#and then ive already spoiled myself on important aspects of all games but that helps ngl uh. i could explain but im tired of typing

[astrxealis]

sometimes (often) i think about the characters i kin or relate to and then the realization comes in again and again that i need therapy (/lh?)

[yourladystar]

Book VI (And Awakening Banner) Thoughts

Well, since I did this for Book V, may as well do it for Book VI. And I'm not really covering Summoner Duel. It looks cool, but I've never been big into the PVP aspect of Heroes, or gaming in general. So let's just focus on the important stuff.

Starting off with my first impressions of the new characters:

I really hope this was just for a joke and to showcase her clumsiness, because I don't need another main female lead who's in love with the summoner just because.

And yeah, I was hoping we would get a male lead as much as you, but I'm willing to be optimistic about Ash. She's mega cute and the trailer helped to establish her personality right away. And with how great they did with Reginn, I think they'll do well with her.

Also

Da F*ck is this transformation?!

I thought the dream goats were weird, but having the retainer of a God who's a beast unit, yet still carries a staff (seriously, why do you have that?), that transforms into a cow who shoots lasers from her tail? What the f*ck do these designers smoke to come up with this?!

Ok... I can't be the only one who gets major NB vibes from Elm. That hair and facial structure. The V-neck exposing all of the collarbone. The body shape. The one thigh being exposed for no reason. I legit couldn't tell that this was a man until they straight up said it. Like... Damn. Talk about saying "f*ck it" to gender conformity.

For real though, he looks like he's going to be the sassiest twink ever. And I'm probably gonna end up loving him. I can't help myself. These kinds of characters just click for me.

Hello!

Ma'am!!!

Joking aside, I am wondering what Letizia's connection to Veronica is since they already said they're "like sisters." My current theory is that she is part of the royal family, but doesn't have as much influence as Veronica. And it seems like she's enacting the will of Embla and forcing Veronica to turn against the Askr crew and stop being friends with them. We did learn a while back that she and Zacharias are bound to this God to become a mindless destructive, so it seems like it's finally coming into play.

It's pretty surprising to see only 3 new characters teased for this book. I'm assuming they don't want to spoil everything out of the gate, but I am hoping they keep the new cast small. The fewer newcomers are introduced, the less bloated the cast will feel. Though I am expecting an appearance from Askr and/or Embla. Oh, and Zacharias has to show up. You can't put this much focus on Veronica and not have her brother play a role in the story. And have Xander as well, he's basically her brother at this point.

On the note of Veronica,

I really am happy to see her again. I've begun to like her more over the past 2 years, and it's nice to see her story getting a possible resolution. I just want her to be happy. Like, if this book ends with her and Alfonse becoming besties, that will be enough for me. Just... My God, this child deserves it.

So yeah, pretty excited to see where this goes. And given that Book V was a MASSIVE improvement over Book IV, we're definitely in the clear.

And yeah, obligatory mention of how little Sharena matters at this for once more not appearing in the trailer or poster. And this time, there isn't even a similar-looking character to keep me guessing. Like, wow. They really know just how pointless she is!

Onto the Awakening Banner!

And... yeah, let's just get through this first one.

Oh boy... Him. I have several problems.

One- why that pronunciation? Did anyone before today ever call him Pry-am? No! Of course, you didn't! Every person I've ever seen say his name has always said Pre-am. It rolls off the tongue better and sounds significantly less stupid.

Two- of the Awakening characters not yet in Heroes *cough*Laurent*cough*, why him? Has Priam ever been a highly requested character? I've never seen him be commonly brought up when it came to characters people want to summon, and while I'm sure he's on some people's wish list, it's never been to the extent of having a blog dedicated to him.

And third- Wow, the amount of straight washing with this character! Radiant Hero? Descendant of Ike? Wielding the Ragnell? Like, way to say "Ike's not gay" without directly saying "Ike's not gay." The fact that people are already dreading what his forging bond events will be is a pretty big sign of how unenthusiastic most fans are for this.

Damn, I nearly forgot how hot Basilio is. And I don't even mind the name pronunciation, cause it still works and makes him feel even grander.

I don't know why it took me until now to realize how great Flavia's design is. It's a perfect mix of powerful, elegant, and tasteful. Man, Awakening really had a lot of great designs we've been sleeping on.

Case in point! I knew we were bound to get Yen'fay once Say'ri was added, and I'm glad with how he looks. Another really great design I haven't appreciated until now.

Oh, and... She's here.

I'm just hoping with her addition, Laurent will come soon.

Give me my son, IS!

Overall, I'd say this banner is... Good. I'm not gonna be pulling hardcore for any of them (especially Priam), but they're welcome additions.

And that's that’s my thoughts on this trailer and banner. Not anywhere near as much of a mindf*ck as Book V's trailer, but I'm looking forward to what will happen.

Here's to another year, FEH!

[dreadwhoop]

Super Torment Mode Diary - Prologue & Day 1 Recap

http://dreadwhoop.tumblr.com/post/153000857118/super-torment-mode

PRELUDE -

I want to first say Pokemon Sun/Moon is a very strong inclusion to the series - certainly the strongest since Gen V and surpasses Gen III, Gen VI, and Gen IV easily. I think the most refreshing aspect are, aside from the great UI improvements (Pokedex, quick selecting Pokeballs), how they addressed certain Gen I Pokemon and revised them to be appealing for the first time whilst making the new inclusions feel less recycling of the same concepts than before. The world itself is likeable and thankfully opted not to include a massive Sea Route between islands holy balls it would of been horrendous. I think the plot unfortunately reveals itself a tad too quickly however it does have strong moments in the reveals and boss battles. I am gobsmacked of all things to omit they omit Farfetch'd (despite at one point you getting a Stick from somebody) and Solrock/Lunatone - the Pokemon LITERALLY MADE TO LOOK LIKE A SUN AND MOON.

So, yeah, right off the bat one of my rules is completely pointless. Oops!

Spoilers are below although the story itself is not a central focus more how I need to address new mechanics and variations on the traditions of the series to better tweak the ruleset aka Super Torment 2.0. I had to make and adjust rules as I went along so felt sharing the process will help deign what works and what does not. It could of helped if I was also a better player*! Remember - I did this blind - I didn't look up walkthroughs, spoil myself in any way, and tried my best to not expect anything too different from a conventional Pokemon game.

The ruleset is not final from this post - it'll be condensed in due time. For now enjoy reading some of the experiences of this particular playthrough.

Yes I realise it is long and likely boring - just skip to parts highlighted if you'd rather not read it all.

*Imagine if I did this mode in an SMT game. I think I'd of become a crazy cat lady.

---

DAY 1 (Dec 26th)

NOTE - I have the ability to get the bonus launch Munchlax as a gift. For the purposes of this playthrough I am going to grab it but it will be placed in a special box and assumed not to exist. The reasons behind are simply because gift Pokemon are, whilst not strictly breaking Rule 5 on traded Pokemon, still changing the ruleset because it's possible playthroughs of this game with this mode may not include this Pokemon and thus a disparity occurs I'd rather not have to address. This goes for all gift Pokemon. Now it should be stressed although I have 'caught' Munchlax it should not count as an official team member so if I find one in the wild then I'm entitled to collect it. As for the items gift Pokemon hold they remain on the gift Pokemon too. Hope this clears up any potential confusion from them! (This includes Pokemon imported from the Demo version of Sun/Moon).

***

NOTE - I keep Battle Style to Switch...swapping in battle should be allowed and this should highlight a change to Rule 1 - When you SWITCH Pokemon your rotation on the moves are reset so you can create a new rotation once switched back.

I CHOOSE YOU ROWLET! I named it Ibid. Has a Hardy Nature hmmm...yeah I know people might enforce soft resets but honestly I don't care too deeply.

I did a bit of Pokemon Refresh with Ibid.

NOTE - Pokemon Refresh is perfectly allowed - in fact it's highly encouraged you use it often.

Okay here we go first battle. Now remember - Rule 1 is I can only use moves once then I have to exhaust the others before using again. Leafage, then Tackle, then Growl for now. I combed Ibid after battle to help him out! Stay clean!

Once you've dealt with the intro and Kukui gives you 10 Pokeballs it's time to get cracking on the crux of Super Torment mode!

NOTE - Remember - do not use healing items.

NOTE - Okay remember Rule 3? - Upon entering a new Route you cannot leave until you have at least met 3 Pokemon in a row in which they are all ones you have captured. NOTE - This brings me to a rather novel idea I had in mind on Super Torment mode - balancing out capturing a weakened Pokemon to one who is not. See if they're weakened then they'll likely die when you use them unless they go to the box. In the early captures weakening is actually bad. I feel you can get away with it I just figure it'd be amusing if you forgot you can't heal. Of course if you don't and they escape capture then you'll get punished...a tricky predicament!

NOTE - I realised I never threw down a ruleset to say you can't heal at your Mom's place. I guess you really shouldn't but I am not going to account this as a hard rule so I'm choosing not to but if you want to it's cool. Remember - NO HEALING or POKE CENTER HEALS. Once you get to Hau'oli City resting at your Mum's place is completely off-limits for the rest of the game. NOTE - you can go through the entire game without ever talking to the Pokemon Nurse (pretty sure no cutscene forces you outside of Blackouts which don't count for obvious reasons). NOTE - A newer inclusion is the fact upon capturing Pokemon you get exp. Only capture your first encounter of a new Pokemon and you cannot run if it's new. If it's not new then you must run from it.

Here I encountered, in order, a Pikipek, Caterpie, a Yungoos, a Ledyba, then another Caterpie, a Yungoos, and another Yungoos so now I'm free to avoid the brush if so desired. Keep in mind you can STILL look for Pokemon if you wish but remember - new = must capture and caught = run.  

Okay first battle went great...I already have 2 KO'd Pokemon LOL (Caterpie and Yungoos). Ebony Rattata too stronk for lowbies.

NOTE - I got a free heal through Hala so this is ok. Mandatory heals you don't trigger unless they progress story are fine but don't abuse them - use once or not at all. As you progress through the game you'll meet many people outside of the Nurses who heal (especially Lillie) so for non-Blind playthroughs it's very much the case you can't use them unless it forces you to do so. NOTE - It's possible you may run into a Metapod before a Caterpie. Here's the rule, especially given Rule 0 no longer functions - if you know a mid-form or evolved form of a Pokemon can exist in the same area as its Basic (another example would be say Pichu and Pikachu in the same place) you can only get the Basic form. Much much later on there will be exceptions but this is the rule.

I finished this session getting a Rattata.

NOTE - It's entirely possible you can on Route 1, even before fighting your Rival again, to have found and caught a Pikipek, a Caterpie, a Yungoos, a Ledyba, a Pichu, and even a Grubbin. Now this, including your Starter, means 7 Pokemon - what occurs with the 7th if the team is all active and none are KO'd? It gets boxed. What if there is a KO'd Pokemon. You can add to party and swap out the EARLIEST Pokemon KO'd. As the game progresses it's wise to consider this notion when strategically allocating for new Pokemon - after all not every Pokemon you get initially is a beast (see Abra or Smeargle) so you may want to have them as meat shields for your Pokeballs but then of course one has to balance the fact if you catch them too early before they KO said meat shield and your steam is full...it gets boxed. This is why healing and swapping Pokemon is such a reliant part of why most players find this game easy not just grinding and knowing what's ahead - all of which is specifically denied to see how adaptive one can be.

###BREAK### (This means session break on 3DS so I come back to it later)

NOTE - As I touched on before, Sun/Moon has a rather large and extensive Route 1. I gather it is all the same but it is mindful given the 3 seperate areas depicting it - the part North of your house, the part South of your house and the part West of your house. I'd say they are all the same so the rules apply to assume it is all Route 1.

Okay left off at the lab. I like the fact Poliwhirl is the 'Alola everyman' Pokemon here.

Got a Grubbin! NOTE - Festival Plaza is totally allowed go nuts with it.

NOTE - You are absolutely allowed to use Refresh to heal up status inflictions after battles. Just don't use full heals and the like during or before battles.

NOTE - Okay regarding Rule 2 - Going back to a Pokemon Centre after a Pokemon is KO'd is only encouraged if it is on the forward path NOT backtracking. Yeah because I imagine someone would be pedantic and just go back every time thus soft 'healing' their Pokemon. Don't do this. So, since you're on Route 1 still, you can rotate Pokemon here if one KO'd but once you step into Hau'oli City this Pokemon Centre is off-limits. Doesn't really matter since Hau'oli City has one too I'm just saying some routes later on do not and you just have to push forward.

NOTE - It's totally cool to use this item and have it turned on. Why would I restrict it what kind of monster do you think I am?!

Got a Grimer!

FAIL! I accidentally used a 2nd String Shot before I rotated out my Vice Grip and Mud-Slap on my Grubbin. Basically used String Shot then Mud-Slap then String Shot again. I went automode since it was a Bonsly using Copycat. Yeah my bad there. Try not to fuck up on Super Torment mode. Used Vice Grip and then Mud-Slap and then Vice Grip again so now it's all even at 2 uses each. NOTE - Given how the game under Super Torment can be a long one to remember which rotations you have per battle/switch I expect at some point you may foul up your rotation by accident as I did. Therefore let's be fair and say a single muck-up isn't a disqualification but you get 3 lifelines here. If you make a rotation error 3 times in your playthrough though then it is a disqualification. I am on one strike now. NOTE - Held items are (mostly) allowed. Pending specific omissions later. NOTE - A flinch counts as also using a move even if denied. See Confused. NOTE - Replacing moves when a Pokemon levels up to learn more than 4 is normal. No need to force replace anything. Just treat like normal. NOTE - Okay this might be considered a breaking of Rule 2 at first but let me explain. I just battled the teacher and every Pokemon got KO'd save for Ibid. Now according to what I wrote down I should technically go to the Pokemon Centre to swap out but I won't because they got healed up after. The rules are if the Pokemon is KO'd after the battle and I can go if they are KO'd then it's fair but since they're not it doesn't count. Yeah it's kinda bullshitty logic but again it is my ruleset. In other words - when a battle ends look at your Pokemon. Are they KO'd? If so then go to a viable Pokemon Centre if it's on your route. If not you gotta wait until the next one on your path. What if they get healed before you reach one? Then they're not rotated out. If they were healed when you check after battle then assume it to be a mandatory heal.

Finally at HAU'OLI CITY.

Found an Abra! It ran away ofc...

NOTE - Here I find everyone's favourite teleporting annoyance Abra. Now what happens if a Pokemon runs before you can capture it? Well...you have to find it again. Yep - any Pokemon you don't capture but know they are in the current area must be found and caught before moving on...if you get a Blackout prior you have to return and try again. My advice? Hope you are lucky not to encounter before meeting 3 Pokemon you have captured! NOTE - Taking photos records to your Pokedex...

Got a Meowth! Got Abra! Got Wingull!

Ended Day 1 at the Pokemon Centre in Hau’oli City.

###BREAK###