The Let's Play Archive

Super Robot Wars MX

by Brunom1

Part 36: Mission 20 - Strange Bait


Location: Spiral Castle


Deondra’s getting a call from Grujios, another top Gyandolar officer, who’s heard of the lack of progress is gathering the Data Weapons. Gades isn’t happy and if this doesn’t change, she’s facing demotion. Deondra sniffs at him to mind his own business.
When Grujios asks, Devil Saturn confirms that Rom’s the major source of their problems – the guy’s really obstinate to have followed them all the way to the galactic boonies. For that matter, Deondra and Saturn remember this very strange thing Rom said: that the Gyandolar had been beaten and destroyed for a while now. Crazy stuff.
Grujios concedes that it’s strange and decides, just in case, to relay that info to Gades. And on the subject of strange, Deondra wonders if the Data Weapons are truly necessary to the Gyandolar. Why does she think that? She recounts that although it's said that the one who gathers them all will rule the universe, only the Dendoh and Ogre can actually use the things. Sounds to her that they’re being played by the Gulfer Emperor.

Grujios merely states that the Data Weapon hunt is Gades' command, and they WILL cooperate with the Gulfer to chase after the things. Deondra still doesn’t see the point, so he’ll tell her just one thing: this planet is an even bigger treasure trove than Cronos. Hmm…!
With that, Grujious tells her to get back hunting and cuts the comm. Deondra tells Devil Saturn to get ready to go: they're heading to Earth to find a place where a Data Weapon is likely to show up. Does she know where that is? First things first, they’ll get down to the planet; once there, they’ll roll the dice.



Back to us, Kouji’s just received a call from Prof. Yumi. He asks him to make a quick stop by the Photon Labs, as he figured it was best to give the Mazinger a full round of maintenance before things get any worse in the battle. Furthermore, there were some weapons they took out when the bot was sent to the museum, so he wants to get those back too.
Kouji agrees and says he’ll be heading over ASAP. As the call ends, he immediately bolts out the Nadesico’s bridge, leaving Eris to wonder if he’ll be alright. She still remembers what happened the last time he went out alone.
Ruri’s gotten that memo but says it’ll be fine as some others will accompany him. Saburouta figures it’ll be five people: Sayaka, Boss, Nuke, Mucha… who’s the fifth? Tetsuya or Daisuke? Saburouta is coy about it…



Location: Hundred Demons’ Island Fortress



Gura tells Brai that, while mass production of their mecha and soldiers is going at an accelerated rate, it'll still be a while before the requisite world-conquering number are ready. As for the situation abroad, Hidler reports that the Federation and Giganos are still exchanging skirmishes, with the MU and Tekkoryu seemingly quiet.
In space, the Martian Successors have staged a revolt but haven't really done much yet - same for the aliens. Hidler suggests that this is the ideal time to act, but Brai tells him to be patient. Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, not the other way around; ergo, they’ll keep strengthening themselves and gathering intel.
Bolstering their fortress is also part of the plan and, for that, he needs the Getter Ray Amplifier, the Photonic Reactor… and the Zeorymer. So, he orders Hidler to exploit the humans’ infighting and go grab those things. HAIL BRAAAAAAAAAI!



Location: Photon Laboratory



Sayaka bids her dad hello, telling of how she and others have been selected as Kouji’s bodyguards. Can’t have him being captured again, Mucha huffs, and Kouji wishes they’d let that go.
It’s been a while since Boss and crew have been here, too, what with them moving to Tetsuya’s place after Kouji went to the US.


And the fifth person who came along is… Maria! She introduces herself to Yumi and he surmises from her name that she’s Daisuke’s sister. More important than that, however, Sayaka wants to know what she’s doing here because she doesn’t remember inviting her (*grumble*).
Still, Maria wanted to see where Kouji lived. He wonders why and Maria huffs, asking if her interest isn’t reason enough? Besides, she’s not about to live him and Sayaka alone. Sayaka says she had no such plans but Maria fires back that she’s very transparent.

As Sayaka gets in Maria’s face, Kouji needs to intervene to calm things down. There’s no problem with showing Maria around the lab, no? Sayaka doesn’t like that and stomps out, leaving Kouji to wonder whatever the problem could be.
Maria sighs at Kouji being Kouji but the good thing is that she still has a chance. Nearby, Boss seethes at Kouji hogging all the girls – he snaps at Nuke to piss off when he asks if he’s jealous. Of course not!
Regardless, they’ve some maintenance to work on.



Mission 20 – Strange Bait



With Kouji's help, the maintenance has gone far faster than anticipated, all thanks to his experience building the TFO. Yumi compliments him on taking after the family business so much, saying that with a bit more work he might even surpass Juuzo and Kenzo.
Kouji isn't so sure about that, knowing he still has a long way to go before that. And any case, his priority now is restoring peace to the world. Either way, there’s something else in Kouji’s mind now: he saw something in the lab’s hangar and asks if that’s the new model of photonic rocket engine.

It’s still under development but Yumi sees no problem in starting it up just to showcase its power. Kouji flips the switch and, indeed, the engine roars with a whole lot of oomph. Yumi says it’s an improved version of the Great’s and he’d like to get it installed into the Mazinger someday…
But that’s for another game. The computer screens start going amuck and, as an image shows up, Kouji knows what’s happening.



It’s a Data Weapon – the Gatling Boar! Boss and crew don’t know why the thing’s here and Kouji figures it’s been hiding around the lab. Time to call over the Magnate Ten… but Maria spots another problem coming.
It’s the Gyandolar and Deondra sees that her hunch was right on the money. They’ve detected powerful energy readings coming from that building, so she figured a Data Weapon would be drawn to it.
Devil Saturn understands: that energy kinda worked as a lure to the thing. Something seems to click for Deondra upon his words but she’ll tell him later – first and foremost, they’ve to capture the Data Weapon.
GADESSIR!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26NDuAMSbRo
Kouji deploys to intercept them, telling everyone that they need to defend both the lab and the Boar until the rest of the team – Ginga and Hokuto especially – gets here.



Mission Objective: All enemies shot down
Mission Failure: Any allied unit or Gatling Boar shot down

I don’t think you need to worry about the Boar since the plot should kick in before anything gets close. That happens on either turn 3 or when Saturn or Deondra take damage and I’ll be making that happen on turn 2. Swith Sayaka to the TFO prior to this mission to have an easier time, especially if you’ve given Boss a whole lot of upgrades like I did!


I believe this is the first time in any SRW where I’ve led a charge with Sayaka. Such is the invincibility of the TFO!








And, of course, her chances of being hit are 0%.


Kouji and Maria each weaken a nearby mook.



Enemy Phase!



Deondra and Saturn stand by, though the mooks are homing in on Sayaka. She dodges everything and cuts them down a peg.



Player Phase!



Quickly now.



: Oho… wot a bonnie lass. And Ah’m aboot tae make ye bonnie and deid!
: You better not underestimate me because I’m a woman! I’m really mad today!


Saturn and Deondra will only defend for now.



Boss isn’t too confident in our odds against all these enemies but Kouji and Sayaka tell him to man up: they’ve overcome plenty of situations as bad as this when they fought Dr. Hell. Only need to hold on until our friends arrive.
Maria’s ESP acts up right then and she warns of another incoming enemy: the Hundred Demons. Kouji figures they’re here for the lab’s reactor and while Saturn worries that they’ll be a problem, Deondra is certain the demons are focused only on their matters. No need for concern.

Saturn likes what he hears, figuring victory is as good as theirs – why, even if Rom showed up— He stops short, as always not wanting to tempt fate by talking about the guy. Still, Deondra knows it’s only a matter of time before our backup arrives and she wants to grab the Gatling Boar before the Dendoh is here.
Looks like we’re going to be overwhelmed…




Or not – it’s the Transformers! Rod Drill yells with joy as he spots the Data Weapon but another Leina tells him to calm down. He’s scaring the thing!
“Sure, sure, I got it! Come on now, Data Weapon – it’s all goo—” he tries and fails, the Gatling Boar running off. Devil Saturn isn’t happy.



Triple Jim can only watch as the thing bolts away and Leina is quick to get on Drill’s case – that’s why she told him to pipe down! He cries he didn’t do anythiiiing… but Blue Jet (red guy) figures it wasn’t so bad, as they at least got the thing away from the Gyandolar’s clutches.
Our folks look on at these new arrivals, Sayaka seeing that they appear to have been after the Data Weapon. Does that mean they’re Gulfer or Gyandolar, Boss wonders. Kouji isn’t too sure, looking at their appearance.
Deondra starts laughing out loud at this and Leina recognizes her repulsive chuckle; she’d her from Rom (her brother) that they’d come back to life. Of course, Deondra has no recollection of that ever happening and tells her to quit with the nonsense. More importantly, Leina and crew pushed her prize to escape and that means they’ve a proper bashing coming their way.

Of course, Leina would never have left the Data Weapon get taken by scum like them. Saturn doesn’t appreciate the kid’s ever-present cheekiness; still, doesn’t look like Rom’s showing up today, so they’ve nothing to worry about!
Jet isn’t so sure, pointing out that no matter how many times they come back from the dead, his blade will always be ready to cut them down. Kouji asks if they’re friends of Rom and, indeed, Jet confirms – he’s also told them about us. And, thus, Leina says they’ll lend us a hand.
Saturn isn’t impressed and decides to just wreck us all together. Jet tells him to try…



Blue Jet
Pilot Skills:
Spirit Commands:
Jet’s Voice Actor: Shinya Ohtaki (other known works: Jiron in Xabungle, Corbett in Tekkaman Blade and many smaller roles)

I really like Jet and he’s easily the second best Machine Robo unit. He’s a melee guy just like Rom (though obviously not as strong) and he makes for a great mook sweeper; being S sized, he has a real easy time dodging and a high Sword Cut also adds to his untouchability. His stats are also pretty good where they need to be – melee, accuracy and evasion.
Range isn’t his best thing but his coverage is actually better than Rom. And to top it all off, he’s got a combined attack with the guy.
If you’re a spare slot in your team for a non-protag unit, Jet is very much worth considering.



Rod Drill
Spirit Commands:
Drill’s Voice Actor: Kouichi Hashimoto (other known works: Hyouga in Saint Seiya, Wong in G Gundam, Sley in Orguss and some more)

Eeergh… Drill’s not as good as Jet, that’s for sure. While he’s also got a combined attack with Rom for some good damage, he’s built around tanking but his only defensive spirit is alert (his fifth last)!
While he has that good Prevail and armor, he’s not really all that resilient. The cheap-ish (30 SP is still a lot) Guts helps but he’s still at risk if the enemies mob him and the RNG doesn’t cooperate.
Maybe this is all to offset the fact that, like Getter Liger, he can go underground and be untouchable to the enemy. But I never use that feature because you can’t attack from down there and MX isn’t difficult enough to demand that careful a playstyle.



Triple Jim/Super Car/Helicopter
Pilot Skills:
Spirit Commands:
Mech Features:
Jim’s Voice Actor: Toshiharu Sakurai (other known works: Gai in Shin Getter vs Neo Getter, Doranikov in Doraemon, Mokomoko in Dragon Warrior/Quest and several more)

Guard won’t help much with that little HP, so always keep a close eye on Jim if you’re fielding him. He’s as pure a support as they come, lacking any and all defensive spirits. On the flip side, he has a pretty great list of spells.
Problem is, in a game where so many supporters can cast AND do nice damage via combined attacks, Jim is a bit lackluster.



Power Raiser (Leina Stoll)
Pilot Skills:
Spirit Commands:
~
Mech Features:
Leina’s Voice Actress: the late Yuko Mizutani (other known works: Excellen, Alfimi, Lemon and Seti in SRW, Sora in Digimon, Sarah in Z Gundam and many more)

And the requisite support girl for Machine Robo. She’s more equipped than most to deal damage but is still not that great and her defenses are godawful. At least Tenacity means she’ll always be getting a lot of exp, provided you can keep her alive. Your only choice here is capitalize on that S size, boost her mobility way up and make her a dodge machine.



With that done, let’s send Jet into the fray. We won’t kill too much – our priority now is to keep damaging Saturn until he’s under 50%.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_J-MXBUG-WY
For whatever reason, I expected him to be voiced by Tetsu Inada…


Get to work Drill – from the safety of that positive terrain, thanks.






Boom.



Oh, and the Mazinger’s now equipped with the weapons Yumi talked about!



: Hey, you walking punchline! Still haven’t learned your lesson from the other times you started crap with us?!
: Comedy’s all aboot repetition! Bit Ah’ll be coming oot oan top th’day!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qYKmO5YCTM
I don’t get how “spinning your arm around real hard” is a removable weapon but alright.


While Boss kills a weakened mook, Maria goes for Saturn.

: Gehehe, this lassie’s a fresh face!
: You’d best take me seriously! Though my brother isn’t here, I won’t be beaten by the likes of you!
: “B-Brother”… Ye cannae be…!
: I’m Maria – sister of Duke Fleed!
: Och! ‘Er brother’s sure tae come aroond if Ah skelp this lass!
: Brother characters are jist the wirst fur us!


Just need a little bit more.


Enemy Phase!



Most enemies go for Jet and he leaves them be. Kouji, however, grabs a kill for a level and Sword Cut L2.



Player Phase!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CJnoiD7DYo
And here’s Chopper Jim’s best attack, getting rid of a RoBeast.



Here we go.


Yumi reports the arrival of the Magnate Ten and Duke’s quick to get confirmation of Maria and Kouji’s well-being.
As everyone deploys to protect the lab, Deondra isn’t yet willing to return empty handed.



Second part of out “get the ZZ folks leveled up” rush, we’re gonna get everyone but Mondo done today. Beecha’s there after the first attack, taking an assist from Roux and two levels.


Elle’s up next.










And she’s also at 25!



Let this sink in: Iino is higher level than Amuro.



Keep ‘em coming!








Falgos are worth surprisingly less exp than the Gulfer Capture RoBeasts.



Bright’s done.



Might as well have Ruri make herself useful.










We’ll save this for others.


Hugo can just oneshot Falgos, though.



And I never realized Asuka’s Progressive Knife has a much more elaborate motion than Shinji’s.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPdp51eFNbc
It’s quite elaborate for what’s supposed to be a basic weapon. I guess that’s why she’s ELITE!



Ayato and Akira each take a Horned Demon.



Enemy Phase!



Beecha’s AI insists on defending the Nadesico, even though I had TOLD HIM NOT TO WHEN DEONDRA ATTACKED!



The Falgos don’t appreciate Hugo getting in their faces.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjdljnHOl_k
Psh, these things are nowhere as cute as the Zarios.
And taking small damage: Aqua: “Hey, driver? Keep it steady, please.” > Hugo: “We must be A-OK if you got time to be cracking jokes.”


Ginga nabs a kill and weakens another demon. The shield demons waste their time trying to pierce the defenses of an Iron Wall’d Ayato.


Aaay!


Player Phase!



Roux finishes off the last Falgos and gets to level 25. Amuro takes a Shield Demon and does the same, learning Valor.

Let’s deal with Devil Saturn now.



: It’s bin ages, Leina! Still as bonnie ‘n’ peppy as ever, eh?
: Be quiet! I am the daughter of Kirai, founder of the Tenkuu Chuushin Ken style, and I won’t have you looking down on me!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whzWYWdNECg



: Awright, thare! Ye still digging aw ower?
: Hey, don’t you go treating me like some mole! Now I’m gonna whoop your asses and bury the six of you six feet under!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEV5H9DQs0I
See here? This is why Drill doesn’t last.



: Wot the… Anither Kenpo fighter?! This planit jist gets worse ‘n’ worse!
: I’m a Karate fighter, villain! Get that into your head!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuysfX7Hcr4
Kazuya shows Drill how it’s done. And we also get the first (of many) instance of him parrying!



: Whae the hell are ye?! Ah’m gonnae wallap ye wan!
: Heh… Only punks try to intimidate their opponents with mere words!
: Y-Ye wot?!
: In other words, you’re tagging yourself as a small fry!







: None of you have changed a bit; ever the pathetic worms trying to act big.
: We’re the top renked commanders! Call us werms ‘n’ we’ll chop ye intae haggis!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yqgNZTxTHA
JEEEEEEEEEEEEET!










Hueg gains!


Devil Saturn fears for his commander rank as he explodes and runs off.

Quattro, Ryouko and Jim also had lines for him:

: You people are incorrigible! If you will not cease your villainy, then you’ll find even me to be truly aggravated!
: C’moan, then! Shaw us how raging ye are!

--

: Oi! Yer nae moving?! Then Ah’ll jist donner ower yer crushed bones!
: This bold aura of his… it’s quite unbridled…!
: Wot?! Ye trying tae confuse me with they fancy wurds?!

--

: This wee lass wants tae ‘ave a rammy with us?! Ye’ve got guts!
: Zip you, you phony Scot! Thanks to someone, I’ve had it up to here with this sorta dumbass chit-chat!

And now all that’s left is Deondra.



: Much appreciated. I got an important hint thanks to you folks.
: I dunno what you're up to but the only thing I give to baddies are punches!










The Strengthened Rocket Punch is just the Daisharin one, only with a different color and one shot.



: Been a while, girl. Have you managed to shape up some?
: That’s none of your business, you old hag!
: And I see you’re as cheeky as ever! You’re gonna get what you deserve today!







: I’m not letting Sayaka one-up me right in front of Kouji!
: I’ve no idea what you’re on about but I really don’t care to listen to your fits!





: This is the end of the road! You’re not getting one finger on the lab while we’re here!
: Yeah, boss! You tell her!
: That’s how the top ace of the Magnate Ten rolls!
: Hmph… I see gung-ho pea-brains are a universal commodity…!









: You come all the way to a different planet just to do this crap again? Enough already!
: I’m the one who’s had enough of you chasing us!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ku6R6xfuDKA
Here’s Drills strongest non-combined attack.



: I’m not letting you get anywhere near the Photon Lab!
: Ooh, how brave… Breaking girls like that is always worth my while!









: I knew Rom was hard to get rid of but you’re all just as bad!
: Heh… That’s my line. The phrase “the more knave, the better luck” fits you all to a T!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ilf0EjRavG0
Boosh!


But I give the kill to Akira since he was a little bit behind and Jet isn’t. Now he knows Valor!
Relevant goodies are: a repair Kit, an Anti-Beam Coating, and a Biosensor.


Deondra’s annoyed but she figures the hint she got today was good enough. Off she goes.
That’s all enemies destroyed but, unfortunately, Eris can’t find the Data Weapon’s signal – she’s no idea where it ran off to. Their job done, Jet calls the others to leave and head to their rendezvous spot with Rom.
Kouji would like to talk some with them but, with an apology, they run off and leave us with only questions.

Jim also had words for Deondra:

: Y-You shan’t lay even one of your fingers on my lady so long as I’m here!
: Hmph… You think anything you say with that shaky voice is going to intimidate me?



Ginga’s bummed out that they didn’t make it in time to save the Gatling Boar but Hokuto figures we were lucky that the Gyandolar didn’t get their hands on it. Speaking of, Kirakuni saw quite a few similarities between the group just now and Rom – Kouji also heard them speaking of him. All this adds up to them also being Cronosians.
Even the airplane and car guy, Ginga wonders. Kyoshiro figures the Cronosians are more machine than people – hell, Sai felt they were closer to our MSs than to us. Kirakuni suggests that, like the Gulfer, the Cronosians are mechanical life forms.

: Those guys are absurd, is what they are… I thought that even way back when.
: Robots appearing out of thin air, guys coming from outer space speaking Scottish… That is what people call weird, and I get more than enough of that with the Gundam Fighters around.
: Huh?! What’s that supposed to mean?!
: You guys start glowing yellow right in the middle of battle! If that’s not weird, I don't know what is!
: Shush! Your robot’s weird, too, what with that cable dangling around like crap on a goldfish! (look it up)
: What did you say?!
: … Anyway, I’d wager the Gulfer and Gyandolar will be hunting the Data Weapons in earnest; and, on top of that, the Hundred Demon Empire is resuming its hunt for various energies. We have to track down the remaining Data Weapons and fast.
: Right…!



Eris is sharing her Data Weapon tracking program with Ruri – the development of the thing has slowed down thanks to the myriad problems we’ve been facing. Still, she’s seen that the Data Weapons react to a certain kind of energy – there must be some property that draws them to appear.
Thus, Ruri surmises, Eris wants help establishing what, exactly, that energy is; she’s been working at it for a while but progress hasn’t been too good. Ruri figures she can have Omoikane help analyze all that data, provided we’re not in combat. Finding the Data Weapons IS a priority, after all.
With that, Harry reports that the Nahel Argama is ready to depart – time for us to resume our patrol.



Back in the Spiral Castle, Altair demands to know why Deondra didn’t inform him the moment she found the Gatling Boar. She sniffs that he’s always working alone, so she figured she shouldn’t bother him.
Altair doesn’t buy that, of course, and reiterates that even if the Gyandolar got their hands on a Data Weapon, it’d be useless to them without the Dendoh or Ogre. Deondra is well aware, so Altair tells her to back off as they’re merely obstructing his mission.

He leaves and Devil Saturn is quick to fume at what an ass knife-face is. Deondra doesn’t care, happy with the fact that Saturn’s words helped her understand something very important: why Gades sent them to this backwater planet.
See, there’s something the Data Weapons seek besides the Dendoh: powerful energies, which they're lured to. And a "powerful energy" with a capital P is what Gades is looking for - new Hyribead!