1 (edited by Mezzopiano 2019-07-14 13:13:41)

Topic: Mezzo Plays Final Fantasy X-2

Yep, it's happening again. Final Fantasy X-2 (pronounced 'ten-two') is the direct sequel to Final Fantasy X, and the first actual sequel in the franchise. That helps explain its odd title a bit. Like before, I'm playing the HD Remastered version on PC, which conveniently has both games in a bundle, plus some other bonuses.

https://i.imgur.com/xJeRQA0.jpg

Eternal Calm is a cutscene that bridges the gap between X and X-2 a bit. It's not included with the original PS2 release of either, but is here along with everything else for the HD version.

https://i.imgur.com/VA8oVii.jpg

Yuna's practicing her diving skills off the coast of Besaid, and 2 minutes 41 seconds is her new record for how long she can hold her breath. Wakka is impressed.

https://i.imgur.com/1cJEzee.jpg

Two years have passed since Sin was defeated, and the Eternal Calm began.

https://i.imgur.com/JTxzgms.jpg

She returns to the temple in Besaid Village, meeting with a concerned villager.

https://i.imgur.com/crQpR29.jpg

He's upset because his grandson has apparently joined the Youth League, while he and his wife are members of New Yevon.

https://i.imgur.com/1gGOQYe.jpg

"In the last two years, new groups have been springing up all over. Everyone wants to be part of a new age. Everyone wants to build a new age. Everyone wants to build a new Spira. People have different ideas, and sometimes, they disagree on the right thing to do. Some people worry about what the new age will bring. I just have to tell myself that for now, I'm doing the right thing."

https://i.imgur.com/x2Xq7mO.jpg

Out on the bridge, Wakka asks Yuna if she's thought about settling down with someone. She's not interested in any potential suitors, and wants to make that clear to people.

https://i.imgur.com/aYoS5pR.jpg

A recruiter for the Youth League shows up, and Yuna gives her thoughts on that too.

https://i.imgur.com/amFRSgU.jpg

Rikku arrives shortly after, and she has something to show them. She takes them out onto her salvage ship to do so.

https://i.imgur.com/dqHp1M7.jpg

The thing is a recording sphere. Kimahri apparently found it on Mt. Gagazet.

https://i.imgur.com/unqt1lI.jpg

Tidus? Is that you? It's hard to tell since the footage is so grainy. He's stuck in a cage somewhere, ranting about how he only did what he could to protect the summoner.

https://i.imgur.com/L5E1Oi6.jpg

Despite him not being able to be renamed in this game, they're still not going to ever mention his name. Rikku thinks that she should head off to find more about it, and that Yuna should come with. Wakka isn't sure about that.

https://i.imgur.com/M0dVzH1.jpg

But after all that she's done, shouldn't Yuna be able to do what she wants, not what everyone else wants?

https://i.imgur.com/hta9M75.jpg

Yuna comes to a decision.

After that's out of the way, we can begin the game proper.

https://i.imgur.com/sR5QaPY.jpg

We open at the blitzball stadium in Luca.

https://i.imgur.com/DrroQdm.jpg

There's quite the crowd present.

https://i.imgur.com/o3NcLMt.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/lalppaP.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/v4d9Br2.jpg

Yuna takes the stage!

https://i.imgur.com/lV4MZr2.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/3ZrOF3D.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/D1rnwhI.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/e637Bc9.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/TTNJPun.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/xw44z2Y.jpg

What can I do for you?

https://i.imgur.com/Hc0hTFi.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Y7hnYxC.jpg

In the stands, Rikku watches from a pair of binoculars. Well, until a guard attacks her, giving her an opportunity for some cool poses.

https://i.imgur.com/vHUqrEv.jpg

As the concert continues, another girl finds herself in a similar situation.

https://i.imgur.com/RaCTDct.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/HZwewIv.jpg

Rikku and Paine hijack one of the guitarists' floating platforms and use it to move up to the stage.

https://i.imgur.com/y5gnqIP.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/LKLEXDW.jpg

Battle time already? This game's battle system is pretty different from its predecessor. This uses the Active Time Battle system common to many other Final Fantasy games, where each player's turn is on a timer (represented by the green bar underneath their HP display). For skills, Rikku has Steal available, and Paine can make use of Auron's Power Break.

https://i.imgur.com/rPryK5Q.jpg

Why are they fighting Yuna, though? Is this a fake?

https://i.imgur.com/JlnIFNt.jpg

After beating her, she runs offstage, and the other two pursue.

https://i.imgur.com/dtHUwq7.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Hgrimha.jpg

Some more goons pop up to bar the way, but they don't last long against Rikku and Paine's attacks.

https://i.imgur.com/ppujAEz.jpg

This guy's a little tougher, though.

https://i.imgur.com/y2Hq9Wn.jpg

As is his partner. They move to attack, but find themselves repelled by a hail of gunfire.

https://i.imgur.com/3eHO6CG.jpg

The true Yuna has arrived.

https://i.imgur.com/M7tA813.jpg

Group pose!

https://i.imgur.com/KcHn9HW.jpg

The tall guy is Logos, the short one Ormi. Yuna and crew fight them together. Yuna has access to the Trigger Happy skill, which lets you continuously fire by tapping the button for a few seconds.

https://i.imgur.com/7psMlOm.jpg

They sure didn't last long.

https://i.imgur.com/55E0mgd.jpg

Fake Yuna appears to back them up.

https://i.imgur.com/7vBgKU9.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/1mz7dsp.jpg

She obliges, removing her disguise. "But it won't be yours for long!"

https://i.imgur.com/4xk2c6H.jpg

Time to show off a new gameplay mechanic. By using the Spherechange command, you can switch jobs mid-battle.

https://i.imgur.com/dh9Mtsg.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/AkOBguF.jpg

This comes with a very magical girl outfit change sequence.

https://i.imgur.com/ejUTPxo.jpg

And boom. Yuna's switched from Gunner to Songstress.

https://i.imgur.com/iUOMw6E.jpg

Now she can support the party with song and dance. Right now all she has is Darkness Dance, which blinds the opposition.

https://i.imgur.com/H2RD17g.jpg

I decided to have Rikku switch jobs too. Leblanc here doesn't have anything of use to steal, so she changed from Thief to Warrior.

https://i.imgur.com/EYYY7Kp.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/vSDFLuX.jpg

"So, I just hit stuff until we win? Sounds easy." This gives her the same skillset as Paine.

https://i.imgur.com/x7q6gRR.jpg

Leblanc was soon dealt with.

https://i.imgur.com/Cq2BDyh.jpg

Yuna does a little dance.

https://i.imgur.com/8xWrfE6.jpg

And here's a closeup shot of the real Yuna, for completeness' sake.

https://i.imgur.com/XVvK79P.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/HhUlDjd.jpg

The character advancement system is different now, using the traditional EXP and levels rather than the Sphere Grid. I'll get into that more later on. For now, let's get out of here.

https://i.imgur.com/LPdHvDX.jpg

Welcome aboard the Celsius. That's right, we get the airship right from the start this time.

https://i.imgur.com/8DuFwmY.jpg

Yuna explains that she couldn't control herself, and it was like someone else was dancing.

https://i.imgur.com/ZUF1fn4.jpg

The inventor of the Garment Grid system offers his input.

https://i.imgur.com/YBgvDfc.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/xxhkV8y.jpg

Rikku's brother would have loved to see Yuna dance, but it's not happening.

https://i.imgur.com/JXgIQkO.jpg

No time to worry about that, though. The Gullwings have a new mission ready, but I'm not going for it quite yet.

https://i.imgur.com/yRl1mAu.jpg

Yuna takes a moment to muse on the new goth chick. Apparently Lulu was considered for this spot at one point, but the team realized that her harsh attitude just would not work with this game.

"I still don't know her very well. She's not exactly the talkative type. Apparently she joined the Gullwings shortly before I did..."

https://i.imgur.com/b96Xqk2.jpg

Like in X-1, save spheres give a full HP/MP restore, plus allow you to board the airship from anywhere. This one marks a good stopping point for now, before the Gullwings head out for their next mission.

2

Re: Mezzo Plays Final Fantasy X-2

Before we start on the first mission, let's take a look around the airship for a bit. The Celsius is the Gullwings' base of operations, and you return to here after every mission, so it's good to know the way around the place.

https://i.imgur.com/7OI9Tzz.jpg

Out on the bridge, we can meet the crew.

https://i.imgur.com/wWklTr9.jpg

As previously mentioned, Shinra is the inventor of the Garment Grid system. He's kind of the Gullwings' tech guy.

Shinra: "I know everything."

https://i.imgur.com/1XkHx0h.jpg

"At least, it looked like you. I couldn't say for sure. I thought I might find more spheres like it if I joined the Gullwings. So I did. Oh, in case you're wondering, the Gullwings are sphere hunters, and sphere hunters are, well... This! We fly all over Spira. I'm really enjoying myself."

https://i.imgur.com/DWnsPl4.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Qng3uq1.jpg

"He really has improved quite a bit. He told me that he practiced just so that he could talk with me more."

For whatever reason, he still goes by 'Brother' in this game. Does he even have a name? Who knows. Talking with him grants a few Al Bhed Primers too. Like in X-1, these translate the Al Bhed language letter by letter.

Talking to him a second time grants you a gift.

https://i.imgur.com/ksSHVzS.jpg

A new dressphere! This unlocks a new job, and can be added to the Garment Grid.

https://i.imgur.com/xLNipqK.jpg

Here's the Garment Grid, by the way. You equip dresspheres into the slots, and then can switch between them mid-battle, but only between those that are adjacent on the grid. (For example, if you want to switch from Thief to Gunner, you need to switch to Songstress first.) There are many different grids that can be unlocked in due time, some with other benefits. Thankfully, this one has enough spaces for our five dresspheres: Gunner, Thief, Warrior, Songstress, and the new one, Festivalist. This one is based on traditional Japanese festivals, and has different abilities for each character.

https://i.imgur.com/Z8t6Zbc.jpg

You gain AP for participating in battle as that job, and can select which ability to learn next on this screen. Once the AP requirement is filled, it's ready for use immediately.

https://i.imgur.com/Izw96qY.jpg

"Buddy and Brother are old friends. Buddy says he was aboard Cid's airship with us two years ago. When I told him I didn't remember, he seemed disappointed."

Buddy's our pilot, and he's the guy to talk to when you want to select a destination.

https://i.imgur.com/8BLv3uc.jpg

Leaving the bridge for now, let's check out the other facilities.

https://i.imgur.com/ez53Yr9.jpg

You can't really do much on the deck, but you get a nice view.

https://i.imgur.com/KTktJ5d.jpg

Over at the cabin, we can meet the friendly bartender.

"Our barkeep's a Hypello. No one knows his real name, so everyone just calls him 'Barkeep.' Brother took him in, and now he works aboard the airship."

He runs the Gullstore and also allows you to rest here if needed.

https://i.imgur.com/ki1Gwvz.jpg

On the upper floor of the cabin we can see the Gullwings' living quarters. Looks cozy.

https://i.imgur.com/5gJ3qWY.jpg

Hold on. I'm not finished with the tour yet.

https://i.imgur.com/5VHnvAP.jpg

The engine room isn't much to look at, but there are a few chests with some recovery items inside. These get restocked every chapter, so it's good to take a look around here on occasion.

https://i.imgur.com/HxsTRlo.jpg

Back on the bridge, Buddy's finished his analysis, and the Gullwings have a destination set.

https://i.imgur.com/XeWjPIb.jpg

"Sacred Mt. Gagazet. Silent guardian of Zanarkand, city of the dead. When the fayth disappeared, the clouds enshrouding the mountain began to thin and disperse, revealing long-forgotten ruins among its peaks."

https://i.imgur.com/OtLF476.jpg

The airship drops the Gullwings off near the top of the ruins. It's kind of a precarious landing.

https://i.imgur.com/hgWmSkm.jpg

Eep! Watch your step, Yuna.

Brother: "What's your status?"

Rikku: "Disasterrific!"

https://i.imgur.com/lDWibRq.jpg

I don't think this is really the time. Thankfully, Rikku and Paine manage to pull Yuna back up.

https://i.imgur.com/QPH0WOf.jpg

Now they can head into the ruins proper.

https://i.imgur.com/g2x4IUU.jpg

Yuna's a bit more acrobatic than in the last game, and holding down A while running lets you jump gaps and climb ledges. Sometimes this can lead to secret treasures.

https://i.imgur.com/s5HUqoz.jpg

Each dressphere comes with its own weapon, so you don't really have to worry about that. The main equip slots are accessories, which each party member can equip up to two of. This one adds lightning resistance and allows the wearer to cast Thunder regardless of job. I decided to put it on Yuna for now.

https://i.imgur.com/5cSisE1.jpg

This seems like a dead end, but Yuna thinks it might be an elevator.

https://i.imgur.com/oXU4UPe.jpg

It's kind of a rough ride.

Brother: "Disasteriffic? I am on my way!"

https://i.imgur.com/gT1hIVC.jpg

Well, well. Look who it is. "Leblanc. Remember the name well, loves." And she takes the time to call the Gullwings a bunch of amateurs.

https://i.imgur.com/1Gvh5q0.jpg

Yeah, she totally was.

https://i.imgur.com/X3UYRLW.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/rDeDGYf.jpg

We already have to fight these losers again, this time all three at once.

https://i.imgur.com/MHkaGme.jpg

Rikku's Darkness Dance helped weaken their attacks while the other two finished them off. Also note that Yuna wields Brotherhood as Warrior, which is a nice touch.

https://i.imgur.com/CyJgPMF.jpg

"And this is the thanks I get for going easy on you."

https://i.imgur.com/zJBKKEh.jpg

They head off, and now we've got our mission. It's a race to the top of the ruins, where the sphere awaits.

https://i.imgur.com/H0QMbep.jpg

The timer here is quite generous, and it pauses while you're in battle or tinkering around with the menu.

https://i.imgur.com/1sYMliz.jpg

Of course, we have to deal with a few fiends on the way up.

https://i.imgur.com/H9GPX1T.jpg

Plus some more of Leblanc's goons. The Recoils are machina employed by the Leblanc Syndicate. I'm not really sure what's the deal with them, apart from their name being an amazing pun. They're weak to electricity like most machina, so that ring that let Yuna cast Thunder came in quite handy.

https://i.imgur.com/0H7Tpgo.jpg

Logos & Ormi: "Sorry, boss."

You have to run through some interior areas too. It's easy to get lost in here, but there's more than enough time to make it through.

https://i.imgur.com/kGpabm0.jpg

Well, this is awkward. Guess we don't have to worry about that timer anymore.

https://i.imgur.com/9vlYxKV.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/9xUgArU.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/KdniLWG.jpg

But we do have to worry about this giant enemy crab.

https://i.imgur.com/JnFFqyO.jpg

It's a pretty standard first boss, with no real tricks.

https://i.imgur.com/02FusDm.jpg

The Gullwings brought it down in no time.

https://i.imgur.com/Y46cN91.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/usp52Dh.jpg

Oh yes, those grapes are very sour.

https://i.imgur.com/wqYAzSJ.jpg

Time to head back.

https://i.imgur.com/g1gZ1OZ.jpg

Buddy: "Brother? He's not with you?"

https://i.imgur.com/1TvA2Yt.jpg

Getting back on board reveals what's going on.

https://i.imgur.com/VHGvvmf.jpg

What an idiot. Thankfully, he's not actually hurt.

https://i.imgur.com/BT8gU0c.jpg

Shinra gets to work. After a few moments, it's ready for viewing.

https://i.imgur.com/O06To64.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/D1lwpPa.jpg

Not exactly a great show. Yep, it's junk. However, they can use it as a dressphere.

https://i.imgur.com/of5MaCA.jpg

Aw yeah. The best job, and quite fashionable too. Expect me to be using this one a lot.

https://i.imgur.com/styB6k4.jpg

Buddy's pinpointed two more sphere locations: One on Besaid Island, the other at the Zanarkand Ruins. The Gullwings' next missions are ready, but we'll get to that next time.

3

Re: Mezzo Plays Final Fantasy X-2

Buddy's found sphere signals from both Besaid Island and the Zanarkand Ruins.

https://i.imgur.com/ht8HeoG.jpg

These are the two places that are required to visit, but we also have the option to go to basically anywhere else in Spira. I decided to head to Besaid for now, since Buddy warned about high fiend activity in Zanarkand. I'll try to visit as many places as I can, but I make no promises of this being a 100% complete run.

https://i.imgur.com/W7xVame.jpg

"This must be how a runaway feels after finally coming home. This is the first time I've returned to Besaid since my journey began."

Yuna's a little nervous coming back here, since she just left without a word.

https://i.imgur.com/dQMBWkj.jpg

Wakka's glad to see her, though.

https://i.imgur.com/dAG9nrZ.jpg

He notes that she seems pretty different, while Rikku notes that he hasn't changed a bit.

https://i.imgur.com/OBVRT8B.jpg

He and Lulu are officially a couple now, and Lulu is pregnant with their child. He's a bit nervous about the prospect of being a parent. Rikku asks if he shouldn't just do what his parents did.

https://i.imgur.com/vkchBg5.jpg

Well, guess that's not an option then. He also recommends they say hi to Lulu.

https://i.imgur.com/xOmrQRb.jpg

Her character model is exactly the same as in X-1, but if there's any dress you could ever hide a pregnancy beneath, it's Lulu's.

https://i.imgur.com/umKNIgo.jpg

They take a walk out to the ridge above the village.

https://i.imgur.com/vLBxhQ0.jpg

And Yuna explains her reason for leaving.

https://i.imgur.com/nz8Povq.jpg

She still hasn't found out anything else about him, though.

https://i.imgur.com/HkqTVOD.jpg

It is. Yuna's been enjoying herself a lot. Lulu reminds Yuna to never forget who she is.

https://i.imgur.com/tygtvHz.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/5gor2ll.jpg

Lulu feels a kick from her baby, exciting everyone. Then they head back to the village.

https://i.imgur.com/tr2Es9u.jpg

Yuna agrees, and sleeps over at Wakka's place.

https://i.imgur.com/WHl2AQm.jpg

The next morning, Wakka is nowhere to be found. Lulu said he ran off saying something about a cave, but Yuna doesn't remember any caves on this island.

https://i.imgur.com/fwtIDJz.jpg

The Gullwings decide to investigate. The first step is asking the villagers if they know anything.

https://i.imgur.com/RtxUKdR.jpg

That's kind of expensive, don't you think...?

https://i.imgur.com/mgigwFw.jpg

Here's an actual clue. The keys are called the Four Ciphers, and the Gullwings will have to find all four to unlock it.

https://i.imgur.com/OGyC1Yd.jpg

We can get some more clues about what order they're to be used in.

https://i.imgur.com/kCNrM4I.jpg

The Crusaders left to join the Youth League, so now their lodge is occupied by the Besaid Aurochs, at least during the down time until next blitzball season.

https://i.imgur.com/ru0m8MW.jpg

That should be all the clues we need. Time to head out.

https://i.imgur.com/Z3vJVJ2.jpg

A few fiends pop up along the way, but they're no problem. One new thing added to this game from X-1 is the ability to area-cast any spell, dealing reduced damage but hitting all enemies. While this wasn't in X-1, it's been in some prior Final Fantasies. As Black Mage you start out with the basic Fire, Blizzard, Thunder, and Water, and can learn the next tier in any order. I set Yuna to learn Fira next, Rikku to learn Thundara, and Paine to learn Blizzara.

https://i.imgur.com/GWgYoPa.jpg

The old shrine holds one of the Four Ciphers. According to the clues we found, this should be the first one.

https://i.imgur.com/Nq5p7mv.jpg

This shattered pillar holds the fourth. Now the other two should be on the coast.

https://i.imgur.com/OTkcD2o.jpg

You still get a great view of the waterfalls as you pass by.

https://i.imgur.com/fY27VMr.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Zfw8Ibx.jpg

Down on the beach we find the second and third ciphers.

https://i.imgur.com/psOIkG8.jpg

Put them all together at this door and the way opens.

https://i.imgur.com/1LtDWPI.jpg

There he is. He says he was looking for a sphere, but now he's not sure if he wants to find it.

https://i.imgur.com/Xuovqo3.jpg

He won't give any more details. The Gullwings decide to search for it anyway.

https://i.imgur.com/pHytTMy.jpg

It doesn't take long to find, but as Paine says, "Find a sphere and the fiends appear."

https://i.imgur.com/nd645CT.jpg

Yeowch! That fire breath is nasty. I had to have everyone use a potion to patch up after that.

https://i.imgur.com/AR58B3n.jpg

Its claw attacks are no slouch either. I had Yuna blind it with Darkness Dance, then the other two attack by repeatedly casting Blizzard. A few rounds of that, and it was dust.

https://i.imgur.com/gEo17ct.jpg

Ooh, a good find. White Mage has the classic white robes with red trim, and means we don't have to rely solely on items for healing. It can also be used outside of battle to patch people up. Like with black magic, you can also area-cast Cure spells. Unfortunately, Yuna doesn't keep all the white magic she learned from the last game. There isn't enough room on the Garment Grid for it, so I took Thief off for now.

https://i.imgur.com/ugVwOoh.jpg

The Gullwings return to Wakka and show him the sphere.

https://i.imgur.com/8PQhAnE.jpg

It's just a view of the waterfalls on Besaid from several different angles. Nothing too special, and not the one Wakka was looking for. So what was he looking for?

https://i.imgur.com/pmhF4LQ.jpg

He explains on the way back. Chappu once said he found a sphere of their parents, but wouldn't tell where it was. Wakka had kind of forgotten until Yuna showed up again. They died shortly after Chappu was born, and neither really got a chance to meet them.

https://i.imgur.com/O8ecK7S.jpg

But thinking about it, he's not sure if he wants to know what his parents were really like.

https://i.imgur.com/fFhuNW1.jpg

He decides he's done searching for now.

https://i.imgur.com/Z5nUbBh.jpg

Mission complete.

https://i.imgur.com/yyidduK.jpg

We won a new Garment Grid for finishing that up.

https://i.imgur.com/Am4cxcP.jpg

Each party member can equip her own grid, giving them access to different dresspheres. I gave this one to Paine. It adds a defense bonus to her, plus passing through any of the symbols grants additional defense. Of course, I put Black Mage at the center because why wouldn't I?

With that finished, it's back to the Celsius to head to the Gullwings' next mission.

4

Re: Mezzo Plays Final Fantasy X-2

The sphere in Besaid is secured, so the next stop is the Zanarkand Ruins. Buddy suspects that this sphere might be 1,000 years old, given the location.

https://i.imgur.com/Z2DWwkJ.jpg

"I wanted to keep that feeling, this place within me forever. Now look at it."

https://i.imgur.com/rF19JgO.jpg

A tourist attraction? Well, this is one of the most significant historical sites in Spira.

https://i.imgur.com/IcP8YK2.jpg

Yuna spies a familiar face among those gathered here. He now works as a tour guide. People from all over come to visit, including sphere hunters.

https://i.imgur.com/XZPSaUP.jpg

Be that as it may, Yuna's still not happy about what happened to this place.

https://i.imgur.com/iFiE5Vt.jpg

On the way to the ruined dome, Yuna runs into some kids discussing a clue they found. Apparently the clue is 'key'.

https://i.imgur.com/Eevfs4W.jpg

Inside there are some fiends, but also some more of Leblanc's goons. Seems the Syndicate is after something in here. More Recoils show up too.

https://i.imgur.com/FuMVh5f.jpg

A bit further in and the kids properly introduce themselves. Pacce is Isaaru's younger brother, and served as one of his guardians when he became a summoner.

https://i.imgur.com/ch8saj8.jpg

Now they're forming their own sphere hunter crew, or trying to at least. Cute.

https://i.imgur.com/cQvRgxK.jpg

They apparently paid fifteen whole gil for that clue.

https://i.imgur.com/DdSEAzJ.jpg

Further up, the Gullwings find a goon discussing another clue. If 'key' and 'mon' are pieces of the puzzle, then... put them together and you get 'monkey'.

https://i.imgur.com/p4DkEZq.jpg

In the hallway approach to the Cloister of Trials, we find more tourists. Someone set up a chest minigame here, but it's so popular it's already sold out.

https://i.imgur.com/CeCjwWF.jpg

And in the Chamber of the Fayth we spot another friendly face.

https://i.imgur.com/41TRZzw.jpg

Seems he's the one responsible for turning Zanarkand into a tourist attraction. Yuna voices her displeasure.

https://i.imgur.com/hsh3Vcc.jpg

As does Rikku. Cid says they have a point.

https://i.imgur.com/hQPjFeA.jpg

Scattered around the Chamber of the Fayth and the next room are a bunch of cute little monkeys. They're fun to play with, but some of them will snatch gil from you.

https://i.imgur.com/fLrAlRc.jpg

Me too, buddy. Me too.

https://i.imgur.com/zWSt7iL.jpg

"Our false hope."

https://i.imgur.com/ZPGOpb6.jpg

The mysterious voice says that if they seek the treasure, they must speak the password.

https://i.imgur.com/mJvG5lk.jpg

Pretty easy.

https://i.imgur.com/TNQh0LJ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/C5eyCBU.jpg

Yeah, it totally is.

https://i.imgur.com/KfS6ok3.jpg

The act is part of his job as a tour guide. He brings excitement to those who visit this place.

https://i.imgur.com/RX3O0Sm.jpg

Now, by working there, he feels he has fulfilled that wish. Sort of.

https://i.imgur.com/kcPyVJG.jpg

He gives the Gullwings a new Garment Grid for their trouble.

https://i.imgur.com/kOMGsWf.jpg

They certainly do.

https://i.imgur.com/1d9CjY0.jpg

This grid doesn't look that great, but it does give healing capability regardless of job. I put it on Yuna for now.

https://i.imgur.com/VG2XLBG.jpg

In the tunnel past Yunalesca's room there are some more fiends. Hoo boy, I sure did not want to run into you again.

https://i.imgur.com/W5PmkIw.jpg

I eventually brought it down, but not without great effort. I decided to run from any more that I found.

https://i.imgur.com/wyZbEPe.jpg

There it is.

https://i.imgur.com/OuZ97Sr.jpg

Rikku: "Think we need a password?"

Paine: "How about 'kick...its...ass.'"

The Sanctuary Keeper returns. It can't cast any more white magic spells, but still has the photon wings and can curse you. Since there's no Overdrives in this game, curse does something different now: it prevents you from switching dresspheres.

https://i.imgur.com/hVkcOuM.jpg

Exhausted as I was from the behemoth fight, I unfortunately fell to its claws. Thankfully, the HD version of this game added an autosave feature.

https://i.imgur.com/EfAlHTJ.jpg

Next round, I ran straight to the boss without wasting time on any behemoths. Darkness Dance came in handy again, as the blind effect pretty much nullified its claw swipes. Paine learned Bizzara too, helping to deal additional damage to it.

https://i.imgur.com/SlPVUcv.jpg

Nice knowing you.

https://i.imgur.com/5msmgrs.jpg

The sphere can now be claimed, but... it's only half a sphere. That's not really good for anything. The Gullwings take it with them anyway.

https://i.imgur.com/Jmtrrhx.jpg

Back on the bridge, we're already getting a new signal.

https://i.imgur.com/AP0pnOI.jpg

The location seems to be Kilika Woods.

https://i.imgur.com/8aLxRQL.jpg

We're heading straight to Kilika Island, with no chance to stop anywhere else.

https://i.imgur.com/WsAznzo.jpg

"The Youth League helped rebuild it. Now it's a bustling town. At the time, everyone was grateful. But lately, well, there have been signs of trouble. It seems that tension is building between the Youth League and New Yevon."

https://i.imgur.com/r13qrW9.jpg

Here's a good stopping point. We'll get into the hunt for the awesome sphere next time.

5

Re: Mezzo Plays Final Fantasy X-2

As Yuna walks down the docks of Kilika Port, she runs into some strange characters.

https://i.imgur.com/ESvfUQQ.jpg

These guys were originally the musicians for Maester Mika's parade. They've since gone freelance.

https://i.imgur.com/otTvU3a.jpg

I'm not sure if they're actually furries or if they just have really good costume design. The Gullwings ask Tolbi about the show, and if it's to be held here.

https://i.imgur.com/T7wZou2.jpg

I guess we'll be visiting the Moonflow later on, then.

https://i.imgur.com/JlytMp1.jpg

Back to the hunt.

https://i.imgur.com/toxqLHR.jpg

A pair of Youth League scouts guard the gate to Kilika Woods. Apparently their leader is going to make a speech soon.

https://i.imgur.com/pYjJKz7.jpg

A big crowd stands outside the gate, and another familiar face can be spotted in it.

https://i.imgur.com/Rk1Ux0G.jpg

No, they're mainly Youth Leaguers here for their leader.

https://i.imgur.com/aYxlOcj.jpg

And here he is: Meyvn Nooj, leader of the Youth League and one of what I generally think of as 'the hot guys'. It's hard to tell from this camera angle, but he has a prosthetic arm and leg.

https://i.imgur.com/vKKQld7.jpg

"We are here today to demand that New Yevon make the contents of that sphere public. Yet, as always, the voice seeking truth goes ignored. My friends, I ask you: why?"

https://i.imgur.com/Ydbdvvx.jpg

"I tell you now, this has gone on long enough! My friends, stand with me, and together we will bring the truth back to the people."

The Youth League heads into the forest.

Well now what? If New Yevon and the Youth League are fighting over the awesome sphere, is there no hope for the Gullwings to grab it?

https://i.imgur.com/Pukgkjx.jpg

Yuna's not giving it up.

https://i.imgur.com/uW1fOLN.jpg

Mission time. Into the woods we go.

https://i.imgur.com/hleYq3e.jpg

Many of the crossroads in the forest are blocked by protestors, or New Yevon soldiers. Thankfully, there are a lot of narrow paths through the woods, and not all of them are watched.

https://i.imgur.com/il8BA3C.jpg

A wild chocobo appears! It's possible to capture them with the right tech, but this one ran away before I could do anything.

https://i.imgur.com/OtIzfgX.jpg

We also run into one of these things, which lurked inside Sin in X-1. It's not really pleasant to see them again. Like with the behemoth in Zanarkand, after I brought one down I just ran from the rest.

https://i.imgur.com/Xqyf2xu.jpg

The Gullwings spy on the guards near the steps to Kilika Temple.

https://i.imgur.com/d7jvxRi.jpg

If the number of guards at the checkpoint is odd, the password is "Carved Monkey." If it's even, it's "Craven Monkey." That's a really bizarre security system.

https://i.imgur.com/ncP0TL2.jpg

Now that we know the password, we can head up the steps.

https://i.imgur.com/pfrJCBG.jpg

We have to give it again to more guards on the stairs, taking care to note the number of guards present. The camera likes to play tricks on you here. Get all the passwords right, and they allow you to pass and give some bonus items.

https://i.imgur.com/yIuYmlb.jpg

These include a new Garment Grid with a water-based affinity. The Water Eater trait makes water damage heal the user, and she can learn more powerful water spells by activating the emblems. I equipped it on Yuna.

https://i.imgur.com/quzORXD.jpg

Dona and the New Yevon leaders are having some kind of negotiation here, but it isn't going well.

https://i.imgur.com/OJlNhjP.jpg

The priest claims not to know what she's talking about.

https://i.imgur.com/8pHthGD.jpg

Welp, there goes that lie.

https://i.imgur.com/82YGgjb.jpg

The priest brings in some heavy weapons.

https://i.imgur.com/btCCqUx.jpg

This punch bot is named YSLS-Zero, and much like the X-1 version, all it does is punch. It hits really hard, and its Haymaker is now a two-hit attack. However, it's still hampered by its ability to only attack one enemy at a time.

https://i.imgur.com/cIie1QY.jpg

I eventually junked it. The grid that gave Yuna the ability to cast Waterga came in very handy, but I did end up burning through a lot of Phoenix Downs.

https://i.imgur.com/G1mcU7N.jpg

The Gullwings strike a pose to celebrate their victory.

https://i.imgur.com/hNo12Df.jpg

Yuna: "Gullwings, let's go! Sorry, Dona, the sphere is ours."

https://i.imgur.com/UqoweMk.jpg

The Celsius arrives to pick them up. Paine snatches the sphere as she leaves.

https://i.imgur.com/dDmlEal.jpg

They just robbed both the Youth League and New Yevon, and got away with it too. This concludes the first chapter of Yuna's story.

6 (edited by Mezzopiano 2019-07-25 03:49:32)

Re: Mezzo Plays Final Fantasy X-2

The Gullwings are quite pleased about the stunt they pulled off.

https://i.imgur.com/7LP7lgA.jpg

Yuna wonders if they overdid it.

https://i.imgur.com/1zfBLaG.jpg

You sure that's what you want?

https://i.imgur.com/mH0olgp.jpg

Paine offers her counterpoint. Rikku seems fine with it, though, and she and Brother happily dance together.

https://i.imgur.com/XY1b3ky.jpg

And that makes everyone else nervous.

https://i.imgur.com/vV1XHwb.jpg

Anyway, let's check out the prize. Shinra's finished his analysis on it.

https://i.imgur.com/qeqW0kJ.jpg

Here's Tidus again, standing before a giant machina.

https://i.imgur.com/ddJqLHg.jpg

An alarm goes off, and he turns toward the camera.

https://i.imgur.com/EMynbns.jpg

It's kind of an unsettling sight.

https://i.imgur.com/sXAmvs0.jpg

"Is it you? Or does it just look like you? And who's this 'Lenne'?"

https://i.imgur.com/ewhfZBg.jpg

Brother decides he doesn't want to hang on to the thing.

https://i.imgur.com/eAHjI5T.jpg

That's what being a sphere hunter was originally about.

https://i.imgur.com/MrzRXEm.jpg

The Gullwings are pretty disappointed.

https://i.imgur.com/NvGOWM6.jpg

Shinra has an idea to help perk everyone up, though.

https://i.imgur.com/4wrcauw.jpg

Sounds like a plan. Yuna heads to the cabin to get ready.

https://i.imgur.com/t63ZZZB.jpg

Brother mentions he picked up a few hitchhikers as Yuna leaves.

https://i.imgur.com/ocBdb7v.jpg

The first order of business is to head to the engine room, since the chests here have been restocked.

https://i.imgur.com/iGYIZR8.jpg

In the hallway leading to the cabin we meet the guests. It's Tobli and his musician crew. Just what we needed for a musical performance.

https://i.imgur.com/gGBN3dl.jpg

You have to literally push them one by one onto the elevator, because this game is weird.

https://i.imgur.com/gGoLBTt.jpg

It's concert time.

https://i.imgur.com/bAiWzyC.jpg

Songstress Yuna sings her own theme song. Everyone seems to be having fun.

https://i.imgur.com/FnxLCpM.jpg

Yuna has a bit of an outburst afterward, shouting "Who the heck is Lenne!" She decides she needs some sleep after that.

https://i.imgur.com/MNNy6GD.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/XIzUkW6.jpg

Tidus and Yuna run together through a hallway somewhere.

https://i.imgur.com/WMJ7V4x.jpg

Some soldiers pursue.

https://i.imgur.com/DiOaQxd.jpg

They come to a stop before the iron colossus.

https://i.imgur.com/kBezkXL.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/AxXykMk.jpg

And then, the soldiers open fire.

https://i.imgur.com/d2PgKln.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/MT30TDI.jpg

Yuna wakes up with a start.

https://i.imgur.com/tiQJxWc.jpg

Rikku suggests maybe she shouldn't be sleeping in the Songstress dressphere.

https://i.imgur.com/NL7MOiT.jpg

Back on the bridge, there's something that needs to be decided before they can return the sphere.

https://i.imgur.com/PC9QEH6.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/NQqk1Gy.jpg

Which group do they return it to? Yuna has to decide.

https://i.imgur.com/rRpzef1.jpg

We can drop it off at either the Youth League HQ in Mushroom Rock Road, or New Yevon HQ in Bevelle. I went for the Youth League, because anything is better than Yevon.

https://i.imgur.com/KDwZ8ZS.jpg

Even the airship crew comes along, since they wanted all the Gullwings to return the sphere in person.

https://i.imgur.com/qOUMtaf.jpg

Nooj and the Youth Leaguers present give them a warm welcome.

https://i.imgur.com/SOZSFs1.jpg

It's a bit odd, but they're not complaining.

https://i.imgur.com/IQqBo8d.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Adrkx5y.jpg

Rikku interrupts him, saying they're the Gullwings.

"I see. Sphere hunters. In that case, I gratefully accept the sphere you have brought. On behalf of the Youth League, I thank you."

https://i.imgur.com/4WlPdZY.jpg

The Youth League chants "Gullwings! Gullwings! Gullwings!"

https://i.imgur.com/zzeJ9N9.jpg

Nooj invites them into his tent for a private discussion, and asks if they viewed the sphere. Yuna answers that they did.

https://i.imgur.com/QvlBuYF.jpg

Well, that's rather blunt. There's no way Yuna could forget it, though.

https://i.imgur.com/bM0z4rV.jpg

He confirms that it is indeed a weapon, one with terrifying destructive power. He'll do whatever it takes to prevent Yevon from using it.

https://i.imgur.com/EPiFkmR.jpg

Unfortunately, he has no idea.

https://i.imgur.com/8QCSTBH.jpg

Uh oh. Better get back on board.

https://i.imgur.com/u51TXtA.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ObvgvBN.jpg

The half sphere from Zanarkand Ruins was snatched while they were away.

https://i.imgur.com/NuLkHgC.jpg

Gee, I wonder who this could be from.

https://i.imgur.com/xxYcaVg.jpg

Of course.

https://i.imgur.com/jvtMA1o.jpg

The Dullwings Gullwings won't stand for this, but it's not like they can just walk right into Chateau Leblanc and take it back.

https://i.imgur.com/AzECCEb.jpg

Yuna's got a good idea.

https://i.imgur.com/Ze0kcJt.jpg

It's pretty simple: Find some goons, beat them up, steal their clothes. The Gullwings have their next mission planned out.

7

Re: Mezzo Plays Final Fantasy X-2

It's off to start searching for Leblanc Syndicate uniforms.

https://i.imgur.com/44psMpM.jpg

Or it would be, if we knew where any were. Guess we'll just have to run across Spira until we find some goons.

https://i.imgur.com/84tF2va.jpg

Chateau Leblanc is in Guadosalam, but there's not much point going there without the disguises in hand. Instead, I decided to drop by the Moonflow to see Tobli's show.

https://i.imgur.com/XGiVJNp.jpg

Well, except it hasn't started yet.

https://i.imgur.com/09IAafG.jpg

Seems he needs to find more musicians first.

https://i.imgur.com/RKGWGVB.jpg

He's having trouble selling tickets too, and offers the Gullwings a chance to help out.

https://i.imgur.com/zJBsFk0.jpg

Plus a suitable reward for doing so.

https://i.imgur.com/qCag7OI.jpg

Once again, Yuna finds herself doing odd jobs for Tobli.

https://i.imgur.com/SCWGCLK.jpg

You have to be careful when selecting a price to sell at. If it's too high, they won't buy. If it's too low, you don't get any profits. I managed to sell to 7 of the 10 potential customers, and Tobli was satisfied.

https://i.imgur.com/mmKAGPD.jpg

This makes it worth the trouble. Gun Mage is this game's variant of the classical Blue Mage job. It can learn Blue Bullet abilities from enemies by having the ability used on a character while Gun Mage is her active dressphere. That makes these a lot harder to collect than the Ronso Rages of X-1. It also has access to Scan, plus can learn specialized shot types that deal quadruple damage to specific fiends.

https://i.imgur.com/NWM2diF.jpg

That's all we can do at the Moonflow for now, but Tobli's still searching for more performers, and his Hypello recruiter was sent to Macalania Woods. Let's check it out.

https://i.imgur.com/kLhDyzI.jpg

It appears the Gullwings are getting pretty famous now.

https://i.imgur.com/4vf190G.jpg

They decide to lend a hand.

https://i.imgur.com/xEVOAkf.jpg

Scan works much like it did in X-1, pausing the action to get a detailed view of the enemy. It includes HP, MP, weaknesses, immunities, and abilities the fiend can use.

https://i.imgur.com/6kDsrpx.jpg

At the pool where Jecht's sphere was originally found, the Gullwings spot one of the musicians.

https://i.imgur.com/kIEX6KY.jpg

He tries to contact his friends, but it doesn't work. We have to look for them the hard way.

https://i.imgur.com/Ovwi8wu.jpg

Much like all the rest of the stuff involving these musicians, that's weird.

https://i.imgur.com/6Lf9OuT.jpg

I took a wrong turn and ended up at Lake Macalania. The lake ice has caved in, so there's not much to see here. I did catch a few Al Bhed raiding the shop though.

https://i.imgur.com/EMVzm3E.jpg

And hey, it's another familiar face. He runs off as soon as he can, and the Gullwings give chase.

https://i.imgur.com/0JSxdEG.jpg

Guess we have two missions to deal with now.

https://i.imgur.com/AfcJgFB.jpg

I picked up one of the musical crew while pursuing him.

https://i.imgur.com/z6APoKY.jpg

Another wrong turn brought me to Bevelle's Highbridge.

https://i.imgur.com/yQJG0bS.jpg

The New Yevonites really did not like that I gave that sphere to the Youth League, huh? I decided to leave them alone, since it doesn't seem O'aka went this way.

https://i.imgur.com/m6SV5oL.jpg

At the pool where Yuna and Tidus shared their underwater kiss, we can find the other musician.

https://i.imgur.com/lNglxrR.jpg

They're all brought together, and they agree to play for him. But wait, what? Doomed?

https://i.imgur.com/RJhBHO0.jpg

Oh. Now that the fayth are gone, the forest is gradually disappearing, and it seems they'll be gone with it.

https://i.imgur.com/lHt0nhQ.jpg

There's a pretty nice reward. It auto-casts Haste on the wearier when she's in critical HP.

https://i.imgur.com/NhX2hKr.jpg

The musicians leave, and another familiar face appears here.

https://i.imgur.com/XqY3aPP.jpg

After Seymour massacred the Ronso, they attacked Guadosalam in retaliation. The Guado were driven out, and the few that remain now live in these woods.

https://i.imgur.com/BvS2hyc.jpg

Now all they have is their lingering regrets. Tromell asks Yuna not to forgive, but to forget.

https://i.imgur.com/LK1fvB3.jpg

Yuna mentions that she's now a sphere hunter, and Tromell gives her a gift.

https://i.imgur.com/2HH9R3c.jpg

Now there's a nice find. Special dresspheres are character-specific, and can be activated once all nodes on a Garment Grid are used in one battle.

https://i.imgur.com/1uLibaK.jpg

Speaking of which, he gives us one of those too.

https://i.imgur.com/x9GNANJ.jpg

This is good for accessing special dresspheres quickly, but just about useless for anything else. Still, it might come in handy.

https://i.imgur.com/kBFVa6g.jpg

Let's try it out. Once all jobs on the grid have been activated, you can switch to the special dressphere by pressing RB on the Spherechange screen.

https://i.imgur.com/bS5tHVf.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ymidfVt.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/AGqpoLd.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/R2mCzYq.jpg

Wow, edgy.

https://i.imgur.com/7ofaQFK.jpg

Paine fights alone, aided by her two bladed wings. Paine and the wings each have different abilities they can learn, many of them extremely powerful. It's kind of a replacement for the summons from the last game. This dressphere also grants full immunity to all negative status.

https://i.imgur.com/Dwmpf4w.jpg

If the wearer of a special dressphere falls, the other two party members return and the fight continues as normal. She can be revived as normal, but can't use the dressphere again.

https://i.imgur.com/8K3wVSu.jpg

Aha, there you are.

https://i.imgur.com/H7muCEC.jpg

He explains the situation. When Lake Macalania collapsed, his profits did with it, and he found himself deeply in debt. Now he's on the run from the Al Bhed debt collectors. Yuna offers to stow him aboard the ship for now.

https://i.imgur.com/pmVfpAO.jpg

This grid is basically the same as Terror of the Deep, but for ice magic instead of water. I swapped Yuna's out for it, because it's just cooler.

Well, we didn't find any uniforms today, but the Gullwings still accomplished a lot. The search continues next time.

8

Re: Mezzo Plays Final Fantasy X-2

I decided to check out the Calm Lands next, since it's right by Macalania Woods anyway.

https://i.imgur.com/2Am78kP.jpg

Two rival companies are operating gambling-based games in the area: Open Air and Argent, Inc. The games are the same for each, but the prizes are different.

https://i.imgur.com/g3xaKOy.jpg

Apart from that, this place isn't that different.

https://i.imgur.com/Q8EwI6R.jpg

The games all involve captured fiends. For this event, you can place bets on which dog you think will win the race, and you receive Argent or Open Air credits for doing so. These can be used to buy items and other things.

https://i.imgur.com/iqu0eKb.jpg

The place still has a pretty high encounter rate, and considering how big it is, navigating is kind of a headache. The tiger-like Couerls can reduce your HP to 1 with their Blaster skill. It's learnable as a Blue Bullet, but requires a whole lot of MP and many enemies are immune.

https://i.imgur.com/5ZBQ0uh.jpg

The camp in the center makes for a nice rest stop, but um, that's creepy. I'm not sure I want to talk to you, man.

https://i.imgur.com/i58RKQG.jpg

Nearby we find a pair of Ronso kids, Lian and Ayde.

https://i.imgur.com/pGaMygF.jpg

Apparently Kimahri is troubled. That might be worth looking into.

https://i.imgur.com/iiCio4R.jpg

Over where the monster arena used to be, we get this highly ominous message. Apparently something may be happening here later.

https://i.imgur.com/k9z1ADO.jpg

The Cavern of the Stolen Fayth is also closed off. I guess there's not much else that can be done here, so I crossed the bridge to Mt. Gagazet.

https://i.imgur.com/hEYXxm7.jpg

Good to see you, big guy. The first thing he does is apologize to Yuna for not being able to find more spheres.

https://i.imgur.com/FPSzZ4V.jpg

Yuna says it's no worry.

https://i.imgur.com/UZyEOks.jpg

He does mention a place he hasn't checked. The Fayth Scar is where the cluster of fayth that summoned the dream were situated. Now, of course, they're just statues.

https://i.imgur.com/thW0QNc.jpg

He's concerned about sphere hunters there. Rikku thinks it might be Leblanc and her goons.

https://i.imgur.com/lPMNEHH.jpg

As the kids mentioned, he's now the Ronso tribe's elder, but he seems unsure of himself as a leader. Yuna reminds him that his decisions are his alone.

https://i.imgur.com/T26DHq1.jpg

Hey, that's convenient.

https://i.imgur.com/1z6jQhC.jpg

The Gullwings are a little intimidated by that cliff, but hey, look, there's a goon right there.

https://i.imgur.com/h7XYTuL.jpg

They immediately pursue her.

https://i.imgur.com/IhvPsvH.jpg

Oooh, a secret hot spring. The goons are slacking off by taking a bath here.

https://i.imgur.com/uZ3QmQj.jpg

That's mean.

https://i.imgur.com/CwyJEPg.jpg

Ormi shows up, and the Gullwings accuse him of being a peeping tom. He's insulted by this, since he has a reputation to keep up.

https://i.imgur.com/N7GBHls.jpg

This time it's a solo fight against him. He's still pretty wimpy, especially without Logos and Leblanc to back him up.

https://i.imgur.com/LH1ng83.jpg

He's outta here.

https://i.imgur.com/k1mxjRZ.jpg

Unfortunately, all the activity roused the goons, and they go and accuse the Gullwings of being peeping toms. Well.

https://i.imgur.com/XSLR2XY.jpg

They go down pretty easily.

https://i.imgur.com/3LkpD0o.jpg

One down, two to go.

For the next step, I stopped by Guadosalam to see if I could find any clues as to what the Syndicate was up to. Probably should have done that first.

https://i.imgur.com/n5RcGEz.jpg

No entry permitted, obviously.

https://i.imgur.com/Uy6F403.jpg

Aha, here's a lead. There's really only one sandy place in Spira, so it's off to Bikanel Island to check.

https://i.imgur.com/08IShhi.jpg

Well that's annoying. Good thing we have an airship at least.

https://i.imgur.com/CkiRjse.jpg

There's a big crowd outside the temple. A lot of people are signing up for the digging operation, and many take the time to stare at Yuna. It makes her a little uncomfortable.

https://i.imgur.com/I3CO25w.jpg

This is Gippal, leader of the Machine Faction and another of The Hot Guys. The Machine Faction is an Al Bhed salvage group that uses the term 'machine' to avoid the negative connotations of 'machina'.

https://i.imgur.com/5TO5iVI.jpg

Sounds very Leblanc-ish. We'll have to check that out.

https://i.imgur.com/N15SUJj.jpg

Yep, it's them. The Gullwings plan to kill two birds with one stone by both finding the sphere and snatching another uniform.

https://i.imgur.com/eQWcohg.jpg

Oh, now this is something special.

https://i.imgur.com/VvqOIdy.jpg

Come on. Didn't I already beat you once today?

https://i.imgur.com/Wxd6eqZ.jpg

He brought Logos with this time, but that won't save him, especially since I've got a new special dressphere to try out.

https://i.imgur.com/3buYb5t.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/tuIRO4k.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/XpKLUGz.jpg

Now that is some major flower power.

https://i.imgur.com/2u4TgcV.jpg

Yuna's moveset is more magic-oriented than Paine's, and the two pistils can provide both damage and support abilities. Ormi and Logos were scattered away like petals in the wind. The Gullwings snagged another uniform too.

https://i.imgur.com/DY5RxC3.jpg

Now we can go back to getting permission from Gippal to join the digging crew.

https://i.imgur.com/fMkIe7k.jpg

Well, that was fast.

https://i.imgur.com/O3D8F36.jpg

We head back to Bikanel, and the chief there has an assignment ready. Apparently there's been suspicious activity over by the oasis. Could it be the Syndicate again?

https://i.imgur.com/fJkz0eJ.jpg

This seems to be the same oasis that Tidus woke up at when he arrived in Bikanel.

https://i.imgur.com/CWsExdA.jpg

And the set is complete.

https://i.imgur.com/sp85bDH.jpg

Okay, what is that even supposed to mean? Yes, we're fighting again. No Ormi this time, but that's fine, since Logos is good enough target practice for Rikku's special dressphere.

https://i.imgur.com/U4C5QZ5.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/0FaWP6G.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/PKAy7Sd.jpg

All systems functional. Prepare to engage.

https://i.imgur.com/V9iWsxa.jpg

This mech comes with a number of different weapon systems including lasers, missiles, and good old stompy legs. The left and right arms can fire off support weapons and perform emergency repairs. Once again, Logos was crushed.

https://i.imgur.com/EM6P1oh.jpg

With all three uniforms gathered, the raid can begin. Look forward to that next time.

9 (edited by Mezzopiano 2019-07-31 12:25:37)

Re: Mezzo Plays Final Fantasy X-2

The Gullwings are outfitted in the Syndicate uniforms. It's time to take back what's theirs.

https://i.imgur.com/xmieT2T.jpg

Let's head to Guadosalam.

https://i.imgur.com/qJSk890.jpg

The goons at the door let them in without any trouble at all.

https://i.imgur.com/DTU8TXO.jpg

Wait, this used to be Seymour's manor. It even still has the picture of him on the wall.

https://i.imgur.com/vRTNqu2.jpg

And why is Nooj here?

https://i.imgur.com/s7lifU2.jpg

Well, that explains that.

https://i.imgur.com/yyVBcXZ.jpg

Seems Leblanc has a thing for Nooj. Well, it's not like I can blame her. He is one of The Hot Guys after all.

https://i.imgur.com/CSyXq4i.jpg

Logos and Ormi note the change in their boss's mood, and order Yuna to help her relieve some tension.

https://i.imgur.com/N1hZqi7.jpg

Her personal chambers are lavishly decorated, and there's a statue of Nooj here too. Leblanc asks Yuna to get to work.

https://i.imgur.com/2Gv8YOE.jpg

Well, this is awkward.

https://i.imgur.com/ntOxdTn.jpg

You have to go hunting around for that sweet spot, with the colors getting warmer as you approach. Once you find it, Leblanc lets out some rather sensual moans. If she's not satisfied by the end, she asks Yuna to do it again.

https://i.imgur.com/gD9wia8.jpg

After you do, she mumbles something about Nooj and then falls asleep.

https://i.imgur.com/touOtC7.jpg

Apparently so.

https://i.imgur.com/9aDw1Xm.jpg

Apparently she had something to tell everyone, but now it'll have to wait until she wakes up. Logos and Ormi tell Yuna to check and make sure the secret passage is working. Isn't that convenient.

https://i.imgur.com/IgrNv2D.jpg

Welp, it is. After Paine says "the boss", the other two point it out, and they realize they've been wearing the uniforms too long.

https://i.imgur.com/S230ZJw.jpg

Uh oh. Busted.

https://i.imgur.com/r2pVZYh.jpg

Yes, we're really fighting this guy again. However, this time he has a new trick.

https://i.imgur.com/0mbjBd4.jpg

Special attack: Huggles? It seems a bit weird, but okay. This is actually a highly dangerous move where he grabs a Gullwing and crushes her in his grip for a 3-hit high damage attack. It's still not enough to save him, though.

https://i.imgur.com/hFRkHA9.jpg

In a spare room we can find Leblanc's old perfume. It's actually a pretty nice accessory that restores HP and MP as you walk.

https://i.imgur.com/oeIG0Dq.jpg

In another room we find a sphere. It's definitely not the half sphere that was stolen.

https://i.imgur.com/X4Gwrvh.jpg

The voices on the recording are clearly Logos and Ormi, but where is this? What is the Crimson Squad? And why are they all dead?

https://i.imgur.com/njQ8qK7.jpg

Well, not all of them. Seems there were four survivors. How very mysterious.

https://i.imgur.com/I7VKkwc.jpg

You guys just don't give up, do you?

https://i.imgur.com/JmK5WO4.jpg

Logos has a new trick too. Russian Roulette fires a bullet that causes a random status effect. If you're really unlucky, you might end up getting an instant death shot to the face. Special dresspheres really help to mitigate the effect.

https://i.imgur.com/8uxPPr4.jpg

They were soon defeated yet again.

https://i.imgur.com/wHW0sLa.jpg

As they flee, they activate the traps.

https://i.imgur.com/FvmBGY6.jpg

Yikes! Watch your step, Yuna.

https://i.imgur.com/Jc2oraa.jpg

Duck into a nearby alcove and the wall passes by harmlessly.

https://i.imgur.com/9wJNxHo.jpg

And it reveals the hidden panel behind it. We have to deactivate the three security overrides before it can be accessed. Confusingly, one of them requires that you be chased by the wall in order to reach it.

https://i.imgur.com/zIDvbKW.jpg

This looks like a good place to hide a sphere.

https://i.imgur.com/yM9a73W.jpg

Oh, so that's why they stole the broken one.

https://i.imgur.com/kEVNrf3.jpg

And look who shows up.

https://i.imgur.com/kBQPaQQ.jpg

Yep, it's all three this time, and Leblanc has yet another new trick. She opens with Not-So-Mighty-Guard to cast Protect, Shell, Regen, and Haste on her whole side. Since the Gullwings don't have a dispelling move handy, this became real obnoxious.

https://i.imgur.com/1TMeX7k.jpg

And she now has a team attack. She starts by using her fan to throw the Gullwings into a tornado...

https://i.imgur.com/1jm5F9Q.jpg

Then Logos fires a hail of bullets into it...

https://i.imgur.com/QkBhMQP.jpg

Followed by Ormi crashing down for the finishing blow. Ouch.

https://i.imgur.com/IZYKWJ9.jpg

Still, nothing that a good use of a special dressphere can't handle.

https://i.imgur.com/jaTLQP2.jpg

She surrenders after being defeated.

https://i.imgur.com/intSQhn.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/2HOjMMn.jpg

It's more footage of Vegnagun.

https://i.imgur.com/mh296IV.jpg

That explains what Nooj was doing here, and why he said he now knew the colossus' location.

https://i.imgur.com/DBPiz7E.jpg

Nooj has gone to Bevelle to destroy it, and she's coming with.

https://i.imgur.com/cwYNsNX.jpg

And she thinks Yuna should help out.

"Sin is gone. The Calm is here. I thought our peaceful days would never end. The Eternal Calm. I really believed it would last forever...until now. I realized how fragile it can be."

She agrees, and the Gullwings let Leblanc's crew ride on their airship.

https://i.imgur.com/hVTwe5c.jpg

Next stop: Bevelle.

https://i.imgur.com/0rmbHiQ.jpg

She really is. She gasps in shock at the accusation.

https://i.imgur.com/UVMYlac.jpg

Some New Yevon soldiers are already at the Highbridge, and they're not happy to see them. Thankfully, they're pretty easy to deal with.

https://i.imgur.com/hzSFmsh.jpg

Time to get this raid started. The plan: Find the praetor of New Yevon, and make him lead them to Vegnagun.

https://i.imgur.com/Tc7J8pW.jpg

You can't leave or return to the airship from here, so Barkeep showed up to make sure you still have access to the Gullstore. That's awfully nice of him.

https://i.imgur.com/HtnCCZ4.jpg

Seems there's some chaos in the streets. No one knows what's going on.

https://i.imgur.com/FjDiG89.jpg

The praetor is missing? Well, I guess we'll just have to check the underground ourselves.

https://i.imgur.com/hoxHV5M.jpg

A secret passage uncovers a switch that moves the central lift downward.

https://i.imgur.com/w4bCpdh.jpg

Okay, wait just a second. You mean I could have walked on these things the whole time instead of bothering with the puzzle here from the last game? That's just not fair.

https://i.imgur.com/fNKuf4N.jpg

Why are there fiends here? That's even more mysterious.

https://i.imgur.com/wPUXH56.jpg

A few fiends are no match for the Gullwings.

https://i.imgur.com/lVN3k6E.jpg

Outside the chamber of the fayth, we get a welcome save point, plus Barkeep's shop again.

https://i.imgur.com/p1eDTkM.jpg

Where the fayth once stood is a tunnel leading downwards. The only thing to do is jump down and head inside.

https://i.imgur.com/Hh77C2l.jpg

Whoa. Who knew all this was hiding down here?

https://i.imgur.com/6zHRMur.jpg

An alarm goes off as Yuna's group enters. Leblanc: "I don't take orders!"

https://i.imgur.com/fojdVek.jpg

But she's kind of glad she's guarding the exit while the Gullwings proceed onward.

https://i.imgur.com/d1ahY74.jpg

Yuna grinds a chain down to the center platform.

https://i.imgur.com/k10lwuP.jpg

The security system here consists of six towers. The three with blue lights by their entrance need to be activated, and each will summon machina once we've done so.

https://i.imgur.com/qq4I9sy.jpg

As each lock is disengaged, another platform moves into place.

https://i.imgur.com/d2pO75v.jpg

For the final lock, we get to meet this boss again. Unlike the X-1 version, it doesn't attack with its arms, possibly because they're embedded into the force field floor. It mainly casts spells, including Bio, Demi, Drain, and Death.

https://i.imgur.com/y0Nik8o.jpg

A little annoying, but no big deal.

https://i.imgur.com/2IMO1mZ.jpg

Now we can head to the labyrinth below.

https://i.imgur.com/zYOVSOV.jpg

Rikku realizes there's something familiar about this room.

"There's a connection. Everything is connected."

https://i.imgur.com/kMIZWly.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Sn2AID8.jpg

We have to navigate a maze of narrow tunnels next. It can be pretty annoying.

https://i.imgur.com/aI4lKR1.jpg

But there's something at the end that makes it worth the trouble. Dark Knight has high HP, attack power, and access to forbidden dark magic. All Dark Knights start out with Darkness, which sacrifices some HP to damage all enemies. They can also learn plenty of arcane spells like Demi, Bio, and Drain.

https://i.imgur.com/Cv96So3.jpg

A short distance away, the girls meet Baralai, the praetor of New Yevon and the last of The Hot Guys.

https://i.imgur.com/Abb8paU.jpg

He knows it must not be touched, and is willing to risk everything to defend it from the likes of Nooj or anyone else.

https://i.imgur.com/1gTZQjF.jpg

As it so happens, that includes the Gullwings too. He can deal some heavy blows with his staff, and has Looming Glacier, an attack that inflicts Stop, halting that character's movement completely. He also has the Drill Shot technique, which deals minor ranged damage. Bizarrely, this can be learned as a Blue Bullet.

https://i.imgur.com/awKbegs.jpg

It's a tough fight, but eventually he goes down. If he manages to defeat you, he says "Sorry..." as the last Gullwing falls.

"With so many things woven together... what could be waiting where the threads meet?"

https://i.imgur.com/urVJ4My.jpg

Vegnagun's not here. It looks like someone else has already made off with it. The Gullwings take a closer look when...

https://i.imgur.com/6cblfs2.jpg

Oh no.

https://i.imgur.com/8JUKkzr.jpg

"Why is this happening? I wish you were here with me."

https://i.imgur.com/OZt6ciz.jpg

Yuna attempts to speak to him, but it's no use.

https://i.imgur.com/OSk1AMC.jpg

Paine: "Fight! You have to!"

The music for this battle is Yuna's Ballad, a sad piano version of Yuna's theme.

https://i.imgur.com/jxLYS7C.jpg

Yuna had hoped never to fight a dear friend again, but there's nothing that can be done for him. He still has Impulse to blast the whole field, much like he did in X-1. Eventually, he'll start counting down from 5. And when it hits 1, you can guess what happens...

https://i.imgur.com/hxyyA8m.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/B5P9oJy.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/3mlfKY4.jpg

Yep. They get blasted by a Mega Flare.

https://i.imgur.com/n3yPGw3.jpg

Full Throttle was able to tank Bahamut's hits quite well as it slowly ground down his massive HP.

https://i.imgur.com/xm63i6q.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/4B1RQ4q.jpg

There really was no other choice.

https://i.imgur.com/pVP2wqM.jpg

Seems whoever stole Vegnagun used it to blast away the wall and escape.

https://i.imgur.com/yHlWxoV.jpg

Leblanc makes sure to record everything.

"This isn't how it was supposed to be. The Eternal Calm... I can feel it crumbling, falling away from beneath our feet."

https://i.imgur.com/VBva4Hb.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/1OUAdzf.jpg

Thus ends the second chapter of Yuna's story.

10

Re: Mezzo Plays Final Fantasy X-2

Chapter 2 ended with a distress call from Brother. The Gullwings return to the airship to see what's going on.

https://i.imgur.com/1FAS58R.jpg

Reports are coming in from all over Spira.

https://i.imgur.com/fQQi85I.jpg

Which ones?

https://i.imgur.com/mojdUiV.jpg

Could the other aeons be returning? Should the Gullwings come to the rescue? Yuna isn't sure.

https://i.imgur.com/7cRfTWQ.jpg

Buddy brings up a good point.

https://i.imgur.com/Jnr4tnC.jpg

Rikku comes up with an idea. Help eliminate the fiends, and receive gil in return. They'll have to put sphere hunting on hold for now.

https://i.imgur.com/a9nyOEW.jpg

We've got three distress calls to respond to: One in Besaid, one in Kilika, and one at the Youth League HQ. Djose Temple is having fiend trouble, but they don't want the Gullwings' help. The Cavern of the Stolen Fayth is also beset with fiends. The temple in the Zanarkand Ruins isn't, since there wasn't a fayth there. Buddy mentions that Nooj and Baralai have gone missing as well.

https://i.imgur.com/LxF71hW.jpg

What's this, though? An opportunity for a new dressphere? That's worth looking into. The temples can wait.

https://i.imgur.com/pn0hISZ.jpg

A new game is popping up in Luca, and Rin is holding a tournament.

https://i.imgur.com/mmIPwoc.jpg

We need to challenge 3 people to Sphere Break and win.

https://i.imgur.com/aZ6ABP2.jpg

Sphere Break is a numbers game. The goal is to select coins that add up to a multiple of the number on the center sphere. The four central coins are always the same, while the border coins disappear once used, and increment by one each turn.

https://i.imgur.com/ORReVlF.jpg

The goal is to match each challenger's quota by capturing enough edge coins. You can also pick up bonuses for repeating the same number of coins multiple turns in a row. The turns have a short time limit, so you need to think fast and have good multiplication skills.

https://i.imgur.com/SQJbtB5.jpg

I'm pretty good at this, and went 3-0 easily. Now it's on to the finals.

https://i.imgur.com/M8KlouO.jpg

The final opponent is... Shinra? Figures that he'd be pretty good at a math game.

https://i.imgur.com/T7F3usH.jpg

For his match, I have to meet a quota of 50 in 15 turns. That's no easy task.

https://i.imgur.com/LJMxxa1.jpg

Dammit. I was close at least.

https://i.imgur.com/8DAGHZJ.jpg

"...Shinra of the Gullwings!"

Well, I suppose the Gullwings get that dressphere anyway, huh?

https://i.imgur.com/WEYbNPZ.jpg

Fine then. Be that way. Thankfully we'll get a chance to win it back from him later on.

https://i.imgur.com/1d8AnE3.jpg

Let's go do a real mission.

https://i.imgur.com/2AAMpWU.jpg

You should probably get your eyes checked.

https://i.imgur.com/MHk1Wjs.jpg

The Youth League has the gate to Kilika Woods locked down, and aren't accepting any refugees from the temple. That's rude.

https://i.imgur.com/jRJrkTS.jpg

The Gullwings ask Dona for some help. She doesn't really want anything to do with the situation, and is fine with it keeping her away from 'that sulky face'.

https://i.imgur.com/hQV46hP.jpg

Yep. He's a member of New Yevon, so he's inside the temple. Dona, as previously shown, is a Youth League member, so the two aren't exactly on speaking terms.

https://i.imgur.com/E9OVnRM.jpg

After some persuasion, Dona agrees to help distract the guards.

https://i.imgur.com/0ugEb41.jpg

Here you have to time your dash for the door just right. Wait until it opens, and make sure the guard talking to Dona isn't looking in your direction.

https://i.imgur.com/KRQdswd.jpg

Inside the woods there are more blockades, and there doesn't appear to be a way past them.

https://i.imgur.com/oT0mI0a.jpg

Dona mentioned a path above the treetops, though. The Gullwings jump up to a nearby branch and walk over the barriers.

https://i.imgur.com/TpNc8lN.jpg

There's chaos at the steps to the temple. The New Yevonites are fleeing as fast as they can, and the torches appear to be burning blue.

https://i.imgur.com/aZyJREc.jpg

There were a few confrontations, but nothing too difficult to handle.

https://i.imgur.com/xIMPx69.jpg

At the temple entrance, the guards confirm that there are fiends coming from inside. The Gullwings get to work.

https://i.imgur.com/YBSHI1Q.jpg

There's more issues with blue fire, too.

https://i.imgur.com/Zw3gvYs.jpg

Inside the Cloister of Trials, we find Barthello being menaced by a fiend.

https://i.imgur.com/3MwuWs2.jpg

These things appeared inside Sin in X-1. Much like in that game, they always open by casting Haste on themselves, then will throw out more magic to attack with. It's a little rough, but not unbeatable.

https://i.imgur.com/a1CGNyB.jpg

Defeating the fiend extinguishes one of the blue fires. Barthello is all right, thankfully. He was still concerned about Dona, and wanted to make sure the fiends wouldn't get to her.

https://i.imgur.com/YKCnkkR.jpg

Even if they belong to separate groups, they still try to support each other.

https://i.imgur.com/KFLJ3ep.jpg

To progress through the temple, we need to kill more fiends to douse the blue flames. In the pit where the big wall of fire was, we find a new dressphere. Hey, looks like we are getting one today. Samurai has the girls doing their best Auron impressions. It comes with high attack power, and can learn Bushido skills to deal further damage.

https://i.imgur.com/pCm3tE1.jpg

Outside the chamber, we find the source. It is indeed an aeon.

https://i.imgur.com/pwVMRbr.jpg

The Aeon battle music has an air of genuine threat to it, in stark contrast to this game's standard battle music. The Gullwings also don't do any of their cheesy mid-battle quips.

https://i.imgur.com/OcjGeDV.jpg

Ifrit can use Meteor Strike to meteor smash your party, and can also cast Firaga on everyone at once. The grid that gave Yuna access to ice magic came in extremely helpful, as he's still weak to ice.

https://i.imgur.com/1JrOfvv.jpg

Oh, and we can't forget about this either.

https://i.imgur.com/U7MWRd9.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/cirp3cI.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/2Brg8B9.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/pdYvMDs.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/BWOUBAs.jpg

He's pretty frightening, but with some determination the Gullwings can withstand the heat and extinguish his flame.

https://i.imgur.com/h5NzEg1.jpg

Another dear friend of Yuna's, lost again? Who can say.

https://i.imgur.com/N00Yo5C.jpg

The chamber of the fayth now holds a hole similar to the one seen in the Bevelle underground.

https://i.imgur.com/4OJrMw7.jpg

Outside, the torches turn back to normal red flames.

https://i.imgur.com/7j7jbrx.jpg

One temple is safe at least.

11 (edited by Mezzopiano 2019-08-04 11:07:53)

Re: Mezzo Plays Final Fantasy X-2

Let's check around the airship a bit before heading off to the next mission.

https://i.imgur.com/mjJFFa3.jpg

There's O'aka hanging out in the cabin.

https://i.imgur.com/Pkj8MAz.jpg

You can help pay off his debt by buying items from him. His prices are a little cheaper than Barkeep's, and each payment you make reduces the amount owed.

https://i.imgur.com/ifRD8cj.jpg

Since it's a new chapter, the engine room got restocked too.

https://i.imgur.com/aVKGwMj.jpg

Time to check out that distress signal at Mushroom Rock Road.

https://i.imgur.com/wuozTbA.jpg

Then why the distress call? Whatever it was, it seems like the Machine Faction beat us to it.

https://i.imgur.com/uEQdiSG.jpg

They've got a blockade of machina barring entry. Seems like things are under control.

https://i.imgur.com/4aTtudU.jpg

Gippal also mentioned something. He does have a point...

https://i.imgur.com/wfbkUHf.jpg

Oh hey, it's Lucil of the former Chocobo Knights. Looks like she and her squad are part of the Youth League now. Of course, we already knew Nooj was missing, and the Gullwings don't know anything more than she does.

https://i.imgur.com/LQgthaZ.jpg

Shinra's been setting up commspheres wherever we go this chapter. What are they for? It's a mystery. Whatever it's for, apparently there's some interference blocking it here.

https://i.imgur.com/5wPwnZ0.jpg

We can't really do anything else at Mushroom Rock if they won't let us in, so let's go check over at Djose Temple. The Machine Faction has this place under control too.

https://i.imgur.com/9ohh7kg.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/cjUVc6r.jpg

Couple? As in, like, dating? Rikku's embarrassment at this statement seems to confirm it. The Gullwings ask if they need any help, and Gippal refuses.

https://i.imgur.com/OfKjdhX.jpg

It's just like he told the Youth League. They can't just rely on Yuna for everything. She already beat Sin.

Well, I guess there's nothing to do here either. I walked back to Mushroom Rock.

https://i.imgur.com/B9nTgQT.jpg

Where could he be? Maybe we could find him if this barricade wasn't here. Let's try looking in the other direction.

https://i.imgur.com/cQMmJOl.jpg

There's no Clasko, but something's going on at Mi'ihen Highroad. Apparently the machina are going haywire.

https://i.imgur.com/hXQJ9ox.jpg

Yuna decides it's a good time to help out.

https://i.imgur.com/l4tuEUJ.jpg

Knocking out machina is pretty easy. All you have to do is zap them with some lightning and they're done for.

https://i.imgur.com/gxlmUqx.jpg

Oh. That's new. This might be a bit more trouble than I thought.

https://i.imgur.com/uqWHAiW.jpg

The machina aren't that tough, but they have a lot of HP and can blind you. Yuna learned Demi as Dark Knight, which was a huge help for whittling them down. We picked up a lot of EXP too, which is good. I was a little concerned I might be underleveled. The Gullwings took down 7 squads, the Al Bhed 6.

https://i.imgur.com/ZlZKWJv.jpg

Here's our reward. Hm, not bad. It'll help pay off O'aka's debt if nothing else.

So why did the machina go haywire in the first place?

https://i.imgur.com/efgfzgc.jpg

Yeah, that is pretty creepy.

https://i.imgur.com/esd44r4.jpg

Paine: "People who want happy endings have to write their own."

https://i.imgur.com/TNdh3Eh.jpg

Next mission. There's trouble in the Calm Lands, at the Cavern of the Stolen Fayth.

https://i.imgur.com/MeAsLAI.jpg

That's what they were planning to do, at least, before the fiends showed up.

https://i.imgur.com/yBLMauc.jpg

Uh oh.

https://i.imgur.com/2oDfwtX.jpg

That's honestly pretty mean, Yuna. But then again, it's not like anyone can blame her.

https://i.imgur.com/1hIzfct.jpg

She still isn't one to turn down an offer to assist those in need, though.

https://i.imgur.com/FbrfYQO.jpg

There are 15 people trapped total, and they each have some sort of quirk as to what size crowd they'll follow with.

https://i.imgur.com/9XsLxl4.jpg

And of course, there are fiends too. The fiends here are actually really dangerous, and I had to flee several times. Thankfully if at least one Gullwing escapes it's a success.

https://i.imgur.com/qMpyL3J.jpg

We need to find as many people as we can and bring them back to the entrance.

https://i.imgur.com/Z190hfM.jpg

Some give out gifts for being rescued, mainly energy cores that can recharge the teleporters in the cavern.

https://i.imgur.com/nqkqwCc.jpg

Hey, it's that key that the shopkeep tried to oversell to us in chapter 1! I wonder what it's for...

https://i.imgur.com/gVX9h8e.jpg

By rescuing enough people we open the way to the chamber of the fayth, where we can meet the source. It's just as expected. Yuna shouts "Please tell me! Why is this happening?" but receives no response.

https://i.imgur.com/Ysb13fL.jpg

It's another aeon fight. Yojimbo's Daigoro and Wakizashi both deal pretty minor damage, while Kotetsu now drains MP and causes poison. It doesn't seem too bad, aside from his large amount of HP.

https://i.imgur.com/cuQ0ERn.jpg

I brought out Yuna's special dressphere for some powerful magic attacks.

https://i.imgur.com/bY0auEJ.jpg

Oh, right. He still has this too.

https://i.imgur.com/UZSKRb7.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/uQBFANt.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/thglSoU.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/4Eoyq1S.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/OLz1bRj.jpg

Rather than instant death, this move now brings the party to the edge of death, reducing HP and MP to 1. That's really dangerous, and any of his other attacks is viable to finish you off if you can't heal quick. Special dresspheres work well for this, as many of their abilities don't cost MP.

https://i.imgur.com/n5cYkzS.jpg

But just like before, if the main character gets KO'd it's done for. This is a really long fight, and I had to make use of all three special dresspheres to survive it.

https://i.imgur.com/ujSFfyl.jpg

Eventually he was felled.

https://i.imgur.com/iH5ji7P.jpg

Just like before, there's a hole where the fayth was. How mysterious.

https://i.imgur.com/TBwtUi4.jpg

Everyone is safe and sound.

https://i.imgur.com/v2rB1K1.jpg

Uh, almost. ...They'll probably be fine.

12

Re: Mezzo Plays Final Fantasy X-2

With the Cavern of the Stolen Fayth situation cleaned up, it's back off to look for more things to do.

https://i.imgur.com/4WTSm7U.jpg

That sounds like it's worth a visit.

https://i.imgur.com/w1hW8ma.jpg

Seems the show is a flop. That's a shame.

https://i.imgur.com/ylZQknJ.jpg

Well, there's always the next one.

https://i.imgur.com/WVlXFqY.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/KMFyUOQ.jpg

Yuna, are you sure you should be asking that?

Paine: "Yuna, run."

https://i.imgur.com/JKBYfhU.jpg

She's got the right idea. Let's get out of here.

https://i.imgur.com/sTC7JX2.jpg

There's still a distress call from Besaid to answer.

https://i.imgur.com/ynF8nVV.jpg

Actually, things seem to be going fine here. As Lulu explains, Wakka and the Youth League have the situation under control, and they're hunting down the last remaining fiends.

https://i.imgur.com/0VyZmox.jpg

Lulu thinks Yuna should help out, and she agrees.

https://i.imgur.com/Dr8FMmx.jpg

Outside, we find Shinra setting up another commsphere. He explains what they're used for: They can relay video back to the airship.

https://i.imgur.com/3dc4MZy.jpg

Seems to be working. Brother is quite pleased to see his crush, who is also his cousin.

https://i.imgur.com/ASI8Wq4.jpg

Nearby, we find Wakka talking with a Youth League official.

https://i.imgur.com/dBiRc20.jpg

That's a little extreme, don't you think?

https://i.imgur.com/5iWcyei.jpg

They both head inside the temple, and Yuna follows.

https://i.imgur.com/uMZUHOH.jpg

"Praying to them never did anyone any good."

https://i.imgur.com/2KTrLpu.jpg

He claims to just be concerned about the safety of the village. Yuna heads inside.

https://i.imgur.com/BQIXqU8.jpg

This was the simplest Cloister of Trials in X-1, and it's still super easy to navigate. The fiends in here aren't much of an issue either.

https://i.imgur.com/lGTShZE.jpg

There's Wakka. He looks hurt, but he'll be okay.

https://i.imgur.com/ILnrSTg.jpg

That's rather questionable, Paine. Wakka and the other Gullwings aren't going to go along with it. Not yet, at least.

https://i.imgur.com/ty4jPGb.jpg

Wakka has a better idea. If this is anything like the other temples, there should be an aeon near the chamber.

https://i.imgur.com/5VMFmla.jpg

The Gullwings head down there.

https://i.imgur.com/BQVJuvG.jpg

Yep.

https://i.imgur.com/02Jdhhc.jpg

The Gullwings warn Wakka to keep his distance as they deal with the threat.

https://i.imgur.com/DJhCVxa.jpg

Valefor was the weakest aeon in X-1, and she more or less reprises that role here. Sonic Wings now drains MP rather than dealing damage.

https://i.imgur.com/TVci00t.jpg

That said, she's not completely harmless.

https://i.imgur.com/apHyJWN.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/awR6PPg.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/5Uj4mmi.jpg

Compared to the other aeons we've fought, she isn't nearly as tough to deal with.

https://i.imgur.com/mm48Qr3.jpg

I beat her before she even had a chance to use Energy Blast.

https://i.imgur.com/E87XZEh.jpg

"I grew up here in Besaid. This is my home. I became a summoner here."

"This is where I first met you."

https://i.imgur.com/R2GmQ10.jpg

With the threat taken care of, Yuna and her crew return to the entrance.

https://i.imgur.com/3SyNDCI.jpg

Beclem gives them a lecture, reminding Wakka that he's due to be a father soon.

https://i.imgur.com/oy11CHi.jpg

A bit harsh, but he does have a point.

https://i.imgur.com/rCPq5HR.jpg

Still, they won't be burning any temples down today.

https://i.imgur.com/2lR9kMO.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/UYH4G8d.jpg

Mission complete.

https://i.imgur.com/7dZHTZO.jpg

Why, indeed. They weren't coming out of the temples, but the chambers of the fayth. Each had a hole where the fayth once was. And there was a similar hole in the room Vegnagun was stored in.

https://i.imgur.com/O5nqn4F.jpg

All this is connected, somehow.

https://i.imgur.com/wJAvmq8.jpg

Looks like Gippal couldn't handle the issue on his own after all. Brother wants to just leave him to his own fate.

https://i.imgur.com/dIuEYKJ.jpg

But Yuna isn't backing down.

https://i.imgur.com/bfies28.jpg

Danny recommended I go to Bevelle before heading to Djose. Let's check out what's going on over there first.

https://i.imgur.com/gcfjnFz.jpg

Wait, Gippal's here? Is that why Djose sent out the distress signal?

https://i.imgur.com/dqQfDaD.jpg

The Gullwings follow him into the temple, and find him walking to the chamber of the fayth. What's going on?

https://i.imgur.com/gU0cQvp.jpg

He eventually returns to the room Vegnagun was stored in. The Gullwings spy on him from a safe distance.

https://i.imgur.com/tSOfLH9.jpg

The other hot guys are here too?

https://i.imgur.com/tR0At14.jpg

How mysterious.

https://i.imgur.com/aQsFO3y.jpg

Baralai explains that Vegnagun has the ability to sense hostile intent.

https://i.imgur.com/KfcSCX4.jpg

When Nooj came, it apparently activated on its own and destroyed the wall to escape.

https://i.imgur.com/j52rZgK.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/rU1YM9l.jpg

"You probably think that's impossible. You've always been too naive to see. I wouldn't expect you to understand."

https://i.imgur.com/9604jqg.jpg

"I believed in you once."

https://i.imgur.com/s4PqNch.jpg

That escalated quickly.

https://i.imgur.com/ta1en8M.jpg

Paine? As in, the very same Paine traveling with us?

https://i.imgur.com/zHVoZ1J.jpg

Pyreflies begin emitting from Nooj's body, and his voice sounds strange, as if two people are talking at once.

"He was too weak to resist me. I don't expect you to present any more of a challenge. Not now."

https://i.imgur.com/Pn5poM2.jpg

The pyreflies flow outward from Nooj and into Baralai.

https://i.imgur.com/3WjQ7Ja.jpg

Now he's the one that speaks with two voices.

"Two years ago, it was the same with you, Nooj. Seeking your own death. Now you can have it."

https://i.imgur.com/MPiictG.jpg

Nooj tells Paine to leave, and a fiend suddenly appears from the wall.

https://i.imgur.com/moew8cg.jpg

Oh no, it's one of these things. Bad Breath is still a massive pain, but there's the small consolation of it being able to be learned as a Blue Bullet.

https://i.imgur.com/T8ijIfc.jpg

Looks like the hot guys ran off while they were fighting.

https://i.imgur.com/jQCzpkq.jpg

Paine confirms that she used to be in a squad with them, and that Nooj did end up shooting her in the back. But it seems like she doesn't want to say anything else.

https://i.imgur.com/QCHkEIY.jpg

Yuna and Rikku aren't that pleased, but it's not like there's anything they can do.

https://i.imgur.com/bv5BPc6.jpg

We also find this sphere. It looks like those four survivors Ormi and Logos talked about on their sphere were the hot guys and Paine. The whole thing raises still more questions.

13

Re: Mezzo Plays Final Fantasy X-2

It's time to answer that distress call from Djose Temple.

https://i.imgur.com/51RNCBn.jpg

I'm expecting an Ixion fight, so I re-equipped the water grid to Yuna. I also gave Rikku the ring that reduces lightning damage.

https://i.imgur.com/v0yr8Nb.jpg

Before heading off, we can check with Shinra to view that sphere we found.

https://i.imgur.com/LuV695C.jpg

The hot guys are doing some sort of training exercise in the desert.

https://i.imgur.com/p8wh3ia.jpg

And introducing themselves to each other.

https://i.imgur.com/xsUUTWQ.jpg

Over at Djose, it seems Gippal hasn't returned. The Gullwings figure he must still be with Nooj and Baralai.

https://i.imgur.com/4kS0xy8.jpg

Time to lend a hand.

https://i.imgur.com/G7w3gx0.jpg

The whole temple is shuddering, and electricity seems to be crackling through the walls.

https://i.imgur.com/c1CfA8m.jpg

These larva things appeared in the Thunder Plains in X-1. All they do is cast Thundara on the party, which gets annoying fast. Weirdly, in this game they're weak to fire rather than water.

https://i.imgur.com/sauIDO3.jpg

The way to the chamber is blocked by an electric field. One of the altars in the back should be able to depower it, but the Al Bhed guarding doesn't know which one.

https://i.imgur.com/UoOqFoF.jpg

If you pick the wrong one, you fight a group of fiends. Just my luck that I ended up having to try all 5 before I found one that worked.

https://i.imgur.com/NVKI1nf.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/P24HZCt.jpg

I feel like you guys should be used to this by now.

https://i.imgur.com/jNbXa4Q.jpg

Oh, that's new.

https://i.imgur.com/c4KkVVx.jpg

Ixion's Aerospark deals pretty high damage, and he can also cast Thundara on the party, or on himself to recharge energy.

https://i.imgur.com/h8YxJrD.jpg

And of course, this being an aeon fight means we have to suffer another Overdrive.

https://i.imgur.com/umlFlg1.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/9sdvmGb.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/yqEgNFc.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ec4C0VI.jpg

Yikes. That's deadly.

https://i.imgur.com/wEJns9l.jpg

With Yuna's Waterga and support from the other two, they were able to short-circuit him.

https://i.imgur.com/MxVeBKy.jpg

Problem solved.

https://i.imgur.com/TSZAj2q.jpg

Paine recommends that Rikku check it out, but she says no way.

"The hole we found was so deep... It was as though all the secrets of the world might be hidden in its depths... But something told me to stay away. These secrets are not for me to know."

https://i.imgur.com/2gxrsxw.jpg

Uh oh.

https://i.imgur.com/Uu1dP9V.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/UwuIBXX.jpg

The explosion knocked Rikku and Paine to the sides, but Yuna fell right into the pit.

https://i.imgur.com/qYKLrgh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/mlsfS6M.jpg

Yuna falls through a white void, and a voice calls out to her. She says she can hear him.

https://i.imgur.com/9li35WD.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/7l788tL.jpg

Where's this? Looks like the Farplane.

https://i.imgur.com/qLxDLId.jpg

Yuna awakens.

https://i.imgur.com/kUsQzSU.jpg

A good question.

https://i.imgur.com/bvzgR4l.jpg

Tidus?

https://i.imgur.com/EfRT8ce.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/lorwlRD.jpg

Who's Shuyin?

"I've waited so long, Lenne."

https://i.imgur.com/eCO07mt.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/uBrQvf8.jpg

"I looked for you for so long."

https://i.imgur.com/RxyzEYr.jpg

"Everyone's still fighting over nothing. Still dying like they used to."

https://i.imgur.com/83Sk1sZ.jpg

"This world continues to fail us, and what's worse, I failed to protect you."

https://i.imgur.com/vvgngrC.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Bax7IDb.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/X7NZ5gj.jpg

He holds Yuna close.

https://i.imgur.com/EyR4eMt.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/9QRFBDK.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Eka6eTS.jpg

"Lenne's? Mine?"

https://i.imgur.com/Waf3IXv.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/3Ya5nlf.jpg

The pseudo-romantic moment is interrupted.

https://i.imgur.com/7kQPG8I.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/pPvBRzM.jpg

Shuyin turns into Baralai, and Yuna changes back to her Gunner outfit.

https://i.imgur.com/ITvHRj3.jpg

Baralai opens a portal and leaves through it.

https://i.imgur.com/pwmikc6.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/8hZYwYK.jpg

Nooj: "Our wills."

Gippal: "He's kidding. Just make sure they get to Paine, all right."

https://i.imgur.com/haFT11z.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/vLLxrVx.jpg

They head through the portal after Baralai, leaving Yuna on her own.

https://i.imgur.com/lFaDbWg.jpg

"I didn't know what had happened. Everywhere I looked, I found only questions. But more than anything..."

https://i.imgur.com/sE0WKMc.jpg

"One thing after another, and I'm already confused to begin with... Hey! Where am I?"

She doesn't get a response.

https://i.imgur.com/S0Yh5eb.jpg

She tries screaming, but doesn't get anything from that either.

https://i.imgur.com/8FGy8gM.jpg

"I'm all alone..."

https://i.imgur.com/yEBUi8B.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Fy7si3v.jpg

"Yuna, reporting in."

Everyone else: "Yuna!"

https://i.imgur.com/wX1Io4H.jpg

14

Re: Mezzo Plays Final Fantasy X-2

Yuna is picked up and back on board the Celsius in no time.

https://i.imgur.com/BQ70oT5.jpg

Everyone else is relieved to see she's okay.

https://i.imgur.com/RJss4iI.jpg

She takes the time to explain what happened to her, and her meeting with Shuyin and the hot guys. She mentions the name Lenne, and Shinra says something of interest.

https://i.imgur.com/7apFDe5.jpg

So that's who she is? She apparently wore that dress 1000 years ago.

"What Shinra said surprised me, but only a little. So there really was a connection."

https://i.imgur.com/B3gKsO5.jpg

Nooj and Gippal seem to have the situation under control, for now.

https://i.imgur.com/RkrmyOd.jpg

It's not like the Gullwings can really do anything, anyway.

https://i.imgur.com/3AZAlF6.jpg

Before Yuna leaves the bridge, Rikku tries to get some info. Yuna says "Not really, just his face."

https://i.imgur.com/wuGTNiB.jpg

A new chapter means the engine room has been restocked with more goodies.

https://i.imgur.com/osc9xAL.jpg

Yuna finds Paine on the deck, and hands the two spheres to her. At first it seems like she doesn't want to talk about it.

https://i.imgur.com/VMOboe3.jpg

But just as Yuna turns to leave, she changes her mind.

"The three of them were candidates for the Crimson Squad. And I was the recorder assigned to their team."

https://i.imgur.com/yPGQLfG.jpg

"The best were to be assigned leadership of Crusader chapters across Spira...

The Squad was destroyed before that happened. Most of the candidates died. An accident. The four of us were separated then. Things happened.

I don't get it. I was there. I saw everything. But still, I don't know why it happened that way. Even now.

So I went to look... for some answers."

Yuna: "You became a sphere hunter."

She always did want to fly on this thing anyway.

https://i.imgur.com/GTFx17j.jpg

Rikku pops up to ask what's going on. Paine says she won't tell, and the three of them laugh.

"We used to laugh like this once. The four of us. I've been chasing my past for so long..."

https://i.imgur.com/0fx2zp6.jpg

"What about you? Shuyin isn't who you thought, is he?"

https://i.imgur.com/nXizRZa.jpg

This makes Rikku concerned that they'll end up leaving the Gullwings. Both reassure her that that's not happening, yet at least. Rikku and Paine head back inside, leaving Yuna to ponder to herself.

"So many things seem intertwined. But nothing leads to you."

https://i.imgur.com/IbfM9Tp.jpg

She returns to the bridge as well.

https://i.imgur.com/sjhgSLy.jpg

The commsphere network is up and running, and it seems there's trouble afoot. Let's take a look.

https://i.imgur.com/CrpdZXb.jpg

Before we do, though, we can also talk to Shinra to view the two spheres given to Paine.

https://i.imgur.com/JrU1lB4.jpg

This shows the squad together in Bikanel, fighting some fiends. Things start to look dire, then Nooj just stands in front of one and drops his weapon. Thankfully, they managed to survive.

https://i.imgur.com/kZqdG5K.jpg

Paine asks if he's a death seeker, and he confirms it. So why? The only response she gets is "It's my life to throw away."

https://i.imgur.com/HOLApF3.jpg

On the second sphere, we find the squad discussing the then-upcoming Operation Mi'ihen. They wonder if there are truly machina powerful enough to destroy Sin, and what they'll do when the Calm comes.

https://i.imgur.com/ra8uRnq.jpg

Baralai: "First he wants to drop dead, and now he's looking for excitement."

https://i.imgur.com/WKx02B9.jpg

The four of them laugh together.

https://i.imgur.com/URYuIlI.jpg

With the commsphere network up and running, we can now check in all across Spira. A few locations don't have spheres installed, since I didn't visit them in chapter 3.

https://i.imgur.com/Zl8KyFz.jpg

On Besaid we can say hi to Wakka. He tells Yuna that he's got things under control here, but there's trouble across the rest of Spira.

https://i.imgur.com/8JG1Lpj.jpg

Beclem was apparently recalled to the Youth League HQ.

https://i.imgur.com/q8wsDCu.jpg

At Kilika Port, we find the sphere being carried by someone through the town.

https://i.imgur.com/vHVKpsp.jpg

She takes it to her home and reveals herself.

https://i.imgur.com/hZUVQnm.jpg

The Youth League's having some issues without a leader. They're trying to find a new one, but not having much luck.

https://i.imgur.com/vmLlQpb.jpg

She didn't go through with it, because she's too busy looking after herself.

https://i.imgur.com/N8Tlzv0.jpg

Speaking of, here's the one installed at the Youth League HQ. Yaibal says that he believes Bevelle is planning an attack, and he wants to respond with a preemptive strike.

https://i.imgur.com/RkJP0RM.jpg

Yuna has her doubts about this. He ignores her.

https://i.imgur.com/9dYrZhk.jpg

Over at Bevelle, it sure doesn't look like they're planning an attack. Maroda is another of Isaaru's brothers, who was once his guardian as a summoner. He's also a Youth League member performing recon. New Yevon must be in quite the mess if they let him walk around the place.

https://i.imgur.com/uk0s0ac.jpg

Yuna takes a break to discuss what she saw. Things don't look good.

https://i.imgur.com/Bg4zN45.jpg

And there's the Vegnagun threat too. Shuyin's controlling it, and whatever he has planned probably isn't good. Nooj and Gippal are probably trying to destroy it, but...

https://i.imgur.com/Rqke4la.jpg

Yeah, that's an issue.

https://i.imgur.com/jYIAU5I.jpg

Nooj asked Yuna to 'take care of things topside'.

https://i.imgur.com/tnnd7Fc.jpg

But what can she do?

https://i.imgur.com/k5CHPH0.jpg

Violence isn't exactly what she had in mind.

https://i.imgur.com/s476UPq.jpg

Hm.

https://i.imgur.com/pIL5W9n.jpg

Hey, that's actually not a bad idea.

https://i.imgur.com/225ffHF.jpg

They could hold another concert.

https://i.imgur.com/iZt33qc.jpg

And they know just the guy to help with it too.

"I began this journey hoping to find you. But now I know that may never happen. Still, I will keep walking these roads. I have to find where they connect. I have to see for myself."

https://i.imgur.com/UXEtuS9.jpg

Let's check out the commspheres again.

https://i.imgur.com/gdFr0yR.jpg

Shelinda's interviewing people on the streets of Luca. This woman says "I think it's about time the people in charge stop fooling around and get their acts together."

https://i.imgur.com/bsp0cLD.jpg

At Mi'ihen Highroad, Rin is investigating whatever caused the machina to go haywire. Yuna offers to help, and he links her to a network of commspheres set up across the road. I checked all of them, but couldn't find anything of interest.

https://i.imgur.com/a6xQKzP.jpg

The one in Djose Temple just gives us this guy, who speaks to us in Al Bhed.

https://i.imgur.com/xzHOHrz.jpg

And at the Moonflow, apparently Tobli has disappeared.

https://i.imgur.com/lrflDy4.jpg

The Gullwings will have to check in person. There's no opportunity to stop anywhere else either.

https://i.imgur.com/SsYv4ey.jpg

Buddy accidentally dropped them at the road leading to the south bank. He recommends they just walk over there.

https://i.imgur.com/2myx6GH.jpg

Seems we're not the only ones looking for him. These guys appear to be more Al Bhed debt collectors.

https://i.imgur.com/195PjCC.jpg

There are also some bandits on the road, which are no trouble at all.

https://i.imgur.com/A6NtP8H.jpg

Aha, there he is. As soon as they spot him, he runs away.

https://i.imgur.com/U7WdqUq.jpg

He's pretty fast too. We have to chase him up and down the road a few times.

https://i.imgur.com/1auG93N.jpg

Nyoom.

https://i.imgur.com/5w9HjZ3.jpg

After crashing the sled, he moves to the north bank, and the Gullwings follow.

https://i.imgur.com/J6a8OLs.jpg

Well, there's one way to avoid your pursuers.

https://i.imgur.com/qbvGY4k.jpg

They eventually meet up with him at the gate to Guadosalam, and tell him about the concert they want to hold. But where should they hold it?

https://i.imgur.com/AsD8GDJ.jpg

I'm sorry, what? You want to host the biggest crowd in Spira underneath the neverending lightning storm? Okay then.

https://i.imgur.com/5X7RT5G.jpg

Tobli's Hypello assistants volunteer to gather people for it.

https://i.imgur.com/pyFkBLe.jpg

Above the Calm Lands, the Hypellos leap into action.

https://i.imgur.com/nYdp5pv.jpg

Quite literally.

https://i.imgur.com/aQ6bx5I.jpg

Shinra's working on some tech stuff.

https://i.imgur.com/Aqt8ab3.jpg

And here we go. Look forward to that next time.

15 (edited by Mezzopiano 2019-08-12 04:30:47)

Re: Mezzo Plays Final Fantasy X-2

It's go time. Let's get this concert started.

https://i.imgur.com/ySf0cdg.jpg

I'm still not sure why there, but okay.

https://i.imgur.com/WQAfH7T.jpg

Yuna heads back to the cabin to practice with Rikku.

https://i.imgur.com/S8LOFby.jpg

This minigame is pretty confusing for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is because it still uses the icons for the PS2 buttons.

https://i.imgur.com/UaXy7JO.jpg

I tried to follow along as best I could.

https://i.imgur.com/LXwWC6e.jpg

Not bad, I guess? After the rehearsal, Rikku asks Yuna what she's gonna sing.

https://i.imgur.com/EVQc1b6.jpg

She hums a small melody. Rikku asks if she came up with it herself, and she says no, she... felt it. It was like it was echoing inside her. It must be from Lenne's memories.

https://i.imgur.com/6NdfEsj.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/iiqRhiq.jpg

Yuna remarks that that's oddly poetic.

https://i.imgur.com/HPpAIsJ.jpg

They've arrived. After dropping them off, Buddy is going to pick up the spectators, so the Gullwings won't be able to board.

https://i.imgur.com/kecqOlt.jpg

In addition to the thunderstorm there are some fiends around. See, this is why this is an awful place to hold a concert.

https://i.imgur.com/jx5IcHh.jpg

Sounds fun.

https://i.imgur.com/HwDlsep.jpg

Thankfully, the lightning dodging minigame from X-1 is gone. This place still has a high encounter rate, though. Rikku actually got over her fear of thunder by camping out here for a week. Sometimes when casting a Thunder spell she'll say "Astraphobic? Not me!"

https://i.imgur.com/w8OwVDq.jpg

There's our target.

https://i.imgur.com/7k7VUnA.jpg

Looks dangerous.

https://i.imgur.com/BNrzhwE.jpg

This fights like the dragon from Besaid, but it's way faster and hits way harder. It's immune to magic too, which is incredibly annoying.

https://i.imgur.com/HZS0Oqx.jpg

And also means that, for example, Yuna's special dressphere isn't good for much.

https://i.imgur.com/R51Q2s0.jpg

Paine's is, though. With her enhanced HP she was able to bring it down with no trouble.

https://i.imgur.com/aSXpugY.jpg

Just in time too.

https://i.imgur.com/u3Rfchy.jpg

Any last-minute preparations?

https://i.imgur.com/RbOyV7c.jpg

That sounds like an issue. Shinra brings up the sphere cam.

https://i.imgur.com/F113tAH.jpg

The Youth Leaguers are complaining about the presence of the New Yevonites, while the Yevonites say the Leaguers aren't worthy of listening to the high summoner sing. Things are starting to look ugly.

https://i.imgur.com/GsN6fbm.jpg

Time for Yuna to do something.

https://i.imgur.com/FNblE7h.jpg

"Y!" "R!" "P!" "Let's go!"

https://i.imgur.com/L2DB5oX.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/PnMkfOZ.jpg

"Spira was torn in two, divided by a terrible war. This was Spira's great mistake. Out of the rift made by this terrible conflict, Sin was born. In only two short years, Spira has shaken off its unhappy past. We have moved on."

https://i.imgur.com/z4JxhHJ.jpg

"That light is our strength. I don't want to see it fade. Do you?"

https://i.imgur.com/8GNg2Cx.jpg

"But our hearts can and should always be one."

https://i.imgur.com/aga9X0j.jpg

Yuna starts speaking with two voices, hers and Lenne's.

"Even if we're torn apart, our feelings will unite us. That's what this song is about."

https://i.imgur.com/e3kXZGT.jpg

I know that you're hiding things...

https://i.imgur.com/qHu4OYZ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/fv1upSr.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/an86DHL.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/x896BWQ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Vfzmdz0.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Nl3w6hj.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/rjiJSFj.jpg

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https://i.imgur.com/qfKcPgb.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/GnOPAIZ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/3VnfScW.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/7W7B9ld.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/71y83KX.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/6ytJzgf.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/PmLjd5L.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/fODeNri.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ixkIfXY.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/388k8Q7.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/DG7rOyU.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/GkbRQUJ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/8TDibud.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/KgB9NL5.jpg

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https://i.imgur.com/5mvr5r5.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/xX81rig.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/rI4a1IK.jpg

So, what happened there?

https://i.imgur.com/QYvfBDj.jpg

Rikku tries to explain what Shinra told her.

https://i.imgur.com/C7ihzMO.jpg

"The consciousness burned into the dressphere was projected onto the screen! Or something like that."

Paine: "Okay, but that doesn't explain why it happened."

Rikku: "When I asked, he said 'I'm only a kid'."

Yuna: "It's Lenne."

https://i.imgur.com/9GddXaz.jpg

So the people they saw were Lenne and Shuyin, then.

https://i.imgur.com/2X7VpZa.jpg

Hey, it's this guy again! He shows up on the bridge to applaud Yuna for her performance.

"As you sang, not a soul could help but realize the folly of their tiresome squabbling. Fists raised once in anger became welcoming hands offering solace to a tearful neighbor."

https://i.imgur.com/q9XhLuO.jpg

Wait, he knows who Lenne is? Yuna asks him, and he gladly dispenses an infodump.

https://i.imgur.com/v1KIFRi.jpg

"In a more peaceful age, she might have lived out her years as a performer. But the times-and her talents-did not allow such a thing to be. You see, Lenne's gift for singing was matched by her genius in the summoner's arts. When the Machina War began, all summoners were sent to the front lines. Zanarkand was hopelessly outnumbered, and Lenne knew she would not return home alive. Nonetheless, she was prepared to lay down her life to protect her people. Yet there was one person who refused to let Lenne die. Yes, he would do anything to save her."

https://i.imgur.com/ROVsJ5y.jpg

Shuyin?

https://i.imgur.com/IDjXWNZ.jpg

"Whatever his name, the youth endeavored to steal the enemy's machina weapon and save Lenne. However..."

Yuna: "It didn't go well."

https://i.imgur.com/CJ436Cy.jpg

"Those images we witnessed are most certainly a record of their last moments."

So Shuyin was Lenne's lover, and the weapon he tried to steal was Vegnagun. Rikku can sympathize with his motive.

https://i.imgur.com/gAKTKuU.jpg

"That was enough. Knowing that you were on my side... I'll always be grateful to you."

Paine wonders if Lenne didn't feel the same way.

https://i.imgur.com/ryAlwaZ.jpg

"I love you."

Then Yuna realizes something.

"Yes, there is a connection. But wait..."

https://i.imgur.com/qBMIJbc.jpg

This heartfelt conversation is interrupted by the ship's alarm going off.

https://i.imgur.com/iTpaNyJ.jpg

What could they possibly want? Buddy makes them wait in the engine room.

https://i.imgur.com/ZO7iFSo.jpg

It's another record of the Crimson Squad. She hands it over to Yuna. And she takes the time to ask about Noojie-Woojie.

https://i.imgur.com/Zz1AB3y.jpg

He's likely trying to stop Baralai and Vegnagun.

https://i.imgur.com/hXn5DgK.jpg

Uh, not exactly. But never mind that for now.

https://i.imgur.com/VsRz1sM.jpg

Ormi and Logos panic at this.

https://i.imgur.com/AGXkU0J.jpg

Back on the bridge, we're receiving a transmission. Could it be the hot guys?

https://i.imgur.com/p4D4IZZ.jpg

Leblanc thwacks the computer with her fan, and it works.

https://i.imgur.com/4UquQSN.jpg

It's them all right.

https://i.imgur.com/uhPVPRe.jpg

We can see them, but they can't see us.

https://i.imgur.com/K3mjvq9.jpg

Leblanc: "Noojie!"

Nooj says he has a plan to defeat Vegnagun. If it doesn't work? "My death will be an apology."

https://i.imgur.com/GCfY4iO.jpg

He asks about Leblanc, and the signal cuts out right before he says anything.

https://i.imgur.com/6d90p5q.jpg

She decides she needs to head to the Farplane immediately.

https://i.imgur.com/QjKz6wr.jpg

And Yuna wants to go, too.

https://i.imgur.com/ZGNPheg.jpg

Not exactly a pleasant trip.

https://i.imgur.com/TD2wZac.jpg

Celsius, full speed ahead!

https://i.imgur.com/i8mxE8r.jpg

16

Re: Mezzo Plays Final Fantasy X-2

Chapter 5 opens with the Gullwings hanging out on the deck.

https://i.imgur.com/HcTqLIO.jpg

The final clash with Vegnagun will be soon, but there are other things to look into before we go. Spira is kind of a mess.

https://i.imgur.com/FkXDTkf.jpg

On the bridge, they discuss their plan for action.

https://i.imgur.com/7SpSEOB.jpg

In addition to these, there's also the hole in the Bevelle underground, and the one in the Cavern of the Stolen Fayth. All of them should lead to the same place.

https://i.imgur.com/n3L4u4E.jpg

Yuna has to decide, again.

https://i.imgur.com/PvwVrjv.jpg

However, we're not going for that just yet. There are other things to check out first.

https://i.imgur.com/2juv6tR.jpg

Hoo boy. That's a lot of hotspots. First stop: Besaid. Wakka and Lulu's baby has apparently been born.

https://i.imgur.com/EZNDggn.jpg

Yuna follows him to the temple entrance, where Lulu is waiting.

https://i.imgur.com/CdLS0zT.jpg

Aww, cute. Rikku asks if he has a name.

https://i.imgur.com/m91joVv.jpg

That's a no then.

https://i.imgur.com/i8gWU5w.jpg

He's a little apprehensive about the whole thing.

https://i.imgur.com/L9zVIxa.jpg

Over on the coast, we find Beclem about to head off. The Youth League has called him back.

https://i.imgur.com/eGte3og.jpg

The Aurochs throw a blitzball into the air, and it lands at his feet. He doesn't pay it any mind.

https://i.imgur.com/z2s322U.jpg

On the way back, we meet Wakka again. He was going to say goodbye to Beclem, but he missed his chance.

https://i.imgur.com/54f53Yk.jpg

Rikku gives him some advice that Kimahri told her. Does it mean he has to change his ways?

https://i.imgur.com/fy3EyRb.jpg

Not really.

https://i.imgur.com/H6kJstq.jpg

Keepa of the Aurochs is hosting a new minigame here too.

https://i.imgur.com/FbrDpJ9.jpg

It's a run to the coast, shooting down fiends along the way. If they get too close, they'll attack, and you need to make sure you have enough ammo to bring them down. There are different types of ammo too.

https://i.imgur.com/T11Gvcn.jpg

Guess I need a little more practice.

https://i.imgur.com/E4yDy7q.jpg

He brings everyone together to introduce the newest village resident.

https://i.imgur.com/VsZJsXW.jpg

And everyone reminds him about not having come up with a name.

https://i.imgur.com/OGkRNl2.jpg

You already said that. Like literally, that exact line. Maybe his nerves are getting to him.

https://i.imgur.com/3CtgMrB.jpg

Things seem to be going well in Besaid, so let's head to Luca.

https://i.imgur.com/TVs1cnp.jpg

Blitzball season is here. The Aurochs aren't playing, since they're busy taking care of the new child.

https://i.imgur.com/jtrgQyC.jpg

The Gullwings, a blitzball team? Well, Yuna has been working on her diving skills. The first match is against the Guado Glories. I'm kind of surprised they're still around, given their exile from Guadosalam.

https://i.imgur.com/a36obAt.jpg

The rules are basically the same as X-1. There are now more people per team, and it has a faster pace overall.

https://i.imgur.com/O18BXeZ.jpg

It can be pretty confusing, especially with the new overhead view.

https://i.imgur.com/J1G2vTv.jpg

This happened a lot.

https://i.imgur.com/0drGARF.jpg

Yeah, I'm still awful.

https://i.imgur.com/UqpbIkk.jpg

Here's what I'm really here for. It's time to rematch Shinra in Sphere Break.

https://i.imgur.com/H6jRlcu.jpg

That's a tall order, but I won't back down.

https://i.imgur.com/tKw3JXv.jpg

Not again.

https://i.imgur.com/mek0CM0.jpg

Oh, shut up. Thankfully we can retry as many times as we need to. I practiced against some of the other opponents to hone my skills, then tried again.

https://i.imgur.com/ugyHBWe.jpg

Eventually, getting a big echo bonus carried me through.

https://i.imgur.com/T2lSsJy.jpg

"My goggles fogged up."

Lady Luck is our gambling-themed job, using dice, slots, and card based abilities to perform a bunch of attacks. It's quite powerful, but can backfire if chance isn't on your side.

https://i.imgur.com/on7u91p.jpg

There's another commotion over at Kilika.

https://i.imgur.com/sTwdXv0.jpg

The crowd of people wants to head to the temple to see their families, but the Youth League guard isn't letting them in since he hasn't received orders to. After seeing Yuna, they tell her to order this guy to open the gate, and she does.

https://i.imgur.com/oVSzDd0.jpg

Dona watches them go through the Kilika Woods.

https://i.imgur.com/3OlX9tj.jpg

At the steps to the temple, they're reunited. The New Yevonites remark on how Yuna's song made them realize how pointless their whole conflict was.

https://i.imgur.com/Jjae3hQ.jpg

Seems like it.

https://i.imgur.com/7ZoxzKZ.jpg

Dona didn't show up, which leaves Barthello severely disappointed.

https://i.imgur.com/9n85DYn.jpg

But she did send a signal. Barthello leaps right off the staircase at it.

We later find him sitting outside Dona's house, waiting to be forgiven. Well, that's sort of a reunion?

https://i.imgur.com/iTqPofB.jpg

A happy ending? It's hard to say.

17 (edited by Mezzopiano 2019-08-18 03:04:10)

Re: Mezzo Plays Final Fantasy X-2

There are two things I forgot to check last time. Let's take care of those before we head out.

https://i.imgur.com/0gsvCbE.jpg

First, talking with Shinra to view the sphere Leblanc gave us.

https://i.imgur.com/hj8jVgX.jpg

The Crimson Squad are inside a cavern filled with pyreflies. They seem to be attacking each other.

https://i.imgur.com/eVmNawy.jpg

The hot guys are bewildered by the whole thing. They decide to keep their distance.

https://i.imgur.com/VtekiBJ.jpg

Then a cluster of pyreflies flows into Nooj, and he turns his gun on the others.

https://i.imgur.com/3SXSU7g.jpg

This leads to a standoff, with Paine yelling at the three to stop it. The sphere cuts out before we can see what happens.

https://i.imgur.com/pBaPxvJ.jpg

The other thing to do is check the engine room, which has been restocked for the last time.

https://i.imgur.com/2lyMhqs.jpg

Now it's time to finish wrapping up those hotspots. The first place to check is Mi'ihen Highroad, to see if we can find the cause behind the malfunctioning machina.

https://i.imgur.com/Sn5nrbN.jpg

That's it? Okay, guess we're not doing that.

https://i.imgur.com/ar7oc6h.jpg

At Mushroom Rock Road, Elma mentions she was at Yuna's concert.

https://i.imgur.com/M4X9tit.jpg

The Youth League members have been restless, so Lucil and Elma decided to host a battle tournament to let off some steam.

https://i.imgur.com/FmFFfKH.jpg

And the Gullwings are invited.

https://i.imgur.com/UXlEsJE.jpg

The Youth Leaguers just attack with basic attacks, items, and magic. This shouldn't be too hard.

https://i.imgur.com/Y3mKnBb.jpg

Well, maybe if I didn't keep screwing up the slots on Lady Luck.

https://i.imgur.com/qa3D1U7.jpg

Thankfully, we can retry as many times as needed.

https://i.imgur.com/A24ySmB.jpg

For the last round, Elma joins in.

https://i.imgur.com/IumgndU.jpg

She's pretty annoying with her self-buffs and silence grenades, but not all that dangerous.

https://i.imgur.com/cIKl6n9.jpg

After beating her, Lucil challenges the Gullwings herself. She has much more HP and frequently uses items to heal and buff herself, making her more annoying.

https://i.imgur.com/N6RjQ4g.jpg

Nothing too bad, though.

https://i.imgur.com/BigPJvD.jpg

"It concerns the Youth League... and Spira's future."

https://i.imgur.com/ASAACXm.jpg

"With Sin's defeat, we had lost not only our mortal enemy, but also our purpose in life. I, too, felt lost. I did not know what direction to take, where to channel my energy. It was Meyvn Nooj who guided our lost generation to a new purpose: to uncover Spira's true past."

https://i.imgur.com/jJV1O2r.jpg

"What caused Meyvn Nooj to change? That is not for us to know. Nonetheless, under Nooj's leadership, we finally found a way to apply our strength. But look at us now! The power we hoped to use for good has intoxicated us all. Even Nooj."

https://i.imgur.com/N6UU6JB.jpg

"A power that destroys rather than creates. Without meaning. No better than Sin. Do you remember why the Youth League seeks the truth behind Spira's past?"

https://i.imgur.com/Pu8KKGk.jpg

"Our power exists so that we may cut a new road, to a new age. An age where children will never have to lift a sword!"

https://i.imgur.com/6crp19w.jpg

Episode Complete means you've obtained 100% story completion for an area. I'm surprised I got this anywhere at all, much less here.

https://i.imgur.com/V2JYaUJ.jpg

Over at Djose Temple, the Machine Faction has developed a new weapon. I'm not 100% fluent in Al Bhed (pink letters are translated, purple ones not), but I think he's saying "we did research on machina construction and built a superweapon." They want to test it out against the Gullwings.

https://i.imgur.com/BWoCkiv.jpg

Let's give it a whirl. I haven't picked up anything from Bikanel, so this will be the most basic form.

https://i.imgur.com/fSNzqpw.jpg

It's still pretty intimidating.

https://i.imgur.com/VDjSFsr.jpg

Full Throttle brought it down.

https://i.imgur.com/v2eKRQC.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/hDEASKe.jpg

Mission accomplished?

https://i.imgur.com/6eZSyoK.jpg

There's the option to gather stuff from Bikanel to improve and fight it again. Speaking of which, Bikanel is another hotspot, so let's go visit.

https://i.imgur.com/nzlHiDe.jpg

The what now? Sounds like trouble.

https://i.imgur.com/1ttO9X9.jpg

Basilisks emerge from a pit in the sand.

https://i.imgur.com/uwZV84J.jpg

And this thing must be the leader.

https://i.imgur.com/zHuSJOs.jpg

You'll interpret... for the cactus? Okay then.

https://i.imgur.com/FaqywQA.jpg

She says that to save the Nation, they need to find the 10 Cactuar gatekeepers.

https://i.imgur.com/rzf9hhI.jpg

And fires a laser to hold the fiends back.

https://i.imgur.com/Rd5hUvB.jpg

A clue led us to the first gatekeeper, plus a Hypello and shoopuf for some reason.

https://i.imgur.com/UNUhSMa.jpg

We need to time our shots carefully. If they hit the Hypello or shoopuf, it counts as a miss, and Yuna has limited ammo. Why does Yuna have limited ammo only in the minigames, anyway?

https://i.imgur.com/nX9KzHt.jpg

And we have to do this 9 more times...? Uh, think I'll pass. Sorry, Cactuar Nation. I've got other things to do.

https://i.imgur.com/FjLlnyP.jpg

In the Thunder Plans, the sphere projector Shinra used for the concert had a side effect of attracting fiends to the lightning towers. It's up to the Gullwings to clear out the threat.

https://i.imgur.com/GBhsRUv.jpg

The edgy chimeras return. They still have a variety of different attacks, including a new one that reduces HP to 1. They're vulnerable to petrification effects such as Dark Knight's Break spell, but it has a pretty low success rate. That made these guys pretty annoying.

https://i.imgur.com/InBTSg5.jpg

We have to take down each one at each of the towers.

https://i.imgur.com/pEQIAJl.jpg

Oh, great. Just what I needed to see.

https://i.imgur.com/MxhxBqq.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/DOWoxIT.jpg

The King Behemoth is just as much of a threat as it was in X-1, if not more so. It has devastating physical attacks, plus can cast Thundaga on the whole party. It also opens with Mighty Guard to cast Protect, Shell, Haste, and Regen on itself. Very annoying.

https://i.imgur.com/10RFgbv.jpg

Thanks to the passive HP double and triple abilities she's learned, Paine has over 9000 HP in Full Throttle now. That's just the thing we need to help tank this beast. She also got a new attack.

https://i.imgur.com/gvRJpwx.jpg

Sword Dance opens with swords coming up through the ground.

https://i.imgur.com/nMO7LSH.jpg

Then Paine blasts the area with a shockwave for a second hit.

https://i.imgur.com/6399hLo.jpg

It still casts Meteor as it dies, which thankfully Paine survived.

https://i.imgur.com/Mr8ETSd.jpg

The fiends are dealt with, but it seems there's still more to investigate. There was a hole near the tower the last one was fought at.

https://i.imgur.com/K4XLOpW.jpg

Let's take a look.

https://i.imgur.com/6I8fJVU.jpg

This tunnel is very long, and filled with hostile machina.

https://i.imgur.com/eP9phmC.jpg

Cid? What are you doing here?

https://i.imgur.com/4L85f3n.jpg

Okay then. He got himself stuck and needs the Gullwings' help to get him out.

https://i.imgur.com/2ELVIwp.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/tl0DNfO.jpg

This tank is accompanied by three drones, each of which can nullify a different type of ability. Very annoying. Thankfully, the drones have low HP and are easy to deal with.

https://i.imgur.com/9cxCmKa.jpg

Yuna got a new attack for Floral Fallal too.

https://i.imgur.com/rIiAwe0.jpg

Great Whirl sends out a barrage of lasers. Their individual damage is pretty low, but it's something like 11 hits total, so it adds up.

https://i.imgur.com/8KIyrGb.jpg

A few of those and this thing was scrapped. The Gullwings rescue Cid, and Brother grudgingly agrees to let him on board the Celsius.

https://i.imgur.com/XWdn2sW.jpg

"Not even Rikku knows what caused their final falling out. Still, there's something nice about the whole thing. If only I could have talked like this with my father... or you with yours."

https://i.imgur.com/bFSs1s7.jpg

And another episode is complete. That should take care of everything we need topside. Next time, we head to the Farplane.

18

Re: Mezzo Plays Final Fantasy X-2

The fateful hour has arrived.

https://i.imgur.com/2UQkV9z.jpg

We're going in through the hole in Besaid Temple.

https://i.imgur.com/HT5rKQI.jpg

Onward!

https://i.imgur.com/4Qi0gW8.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Uk0nruX.jpg

Uh, what are they even called now?

https://i.imgur.com/CvxhpAN.jpg

Good enough.

https://i.imgur.com/2KYL2CG.jpg

Last mission? Apparently it will be, for Shinra at least. What's he have planned afterward?

https://i.imgur.com/MPS8of3.jpg

He gets a hug from Yuna too.

https://i.imgur.com/TSakzdG.jpg

"Go, go, go, Gullwings!"

https://i.imgur.com/yfKIeCT.jpg

Into the hole we go.

https://i.imgur.com/hNPVMlx.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/EYyXLii.jpg

We arrive on the Road to the Farplane. There are many different paths here depending on where you enter from, but all lead to the same place.

https://i.imgur.com/4NH2Iez.jpg

Some of the platforms move when you land on them, usually sending you backwards. This area is pretty narrow and has a very high random encounter rate.

https://i.imgur.com/0ihRj6S.jpg

This devilish-looking fiend has a special called Thanatos Emblem, which is very pretty.

https://i.imgur.com/nuIbDZ6.jpg

But also very dangerous. I thought I could learn it for Rikku's Gun Mage, but no such luck.

https://i.imgur.com/NWxf2we.jpg

Ah, yes. We still have some more aeons to deal with.

https://i.imgur.com/brWjS3s.jpg

I came prepared for this one. Yuna still has the grid that absorbs ice damage, Rikku has Fire Breath as a Blue Bullet, and Paine knows Firaga as Black Mage. Shiva is extremely fast and agile, able to hit multiple times in a row and cast Blizzaga on you.

https://i.imgur.com/OXedIdN.jpg

Heavenly Strike now reduces HP and MP by half, and can inflict Stop. That's pretty mean.

https://i.imgur.com/3ZGElY0.jpg

And she still has an Overdrive.

https://i.imgur.com/XdUk2Aa.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/J48ujZ4.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/16S1ntN.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/JQtuTkA.jpg

Snap.

https://i.imgur.com/tJtOpYk.jpg

Not even Yuna's ice absorption ability could weather that storm.

https://i.imgur.com/V7aUyJO.jpg

Still, she is defeatable. I kept bringing the heat and she melted.

https://i.imgur.com/CmwUwzN.jpg

A save point appears after defeating her, thankfully, else I'd have never finished this.

https://i.imgur.com/4hb0sYJ.jpg

Yuna: "Not you, too..."

This is the boss fight that makes me want to tear my hair out every time I play it, much like Seymour Flux in X-1. Much like Shiva, the Magus Sisters are extremely fast and each seems to get three actions to your one. Most of their attacks don't do that much damage, but it adds up quickly.

https://i.imgur.com/RC3H3pk.jpg

Mindy is easily the greatest threat, as her Passado deals out 15 hits of pain. The damage is a portion of your current HP, so it won't kill, but it whittles your HP down to so little that it makes you easy prey for a follow-up from the other sisters. Sometimes she uses it twice in a row, just for extra agony. While that's going on, Sandy will use standard attacks and Razzias to wear the party down. Cindy mainly takes a support role, using Not-So-Mighty-Guard to grant Protect, Shell, and Regen to her team.

https://i.imgur.com/yfBR6pL.jpg

It's a nightmare. Time to break out the special dresspheres.

https://i.imgur.com/qBjodrt.jpg

The high HP of the special dresspheres isn't much insurance, thanks to the way Passado works. And it's not the only trick they have up their sleeves.

https://i.imgur.com/Fdvob9Q.jpg

Oh hey, remember this move?

https://i.imgur.com/OScTAd3.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/rQHlFzI.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/bZfjulP.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/BODmuh1.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/1XYYZen.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/XmMNsvE.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/odj59I3.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/tZVCdKN.jpg

Delta Attack reduces all party members' HP to 1, essentially making it a more powerful version of Passado. It's very possible for them to finish the team off before you get a chance to recover, and survival generally depends on their AI doing something stupid. Just about the only mercy of this fight is that once you take out one sister, it gets much easier. They need all three to use Delta Attack, and Sandy falls soon after Mindy. Cindy takes longer to beat, but she can't really do much without her sisters' support.

https://i.imgur.com/9vrLY60.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/sOW0TEB.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/mGrAUG9.jpg

Full Throttle's Sword Dance came in quite handy, as it could hit all three at once. Even with that, it was a close fight that took many retries.

https://i.imgur.com/O7SVNiu.jpg

At the bottom of the path, we find one last aeon. Poor Anima. She really doesn't deserve this after all she's been through.

https://i.imgur.com/g8jStqd.jpg

Pain now causes a host of debilitating status conditions, plus lowers all stats. That's not fun to suffer through.

https://i.imgur.com/cq0v2bZ.jpg

And of course, we end up being hit by Oblivion as well.

https://i.imgur.com/cpBkP0p.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/kC8JjSk.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/njm9Q5l.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/v3GCvgA.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/4Tmj0rE.jpg

Much like in X-1, this deals 12 hits total. Their individual damage is small, but they add up quick.

https://i.imgur.com/jCyxSFj.jpg

Special dresspheres come in handy again here, thanks to their status immunity. It's a long fight, but eventually she can be put to rest.

https://i.imgur.com/pTSspeC.jpg

After defeating Anima, the fayth child appears to apologize for the aeons' behavior.

https://i.imgur.com/p3zTHxQ.jpg

They were overcome by Shuyin's hatred and misery, and became no better than fiends. Yuna asks what Shuyin is.

https://i.imgur.com/2BMSNTq.jpg

The real Shuyin died long ago, and all that's left is his malice.

Yuna: "I'll banish shadow with light."

Paine: "Lenne's feelings."

Yuna: "That's right. Call it... love."

https://i.imgur.com/JRdyDhM.jpg

We find Leblanc waiting as we enter the Farplane Abyss.

https://i.imgur.com/MMjnEmb.jpg

She found a sphere from Nooj telling her "Don't follow me. Turn back now and wait for my return."

https://i.imgur.com/unr6Mhx.jpg

It's rare for her to be following orders, but she was willing to for Noojie-Woojie.

There's one thing to pick up before heading further in. If we go back to the airship and then walk the Road to the Farplane from all five entrances, we're rewarded with something good.

https://i.imgur.com/bDL4hFC.jpg

Now this is the kind of firepower we need for the final battle. Black Mage can't learn Flare or Ultima naturally, making this grid one of the only ways to get them. I equipped it to Yuna as soon as I could.

https://i.imgur.com/iRf4HEF.jpg

With that settled, it's on to the Heart of the Farplane.

https://i.imgur.com/jqizIsD.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/zsJM7Fe.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/f3PRqZ7.jpg

It's kind of an intimidating sight.

https://i.imgur.com/3IqmLgW.jpg

To proceed further, we need to solve a musical puzzle. Some panels on the floor will light up and play notes when stepped on.

https://i.imgur.com/bssUDYz.jpg

Then we replicate the sequence on the keyboard to dispel impeding barriers.

https://i.imgur.com/4TplsHn.jpg

Here's something you'd never want to meet in a dark alley. Omega Weapon was an optional superboss in X-1, but has been degraded to a random encounter in X-2.

https://i.imgur.com/L8WLEW0.jpg

It even still has the fancy death animation it had as a boss.

https://i.imgur.com/ly6z785.jpg

Behold, the ultimate power.

https://i.imgur.com/1jwP4Do.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/eNq6vmG.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/gAmlX29.jpg

Ultima causes a supreme explosion that hits all enemies on the field. It usually deals more damage than that, but this thing happened to have really good defenses. Its 90 MP cost means you can't really use it more than once or twice without some serious MP restoration.

https://i.imgur.com/ST0NGhR.jpg

The Azi Dahaka isn't really meant to be fought. You encounter it if you try to cross one of the barriers without playing the song. It has more HP than pretty much anything else in the game, massive attack power, and drains HP when it attacks. Good thing running is still an option.

https://i.imgur.com/AIvE1t6.jpg

There's Gippal. He looks to be in rough shape.

https://i.imgur.com/HPBghpQ.jpg

Nooj is up ahead.

https://i.imgur.com/ICiDbF3.jpg

And Leblanc is right behind us. Yuna tells her to look after Gippal while she waits.

https://i.imgur.com/kYP829M.jpg

Gippal has another gift for Paine too.

https://i.imgur.com/wqP9HDJ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/VAP9TSN.jpg

You should. I don't want to have to go all the way back to Shinra to see what's on it. And also, Paine should keep a clear head for the upcoming battle, rather than worry about what's on the sphere.

https://i.imgur.com/dpvnh5F.jpg

The Crimson Squad is together on a boat. Paine muses on how she'd like to fly an airship someday. She could be pilot, Baralai would be the navigator, Gippal would join as the engineer, and they say they'll make Nooj captain.

https://i.imgur.com/S83ytyL.jpg

It's the perfect job for him.

https://i.imgur.com/UUrey6H.jpg

They laugh and pose for the camera together.

https://i.imgur.com/kjypbud.jpg

Yuna: "She's still inside you, sleeping."

https://i.imgur.com/XHWkhxL.jpg

There's one last puzzle to conquer before reaching Vegnagun. We need to remember the order of notes shown here, then jump between the floating platforms in the same order. Thankfully there's a drone from which to survey the area.

https://i.imgur.com/8nYn7HM.jpg

Once the melody is played, the barrier is down.

https://i.imgur.com/NS9LNOL.jpg

It's the point of no return. We head onward from here to the final battle.

19 (edited by Mezzopiano 2019-08-21 15:43:12)

Re: Mezzo Plays Final Fantasy X-2

Yuna crosses the threshold. The war machine awaits.

https://i.imgur.com/nMRabQI.jpg

From here on out, the location bar just reads 'Vegnagun'.

https://i.imgur.com/UdD4IHT.jpg

Nooj: "Both Baralai and Vegnagun belong to him now."

https://i.imgur.com/IOCQXqs.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/CkQBXI1.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/0jWqA6s.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/vwPqbxn.jpg

He noticed that Shuyin needs a body to act through. Thus, he plans to shoot Baralai, aiming to injure rather than kill, and lure Shuyin into his own body. Then, he will die.

https://i.imgur.com/YeP8ak4.jpg

Just the sort of plan a Deathseeker would come up with.

https://i.imgur.com/gA2RElJ.jpg

Nooj: "Exactly."

https://i.imgur.com/zeKQ1pj.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/2AjLGeq.jpg

"Your plan is awful. Think about it. It's no different than what we did two years ago."

https://i.imgur.com/KItm2By.jpg

"We didn't have a choice then. We believed that was the only way we could save Spira. Do you know what it felt like to watch them die? Right before my eyes? It was the only thing we could do. It was the only choice we had."

https://i.imgur.com/Gpt4dGS.jpg

"I thought I'd be able to go through it without ever doubting myself. But I... It hurt so much."

Fayth: "Forgive us."

https://i.imgur.com/Pf4JwJq.jpg

"There were too many smiles to count. And I know that I was smiling, too. But now...when I look back..."

https://i.imgur.com/6U7GyAi.jpg

Jecht: "We had no choice."

https://i.imgur.com/2BjZe5U.jpg

"Always 'we had no choice.' Those are our magic words. We repeat them to ourselves again and again. But you know... The magic never worked! The only thing we're left with is regret."

Jecht: "Yuna... I'm sorry."

"No, I don't want this anymore."

https://i.imgur.com/IGEnaPz.jpg

"Nooj, I know what you say is what you mean to do."

https://i.imgur.com/K0Cua2v.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/GjstDkR.jpg

Paine: "Light?"

Yuna: "That's Plan B. But first... Hey, Rikku."

https://i.imgur.com/BuUg6oQ.jpg

"So we can take it apart, right?"

https://i.imgur.com/yK12NYP.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/IBLnalj.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/9XITnUe.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/V5iunuk.jpg

Nooj: "What about Shuyin?"

Yuna: "Plan B. Love."

Nooj: "The ultimate illusion."

https://i.imgur.com/c7fQWT2.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/EvMCXFQ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/37gxJq0.jpg

The colossus begins its activation sequence.

https://i.imgur.com/SYZLnqU.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ewgYyoi.jpg

Jecht: "It's just bluffing."

Auron: "This relic's getting rusty."

Braska: "Yuna, you have your friends."

https://i.imgur.com/OgmbpbZ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/2f8MfLP.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/cGcb0GB.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/WOEllTf.jpg

Everyone moves into position.

https://i.imgur.com/WlvkS7J.jpg

Rikku: "Time to kick some tail!"

https://i.imgur.com/V4CE503.jpg

Vegnagun's tail opens with Noli Me Tangere, a tail swipe that hits the whole party and can easily cause a full wipe to the unprepared. Using high HP jobs like Warrior and Dark Knight is a good way to endure it. It can also fire lasers from the tip.

https://i.imgur.com/DemP9J9.jpg

It's a pretty basic fight, and doesn't take long to deal with.

https://i.imgur.com/IZlikSn.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/U5A1Vtc.jpg

Further ahead, Leblanc's team is in trouble. Time for the Gullwings to lend their support.

https://i.imgur.com/ZSYQmFw.jpg

Gee, thanks.

https://i.imgur.com/Lj13OKl.jpg

Paine: "Leblanc never stood a chance against this thing."

Rikku: "Well, we've got a leg up on her."

Yuna: "Save the jokes for later."

Vegnagun's leg is supported by the three colored nodes on its body. Attacking them changes their color and intent, but they're too far away to be hit with melee. Red nodes have physical immunity and fire missiles, green ones cast healing and support spells, and yellow ones cast attack spells and have magic immunity. I used an item to grant Reflect to the team, as the magic attacks were easily the biggest threat.

https://i.imgur.com/lpSd7Qw.jpg

It's nothing that a few good casts of Ultima can't solve, anyway.

https://i.imgur.com/7yfDnXx.jpg

With that down, we can see how the torso team is doing.

https://i.imgur.com/JpWXGT3.jpg

Sounds like they could use some assistance.

https://i.imgur.com/k4Ud7nU.jpg

Gippal fires a blast from his cannon at it.

https://i.imgur.com/NMTsaRs.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/tIkizSJ.jpg

And receives an appropriate response.

https://i.imgur.com/rN5dYBh.jpg

Paine: "We'll finish it."

https://i.imgur.com/jxJILeC.jpg

Yuna: "It's so big!"

Rikku: "Woohoo, no more climbing!"

Paine: "Can we please focus?"

The core is accompanied by two more legs, but they're just distractions. If you attack the core with a physical hit, they'll counterattack. If you use magic, they'll drain MP. Use a special ability, and they'll do both. They can also cast status spells such as Bio, Doom, and Break.

https://i.imgur.com/PvItWgf.jpg

Nuking the field is always a good strategy though.

https://i.imgur.com/dLnA6aY.jpg

The core has its own special that it'll use later on.

https://i.imgur.com/hTxqyj0.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/6GSOlV7.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/m0pITFx.jpg

Ouch. Boy am I glad this game has an autosave function.

https://i.imgur.com/0En0Vcl.jpg

Let's try that again.

https://i.imgur.com/Fe38WLc.jpg

Got you this time.

https://i.imgur.com/BRuP03O.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/4182Qjk.jpg

Is that it?

https://i.imgur.com/IXPUezn.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Wy3gsYP.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/gso3dDr.jpg

Okay, that's a no then.

https://i.imgur.com/nNbhkL8.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/YQetWt9.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/6W7550l.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/RP060Ey.jpg

The Gullwings climb up the legs to reach the head.

https://i.imgur.com/A89rgz9.jpg

"Come, Vegnagun. Let us purge this repulsive world."

If you lose this fight, a special scene plays.

https://i.imgur.com/vjxG78d.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/jsCM1zx.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/OTUoBoq.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/bvlICq7.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/QtmeGM3.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/4wS0Bc5.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/sOcamkp.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/G9LzpdV.jpg

Welp. So long, Spira.

https://i.imgur.com/5Vw6ZSt.jpg

Okay, now let's do this fight for real. The left and right redoubts need to be taken down first, then we can go for the face.

https://i.imgur.com/hbsd4na.jpg

Meanwhile, they'll blast us with powerful magic attacks. I used another item to grant Shell to the party, which helped quite a bit.

https://i.imgur.com/8FSz9OE.jpg

And of course, we have powerful magic attacks of our own.

https://i.imgur.com/YHowPfK.jpg

As its health gets low, it unleashes its final attack, Nemo Ante Morten Beatus.

https://i.imgur.com/oREbaeV.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/qNg86K5.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/pYL4EHx.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/7IviyQg.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/RZ97gSg.jpg

Ouch. Shell helped everyone live through this one too.

https://i.imgur.com/mt2ekWD.jpg

Shortly after, the machine was brought down.

https://i.imgur.com/zesqMi1.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/tqM8Svf.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/bmXWQoO.jpg

"Shuyin."

https://i.imgur.com/HjSUtu2.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/r5ZQIYe.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/5xSwTvs.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/KGwQnCy.jpg

"And I'm grateful... grateful that you stayed with me until the end."

https://i.imgur.com/zB4Ly59.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/UAFn7Na.jpg

Lenne & Yuna: "Rest."

Shuyin walks closer to Yuna, leaving Baralai's body.

https://i.imgur.com/kFgHAz2.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/nRW2R2A.jpg

"You are not Lenne!"

https://i.imgur.com/xVHE1bk.jpg

Looks like we're fighting him after all. Shuyin doesn't just look like Tidus, he fights like him too. He uses the same attack animations, and his specials are based on Tidus' Overdrives, though they have slightly different names.

https://i.imgur.com/BpOx3Pj.jpg

Unfortunately, this also includes the endgame multi-hit Overdrive I never got for him in X-1.

https://i.imgur.com/0dffSr4.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/qS6YYx0.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/RvkfJEh.jpg

Apart from that, though, he doesn't really have much else.

https://i.imgur.com/2IUvEuM.jpg

If you have Yuna as Warrior, it becomes a bit of a mirror match, since she also uses some of Tidus' animations. He can be a bit frightening, but overall, he's pretty easy to take down.

https://i.imgur.com/q76XVao.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/mwdbW3G.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/tlwWaGm.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/7fvAhhh.jpg

"This moment's enough. I don't need anything else. Just knowing how you feel is enough. Shuyin, let's end this. Let's go home. That was all a thousand years ago. We've come too far to look back now. Rest, Shuyin. Rest with me."

https://i.imgur.com/k6MFOt0.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/3X1wFpC.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/DNooqoD.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/6vNI2rC.jpg

They fade away together.

https://i.imgur.com/YFNDaep.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/p3jkO6B.jpg

Yuna walks back through the Farplane Abyss.

https://i.imgur.com/JrlLQIa.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/d50WD6M.jpg

"We would sail a ship, with me as its captain. In time, I became that captain. I found a new ship with new friends."

https://i.imgur.com/ZLSzBef.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/lgv270u.jpg

Gippal: "You know, I realize I'm like a lot of you people. We want a captain. And we want a ship to ride, but more important than that..."

https://i.imgur.com/y2TQlwl.jpg

Baralai: "There are some things you can't do alone. But they become easy with friends beside you."

Nooj: "This was the lesson that we learned when we launched those ships."

Baralai: "It was power... And we misused that power. We turned our friends and followers against each other."

https://i.imgur.com/XiwSf05.jpg

Baralai: "Somehow we forgot. There's a much larger ship out there. One that we've been riding since we were born."

https://i.imgur.com/vPUyCd0.jpg

Nooj: "No one knows just where our voyage will lead us. But we do know one thing: One way or another, we will get by. We'll go on living. The Calm will continue."

Gippal: "Just one more thing:"

https://i.imgur.com/daIUNwu.jpg

The crowd cheers.

Gippal: "Yeah, you all know who I'm talking about. We really hoped that she could be here today."

https://i.imgur.com/a4hn8aE.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/7eAsTaa.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/iMsNXTF.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/4WuXi8c.jpg

Gippal: "So farewell, but not goodbye."

The Celsius takes off.

https://i.imgur.com/nHnJyxC.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/7BrDXNg.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/U8vAnqA.jpg

"So much has happened. And I'm sure it's only the beginning. Through the smiles and tears, through the anger... and the laughter that follows. I know that I'll keep changing."

https://i.imgur.com/6L0tm0S.jpg

"It all began when I saw this sphere of you."

We get to listen to an orchestral version of 1000 Words as the credits roll past.

https://i.imgur.com/NxXMFy7.jpg

And there you have it. I know I didn't do everything, and there are plenty of events and dresspheres I missed, but I think this is still a good conclusion to Yuna's story.

Beating the game unlocks New Game Plus, allowing you to carry your items, dresspheres, abilities, and story completion to a new run. I probably won't go through with that, since it'd be pretty dull. There's also a subgame called Last Mission, which I also won't be doing because it confuses me to death.

This marks the end of Yuna's story, and of Spira's, for now at least.