Taka-kun

Haha, looks like I am not the only one having problems with getting a limited edition. Oh well, plain basic edition it is then curse me for not preordering when I didn't even know the release date. EDIT: And right as I said that, I found a SE copy on my electronics store (though somewhat overpriced). Cheers, people!

Going to drop some comments as well. I try to stay away from SF as long as Europe hasn't acquired Fates yet but I figured I should give some of my thoughts of your recent chapters. All in all, it's still the same praise and complaints. You have excellent world-building (with the addition of the Nohrian gangs and the background of the Hoshidan ronins) and depictions but still a very slow pace, even though we have gotten to "action". Since all the actions are hidden by layers and layers of text, it's easy to miss it and you do scatter good moments inbetween your massive descriptions of the scenery. For someone who can picture easily, I imagine it's a feast but if you still keep at 80% descriptions, I tend to forget what is going at the moment. Your dedication to research shows pretty well, with the miniscule details you have. But as I said before, too long of plot-building causes loss of interest.

Feels like an eternity since I visited the forums of Serenes Forest. Alas, life takes priorities and leaves me no room gushing over an unreleased game (and f*ck USA for getting it earlier than Europe). I have been staying away to perserve myself from the negativity of the forums pertaining Fates, intending to start it with a fresh mindset (and earn money to buy the special edition). But I decided to pop by here and lo and behold, two chapters out. Glad to see you still trudging on with this. Onwards to reviewing: Well, I am pretty sure I don't like Corrin. Like at all. The thing is, what is her reason for the die-hard racism? She has been surrounded by loving family and friends yet somehow believe Hoshidans are the reasons for all calamities I am pretty sure she hasn't been exposed to. The fact that the Nohrian family is dissapproving of her actions means that they should have taught her better and I doubt Garon has been spending alot of time with her. I know you are going for a sibling yin-yang perspective but her personality irks me on so many levels, she reminds me of a hammy villain with no real motives. Speaking of yin-yang, it's quite interesting how you manage to make me like Kamui instead. This young, insecure with hidden potential. It does add bonus points when I think your Hoshidan chapters have more hilarity (Kamui channeling Shulk, I see what you did there). So regarding this chapter, you decided to call usage of Dragon's Vein as "bending"? The usage in your fanfic is much stronger, since the royals seem to use to augument their single combat instead of widespread battlefield applications. More of an "Avatar" feel I guess. Now you got me very curious with this quick-thinking, analytical mindset Kamui has. What made you decide to grant him that? I don't particularly mind, it's actually cool rather than just mindless trashing. A recurring problem with your characterization is that, aside from Kamui and Corrin, the others are quite bland. The Hoshidan family for example. Everyone is snarky and sassy, so their dialogues (at least in this chapter, the previous Hoshidan chapter I still like) feel interchangeable. Both Ryouma and Hinoka are hammy and talk alot during fighting, while the game portrays them both as stern no-nonsense warriors, Ryouma calmer than Hinoka. I suggest you look over the characters again and try to be consistent with how they behave. Wrapping this up, I feel "Family of Light" has overall better quality and you should seek to retrace it, since Yukimura, Orochi and Kazahana were all distinct with funny dialogues. Maybe you shouldn't focus too much on fighting scenes. Still, don't let my critic discourage you. I know you have the ability to make a stellar fic.

Now I am really curious of how the localization will change the songs, if at all. I can't recall any situation where pop songs had to be translated from Japanese to English to keep consistency with the voice cast. The Japanese songs were not that bad, if just, IMO, regular J-Pop but it could be totally screwed up if they have to shoehorn English into them. It's the thing with solid battle system that gets me curious. Of the SMT series, I have only played Persona 3 and 4 and while it was an enjoyable experience overall, the combat could get repetitive once you got the hang of the weaknesses and strength traits. So far, I don't see anything different in the SMTxFE, though I am speaking from ignorance since I don't understand any of the Japanese in the battle videos to really deduce if there is a strategic element or not.

Thank you for doing this. Still undecided whether I should buy this or not, since I really enjoy Xenoblade Chronicles X and have come to expect breaking out of the JRPG norm and trying something new that doesn't depend on grinding and stale combat. Will probably have to see when Western reviews are given out (particularly GameXplain).

The confession scenes in Awakening were more personal and reflective of the character's personalities, like Olivia looking shyly way yet hugging and Tiki closing her eyes and feeling the warmth of the embrace, a warmth she had long missed. In Fates their head just wobble around.

Thank you for the teaser. I will stick around a while longer for the aforementioned plot and make my judgement then. How much plot-building you have inbetween will also tell about your skills, as too long will cause loss of interest and too short will be confusing. On another note, I took the time to read the last of Takumi's story and I can say for sure that I am much more satisfied with that one, especially Takumi's observant and conflicting view on Hinoka's position and action. I actually kinda hope that he gets more POV, since his chapters screams of a growing adolescene and depending on the timespan of your story, it would be interesting to see how he might mature. I particularly enjoy your descriptions of the weapon styles, something I have never really considered before. It gives more individuality to each and every character, even if they only got a passing mention (in my head, Oboro is graceful while Kazahana is brutal). The "win without fighting" part I caught quite easily, being one of the more well-known Art of War quotes (my avatar is a proponent of this quote). I don't whether you planned for Japan-inspired Hoshido to follow the teachings of Sun Tzu from the start or from my prompt but I approve of it regardless. Just to throw in, something that might spice your plot:

So very true. Aside from we in SF, there are still unblemished fans out there who thinks Fates will be the best thing ever and Corrin's inclusion will only bolster the popularity. Really, am I the only one who is remotely satisfied? I never liked Corrin's personality or role either but that moveset tho.

Well, Sakurai was able to do something that IS didn't: Make me like Corrin. That was totally unexpected. I jokingly voted for Corrin but I had nil hopes of him making it him. Never underestimate Sakurai. Also, the salt is real.

EDIT: Double post

Fun to read about Sakurai's thoughts about implementing the FE characters. That timing with FE:A was fortitious and we should not take for granted that FE is always guaranteed a spot in Smash (should there be additional installments).

Oh hey, you got around to describing the wyverns! Great! Even if it was small, at least their appearance in the world is starting to be explained and I like that. The wyverns and the pegasi I imagine needs creativity since there are no real RL equivalents without over-the-top mythology and I am not to well-versed with other fictions that describe them as common steeds than mythological beasts. I am not sur if this is the right idea, but it seems to me that the Chevalier wyverns have been cross-breeded to fit the knightly images of noble and beautiful creatures while the others are just allowed to be the black sheep descendants of the ancient dragons. I think it fits well considering what we know of Chevalier's single-minded focus on wyvern knights constratsting Nohr's more varied choice of steeds, in civil and military use. The explanation of the pegasi's (tenma's?) colors is quite intriguing. It does make me wonder why there are no wyverns in Hoshido when there are pegasi in Nohr (and then the military applications of course, but that's another story). Oh, and is that Sumeragi quoting Sun-zi? *both thumbs up* (granted, I didn't know the quote by heart but it felt familiar) Otherwise, I cannot comment much else. While you have solid writing, the heat is pacing off since there is not much happening in your fic so far. I am not into shipping fics so I can't say I am particularly thrilled about the daily lives of Marx and Hinoka. If that is the aim of your fic, very well. But I am afraid I won't stick around much longer then. You do give me delicious bits, but the whole course cannot be appreciated (me and me food)

Since these are unconnected to specific masters, this does increase the chance of there being multiple personas per character.

Eh? The Japanese VA for Robin is now this guy? I wonder it this increases or decreases the chance of Robin appearing. Feels weird that Nabarl has the VA as Lon'qu, if Lon'qu might appear as well.

I totally forgot that Cao Cao was a generic villain in the novel and not the savvy hegemon he actually was. Even so, Cao Cao in the novel did show some of his actual personality, while Iago is just... well, evil. Also, Robin is totally historical Zhou Yu, nuff' said.

I understand the sentiment. When you are writing something, you do take from what you feel comfortable about. There is always a risk of imposing another character on the game's character if you don't thread carefully. I wanted to make Birthright!Kamui something like Zhao Yun, with theme of loyalty and heroism, but then I realized it was just trying to impose a character I like on someone I don't like. I talked to another SF member about the unexplained concubine wars actually, of how Iago came to power. I imagined Iago taking influence in a similar way to the Ten Attendants (with not as drastic consequences however).

Please be my friend :) The thing about Chinese history and mythology is that it's so rich on characters and war stories, which can be really "wtf" but still enjoyable as hell. I don't think it translates well to a, shall we say, "mainstream" media. Hoshido is so stereotypical of how Japan is, with strong and honored samurais and kind and beautiful mikos but this is how most like it, since they like such heroes. IMHO, Chinese power-brokers and strategists prided in deception ("deception is warfare") and really much of Chinese fiction revolve around that. Imagine Ryouma being a backstabber like, say Lü Bu, and readers would instantly be turned off. Well, I am gonna throw out that IS really don't care about taking good inspirations since they are all about following the mainstream. JttW is anything but. Even other fantasy elements like Le Morte D'Arthur or the Song of Roland can be pretty grimey as well but no, they take the parts they think appeals to audience more. To tell the truth, I don't think it would work. The Han dynasty's split "worked" because there was no sense of nationality so anyone could claim to be the rightful loyalist and followers would flock. Fates is pretty distinctive with "Hoshidans" and "Nohrians".

YO, another JttW fan! Never thought I would see one on SF :D

The OP's take on the support convos I find quite interesting. Robin is my favorite character anyway so I like the reasonings and I am pleasantly surprised that others like Robin/Cherche S-support. So my own favorite M!Robin S-supports would be: - Robin x Cherche Like many others, I like how Robin makes his declaration of protection towards both Cherche and Minerva, with no hesitation of at all of considering Minerva as a family member. Unlike in many of the other supports as well, Cherche doesn't question Robin about the duty it entails or threaten him in any way, showing that she wants to marry him as well. The fact that the usually calm Cherche stutters I found very adorable. - Robin x Emmeryn/Tiki I lump these together because I like the two out of the same reason: They highlight Robin's insecurity as a person and this is well into the game when he has earned respect and made a position for himself. Most of Robin's quotes show him as very confident in battle, tactics and strategy of war but insecure about pretty much everything else. And I like that. Makes him more of a human. - Robin x Sumia Say what you want about ChromxSumia but Robin's declaration of love is waaaay better. "I'm a simple man with little in the way of wealth or land or social opportunity. And I certainly can't make you a princess like the heroines in your stories. But I can promise to love you more each day that we are together. Sumia, will you marry me?" is way better than "I was eating your pies and I am thinking to marry you for more pies". Robin also earns her love on his own instead of Chrom with his natural charm and ruggy handsomeness. - Robin x Lucina Lucina is probably the only one I would consider to marry out of the second gens. While Robin has quite some good supports with the other children, (showing his maturity and perception as a battle-hardened veteran) with Lucina he lets her depend on him when he feels she is too independent and headstrong, changing her perception of fighting alone for relying on comrades. That's a really nice guy move there. - Robin x Olivia Again, I love this because of highlighting another ability of Robin: His social skills. With most of the other casts, Olivia is shy and introverted and has a hard time to converse with others (ChromxOlivia being especially glaring). Robin somehow really moves into conversation quite easily, keeping it alive by asking and commenting about the right things with genuine interest, rather than a forced one. Who would expect a master tactician to know about carpentry? And even showing some knowledge about stage design? It shows his ability to make the person he talks to feel important. I must say I envy his social skills. Really, I am a major Robinophilic. I know there are other S-supports that are quite good as well but my bias towards Robin makes me remember his much better.

Chrom/Owain, Lissa/Lucina, Cordelia/Cynthia, Say'ri/Lucina, Chrom/Morgan. I especially want to see Say'ri/Lucina since their positions are similar. Princesses with their realms lost, fleeing to a possible hope. Vying for a tactician's love

Hmm, nice to be able to unload my thoughts somewhere, well: Stupid things: - I totally forgot Kellam the first time I played Awakening and I also killed Gaius. Thus I had no idea who it was when Anna announced the "winners" in the beach DLC. - I like using bow knights and pretend that they are awesome. - I've never played FE4 yet I love the story. - I think Roy's look in Smash looks slick and absolutely love it. (maybe not that stupid?) - The only class changes to a character is the one that makes sense the most. So no Lissa or Brady with axes. Awakening headcanons: - The Avatar is male Robin. There is no self-insert. - Robin died at the end and his comrades will be plagued by not being able to accept the fact, especially Chrom. - Robin is just as morally unhinged as Tharja, Henry and Validar, if not more so, and can be just as ruthless as Walhart. He is just better at hiding it, with the Shepherds holding him back. (There is a reason why Robin is Grima's vessel.) - Robin is a brilliant strategist and advisor-commander, expert magic caster and above average swordsman. Nothing more, nothing less (so no administrator, politician, swordsmaster, thunder god, hero etc. Looking at you, fanfiction writers) - Robin had feelings for Emmeryn and her death shook him to the point that he never married any of the first generation parents. - Robin is hated in Ylisse for being a warmonger and Grimleal and he holds no love for that realm either, his loyalty being to Chrom only. - Robin is a Blood Knight similar to Lon'qu, seeking worthy opponents within the fields of tactics. - Chrom is good at discerning people and gaining people for his benefit, he just leaves socializing with them to Robin. - Vaike is smarter than he lets on and is better at acting than most others. - Frederick is a capable general and commander on his own. - Severa has a role to Lucina similar to Robin's to Chrom. - Morgan comes from a future where Robin didn't sacrifice himself but would eventually lead to a hunt against him and his daughter by both followers of Grima and followers of Naga. Morgan having little memories of her mother is because of the mother dying as a result of the persecutions. Robin sent Morgan back to the past to spare her from the cruelty of mankind. Fates headcanons: - I like to pretend it doesn't exist. (F**k Kamui!) Yes, I really liked Robin or at least the concept of his character. Any fan of Romance of the Three Kingdoms might understand.

Shepard of Mass Effect I feel is a good "insert", since he/she works from the bottom to achieve the position that they end up in. What I feel is important is to make the player-created character someone who eventually earns their respect as the game trudges on, just like how we invest in the game, instead of being SPESHUL from the get-go (cause I am 100% sure that I am no shapeshifting dragon and I don't have two nations vieing for my allegiance nor do I have a big sister with big assets with big issues with clinging on me).

Mine own have been put on ice for quite awhile, owing to my dislike of how Fates turned out and now I have to see if I change my mind after playing the game. But I will share my humble ideas should anyone find use of it.

Well, now I am sure that I do not resonate well with the Japanese FE fanbase. Like wth, why is Kamui ranked so high? I would like to see the motivations for these rankings already. Leon, Takumi and Oboro I can understand, with even SF praising them. I have a hard time seeing Marx and Camilla ranked so high for other reasons other than husbando/waifu.