Toggle Background Color
It’s time to talk about Puzzle Robo!
From every intermission from here on, we get access to a stage of Puzzle Robo! I’ll be putting these at the start of each chapter. While on a route split like this, it’ll go on Joshua’s side but I will be doing it for both. The Puzzles are the same for all route split stages.
The purpose of Puzzle Robo is to both provide examples of game mechanics and interactions, and also to provide a little reward for first time completion. Let’s show off Stage 1 even though this is Rim’s chapter.
Two enemies. We got Uso and Marbet in a Victory Gundam and a Gunblaster respectively. Beat them all this turn.
If you try attacking the enemy under Marbet, it won’t go down. To solve this map, put Uso next to Marbet and have her support attack with him. That will take down the closest enemy.
Next, have Marbet use her most powerful attack on the far away enemy, and walk away with some extra cash and a Super Repair Kit (consumable power part that restores all HP, EN, and ammo one time only).
Now for this intermission, I spent almost all of my money on upgrading the Strega’s EN. Running out the last chapter made me not want to go through that again.
Also Marbet is here! She’s recovered on the way over from Europe and now comes with her very own Victory Gundam. She’s no Newtype but she has support attack (as seen in the Puzzle Robo stage) and one of the most useful spirits in the game, which we’ll see in this chapter.
--------------------------------
Last time, Rim got blown away all the way to Europe, into the arms of the League Militaire. Now they’re on their way to Japan to meet up with the Tower.
Earth Route Chapter 2: The Earth Quakes! Shin Dragon Revives!
[Tower Command Center]
We’re finally here…
Yes, we’re finally here. If OZ or BESPA hadn’t gotten in the way, we would have gotten here faster…
But it’s fine. We’re almost done getting ready.
That’s right… Once we’re done, that will be one less crisis for humanity.
It seems the Count and his entourage have arrived.
They’ve made it in time. Let me greet them.
Thank you for your hard work, Count Nyung.
Jin, of course I would come after your message. Or rather… should I say Jinn Geneham.
Do as you like. Is the Victory on schedule?
We were able to salvage most of the prototype parts. We lost a bunch of them due to BESPA’s pursuit. We only have two functioning Core Fighters, being used by Uso and Marbet.
That’s fine. Once Oliver joins us, we’ll have three functioning Victory Gundams.
It is what it is. We wouldn’t have made it this far without Uso and Cliana’s help.
So that’s Joshua’s sister…
That’s me. I think I’ve met you once before.
I’ve heard you’re becoming quite the MVP. Keep up the hard work. We have staff in every region searching for information about Joshua.
But I…
Oh, I remember now. There was something I wanted to ask you. How is Professor Radcliffe doing? I was supposed to meet him in Antarctica.
Actually… I wasn’t able to meet him.
I see. Our research shows that just before the Earth got closed off, a huge amount of energy was released in Antarctica. The fact you were launched away might have something to do with that. It’s interesting, but has nothing to do with Getter Rays. What did you see in Antarctica?
I don’t really know myself. All I know was that there was some sort of an accident… I got caught up while escaping and the next thing I knew, I was in Europe.
That’s it? That’s not gonna help.
…
(Ugh… I really don’t like this guy.)
(Me neither.)
So that’s why?
Well, I don’t know the details at this early stage. Considering the timing, we can’t deny the possibility. There hasn’t been any peep from Antarctica since then.
You don’t know what’s going on?
Nope. OZ seems to be investigating too, but we have no way to verify anything.
What do you mean?
All we know at the moment is that some kind of energy field is covering Antarctica. Just like how the Earth itself is covered. It’s impossible to know what’s going on inside. No one else who was in Antarctica when it happened has been found yet.
Is that right…
I was hoping that you might have figured something out. Oh well. What’s going on here?
We’re currently detecting an increase of Getter Ray levels near Mount Asama. Because of that, there’s been an increase of Invader activity. As we speak, Major Schwartz’s forces are engaged in combat.
No wonder the hangar was empty.
I should have known it was Mount Asama. What are OZ and BESPA doing?
BESPA has not yet expanded into this region. OZ has been acting sluggish ever since Lord Dermail went into space. They haven’t been bothering us for some time now.
Even if they show up, they’ll only get in the way. They only think about self preservation. At least when Treize was in charge, they focused on removing Getter Radiation and killing Invaders. But he’s gone. The current administration doesn't understand that we are in a battle to save the planet.
That’s why we have no choice but to join forces.
[Tower Rec Room]
I can’t believe the League Militaire is making things like this.
So this is a “Tower”.
Odelo, is there any more milk for the baby?
I thought we had more than enough. Sorry, Uso.
Odelo, are you looking for more milk for Karl?
Yep. We try to be considerate too sometimes. Is Shakti still sleeping?
Yea. For the moment, she’s accepted that we shouldn’t go back to Kasarelia…
You were panicking earlier. Go rest for a bit.
Oh, Marbet. Are you done with the meeting?
Yes.
I can’t believe they’ve created something this amazing, but it has to be for the war against OZ and BESPA.
That’s where you’re wrong. It’s true that the Tower is part of the League Militaire. It stands out so it’s often targeted for attacks. But its original purpose is different.
What’s its original purpose?
Eliminating the Invaders. For that end it deploys various Mechs, and is also on the hunt for Shin Dragon. That’s why the Tower was built.
Shin Dragon…
They say Shin Dragon disappeared a long time ago.
We, especially Jinn Geneham and Professor Shikishima don’t think so. They believe the cause of the Getter Ray contamination 13 years ago is still out there somewhere.
13 years ago…
Yes. It happened around the time you were born. The Earth, which was beginning to recover thanks to Zentran technology, was devastated once again. Around that time is when Invaders started appearing on the surface.
I know that much from my studies. After that, the Unified Forces had a civil war between the Titans and the AEUG.
Yes, that’s right. Then there was the Axis conflict. And six months ago OZ staged a coup. Many colonies have since declared their independence, and Zanscare sent BESPA to Earth.
…Who is Jinn Geneham?
He’s the leader of the League Militaire.
But that’s a fake name, right?
What makes you think that?
His name is like that of a demon’s.
You seem to know a lot about that.
…Seems Uso’s parents not only taught him about how to live, but also many other things.
There was also that mobile suit simulator.
…
With all this equipment and personnel, we don’t need to rely on Uso anymore. Isn’t that great?
…Can we go home now?
Uso…
I’d be lying if I said it didn’t bother me… But I’ve done enough killing.
That’s right, Uso. You should return to Kasarelia with Shakti.
Uso… But now’s not the time for that.
…
You should realize that. If things continue like this, the Earth will be ruined. The Romefellers only think about themselves. Zansacre will scorch the earth with their army. There was a Getter Ray absorption device and there’s less contamination, but it’s only in limited areas. You’ve seen it on the way here. Only Europe is livable and that’s only because of the Romefeller Foundation’s influence. There’s nothing we can do about it. Even if you run, you can’t escape it.
…But there’s something I have to do with Shakti.
USO. DON’T LEAVE. WAIT. WAIT.
…
I get what you mean. But Uso’s right about not wanting to fight. He doesn’t want to worry about killing enemy mobile suit pilots. I hate you people who drag kids like that into war.
[Mount Asama]
Dad, they’re back again!
GYAAAAA!!
[Gunshots]
I killed it!
Boss, let’s go!
Ok! Dammit, why are Invaders so annoying? Just what is going on?
Boss… is that…
Was this Mount Asama all along?
Dad, is that… the Saotome Research Institute?
I can’t believe it’s still standing… And look at all those Invaders. Who’s fighting them?
Boss, trouble! The Invaders found us!
Leave it to me! I’ll use these liquid nitrogen bullets I developed…
Kei, stop! That’s just for buying time.
You won’t know until you try!
Just run away! Just who do you get your impulsive attitude from?
Who knows. I was abandoned anyway.
…
Boss!
Ok Kei, let’s go.
Wait up Dad!
[Tower Command Center]
Major Schwartz has returned. The Invaders have gone silent, but we lost almost everyone including Barosov’s unit.
Goddamn. We’ve never seen Invaders on such a large scale before.
…What happened to them?
Currently searching with passive Getter sonar. Nothing yet.
…Switch to active mode. The search area will be limited to a 10km radius around Saotome Laboratory. Irradiate for 10 seconds at level 5.
Firing… There’s a reaction. Incoming!
So he wasn’t dead after all. Here he comes…
…I’ve found a silhouette that looks like Shin Dragon heading for the surface!
Ah… so that’s Shin Dragon…
Hahahaha. It’s alive! It’s alive!
Kukukukuku.
What’s that voice?
Communications are being hijacked!
I’m so glad you found us, Hayato Jin.
Cowen…
It’s been a while.
… Stinger. So you’re still alive.
Getter Ray corpses…
Hehehe. I hope you don’t underestimate our power.
Hayato, we won’t give you Shin Dragon.
That’s my line. For this purpose, I gave up everything. Even my irreplaceable friends.
Hahahaha. It’s true that to achieve one’s goals, one must use any means necessary. We’re two peas in a pod.
What a joke. I’m nothing like you monsters.
Well said, hypocrite. The destruction of the planet is entirely caused by you humans.
Exactly. Even though you have mutual enemies, humans continue to fight amongst themselves as usual. Humans are too quick to pull out their guns. Stinger, they still don’t know what Getter Rays really are.
That’s right, Cowen.
Bastards… Was it you two who were behind the Earth getting closed off?
Hahahaha. That wasn’t us. We’re in the dark about that too. But if we really wanted to break through that dimensional barrier, it wouldn’t be an issue.
So you know what it is?
We have no obligation to tell you.
Yes, for you’re about to die. Rise, Metal Beasts!
[Rumbling]
The enemy has appeared! Is that… Barosov?
What the hell? They’ve even fused with machines.
Damn Invaders…
It’s not just fusing. It’s both a fusion and evolution. Amazing…
Shikishima, this isn’t the time for that.
Yes, evolution. We are living organisms in a never ending process of evolution.
And we’ll be the only life form that rules this planet!
Shut up! Launch all units!
But our operating rate has dropped to below 20% from that last battle.
I don’t care. Scramble all remaining mechs! Send out Cliana and the Victory Gundams too!
[Tower Launch Deck]
Damn them! When’s our resupply?!
Marbet!
Rim, you heard the call. Please hurry up and get out there.
Yes. Umm, please excuse me, maintenance guy. Lower the elevator please.
[She leaves]
Marbet, who was that?
Cliana Rimskaya. Joshua’s sister.
He wants to send his sister out to fight? What a coward. Where is he?
Joshua is MIA.
What the hell?
(Liana, please.)
(Yea yea. I know.)
(...Sorry.)
(Fighting just isn’t for Chris. Oh well. I’ll take control when we get in.)
Uso!
Marbet, what happened?
Invaders. Uso, the Tower has lost most of its fighting power. Please deploy in the Victory.
…Ok!
Marbet, don’t let kids in a place like this!
Major, he’s the Victory’s pilot.
That kid? A pilot? For a Gundam? Ha! The Count has finally gone senile.
If it wasn’t for him, we wouldn’t have recovered the Victory.
…Do we really have to rely on a kid like this?
Umm…
Come on. We’re running out of time.
Yes!
[BATTLE MAP]
Schwartz, they seem to be surrounding the Tower on all sides. They’re not focusing their firepower. Break through the front and secure Shin Dragon.
Roger that. Let’s go, bastards!
I’ve never seen an Invader like that before.
(Are you ok, Liana?)
(I don’t know. We’ll just have to try our best.)
Those are… Invaders!?
They’ve fused with League Militaire mechs. Be careful, Uso.
Two new units!
[Tower]
According to concept art, its full name is Babel Tower, but it’s never called that anywhere else. The Tower is the first battleship we get on the Earth route. It can fly somehow but its terrain rankings say it wants to stay on terra firma. It does have a machine gun and missiles, but its main unique feature comes from its “Getter Absorption Arms” attack (Range 1 but AAAA terrain). It not only does it deal quite a bit of damage, but it sucks the EN out of anything it hits. Extremely good for helping to deal with enemies that rely on EN for their most powerful attacks. It’s worth noting for the future that the Tower cannot go into space.
Hayato is not meant to be a battleship captain, but he’ll do well in this role for now. He’s joined by Shikishima and Yamazaki, both of whom provide great support spirits.
[Stilva α04]
The Stilva is a strong robot for this stage of the game. It’s very speedy for a Super Robot and can transform into a plane. You’ll want to keep the robot form on the ground even though it can fly. Its biggest weakness is that all its attacks require ammo and its attacking power isn’t that great compared to other Supers. But he’ll be sticking around so if you want to invest into him, it’s not the worst call you can make.
It’s piloted by everyone’s favorite racist, Schwartz Koff. Don’t worry, he’s not racist in his Armageddon version, but his legacy will live on. He has great stats and support skills to help keep your units alive and your enemies unalive. If only I could put him in a Getter like in Daikessen… (PS, read the main Getter mangas)
There’s open ground between us and them. No real beneficial terrain to take advantage of until we get to the Saotome Laboratory. This place sure has decayed in 13 years, huh… And wasn’t Shin Dragon to the south before? Ah well.
We move closer and some Invaders take potshots at our faster units.
After some counterattacking, our turn comes around…
Damn… Of all the places to have a fall…
We got separated from Gai. I hope he’s ok.
…!?
What’s wrong, Dad?
…Could this be Getter Robo?!
…
The Super Robot that wiped out the invaders a long time ago. But it seems to be broken. Dad, did you say that you used to pilot these? Doesn’t it bring back memories?
…Let’s get out of here.
Wait, Dad, what’s wrong?
This place… is the epicenter of the Getter Radiation. Many of my friends died here. Anything could happen.
KYAAAAAAA!!
Dad, watch out!
GAOOOOOOOOO!!
[Explosions]
Whoa! D…Dammit…
Dad! Damn you!!
Kei… Run…
Dammit… Can I make it!?
[More explosions]
GYAAAA!!
What happened? Did it… help me…?
That’s… Shin… Getter…
…
You… You were the man in the capsule from way back then…
…
…
Dad, are you ok?
Kei, get in.
Eh?
That’s what he wants. Only when three people pilot a Getter Robo can it unleash its power. Is that what you’re saying?
…
Dad…
I guess there’s no escaping the Getter’s fate after all… Ugh…
Dad?! No, you need treatment right away!
Get in.
Dad!
It’s calling… The Getter is calling me.
While I would like to break through and advance onto the better terrain, our best attacks can’t be used while moving. Let’s huddle up, take advantage of support attacks and defends, and whittle down these invaders. If a unit gets seriously hurt (or if you use the Victory’s Top/Bottom attacks) don’t be afraid to hide them inside the Tower.
On our next turn…
Super Robot Wars D - HEATS
Those Gett Machines!?
Shin Getter…
…What power…
Kei, how are you holding up?
Worry about yourself instead.
…Combine.
Sure!
Roger.
CHAAAAAAAAAAAAANGE GETTERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
SHIN GETTERRRRRRRRRRRRRR ONE!
No way!? Amazing…
What is that…
Um… Is it on our side?
…I sure hope so.
It can’t be…
[Shin Getter Robo]
Let me be clear, I believe in the Getter. It has 3 forms like the original Getter, one for Sky, Ground, and Sea. Shin Getter will most likely be your main Super Robot for the majority of the game. All three forms have the Open Gett skill which has a chance of evading attacks no matter what. It’s worth noting that Shin Getter in general has the EN Regen Small skill, giving it back 10% of its EN at the start of every turn. The more EN you upgrade, the more it recovers.
Shin 1 has the most powerful but least energy efficient attacks. Its best attacks can also only be done at close range. Base 80 mobility and 1100 Armor.
Shin 2 has access to the Shin Mach Special skill, which gives it another chance to evade an enemy attack no matter what. It’s the more energy efficient form, using a lot less. At most it’ll use 10 EN in an attack making it good for long slogs. You’ll be in this form the most just for the increased evasion chance and better access to beneficial terrain. Base 95 mobility and 900 armor.
Shin 3…exists. It’s best used underwater, but those opportunities are very few and far between. It also has the most armor of the three forms, but you’ll be wanting to avoid attacks rather than tank them. Right now its Daisetsuzan Oroshi attack is its most powerful attack, and it's cheap at 10 EN. If it can hit and you get the 120 will required before the end of the map. Base 80 mobility and 1200 armor.
Its three pilots right now are fine. Gou, Kei, and Benkei fit their roles and robots very well. Having three spirit pools in one machine is always a good thing. I bet there might be better pilots for the Getter though…
Shin Getter spawns all the way on top of the Saotome Lab, alone and surrounded by angry Invaders. Since Shin Getter 2 is best on the ground, planting Kei in the lab is the best thing to do. Plus, as mentioned, having a chance to both Open Gett and Shin Mach Special to avoid attack gives her the best chance of survival.
Time for some more combat.
Once the initial group of Invaders around the main force are dead, I put everyone inside the Tower and start booking it to support Shin Getter.
Shin Getter 2 can hold their own in the meantime. Trust (2k HP restored to an ally unit) and Alert (guarantees the next attack will miss) keeps it alive and constantly counterattacking.
The miniboss Invader is also sitting on a Lab space, giving it the extra defensive stats and HP/EN regen. Terrain can and will be used against you.
Only good ol’ Schwartzkins has anything to say to this Invader miniboss.
[SCHWARTZ vs METAL BEAST]
Die, you stinkin’ octopus!
Now for the secret sauce. Marbet has the Fortune spirit. It lasts for one battle and, if you kill an enemy in that battle, it doubles the amount of money you obtain. It costs a lot of SP, but use it on bosses and you’ll be raking it in. Also this is a good chance to show off another combo attack! Two Victory Gundams next to each other and you can use the “Double Beam Smartgun” attack. It’s as you expect.
With that, all the Invaders are defeated and the map is cleared!
[Mount Asama]
Hayato and the League Militaire performed as expected. Unlike OZ, they’re not going to be easy.
I’m amazed they even made a Gundam like that.
Besides… Getter Robo’s power is fearsome. Do you agree, Stinger?
Yes. Getter Robo is really strong.
Yes… Getter Robo is indeed strong. Both the Gundam and the machine that Radcliffe built in Antarctica have amazing performance too. But there’s nothing they can do. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!
[Tower Command Center]
So they were still alive. Shin Getter, that man… and Gou too.
And on top of that, he looks exactly the same as he did 13 years ago. Hahaha, how intriguing.
The Invaders are completely silent now. There’s no response from the passive Getter sonar either.
Have the special task force begin their preparations.
Yes sir.
We must dismantle its Getter core as soon as possible.
Yes… before the Invaders start armageddon.
Hayato!
…Benkei.
What’s going on? Why are you here? Please, tell me.
…
Hayato!
Dad, we need to treat your injuries right away.
Let go of me. I have business with Hayato… ugh…
Hey Dad!?
No good. Boss lost consciousness.
Oh no. We have to take him to the medical room right away.
…Wait. Your name is Kei?
That’s right. What’s up? Don’t just stare. Come on Gai, let’s carry him.
[They leave]
…
That girl…
[Tower Rec Room]
Good work everyone! I got you all some drinks.
Thanks, Suzy.
I’m sorry, but you did great.
Good job. Those Invaders sure were crazy.
I knew they could possess humans, but machines too?
Hey, is that one guy going to be ok?
They told him to take it easy for a while, but he’ll be fine. Dad’s really strong. Thank you for worrying about him.
No, not at all… Oh, my name is Uso.
I’m Kei. The big guy there is Gai. Nice to meet you. Glad they let me in here.
They said the other guy was Benkei Kuruma.
You mean Dad? You’re right.
Count, do you know him?
Hmm… I believe he was one of the key players in the Lunar Invader War who piloted a Getter Robo solo. But that was 23 years ago.
Getter robo… You mean that thing?
Right. Hey, Kei?
Seems that way. I don’t know much about it, but that’s what Dad said.
I was surprised it had such an unbelievable amount of power.
A combat robot powered by Getter Rays… Its power also surprised me.
…What is it, Suzy?
Rim… something feels different.
Really? I don’t feel anything.
By the way, what happened to that other pilot?
Gou? He’s not around here? He was kind of quiet. Don’t know what he’s thinking.
You don’t know him?
It seems like Dad knew him, but I don’t know why he was piloting the Getter in a place like that. I don’t even know why he helped us.
[Tower Hangar]
That’s a nice machine right there. Next to it is…
Hmm? Kei? Where’s Boss?
He’s sleeping soundly. Here’s a present. Are you working on maintenance? The son of a former Getter Robo mechanic is showing his true colors.
…Hmph.
What’s up with you?
…
[Punch]
Guh…
What’s wrong with you?!
You’re an eyesore.
[Punch]
Uuuuo!
Gai?! Damn you! I’ll take you on!
Wait, Kei. These guys have been acting strange. Why are they treating us like enemies?!
It’s because of your connection with Saotome. Especially that evil machine that’s powered by Getter Rays.
[Tower Residential Area]
Trouble! Trouble!
What’s wrong Suzy? What are you in such a hurry?
Rim! Kei and Gai are fighting a bunch of guys! They’re surrounded! Someone needs to stop them!
Kei and Gai?
(Oh no. Chris, I have to stop you there.)
(But…)
(I’ll take over.)
Suzy, show me the way!
Eh…?
I’ll go.
It’s useless. They’re all big scary adults…
It’s fine. Just show me the way.
(Rim… Seems like she’s a completely different person…)
Come on, let’s go!
[Tower Hangar]
Ever since that day 13 years ago… the Earth changed. Getter Rays contaminated the planet and the Invaders started roaming around. So many of our friends were taken over and killed by them. They killed so many more people than OZ and BESPA. My friends… My brothers… It’s all because of that damn Saotome and his Getter Rays.
…
…So, what are you guys doing about it?
We’re going to dismantle Shin Dragon. The Invaders are planning to use Shin Dragon’s core to pollute the Earth once again.
Dismantling that giant thing…
But before that, there’s something else we need to do. There’s a machine with a goddamn Getter core in here right now.
Eh? Wait! Please wait!
Move.
Wait, please! …If you’re going to do that, you’ll have to shoot me first.
Then I’ll give you what you want.
[Gunshots]
…Move. I won’t miss next time.
Stop it! What do you think you’re doing!
Hold up! What’s going on here!?
…You’re in the way. This doesn’t concern you.
Doesn’t concern me? Of course it concerns me! We all fought the Invaders together!
Move. Even if you’re his sister…
My relationship with Bro has nothing to do with you. We’re all allies here. What are you trying to accomplish by doing this?
…Are you really Cliana Rimskaya?
The one and only. Anyway, stop acting like such an idiot.
That’s right. We’re not enemies! You’re pointing your gun at the wrong people.
…Shit. You sure killed the mood.
Well sorry.
There’s no place for you guys in the Tower. Even if we die, we don’t want you guys to save us! Not with Getter Ray powered robots that wrecked the Earth! Remember that well.
[He leaves]
Are you both ok?
Ah… it’s nothing.
Thank you for your help.
It’s fine. They were being very unpleasant. I don’t mind hanging out with you.
…I heard that you don’t know where your dad or brother are.
Yeah.. But it’s fine. I believe they’re alive.