Maidens of the Kaleidoscope

~Beyond the Border~ => Akyu's Arcade => Topic started by: Moerin on March 12, 2010, 09:12:45 PM

Title: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Moerin on March 12, 2010, 09:12:45 PM
(http://i40.tinypic.com/9j2a1t.jpg)

As some of you may well be aware, I happen to be a fan of both mecha anime and RPGs.  So it should come as no surprise that I also love the Super Robot Wars series.  However, seeing how the vast, vast majority of the games will never reach these shores, my experience with them is limited to the OG games for the GBA and the few games that have translation patches made for them.

Until now, that is.

In a (somewhat foolish, but meh) display of impulse buying, I seem to have purchased a copy of Super Robot Wars Alpha 3: To the End of the Galaxy.  And, since I have nothing better to really do with my time at the moment, I decided to chronicle my attempts to get through the game despite my, um, rather limited knowledge of the Japanese language.

So let's get this trainwreck on the move, shall we~?

After being treated to a rather nice FMV, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXn2S3hYFOY) we're brought to the menu screen.
(http://i43.tinypic.com/4pv7zl.jpg)
You can't hear it, but the menu music is Gong (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmdGngfj6y8) by JAM Project, which happens to be a favourite of mine.  After selecting "Start", we're brought to the character select screen.  Since I'm going into this blind, I'll let you all decide which route I take.  Here are your options:

(http://i44.tinypic.com/8x9etw.jpg)
This is Touma Kanou, our male super robot pilot.  His mech is the Raioh Kamen Rider, and his initial allies are the Gutsy Geoid Guard of GaoGaiGar.  Giant hammers and flying kicks await if you choose this route!

(http://i40.tinypic.com/2mhc476.jpg)
Our female super robot pilot is Kusuha Mizuha, piloting the GouRyu-Kai.  The beginning of her route has her being aided by the Mazinger and Getter Robo teams.  If you think the old school can still handle those young upstarts, this route is for you!

(http://i44.tinypic.com/53acth.jpg)
Cobray Gordon (oh god he's so pretty~<3  :* :* :*) is our male real robot pilot, and his bug-like mecha is the Werkbau.  Apparently he has a mysterious past or something.  He's aided by characters from Gundam's Universal Century.  Will this route go by three times faster than the others?  Pick it to find out!

(http://i39.tinypic.com/a319pl.jpg)
Finally, our female real robot pilot is Selena Recital's boobs piloting the AS Soleares.  Her breasts get to team up with Gundam SEED and Gundam Wing characters.  Boobs, beam spams, boobs, pretty boys and boobs likely feature heavily in this route, so if that's your thing, vote for it!

Anyways, once some time has passed and votes have been cast, I'll get started on your chosen route.  Hopefully this will turn out to be a fun venture for all involved~
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 12, 2010, 09:17:01 PM
I vote Cobray~
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Rabbit on March 12, 2010, 09:18:07 PM
ALPHA 3 OHMAGAWD!

I like the screencaps so far, even if they are only of the menu.  Screencapping, especially for a SRW game, is a long and tedious process with a lot of potential for mistakes.  Hopefully you will go far.  I will be on hand to provide advice, commentary, etc on the current events.  I may be wasting my vote with this but Selena is the only true answer.  It has Macross.  Do it.  Do it now.  You know you want to.

Since I am also playing SRW @3, with Theorin's permission I would be happy to do bonus entries from other routes of the game just so people can see what they're missing, the fools what the unique scenarios are like for the other characters, and a bit of how they play.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: ES-Anthy on March 12, 2010, 09:18:37 PM
Lets go retro with Kusuha Mizuha, gotta show off the original mecha to the world.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Mima-sama on March 12, 2010, 09:18:49 PM
Kusuha because KUUUSUUUUUHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Also Mazinger and Getter is a big plus.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Bananamatic on March 12, 2010, 09:21:51 PM
The first one because it's MANLY
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Rabbit on March 12, 2010, 09:26:13 PM
Will this route go by three times faster than the others?  Pick it to find out!

Nope, it'll be going at exactly the same speed B)
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: kreb cycle on March 12, 2010, 09:27:07 PM
The beginning of her route has her being aided by the Mazinger and Getter Robo teams.
THIS WILL DO

also kusuha is the only character I remember from SRW OG.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Kerigis on March 12, 2010, 09:36:30 PM
Let's go with Cobray Gordon because his mecha looks awesome (and he does as well).
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 12, 2010, 09:39:26 PM
Let's go with Cobray Gordon because his mecha looks awesome (and he does as well).

/me highfives Keri
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: sammy t coleridge on March 12, 2010, 09:43:50 PM
Holy crap, Cobray looks like somebody owes him money. Hell, it looks like somebody in his immediate family like a twin owes him money.

A lot of money.

So I say go with Cobray.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Dragoshi on March 12, 2010, 09:44:48 PM
I vote for Touma because...

GA-GA-GA GA-GA-GA GAO GAI GAR! GA-GA-GA GA-GA-GA-GA GAO GAI GAR!

That and I enjoy the prospect of kicks and hammers flying about like clockwork. :V

I'd vote Kusuha because lol OG experience but that seems like a dumb reason and I'm sure there'll be better OGers ahead in the future aaaaanyways. I hope. :V
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 12, 2010, 10:08:11 PM
I'd vote Kusuha because lol OG experience but that seems like a dumb reason and I'm sure there'll be better OGers ahead in the future aaaaanyways. I hope. :V

Touma's Route has Sanger and ElzamRatsel. Kusuha has Bullet. And Cobray and Selena both have OG2 characters (Arado and Seolla for Cobray and Ibis and Sleigh for Selena).

*Waits for sudden rush to vote for Touma*
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: lumber_of_the_beast on March 12, 2010, 10:08:56 PM
...Wait, Sanger?

FINAL FUSION
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Dragoshi on March 12, 2010, 10:12:35 PM
Touma's Route has Sanger and ElzamRatsel.

Wow. I sure as hell know how to call it, huh. :V

also I am not surprised at all that Kusuha's route has BULLET. could care less about OG2 folks at the moment.

...this all reminds me that I should prolly' get back to doing Kyosuke's route in OG1 eventually.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Edible on March 12, 2010, 10:13:35 PM
Touma and Cobray both have the best routes.  I felt Touma's was the most satisfying.

Edit: Also if you pick Kusuha I will end your miserable life.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 12, 2010, 10:14:10 PM
Wow. I sure as hell know how to call it, huh. :V

also I am not surprised at all that Kusuha's route has BULLET. could care less about OG2 folks at the moment.

...this all reminds me that I should prolly' get back to doing Kyosuke's route in OG1 eventually.

DO EEEEEEEEEEET!
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 12, 2010, 10:37:30 PM
We need a tiebreaker! Where's Purvis?
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: ES-Anthy on March 12, 2010, 10:47:35 PM
Welp, not gonna wait for old purvis to get here, and since my choice in vote was up to Keine, I shall choose the breaker, aka I revert to my GGG Fanboyism

#unvote Kusuha

#Vote Touma

that plus I first played Touma's route when I played a bit of @3 myself
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Moerin on March 12, 2010, 11:36:09 PM
Well, suppose I'd better close the polls now, then (although I could just leave it untill tomorrow, but that would be lazy).  Looks like MANLINESS won through, so Touma's route it is~

...Probably best it ended up like that, as I'm far more familiar with GaoGaiGar than any of the other starting allies, ahah.


Anyways, polls closed, first real update will hopefully be done soon.

Since I am also playing SRW @3, with Theorin's permission I would be happy to do bonus entries from other routes of the game just so people can see what they're missing, the fools what the unique scenarios are like for the other characters, and a bit of how they play.

Go right ahead~  It'd be nice to have someone covering the real side too, I guess.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: orinrin on March 12, 2010, 11:45:21 PM
I would play some Alpha 3 too if I weren't busy trying to unlock everything in Z.

Also, GUN OF DIS > All other OG Themes with the exception of Trombe! and Ken Kon Itteki.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: sammy t coleridge on March 13, 2010, 02:12:14 AM
I would play some Alpha 3 too if I weren't busy trying to unlock everything in Z.

Also, GUN OF DIS > All other OG Themes with the exception of Trombe! and Ken Kon Itteki.

Even better than GONG instrumental?
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 13, 2010, 02:22:59 AM
Even better than Rocks instrumental?

Fixed that for you ^_^
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: sammy t coleridge on March 13, 2010, 02:42:03 AM

Since I am also playing SRW @3, with Theorin's permission I would be happy to do bonus entries from other routes of the game just so people can see what they're missing, the fools what the unique scenarios are like for the other characters, and a bit of how they play.

So does that mean the player is unable to recruit the other protagonists?
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 13, 2010, 03:34:03 AM
So does that mean the player is unable to recruit the other protagonists?

You CAN, but only on New Game +
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Hello Purvis on March 13, 2010, 03:31:19 PM
Voting for tits for the sake of contrariness.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: lumber_of_the_beast on March 13, 2010, 03:36:03 PM
Voting for tits for the sake of contrariness.
Cool. Voting ended sixteen hours ago. :V
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: sammy t coleridge on March 13, 2010, 03:47:17 PM
You CAN, but only on New Game +

I see. What about mechs from series affiliated with those characters? For example, can the player recruit UC Gundam characters while on Touma's story?
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 13, 2010, 04:14:11 PM
I see. What about mechs from series affiliated with those characters? For example, can the player recruit UC Gundam characters while on Touma's story?

You get all the series no matter what route. However, the time they join varies, and the routes also affect unlock requirements.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Moerin on March 13, 2010, 07:02:14 PM
(http://i40.tinypic.com/2z49qua.jpg)
And here we have him, our hero!  But first...

(http://i43.tinypic.com/2dh70p0.jpg)
Space.  The final frontier.

(http://i44.tinypic.com/2s9ohgl.jpg)
Bright Noah, he whose slap turns wimps into MEN OF DESTINY, and Amuro Ray, the original Gundam pilot, seem to be having an interesting conversation.  Of course, I have no idea what it's about since I can't read Japanese, but I assume it's probably along the lines of "blah-blah Minovsky Particles blah-blah Newtypes blah-blah My own father never hit me blah-blah".

(http://i40.tinypic.com/ojox38.jpg)
Or, y'know, they could be talking about this big Stargate looking thing.  Yeah, that's probably more likely.

(http://i43.tinypic.com/beecs3.jpg)
Something seems to be coming out of it!  I wonder what it could be...

(http://i43.tinypic.com/34shypz.jpg)
Turns out it's the Exelion, the flagship from Gunbu-

...Wait, Gunbuster?  Gun... Bus... Ter~!?

/me fangasms for three hours~

...Ahem.  Wait, wasn't the Exelion, y'know, destroyed to get rid of the Space Monster fleet attacking Earth?  Bright, Amuro and... Some other UC Gundam characters who probably aren't important seem rather distressed by it's appearance.  I'm pretty sure this will have no consequence on the plot for a while, though, so we can put it at the back of our minds for the time being~

(http://i44.tinypic.com/10g0j2c.jpg)
Meanwhile, thousands of miles away...

(http://i43.tinypic.com/2wgcfg8.jpg)
The city of Townsville Tokyo!  I think.  It's always Tokyo anyway, so I'm probably not wrong.  Y'know, now that I think about it, why is it always Tokyo anyway?  Is there, like, a dimensional fissure, or a Hellmouth, or something there?  Or is it just the cool place for people to attack?  Anyways, today, like every other day, Tokyo is under threat, this time by what appears to be an army of giant robot fish/duck hybrids.

(http://i44.tinypic.com/spdobb.jpg)
Luckily, the Gutsy Geoid Guard are on hand to fight back, led by none other than Gai Shishioh and the King of Braves, GaoGaiGar! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp4qDHLui_Y)

(http://i41.tinypic.com/anzfhs.jpg)
As a super robot, GaoGaiGar has a lot of nifty moves it can use.  Unfortunately, it's not charged up enough Will yet to use the final two, Hell and Heaven and, of course, the Goldion Hammer.  So we have to settle with that good old standard super robot attack, the rocket punch.

(http://i42.tinypic.com/wj8cv8.jpg)
BROKEN MAGNUM!

(http://i42.tinypic.com/2cxdg5x.jpg)
This is pretty much what happens everytime GaoGaiGar does anything in this mission.  Those little fishducks don't put up much of a fight, and soon they are all wiped out.

(http://i44.tinypic.com/1251afn.jpg)
Touma, of course, thinks this is the most awesome thing ever.  And who can blame him?

SUDDENLY!

(http://i39.tinypic.com/6patu0.jpg)
Enemy reinforcements!  Oh no!  And they're pretty close to our protagnist!  GGG won't be able to save him in time!  How's he going to get out of this?

...Find out next time, as I'm pretty sure this post is already far too long, ahah.  If it has too many images in it, I'll, uh, find some way to work around that next time.  But stay tuned for part two! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbANv86eWWU)
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Rabbit on March 13, 2010, 07:29:18 PM
CONTINUITY NOTE: The Excelion disappeared at the end of Super Robot Wars Alpha after self-destructing to defeat the STMC.  For those who don't know, STMC stands for Space Terrible Monster Crowd.  Don't ask me why they call them that, I haven't seen Gunbuster!

For those of you who have played Super Robot Wars Original Generation, the Excelion's role in the plot is played by the Hiryu Custom.  In @1, it was the ship that first made contact with Ze Balmary Empire, whom you might know better as the Aerogators.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 13, 2010, 07:40:02 PM
Since I have my own sources of knowledge, I think I'll help out here too.

Mecha Note:

The Fish Ducks are Joelahs. They're scout drones used by Ze Balmary Empire (Better know to most of you here (I.E.: Those of you who have only played OG1 and 2) as the Aerogaters). They're an upgrade of the Megillots, AKA, those pathetically weak blue bug looking things that OG1 tosses at you early on. These things are utter weaksauce. They're just here to ease you into things.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Dragoshi on March 13, 2010, 07:51:05 PM
ahahahaha like upgrading a fucking Megillot will really do jack shit for it. :V

A useless alien piece of crap is still a useless alien piece of crap after all. :V (even if it does have a nice name. :B)
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Rabbit on March 13, 2010, 07:59:03 PM
Joelahs actually become a fair bit faster later on and become a bit annoying to hit.  They still aren't threatening and don't do much damage.  You will learn to fear the non-grunt Aerogator units.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Chaore on March 13, 2010, 08:02:34 PM
I feel a bit sorry for Moerin after that little tease. :ohdear:

Also. Hell yeah Touma path.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: sammy t coleridge on March 13, 2010, 08:09:56 PM
Any chance of commentated videos exhibiting what the mechs can do?

But aside from that, an excellent start. Moerin, I think you have just the right amount of screenshots in this update.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 13, 2010, 10:10:00 PM
Any chance of commentated videos exhibiting what the mechs can do?

I probably shouldn't be the one saying this, but Moerin doesn't like talking that much. Maybe Rabbit might be interested, I wouldn't know.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Moerin on March 13, 2010, 11:04:46 PM
I probably shouldn't be the one saying this, but Moerin doesn't like talking that much. Maybe Rabbit might be interested, I wouldn't know.

That and I have no video recording programs.  But it's something to think about, I guess.

And thanks for the comments, everyone~  This is my first LP, so I'm not entirely sure what I'm doing, so it's encouraging to know that I haven't screwed up royally yet.

Don't ask me why they call them that, I haven't seen Gunbuster!

Something you should remedy as soon as possible[/fanboyism].

Ahem.  Anyways, we now return to our regularly scheduled LP~

(http://i42.tinypic.com/25fpq9v.jpg)
Previously, Touma was about to be horribly killed by Joelahs Fishducks.  Naturally, he is not too keen on this prospect.  However, just at that moment, a... Big... Metal... Box-thing appears beside him.  Your guess is as good as mine.

(http://i41.tinypic.com/2a7y33p.jpg)
Apparently it's called LIOH, or it's AI is called that.  Um... I dunno, someone else can probably clear this up for me.  A few seconds later, it explodes.

(http://i42.tinypic.com/2nva4w7.jpg)
No, seriously, it explodes.  And... Something jumps out of the exploding box.  What could this possibly be?

(http://i44.tinypic.com/xkr76u.jpg)
A giant robot!  That is what I least expected!  Touma is now the proud pilot of the Raioh! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7f_guMxYtLg)

Wait... Y'know, the whole design motif seems somewhat familiar... I mean, if it had a flying kick, it'd be just like Kam-

(http://i40.tinypic.com/2vajnnl.jpg)
...Yep.  Raioh is pretty much Kamen Rider.

(http://i43.tinypic.com/xtv1w.jpg)
Not much more to see here, really.  Kamen Raioh wipes the floor with the Fishducks.

(http://i39.tinypic.com/2h4kzo4.jpg)
"Holy crap you're Gai goddamn Shishioh!  Oh god, can I get your autograph!?"
"Oh god... Fanboys."

And with that, the mission ends, and we are brought to this screen...
(http://i39.tinypic.com/2mh7m88.jpg)
...Which I shall go into more detail in the next update (hopefully).

TO BE CONTINUED... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qW1PBoLCz3g)

Be sure to catch our next episode, "Gai Shishioh Dies In Flames!"  And don't worry, there'll be plenty of fanservice~!
Only not.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: sammy t coleridge on March 13, 2010, 11:12:38 PM
So how did Touma get into Raioh in the first place?
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 13, 2010, 11:19:53 PM
So how did Touma get into Raioh in the first place?

I assume there was dialog that A: was in japanese and thus Moerin couldn't read, and B: was cut to limit the amount of images.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Moerin on March 13, 2010, 11:20:46 PM
So how did Touma get into Raioh in the first place?

As I can't read Japanese, I can only guess, but I assume that he followed the time honoured tradition of falling into the cockpit~ (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/FallingIntoTheCockpit)

Although knowing me the truth is a probably a much different story.

...Also what Xan said.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 13, 2010, 11:32:43 PM
As I can't read Japanese, I can only guess, but I assume that he followed the time honoured tradition of falling into the cockpit~ (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/FallingIntoTheCockpit)

Although knowing me the truth is a probably a much different story.

...Also what Xan said.

Touma 100% definately DID fall into the cockpit. The Raioh was definately not designed for him, as it is one of the DGG units. I don't know if they state who Bian intended it for in @verse, but my guess is that OG-wise he probably designed it with Kai Kitamura in mind, given that the other DGGs were given to members of the Aggressors, and it specializes in kicks. On the other hand, Kai didn't join DC, so it's quite possible it was for someone else. We probably won't find out until it appears in an OG game.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Chaore on March 13, 2010, 11:50:21 PM
So how did Touma get into Raioh in the first place?

He kicked the box. Obviously, the Raioh recognized his potential and forced him into the cockpit after that.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: trancehime on March 14, 2010, 01:22:41 AM
Quote
Apparently it's called LIOH, or it's AI is called that.  Um... I dunno, someone else can probably clear this up for me.  A few seconds later, it explodes.

The AI is storing the Raiou, and from the previous dialogue he either fell into the cockpit, was pushed into it, or actually just jumped into it. As Xan mentioned, Raiou was not really made for him in the first place... The AI of course wouldn't recognize the pilot data, and thus would re-initialize. I guess this is why it exploded >_>;;
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 14, 2010, 03:56:07 AM
The AI is storing the Raiou, and from the previous dialogue he either fell into the cockpit, was pushed into it, or actually just jumped into it. As Xan mentioned, Raiou was not really made for him in the first place... The AI of course wouldn't recognize the pilot data, and thus would re-initialize. I guess this is why it exploded >_>;;

NICE JOB BREAKING IT, TOUMA!
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: orinrin on March 14, 2010, 05:53:33 AM
Get the Quin Mantha, if possible.

It is the raep.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: sammy t coleridge on March 14, 2010, 02:32:32 PM
I'm going to throw in a request to demonstrate the Tallgeese, if possible.

Maybe it's worth using in this game!
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: orinrin on March 14, 2010, 03:32:44 PM
All units are viable in a squad.

Except Boss.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: sammy t coleridge on March 14, 2010, 04:19:40 PM
All units are viable in a squad.

Except Boss.

Yes, but Gundam Wing units have always been part of the lower-echelon mechs. I was just wondering if they are good in @3.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Rabbit on March 14, 2010, 10:14:33 PM
All units are viable in a squad.

Except Boss.

I would link to that video of Boss killing
Keisar Ephes
but I'm sure you've seen it already.

Yes, but Gundam Wing units have always been part of the lower-echelon mechs. I was just wondering if they are good in @3.

The power of the Wing units is pretty respectable in this game.  They don't feature prominently in the early parts of Touma's route, but they're the main fixture in Selena's route, which is not being covered.  The Wing Zero's Rolling Buster Rifle is rather strong plus it benefits from the Zero system as well.  The Sandrock, Heavy Arms and Deathscythe make good support units and the Altron is surprisingly strong with good range and very little maintenance required.  Wu Fei's only problem is that he has only short range post-movement attacks so it's a good idea to put Hit & Away on him if you can.  I don't remember whether you get it in @3.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: sammy t coleridge on March 14, 2010, 11:41:12 PM
The power of the Wing units is pretty respectable in this game.  They don't feature prominently in the early parts of Touma's route, but they're the main fixture in Selena's route, which is not being covered.  The Wing Zero's Rolling Buster Rifle is rather strong plus it benefits from the Zero system as well.  The Sandrock, Heavy Arms and Deathscythe make good support units and the Altron is surprisingly strong with good range and very little maintenance required.  Wu Fei's only problem is that he has only short range post-movement attacks so it's a good idea to put Hit & Away on him if you can.  I don't remember whether you get it in @3.
What about the Tallgeese? Everyone knows it's the only one that matters.

Speaking of Wing, what does the Zero System do in this game?
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: orinrin on March 15, 2010, 01:34:49 AM
Tallgeese is actually pretty damn good with minimal upgrades.  Hello long range attack with no morale requirements?

I usually tend to group Wing and Tallgeese together in their own little squad for taking out grunts and sometimes bosses.

Doesn't Zero System boost all stats at 130 morale or something?  Or was that SRW Advance.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 15, 2010, 01:54:51 PM
Except Boss.

Bite your tounge. Boss is awesome.

What about the Tallgeese? Everyone knows it's the only one that matters.

Bah. They're all good except Sandrock D:<

Also, I think we may need a snack while watching this

(http://i39.tinypic.com/2ccw8l.jpg)
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Edible on March 15, 2010, 02:15:50 PM
4chan isn't the best place to link images from, given its temporary nature.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 15, 2010, 02:19:40 PM
4chan isn't the best place to link images from, given its temporary nature.

I'm aware of this. Once the pic goes down, I'll delete it.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Edible on March 15, 2010, 02:33:08 PM
You could always, oh... use an image uploader or something to host it indefinitely?

Tinypic even has a function to save pictures from a URL instead of your hard drive.

Finally - direct linking is, in fact, prohibited here (http://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php?topic=17.0).  Even to 4chan.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 15, 2010, 04:18:46 PM
You could always, oh... use an image uploader or something to host it indefinitely?

Tinypic even has a function to save pictures from a URL instead of your hard drive.

Finally - direct linking is, in fact, prohibited here (http://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php?topic=17.0).  Even to 4chan.

K. Un momento
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Edible on March 15, 2010, 05:30:47 PM
Danke.

http://i39.tinypic.com/2ccw8l.jpg

gwahaha
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Rabbit on March 15, 2010, 10:47:13 PM
Tallgeese is actually pretty damn good with minimal upgrades.  Hello long range attack with no morale requirements?

I usually tend to group Wing and Tallgeese together in their own little squad for taking out grunts and sometimes bosses.

Doesn't Zero System boost all stats at 130 morale or something?  Or was that SRW Advance.

Just got the Tallgeese in my Selena playthrough.  It seems to be a respectable and solid machine, but then again I was using it against Megillots so I don't think that one mission was a good judge of character.  It  is certainly better than it is in other games I've used it in; the attacks don't cost a whole lot of energy like they do in other games and Zechs is generally quite a good pilot.  I don't know what his squad leader bonus is (these will come up later in the LP when squads actually become relevant, for those of you non-SRW players reading the off-topic stuff) but he has a good spirit selection so as an all-rounder it's quite good.

The Zero System does boost all stats and it's usually at 130 will.  The problem in @3 is that I think it's 140 will.  I will have to actually pay attention next time it activates.  This makes getting maximum mileage out of Zero a little difficult early on because you only get the global morale boost for wiping out entire squads.  It gets better once you start getting Fire Bomber and Mic Sounders XIII.

Ultimately, the Tallgeese and Zero are about equal early on in any given battle but in the long run the Zero definitely outpaces it.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Moerin on March 15, 2010, 10:53:39 PM
I meant to update this today, but unfortunately I had some important work to do which ended up taking a lot longer than I thought it would, and as such I never got the time to do so.  Sorry!  But hopefully there should be an update tomorrow, if all goes to plan~  But here's a teensy weensy sneak preview for now...

(http://i42.tinypic.com/10eik9y.jpg)
"Gimu giru gan go gufo..."

I'm going to throw in a request to demonstrate the Tallgeese, if possible.

Maybe it's worth using in this game!

I will hopefully be trying out all the mecha I get as the game progresses, although there is a chance that I might end up overusing some out of sheer fanboyism.  So, um, don't be surprised if you see lots of screenshots of Gunbuster, Ideon, the Evangelions and Fire Bomber when I eventually get to recruit them, ahah~

All units are viable in a squad.

Except Boss.

Boss is immortal and can breathe in space.  Now that I have said it, it must be canon~!
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Rabbit on March 15, 2010, 11:25:58 PM
I will hopefully be trying out all the mecha I get as the game progresses, although there is a chance that I might end up overusing some out of sheer fanboyism.  So, um, don't be surprised if you see lots of screenshots of Gunbuster, Ideon, the Evangelions and Fire Bomber when I eventually get to recruit them, ahah~

I told you to pick the Selena route but you didn't listen...  :V

Boss is immortal and can breathe in space.  Now that I have said it, it must be canon~!

No.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: sammy t coleridge on March 15, 2010, 11:48:45 PM
Ultimately, the Tallgeese and Zero are about equal early on in any given battle but in the long run the Zero definitely outpaces it.

Yeah well  ... Tallgeese is much much more prettier than Zero so it is clearly the better mech.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 16, 2010, 03:03:48 AM
No.

That means yes, riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight?

Yeah well  ... Tallgeese is much much manlier than Zero so it is clearly the better mech.

Fixed that for you. The Tallgeese is a man's mech. It doesn't have lolprettywings.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: sammy t coleridge on March 16, 2010, 03:18:23 AM
By Tallgeese I mean Zechs :V
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 16, 2010, 03:55:42 AM
By Tallgeese I mean Zechs :V

Well, the manliest person in Wing is Trieze, and he's dead, more's the pity. He was so manly that he could bathe with rose petals and still not be gay.

Seriously.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Rabbit on March 16, 2010, 07:12:56 AM
That means yes, riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight?

Is that what

[Quattro]

you told her last night?

YEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAHHHH!

getterrobotrollface.jpg
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: orinrin on March 16, 2010, 01:10:30 PM
Baran Doban = Best OG character ever.  :V

Ware koso waaaaaa~
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Edible on March 16, 2010, 02:48:39 PM
Baran Doban = Best OG character ever.  :V

Ware koso waaaaaa~

I had that as my ringtone for a while.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 16, 2010, 05:19:47 PM
Baran Doban = Best OG character ever.  :V

Ware koso waaaaaa~

Certainly the best song ever. However, if we're discussing CHARACTERS, Excellen and Silly!Axel are the best. By a large margin.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Edible on March 16, 2010, 05:42:40 PM
Speaking of Amnesia Axel, has anyone played SRW Endless Frontier Exceed yet?

Amnesia Axel pairs up with Amnesia Alfimi for the most hilarious things ever.  Both characters became a million times better.

*drags Let's Play even further off topic*
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 16, 2010, 05:51:36 PM
Speaking of Amnesia Axel, has anyone played SRW Endless Frontier Exceed yet?

Amnesia Axel pairs up with Amnesia Alfimi for the most hilarious things ever.  Both characters became a million times better.

*drags Let's Play even further off topic*

Rabbit has. I'm waiting for it to get localized or a translation patch, since I enjoy being able to actually read dialog.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Edible on March 16, 2010, 05:53:47 PM
Aside from them, it's basically Boob Joke and Kirisute Gomen Joke the game.

I swear to god Kaguya has like 20 different variations of kirisute gomen qutoes.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Rabbit on March 16, 2010, 07:03:11 PM
Aside from them, it's basically Boob Joke and Kirisute Gomen Joke the game.

I swear to god Kaguya has like 20 different variations of kirisute gomen qutoes.

I'm okay with this.  I'd love to be able to understand the text naturally but I'll settle for gameplay for now.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: sammy t coleridge on March 16, 2010, 07:42:48 PM
Well, the manliest person in Wing is Trieze, and he's dead, more's the pity. He was so manly that he could bathe with rose petals and still not be gay.

Seriously.
Was Treize killed off in the eariler Alpha games? Or did it just jump to Endless Waltz in @3?
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 16, 2010, 07:59:12 PM
Was Treize killed off in the eariler Alpha games? Or did it just jump to Endless Waltz in @3?
@2. The show's plot is in @2, Endless Waltz in @3.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: orinrin on March 16, 2010, 08:06:34 PM
The only thing hinders Alpha 3's greatness is Gundam Seed.

For those of you who don't agree.  Deal with it.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 16, 2010, 08:26:53 PM
The only thing hinders Alpha 3's greatness is Gundam Seed.

For those of you who don't agree.  Deal with it.

Nah, @3 manages to make even SEED badass. Did I mention that Shinji Ikari of all people gets to Brightslap Kira and tell him to stop being a wimp?
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Edible on March 16, 2010, 08:37:58 PM
The only thing hinders Alpha 3's greatness is Gundam Seed.

For those of you who don't agree.  Deal with it.

no u :kanakodwi:

SEED didn't make @3 great, @3 made SEED great.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 16, 2010, 08:51:55 PM
no u :kanakodwi:

SEED didn't make @3 great, @3 made SEED great.

Exactly.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Chaore on March 16, 2010, 08:57:05 PM
@3 made SEED great.

This is pretty much what SRT does to things.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Moerin on March 16, 2010, 09:06:20 PM
Right, enough derailing!

Anyways, when last we left off, we had just been taken to the post-mission screen.  This will prove to be a very important part of the game, as not only does it let us check up on the units we have, it also allows us to upgrade them.

(http://i43.tinypic.com/9u2oar.jpg)
We can upgrade the pilot stats...

(http://i42.tinypic.com/14m5ac0.jpg)
...The mecha stats...

(http://i40.tinypic.com/11bhedd.jpg)
...And the weapon stats.  We're also able to buy new Spirit commands (to those not in the know, think of them basically as spells used to gain all kinds of benefits during battle) and Pilot Skills.  Unfortunately, it seems like I don't have enough points to pay for any upgrades right now, so this shall have to wait until later.  So I suppose we should probably get back to the plot now.

(http://i41.tinypic.com/qyfklj.jpg)
We join Gai as he hangs out with the other main character of GaoGaiGar, Mamoru Amami.  If you haven't seen the series, you may be thinking that he's one of those tagalong kids that add nothing to the plot and are generally just an annoyance, which is pretty far from the truth.  Mamoru is not only integral to the plot, but he's actually a pretty interesting character.  Not only that, but I find his brotherly relationship with our cyborg hero to be rather endearing.

(http://i42.tinypic.com/20z742v.jpg)
Suddenly, Mamoru is confronted by his enigmatic classmate, Ikumi Kaidou, who enigmatically tells him some cryptic info before enigmatically disappearing in an enigmatic fashion.  He's rather enigmatic, you see.

(http://i43.tinypic.com/2q8osuq.jpg)
The info may or may not have had something to do with the evil space clown who has appeared next to GGG HQ.  Meet Pagliaccio, one of the 31 Primevals, the main antagonists of the second half of GaoGaiGar (I shall assume that the Zonders and their master, Pasdar the Zonderian were defeated in Alpha 2).  She will probably be showing up quite a bit in the future, although don't hold me to that.

(http://i44.tinypic.com/119pfgy.jpg)
Soon after her appearance, three giant floating cylinders make their way across the city until they're hovering directly above GGG HQ.  Mikoto, Gai's girlfriend and the person responsible for sending out the Gao machines, activating the Final Fusion and Goldion Hammer programs and sending out special equipment like the Dividing Driver, seems somewhat concerned by this.

(http://i42.tinypic.com/4iylw0.jpg)
As is Koutaro Taiga, the man in charge of GGG, a being composed predominately not of carbon like must humans, but of ham.  It shouldn't be all that surprising that he was voiced by Dan Green in the GaoGaiGar dub.  Shame they only did half the series, as that was probably one of the best dubs I've ever seen.  Um... But anyways, moving on...

(http://i40.tinypic.com/1grdoy.jpg)
(http://i39.tinypic.com/k0k7x3.jpg)
(http://i42.tinypic.com/oh75a0.jpg)
Well, um... That's not good.  The three cylinders combine their powers to blast GGG HQ with a massive beam of energy, utterly annihilating it in one hit.

(http://i40.tinypic.com/flj8kh.jpg)
"Damn it, we'd just finished paying that off!  Frigging aliens have no decency... I'll show you!  Victory goes to those... WI-"
"Too early, Gai."
"B-b-but Mikoto, I wanna say it nooooooow!  Ugh..."

(http://i43.tinypic.com/i1gxgk.jpg)
Gai wastes no time getting revenge on the cylinders, which go down pretty quickly...
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Moerin on March 16, 2010, 09:06:37 PM
(http://i42.tinypic.com/53py4w.jpg)
...Or do they?  The cylinders break open like giant alien pinatas, but instead of candy, inside lurks three of those insidious Primevals!

(http://i44.tinypic.com/spvqjb.jpg)
Our protaganist can do little more than sit and stare in horror at the scene.  Well, he snaps out of it quickly and goes off to help Gai take on these new enemies, I suppose.

(http://i44.tinypic.com/x422wh.jpg)
Oh, and just in case the Primevals weren't enough, a bunch of Zonders show up too.  Hurrah, this looks to be quite the party forming~  Just how will we get through this?  Three words, my friends:

(http://i44.tinypic.com/2s8guox.jpg)
HELL...

(http://i43.tinypic.com/2ntcqb7.jpg)
AND...

(http://i44.tinypic.com/21j0g2a.jpg)
HEAVEN!

(http://i44.tinypic.com/a0hq83.jpg)
For those of you unfamiliar with GaoGaiGar, Hell and Heaven was the titular robot's original finishing move.  However, it turned out that using it put too much strain on Gai's cyborg body and was slowly killing him, which led to the adoption of the Goldion Hammer as a replacement.  Oh, and this seems like as good a time as any to bring up Dynamic Kills.  Y'see, some attacks, such as Hell and Heaven, have special animations if you use them to land a finishing blow on an enemy.  The one seen here is rather basic, as it's just the enemy exploding in the background as GaoGaiGar holds their core up in triumph, but it's nice all the same.  Goes to show how much work and dedication was put into making these games a mecha fans dream come true~

(http://i40.tinypic.com/v7r595.jpg)
Unfortunately, attempting to use Hell and Heaven on the Hand Primordeal results in it taking no damage and retaliating by socking the King of Braves in the face.  Nothing we can't handle though, right?

(http://i42.tinypic.com/okdfe1.jpg)
R-r-right?  Um... Uh-oh, that can't be good...

(http://i40.tinypic.com/25u5qmw.jpg)
Oh fu-

(http://i43.tinypic.com/1z2dddz.jpg)
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 16, 2010, 09:17:14 PM
OH NO!
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Rabbit on March 16, 2010, 09:21:38 PM
Primevals?  Primevals?!  Wait, that's a joke I was saving for something else...
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: ES-Anthy on March 16, 2010, 09:52:21 PM
Quick Analysis: Yes, Hell and Heaven is a jet powered Polish Hammer (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_hammer#Double_axe_handle)
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Chaore on March 16, 2010, 09:53:35 PM
Well. I wasn't expecting you to die so soon.  :V

Shows how weak my @3fu is. Needless to say, amusing none the less.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: orinrin on March 17, 2010, 12:05:43 AM
Everyone knows nothing can defeat courage... right?
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: sammy t coleridge on March 17, 2010, 12:13:17 AM
Obvious required plot death  :ohdear:
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Rabbit on March 17, 2010, 01:24:49 PM
>Combining robot
>Plot death
>Implying that a combining robot isn't made up of multiple parts.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: sammy t coleridge on March 17, 2010, 03:50:42 PM
>Combining robot
>Plot death
>Implying that a combining robot isn't made up of multiple parts.

I haven't watched GGG nor do I plan to. :smug:
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 17, 2010, 03:53:32 PM
I haven't watched GGG nor do I plan to. :smug:

Fuck you, buddy.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Moerin on March 17, 2010, 03:56:23 PM
Now, now, no need to be so mean, Xan~  Some people can't help being philistines.

Ahem.  But anyway, those who have seen GaoGaiGar should know what's coming up next.  Well, it'll be a little different than what happened in the show, but still...
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: ES-Anthy on March 17, 2010, 08:41:42 PM
Now, now, no need to be so mean, Xan~  Some people can't help being philistines.

Ahem.  But anyway, those who have seen GaoGaiGar should know what's coming up next.  Well, it'll be a little different than what happened in the show, but still...

wait so no giant battleship with awesome orchestra music?
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Edible on March 17, 2010, 09:16:41 PM
wait so no giant battleship with awesome orchestra music?

J-Ark is in the game and eventually joins your party.  Its theme is Beautiful Wings of Light, that awe-inspiring orchestral song you're referencing.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Barrakketh on March 17, 2010, 09:33:49 PM
Now, now, no need to be so mean, Xan~  Some people can't help being philistines.
Well, I didn't watch GGG for entertainment.  It was for discussing/debating any merits it had with an extremely...well, just take all the worst aspects of someone with Asperger's (he claims to have it), crank it up to 11, add in some traits like "skipping most things that doesn't have giant robots fighting in any given series" (including E7) and "state things you read on /m/ as though they were fact", then BAM!  You have him.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: ES-Anthy on March 18, 2010, 09:40:28 AM
J-Ark is in the game and eventually joins your party.  Its theme is Beautiful Wings of Light, that awe-inspiring orchestral song you're referencing.

awesome, and thanks for the info
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 19, 2010, 01:57:26 AM
Just in case any of you are wondering why there has been a delay, it's quite simple.

(http://i39.tinypic.com/213hthi.jpg)

That is all.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: ES-Anthy on March 19, 2010, 08:29:15 AM
Just in case any of you are wondering why there has been a delay, it's quite simple.

(http://i39.tinypic.com/213hthi.jpg)

That is all.

needs moar dakka getter rays.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Zengar Zombolt on March 19, 2010, 02:26:53 PM
You let Guy die? What, Theorist. What.
Also yaaaay my favourite route
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Moerin on March 20, 2010, 01:16:34 AM
Right, where were w-

(http://i40.tinypic.com/25u5qmw.jpg)
Um... Oh yeah, ahah...

MEANWHILE, THOUSANDS OF MILES AWAY...
(http://i42.tinypic.com/24g6i6r.jpg)
(http://i44.tinypic.com/35ary4z.jpg)
Who is this shadowy figure?  And what might he be planning?  Find out... NOW!

(http://i43.tinypic.com/14e51ja.jpg)
A mysterious white battleship suddenly appears!

(http://i44.tinypic.com/e028pj.jpg)
??: DID ANYONE ORDER A PIZZA!? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKimqgq2w0g)

(http://i43.tinypic.com/25h1url.jpg)
Touma:  Holy crap it's... It's... It's... Who the hell are you anyway?
??: There was a time when I was known as Pizza the Zonderian, but that time is now past!  I am now J!  Soldat-J!

(http://i44.tinypic.com/2lsb05i.jpg)
J: J-ARK!  MEGA FUSION! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T40dVfJy5O4)

(http://i39.tinypic.com/206lfm1.jpg)
J: KING J-DER!

(http://i44.tinypic.com/6f9zdx.jpg)
(http://i39.tinypic.com/34sqgbt.jpg)
King J-Der's maser cannon spam achieves what was impossible for GaoGaiGar: It doesn't just damage one of the Primevals, it reduces it to scrap in a single blow.  Well, not exactly a single blow, seeing how it's a beam spam and all, but I digress.  Oh, and it turns out Gai's not dead after all.  The dinky little white robot there is GaiGar, the fused form of Gai and the alien mecha-lion Galeon, a sort of transition stage awaiting the Gao Machines so it may transform into GaoGaiGar, AKA something that's actually useful.  Too bad the only set we have at the moment was just totalled by the Primevals, then.

Anyways, soon after the Hair Primeval meets it's untimely fate, Jaws is soon to follow.  Hand realises that it's probably not a good idea to stick around, and so hastily rushes off to the other side of the map.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Moerin on March 20, 2010, 01:16:50 AM
(http://i39.tinypic.com/28a5iqp.jpg)
Unfortunately for him, the plot of the game decides to deviate from that of GaoGaiGar at this point and drop in some reinforcements, namely Great Mazinger (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Dg4Vh4F4KE) and Steel Jeeg. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wm_pmaGQwac)

(http://i41.tinypic.com/ae5f15.jpg)
Great Mazinger, as it's name suggests, is the second mecha in the Mazinger line.  Unfortunately the third mecha in this line, UFO Robot Grendizer, does not appear in this game as it's not allowed to appear in any game that features Mazinkaiser (a shame, as I personally rather like Grendy).  But I digress.  Great proceeds to unleash it's signature attack on Hand, the Thunder Break.  Thrusting a finger into the sky in a somewhat disco-esque pose, it charges up a bolt of lightning before hurling it at it's enemy.

(http://i41.tinypic.com/23w5s1l.jpg)
This seems oddly familiar somehow.  Maybe Tetsuya has a certain oarfish for a fan~?

Anyways, moving on... I cannot stress enough how much I love Jeeg.  Why?  Well, take a look at this...
(http://i40.tinypic.com/11ax46f.jpg)
Yes, those are rocket propelled drills attached to it's arms.  I don't think I even need to go into any more detail as to why Jeeg is awesome, as this pretty much dispells any doubt to that matter, but I guess I should also point out something about it's pilot.  Well, sort of pilot.  Hiroshi Siba is a cyborg, like Gai only less shiny.  And rather than piloting Jeeg, he transforms into it's head.  Not only that, but damn near everything he does in the sequel series, Kotetsushin Jeeg, qualifies as a Crowning Moment of Awesome.  Also, like Batman, he can breathe in space.  He also happens to be incredibly manly, as just about all 70s super robot pilots were (although being a Go Nagai creation kinda helps, as even his magical girl character was manlier than most anime characters at the time).

(http://i40.tinypic.com/nveaaa.jpg)
What a guy.  Sigh~

/me swoons~

Um... Uh... Where was I?  Um...

Oh right!  The combined forces of King J-Der, Great Mazinger, Steel Jeeg and Kamen Raioh make short work of Hand.

(http://i43.tinypic.com/207tc2b.jpg)
However, one thing we will learn is that the Primevals are cheating bastards, as Hand ressurects itself to full health after it's killed.

(http://i40.tinypic.com/2ibfcyo.jpg)
J, however, is having none of this shit and proceeds to rip out Hand's core with it's
current
ultimate attack, the J-Quath!

(http://i41.tinypic.com/2i9i9na.jpg)
This, of course, causes the rest of Hand to explode for no adequately explored reason.  Not that I'm complaining, though, as explosions are pretty~

(http://i43.tinypic.com/4uwcco.jpg)
Right after the explosion, Kaidou flies in and purifies Hand's core.

...Wait, why is Kaidou all glowy and flying all of a sudden?  And since when did he have purification powers?  Unfortunately, J and Kaidou run off before we can get any satisfactory answers, leaving anyone who hasn't actually seen GaoGaiGar scratching their heads in confusion.  Don't you just hate it when that happens?

Oh well, guess answers will have to wait, as pretty soon after they disappear, a golden spaceship lands nearby our heroes.
(http://i41.tinypic.com/10gecgl.jpg)
Piloting it is none other than Stallion White, member of the American branch of GGG and brother of Swan White, one of the higher ranking members of the Japanese branch.  He lives up to his name by being dashing, charming and a pretty cool guy if you ignore all the subtext that he's probably banging his sister.  Anyways, he comes bearing good news: GGG survived the destruction of their HQ, and are busy moving into thier new space station base!  All's well that ends well, I guess.  Well, uh, I guess there's still the case of all the other Primevals to worry about.  And the fact that GaoGaiGar's pretty much trashed for the time being.  Other than that, everything's peachy~  Well, actually...

(http://i42.tinypic.com/2ij43ev.jpg)
MEANWHILE, THOUSANDS OF MILES AWAY...

(http://i43.tinypic.com/smq8uq.jpg)
...Why am I suddenly filled with a sense of foreboding?

Anyways, that's all for this update.  See you next time, where we'll be introduced to the all new, shiny, spaceborne GGG base, along with a few new allies~
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 20, 2010, 01:24:59 AM
You let Guy die? What, Theorist. What.
Also yaaaay my favourite route

Zengar-sensei!!!! You're allright! I was afraid you had been tidal waved!

/me hugs

Oh, and I hope this is Anime Jeeg and not Manga Jeeg, because Manga Jeeg is a douchebag who commits infanticide.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: sammy t coleridge on March 20, 2010, 01:52:51 AM
i wish char was here ;___;
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Zengar Zombolt on March 20, 2010, 01:39:13 PM
I have an idea! Why don't you record Thunder Break and replace the BGM with Our Hisou Tensoku? (Or wait for Mazinger Z, or Mazinkaiser if you feel like it)
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 20, 2010, 01:45:00 PM
I have an idea! Why don't you record Thunder Break and replace the BGM with Our Hisou Tensoku? (Or wait for Mazinger Z, or Mazinkaiser if you feel like it)

Moerin lacks a recording device/program. As stated earlier.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Zengar Zombolt on March 20, 2010, 01:57:19 PM
That's what I get for skimming on a thread just because it's @3. >>
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 20, 2010, 02:26:59 PM
That's what I get for skimming on a thread just because it's @3. >>

It's okay, man, good to have you around. Come on IRC sometime.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: OmegaSlash on March 22, 2010, 05:02:39 PM
So, uh, you asked me to read this...

AND THEN I READ IT!

Because I want you to love me again... ;.;

So far, I have no idea what's happening, or who any of these characters are, aside from the quick Gundam characters cameo at the start... ... ...

Uh, you're doing great! Or something!

And now I want to do a let's play, only I suffer from a severe case of not really being funny... But I might try anyway...

~OmegaSlash, what the eff is he doing here...
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: orinrin on March 22, 2010, 07:50:42 PM
Mazinkaizer is broken.  You don't even need to upgrade him.

Also, SRX Banpresto has the catchiest theme ever.  And yet again the R-Gun is treated like such a tool.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Moerin on March 29, 2010, 06:43:40 PM
FFFFFFF- Okay, things have been getting in the way of me updating this as much as I'd like to.  Sorry!  Um... Anyways, uh...

So, uh, you asked me to read this...

AND THEN I READ IT!

Ahah, you didn't have to go and sign up here, y'know... But it's nice that you went that extra mile, I suppose~  Glad you like it so far~

Mazinkaizer is broken.  You don't even need to upgrade him.

Oh, I hear you.  The only real weakness it has is how much energy it guzzles.

Ahem, anyways...

(http://i42.tinypic.com/j5l0tz.jpg)
MEANWHILE, THOUSANDS OF MILES AWAY...

(http://i43.tinypic.com/b4bypc.jpg)
Stallion welcomes us to the Fortress of Justice!  Oh, and also notifies us that the Gutsy Geoid Guard have disbanded.  NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

...Oh wait, he then goes on to say that they've reformed as the Gutsy Galaxy Guard.  Well, that's not bad at all, I guess.

(http://i40.tinypic.com/261ccw8.jpg)
After Mikoto validates our parking, it's time to check out our new base and meet some new allies!

(http://i41.tinypic.com/2vcvtzp.jpg)
Returning from the opening cutscene is Bright Noah, along with... Um... Some other UC Gundam characters, uh... I recognised Amuro, Camille and Judeau... Um...

...Okay, here's my deep, dark secret as a mecha fan:  I actually know very little about UC Gundam.  I don't know why, but it just never seemed to appeal to me all that much (besides, everyone knows Future Century is where it's at~).  So, um, if I don't recognise your favourite character from there, don't get too angry at me, okay?

...Moving on...

(http://i39.tinypic.com/nda6ao.jpg)
Here we have Hyouma Aoi, one of the five pilots of Combattler V (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7KLz82HFU4) (pronounced "vee".  It's "brother", Voltes V, has the V pronouced as 5, and shall show up later in the game, if the cover art is anything to go by), and the original mecha pilot, the one behind the controls of the first piloted mecha, MAZINGER Z!, and the almighty MAZINKAISER! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUY5oeZRe2w), Kouji Kabuto!

...Or was it the other way around?  I swear, those two must've been seperated at birth or something...

Kouji is, of course, joined by his girlfriend Sayaka Yumi, piloting Aphrodite A.  Or Venus A.  One of those two, anyway, I always mix them up.  Both Kouji and Sayaka are pretty important to anime as a whole, and not just the mecha genre, as Kouji was the original hotblooded shonen hero, whilst Sayaka was the original tsundere love interest (for better or for worse, seeing some of her "descendents").

Hyouma is accompanied by the other four Combattler pilots, Juzo (a cool headed, expert marksman), Daisaku (a big, strong judo expert who enjoys drawing), Chizuru (who, to put it quite bluntly, is an absolute babe and easily the cutest character we currently have on the team), and Kosuke (a child genius and possibly future mad scientist).

(http://i39.tinypic.com/1556rds.jpg)
On the right is Amuro Ray, the original Gundam pilot.  Well, even if I'm not too well versed in the Universal Century, I at least know who he is...  Ahem.  And on the left... A man so incredibly manly that he makes Kamina look like a weeping girl-child, pilot of Getter-1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGYIeMrxRYQ) and part of the original mecha gattai team, Ryoma Nagare!  I kinda wish they'd based his appearance in the game on what he looked like in Getter Robo Armageddon, but I guess I can't have everything.  He's brought along Hayato Jin and Benkei Kuruma, who pilot Getter-2 and Getter-3 respectively.  A shame we couldn't get Musashi, but I suppose he's probably dead by this point.  Again.  Sigh...

(http://i41.tinypic.com/346b7m8.jpg)
Oh right, I keep forgetting to introduce this young lady... Mostly because I'm not sure whether she's Touma's sister, or girlfriend, or whatever.  She smiles a lot, and is pretty cute, so I guess she can't be too bad, whoever she is.

Anyways, after the introductions are over, it's time to head out!

(http://i41.tinypic.com/t5iqnc.jpg)
"OH, NO!" indeed, Miss White.  We seem to be picking up a fluctuation in space-time or... Something.  Maybe the SDF-1 folded out beside us or something.

(http://i43.tinypic.com/a4oscy.jpg)
...Or, y'know, maybe all 31 Primevals are about to warp beside us.  Yeah, that seems more likely.

(http://i39.tinypic.com/23sd4id.jpg)
So yeah, we've pretty much just got to hold the lines and make sure none of the Primevals reach this edge of the map.  Shouldn't be too difficult, right~?

...Well, it can wait until next time.  Sorry if there's been, uh, a drop in quality for this update, but I just kinda needed to write one up quickly, and it's mostly been an infodump, so... Ahah, but bare with me, next time should be better.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Rabbit on March 29, 2010, 06:49:14 PM
I think you might want to look into shuffling that joke around before it gets old.  I won't say which one >.>

The upcoming mission is your first real challenge as well as your first test of how well you know your way around the squad system.  The Zonder Barriers are...troublesome to say the least.  Try to get kills for
South Burning
if at all possible.  You get something interesting later on.

Just nearing the end of the game in my playthrough, and once that's done I'll be ready to resume coverage again.  Ah, what I wouldn't give to have Zeorymer in this game...

For those who didn't know I decided to run my own playthrough for the slightly less popular (but equally valid) Cobray route.  The link's in my sig.  I didn't really talk about it much before and I probably won't talk about it much in this thread because I don't want to seem like I'm hijacking or competing or anything.  Just wanted to let you guys know that it's there and will be picking up again soon.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Edible on March 29, 2010, 06:49:52 PM
(http://i41.tinypic.com/346b7m8.jpg)
Oh right, I keep forgetting to introduce this young lady... Mostly because I'm not sure whether she's Touma's sister, or girlfriend, or whatever.  She smiles a lot, and is pretty cute, so I guess she can't be too bad, whoever she is.

That's Tomine Minaki.

Minaki is one of the systems engineers for RaiOh.  She's also the one who ordered the pizza that Touma delivered, which changed his fate forever.  She's a little older than he is.  She serves as RaiOh support offsite, acting as something of a remote copilot for Touma, handling certain things so he can concentrate on piloting.  She also monitors his biorhythms to make sure he doesn't do anything too crazy.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Maid Xan~ on March 29, 2010, 07:06:35 PM
Mazinkaizer is broken.  You don't even need to upgrade him.

I'd say that that's not exactly true. Mazinkaiser needs some sort of Accuracy aid or Kouji needs SP regen, because he has severe issues with hitting stuff without Strike on. Yes, this is somewhat to be expected, but at the same time, Strike only works for one attack, and when you start getting swarmed by mooks, it can be a problem.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: OmegaSlash on March 29, 2010, 08:49:17 PM
Ahah, you didn't have to go and sign up here, y'know... But it's nice that you went that extra mile, I suppose~  Glad you like it so far~

If you clicked my name, you'd notice that I didn't just now sign up...

I AM NOT STALKING YOU! (Mainly because I didn't know which of the members you were...I mean, NOT STALKING YOU!) Now if only I could figure out how to give myself an avatar...

Outside of Amuro, Char, and Bright Noah, I'm not overly familiar with the cast of the original Gundam... Any chance we'll be getting some later UC Gundam characters up in here? If not, I won't know anyone until Rei shows up... ;.;

~OmegaSlash, he's a writer...
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Barrakketh on March 29, 2010, 10:22:13 PM
If you clicked my name, you'd notice that I didn't just now sign up...

I AM NOT STALKING YOU! (Mainly because I didn't know which of the members you were...I mean, NOT STALKING YOU!) Now if only I could figure out how to give myself an avatar...
You need ten posts before you can have an avatar.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Chaore on March 29, 2010, 10:46:48 PM
Someone have questions about UC?

I'm not exactly your man, but I can have your man at my finger tips in a millitap.

UC does have quite a few chaff characters anyway, No shame in not knowing any of 'em. (I mean, come the fuck on sleggar. Waste of space.)
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Rabbit on March 29, 2010, 11:59:36 PM
I'd say that that's not exactly true. Mazinkaiser needs some sort of Accuracy aid or Kouji needs SP regen, because he has severe issues with hitting stuff without Strike on. Yes, this is somewhat to be expected, but at the same time, Strike only works for one attack, and when you start getting swarmed by mooks, it can be a problem.

This is the case in other SRW games.  Kouji in Mazinkaiser has no real problem hitting anything but the really fast Real Robots and upgraded Balmarian units, especially once you get the squad system down.  The REAL problem is how they tantalize you with Mazinkaiser early on only to
take it away from you later and not give you Final Dynamic Special when you use it
.  Mazinkaiser is hardly broken though.  I would say it is a very solid mech, pretty high tier, but the likes of Genesic GaoGaiGar could probably outclass it.

If you clicked my name, you'd notice that I didn't just now sign up...

I AM NOT STALKING YOU! (Mainly because I didn't know which of the members you were...I mean, NOT STALKING YOU!) Now if only I could figure out how to give myself an avatar...

Outside of Amuro, Char, and Bright Noah, I'm not overly familiar with the cast of the original Gundam... Any chance we'll be getting some later UC Gundam characters up in here? If not, I won't know anyone until Rei shows up... ;.;

~OmegaSlash, he's a writer...

You need not worry.  A couple of us are thoroughly acquainted with the Universal Century and could probably back you up.  As always the first step to speaking out loud is to shed your fear of embarassing yourself.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: orinrin on March 30, 2010, 03:28:22 AM
I guess we won't be hearing Ware Ni Teki Nashi anytime during this playthrough.

God, I love that mecha.

On a more related note, I wish to know if you are planning on getting those skill points/battle masteries during this run.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Moerin on March 30, 2010, 05:44:48 AM
That's Tomine Minaki.

Ah, thanks~  One of the drawbacks with doing a blind run of this is that there's a good chance I won't recognise some of the OG characters (especially if they didn't appear in the OG games), so it's good to know there's people to correct me about stuff like that.

If you clicked my name, you'd notice that I didn't just now sign up...

I AM NOT STALKING YOU! (Mainly because I didn't know which of the members you were...I mean, NOT STALKING YOU!) Now if only I could figure out how to give myself an avatar...

Outside of Amuro, Char, and Bright Noah, I'm not overly familiar with the cast of the original Gundam... Any chance we'll be getting some later UC Gundam characters up in here? If not, I won't know anyone until Rei shows up... ;.;

...If you keep talking like that, Xan will get jealous... Ufufu~


But anyways, there were a few Zeta Gundam characters in that group, if that means anything to you.  Not sure when teh Rei will show up, though, but hopefully it won't be too long.  And don't worry, I'm sure she'll bring Gendo along with her, as I know how much you love him~

On a more related note, I wish to know if you are planning on getting those skill points/battle masteries during this run.

I'm trying to do the best I can, but since this is a blind playthrough and, as stated previously, I can't read Japanese, I might end up missing some of them.  I really won't be surprised if I never meet
Keisar Ephes
on this run, but we'll see~
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Rabbit on March 30, 2010, 09:42:48 AM
The majority of them will be acquired in the course of killing all the enemies on the map.
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Zengar Zombolt on March 30, 2010, 12:08:40 PM
I'm trying to do the best I can, but since this is a blind playthrough and, as stated previously, I can't read Japanese, I might end up missing some of them.
Sup' (http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/ps2/file/926291/39315)
Title: Re: Let's play Super Robot Wars Alpha 3~!
Post by: Rabbit on March 30, 2010, 12:24:27 PM
Goddamnit, I was keeping a tally of how long it would be before he realised Oh hey, that guide.