Friendship is Magicite? Let's Play Pony Fantasy 6!

I love this romhack forever.

No more than it needed a Lord of the Rings reference, but hey, there it is.

Setting some of the more oddball casting decisions aside, as this thing proceeds, the answer is increasingly becoming a "yes."

Welcome to the Southern Continent. Please watch your step.



Wandering around to see what changed in each town, this was actually the only significant difference. The Joker looks like a pile of cotton candy vomit. I have no idea what they were thinking. Flying vomit? You'd think they'd make the Ralph look like ralph, if anything...

The towns have been renamed Alhoof, Baltimare, and Mareanda. And Stalliongrad, of course.

Oh and Applejack learned Fire from that Healing Band relic, but she still doesn't have access to magic. A little wacky side effect of messing with how magic works.



No, it needed two.



Who?

A quick Googling later:

Really? REALLY? Sethisto is the name of the person who started up Equestria Daily. Apparently every Pony project is obligated to suck up to all the important people (like Ingram) and "important" people (like this guy.) Even if there's no character in Friendship Is Magic who's perfect for the role (I can't think of a good Cid right now but there might be one), there's probably a few candidates from the older TV series or movies.



Sneaky sneaky! Not much has changed here in Stalliongrad either. I'm surprised that dude who looks like a cult leader didn't get a pony sprite.



That chest used to contain a Dragoon Ring. Perhaps Jump is a command that's been assigned to somepony and Dragoon Rings were removed so it's special. Scootaloo or Rainbow Dash could both be appropriate.



Espers haven't changed, so little relating to them has changed. So let's move along.



This is actually the first time I've used a tent. The tent sprite is the lead pony's cutie mark! Pretty cute. Well, Trixie's cutie mark is really goofy looking, but I assume the other ones are cute. Wonder what Apple Bloom's tent sprite looks like...



Sadly I couldn't find a good Random for Pinkie Pie to use in this battle, sadly. Otherwise it was a whole bunch of Drill, Iron Hoof, and Unicorn.



These guys look unchanged other than the loss of level up bonuses.



Pinkie Pie used Telstar/Sonic Boom a bunch of times. Trixie got fed up with its confusion antics and turned it into an Imp.



Hey look, a spare Unicorn esper!



So this is what Sethisto looks like. Meh.

Sethisto: So... this is what happens when they...



I guess he's a Trixie fanboy.

Sethisto: Discord said you'd be back, and everything would make sense when you did. So... what's going on?
Apple Bloom: !? Trixie...?
Discord: Hm, never bothered to actually watch one of them die before... Sethisto, you blockhead! Why didn't you try this earlier! General Trixie!! You are still under contract with the Empire. Bring me those crystals!
Apple Bloom: Trixie! You... tricked me?!
Trixie: You stupid bumpkin! Trixie takes orders from NOPONY, least of all Discord!
Applejack: Ah smell a double cross! We're trapped!
Discord: G'hee, hee, hee! She has tricked you morons! It's in her nature, after all!
Trixie: Damnit! Trixie does not have to resort to such... such... trickery!
Apple Bloom: I... ... ...
Discord: NOW!! Exterminate all of them!

A part of me wonders if this conversation was the entire reason to give Trixie the Celes role. By the way, Trixie, saying you take orders from "nopony" doesn't work since Discord (and Gilda) aren't ponies...



Discord: Trixie! W... what are you doing? Stop it!!!

And there goes our caster...

Sethisto: This is a disaster! Your fighting has caused the servers to crash! The whole site will collapse! Quick! Over here!

Get it? Cause he runs a website... Ugh. Anyway, elevator talking.

Sethisto: I can't believe how out of control this has become... I've let my research consume me... it's time to set things right! The emperor will listen to me! I'll find a way to convince her to stop this war.



Sethisto: She's not a bad pony, she just made a bad decision... don't judge her too harshly, okay? ... No! It's Discord! I'll reboot the servers! Keep calm and pony on!

The Mag Roaders are no obstacle to this team. Apple Bloom's Drill and Pinkie Pie's Sonic Boom are really all we need. Applejack may have Blitzed a few out along the way.



Unfortunately Apple Bloom got hit with Berserk before she got even one action. Applejack came in handy, using "Thunder Blade" (Quadra Slam) to destroy the blades and hit the core while she's at it. Amazing! Useful Applejack!



Rainbow Dash: We'll talk in a minute! Let's get outta here!
[inside]
Discord: Crud! What a mess! I don't think so...! You won't get away!



Applejack: Whoa nellie! What in tarnation is THAT?!
Pinkie Pie: Whee! It's PARTY TIME everypony!



Well that went by quickly. Rainbow Dash's abilities are Gamble and Soar, which is Jump. Have a sneak peak at her stats while we're on the subject. She also comes with another Pony Feather, just like Fluttershy did. Her portrait is odd, giving more than a military look than her standard free spirit or super cool look.



Apple Bloom: Ah'll explain on th' way... about Twilight... Espers... the Republic...



Most of this scene and the flashbacks are unchanged, so I'll stick to the highlights.



Twilight Sparkle's mom is named Twilight. Maduin apparently names his kid in honor of sex, as he made sparkles with a pony named Twilight. That's kinda messed up.

Also baby Twilight Sparkle looks like a purple mushroom.



We haven't gotten a chance to see Emperor Gilda before now. Still talks like a jock, with bonus Pokemon references!



Gilda: Woah, YOUR girl? Your half ESPER girl? Mwa, ha, ha... I'll raise her as my own personal slave!
Twilight: N... noooo!!!
Gilda: Take a hike!! We're gonna own the world... Ha, ha, ha...



At long last, the opportunity to explore the world freely! Before that, let's see what the team has to say.

Celestia: We mustn't get overconfident, we need to continue planning our next move.
Pinkie Pie: If I was anypony, I'd go to the Veldt! Wanna go to the Veldt? I know, let's go to the Veldt!
Apple Bloom: Ah want mah cutie mark, and Ah want it NOW!
Twilight Sparkle: All the ponies in this world are cr-razy!
Rainbow Dash: What's the most important thing in life? Being the fastest pony alive!
Applejack: Ah never wanted to spend my life hatin', an' fightin', but I guess the Empire ain't givin' me a choice...
Luna: The empire must fall!

The party will be packed with unicorns for a bit, since nopony got a chance to learn magic except Trixie. Next update will probably take longer and have less content, since I won't bother logging anything that's unchanged.

Twilight's mom looks like the original concept art for Twilight Sparkle.

Also, let the totally dumb replacement dude for Cid die. DIE I SAY!

Seriously.

Though I sorta appreciate the interpretation of Cid's bright yellow rain coat.

Why does horse-magical monster sex weird me out more than human-magical monster sex?

Because the magical monster in question is humanoid, maybe?

The Lola/Soldier questline's text remains the same, including her request for Tonic, which doesn't exist in this game. The Tintinabar gets a new name, which is cute.

I also collected all the available espers (they don't appear to have changed) and trained up the unicorns and Pinkie Pie by wandering the Veldt for a very long time. I'm still missing some rages I'd like to have but I ran out of patience. Once Twilight Sparkle learned Doom I flew to Triangle Island to try my luck.



And discovered the methods of insta-killing Intangers have been disabled. Damnation!

Apple Bloom steals three Gaia Gears, which have inexplicably been changed to "EarthTm Vest" (Earth Team Vest? possibly a reference to Winter Wrap-Up), and we scoot off to Neighshe. Twilight Sparkle can't equip them so I don't push for a full set.



Empire, espers, alliance, yeah yeah. I'm annoyed I had to sit through PLOT to get to the important thing in Neighshe.



Chase scene! Hmm, not-Umaro is hiding. Sneaky.



There she/he is! And... I don't know who that is but it has an eyepatch. Definiately not a yeti though.



Hooray Scootaloo! Clearly I should have had Rainbow Dash as my lead character in this segment.



Scootaloo is another Cutie Mark Crusader, like Apple Bloom. She has the same Jump/Soar deal as Rainbow Dash and the usual Mog Dance. Stats-wise she appears to be a notch below Rainbow Dash in nearly every way. But Dance is far cooler than Gamble.



See? Dancing is awesome.

I think I mentioned it when Scootaloo showed up at the beginning of the game, but she's a seriously neglected character. Possibly the most neglected of any voiced recurring characters. She's never had her own episode, has no family, and for the longest time the only way you could get a toy of her was in a set with the other CMC and Cheerilee. Still she has a great attitude and has the potential to be a great character.

Oh and she can't sing worth a damn.



Scootaloo goes on a whirlwind tour of the world, picking up every dance available right now. Twilight Sparkle tags along through the rest of this update and ends up with most of the currently available spells.



So cruel! Almost as cruel as the fire-blocked chests in Karnak Castle in Final Fantasy V...



Release the hounds!



See, Twilight Sparkle should have Celestia's "summon" ability. Not that I'd use it then either.



Ever get the feeling Bahamut is trolling us?



Kaboom!



Twilight Sparkle: ...the Espers... Something happened...
Apple Bloom: Ah doubt those espers fergot who took their friends all those years ago...
Celestia: We must find a way to get the espers to help us...
Luna: Let us examine the carnage!
Applejack: Ah know EXACTLY how those espers musta felt when they busted outta that gate...
Rainbow Dash: Urghh! For the time being, I don't own the skies...
Pinkie Pie: This ship needs a party cannon!
Scootaloo: Oo, oo, Rainbow Dash, can I fly the ship?!

So yeah, almost no new content in this update! Maybe next time we'll find something worth talking about in Stalliongrad.

Umaro is totally Derpy, I'd say.

Boooooooooooooo.

Boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

(Also I agree with Sprite Re: Umaro, though I don't quite understand the eyepatch)

Yeah, it looks like the hack packed in a lot of VI Advance's bugfixes. Of which the Vanish/Doom trick is one of them.

I agree with the Umaro theories (on mane/pony color combo alone) but I'm going to avoid the subject until we get that far in gameplay.

Yeah, the vanish/doom or xzone trick removal irked me off too... Wrexsoul was a pain without it, but thats about it (only time i ever used the trick anyways lol)
Also, WoR SUCKS on some of the boss changes >.< thank goodness some of the item changes can really help you out... and ironically, Scootaloo was the best char for me to take down one of em due to the item/boss changes

It's awesome how Scootaloo has Jump/Soar when Scoot totally can't fly at all.

She didn't come with a Pony Feather at least. Though she can use one. I'm pretty sure no non-pegasus can use them.

Leaving Lone Wolf as Lone Wolf seems sloppy, too.

Since it was mentioned earlier how the sea-serpent mustache dude could have filled in for Ultros, I nominate other Rarity related monsters to fill the role of Lone Wolf... One of the Diamond Dogs.

"My Little Fantasy 6" would have been ten times better a name for this hack.

Dollars to donuts there's a porn series out there with the same title.

Midget porn most likely.

Mostly following this to see the changes. Not sure what to expect for Relm/Strago. Some of the changes seem silly or inappropriate as stated by others, so I don't really have high hopes for it.

But the subject of bugfixes interests me, so I'm wondering... Are Joker Doom exploits still viable?

The only cast change which is really inappropriate so far is Apple Bloom. Pretty much everything which seems off can be traced back to her in some way.

I would've picked Shining Armor instead of Apple Bloom, even if he's canonically Twilight's older brother. c.c

The romhack apparently took six months and only came out three weeks after the Canterlot Wedding episode, so Shining Armor would require a lot of rewriting I'm sure. But yes, it would be better. Celes could be Cadance instead of Trixie.

Who would Rachel be? Shining Armor's little sister who just happens to have the same name as Twilight Sparkle. Could even rewrite that backstory to imply the two are connected somehow.

Shining Armor would learn Protect and Shell naturally and little else.

And the party would actually have a token male. Now that the party's filled in so much it's feeling awkward with all girls (even if MLP is nearly all girls).

I still think recasting some of the enemies would have been a nice touch.

We even have a decent number of dragons to use as the dragons in the world of ruin!

I still think Umaro should've been Big Macintosh.

All of my yes.

Sethisto: The Emperor's ready to call off the war!
Party: Seth!!
Sethisto: The Espers came to save their friends. But once they saw what happened... They razed the town and scattered our army...
Sentry: We're hanging up our weapons and armor for good.
Gilda: The power of those espers is pretty radical... They're gonna blow up everything, you have to stop them!
Sethisto: Nopony's going to make them sit down and listen...
Gilda: Listen, let's grab a bite to eat. Then we can talk, or whatever...
Sethisto: There're some people here who'd prefer to keep fighting. Please, before we dine, talk to as many soldiers as you can! Make them understand!



I really hate timed segments so I always dread this part. Despite the fact that the enemies not hard, the internet provides nice maps showing exactly where all the guards are, and my emulator pauses when it's not the active window, making it easy to consult the map. So of course I got all 24 soldiers with 40 seconds to spare. Plenty of time to visit Discord.



Discord: What a bore.

Indeed. None of the soldiers had changed dialog either. Why bother when everyone speeds through this section at top speed to get the best loot?

That evening, the banquet with the Emperor took place...



Gilda: So, um, I guess we should toast to something!
Party: To our hometowns.
Gilda: Well then... To our hometowns!

I'm sticking to the optimal answers only. Perhaps Gilda has some funny responses to some of the others but I don't think we need that much extra Gilda time. Also I risk screwing up save states and having to do the soldier talking bit again.



Imagine how much shorter this game would be if one of the options was "Turn him over to us and we'll execute him personally." Damn good guys being stuck with "good" answers.



Genocide is totally bogus, guys! Get over it!

Actually what the heck does "legitimately bogus" mean? That phrase is perplexing.

Gilda: Oh, while I'm thinking about it, General Trixie...
Party: Trixie is one of us!
Gilda: Yeah Discord was pulling a fast one on you there. Trixie's been wanting out for a long time, that's why she joined up with the Rebels.

Q1: Why'd you start the war?
Gilda: Well my father kinda put a lot of pressure on me to keep his legacy strong, but I'm totally over it now. So, uh, not to rush you or anything, but can we talk about that esper thing now?

Daddy issues yay! No basis in the show but it may be a fan theory. Fans love coming up with excuses for jerks being jerks, often by blaming the parents because angst is fun to write. See also: Draco Malfoy.

Q2: No. Why do you want peace now?
Gilda: Well we're totally getting our flanks kicked here, so it's either cut my losses or give it in, right?

Gestahl was a lot better at politics/diplomacy than this chick.

Q3: Why'd we have to talk to your soldiers?
Gilda: Well we have a lot of die-hards here, I figured you wouldn't mind flexing at the lame-os who wouldn't fall in line.

Gee, thanks. Do all your dinner guests have to fight their way in?



Party: Yes, the Espers have gone too far.
Gilda: After those esper things came, I knew that was it. Oh uh, just to remind me... About those questions you asked me... Which did you ask first?
Party: Why'd you start the war?
Gilda: Oh, right, totally! Anyway, war's over, you get that right? We're done here. Call off the dogs for me, okay?
Sethisto: You seem a bit tired. Care for a rest break?

Talking to Gilda would make anyone want to punch something, so we cripple her personal guard in about thirty seconds before sitting back down.



I used to wonder what friendship could be... but I don't think this is it.

Gilda: Okay so after they thrashed everything, those esper guys took off north by northwest. We kinda gotta find 'em, right? Gotta let 'em know the party's over, time to go home. I'm over my daddy issues now, I'll clean my own mess this time.

North by Northwest is a Hitchcock movie sure... but it's not accurate geographically. The espers are northeast of here and I'm not inclined to believe they went around the world the other way. Mostly because the empire would have a heck of a time tracking them if they went over water most of the way.

Gilda: But there's kinda one catch - I'm pretty beat without Twilight Sparkle. Kinda need her for this... She's the only one who can talk to espers, right? Good! There's a boat we can take. You're coming, right? Great! I'll put up someone from my team to help out. Hey, General Z!



It's rhyme time! Except she goes on ahead, so that'll have to wait.

Gilda: Ok, so you all know the plan right? Find the espers, and tell them the war has been nixed!



Celestia: I think you're right.
Applejack: You can count on us!
Apple Bloom: Leave no stone unturned! No mountain unclimbed! No meal uncooked!
Applejack: Well okay then! Sounds like you have a plan. See y'all later!
Celestia: Twilight Sparkle, please be careful! And don't forget to write me a letter about what you've learned!

Dear Princess Celestia,

Today I learned second tier elemental spells and Doom. I'm not sure how this relates to the study of Friendship but it seems like it would come in handy if anypony doesn't want to be friends.

Your student,

Twilight Sparkle

... Just kidding, the only spell she doesn't have by now is Float and that won't take much longer.

Trooper: Imperial troops have withdrawn from South Canterlot. In addition, our troops have also pulled out of Sweet Apple. We hereby give you the right to take any weapons you desire from the Imperial base to the east, near the sealed gate. And this is from the Emperor herself...
[Received "Olive Branch."]

Whew. There's always a chance something was done wrong until loot is confirmed. Let's see what our allies left behind have to say.

Celestia: Alhoof's a port to the south of the Empire. A Magitek Armor hauling ship plies the water between there and Crescent Island... We'll penetrate the Imperial base. You deal with the Espers!
Applejack: Discord's as terrible as they come. Ah will never forgive him for what he did...
Luna: The scars of war do not heal quickly. It is unwise to trust the Emperor so easily.
Arvis Meadow Song: Makes sense. Can't just forget about Espers...
Mayor Mare: Could Gilda have meant such a thing? Team up with the Empire to track down an Esper... Hmm...
Pinkie Pie: [in pub] Smells like Sugarcube Corner in here!
Scootaloo: Right!

Okay that's...

Wait, where's Rainbow Dash?



Rainbow Dash: Don't touch anything!
Sethisto: Let's chop it up, drop, add some thrush pipes. This thing will be cherry!
Rainbow Dash: ... You little...!! Get outta my sight!
Sethisto: But I could really make this thing hum...! [leaves]
Twilight Sparkle: You love this ship, more than anything, huh?
Rainbow Dash: Well, I sorta had some other dreams too...
Twilight Sparkle: ... huh?
Rainbow Dash: Growing up, I always dreamed of being in the Wonterbolts, the empire's most elite group of Pegasi...
Twilight Sparkle: You mean...
Rainbow Dash: There was only one pony I ever met that could keep up with me. We were always trying to outspeed each other, we acted like rivals but really, we were best friends. But just when it felt like we were at our very best, she disappeared, along with her ship... I felt so lost after that... As you can see, I never joined the Wonderbolts... Never really did... anything important, really... until now. Anyway... you two be careful, I'll have the ship back in the air soon!

This is an easily missed scene. I never really noticed Setzer isn't in Vector after the banquet and certainly never thought to hike all the way back to the airship to look for him. The two, especially Cid, could certainly use the extra character development...



At last, a name! Firefly was the star of the "My Little Pony Special," also called "Firefly's Adventure" or "Rescue at Midnight Castle," and was prominent in the UK My Little Pony comics. She was pink with blue mane/tail and two blue lightning marks on her rump.



Zecora: Is something askew, with these ponies two?
The boat can't move until it's repaired.
Take a rest at the inn, upstairs.
Please, get some rest.
We need you at your very best!

Repaired/Upstairs makes me cringe but still a good effort.

Twilight Sparkle: Trixie...
Trixie: ... [runs off]
Apple Bloom: Trixie...



No but you're adorable, Fluttershy.

That night...



Apple Bloom: Ah know I let Discord get inside mah head... Made me doubt you fer a minute there... Look, Ah'm sorry, okay?! Trixie!

As Iron Will would say: Someone gives you doubt, you throw them out!!

Next morning:

Zecora: Right... let's go.
On with the show!
The trip should only take about 24 hours.
Then we can ask those espers to restrain their powers.



Twilight Sparkle: I just don't get it... The empire taught me everything I know, to make me a weapon. I tried so hard to get away from it... Yet the first real choice I have in my life, I choose to fight again...
Zecora: Not everyone is villain like Discord.
Your faith in yourself may yet be restored.
Twilight Sparkle: Faith... in myself?
Zecora: I knew of your plight, but did nothing to aid...
I was told it was all right, but my trust was mislaid...
Twilight Sparkle: My special talent is magic... Does that mean I'm destined to fight my whole life?
Zecora: That is not entirely true.
What you do with your life is up to you!
Twilight Sparkle: But... That's all anypony wants me to do...
Zecora: Your life on your own has only just began.
Someday soon, you will understand.



Twilight Sparkle: Were you listening to us, just now?
Fluttershy: I didn't mean to eavesdrop...
Twilight Sparkle: Umm...
Fluttershy: I'm sorry Twilight Sparkle, I'm just a pegasus pony. I can't tell you anything about magic... Um, Twilight? There's a lot of ponies in this world who've forgotten what friendship can be... Don't be like them. I mean, if that's okay with you...

Honestly I prefer this brand of soul searching over Terra's angsting over the meaning of "love."



Apple Bloom throws up on a dolphin.



Zecora: Twilight Sparkle, do not worry,
we'll have another chance to speak when we find our quarry.
Apple Bloom: Let's go. Fluttershy!
Trixie: Hey... Apple Bloom... Um, I...
Apple Bloom: Come on.

I like "looking at dolphins" as a sub for puking over the side of the boat.

Locke's the one who pukes, not Shadow. Apple Bloom still pukes over the side of the boat but I ignored it since it's pointless slapstick with negligible change.