How Makoto Nijiima Stood Out From the Rest & Why I Ship Shumako
Update March 18, 2018: I’ve combined Part 1 with Part 2, and made this post 10 times longer. BUT, I think it’s better this way. :P I’m going to be uploading a video version of this piece on my youtube channel very soon so stay tune if you’re interested!
Disclaimer: I’m an analyzer, therefore, I analyze things to the tee. The post is not meant to be a diss post to any other characters or ships. Instead, it’s meant to explain just as the title states; why Makoto stands out from the rest, again.
Hawaii Date
What stood out: Makoto is the only romantic option the player can skip from complimenting physically and instead, offer some emotional support.
Yes, you read that right! Makoto is the only female character that isn’t flattered by compliments based on appearance! Okay, so I may be exaggerating here, but the Hawaii dates don’t lie. The player’s only option when first encountering the other Hawaii dates is to compliment them physically; usually on their swimsuit. However when it comes to Makoto, although the player has the option to tease Makoto about her physical appearance, the player also has the option(s) to provide some emotional support on Makoto’s day off from her chaperone duties. Unfortunately to the other dates, they do not get this option.
Rather you have Makoto romanced by the time the Hawaii trip rolls in or not, this event will play out the same. It’s important to address that you do not need to have Makoto romanced (unlike other characters) in order to unlock her Hawaii date. However, you do need to be at least rank 5 in her social link.
Want to compare the Hawaii dates for yourself? Here’s a link to all the hawaii events.
Velvet Room Talk
What stood out: Makoto is the only character to (optionally) receive personal support from the MC.
When trapped in the Velvet Room, the player’s task is to encourage each party member to fight back after being defended by the Holy Grail. While each member is convinced differently ( and usually is convince by an event personal to them) none give the player the option to provide a more personal (and a bit intimate) response as Makoto’s interaction does. It is only in Makoto’s interaction that the player has the option to convince Makoto to rejoin the team by letting her know he’ll (the MC) will be there for her. Keep in mind that this interaction will play out the same rather you have Makoto romanced or not.
Want to compare the other velvet room conversions? Here’s a link to all the MC and character chats.
Final Goodbye
What stood out: Makoto (out of all the other romantic options) is the only character visually sadden by the protagonist’s departure.
Don’t get me wrong, while the other romantic options display sadness, they end their goodbyes with a simple promise and rosy cheeks; with hope for the future. Makoto, on the other hand, is hinted to be both upset and saddened by the player’s departure; much like a real gf would be. This is in no way, shape, or form meant to degraded the others’ sweet farewells, but rather to showcase how Makoto yet again stands out from the rest of the MC’s gfs. Keep in mind this dialogue changes depending if you have Makoto romanced or not.
Want to compare the goodbyes for yourself? Here’s a link with all the female characters romanced.
Characters in-game tend to think the Protagonist and Makoto are dating
What stood out: More than one person assumed Makoto and the MC were dating. This doesn’t occur just once, but several times throughout the game.
Take a look for yourself.
When Captured
In Sojiro’s Home
Bonus: Even Eiko, a complete stranger during this time in Makoto’s social link, thought the MC and Makoto were dating.
Makoto has hinted she may be romantically interested in the MC if the player chooses to friendzone her.
What stood out: While Makoto is a character to keep her emotions under control, there were a few times she let some thoughts slip her mind…
Considering Makoto is suppose to “fluke a test of love”, it’s interesting she would let these things slide in front of the MC - unless there’s a reason behind it.
Note: The following events will only play out as shown below if the player chooses not to romance Makoto.
Hanging out with her at Seaside Park as friends…
Hanging out with her at Dome Town as friends…
When escaping Sae’s Palace, Makoto is the only character to hesitate with Joker’s decision to act as a decoy.
What stood out: Makoto was the only party member to visibly disagree with the MC’s choice to act as a decoy. No other character expressed hesitation to the dangerous plan but Makoto, despite it being her idea. Ryuji proves this further by telling Makoto to let the MC do what he must.
Note: This scene will play the same rather you have Makoto romanced or not.
Ryuji and Ann both warn Joker not to piss Queen (Makoto) off.
What stood out: What’s interesting about this one is the fact that two characters tell the MC something very similar regarding Makoto. In this case, a warning to not piss Makoto off. Considering they are a large group, why not warn Ryuji? Or Morgana? It had to be told to the MC specifically.
Note: These conversions will play the same regardless if the player has Makoto romanced or not.
Makoto’s views on marriage change after the player begins dating her.
What stood out: Makoto is one of few characters to show self-growth outside her social link when entering a relationship with the MC.
It’s a bit of a tongue twister there, but Makoto is one of very few characters to show her relationship with Joker has contribute to character growth outside her social link. While other characters get a ton of implied growth in their romanced social links, Makoto’s can be seen in an outside event, such as the Festival event. This is a nice representation of how relationships could possibly work out in the real world.
Note: Makoto’s perspective on marriage will change only if the player enters a relationship with her.
Before romancing her:
After entering a relationship with Makoto:
Makoto’s very first introduction trailer is the only character trailer w/ romantic undertones.
What stood out: the editing of the this trailer.
1). Can you hear the background music in the first 5 seconds of the trailer? If you thought it was encounter, you guessed right. Encounter is the beautiful piece of music that plays when Ann and the protagonist first met. The music can be described as as both sweet and romantic sounding. It’s only 5 seconds, but why add this in Makoto’s trailer?
2). The next scene we get is the beach scene. Obviously this was released when the game was not yet out, so the viewer was tricked into thinking that head nod was intended for Makoto (spoiler alert; it wasn’t) Here is what actually happens in that cutscene. Why make a scene that is not about Makoto at all, about her in this trailer? Again, analyzing the editing.
3). Lastly, the scene where the MC saves Makoto from a falling pillar. This did actually happen in game, ending with the protagonist and Makoto stuck in a bit of a gaze right before the battle starts. This scene does actually occur in the game, and truthfully gives off a bit of a romantic vibe to it; especially when compared to the rest of trailer.
Fun fact: In the fireworks festival cutscene, the MC and Makoto also share a look. Perhaps not a gaze, but definitely a look. Can you spot it?
Minor Minor Things:
Makoto is the only character the player can start a social link with before the palace deadline.Makoto is also the only character to have two story arcs involving her one way or another.
