Register a SA Forums Account here!
JOINING THE SA FORUMS WILL REMOVE THIS BIG AD, THE ANNOYING UNDERLINED ADS, AND STUPID INTERSTITIAL ADS!!!

You can: log in, read the tech support FAQ, or request your lost password. This dumb message (and those ads) will appear on every screen until you register! Get rid of this crap by registering your own SA Forums Account and joining roughly 150,000 Goons, for the one-time price of $9.95! We charge money because it costs us money per month for bills, and since we don't believe in showing ads to our users, we try to make the money back through forum registrations.
 
Sterski
Jun 30, 2014
Time travel shenanigans is exactly the kind of place I expect this game to go at this point.

Adbot
ADBOT LOVES YOU

EggsAisle
Dec 17, 2013

I get it! You're, uh...
So I thought maybe the game had slipped up, and Turkey wasn't called Turkey until after WW1, what with the Ottoman Empire and all, but I was wrong. It's true that the Republic of Turkey was founded in the 20's, but the country has been called Turkey for centuries. Just in case there was anyone else wondering.

Also, I can't remember if it was pointed out earlier in the thread, but Domremy, that village from the beginning of the game, is a real place. They say Joan of Arc was born there. Kinda funny that they made the villager ghost a little girl named Jeanne, but it seems like more of a wink to the audience than anything else.

It's too bad this game has so many lame dungeons. There's a few decent ones here and there, but there really is a ton of samey corridors. There is one dungeon that really stood out for me for great atmosphere, but it's in an end-game sidequest, which we're still a ways from.

Shitenshi
Mar 12, 2013
I didn't mind this dungeon too much if only because this game largely traded the (at times campy) horror atmosphere of the first game to be a standard AAA JRPG from the era, but at the same time I can see where the complaints are coming from. This is a place deep in Yuri's soul, where the only parts that concerned him before were right there in front of him with the masks, and after that, he only went deeper to pay a brief visit to his old man. Now that he's been cursed again and going past the surface once more, it would be cool to see explore a whole bunch of HD versions of places from the first Shadow Hearts, maybe fight old bosses who were unfortunate enough to get zapped into some kind of strange limbo state.

Marmaduke!
May 19, 2009

Why would it do that!?

The Dark Id posted:

Whoops. Didn't see this till now. Mostly because my internet has been utter trash thanks to a legendary blizzard slowly killing where I live...

You're just living the game, try retreating into your mirror Palace.

The Dark Id
Aug 13, 2005

Why
you
know
I
LOVE
THIS SHIT !!!!
[citation needed]
Episode LVII: Your True Home




NEW Music: Ladder to Heaven
(Only five major fights in the entire game use this special boss theme. You should probably listen to it! Also it's a jam. Amon loving LOVES his House music.)



Amon has absolutely zero chill and begins the battle by immediately blasting off a third of Yuri's health with his patented sentai posing special technique -- Demon Rays.



While Yuri is getting blasted by the demonic Special Beam Cannon Makankōsappō, it should be mentioned that, much like in the first game, Amon is a rare non-elemental enemy with a, thankfully smaller than the current boss health trend, 765 HP pool. Being Non-Elemental means there are no advantages for any particular elemental class against him nor does he resist any class. It's just base damage all the way down with no modifiers. In addition to that, Amon is not tolerating any sort of debuffs or status effects of any sort as he's immune to everything as well.



With that in mind, Amon doesn't care if we use some buffs to our advantage so we're going to immediately have Karin juice up Yuri with Rage before she falls back to a supporting role. We can probably let Yuri tank two turns against Amon but he definitely needs healing after that. It could be just confirmation bias, but it seems like Amon HEAVILY favors targeting Yuri overall. I restarted the battle and just defended the entire time and the god of destruction didn't even look Karin's way until he had firmly sent Yuri to another dimension.





Since Amon is non-elemental, our Fusion of choice is pretty much up to preference. I am going with Orexis since it has the best spread of speed, strength and being fairly sturdy. Plus, it seems appropriate to battle a big freaky gargoyle-like demon with another freaky gargoyle-like demon. From there Yuri is just going to go hog punching Amon. As is his way of doing things.





Karin can play a supporting role in attacking with Combos as well but we need to be sure to pull them off correctly because Demon Rays can hit multiple targets in a line.





To make no mention of Amon's other returning attack, The End, is a rather sizable AOE and it's probably best not to have our back-up healer getting nuked alongside our damage dealer.





Beyond that, Amon can... just punch things. Like really hard. Like hard enough to take off nearly half of Yuri's total HP in a single turn. I might have cut it a little close there in keeping Yuri's health in check. We almost had our first proper in-battle KO not counting a mechanical failure that wiped the whole drat party. Still looking at you, Lucia. Yes, I'm never letting that go! :argh:





Given it is still two on one against an enemy that mostly targets a single character at a time, as long as we keep health topped off and the pressure on, Amon proves to be a much lesser challenge than when we fought him when he was hanging out in Albert Simon's body back in the day. Remember the original Albert Simon fused version of Amon was like a centaur without the front horse legs? That would be awkward if that form were the marque Fusion they focused on in this game.


Music: Result ~ Victory






Defeating Amon nets us a healthy payout. Especially, a nice amount of Soul Energy. We might be pumping that into a certain new fusion in the quite near future named Amon. But for now...

Music: ENDS



<approaches the mirror>
Yuri!
It's okay! I've got a feeling...
Not a *good* feeling. But...

Yuri and Karin approach the mirror and...




NEW Music: Field of God-Dog ~ Village of The Dog God
(This is a real chill tune we probably won't hear again until Disc 2.)





Albert...
Aww, frick...
...Who is this guy?
Remember that warlock that tried to summon an alien god to destroy world and did a ton of over the top bad guy crap last year? And then it turned out he was friends with the Bishop and was actually against Rasputin...?
You don't mean that...
Yuuuuup...




It's this guy.
He's waving to us. He... looks friendly enough.
The first time I met him he murdered an entire train cabin full of Japanese soldiers, chopped off my arm and laser-eyed me through two train cars.
Wait, did you say he chopped off your arm?!
Yeah, but I punched a hole through his head and got a girlfriend out of the deal. So I guess we're even.
.....
<sigh> Wait here. I'll go talk to him.


Albert sits back down on the bench as Yuri walks over and joins him.





Welp.
Welp, indeed.




I never thought I'd see you again.
Yeah.
After you killed me and all.
Yeah.

Nice place, isn't it? It's so very quiet and serene. A place of pure peace.
Hmm...
A far cry from that drafty Neameto Float, or that dreary mental hospital or heavy forbid that dreadful flat back in Kowloon.
I still have nightmares about that last one, Albert.
Indeed. But this... this is nice...




It's quite beautiful. It's your home within you. It is, in fact, your true home.
My home...?
Yes.



I live in a small corner of your memory, one that you've nearly forgotten.
<continues to stand in awkward silence and wishing she were elsewhere>



So tell me... Are you still fighting these days, young man? <smirks>
I guess so.
It's kind of my thing.
You did enjoy your punching, didn't you?
Remember that time I punched a hole in your head on top of that train?
Oh, indeed. That smarted something fierce.
Heh.

It was Rasputin that I was actually after. He was my true enemy.
...Huh.
You went kinda overboard with that one, didn't you?
I admit the scale of my plans did get overblown somewhat along the way.
You forced me to fuse with a dark god that blew up an entire city.
Yes, but you overcame even that and became stronger for it, my friend.
I... never... actually resolved that. That crazy thing is still in here, somewhere.
That is... mildly disconcerting...
<nods> Mhm.

It is ironic that you, my former foe, should now be the one fighting him.



Yeah, it's pretty funny. Imagine me, following in your footsteps... But the way I am now, I don't think I can win.
I don't suppose you can teach me to teleport or anything?
I am afraid we do not have the luxury of the century it would require to teach such a technique.
Figures.




For Asmodeus, who spreads hate and malice among men, there is no greater joy than to see mankind slaughter each other. Order will be broken apart and chaos set in its place. That is the future that Rasputin seeks, my friend.
That's what you were trying to prevent him from doing. It's my fault he's made it this far. Is that right?
...It's true. But don't be discouraged.
Hm?
I was attempting to have a god destroy the world and remake it in my image. Given time to mull over it here, I see now that plan was a touch overcompensating for the problem...
...Yeah.


Music: ENDS



You defeated me and managed to expel a god.
Might I add, had I known that god I summoned would be... hmm...
An eldritch nightmare?
Yes, that'll do as a descriptor. I was expecting something much more, how would you put it...? Divine? Angelic, perhaps. I would have scrapped the whole summoning ritual at once had I known that abomination was going to show up.
Yeah, well. Hindsight and all that. I would have fused into Amon and bicycle kicked that Nicolai jerk's head into the woods if I had known he was going to curse me again.

You may still be able to change the future, if you can harness Amon's power.
Yeah, maybe you're right. But is this future I can create going to be a good one?
So are you questioning the worthiness of your struggle?


Music: Impatient Mood




Well, the thing is... I'm sure you'd have a better chance than I would.
I got de-leveled and all my new Fusions look kind of lame and, I just don't know...
<shakes head> You're wrong. Only you can do it, Yuri. That's what I think.
You killed me already, you are clearly more than capable, my young friend. And that was after I had transformed twice. TWICE! Are you truly going to give up without having even seen Rasputin's second form? Come now, that is not the Godslayer that I knew. Just remember how far you came from when I one-shot you with a Revelation from God on that train that fateful evening years ago.

Albert stands up.



Those who would wield power must also accept power's responsibility. If you see a tragedy in the making, my friend, it is your responsibility to try and stop it. There is no mistake in that.
You are a Rude Hero, there is no doubt. But make no mistake, the "hero" part is the one that needs emphasis.
......
Albert...



Well, it's time for you to leave.
Every minute that passes here is a week in the real world, I'm afraid.
Wh-what?! But that's like...
Hoho. Just a little joke, my friend.
Aww geez. Don't scare me like that!
Come now, lad. You did kill me. Let me indulge in a little bit of fun at your expense.
Heh. I suppose that's fair.


Yuri stands up as well.



Well, I... umm... I'm glad we got the chance to talk.
<nods>
Enjoy yourself, umm... being a ghost hanging out in my soul, I guess...?
<nods> I will, young man. I will.


Music: ENDS



Oh god, are you finally done? This has been the most awkward five minutes of my life!
Chill out, Karin. I had a weirdly positive pep talk with the ghost of my old rival. I'm freaking out a little bit, OK?




Yuri! May I ask you one thing?
<turns back> What?


Music: Field of God-Dog ~ Village of The Dog God




<looks around and smiles> Where is this? I think it must be Japan.
It's Katsuragi. It's called the Forest of Wind.
Hmm.
If I remember, they got the dankest kush in all of the east just down the path here.
<smirks> Oh, I am aware. As I said, this is a place of peace.






Thank you.





And thus concludes our weird chat with the chilled the gently caress out Ghost Albert Simon and Yuri re-obtaining the second most powerful Fusion from the previous game. All in all? Weird rear end day.






Video: Episode 57 Highlight Reel
(You should definitely watch this!)





Albert Simon Official Art - One day he'll actually use that cane.



Amon Concept Art - Definitely been lifting since the Shadow Hearts 1 days.

The Dark Id fucked around with this message at 19:17 on Jan 24, 2020

Night10194
Feb 13, 2012

We'll start,
like many good things,
with a bear.

You know, all they had to do was just say Simon was another disciple who went crazy and had Bad Plans, even if he was still loyal to the original mission of Sapientes Gladio (namely, gently caress the people in power). None of this 'it was all to kill Rasputin' stuff. All they had to do was build on Simon's weirdly positive 'man, I hope the world you'll punch into being when you punch my God won't suck' death scene from 1 and have him have accepted he can get closer to what he wants by helping Yuri out from the inside.

The Rasputin thing just makes it all a weird retcon. Otherwise Simon's 'idealist who was tortured like mad by the Inquisition and others, got pissed off, tried to make his own God to tear down the world' character would be fine.

CmdrKing
Oct 14, 2012

Maybe if I called it 'Interpretive Stabbing'...
They do end up implying some things later that help justify the degree of retcon a little bit, but it's still a weird decision.

Robindaybird
Aug 21, 2007

Neat. Sweet. Petite.

yeah, it's just a really weird thing to frame it this way.

achtungnight
Oct 5, 2014
I get my fun here. Enjoy!
If I ever have big jerks I beat up hanging out in my soul, I hope (but doubt) they'll be so chill. Maybe Yuri hit Albert so hard he actually mellowed out.

The Dark Id
Aug 13, 2005

Why
you
know
I
LOVE
THIS SHIT !!!!
[citation needed]
It feels like how the end of Shadow Hearts 1 was super rushed at a point and suddenly Albert and Yuri were sort of chummy rivals with... literally no lead up to it and if there was it was cut. And they just didn't bother ever bridging the gap and are just continuing from that point. I don't mind chill Ghost Albert Simon showing up again but the context kind of sucks given <motions generously to all the war crimes and crazy evil poo poo he did>.

That said, it's a very minor thing since we don't ever see Albert Simon again. Until VERY late game in an optional sidequest.

ultrafilter
Aug 23, 2007

It's okay if you have any questions.


Given how strong the writing in this game normally is, this definitely feels like a bit of an outlier. But maybe the original Shadow Hearts is just so messy that it can't help but infect everything it touches.

Rabbi Raccoon
Mar 31, 2009

I stabbed you dude!
Honestly, "I just wanted to make sure this one guy dies" isn't the worst reason I've seen for wanting to end the world

ZeusCannon
Nov 5, 2009

BLAAAAAARGH PLEASE KILL ME BLAAAAAAAARGH
Grimey Drawer

Rabbi Raccoon posted:

Honestly, "I just wanted to make sure this one guy dies" isn't the worst reason I've seen for wanting to end the world

Yeah i can respect that dedication.

Rabbi Raccoon
Mar 31, 2009

I stabbed you dude!
Exactly. Pettiness is the absolute best reason to destroy the world. I, too, would summon a god to decimate everything just to make sure my old boss is dead

McTimmy
Feb 29, 2008

Rabbi Raccoon posted:

Honestly, "I just wanted to make sure this one guy dies" isn't the worst reason I've seen for wanting to end the world

The most Shredder of reasons.

Shitenshi
Mar 12, 2013
So is this a stealth weapon type upgrade for Yuri too? Amon is needed simply to match Rasputin's power level when they get into the fight for real, the only thing he needs to break the barrier is Albert's pimp cane.

DukeofCA
Aug 18, 2011

I am shocked and appalled.
Ladder to Heaven slaps. Seriously listen to it if you haven't already.

amigolupus
Aug 25, 2017

Yuri and Sora would probably have a lot of fun talking about how much real estate space they have in their hearts. :v:

Off-topic, but kudos to the mods for instantly noticing Azure Horizon trying to sneak back in and promptly giving them the boot.

Sordas Volantyr
Jan 11, 2015

Now, everybody, walk like a Jekhar.

(God, these running animations are terrible.)

amigolupus posted:

Off-topic, but kudos to the mods for instantly noticing Azure Horizon trying to sneak back in and promptly giving them the boot.

Dare has given the modding staff plenty of practice in spotting permaban circumvention

FalloutFan56
Jan 3, 2020
Always wondered if that was really Simon or just some figment of Yuri's imagination. I mean, can random souls just pop up inside other souls? Is Sea Mother or Yuri's dad just hanging out off-screen or something?

Edvarius
Aug 23, 2013
Sea Mother is waiting for just the right moment to start whispering "shloop" into Yuri's mental ear.

Xander77
Apr 6, 2009

Fuck it then. For another pit sandwich and some 'tater salad, I'll post a few more.



amigolupus posted:

Off-topic, but kudos to the mods for instantly noticing Azure Horizon trying to sneak back in and promptly giving them the boot.
And by "instantly" we of course mean "around since 2013".

amigolupus
Aug 25, 2017

Xander77 posted:

And by "instantly" we of course mean "around since 2013".

Hah, my bad. I only focused on the 'user was banned for this post' so I didn't realize the account was made back in 2013. :v:

The Dark Id
Aug 13, 2005

Why
you
know
I
LOVE
THIS SHIT !!!!
[citation needed]
Edit: Please don't come back banned idiot.

The Dark Id fucked around with this message at 09:21 on Jan 24, 2020

Geostomp
Oct 22, 2008

Unite: MASH!!
~They've got the bad guys on the run!~

FalloutFan56 posted:

Always wondered if that was really Simon or just some figment of Yuri's imagination. I mean, can random souls just pop up inside other souls? Is Sea Mother or Yuri's dad just hanging out off-screen or something?

We’ve already seen that Yuri’s head is surprising crowded. People and monsters just pop in and out as they please.

I will echo Albert being treated so positively despite being such a cliche and unnecessarily cruel evil wizard in the last game being very off-putting.

Qrr
Aug 14, 2015


Geostomp posted:

We’ve already seen that Yuri’s head is surprising crowded. People and monsters just pop in and out as they please.

I will echo Albert being treated so positively despite being such a cliche and unnecessarily cruel evil wizard in the last game being very off-putting.

TDI's additions helped a lot with that. Without those they just kind of have a friendly chat. It's like Yuri beat Albert at a board game or something instead of stopping him from murdering, y'know, everyone.

But through the power of italics the conversation actually makes sense.

stryth
Apr 7, 2018

Got bread?
GIVE BREADS!
I always saw this scene differently, it seemed to me that anyone who underwent a soul pact ended up becoming way more evil and twisted as a result. Albert may actually have been a decent guy, but decided to undergo a soul pact in order to counteract Rasputin's newfound demonic power, but since he underwent a soul pact with Amon, who is a full-blown super Evil demon Lord, Albert's soul may have actually been partially consumed by Amon, if not fully.

Amon is described in game as the god of wrath and one of the lords of destruction, alongside Rasputin's Asmodeus, and the yet to be shown Astaroth, so Albert's plans in the first game do seem to line up with Amons overall desires, for example triggering the destruction of Shanghai by unleashing the seraphic radiance, and summoning an extra-galactic pseudo-god being to try and destroy the world in order to prevent World War II and Rasputin's rise to power.

If this is the case, then when Yuri defeated Albert while he was wielding the soul of Amon, it's possible that he absorbed Albert's Soul along with Amons, if this is the case, then it could explain why Albert is acting very differently from the first game, and hanging out inside of Yuris soul. When Yuri fuses with demons and monsters he suppresses their will and personality in order to take control of their power and form in doing so to amon, albert's soul may have been freed from the demon Lords power, allowing him to return to his normal, self pre-soul Pact.

Just keep in mind this is all one guy's point of view, one more fun thing to keep in mind, when Albert used Amon and fired off a "demon rays" attack all he did was lift his hands to his forehead and Fire, the sentai moves are all Yuri's doing, he's a big fan of Power Rangers poses, before there were Power Rangers.

PS: I love speech-to-text programs, I never would have type this much without them.

Edvarius
Aug 23, 2013
Yeah, that's how I've mentally justified the retcon. Simon used to be a decent guy, but really overestimated his ability to handle a Soul Pact. And meanwhile Yuri is fine because he isn't selling his soul, but beating Amon up and taking his metaphorical lunch money.

amigolupus
Aug 25, 2017

The biggest sticking point to me in this retcon about Albert is that he killed Alice's dad in cold blood, and yet we're somehow supposed to think it's part of his plan to stop Rasputin. Even if they're on more cordial terms, you'd think Yuri would call out Albert for doing that to his girlfriend's dad.

ultrafilter
Aug 23, 2007

It's okay if you have any questions.



That's good. They should've put something like that in the game.

The Dark Id
Aug 13, 2005

Why
you
know
I
LOVE
THIS SHIT !!!!
[citation needed]
Episode LVIII: Remorse


Music: Deep Meditation ~ Title




That whole peculiar adventure into the surprisingly dull recesses of Yuri's soul has reunited us with the Amon Fusion. While we're technically still in the middle of a lengthy succession of cutscenes, let's take a quick look at Amon before continuing.



Oh, you're a God of Wrath now, Amon? Are you a conscientious objector to The Great War? Anyway, Amon was the second most power Fusion in the previous adventure and the most powerful one available in the Bad/Canon ending. It's still no slouch in the sequel. Even though it's now the third strongest one.

Amon at factory default provides:
  • Strength +8
  • Vitality +7
  • Agility +8
  • Intelligence +7
  • Power +8
  • Luck +7
Yep. That's far and away the best boost in power of any Fusion thus far. It does take a hefty 5 SP hit per turn so we really need to be on the ball stomping the enemy. But we'll make it work. Beyond that, Amon's abilities include:

Mind/Body Revival - 48 MP. Restores target's HP and cures unconsciousness. We probably shouldn't be wasting Amon's time reviving people but the option is here.
Demon Rays - 36 MP. Damages targets in a line with demonic light. It's that sentai posing laser blast.
The End - 54 MP. Inflicts Heavy Non-Class damage on all enemies, attacks a medium area. If you absolutely, positively need to kill every trash mob clustered together in a room, accept no substitutes.



We're going to go ahead and spend some of our stocked Soul Energy to buff Amon to Level 5 to unlock all his abilities straight away. This also takes his stat boost to:
  • Strength +10
  • Vitality +6
  • Agility +10
  • Intelligence +9
  • Power +10
  • Luck +9
Yeah... That'll do nicely. With that taken care of, let's go see how Rasputin is doing back in Petrograd.

Music: ENDS





...I see. So Japan has accepted our conditions?
Even the master sushi chef installed in the palace kitchen?
Yes, Master.
Delicious...
You have done well. I'm very pleased I entrusted the matter to you, my friend.
Thank you, Master.



<sigh> Russia is losing this war because lack of food and arms have devastated the morale of our front-line troops. We have the money but unfortunately, we do not have the supplies.
An army cannot run on weeks old borscht and cabbages and fighting with their grandfather's hand me down rifle. Ugh. The state of it all.
<looks up> I know. But soon now, Japan is going to begin a major offensive against the German Empire.
Hmm... Yesterday's enemy is today's friend, eh. Ishimura is no fool. Has that special envoy left Petrograd yet?
No, Master. In fact, we have requested his presence at the banquet.
Oh, bother. Another blasted banquet? It never ends with these people... Tell me, what does this envoy look like so I may speak to him should we cross paths.
Just look for the tall Asian man with an enormous chin and wearing a cape.
A cape, you say? Hmm... I considered a cape once... but it seemed a hassle. I feel I long coat is much more practical but maintains a similar effect, wouldn't you say?
As you say, master.

Hmm. Very well.

Rasputin stands up and looks out the window.



Now, what do you know about America?
They're still officially maintaining their neutrality, but it's only a matter of time before they enter the war.
How can you be so sure?
England and France are both exhausted. The only reason America has not yet entered the war is that they needed a proper pretense.
......
Hmm... And now they have such a pretense, Nicolai?
Am I sensing some spicy intel, my friend?
Indeed, master.




Next week, a ship named the Lusitania is leaving New York, bound for Liverpool. There's a rumor going around that it will be carrying a huge shipment of munitions.
The German submariners will be forced to sink it, isn't that so?
It will be England's sacrificial lamb...


Music: Serious Mood ~ Unrest




Clever.
......
By the way, Nicholai...
Sir?
Is it true that Lenny was killed on St. Marguerite?
Yes, Master.
And we lost all of his Claw Soldiers too, is that right?
Regrettably yes, master.
And they slew Veronica's dog as well, is that correct?
I'm sorry about Oscar as well, master. He was a good boy.

I don't understand why you didn't stay and fight?
I... uhh... I thought Lenny could handle matters himself.



We had captured the Godslayer and his allies. Veronica had... plans... for them and then Lenny was to dispose of them. I'm not sure what happened.
......
.....
I see. But you knew how powerful he was, right?
We have been calling Yuri Hyuga "Godslayer." The man killed a god once. It's right there in the title.
But still you sent Lenny alone to do battle with him?
<nods> Yes.
Tell me, Nicolai. What again was the late Lenny's special ability? I believe he had a transformation. Could you tell me the name of that transformation?
G-Godhand, sir.
Yes... that was it. You left a man who turned into a beast called Godhand against a man they call the Godslayer. Do you see the problem here, Nicolai?
Now that you mention it... Perhaps that was a bit of a blunder.

......
Well, I'm off to the celebration. I'm certain he'll show up again. Next time, Nicolai, you'll know what to do...?
Yes, Master.
Please say it for me, Nicolai. I want to be certain I have gotten my point across.
I will stay and fight the Godslayer next time, master.
So you can learn simple instructions. Good.

......
Very well. You may leave.



And on that not Nicolai departs and our interlude back in Russia concludes. Meanwhile, in Turkey...

Music: ENDS



So here you are.
How's the bishop?
He's still sleeping.

Karin sits down next to Yuri.



The old guy might never wake up.
Don't say things like that.
He's really old and astral projecting into the deepest part of your soul took the wind out of him. He probably just needs to sleep it off.
For three days straight?
OK, it's a little worrying, but...
I'm just saying what we're all thinking.

.....
......
What a pretty sunset...
I guess.
Everyone keeps seeing that but you can barely see it with a mountain in the way. This is the first time I've even seen it and we've been here for like a week.



Are you feeling guilty?
No, I'm totally stoked I probably killed the old man keeping this place together.
<looks down below> Look at all of them.


Music: Sadness Mood




Every one of them praying as hard as they can so the bishop will be all right.
He's an important man...
Plus, there's free baked goods for everyone that stops by and sends their support.
Not even a free pie would make me feel better right now...




If I hadn't come here, this valley would still be a nice, peaceful place.
But then we couldn't save Russia. Think of Anastasia's family. It's your own mother's homeland.
These guys deserve to be saved too.
And let's be real, bringing up my dead mom's homeland isn't really making me feel better about this...



......
...You're right.



Everyone wants the same thing. To be just a little happier than they are now.



Nothing big. Just food, shelter and time to laugh and cry with the people they love. That's enough to make them happy.
And yes, I am purposefully ignoring super villains like Rasputin who are only happy by taking over countries or destroying the world. Don't immediately poke a hole in what I'm saying. I know you.
...Fine.




<opens his eyes> I have to pee.



"Happy." What does that even mean?
......

Music: ENDS



Yuri, have you considered you just have depression?
"Depression." What does that even mean?
A mood disorder with a constant feeling of sadness and loss of interest in things you once enjoyed.
Oh...
......
...Maybe.



Music: Spiritualization ~ Holy Land of God




Anastasia?!
The bishop! It's Bishop Jovis!
What about the bishop?



<nods>
Okay.



There is literally nothing we can do right now but wander over to the Bishop's room and proceed to the next cutscene.

Music: ENDS



Bishop Jovis!



I am happy to see you. Are you all right?
Yes.
Things got a little weird, but...



We met Amon's soul like you told us to. We met your friend too.
Was he doing well?
Yeah. He's having a great time.
I mean, he's dead but, y'know... I am a little uncomfortable with the ghost of the guy that tried to destroy the world and kill me and my friends multiple times hanging out in my soul. But he seems to have mellowed out. We had a weirdly chill chat.
<chuckles> Is that right?
He was always, as you young people say, on his bullshit but if you got him to relax by hotboxing a confessional or the like, he would, as it were, chill his tits.
Yeah, it seemed like he had that covered.

You see? Nothing to worry about. Just rest and get your strength back.
No, this is the end for me.
You mustn't say that!
I neglected to remember that HP/MP curative spell drew from my very lifeforce.
Oh, geez. That's what is doing you in? We were good! I've got like a dozen Tents in my inventory, man!
It is too late, I am afraid.

<motions to the door> Yeah, come on! What would the people in this valley do here without you?


Music: Sadness Mood




That is for my followers to say, children. I've taught them everything that I can.
Don't say that!
No, they need to pick themselves up by their bootstraps. I cannot be their spiritual leader dad forever.
Listen. The dark angel, Astaroth...
Astaroth?



Like Asmodeus...



...and Amon...



...he is another God of Darkness. Someone has made a soul pact with him.
That is, as it is said, a goddamn problem...



I do not know who this person is, but when you meet them, beware!
......
......
...It's gonna be Nicolai, isn't it?
It's definitely going to be Nicolai.

I can handle it. I'll drop him just like a bad habit!

Music: ENDS



Bishop Jovis...
......
...Please forgive me. I swear to God, I didn't mean it. I never meant to sacrifice the people of this valley to save Russia!
......
I hate it... when people let others die just to get what they want...
So many random people died in my previous adventure and I thought I had turned it around this time and now all this... This sucks...
Listen to me. If, with my death, the people lose all hope, then all my life has been in vain. But if I had someone to succeed me, I know that the valley would survive.


NEW Music: Never Ending Sadness ~ A Lament
(About what you'd expect from an old man we just met dying theme.)



Then, for the first time, it could be said that I live on among my people. Don't you think so...?
As they say, y'all got to get it together, dawg.



Jovis!
My son, he who has willpower has the power to change the whole world.



Whether that change be for good...



...or for evil depends on the heart of that person.
Some go too far for the greater good and turn into huge dicks, like my friend, Albert, did. And some are like Rasputin, there is a cat that really was gone... It was a shame how he carried on...
We're mortal. We live in fear and... and doubt. There's no shame in admitting that.

Yuri falls to his knees.



When Albert died... he passed the world on to you, didn't he?
Oh no, dawg. I was out of the game.
Now it's in your hands...
......
Go to Russia. Only you have the power to save the young princess.
......

Yuri stands back up.



<clenches fist> I swear it. I swear I'll beat Rasputin! When he's dead I'll come back, I'll come back. Don't die on me!



<nods> I'll try.

Yuri dashes out of the room, presumably to run straight back to Petrograd.



Yuri!
Brave soul...
Hot-blooded idiot, but a brave soul...

Karin kneels back to Jovis' side.



He takes upon himself the burden my friend and I bore together. Now I've finally fulfilled my promise. Now I can face my friend...



Huff... Huff... Huff... Oh boy... I have no idea what direction Russia is from here... Huff... Huff... Huff...



Bishop?!
Please give him... my thanks...
As the young people say... Barf... <dies>



And with that, Bishop Jovis immediately drops dead and closes out this chapter of the game. Tune in next time as we return to the somewhat (uncomfortable given the current geopolitical landscape) task of Saving Russia as Shadow Hearts: Covenant continues!



That was another rather dense chapter. Let's see what has been added to the Library.



Monsters:



Hey, babe. Want to see my invisible dick?



I just pulled you into a pocket dimension to hug! Why have you been eviscerated on a molecular level?! WHHHHHHY?!



Ghost clans are VERY strict about dietary limitations.



Flashes her bright blue on orange skirt panties just as often as the original model. It's honestly difficult to try to get battle screenshots that aren't upskirts on Karin.



You're no Fox Face.



Marvel and Star Wars sequels for all time!

Characters:


T.E. Lawrence's bio is updated to reflect the fact he is one of the earlier historic figures we met. Remember the previous game where the only historic fiction characters in play were Kawashima... kind of... with a lot of the details fudged and Mata Hari Margarete that they never actually called attention to being Mata Hari? I'm personally glad they just went "gently caress it" and we're full-on dumb historical fiction now going to kick Rasputin's teeth in with the backing of TE Lawrence and Princess Anastasia Romanov.



This cosplaying white girl from Minnesota taking a gap year is certainly an ancient Israelite king's steward.



Go into exile, I must. Responsibility, I will not take...



No, he's cool now guys. He just almost exterminated humanity to take down a weird sex monk taking over Russia. Also, ignore all his ranting about getting revenge on the church officials that wronged him centuries ago and all the war crimes he did along the way while going under the name of his old mentor he was also pissed at... He meant well.




Video: Episode 58 Highlight Reel
(A decent amount of plot and character development went down. You should probably watch this.)

The Dark Id fucked around with this message at 06:12 on Jan 25, 2020

achtungnight
Oct 5, 2014
I get my fun here. Enjoy!
Maybe Albert wasn't prepared for Amon's SP cost and spent the whole of Shadow Hearts 1 berserk and insane.

Russia's war budget is going to get worse next World War, at least judging by the awesome film Enemy at the Gates. "The soldier with the rifle shoots! The one without the rifle follows him, then when he gets killed, picks up the rifle and shoots!"

I agree with Rasputin regarding the merits of coats over capes. Capes do have some uses in martial arts duels, but otherwise, give me a coat any day for the pockets and not getting it caught in things like jet engines and revolving doors.

ultrafilter
Aug 23, 2007

It's okay if you have any questions.


The Dark Id posted:

You have done well. I'm very pleased I entrusted the matter to you, my friend.

That's supposed to be Rasputin.

DiggleWrath
Aug 30, 2018

O O
>

> "My son, he who has willpower has the power to change the whole world. Whether that change be for good..."
> Albert Simon
Pick one

Supersonic Shine
Oct 13, 2012
I got a hunch somebody in Sapientes Gladio is gonna get stabbed in the back. Question is, whose knife hand is quicker?

Shitenshi
Mar 12, 2013
You'd think Rasputin is different from the rest of his ridiculous crew given this new elaborate retconned backstory and being able to reflect the whole party's attacks, but he's clearly just as much of a basic bitch as the rest of them if he lets Nicolai off that light.

Geostomp
Oct 22, 2008

Unite: MASH!!
~They've got the bad guys on the run!~
I like that Yuri is starting to show just how much of a toll all this constant tragedy, geopolitical conspiracies, and demonic attacks are taking on him. Like he’s already saved the world from an evil wizard (who will now be treated as just a misunderstood hero from here on in) and space god, but now he has to deal with it essentially repeating while everyone is rushing into the biggest war the world has ever seen around him. That’s got to be a big morale crusher seeing all your efforts amount to basically nothing thanks to forces beyond your control.

You can tell that underneath his sarcasm and cockiness that all he wants is to be done with things for once.

Pizuz
Sep 15, 2008

The Dark Id posted:

Amon at factory default provides:
  • Strength +8
  • Vitality +7
  • Agility +8
  • Intelligence +7
  • Power +8
  • Luck +7
[after upgrading]
  • Strength +10
  • Vitality +6
  • Agility +10
  • Intelligence +9
  • Power +10
  • Luck +9
Is this a typo, or does Vitality actually decrease in the process?

Zereth
Jul 9, 2003



Shitenshi posted:

You'd think Rasputin is different from the rest of his ridiculous crew given this new elaborate retconned backstory and being able to reflect the whole party's attacks, but he's clearly just as much of a basic bitch as the rest of them if he lets Nicolai off that light.
I think he's hoping that Yuri will deal with Nicolai for him.

Adbot
ADBOT LOVES YOU

Materant
Jul 22, 2010

see, what you don't understand is he now has

THE MANLIEST MUSTACHE

it defies physics


Geostomp posted:

I like that Yuri is starting to show just how much of a toll all this constant tragedy, geopolitical conspiracies, and demonic attacks are taking on him. Like he’s already saved the world from an evil wizard (who will now be treated as just a misunderstood hero from here on in) and space god, but now he has to deal with it essentially repeating while everyone is rushing into the biggest war the world has ever seen around him. That’s got to be a big morale crusher seeing all your efforts amount to basically nothing thanks to forces beyond your control.

You can tell that underneath his sarcasm and cockiness that all he wants is to be done with things for once.

To be honest, this adventure probably would have happened even if the good ending had happened, because WWI and Rasputin's plot weren't going to magically not happen just because Alice escaped getting eaten by a death curse. But Alice's death shook Yuri in a big way, and he's still got the threat of the Mistletoe obliterating his mind looming over him.

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5