Nanoha A's Portable - The Gears of Destiny [PSP Game]

[Sunder the Gold]

What does an Unstoppable Destroyer need with a "Material of Power" organ, as Levi is allegedly supposed to be?


Also, is this basically the end of Yuuno's contribution to the story? I notice that lacking Catridge Systems doesn't stop Chrono and Hayate from participating.

[Key Board]

I dunno.. maybe she needed split personalities to talk to

Hayate and Chrone compensate using two devices

[Hayate22]

It's because Hayate-chan has her staff, the book and Reinforce that they are able to fight, since they can Unison.

Chrono has two devices which gives him an edge, as well as a program that he installed into his first device.

[ZeroIchiNi]

I so want to see a CG of Hayate petting the twin's cat form.

Judging form the surprise in the Twin vs. Hayate.
So does Hayate can use the the cartridge system now?

[Hayate22]

She doesn't get a Cartridge System. It's because of the fact she has a book that acts as one device, her staff as another. And Reinforce as her Unison. This gives her an advantage as she is much stronger when Unison with Reinforce. Thus during one of the last battle matches you play as Unison Hayate-chan.

[Aaron008R]

Sorry for the wait! I got kinda lazy in between so there's a few hours delay. But here's Sequence 7!

Unlike previous sequences, Sequence 7 have 2 parts, namely Side-R And Side-P. The reference should be obvious once you read so without further ado, action start!

MGLN A's Portable: THE GEARS OF DESTINY

Sequence 7

Spoiler for Side-R:

1. Sequence 7 is unique in the sense that you control actual Dark Pieces rather than the genuine characters. The first you controle will be Rynith, Precia's familiar and the one who thought Fate magic as well as create Bardiche.
   
   
2. The sequence starts with Rynith's internal monologue about not being entirely sure why she was born. But having a student and her familiar, namely Fate and Arf made her happy. Fate was always a straightforward and hardworking little child and learned a lot. However, Precia never paid any attention to her, with Rynith regretting not being able to do anything to remedy the situation.
   
   
   
3. The first match is Rynith vs. Nanoha. The White Devil recognizes Rynith. When the familiar asks for her name, she introduces herself as Takamachi Nanoha, Fate's friend. Rynith is surpised and asks her to repeat it. Nanoha introduces herself again, saying that she has befriended Fate (you sure did...) and they get along well. Rynith starts gushing happily that Fate was able to make friends with such a cute and honest-looking girl. (Maa~! Ara~ ara~, maa~ maa~!) She instinctively asks for Nanoha to wait since she'll call Fate and Arf. That's when she starts noticing something is amiss. She interrogates Nanoha on how she and Fate met and how they became friends. Nanoha is unable to answer properly, which is understandable considering what happend in season 1. Rynith decides to take the direct approach and challenges Nanoha to a duel, much to the little mage's surprise. (Eeehh~~~?!)
   
   
4. The result is ambiguous, but Nanoha is downright amazed by Rynith's skill. All her offensive maneuvers where effectively shut off or avoided. Rynith is satisfied with the result and believes Nanoha won't tell a lie. She asks about the situation but Nanoha is not exactly the articulate type so she can only vaguely liken Rynith's case to memories being pulled from the past and given form in the present. Rynith accepts easily, much to Nanoha's surprise and surmises that it should be around 3 years since she passed away. She asks how Fate is doing. Nanoha happily says that Fate is going with her to school and has made friends. Rynith is happy about the news. Nanoha attempts to invite her to the Arthra but Rynith's body disappears in a way different from when Dark Pieces vanish.
   
   
5. It turns out the Rynith was simply warped away to Signum's area. She introduces herself as someone from TSAB and asks Rynith to identify herself. She finds out that she's actually talking with Fate's master. Rynith asks if Signum knows Nanoha and the Knight affirms it, saying they are allies. Signum gets a telepathic call from Nanoha requesting her to keep Rynith there since she has called Fate over to come talk with the familiar. Signum agrees and belatedly introduces herself with her name. Rynith asks her relationship with Fate and Signum says that they were once enemies but now cross blades to polish each other's skill. The familiar thinks Signum is Fate's new teacher but the Knight says she doesn't teach the girl. Fate already has a style of her own ever since they first met. Rynith requests a match with her as well, much to Signum's surprise. After the match, Rynith is totally fangirling over Signum, saying that she has finally understood how a Knight fights and how amazing her opponent was. Signum awkwardly accepts the praises and mentally notes Rynith's top-class skill as well. The Sword Knight provides a much clearer picture about Rynith's nature as a Dark Piece. The familiar picks up on the fact that Signum likes to call Fate 'Testarossa.' Signum admits it's out of habit and Fate doesn't seem to mind. Rynith is relieved that such good people are around Fate and Signum suggests it's like the feelings of a parent. Rynith says it's more accurately the feelings of a tutor. She suddenly fades away again despite the Sword Knight's protests.
   
   
6. Rynith is then warped to Reinforce and Levi's area. Levi easily identifies her as another Dark Piece and attacks with Kōyokuzan. Rynith avoids the attacks easily and indignantly faces the two. She is surprised by Levi and asks if she is Fate. Levi of course denies it and identifies herself as Levi the Slasher. Rynith goes back to indignant mode and scolds Levi for her bad manners. Levi is all up for a fight but Reinforce notices something amiss with Rynith and steps in instead to avoid excessive violence. After the fight, Rynith apologizes and proper introductions are made.
   
   Levi: I am the strong, amazing and cool Material of Power! Levi the Slasher!
   
   Nanoha contacts Reinforce to make the same request as with Signum as Rynith turns her attention to Fate's clone. (LEVI ☆ ZA ・ SURASHAA~!!) Nanoha requests Reinforce to keep Rynith there as much as possible.
   
   Levi: To put it simply, I only copied the physical data of your student. :3
   Rynith: I see! So that's why your even your skin and hair are almost the same. *patpat*
   Levi: Right! Nehehe~, feel free to pat me more~! >:3
   
   Rynith recounts her info about herself being a Dark Piece. Reinforce tries to apologize but Rynith doesn't mind. She wants to know how long she'll last. The Unison Device explains that as long as she has a strong wish/regret, she'll be stable. If the reason disappears, Rein's not sure how long a Dark Piece will last. On an amusing side note, Reinforce is nicknamed 'Kurohane' (Black Feather) by Levi.
   
   Levi: Of course! Her feathers are black! And 'Reinforce' is hard to pronounce!
   Rynith: (So easy to understand! )
   
   Rein says that Nanoha and Fate are her and her master's saviors. Rynith is pleasantly surprised that Fate has been helping people as well. She asks to be told in detail on how Fate did so and Reinforce agreed. Levi said she'd didn't know the whole story too so she'll listen as well.
   
   
7. We cut over to Nanoha contacting Fate, telling her to hurry. Arf is doubtful since previous copies were confused but Nanoha insists that Reinforce herself is talking normally with Rynith now. Unfortunately, they get a message from Reinforce saying that the familiar disappeared again. Signum joins in the conversation and they find a pattern that Rynith tends to get spirited away after talking about a matter regarding Fate.
   
   
8. For the final fight, you usually can only choose Fate but you can unlock Arf as an opponent as well eventually. The events are mostly the same but with just the roles reversed. Of course, picking Fate has the best impact.
   
   
9. Rynith and Fate finally see each other. Fate can't believe her eyes but it was indeed Rynith, with all her memories from the past intact! She tries talking about how she wasn't able to save Precia but Rynith cuts her off with another apology.. Fate admits that there were a lot of difficult tiems when Rynith passed away but she's okay now because of being surrounded by kind people. Fate excitedly relates her life at school and how she's able to make friends. Rynith is happy for her and would like to make more small talk but decides she has arrived for a different mission. She asks Fate to show her and Bardiche growth ever since that day. She wants to see how the 2 became stronger and will become stronger in the future. Fate promises to give it her all. In the end, Fate loses the match, happily admitting that Rynith is still too good for her to beat but Rynith was very satisfied since Fate has already made the magic she thought her own. Her speed and blade were excellent.
   
   
10. One very interesting thing to note here is that if you're brave enough to let Fate hit you with Jet Zamber, you'll hear her use the same line that Rynith uses before attacking with Plasma Saber. This is Rynith's legacy, "Yami o tachikiru senkou no yaiba." The blade of light that rends the darkness.
    
    
11. Arf arrives. Rynith is happy to see the pup and wants to check her growth too but is already fading away. She had always worried about her two charges but can now rest easy since she has seen with her own eyes that they have the strength to surpass adversities.
    
    Fate and Arf are naturally upset since they want to talk more but Rynith just gathers them both into a hug.
    
    It's sad, but she already disappeared once. Her will right now is only from the past as well. The mere fact that she can hold the two of them who are in the present and will live into the future is a miracle. She's very, very happy that tears start to fall.
    
    Rynith: Thank you, Fate, Arf. Meeting you and spending time with you have made me very happy. using the magic I thought you... Thank you. I wish for your happiness from beyond the sky. My precious Fate and Arf... Goodbye... Thank you.
    
    The two left start grieving.
    
    However.. it is revealed that Rynith's will hasn't disappeared yet. She wants to spend her last moments with them, but she has one last mission...

Ugh... *sniffs*
Yeah. Side-R is a tearjerker.
But it doesn't end there! We still have...

Spoiler for Side-P:

1. As many could easily guess, Side-P has you controlling Dark Piece Precia. Her first match is with Chrono. She doesn't know why she's here. Chrono says that it's just like a bad dream and that he will end it. Precia thinks he's getting in her way again. Chrono says that it's having Precia revive in such a state to continue her suffering is not permissible. Her treasure, Alicia, no longer exists. Precia doesn't care and only wants to give Alicia the happiness she wasn't able to give.
   
   
2. It was rather expected, But Precia is Class-A Boss material storywise. Chrono is left in disbelief on how insanely powerful the Dark Piece Precia is. She remembers that he once told her that, "Everybody has something sad that happened to them." Out of curiosity, she asked if Chrono lost someone dear. He states that his father Clyde died in the line of duty when he was just 3 years old. Clyde was a busy but very kind man. Satisfied with the answer, Precia states that even if this is a dream she will use all her power for Alicia's sake and teleports away.
   
   
3. The second battle is with Dark Piece Fate. This version is much more open with her feelings. She only wanted to see her mother smile. She thought that Precia wasn't meeting her because she was just not trying hard enough. Even if Precia hates and rejects her, she can never hate the person who gave her life in turn. Precia says that Rynith was the one who raised Fate and that she has no interest in the Fragment. She crushes the Dark Piece, with Fate calling out to her as she faded away. Precia says that Alicia never addressed her that way.
   
   
4. The next fight is either against Shamal or Zafira. It doesn't really make any difference who you choose. Zafira/Shamal is no match for Precia. And to make things worse, the Testarossa Matriarch gains knowledge of the Florian Sisters and the Time Machine. Shamal/Zafira refuses to tell where they are and Precia decides to find them herseld then teleports away.
   
   
5. The final battle is Rynith vs Precia. You are free to pick who to use for the fight.
   
   
   
6. Precia says she never wanted to see Rynith again, even in a dream. The familiar complains that her master is still as cold as ever. She regrets not being able to make Precia happy. Precia rants on about the time machine but Rynith is against it since they should only face towards the future. Even if she goes to the past to save Alicia, 'her' Alicia, the one who died won't come back. Precia just doesn't care says she hates Rynith because she kept on saying unnecessary things, but the latter says it's only because she's worried about her master. Precia's poker face starts breaking with genuine anger. Rynith begs to know what she needs to do to make Precia believe her. The matriarch demands that she get out of the way. Rynith refuses to obey and they fight, with no one coming out on top.
   
   
7. Master and Familiar start disappearing at the same time. Rynith says she loves Precia and that she should go to sleep, this time to see a happy dream instead of a nightmare. Precia is angry but resigned to her fate. Rynith notices that this will be the first time that she will be sleeping alongside her master. Precia thinks it's stupid but the familiar always saw Fate and Arf do so and is a little jealous.
   
   
   
8. Precia, in an absolutely rare display of diverting her attention away from her goal corrects Rynith. This is not the first time they will meet slumber together. Rynith gets a flashback...
   
   She was always Precia's pet mountain cat. She finally remembers the feeling of the warm hand stroking her head, tears gathering in her eyes.
   
   
   
9. Precia laments that all the beautiful things in her life are always in her past. Even so, Rynith says she can now truly say she is happy.
   
   Precia tries to say something, but they both disappear... And so... This permanently marks the end of the Testarossa family's tragic tale...
   

*blows nose hard on a napkin*

Ahh... The Testarossa family... Never before has it been shown how tragic their entire story is... This game is BRILLIANT storyboard-wise.


Sad things aside, I am no longer sure if I can continue writing up Sequence 8 right now. In a few hours, I'll be heading back into the province where we don't have a computer. I can't bring home this laptop so I'm gonna be left with just my phone to access the internet. I guess I'll be able to pop up every now and then to make small posts, but the Sequence summaries will only resume in early January. I really hope, you guys won't mind.

Anyways, thanks for reading my reviews. I haven't have this much fun in writing for a looonng time!

And of course, it's a little early but HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!!! >:3

[Sunder the Gold]

Returning to an earlier point, when Material-S and Yuuno meet in Sequence 2-4B, Yuuno sounds really angry about something before they start fighting.

Did Stern threaten Nanoha to provoke him into a fighting mood?

[Laith]

Linith TT_TT

Precia TT_TT

On other notes, Linith can kick your ass with a cane and Precia has the lowest HP of everyone.

[Sunder the Gold]

Originally Posted by Aaron008R

[*]One very interesting thing to note here is that if you're brave enough to let Fate hit you with Jet Zamber, you'll hear her use the same line that Rynith uses before attacking with Plasma Saber. This is Rynith's legacy, "Yami o tachikiru senkou no yaiba." The blade of light that rends the darkness.

I noticed that Linith says something different when she uses Plasma Saber against Nanoha.

For one thing, she shouts "Final/Last Spark" instead, like Fate does when throwing the magical spear at the end of a Genocide Shift attack.



@Laith: Given how Linith's device sparkles each time she swings to attack with it, I'm fairly sure she's using a spell to enhance the physical force behind it. There's no other way those brushing strokes could hit that hard.

[Nightengale]

Originally Posted by Keroko

Dammit, I love the PSPverse. Can't they just animate this instead of wasting time and money with those rehash movies?

I don't disagree as a whole, but there are stuff that PSPverse can afford to do exactly because it's a game... and 'not main continuity canon', so to speak.

Sequence 7 is one example... It's definitely a touching mini-story that fleshes out the depth in the less-developed characters, but post-humous character development via graveyard extraction is... sketchy to execute, to say the least.

But on many other points...

This was what I wanted out of ViviD, darn it!

[Filraen]

I'm glad the game doesn't go the "Precia regrets her actions against Fate" route.

[TheScarletSword]

Well, finished story mode in it's entirety. Absolutely loved it!

Now, just need to work on arcade and misc. Though, what does Time Attack and Survival unlock? Same thing as arcade - character models/outifts?

[Keroko]

Originally Posted by Sunder the Gold

So which one is actually the unstoppable engine of destruction?

If she doesn't want to be unstoppable, couldn't she give up Examia and become stoppable? Or less destructive?

Remember that they are programs, they have limitations and restrictions us organics do not.

Originally Posted by Nightengale

I don't disagree as a whole, but there are stuff that PSPverse can afford to do exactly because it's a game... and 'not main continuity canon', so to speak.

Sequence 7 is one example... It's definitely a touching mini-story that fleshes out the depth in the less-developed characters, but post-humous character development via graveyard extraction is... sketchy to execute, to say the least.

But on many other points...

This was what I wanted out of ViviD, darn it!

True, though I don't need it to be a part of the main continuity, a separate continuity suits me just fine.

As for sequence 7... well, it's really not that much different from what A's pulled. Only building on it. Sketchy, but it worked. I'd even go as far as to say that the events in sequence 7 are far less out of place than the dream sequence in A's.

[Akiyoshi]

Originally Posted by Laith

Linith TT_TT

Precia TT_TT

Wholeheartily agrees ToT

Linith is such a likeable character and a good, and caring fighter too. The game implied that she manage to fight various battles and keeped herself togheter as a Dark Piece out of sheer willpower. The scene of her farewell with Fate and Arf almost broke into tears(it i sawed that animated probably i'll be a moping man by now T-T).

Precia is great, i liked that the game acknowledged that her SS rank wasn't just for show as she indeed have tremendous power(again, interdimensional lightning attacks able to cripple entire TSAB cruisers). She's obviously a Glass Cannon but much like Hayate, you don't want to be in the path of one of her attacks. Her cold/obsesive attitude was ahndled ina very interesting way and her late realization was a nice and tearjerking touch(ahh.. scientist, they always seem to forget the most important-yet-simplest of things until it's too late xDU).

Again, amazing Job Aaron, it'll be hard to find another stuff to keep me and my weird mind entertained but i'll wait for your return, those reviews are very well done and this story is incredible. I must admit i was skeptcial about this game but you convinced me of liking it xD! See ya.

P.S.- Levi, Levi, Levi xD! You mischievous little devil, you're great xD!

[Justin_Brett]

It doesn't seem like the manga characters have much to do in this story at all. Kind of a shame.

[Laith]

Sequence 8 is all theirs and they are part on Sequence 11 (Final).

But yeah this game is Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Materials/Gears feat. Everyone else.

[Akiyoshi]

Originally Posted by Laith

But yeah this game is Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Materials/Gears feat. Everyone else.

Yeah but the good thing is that "everyone else" also receives good scenes and developement or at least some nice bits of shine at the very least xD

[ZeroIchiNi]

Originally Posted by Justin_Brett

It doesn't seem like the manga characters have much to do in this story at all. Kind of a shame.

Spoiler for Ending spoiler:

heck if you did remove them from the story and change the Florian sisters as travelers from a planet where the TSAB cannot travel to, the story would be almost exactly the same.

Just like how they manipulated the A's cast memories to believed in the End as I was told.
*would like to see them do that if an entire planet knows about them*

Sure they have good interactions with the other cast (I like these) but they really didn't do much except running around going "What am I going to do !?!", and being extra fire power at the end.

This was why I was afraid of this game when it came out. It's one step closer to the main timeline now that the Materials are no longer on Earth. If they had let the A's cast keep their memories and have them diverge more away from the Main timeline then I would be happy.

[Sunder the Gold]

I agree with Zero No Ichi.

What's the point of an interplanetary setting if you're not going to make use of the fact that the characters can travel to or come from different planets?

There's no need for alternate dimensions or time-travel. Those things are just cheap.


And removing any possiblity of further interaction between the three Aces and the Materials Three strikes me as dull and uncool.


Also, can anyone tell me what Stern said to piss Yuuno off before their fight?

[Justin_Brett]

Sequence 8 is all theirs and they are part on Sequence 11 (Final).

But yeah this game is Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Materials/Gears feat. Everyone else.

Well, characters who aren't there have some role in the story, even if it's just go here and do this. In the grand scheme of things though, Touma Vivio and Einhart are just kinda there. Even the game admits it.

I guess you can't really do major character development when their stories are still on-going, but you can't argue that they could have used some fleshing out at least a little.