Revelation Chapter 16: White Flames
The chapter begins with Yukimura, who for some reason is not recruitable in this route, defending Castle Shirasagi from invaders. Ryoma and Scarlet show up and win the battle for him. Ryoma talks about how Corrin was an amazing leader, even as a child, something that made Ryoma jealous. Apparently, Corrin lost all of those leadership qualities when Garon bonked them in the head, because Corrin is a terrible leader. Ryoma says his jealousy over child Corrin led to him allowing them to be kidnapped, a ridiculous plot point the game just drops on us without any mention before or after. Ryoma and Scarlet decide to go to the Bottomless Canyon. Hinoka also decides to go. Yukimura makes them promise to come back safely.
Meanwhile, team Corrin arrives at the Lava Fields, a flaming hellscape bordering the Bottomless Canyon. Elise complains that no one is waiting for them in the fiery shithole that they didn’t tell anyone to go to. Azura says the skies will change soon. Hans, who was only really a good villain in Birthright, shows up with the Nohrian army. Takumi and Camilla blame Xander for betraying them.
Ryoma, Hinoka, Scarlet, Setsuna, and Azama all show up. This map's gimmick is walls of fire criss-crossing the map that separate your units. I do not like this map gimmick; it isn’t so intrusive that it's unmanageable, but it's one of those Revelation gimmicks that exists just to be a gimmick. After killing Hans, the gang makes it to the bridge from the start of the game, only to run into another army of soldiers, this one led by Iago.
Revelation Chapter 17: Black Flames
That’s right, two chapters without a break in-between, which means two chapters in this entry. We also don’t get to save between the chapters, so fuck you if you die. Team Corrin prepares for a brutal fight that they can’t flee from and the battle begins.
At the start of turn two, a bunch of tough reinforcements show up. But, don’t worry, because the cavalry shows up. Xander and Leo ride into battle, outrunning their retainers with their higher movement stats. Niles, Odin, Peri, and Laslow all show up a turn later, giving us all but two of our units. Excluding children, that is.
Quick question. In the last chapter, Camilla speculated that Hans was able to find them because Xander stayed loyal to Nohr and told him. Except, Xander didn’t stay loyal. So how did Hans and Iago know to be here? Whatever. Iago dies easily.
Honestly, even though they were back-to-back, neither of these chapters were really difficult, primarily because Ryoma and Xander are overpowered and will continue to make this game a joke for a while.
After the battle, Xander reveals the shocking truth that Garon is evil and being mind-controlled. Ryoma suggests a truce, something I assumed was implicit from Xander killing a Nohrian general to protect the Hoshidans. Ryoma and Xander shake hands, the two families bicker, and Azura praises Corrin for making the right choice to make this all possible. This is giving me Conquest Azura flashbacks and I don’t like it,
C: Xander tells Ryoma that his men are complaining about Hoshidans surveilling them and won't let Corrin talk to Nohrians alone. Ryoma says he trusts Xander, but many in his army do not. Ryoma explains that this is justifiable, because Garon murdered his father and kidnapped Corrin. Also he's actively invading Hoshido throughout this game. Xander says Ryoma's wrong, but his actions are understandable and that his men can endure suspicion.
B: Ryoma orders his men to stop escorting Corrin. Xader tells Ryoma to be practical, and that putting his soldier's minds at ease is more important than social obligation. Trust will come in time.
A: Ryoma's men continue to be chill. Xander questions him, and Ryoma explains that he ordered his men to pursue the real enemy. Evidentially, they decided that enemy isn't the Nohrian turn cloaks. Ryoma thanks Xander for reminding him that the important thing is fighting Valla. Xander says he hopes they can be friends in the future. Ryoma objects, because why can't they be friends now?
Review: Good, if a bit repetitive. Shows Xander and Ryoma as good leaders.
C: Takumi and Leo meet, even though I'm pretty sure they've already met, and both agree they hate each other.
B: Takumi and Leo complain about people comparing them, because they're nothing alike. As they talk, they realize they have identical hobbies.
A: Leo and Takumi become bros.
Review: Not great. The structure isn't bad, but it makes both of them act like children, and ignores the real differences in their personalities.
C: Keaton tries to ambush Hana. She isn't surprised and hits him with a wooden sword. Keaton says he was holding back and Hana accuses him of lying.
B: Keaton shows Hana his latest treasure: a human skull he found in the woods. Hana thinks it's gross.
A: Hana defeats Keaton in an ambush while he's carrying treasures. Keaton starts crying.
S: Keaton defeats Hana. Hana says she's so strong because she has someone she wants to protect. Keaton says he loves her.
Review: Really bland. It's trying to do something with Hana being blunt, but nothing that happens is interesting.
C: Oboro mistakes Benny for a boulder. Beny is creeped out by her face she makes when talking to Nohrians. Oboro casually says she hates everyone from Nohr, but that she'll get used to Benny eventually.
B: Oboro makes the creepy face. Benny pulls out his weapon and she screams at him till he drops it. Oboro speculates she can sense negative emotions from Nohrians, including fear.
A: Oboro stops doing the face because she's cool with Benny. Benny shows her his charms.
S: Benny proposes. Oboro says she'll never forgive Nohr, but loves Benny.
Review: Benny is great, Oboro is kinda racist.
