Rant: ~...and a pear in a Quickie tree~

[moroboshiyuumei]

Merry Christmas, everyone!

I've been slacking again, as you can probably tell, but that's more due to time constraints with work and other things I'm doing. Up until recently, I've been working on a wikipedia entry for R.U.R.U.R., aside from translating wakamuraP's Hadou fan video centered on idolm@ster's Amami Haruka. The former is getting there

Comments

Re: Sometimes all-ages versions just aren't the same . . .

[moroboshiyuumei]

When it comes to ComiPa's timing for ero scenes, I'd say they're spot on. In the case of Aya, this is after the CG known as Rain Woman occurs (Kazuki looks out his window to see Aya standing out in the rain by a streetlight). It is at that point that Aya apologizes for lying and begs Kazuki to not hate her. The protagonist, of course, says that he would never hate her and takes her back to his place to dry up. It just kinda goes from there; no real asking involved, anyways.

There is an element of R.U.R.U.R. that I did not mention because I felt I shouldn't divulge, but since the proverbial cat is out of the bag in terms of the stories...

The robots of the St Exupery gaining self-awareness, emotions and personality was no mere accident. It was something that humanity had planned in the event that all humans on the ship were dead. The game describes it as a code in their programing that, should Administrator HAL confirm that no living human is on board, would activate and give the robots' "Lem" (heart) the ability to feel and develop the way a human mind would. The ability is only temporary, however, since in the event such a wipeout of humanity were to occur, those put to cold sleep would awaken and bring about the second coming of humanity. Of course, the catch is that if that takes place, the emotions and personalities of the robots would be reset, returning them to being machines that follow the orders of humanity.

The St Exupery had a battle with one of its sister ships, the Barrington, which ended in the death of all humans on board, along with all known humans placed in cold sleep. Ichihiko's capsule was discovered much much later, and the debate started between the robots over what should be done. Hinagiku wanted to let him continue sleeping, since she felt that humans were no longer necessary, and that his very existence posed a threat to all that the robots had built. Mizubashou was the one who proposed that they should give him a choice. Seeing that he was still so young, she believed that they should raise him and then leave the choice in his hands. Most agreed with her, but Benibana and a few others felt that "raising" Ichihiko was not necessary. Benibana herself accused Mizubashou of trying to tamper with protocol, thinking that the world built for Ichihiko was meant to prevent him from fulfilling his role.

What does this have to do with Mizubashou's route? Well, Ichihiko reaches the same conclusion that Benibana did when he discovers the truth about his world, and most of his ire is aimed at Mizubashou since he, understandably, feels hurt and betrayed by the fact that she was the one who came up with the whole idea. He reaches the conclusion the robots were trying to replace humanity and his role in the greater scheme of things was a threat. He eventually comes around after realizing that he is pretty insignificant on his own, even if he is a human. This is further reinforced by the fact that Mizubashou and Shirotsumegusa are the only family he has ever known. Mizubashou tries to approach him several times, but only makes things worse. In the end, Ichihiko is the one that has to bring himself to forgive Mizubashou before moving on.

Funny you should mention Shirotsumegusa's route and her yandere qualities. The PC version's route heavily plays on her yandere side, specifically the whole "You love me and only me, you just dont know it, but I will correct that". That's kind of why she forces herself on Ichihiko multiple times. It's made ridiculously obvious when she spawns the tentacle monster, even saying "You say you don't like it, but I know you like it. Just like all the characters in the manga I read."

The closest thing to all hell breaking loose is actually Shirotsumegusa going after Hinagiku and aiming to kill her. Along the way she does become aggressive and erratic, but all is aimed at Hina, feeling that Hina's very existence is what is keeping Ichihiko from liking her best. Otherwise she wouldn't go into her "this is all your fault!" tirade late in the story.