Hello every-nyan. It's time for...
Episode 3
Go Nagai Strikes!But first, a guided tour on the Daiku-Maryu.
Shizuka: And this is the bridge. Pretty fancy, isn't it? Watch out for the second-in-command. She can make you swab the deck if you mess up.
Rosa Belnikov, Daiku-Maryu's vice-captainRosa: Oh? Am I really
that scary, hmm?
Boss: Yowch!
Kiriko: Yes, but I'm worse. Tour's over - everyone back to base. We have an emergency. Again.
Mist: What's up this time, boss?
Kiriko: The Zone above Kyuushu is expanding. You know what that means.
Mist: Actually, I don't.
Konami: Ma'am! We have an emergency transmission!
Kiriko: What, another one? Who is it this time?
Kiriko: Selene!
Selene: Sorry to interrupt, Aoi. I have a favor to call.
Selene McGriff, stubborn mobile suit AI scientistSelene: The expanding Zone is endangering my research. Make sure nothing happens that may cause a delay. I can't afford any!
Mist: What's going on now! Someone explain!
Selene: I have no time. That's it for my cameo - my canon doesn't debut until 20 missions from now.
Kiriko: I don't have time for you either, so the explanation will be performed by Dannar Base's token loli. Talking from space now,
Ruri Lou.
Lou Roux, Dannar Base's space operator with no plot importance whatsoever. None at allLou: Thirty years ago, a group of monsters known as the Jama Kingdom tried to take over Japan and then the world (OF COURSE!). They were stopped by a cyborg named Jeeg. However, their lair on Kyuushu island, Japan, has been sealed and the whole area is unaccessible to this day. Do you understand?
Kiriko: Right, and the zone is expanding now, so something bad is about to happen. Move out to Build Base and await further instructions.
Kouji: Basically, you want us to go out and beat the crap out of some old Jama beasties! Can do!
Sayaka: Hey, which Kouji said that? It was in-character for both!
Build base operator: Sir! Do you see the black cloud expanding? It's confirmed, at this rate the whole base will be swallowed!
Shiba: I knew this day would come. Non-essential personnel, get your asses out of here! Everyone else, wait for further instructions!
Senjirou Shiba, Build Base's resident mad scientistShiba: Are all civilians evacuated yet? I'm sorry, princess. Seems like you took a bad day to pay us a visit.
Who might the old fart be talking to? A crossover cameo, of course!
Cagalli Yula Attha, chief representative of the Orb UnionCagalli: All the more reason for us to be here. It's not only the Jama Kingdom that's a threat. There might be a Festum inside.
Shiba: I hope not! Like we need a Festum in this mess...
Alex: Don't worry.
Alex Dino Athrun Zala Alex you know what, screw it. I made this joke already in the LP of SRW Z. At least he brought Quattro-approved disguise shades this time. Not that you can tell from the picture.
Athrun Zala, ex-ZAFT aceAthrun: As long as I'm here, I guarantee your safety.
Cagalli: It's
everyone else's safety I am worried about! Remember what Festum did to Orb's neighbour island? That must never happen again.
Mist: Don't worry, your support is here! Woah, watch out! A monster!
Bonk!
Mist: Ow!
Shiba: Who you calling a monster, young fool!
Jump cut to the bad guys' lair! This is a Go Nagai series so insert some fanservice here. Eeevil fanservice.
Himika: I sense humans in my domain! They must perish! Awaken, my generals!
Queen Himika, ruler of the Jama KingdomMimashi: Mimashi!
Amaso: Amaso!
Ikima: Ikima!
Ikima, Mimashi and Amaso, evil generals of darknessAll three: At your service!
Himika: Ikima, take this power and use it to destroy the interlopers! I have this pitiful worm to talk to. I will let him live for he is the one who awakened us!
Suspage: Wonderful...
Ikima: I see the humans! By the power given to me by Queen Himika, rise and destroy them! Haniwa Phantom God!
Michio: Here's the target! Alright, all units - focus fire in three, two...
Special forces defensive team cameo appearance role call, go!
Michio HinoKanon MemphisSven Cal BayangMudie HolcroftShams CouzaKanon: Target in sights.
Mudie: It's not a Coordinator, but...
Shams: Let's blow it up!
Sven: ...
Michio: One!
Boom! BANG! Assorted explosive words!
Shams: Oh crap! Front guard down in one blast!
Michio: That firepower! New orders, retreat for now!
Mudie: Run away! Run away!
Kyo: You know the rules.
Kenji: Who wins the race will represent the team! Got it!
Kenji Kusanagi, hot-blooded motorcycle racerKyo Misumi, cool-and-collected motorcycle racerKenji: Woah woah! What's wrong with you? You almost had the race and you're stoppin' now?
Kyo: Do you feel that, Kenji?
Kenji: Huh?
Kyo: An earthquake.
Kenji: Crap! You're right! I gotta go to the shrine! Gotta warn Tsubaki!
Kenji: Oi! Tsubaki! Where are you?
Miwa: She's not here.
Miwa Tamashiro, Tsubaki's grandmotherMiwa: But there's no time. Get on this.
Kenji: Woah, that's some awesome ride. Wait, you want me to get on this bike? Now? Why?
Miwa: Just get on!
Kenji: A monster! Shit! Aaah! Who's shooting at me!
Captain Mitsuko Yagyu, Build Angel squad leaderYagyu: Keep going - we must keep his tension up or he won't be able to Build Up!
Tsubaki: Kenji! Can you hear me?
Kenji: Huh, Tsubaki? Where are you?
Tsubaki Tamashiro, shrine maiden (and secret Build Base operative)Tsubaki: I'm in a fighter above you. Kyo is with me - can you see us? We'll send you parts, you have to Build Up!
Kenji: Bwah! What's that build up thing?
Tsubaki: Just punch your hands together and say Build Up!
Kenji: Okay, okay! BUILD UP!
And Kenji was a Jeeg. Okay, just kidding.
Kenji: My bike's a robot head? Awesome!
Shiba: Listen! You must destroy that Haniwa Phantom God!
Kenji: Huh? Who are you old man? Nevermind... can't help it! Okay, here I go!
About time. That was the longest intro ever.
Yagyu: He transformed! Provide cover fire while Jeeg gets here!
Kyo:
Roger!
Both the Build Angel and Big Shooter can only use their machineguns for now, but that's okay too. Machinegun hits temporarily decrease enemy accuracy!
Yagyu: Keep firing! Cyclone Blaster!
Kenji: No idea what's going on! What attacks this robot has... ah, to hell with it all!
I'll just try everything!
The Phantom God is nowhere near as strong as the Mimetic Beast two missions back. No barrier, no regeneration. Oh yeah, and Jeeg is the unit Kenji is pilotting, in case you were wondering. No, he's not a cyborg.
Kyo: Kenji, listen! Finish it up with a Knuckle Bomber.
Kenji: It's attacking!
Knuckle Bomber! Huzzah! I did it - didja see that?
Tsubaki: Kenji, more robots are approaching!
Kenji: ... Crap!
Yagyu: Don't panic, they're friendlies.
Suspage: But we're not. I'd love to blow you to smithereens, really. But I'm here to pick up the dark generals and continue the chat with Queen Himika.
Amaso: What a spoilsport!
Suspage: So, I'll leave it to these beasts to take care of you. Have fun!
Athrun: I cannot stay here. They'll need my support.
Cagalli: Wait, what are you going to do?
Athrun: I'm going out in the Murasame. It's not much but it will help.
Cagalli: No, you must stay here, Alex! Damn, where are you going? ... Athrun!
Mist:
Huh, what's that?
It's a temporary ally, that's what it is. Athrun is only a guest for now - SEED Destiny plot won't start for a while yet. But for now, let's use him for what we can. That sounded dirty.
Athrun: They're trying to surround me.
I won't let them!
Above video made and linked exclusively for the music. Seriously.
Boss: Crap! Kabuto and the others are leaving me behind again!
Garis: Slower units,
board the Daiku-Maryu! You will launch when we approach the enemy.
Rosa: Full speed ahead!
This is a trick you can perform in SRW with capital ships, and I like it a lot. Saves time - but on the other hand, pilots whose units get on board lose a few points of will. An acceptable loss.
I feel like I didn't present Gaiking that well last mission, so:
Daiya: Quick, an attack! I'll use
Punch Grinder!
Garis: Daiku-Maryu too has tricks left up its sleeve. Coil up - Vollition Mode!
And attack!
In this mode, Daiku-Maryu is slightly slower, but also has a protective barrier. Very useful - battleships have lots of HP but generally pretty thin armor. And if you lose one, it's game over.
Gou: Let's go, Dannar! Anna, we'll use Counter Knuckle!
Anna: Okay, Gou-chin!
Boss: Hey, don't get ahead of yourselves, lovebirds!
It's Boss's spotlight time!
Armored beast: Graah?
Boss: How could I mess that up!
Athrun: This transforming mobile suit is armed with a beam cannon. I'll use it now!
Kyo: Kenji, Jeeg has a long-ranged attack like that too. Use the Spin Storm!
Kenji: Whatever you say.
SPIN STORM! Woah! What happened just now?
Bronze Bell Power happened - it's an effect that activates at 130+ will, increasing damage dealt, accuracy and evasion of Jeeg, and reducing damage taken. Kinda sounds like Mazin Power for the SRW-savvy people out there, doesn't it? Well, Go Nagai series...
Daiya: Awesome! But Gaiking is strong too! Watch this!
It's a super robot dynamic kill exhibition!
Daiya: Hydro BLAZER!
Kouji: Strong BUSTER!
Kouji: Breast FIRE!
Gou:
Break Shooter!
Puria: That name makes no sense, you didn't shoot anything. You just delivered a series of spinkicks!
Anna: Maybe it's Break Shatter?
Puria: That only raises further questions!
Yagyu: Only one beast remains. Let's finish this - gather up, Build Angels!
Monko: Alright! Bring it on!
Tatsuko: It's weak. This'll be the last strike.
Monko Saotome and Tatsuko Midou, Getter Robo pilots Build AngelsYagyu:
Build Angel Triangle Attack!
Garis: All targets, destroyed.
Mist: Easy, easy! That was no challenge at all... hey, who's calling me now?
: Mist! It's you - Mist Rex, isn't it?
Mist: No way!
Angelica Shaltir, Mist's childhood friend!Mist: Angelica! You're here?!
Angelica: I work as a Build Base operator! Mist, I finally found you! I'm so relieved you're safe!
Mist: Let's talk back at the base.
Speaking of the base, it's 4th wall breaking lecture time for Anna.
Obvious game mechanic explanation alert!Gou: Anna, what do you know about the partner system?
Anna: It's when two units act as one, right? They fight together, and when the "main" unit, the "leader" attacks, their partner can support them with an attack of their own. And when the leader is attacked, the partner can take the hit for them!
Gou: That's mostly right - this can happen only if the partner has Defensive or Offensive Support abilities. Fortunately, most pilots do. Also, there is no support if the leader is in air while the partner cannot fly. The partners share experience, but cannot perform combo attacks. So choose wisely if you want to fight in groups or alone.
Anna: Thanks, Gou-chin! I know a lot about the partner system now!
Gou: And knowing is half the battle!
Kenji: Hey, what's with this outfit, Tsubaki?
Tsubaki: We're all working for Build Base - Kyo, me, everyone. Even my grandma. In fact, she is the commander!
Kyo: We were supposed to hire you too, eventually. You were chosen as Jeeg's test pilot. Well, circumstances made you pilot it earlier than planned, but things turned out fine in the end.
Kenji: Huh, is that... hey, wait a sec! These people!
Tsubaki: These are Midou-san, Captain Yagyu, and Saotome-sa...
Kenji: You shot at me out there, didn't you!
Monko: Huh? So, what about it?
Kenji: It pisses me off! You guys!
Punch!
Kenji: Oof! Okay, that's it!
Monko: Bring it!
Tsubaki: Hey, don't fight now!
Yagyu: I wonder, should we stop them now...
Kouji (Kabuto): Hey, what's going on? I heard battle!
Sayaka: We wanted to see Jeeg's pilot. Is that this guy on the floor?
Kenji: Blah. I got beaten...
Kouji (Kabuto): Well, no way Jeeg could be stronger than Mazinger Z, even if it's a legendary machine of 30 years ago!
Kenji: What, you wanna prove it?!
Yagyu: Round two? Oh dear.
Daiya: Daiya makes his entrance! Woah - don't fight people! You will miss out the...
Dramatic reveal of the Mist-erious backstory!Angelica: Mist! I really thought you... you died one year ago!
Mist: When we guards followed your father's charge, we thought we were dead men already. But no, I somehow survived. But what about you? What are you doing on Earth?
Angelica: My machine... I do not remember much but there was that flash of light. Serius somehow moved me away, from our home planet of Astream here, to Earth. And it seems ten months passed, too. I found a job in Build Base only two months ago.
Mist: It was the long way for me. The explosion transported me, but not to Earth - on a different planet, Bezard. And a few months later, that planet too got attacked. And... destroyed. Damn.
Angelica: By the same people who destroyed Astream?!
Mist: Yeah, my bet's on that. I... could only run. I ran to Earth and I swore never to fight again, but eh. Looks like that promise got broken already. Earth's no Astream, but I won't let my friends get hurt.
Angelica: Friends? You actually have friends other than me now?
Mist: Made some on Bezard, too.
Angelica: Ohh? What kind of friends? Girl friends, maybe?
Mist: Wh... what! That's ridiculous!
And now, it's intermission time! Let's follow Gou's and Anna's examples and set up two-person teams using the squad system.
Some pairs are obvious...
Tsubaki: Big Shooter will help Jeeg by refueling its energy!
Some are... less. Or actually, I just ran out of options.
Boss: Shi shi shi! This is one Kouji I can easily best!
Kouji (Tetsuya): Why am I (stuck with) the comic relief?!
What a wordy update! Lots of character pictures, too. New units in my roster:
[spoiler]Jeeg: Oh boy. Jeeg is awesome. Good dodger, strong attacks, Mazin.. er, Bronze Bell Power - all of it makes it a top tier unit. The only thing it lacks is EN-efficiency. Just a few attacks make its energy tanks go dry.
Big Shooter: Jeeg's support unit. Can resupply (which means passive energy regeneration for any unit it's partnered with), pretty weak offensively. You want to keep it not too far from Jeeg anyway - later, these two being near lets the latter use some strong, special attacks.
Build Angel: A repairing support unit, but with some decent offensive abilities for a change. They're not awesome, but they're there.[/spoiler]