Here there be dragons. Let's Play Bahamut Lagoon!

Hm, that set does have merit...

I was going to second Sanagi's stars but this fits perfectly! Do it!

So much better than PANTS.

Thanks guys, I think I have enough names now. I won't be able to use them all, but there's enough for one from each of you so I'll pick and choose a few and mix them with some of my own. Expect an update by, oh... maybe tonight, if nothing pops up.

I'm looking forward to this one. I've had an 800-yen like-new copy of the game on my shelf for 3 years but have never gotten around to it. Oh, I should remember to get those DQ1 photos off my camera one of these years. Oops.

Whew, this update was a doozy. SRPGs are an entirely different ballgame, it seems, but enough of this - Let's Play!



And what a, uh, very auspicious start it is. Something tells me things aren't going to go down like we want them to...



King Kahna: I am unable to awaken you... Does the fate of Kahna lie in destruction?

Yep. Things aren't going to go well at all, it seems, though you have to wonder: why is this old man trying to wake up Bahamut? The plot thickens.



Now we cut to another island in the sky, where a pack of dragons are waiting for the call of their masters.



Truce: Captain, shouldn't you give the order to attack?

Not without naming him first.



Yeah, yeah, you know what this is.



Cueing the pre-battle organization. Of course, since there's not much we can do in the ways of prepping right now, we'll just chat with our pals here and head straight for the battle.



Rush, of course, has his priorities straight. "We have to go help them! But first, let's name our pets while our allies fight off a massive enemy army!"

I know, I'm getting carried away. Now what to name them?



Sorry guys, I had to go with this one.

Of course, we've got our two audience suggestions here. The game only starts us out with three dragons, but we'll get more over the course of the game so no harm, no foul.

Let's go talk with Truce. Surely, he knows what's going on.



Truce: Captain PANTS!! Shouldn't you go over the details once more before we attack?

Afterwards, he gives us some choices - we can either ask him about our dragons, the war or blow him off and rush off, dragons blazing. Since I'm already planning on going over the dragon stuff during the tutorial, and since the backstory stuff should help explain what's going on, we'll go with choice b.



Flashback time! This game has too many of them, to be honest, but this one's kinda necessary to figure out what the heck's going on.



Truce: Genius of War, Emperor Sauzer - His ambition was to achieve domination of the skies... And then... war erupted. The fires of war blanketed the sky... And countless lagoons fell at the hands of the Empire. And thus the sky came to take the color of sadness...



Just for kicks, the game shows Sauzer blowing up and sinking a lagoon. What a bastard.



Truce: Emperor Sauzer's world domination will be realized. We must not lose!

Now that we've got all the information we need, we'll finish up this conversation and let the story progress. We tell Truce "no need" and get on our dragons and fly off to Kahna Castle. Meanwhile...

The old man's still at it, huh? It gives you the impression that this Bahamut is pretty important, (winkwinknudgenudge).



I forgot to ask you guys what you wanted to name the female lead, so I went with the popular second choice. Hope that's fine with you guys.



The building begins to shake and Kahna starts to freak out. He and Sendak, the old man in the corner leave the room, leaving BRIEFS all alone with the dragon.



BRIEFS: Protect PANTS...

D'awwwwww, she's in love with PANTS. But enough of that. To the castle!



No really. We hadn't noticed.

Matelite: What is that Dragon Squad doing?!

King Kahna: .........

Mist: Sire! What happened with Bahamut, Kahna's guardian dragon?

King Kahna: .........

Sendak: The Holy Dragons must awaken. Without Bahamut, we are lost...

King Kahna: That is not so. We still have PANTS and his Dragon Squad...

Everyone: PANTS...

Wow, we're pretty popular with the higher-ups. Kinda gives you the impression that we're, y'know, important.

Rush: We're late!!



Matelite: We don't need any of your excuses!! Follow me! We'll hold the enemy at the gates!



Matelite: I never expected them to attack us here... We need to buy some time! INSPIRE!



Trying to slow down the imperial offensive, Matelite blows up the bridge and makes it impossible to cross the river. Pretty clever, now that you think about it. But will it last?

Sendak: If we are to cross the river, then we will need to freeze it using magic. Also, do not forget to command the dragons. Let us show them how to fight, PANTS!

And the battle begins with earnest! The first part of the tutorial is the condition for victory - like with every other SRPG, there are certain things you have to accomplish in order to win the battle in your favor, ranging from wiping out the enemy army (like now) to protecting allies, and so on.

But how do you play the game, you ask?



During battle, there are six commands available to you, five of which we can use right now. They are:

Move: Needed to cross the battle field. Select a panel within the space highlighted in order to move to that position. Keep in mind however, that the battlefield lacks a grid in this game so watch that you don't end up putting yourself into the line of fire by accident.

Attack: Move up against an enemy and select this option to go into combat with them. This is essentially the same as Fire Emblem's system, however you're given a choice of commands to input before the battle. More on this later.

Field: A list of abilities that our party can use on the field. Choose which attack you want from one of the character's submenus and select a target to snipe them from afar. Though it's not the fastest way to deal with an enemy (as we'll see later on), it's the safest as it doesn't force us to get up close to an attack. Not all characters can use field abilities though, but we're getting too far ahead of ourselves.

Dragon: When you go into battle, your party members are flanked by the dragons assigned to each party. After a party member makes a move and their turn ends, the dragon acts based on one of three commands - Attack! (gets up close and deals damage), Come! (dragon stays close to its assigned party and deals ranged damage), and Wait! (dragon moves, but doesn't act). Choosing which ability to use becomes important later on, when the dragon's firepower becomes more of a deciding factor in battles.

Party: Examine your party members' abilities and stats. Not much to see here.

End Turn: Character finishes actions and is greyed out. This signals for the dragon to act its turn, though this is done automatically if you selected Attack or Field from the menu.

This is probably a little confusing, so let's see it all happen in action. First off, since we can't cross the river yet we'll begin by having PANTs use one of his field skills. Select it from his command submenu.



Next, select a target within the field of range. Note that, like in Final Fantasy Tactics, there's also an area of effect to the spell, so you don't have to trigger it right on the target. In any case, now that we select the target, PANTS will then attack...



And he'll take damage as a result. Afterwards, PANTS will end his turn and VicViper will begin his.



"This is VicViper T301, commencing attack on the enemy."



And he follows up our attack with his own, piling on more damage to the poor soldier across from us. Now that he finishes up, we move onto the next party until we finish our turn. Not too bad, is it?



In any case, there's not much we can do, as the only ice-caster in our team is with Matelite. I move Sendak and Wh.MAGE closer to PANTS in preparation for next turn, and Polaris finishes up our turn with an attack on the poor whelp from earlier. Now that we're done, it's time for the enemy to begin their assault.

Like with us, there's not much they can do except attack from afar, since crossing the water is out of the question. However, this brings up an important point from earlier - that is, the effect of elemental spells on the environment.

As you saw earlier with Matelite, the effect of a spell has an effect on the surroundings it hits - for example, his Inspire - a lightning elemental attack - destroyed the bridge. Generally, the effects are broken down by element:

Fire - Sets forests aflame, dealing damage to anyone caught in the blaze. It also removes them from the battlefield, making it easier to move across terrain. It can also be used to melt ice bridges.

Ice - Freeze water, making it easier to cross rivers. There's not much else it can do, really.

Thunder - Destroys buildings and obstacles such as walls, rocks, etc. and makes it easier to move over them. It can also be used to destroy bridges, inhibiting progress.

There are more elements than this, of course, but I'll cover them as they become available over the course of the game.



In any case, we'll take advantage of the ice bridge the enemy mage has made and finsih it up. Now to begin the real offensive.



Once you move up against an enemy, the Attack command opens up. Unlike the other commands which are acted on the field, the Attack command takes us to another screen.



This is the battle screen (as horribly glitched up as it is). The battle system is remarkably familiar to anyone who's played FFI - each party member chooses an action and they play out in order of highest speed to lowest. The actions available, from top to bottom, are Attack (deal physical damage to one target), Skill (use a special skill, ranging from elemental attacks to healing and so on), Item (use an item in your inventory), and Defend (reduce damage for one turn).

For now, we'll start by selecting a special skill from PANTS. Enter the skill menu and select the ability present (there's only one).



As the battle plays out, he'll use it when his turn comes around, dealing fire elemental damage to all enemies and finishing them off. Note that turn order is also affected by who begins the attack, so make sure that the enemy doesn't get up close during their phase.



Once the turn is over, you'll get experience from how the battle played out. As the battle ends only after one turn, what you get is dependant on how you do - if there are still enemies standing, you'll get a meager amount of Exp, whereas if you finish them off you'll get an extravagent amount and potentially spoils as well. As you can see, it pays off to weaken them with ranged attacks before going up close.



Note that dragons can also enter battle as well, however they're uncontrollable for the most part. They can also intervene with your battles as well however, dealing damage before anyone has a chance to act, so having them close by usually comes in handy.



Anyway, now that everything's explained (for now), let's continue the battle. I have Sendak attack the mages from earlier, weakening them up more. It's not enough to finish them off however, so they get a move during the enemy's phase.

Dragons are great units to have upfront for tanking on account of their obscene HP and stats - VicViper here started the battle with 2,000, far higher than what our PCs have at this point. However, don't get too cocky with them, as it's easy for the enemy to gang up and kill them if you don't keep an eye out.



Now that it's our turn again, I start off by having Sendak pick off the enemies from afar, weakening them enough so that I can finish them off next turn.



Like so. By the way, I'll be explaining spell levels later on, so ignore that Lv. 2 for now - it's not important.



Afterwards, Polaris finishes up the assault from Matelite's turn, weakening the mages up enough for us to finish them off. Time to get up close and personal.



It basically plays out like before, however this time they're weak enough that we might not finish them off this turn.



Thankfully, VicViper jumps in before the battle starts and gives us a little edge by firing off his FireBreath. Having a dragon nearby really helps things.

Now with the mages dead, all we have left is the boss.



Generally, it's a good idea to have your dragons start the offensive first, as their high HP makes them more likely to survive the boss's attack. As I said, they're great for tanking.



Of course, not that it really matters, since he's not that tough of a boss to begin with and dies in the next turn.



And that's all she wrote. We successfully fought off the Imperial army! Woo!



Or not...?

Matelite: Damn it!! We have to protect the King!!

Uh-oh, this doesn't look good. Man, everything's going to hell today, isn't it? First we fall for a decoy, and now this? Yeesh.



BRIEFS: (PANTS!! Matelite!)

Then they knock her out and drag her away. God, what a bunch of bastards. I don't even want to know what they're going to do to her.



Wow, everyone knows our name. We must really be popular then. Shame Sauzer doesn't care though.



Sauzer: So this is the extent of Bahamut's power? It's hardly worthy of a legend.

King Kahna: !!! The legend!!! How do you know of it?!

Sauzer: Your Majesty... History will always choose a single person. And then that person will be known as a hero.

King Kahna: What are you scheming? Sauzer!



Sauzer: The dragons won't wake up? That's merely because their time of awakening has not come yet! The moment I conquer this world, their time shall begin! And that time begins now!



And then Sauzer blows everything to hell, like before. That's the end of that, I suppose.



Kahna was destroyed following the battle. One era ends and a new one begins.



And... endscene.

Next time: Chapter 1 - The Beginning.

Nothing like a game chapter that's more or less named, "You Are Going To Fail." (Sounds like a Choose Your Own Adventure book, doesn't it?)

I never understood what the hell Bikkebakke was trying to accomplish by standing like that.

It's been a long time since I played, but I thought the dragons always attacked enemy troops in battle? Or is it just random?

This is a good post!

Damn but this game is paced like a fifth grader's fanfiction. Nice LP, though!

Why is it so glitched, anyway? I don't remember that ever happening.

Well, the Dragon command mostly just affects how they move but forcing the dragon to stay close usually results in them only using long-range attacks. As for how they work when set to attack, I'll be explaining that over once we get to dragon-feeding and stats.

I'm going to try and figure that out over the next few days. :/ I'm not sure why it suddenly started to glitch either, as it was working fine the last time I played it...

There's also a lot of Japanese text in the version you're using that my Tomato-based patch didn't ever have. Weeeeird.

What emulator are you using, by any chance? I'm beginning to think that might have something to do with it, but I'm not quite certain just yet.

I use some kind of ZSNES.

Just to be sure, are you using the BL patch for emulators or copiers? I don't know what happens if you use the copier patch in an emulator, but there must be some reason why there are two different ones.

I'm pretty sure I'm using the emulator patch on SNES9x. Strange... I'll try downloading it again to make sure - if it's just the specific patch that's messed up, I'll try the copier version and see if it works better.

"This Vic Viper can do it!"

I use SNES9x Custom for Mac. I don't use a patch, because the ROM came pre-patched.

Man, I hate it when people run jokes into the ground.

Yeah me too.

This is serving to remind me just how much that, of all the Square stuff we missed out on back in the SNES days, this is the one I want to see get an official release the most.

In my defense, that was before I learnt what happens to in-jokes here.

You know, I always thought that Bahamut Lagoon was a straight RPG.

All right, I'm not sure what was going on but I fixed the patch now. Expect an update sometime tomorrow.

Or a few days later instead? Oops. Well, at least it fits in with my schedule - which reminds me. I'll be updating this LP on a weekly schedule with a new installment every Wednesday from now on, so be sure to check back around then for updates.

But enough talk - Let's Play!



Sendak: How are you? Where are you travelling to now? Several winters have passed since the war...



Sendak: Since our Kahna was destroyed... Since the Granbelos Empire conquered the world... Those battles are now old history... The resistance group created as per the deceased king's final wish is but only a name. Without you, PANTS, everyone seems saddened.

=(



Sendak: Yes... The snow has already begun to fall here. Winter looks like it will be cold again this year. Well, that is all. Please take care of yourself.
From Sendak



"Several years after the horrible war."



"On this Island... A resistance movement opposing the Empire began to form, comprised of surviving knights of Kahna."



Lukia: He's come back...



That's right, ladies and gents. This show isn't over just yet.



Melodia: VicViper!! PANTS!!

Woo!



Bikkebakke: PANTS's back!!

We're back!

Zora runs inside to tell the others we're back. Because hey! We're back!



Taicho: PANTS!! It is I, Taicho of the Mahal Knights!

I wonder if he introduces himself like this on dates? "Hi, it is I, Taicho of the Mahal Knights! How's the wine?"



Sendak: So you are back, PANTS? There are a great many things to discuss.

I'm not even on screen yet and they're acting like I'm there. Maybe it's from old age?



Matelite: *Yawn* Ahhh, what a nice nap!

Zora: Hey! Hurry up and get PANTS out here!!

I was wondering when someone would notice that I'm not there yet. Speaking of which, "introducing the captain of the Kahna Dragon Squad. He's lean, he's mean, he's a dragon-raising, cross-blade wielding fighting machine. Give it up fooooorrrr...



PANTS!!"

Yes, this actually happens. And you thought this game was supposed to be serious!

Truce: Alright, everybody! Saddle up! Our plan to save Princess BRIEFS starts now!!



And then it bites him. Hilarity!



Zora: Try giving them something to eat. Here, I'll give you these...

And she hands us "various items". I'll go through the dragon-raising stuff after I talk to everyone and get some information.



Rush: First we need to take back Kahna's flagship before we can save Princess BRIEFS. Let's hurry!

Sendak: By the way, do you remember the day you left?

>I forget. Tell me about it.
>I don't want to remember.

In case it wasn't obvious, we're given the choice to either view another flashback or blow him off and go prepare. Since it helps clear up what's going on and gives us information we don't have yet, I'll go with the first choice. Though I wish we didn't have to.

That is not what you're supposed to say before going into battle Rush, you insensitive jerk.

Rush: You're the one who decided to do this, PANTS! You were the one who said to revive Kahna's Dragon Squad.

Truce: So firsst we have to find all the dragons that escaped. Then we take back our ship, Kahna's flagship.

Bikkebakke: This time we'll take good care of them and taise them to be the most powerful attack dragons!

That... sort of implies you didn't take care of them before. Don't make me call Animal Services, guys.

Rush: Let's go!!



Zora: Take care...

Don't worry, we'll be back before you know it. You can count on PANTS.



Melodia ignores us, while Sendak babbles like a madman. What the heck's with everyone in this game?

Sendak: I... I...



In any case, before Sendak can blurt out what's on his mind, VicViper whisks us away into the skies. "No more dilly-dallying!" he says, "we have to go find the others!"



Back in the present...

Sendak: Ever since then... You seem all grown up... Even I am not used to the new you...



Matelite: PANTS... You have memories of BRIEFS too, don't you?

I... guess?

>Yes

Matelite: With that lovely face of hers... Such nice memories... PANTS. I want to go rescue her this very minute...



And then he runs out of the room. Is everyone in this game disturbed, or is it just me? Well, let's see what's in this chest before we head after him and help kickstart a rebellion.



"It's sealed tight. Will you try opening it?"

To hell with morals, I want what's inside, damn it!



What the hell is that supposed to b- oh for God's sake. It's another flashback, isn't it? There are too many flashbacks in this game.



Ah well, at least it's an important one this time. Make sure you keep track on what's being said - it's going to be coming back a few chapters from now.

Matelite: BRIEFS! Stop!

...?

Matelite: PANTS, wait!

Too late! Off we go~!



BRIEFS: VicViper is so fast!

He must've gotten all of the speed boosts.



>It's kind of awkward, so don't...

BRIEFS: But... oops! Too late...

Did she... did she just cop a feel? I feel violated.



BRIEFS; Reaching beyond the sky... I wonder if there's a feeling to express that?



Vic then drops us off at a cathedral. What a rather... unique place for a date, isn't it?

BRIEFS: Hey, PANTS. This is called the Church of Memories. Do you know why?

>I know that, but I wonder why?



BRIEFS: Do you want to go in with me?

This is getting kinda serious... um... sure?

>Yeah, let's try going in.



Whoa! A-aren't we moving a little too fast here? I mean, sure I'll go with you, but I'm not sure I'd be comfortable with Matelite, erm, joining in...



BRIEFS: If I ask you to come to the Church of Memories, will you?

>I can't see into the future.

Well it's true.

BRIEFS: That's right... We can't see into the future... Will we be far away from each other I wonder...



Aaaand... fade out. Well, now that we've gotten the story bits out of the way, let's go prepare for our assault, shall we?