I love how the foreshadowing of Mythra is handled up to this point. "That was where... *we* were born." "That is *our* dream!" "Her flames hide something deeper." And of course, the Aegis' appearance in the play.
Also, the "Blushy-Crushy" heart-to-heart, if you pick the "Rex-focused" option as in the previous episode of this playthrough. Although obviously either route of that H2H is meant to be pure cringe, but there is a Mythra hint if you pay attention to how Pyra behaves on the Rex option. The first time Pyra tries to follow Poppy's lead she does so in her normal soft and uncertain manner, but when Tora asks her to try again, Pyra tries putting her hands on her hips, acting more assertive, and speaking more forcefully, i.e. she's trying to act like how Mythra would in this situation.
**Insert Captain America 'I get that reference meme here** I've technically gotten to to it. Vids just have to catch up to it. And funnily enough coffee with milk is what I'm almost always drinking when I stream.
There is a surprising many hints of Mythra's existence that you wouldn't be able to pick up on the first time playing the game. Firstly, during the first fight against Malos, Malos ask Pyra "What's the deal with that appearance?" hinting at the fact that Aegis did not always look like Pyra. Malos continue his sentence with "I'm guessing your goal is Elysium..." which Pyra response with "That is OUR dream!" which make it sound like she is talking about herself and Rex, but is in reality about herself and Mythra. Secondly, everyone only seems able to recognize Pyra as the Aegis from her green core and nothing else about her, this is most notable with Cole/Minoth who knew her from long ago but still he only realized after seeing her core. (there is of course also that the Aegis in Cole/Minoth's play the Aegis is a blond) Lastly, Pyra just appear to be very week for a Blade that supposedly is strong enough to kill titans.
It's genuinely surprising that she managed to game over after unlocking Mythra.. the game makes it so you can never go below 1 HP, I never thought you could be launched off the edge of the arena. Interesting for sure.. and no Im not just being mean, I genuinely didnt know it was possible to game over there, glad I never encountered that on my new game BoC playthrough. I would've been so mad lol Also yeah Vandham is a great character the community loves him.
No this is a fair reaction, no one in my chat knew that could happen either. I had a good laugh over the fact I pulled off an ‘impossible’ death. He is impossible not to love.
Pro tip: it may be a good idea to make a habit of checking the skills of any Blade you have. They influence a lot about how they fight, and can even be a decider on how good a Blade is (such as Mythra having a skill that raises evasion at Max Affinity). Give them a look sometime, it will help a lot.
Ursula! The cutest blade with the longest quest. Be glad you have gotten her now because her quest wil keep you busy until the end of the game. The End of chapter 3 is one of the most emotional moments in this game. And many players are prepared for sad moments once the song "Drifting Souls" starts playing. By the way: I hope you plan on playing the Torna DLC? Because it will tell you everything you need to know that happened 500 years ago.
I love Ursula! And I didn't mind her quest. It was cute seeing her confidence grow. Also I used her merc missions as a chore timer.... so... XD That helped. It defintiely is super emotional but there as so many hard hitting moments in this game... And I def will play it after a break to let my poor heart recover after the emotional rollercoaster this game is.
Don't worry about struggling in that fight. It's very difficult, especially for a first-timer. I think most people struggled with that one. Also, Malos kept inflicting you with the taunt status, which is like lock-on from Xenoblade 1.
I'm glad it's not cause I'm totally terrible. But yeah, I think it's good though cause it makes you really feel like you're sort of backed into a corner barely surviving. So the things that come after really hit.
- Amusingly, that Urayan soldier you beat up will be holed up at the harbor, trying to think of battle tactics each time you meet him. He eventually gives up on trying to fight the Aegis. - Clearly, we're not cool until we learn how to adjust glasses with our sword pommel. - ...Remember Nia's moment of hesitance. - So yes, Mythra is the original version of this Aegis. Think of Pyra like a clone of sorts. As for Light Blades...don't expect to find many of those (unless you have the DLC). - There was a subtle hint on Cole actually being a Blade, from his American accent. - Best that you got Ursula this early. You'll see... (No, her legs are just made of ice. Oh, and Beary is a form that her Knuckle Claws can assume.) - No need to forgive Malos. Just love to hate him. - No doubt Zeke himself wrote that objective.
Oh that's definitely an interaction I missed! I did get to know the guy who wanted to cook for the Urayan queen very well but not the soldier. Best way to adjust one's glasses! Oh poor Nia.... And yeah I should have picked up on that but I definitely did not. Ursula, my sweet musical bean. Even if people hate her blade quest requirements I can't hate her. She's too adorable! Yeah Malos needed smacked. After getting to know Zeke better that DOES NOT surprise me!
This chapter doesn't give you room to breathe so much stuff is happening, luckily the next chapter allows you to process all the crazy stuff, being a bit slower paced.
This never fails to make me cry. It's even harder when you know ahead of time. Glad Pyra is finally coming out of her shell though, I look forwards to when you learn a bit more about Nia, because yeah, there is a lot going on with her character. Also, I feel like it makes a lot of sense that the man who was stabbed through the heart would prove to have such a bleeding heart. And with all that "Make a girl cry, not gonna fly" nonsense, still making me cry with how he wants to memorialize Vandham, task failed successfully I guess?
Honestly, this is one of the most iconic switching scenes ever from any medium I know. I really like how matter of fact plurality is depicted in this game - not pathologized, but also not as some grand standing representation for representation's sake, just fitting in the story with characters who are themselves confused about it. And the switching scene at the grave is such a good example for that. It reminds me of waking up sweaty after our little (another alter / head mate that is young in head space) took over our body, and finding that he decided to "sweep with my pwushies" for a few hours in the afternoon... and me just not having it. I kinda understand, but there are always tensions in plural / dissociative systems, and this scene depicts it very clearly. Mythra is the archetypical protector, that is held back and can only be there if necessary (and our protector also kinda indentifies with her, although she says she's "definitely not that dumb", referring to a few later scenes, but she does have a lot of respect for her and her strength and honesty). But she isn't just that, she also has clear motivations and goals, and so has Pyra, and they communicate pretty well, in those parts of the game that aren't too tropey anyway. In our view this game has probably the best depiction of plural communication in mainstream fiction we've seen yet, especially how you don't just have fronting switches, but also switches between being completely separate and being coconscious (which, while not being explicitly talked about, is shown pretty directly, and did also help us understand the difference between the many possible ways of system communication as opposed to the amnesiac stereotype of them, which only represents a small part of it (with which we don't really interact / identify, hence our interest in games like XC2 with more coconscious characters in their storyline)) If you have other questions about this I can also send you links to resources etc, otherwise I'm just interested to see how you will see the story of this game moving forward and how Pyra and Mythra interact, since we do find them very strong characters for the reasons already stated
Thank you so much for your detailed and insightful comment! I actually got lost in a DID video rabbit hole a while back because it's interesting learning what people's actual experiences are instead of just how popular media portrays things. So it's really fascinating reading how your own experiences shape your viewpoint of the game. I really like the interactions with Pyra and Mythra. It all feels very natural and like you said, fits in the the story and doesn't feel forced in with their dynamic being compelling and multi-faceted. Thank you again for sharing your insightful perspective - it's given me a lot to think about and appreciate in this game.
Looks like you already understand how to use Blade Combos and even make use of the time window it gives you. Like in that Driver fight, you waited for a potential Break before using Tora. Many people don't understand it till the end of the game.
Yeah I realized much later on how helpful pouch items are. I think it's because at the beginning I wasn't sure what kind of effects were the most useful and so they sort of go pushed to the back of my mind to worry about once I had a better feel for the game.
The first time I’ve witnessed Vandham’s death… I was wrecked. We only knew him for ONE chapter. And his death was so gut-wrenching, to this day I still give a damn when he $&€£¥@ dies. And then, we witnessed Mythra’s awakening. The TRUE Power of the Aegis. The Legendary Aegis of Light. While Pyra is sweet and caring, Mythra is headstrong and sassy. Real polar opposites of what they should be, if we follow their element’s stereotypes. And I love them a lot. Pyra’s my girl. And so is Mythra. Now that you awakened her true strength, prepare to unleash their true power! And use it for good and avenge our fallen friend and comrade.
I feel you. I still get a little sad thinking about it and know I'll be even more sad having to relive that in New Game+ And oh boy I love them both so much. I was really more attached to Pyra at first but Mythra really grew on me and now it's impossible to chose a favorite.
SPOILER Regarding Zeke Von Genbu, the most evil driver; Given the context of the story by the end, the objective is definitely just cutely playing into his given ‘persona.’ I’m guessing you were just playing it off for the camera, so as not to give anything away to those who don’t know his deal yet?
@@caffyline At the time, or you still don’t get it? It’s not very complex, really, but AFAIK The game is just playing along with his villainous front, since he’s pretending to be a villain; classic chuunibyo style.
At once go get a mop because when you get to the final part apart from that it will break your heart it will be a sea of tears but I will not give you spoilers enjoy the game 🎉
Too late. I even maxed all the stamps... XD Though to be fair I sent her away a lot while I was editing or doing chores instead of interrupting gameplay.
@@caffyline Oh, ok. I think is the worst mission in the entire game, and Ursula isn't a good Blade. She's not a bad Blade ofc, but she isn't good. I only did that mission to 100% the game.
Am surprised we got another beautiful streamer playing this game Hard to find one after Crysthall and Sarahkey finished XC3. Can anyone recommend me some XC streamers pls? Some of the best ones are hidden by RUclips ( ᗜ‸ᗜ )
If you think the death of Vandam was bad...just wait until you get to the DLC story, you will not be okay after this one...and then there's chapter 5 of Xenoblade Chronicles 3, which I won't spoil, but yeah...both those things will emotionally destroy you!
I love how the foreshadowing of Mythra is handled up to this point.
"That was where... *we* were born." "That is *our* dream!" "Her flames hide something deeper." And of course, the Aegis' appearance in the play.
Also, the "Blushy-Crushy" heart-to-heart, if you pick the "Rex-focused" option as in the previous episode of this playthrough. Although obviously either route of that H2H is meant to be pure cringe, but there is a Mythra hint if you pay attention to how Pyra behaves on the Rex option.
The first time Pyra tries to follow Poppy's lead she does so in her normal soft and uncertain manner, but when Tora asks her to try again, Pyra tries putting her hands on her hips, acting more assertive, and speaking more forcefully, i.e. she's trying to act like how Mythra would in this situation.
Yeah going back after knowing stuff, things really start to pick up the pace.
And oh yeah! That makes a lot of sense with the blushy crushy part!
heart break and xenoblade go hand in hand like coffee and milk
Coffee and milk 😅
Great reference.
Cannot wait for Caffy to get to "Coffy with Milk". ❤😂
**Insert Captain America 'I get that reference meme here** I've technically gotten to to it. Vids just have to catch up to it. And funnily enough coffee with milk is what I'm almost always drinking when I stream.
@@caffylineYou're very close to the end, then. 😮 Just so you know: Xenoblade 3 will be an even bigger journey! Look forward to it!😊
Don't know if it will be bigger but Xenoblade 3 is definitely a big journey too. Looking forward to it.
There is a surprising many hints of Mythra's existence that you wouldn't be able to pick up on the first time playing the game.
Firstly, during the first fight against Malos, Malos ask Pyra "What's the deal with that appearance?" hinting at the fact that Aegis did not always look like Pyra. Malos continue his sentence with "I'm guessing your goal is Elysium..." which Pyra response with "That is OUR dream!" which make it sound like she is talking about herself and Rex, but is in reality about herself and Mythra.
Secondly, everyone only seems able to recognize Pyra as the Aegis from her green core and nothing else about her, this is most notable with Cole/Minoth who knew her from long ago but still he only realized after seeing her core. (there is of course also that the Aegis in Cole/Minoth's play the Aegis is a blond)
Lastly, Pyra just appear to be very week for a Blade that supposedly is strong enough to kill titans.
Oooh yeah looking back there are a TON of hints. I love the subtle foreshadowing in this game. So many little details that you may not pick up on.
Hello Drifting Soul, aka the Switch Joycon theme.
Ahahaha VERY much the Joycon theme!
It's genuinely surprising that she managed to game over after unlocking Mythra.. the game makes it so you can never go below 1 HP, I never thought you could be launched off the edge of the arena. Interesting for sure.. and no Im not just being mean, I genuinely didnt know it was possible to game over there, glad I never encountered that on my new game BoC playthrough. I would've been so mad lol
Also yeah Vandham is a great character the community loves him.
No this is a fair reaction, no one in my chat knew that could happen either. I had a good laugh over the fact I pulled off an ‘impossible’ death.
He is impossible not to love.
Pro tip: it may be a good idea to make a habit of checking the skills of any Blade you have. They influence a lot about how they fight, and can even be a decider on how good a Blade is (such as Mythra having a skill that raises evasion at Max Affinity). Give them a look sometime, it will help a lot.
Thanks! Yeah it took me awhile to learn what was useful and not
Ursula! The cutest blade with the longest quest. Be glad you have gotten her now because her quest wil keep you busy until the end of the game.
The End of chapter 3 is one of the most emotional moments in this game. And many players are prepared for sad moments once the song "Drifting Souls" starts playing.
By the way: I hope you plan on playing the Torna DLC? Because it will tell you everything you need to know that happened 500 years ago.
I love Ursula! And I didn't mind her quest. It was cute seeing her confidence grow. Also I used her merc missions as a chore timer.... so... XD That helped.
It defintiely is super emotional but there as so many hard hitting moments in this game...
And I def will play it after a break to let my poor heart recover after the emotional rollercoaster this game is.
Ah yes, the infamous Chapter 3 Ending.
Let's see how she takes the ending of chapter 6
This game is out to mentally destroy me...
Hell yeah, just what I need right now!!!!😮 Thanks a lot, Caffy!
You’re welcome! Hope you enjoyed it!
Don't worry about struggling in that fight. It's very difficult, especially for a first-timer. I think most people struggled with that one. Also, Malos kept inflicting you with the taunt status, which is like lock-on from Xenoblade 1.
I'm glad it's not cause I'm totally terrible. But yeah, I think it's good though cause it makes you really feel like you're sort of backed into a corner barely surviving. So the things that come after really hit.
- Amusingly, that Urayan soldier you beat up will be holed up at the harbor, trying to think of battle tactics each time you meet him. He eventually gives up on trying to fight the Aegis.
- Clearly, we're not cool until we learn how to adjust glasses with our sword pommel.
- ...Remember Nia's moment of hesitance.
- So yes, Mythra is the original version of this Aegis. Think of Pyra like a clone of sorts. As for Light Blades...don't expect to find many of those (unless you have the DLC).
- There was a subtle hint on Cole actually being a Blade, from his American accent.
- Best that you got Ursula this early. You'll see...
(No, her legs are just made of ice. Oh, and Beary is a form that her Knuckle Claws can assume.)
- No need to forgive Malos. Just love to hate him.
- No doubt Zeke himself wrote that objective.
Oh that's definitely an interaction I missed! I did get to know the guy who wanted to cook for the Urayan queen very well but not the soldier.
Best way to adjust one's glasses!
Oh poor Nia....
And yeah I should have picked up on that but I definitely did not.
Ursula, my sweet musical bean. Even if people hate her blade quest requirements I can't hate her. She's too adorable!
Yeah Malos needed smacked.
After getting to know Zeke better that DOES NOT surprise me!
Also, We are Ursula's New Groove! And we'll do what we can.
Ah.... the many times I heard that... XD Though I still love her to bits.
“Caffy needs to process…” sums this episode up perfectly.
This chapter doesn't give you room to breathe so much stuff is happening, luckily the next chapter allows you to process all the crazy stuff, being a bit slower paced.
hi caffyline thank you so much for this upload your the best love your dedication to us viewers you never seem to disappoint us hope all is well
Thanks for the comment! I work hard to do my best to get better, still a lot to learn but step by step!
This never fails to make me cry. It's even harder when you know ahead of time. Glad Pyra is finally coming out of her shell though, I look forwards to when you learn a bit more about Nia, because yeah, there is a lot going on with her character.
Also, I feel like it makes a lot of sense that the man who was stabbed through the heart would prove to have such a bleeding heart. And with all that "Make a girl cry, not gonna fly" nonsense, still making me cry with how he wants to memorialize Vandham, task failed successfully I guess?
I am going to be even more destroyed in New Game+ I'm sure. And you weren't kidding with Nia.
Yeah, Rex is wholesome and we love him for it.
That death still hurts me to this day makes me tear up every timeI always look foword to your videos
It's been months and I am STILL not over it.
30:24 I bet Caffy regrets not using Vandham in that battle, before losing him forever...
I do... I very much do....
I Cant wait for you to play Torna the Golden Country, It lets you play through the events of the Aegis War
I can't wait for me to play Torna. The further I get in the game the more I'm itching to play it, though I feel like this is ALSO going to hurt.
Seeing all the little details now is mind blowing
👀
It really is, all the things that don't seem important or perhaps a little off but you can't put your finger on why, start to make much more sense!
@@caffyline story telling at its finest and love this game so much
Honestly, this is one of the most iconic switching scenes ever from any medium I know. I really like how matter of fact plurality is depicted in this game - not pathologized, but also not as some grand standing representation for representation's sake, just fitting in the story with characters who are themselves confused about it. And the switching scene at the grave is such a good example for that.
It reminds me of waking up sweaty after our little (another alter / head mate that is young in head space) took over our body, and finding that he decided to "sweep with my pwushies" for a few hours in the afternoon... and me just not having it. I kinda understand, but there are always tensions in plural / dissociative systems, and this scene depicts it very clearly.
Mythra is the archetypical protector, that is held back and can only be there if necessary (and our protector also kinda indentifies with her, although she says she's "definitely not that dumb", referring to a few later scenes, but she does have a lot of respect for her and her strength and honesty). But she isn't just that, she also has clear motivations and goals, and so has Pyra, and they communicate pretty well, in those parts of the game that aren't too tropey anyway.
In our view this game has probably the best depiction of plural communication in mainstream fiction we've seen yet, especially how you don't just have fronting switches, but also switches between being completely separate and being coconscious (which, while not being explicitly talked about, is shown pretty directly, and did also help us understand the difference between the many possible ways of system communication as opposed to the amnesiac stereotype of them, which only represents a small part of it (with which we don't really interact / identify, hence our interest in games like XC2 with more coconscious characters in their storyline))
If you have other questions about this I can also send you links to resources etc, otherwise I'm just interested to see how you will see the story of this game moving forward and how Pyra and Mythra interact, since we do find them very strong characters for the reasons already stated
Thank you so much for your detailed and insightful comment! I actually got lost in a DID video rabbit hole a while back because it's interesting learning what people's actual experiences are instead of just how popular media portrays things. So it's really fascinating reading how your own experiences shape your viewpoint of the game. I really like the interactions with Pyra and Mythra. It all feels very natural and like you said, fits in the the story and doesn't feel forced in with their dynamic being compelling and multi-faceted. Thank you again for sharing your insightful perspective - it's given me a lot to think about and appreciate in this game.
"Leaving the save screen. Is that OK?"
"NO, I am not OK 😭"
Nobody can be okay after that.
Looks like you already understand how to use Blade Combos and even make use of the time window it gives you. Like in that Driver fight, you waited for a potential Break before using Tora. Many people don't understand it till the end of the game.
I did sort of forget about the fourth part of the combo for a long while but eventually got reminded.
36:28
Oh, neat transition there. The Sword-Strike edited into Sword-Strike had me confused for a minute lol
I wish I could say it was on purpose. XD I accidentally did something cool.
@@caffylineI’ve realized now, my time stamp was pretty bad, so I’ve corrected it. It now jumps directly to the beginning of the Sword Strike.
in other news, Caffyline doesn't understand the concept of a taunt
I forgot it was a mechanic of the game honestly.
LMAO Malos using the speedrun strat for this fight on caffy
....Caffy did not have a good time during this fight XD
You're not eating desserts and that's big part of why you struggle in combat.
Yeah I realized much later on how helpful pouch items are. I think it's because at the beginning I wasn't sure what kind of effects were the most useful and so they sort of go pushed to the back of my mind to worry about once I had a better feel for the game.
"Rex doesn't need therapy.." lol
Well… not in the same way. XD
More Caffy Xenoblade 2! :D
And more Caffy heartbreak due to Xenoblade!
@@caffyline well at least you're not alone! I remember having to sit there and process for about five minutes too.
Azami was my first rare blade. lol imagine that
Oh I’m so sorry. Or maybe I’m just the only one who isn’t fond of her.
Oh yes uraya
The land of heartbreak
Also, Mythra best girl, the Queen has arrived, all hail Mythra, omg omg omg 💜 ahem, anyways. Good game amirite
Ah our loved tsundere, and yes, fantastic game!
The first time I’ve witnessed Vandham’s death… I was wrecked. We only knew him for ONE chapter. And his death was so gut-wrenching, to this day I still give a damn when he $&€£¥@ dies.
And then, we witnessed Mythra’s awakening. The TRUE Power of the Aegis. The Legendary Aegis of Light. While Pyra is sweet and caring, Mythra is headstrong and sassy. Real polar opposites of what they should be, if we follow their element’s stereotypes. And I love them a lot. Pyra’s my girl. And so is Mythra. Now that you awakened her true strength, prepare to unleash their true power! And use it for good and avenge our fallen friend and comrade.
I feel you. I still get a little sad thinking about it and know I'll be even more sad having to relive that in New Game+
And oh boy I love them both so much. I was really more attached to Pyra at first but Mythra really grew on me and now it's impossible to chose a favorite.
Ursula is very cute, until you notice that her bear has human feet 💀
I mean they don't look TOO human to me. Ursula and Beary are both precious in my book.
SPOILER
Regarding Zeke Von Genbu, the most evil driver; Given the context of the story by the end, the objective is definitely just cutely playing into his given ‘persona.’ I’m guessing you were just playing it off for the camera, so as not to give anything away to those who don’t know his deal yet?
Actually no… I think I just sort of forgot whatever it’s referencing. XD
@@caffyline At the time, or you still don’t get it? It’s not very complex, really, but
AFAIK The game is just playing along with his villainous front, since he’s pretending to be a villain; classic chuunibyo style.
Time for pain :)
Shulk: “I’m ready!”
It makes me question why I continue to hurt myself like this... But I'm too addicted to stop now!
At once go get a mop because when you get to the final part apart from that it will break your heart it will be a sea of tears but I will not give you spoilers enjoy the game 🎉
Oh I def was a mess.
Don't do the Ursula Blade quest. Just don't. This comes from someone with over 1250 hours in the game.
Too late. I even maxed all the stamps... XD Though to be fair I sent her away a lot while I was editing or doing chores instead of interrupting gameplay.
@@caffyline We are Ursula's new groove and we'll do what we can
@@caffyline Oh, ok. I think is the worst mission in the entire game, and Ursula isn't a good Blade. She's not a bad Blade ofc, but she isn't good. I only did that mission to 100% the game.
great.
Thanks!
@@caffyline oh yes thank you. I love you. sorry. I don't know English.
@@caffyline oh yes yes yes. sorry.
sorry. you are great.
Am surprised we got another beautiful streamer playing this game
Hard to find one after Crysthall and Sarahkey finished XC3. Can anyone recommend me some XC streamers pls? Some of the best ones are hidden by RUclips ( ᗜ‸ᗜ )
1:25:00 AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
An appropriate reaction
If you think the death of Vandam was bad...just wait until you get to the DLC story, you will not be okay after this one...and then there's chapter 5 of Xenoblade Chronicles 3, which I won't spoil, but yeah...both those things will emotionally destroy you!
Ohhhh boy. I'm glad I'm taking time to recover between the main game and Torna then...