apparently Memoria kind of exploded and the Iifa Tree is going psycho, so Beatrix worries that this is the end for our heroes
http://i.imgur.com/w9SW9gv.png
And she knows this and where they are because she can hear "him"
Since the Hilda Garde is closer, the Regent comes to our rescue
http://i.imgur.com/NUprTRg.png
But before we can board the ship to our happy ending...
http://i.imgur.com/GEmIBQu.png
http://i.imgur.com/ArlZ2ab.png
And Zidane being Zidane cannot refuse to help someone in need, even while the others try and talk him out of it
http://i.imgur.com/xP05Cx7.png
http://i.imgur.com/L0F1QdH.png
Aw :(
After realizing it's futile to try and talk him out of it, the others leave him to it with some parting words
http://i.imgur.com/m8G2zl7.png
And he and Garnet have their touching goodbye
http://i.imgur.com/hYEWCJQ.png
Good guy Steiner over here giving them some privacy
http://i.imgur.com/oXJnROQ.png
And so the two part as the Hilda Garde takes off and Zidane stays behind to rescue Kuja
http://i.imgur.com/5SX6Inv.png
http://i.imgur.com/RS3Jqub.png
Goodbye short haired Garnet, you didn't get nearly enough time in the spotlight
So Zidane daredevil runs through the crazy Iifa Tree routes to go and rescue Kuja. Very reminiscent of Evil Forest from the beginning
http://i.imgur.com/fRGd9yL.png
And eventually he reaches Kuja, who is happy to learn that our friends escaped
http://i.imgur.com/DwIRVaK.png
http://i.imgur.com/6jqonux.png
Zidane tells him that no one is worthless and that they were rescued because of Kuja (the one Mikoto heard so she could tell everyone where we were). Kuja then says that he finally learned what it means to live, just in time to die
http://i.imgur.com/7J3Z1Ll.png
But unfortunately that is exactly what he does as Zidane then shields Kuja with his own body as the killer plant stuff comes attacking once again
http://i.imgur.com/apbIr70.png
Mikoto has some parting words for Kuja
http://i.imgur.com/IqWogQq.png
http://i.imgur.com/8TTdVrl.png
http://i.imgur.com/gnzpzGy.png
In the end, Kuja kind of got his wish and he now gets to live on in the Genomes memories forever
http://i.imgur.com/i5o4ZGx.png
"Vague amount of time later"
We are back in Alexandria, and it seems there is a play going on. 'I Want to Be Your Canary'
A young black mage boy walks through town before being bumped in to by a brat kid named Puck.
Puck immediately recognizes the black mage as Vivi
But he isn't Vivi
http://i.imgur.com/ULPXAaa.png
Soon we say many little Vivi's run through the town on their way to see the play
As for what happened to Vivi...
http://i.imgur.com/HN73BOV.png
Freya and Sir Fratley have fortunately found themselves with a happier ending
http://i.imgur.com/cb6vBCM.png
As have Lani and Amarant, who are also headed for the castle. Quina is the chef for the event once again
But Beatrix has made the sad decision to leave the Kingdom
http://i.imgur.com/LczAS1t.png
Vivi's last testament reads out in the background as we see what everyone is up to
http://i.imgur.com/dNfcrZy.png
Eiko has now been adopted by Cid and Hilda and finally has a family again
http://i.imgur.com/nTMj0iY.png
http://i.imgur.com/he4YAcE.png
http://i.imgur.com/Rhr0b48.png
And Steiner confesses his feelings for Beatrix before she makes the mistake of leaving
http://i.imgur.com/QVU4Lam.png
And so she runs in to his arms, content to stay here with him
http://i.imgur.com/jAgDMae.png
Garnet mourns the loss of Zidane, whom she has not seen since the Iifa Tree incident
http://i.imgur.com/QhuxdaY.png
But she puts on a brave face and decides to press forward
The play begins
http://i.imgur.com/oJRIagY.png
http://i.imgur.com/QmVB3T3.png
As it continues on though, we have a surprise
It's not Marcus playing the lead this time
http://i.imgur.com/S0VV5wf.png
Seeing him after "some time" (it has to be decently long for all that hair to grow back) Garnet rushes through the crowd to him
http://i.imgur.com/5OARyVH.png
She drops her jewel on the way
http://i.imgur.com/tnHlCN9.png
But she decides that Zidane is more important and keeps running, even discarding her crown as she goes
http://i.imgur.com/ex4ZlZM.png
And leaps in to his arms where she punches him for a bit for being gone for so long
http://i.imgur.com/Yv7sMjk.png
The kingdom rejoices
http://i.imgur.com/BviY92e.png
And Zidane explains that he survived because he had to. And
http://i.imgur.com/AlBfzHz.png
The credits role as the crowd, tour friends, and the new little Vivi's celebrate their happiness
http://i.imgur.com/MwKNNvB.png
And so ends the amazingly beautiful story of Final Fantasy IX
http://i.imgur.com/rKsX3Qe.png
What a journey.
I hope you all enjoyed and if so, I'll be starting an FFVIII LP in a few days! Not quite as majestic but still a wonderful game~
Thanks for following!
Karifean
06-14-2017, 09:24 PM
It was an awesome LP to follow along =P
Reminded me again of just how good this game actually was.
Darth Ganon
06-15-2017, 05:12 AM
It always appeared to me that Eiko adopted Cid and Hilda rather than the other way around.
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