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Just some context before we continue, to make some things clear. Dermail Catalonia is the leader of the Romefeller Foundation in Gundam Wing. He’s the de facto ruler of the Earth/OZ after the coup before the game started.
It’s finally time to talk about the Intermission Screen. If you play this or any other SRW game yourself, you’ll be seeing a similar screen as often as the battle map screen.
To put it simply, this is where you upgrade your robots, equip them with parts, switch pilots around, upgrade your pilots, and solve the challenges of Puzzle Robo. We’ll cover Puzzle Robo next update though.
The basic menu map for this game is like this
>Unit
>>Unit Status
>>Unit Upgrade
>>Unit Modules
>>Power Parts
>Weapons
>>Weapon Status
>>Weapon Upgrade
>Pilot
>>Pilot Status
>>Pilot Upgrade
>>Skill Parts
>>Move Pilots
>Shop
>>Sell Power Parts
>>Sell Skill Parts
>Weapon Name Change
>>Rename Main Character’s Weapons
>>Rename Sibiling’s Weapons
>Data
>>Save
>>Load
>Puzzle Robo
>To the Next Map
Everything is more or less self explanatory. In this intermission session, I swapped Amuro’s and Gyunei’s assigned mechs so that Amuro has the Jagd Doga and Gyunei has the Re-GZ. Mostly because I don’t like Gyunei and I value the Jagd Doga more than the Re-GZ even though they’re very similar in ability.
I also spend pretty much all of my money to upgrade the Sazabi’s EN (for more Funnels and Mega Beam Cannons) and the Aile Chevalier’s EN, Mobility, and Armor (since it’s the main character mech). There’s a finite amount of money available in the game so it’s best to invest in units you intend to use for the entire game.
I also gave my sole power part, the Chobham Armor, to the Epyon for added survivability (it gives 500 max HP and 100 armor). That may not seem like much but every little bit matters. There are also consumable power parts such as propellant tanks (recovers EN), repair kits (recovers HP), and cartridges (restores ammo). You’ll be getting these more often than normal power parts but if you use them, they are lost forever. If you have a unit that you find lacking in any of these aspects, feel free to equip and use them. Otherwise you can sell them in the Shop part of the menu for some added cash.
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Last time, the planet went poof and Neo Zeon recruited Amuro, Bright, and Joshua in order to survive. Zanscare was fought off at the very least but Char’s nation is still in a pickle.
Space Route Chapter 2: The Worst Visitor
[Neo Zeon Officer’s Dining Room]
So, did you find out anything?
No, nothing. We still don’t know anything.
But…the Earth disappeared…
There’s no point in thinking about it. Oh, hey, Joshua.
What?
You said you were involved in an accident in Antarctica and ended up in space. Char’s buddies mentioned that there was an anomaly in Antarctica shortly before the Earth vanished. Do you know anything?
All I know is that something happened in the ruins. Nothing else.
I see…
(The energy reaction observed before the Earth vanished… That must have been the accident I was involved in. But… Was that really the cause? My father called it “Fabula Fories”. Just what was at the bottom of those ruins… Considering the timing, I don’t think they’re unrelated. I wonder if Rim is safe somewhere…)
[Neo Zeon Commander’s Office]
Colonel.
What is it?
I have just received some information regarding the migrant fleet.
You mean the fleet to immigrate beyond the Solar System? That project was on hold for years, but Dermail believes the Earth is gone for good. Are they planning on restarting it?
No. Actually, it’s already departed. Though it appears several of those fleets have been destroyed.
…What do you mean? The convoy must have had an escort. Was it destroyed by a rogue Zentradi force?
I don’t know. I found this out by chance while intercepting OZ’s communications. When I tried to confirm it, it seems Dermail is controlling the information himself.
The migrant fleet was deployed by the first Unified government… What could Dermail be planning?
Just to make sure, we’ve been asking around. Though we probably won’t hear anything.
[OZ Space Fortress, Bulge] (Yes, that’s the real name of OZ’s space fortress)
What can I do for you, Lieutenant Colonel Lady Une
(Her legal name is Lady Une by the way. Lady being her first name.)
Lord Dermail, I’d like to ask what your intentions are.
About what?
We rejected Neo Zeon’s ceasefire request and are preparing to attack them. Not to mention the information control regarding the migrant fleet’s situation from the other day. I’d like you to explain yourself.
I don’t have to explain anything, but alright. Neo Zeon offered to surrender and disarm, so we sold Axis to them. In return, they tried to drop Axis on Earth. They betrayed our trust. To maintain order, we must strike down Neo Zeon and make them pay.
Even at a time like this?
Especially at a time like this. Those in the colonies do not understand the importance of the traditions and prestige of our Foundation. Only fools support Neo Zeon. If we leave them alone, they’ll just become a nuisance.
I’m sure you understand what I’m getting at. Isn’t it more important to find out what happened to the Earth?
That’s what I’m using those guys for. We just leave them alone for now. They don’t even need to directly cooperate with us.
…So what about the migrant fleet? There’s no doubt that was the work of aliens. Before that develops into a major humanitarian crisis, we need to take care of Neo Zeon and the neutral colonies. I believe we should cooperate with Zanscare and investigate this matter.
So you want to divide our forces and give them an advantage? The migrant fleet was a project from the first Unified government. It’s not our responsibility. Those people are abandoning Earth. Bunch of idiots.
Lord Dermail! We’re no longer in a position to say such things. Why don’t you understand that?
Special Agent, aren’t you going a bit too far? Of course I’m not content with the state of the Earth, unlike Spacenoids and those who want to emigrate beyond the Solar System. Earth is where we nobles should live. That is why I’ve given strict orders to every department to do everything in their power to shed light on this situation. What we need to do now is to unify everything in the Earth Sphere. We need to do nothing else but bring about order. Can you forgive them for trying to drop Axis and pollute the planet?
…
Lady Une, as leader of OZ I expect you to behave with caution. Normally we would have stripped you of your position and arrested you, as we did with Treize. But it was your achievements in space that saved you.
(What happened to the Earth… Treize would never have done something like this. Treize loved Earth and its people. Am I Lady Une of OZ… or of Treize…?)
[Neo Zeon Officers Dining Room]
The Colonel is amazing, I’ll give him that. But if he makes a mistake, he’ll end up destroying a colony without a second thought. We need more power to stop the Colonel, just in case. That’s why I strengthened my Newtype abilities. My parents were killed in a colony’s destruction.
You’re right.
But I realized that just strengthening myself in a lab won’t help me become like you, Quess. That’s why I want to date you, and learn more about you.
You want to go out with me? Ah, are you jealous that I prefer the Colonel?
That’s not it. I’ll watch you train in the Jagd.
That’s fine, I’ll get Amuro to watch.
Wait, stop! He doesn’t know anything about the Jagd Doga.
[Neo Zeon Command Post]
What?
We just confirmed it. They appeared near Side 6. The migrant fleet is at war with an independent force that’s not of Earth. We’ve also confirmed that they’re not from Zentran.
You mean it’s an alien fleet?
We have no choice but to think so.
But that’s…
…They might have been the ones who attacked the migrant fleet.
What are OZ and Zanscare doing?
Nothing.
Nothing? They’re not reacting?
They wouldn’t waste time defending a colony that doesn’t ally with them.
Idiots! They must have realized that those are aliens.
Maybe they’re waiting to see what everyone else is doing.
But then…
They’ll ignore any request to help Side 6.
I know. Give the order to sortie the fleet. We have no choice but to go.
[Neo Zeon Fleet, Ra Cailum]
Enemy fleet spotted. Unable to verify data.
We’re entering the battle zone. All personnel, prepare for combat. Mobile suit team, prepare to launch.
[Neo Zeon Fleet, Rewloola Launch Deck]
Quess, let’s launch. You need to get the feel for real combat. Follow my lead.
Roger.
(They said these might be aliens. Who are they…?)
Hahahaha. How trivial. If the Earth’s military is like this, my forces alone can take care of it.
That’s… Clearly not from Earth. They are definitely aliens.
I knew it… But we’re too late…
Reinforcements from the Earth army? Hahahaha, can you hear me, Earthlings? This is the power of the Neshian Army from the Gishin Interstellar Empire. I’ll make you remember us.
The Gishin… Interstellar Empire?
If you know of or have seen the anime “Future Robot Daltanious”, you might recognize Neshia. But the empire she came from was called the Zaal Empire. Hmmmm…
Oh boy, we got some Valkyries to talk about. Lemme just exami-- Why are they attacking first?
Why are they trying to hit the boss?
Why can’t they hit the broadside of a battleship?
Whelp.
If there’s a nameless grunt on the field, you know they’re not long for this world. Let’s instead talk about our actual new unit of the chapter.
[MSN-03 Jagd Doga]
It’s another Jagd Doga, but this time it’s strawberry flavored. It’s identical to Gyunei’s former Jagd Doga except while the green one has a beam rifle, Quess’ has a gatling gun instead. This one still fires beams too, so it's just an aesthetic difference.. Unless the enemy has anti-beam properties or is standing in a puddle, there isn’t much of a difference.
Quess is another Newtype pilot you can choose from. I mean she’s not bad but I am not a fan of her at all. She’s second in line to sit on the bench after Gyunei. You can use her if you want.
Super Robot Wars D - Song of Daltanious
We could just charge into enemy lines and probably be ok, but there’s this nicely placed “forest” of asteroids in front of us. You guessed it, it gives us bonuses to armor and evasion. We’ll be camping out there.
After a turn has passed…
How are you holding up, Quess?
Amazing… So this is war…
The general strategy is to camp in the asteroids and kill all the mooks who come our way, saving Neshia for last. Epyon has the shortest range so he gets priority in attacking from within the asteroid field.
Time for some combat.
(Personal note, make more screenshots of the enemies attacking for the combat montage. Are these parts too long or short? There isn’t much to say during combat when it’s just attacking and counter-attacking.)
Anyway, defeat all the mooks before focusing on the boss herself.
One special thing to show off here.
We also get our first combination attack. Put specific units (2 or more) adjacent to each other and you might get a combination attack. In this case it’s both Jagd Dogas. You don’t even need Gyunei and Quess in them. This one is, as you can guess, Double Funnel Attack. One thing to note about combination attacks is that all of the participating units have to meet the will, EN, and ammo requirement if you want to use the attack. Also the EN/ammo is taken from both units which could deplete them fast. I’ll be sure to point out these attacks when we get access to more of them.
Some characters have pre-battle dialog against bosses. These are the ones I could find for this stage:
[CHAR VS NESHIA]
Neshia of the Gishin Interstellar Empire, what’s your purpose?
Oh, you don’t get it? Hahahahahaha. Die, Earthling!
[MILLIARDO VS NESHIA]
You’re not wanted here!
Your boldness is irritating, Earthling.
[JOSH VS NESHIA]
Why did it have to be aliens?! Who the hell are you guys?
You’re just a noisy rat! I’ll kill you quickly.
[AMURO VS NESHIA]
Dammit, is that the alien commander?
Hahahahaha. They’re just like little mice.
Much like Cronicle back on the ground, Neshia will retreat if her health drops into the red. I do not have the power or patience right now to try and get a kill on her, so she gets to live for now.
They’re destroying my ship!? You’ll pay for this, Earthlings! Remember that! All forces, retreat!
[Neo Zeon Rewloola Launch Deck]
Quess. Quess! Are you ok?
Ugh… Why do I feel so gross…?
That was your first real battle. Rest a bit and you’ll be fine.
[Neo Zeon Rewloola Bridge]
Did you get confirmation?
The data that the Japanese Joint Forces received from the Zentradi included no mention of a Gishin Interstellar Empire. Either they never encountered them or Gishin was established recently.
I see.
Maybe a Zentradi officer would know more.
Most of them were assigned to the migrant fleet and left Earth. We can’t confirm if any of them are still alive. We don’t have the access codes to their hyperspace communications network. Though there are some micronized Zentradi born after the war, at this point they’re not any different from Earthlings.
…That’s frustrating. Either way, this isn’t a small time enemy.
Will the war that happened before we were born happen again…
I was born during that war. The Earth was almost destroyed back then. I heard it was an almost hopeless battle.
Yes… If it wasn’t for the legendary Lynn Minmay, the planet would have been destroyed. I learned in a history class that there was a very real chance that humans would have gone extinct.
For now, our only salvation is that the Earth is not actively under attack. Anyway, we just need to find out what the enemy is. Our situation just keeps getting worse.
Char…
The Earth has vanished and aliens are invading. This isn’t the time to talk about the preservation of the planet or the revolution of humankind in space.
…
Ah hell… This is going to be a tough fight.
Miliardo, please collect the battle data from the wreckage. Send it to OZ and Zanscare too.
[Neo Zeon Command Center]
Things are finally calming down for now… What do you plan to do now, Char?
Even if we didn’t have aliens breathing down our necks, we must plan to expand our military strength. We go to the moon.
The moon? To Anaheim?
We also must consider liberating Von Braun City from OZ’s control.
So we’re going to try and convince the neutral parties?
We fought the aliens at Side 6’s request. They’ve learned that neither OZ nor Zanscare will help them.
I see… You’ve changed, Char.
Unlike you, I couldn’t just be a pilot.
…
[Neo Zeon Officer Dining Room]
Amuro, what’s wrong?
It’s just… It seems Char was actually shocked by Earth’s disappearance. Maybe he’s begun to seriously consider doing good in the Earth Sphere.
Do you think that… Or do you feel that?
Char fought alongside us against Anti-Unification Government forces. That conflict revealed the true nature of those who remained on Earth. I felt nothing but disgust. Then there was the Romefeller coup. You’d think that would’ve settled things, but…
Well… I guess the Earth is just like that.
And now there’s the alien issue. Under these circumstances, it may be best to continue helping him.
I see…
[Gishin Empire Mobile Fortress]
You fool, I don’t like losing. You have tarnished the undefeated glory of the Gishin Interstellar Empire.
Please forgive me, Commander Kloppen.
I would normally sentence you to death, but that information you brought back about Earth is important. We need to find out how and why the Earthlings are hiding Earth. If anyone wants to volunteer, come forward.
I, a member of the Kabuto tribe, volunteer.
Objection. That role belongs to my unit.
Stay back, Neshia. What can a weakling like you do when you’ve just been defeated?
Shut up Boider. You stupid pebble.
Commander, leave it to me and my troops.
Hmmm… Yes, I’ll leave it to Boider. As a member of our Zaal fleet, part of the glorious Gishin Empire, prepare for the operation immediately.
Yes sir!
I’m still playing around with the format, namely the “boring” part of the battles and the pre-battle boss dialogs. Please tell me what you think so I can improve the overall experience.