Now that I'm finally done with VS2, I can move on to VS3- oh wait, not yet...
Nah, I'm just kidding. It's been over three years since someone (Greengai, I think)
first requested it, but I'm finally translating VS3! This time, the story has nothing to do with the Helic/Guylos war - instead, it's set in Blue City shortly before the beginning of Fuzors, and features a plotline that some of you may find familiar
Since we're now following Arrow instead of Blue Unicorn and Rottiger, there's only one main story path instead of two, but it's significantly longer than the previous games, and is finally what I would consider a "good" story. Anyway, let's get to it! (And Happy New Year!)
Once, on Planet Zi, countless battles unfolded between various different powers.
But a long time has passed since the war saw its end.
Memories of the war, in which the machine lifeforms 'Zoids' became combat weapons, are now buried in history.
Now, Zoids have forgotten their forms as combat weapons, existing to support people's daily lives...
...and as the beloved vessels of Zi-Fighters.
Day after day, in Battle Leagues held in each city, they compete for honour and glory.
Day after day, in the arenas where the Battle Leagues are held, new legends are born and disappear...
He, too, was a Zi-Fighter once known as a legend.
He had attained the highest seat in Blue City's Battle League.
But after a certain incident, he disappeared from centre stage, and now runs an agency in a corner of the city.
Here in Blue City...
Alma: "Excuse me! Is anybody here?"
Arrow: "What is it? Are you... a lost kid? If you're looking for the Peacekeeping Bureau, go out and take the main road on the left to..."
Alma: "No! This is an agent's office, isn't it? I've come to make a request."
Alma: "There's a special agent here who solves illegal incidents that can't be made public, right?"
Alma: "Please let me see him!"
Arrow: "...Quite the stubborn young lady, aren't you..."
Arrow: "He's right in front of you. I'm that agent."
Alma: "You mean you're the legendary 'Crimson Gale'!?"
Arrow: "...Crimson Gale, huh? That's a pretty nostalgic name you've brought up."
Alma: "I've come with a request for you, Crimson Gale."
Arrow: "Arrow. My name's Arrow. 'Crimson Gale' is just a nickname someone gave me."
Arrow: "So, what's your name? If you've come to make a request, at least give your own name, young lady."
Alma: "Ah... You're right, I'm sorry."
Alma: "I'm called Alma."
Alma: "I'd like you to track down a missing person... Could I have your assistance?"
Arrow: "A missing person? If that's all, you should ask the PKB. They're the experts in keeping the peace."
Alma: "The thing is... this person was kidnapped, and the culprit sent a demand not to inform the Peacekeeping Bureau..."
Alma: "...That's why I came to ask you..."
Arrow: "So there's a story to this, huh? Must be tough for a kid like you."
Arrow: "If it meant I could get some work, I wouldn't mind accepting that request..."
Arrow: "...But unfortunately, I can't right now. I don't have a Zoid."
Alma: "Huh...?"
Arrow: "I absolutely need a Zoid for my agent activities. But..."
Arrow: "I wrecked my Zoid in the last job. I don't have a working Zoid any more."
Alma: "No way...!"
Arrow: "So I can't accept your request. Go home."
Alma: "In that case, I have a proposal."
Arrow: "A proposal?"
Alma: "There's a new Zoid under development at ZOITEC. There haven't been any pilots who could handle it so far."
Alma: "If you can manage to handle that Zoid, I'll lend it to you."
Alma: "That way there won't be any problem, right?"
Arrow: "Hang on a minute. Who are you, young lady?"
Alma: "I'm from ZOITEC."
Arrow: "ZOITEC? The big-name custom manufacturer? That's a top-class corporation."
Arrow: "I'd certainly be interested in a new Zoid from ZOITEC..."
Arrow: "But I can't believe a young lady like you is really a member of ZOITEC."
Alma: "In that case, I'll show you the new Zoid. Let's test it out straight away."
Alma: "That will prove that I'm really from ZOITEC..."
Alma: "And if you can handle that Zoid, it will prove your abilities too."
Arrow: "...I see. Sure, why not."
Alma: "Well then, I'll lead you to ZOITEC! Please come with me!"
.
..
...
Leda: "Mistress Alma! You have returned!"
Alma: "Leda! Please prepare the testing ground! This man is going to run an operations test on that Zoid."
Leda: "Eh!? But that Zoid is a classified unit! We cannot allow information to be leaked to an outsider..."
Alma: "I've requested that he deal with the incident. I was thinking of having him use that Zoid to do so."
Leda: "So this man is the Crimson Gale?"
Arrow: "My name's Arrow."
Leda: "My name is Leda, and I serve as Mistress Alma's attendant. Pleased to make your acquaintance."
Alma: "The Zoid has no pilot, but this man was called a legend, so maybe he'll be able to handle it."
Alma: "If we can have him use it to complete the request, I think that would suit perfectly."
Leda: "If you say so, Mistress Alma, then I understand. I will make the preparations immediately. Well then, I will see you afterwards."
Alma: "Yes. Thank you, Leda."
Alma: "Now then, Mister Arrow, I'll guide you to the new Zoid. Please come with me."
Arrow: "A classified unit, huh...? Just what sort of Zoid is it?"
.
..
...
Alma: "This is the new Zoid we are currently developing in top secret..."
Alma: "A legendary Zoid resurrected by ZOITEC's latest technology, the Rayse Tiger!"
Arrow: "A legendary Zoid!? Is this really...!?"
Alma: "Yes. It was equipped with unexplained technology, so it took some time to develop..."
Alma: "But all that's left is the issue of its power dropping when we add control devices."
Alma: "In its current state, it has too much power, so no pilots can handle it."
Arrow: "With my skills, there's no need for control devices that deliberately drop its power."
Arrow: "I'm interested. Let's test just how much power it has!"
Leda: "I have prepared the testing ground. Master Arrow, is everything in order?"
Arrow: "Yeah, I'm ready any time."
Leda: "We shall now begin testing and fine-tuning the Rayse Tiger."
Leda: "First, we will need to adjust the lock-on system to match Master Arrow's piloting."
Leda: "Please destroy all of the targets we have set up within the testing ground."
Alma: "Let's see what the Crimson Gale can do, and whether he can handle this Zoid."
Arrow: "Bring it on!"
>Take tutorial [go to *1]
>Don't take tutorial [go to *2]
[*1]
Leda: "First, we will perform operation checks relating to mobility."
Leda: "Master Arrow, are you ready?"
Arrow: "Yeah, I'm good to go any time. Let's get started quickly!!"
MISSION-01A: "Rayse Tiger Startup / Movement"Win conditions: Reach designated position
Loss conditions: Exceed time limit
Map: Movement test room
Description: Carrying out basic operations tests. Please use movement, jumps and sidesteps to reach the designated point within the time limit.
Tactical info: A movement test. Try out various controls, while keeping an eye on your time.
Zoids: exit point
Leda: "Just as expected of Master Arrow. Even though nobody could pilot it until now..."
Leda: "It seems there are no problems with the systems."
Arrow: "Yeah, it's got a few quirks, but it's a good Zoid, with both speed and power."
Leda: "Next, we will perform checks on the ranged weaponry. Please destroy all of the designated targets."
Arrow: "Understood, I'm ready any time!!"
MISSION-01B: "Rayse Tiger Startup / Shooting"Win conditions: Destroy designated targets
Loss conditions: Exceed time limit
Map: Shooting test room
Description: Please destroy the targets with your ranged weaponry. Targets: 12
Tactical info: Use the search system and sliding turns to destroy the targets quickly.
Zoids: designated target x12
Leda: "It seems there are no problems with the ranged weaponry systems either."
Arrow: "This thing's laser guns are way more powerful than those of other Zoids."
Alma: "It's a new Zoid developed by ZOITEC. That much is only natural."
Leda: "Finally, we will perform checks on the machine control system for melee attacks."
Arrow: "Rayse Tiger, show me your power!!"
MISSION-01C: "Rayse Tiger Startup / Melee"Win conditions: Destroy designated Zoids
Loss conditions: Exceed time limit
Map: Melee test room
Description: Please defeat all Zoids that appear. Total Zoids appearing: 6
Tactical info: Using sidesteps, close the distance to the enemies at once and use melee attacks.
Zoids: Command Wolf x2 (respawns x4)
[go to *2]
[*2]
Alma: "Amazing...! He managed to handle a Zoid that nobody could pilot, without any prior knowledge!"
Arrow: "This thing's great! It goes along with anything I tell it to do! I like it!"
Alma: "So then, will you accept my request?"
Arrow: "Yeah. Sure, I accept."
Alma: "Really!?"
Arrow: "However, my fee will be this Zoid. Either way, even if I accept your request, I can't do anything without a Zoid."
Leda: "What are you saying!?"
Leda: "That's a top-secret development unit filled with our corporation's latest technology! Even just showing it to an outsider is unprecedented!"
Leda: "Handing it over as a fee is unthinkable!"
Arrow: "Well then, I don't mind if it's after I complete the request. Once I do, I'll take this Zoid as my fee."
Arrow: "Until then, we'll say that I'm borrowing it. I can't bend any more than that."
Alma: "...Understood. You're the only person we can ask to fulfil this request. I accept your conditions."
Leda: "Mistress Alma!"
Alma: "Nobody could handle it until now, after all. So let's have him use it."
Arrow: "Alright. Contract established."
Alma: "Now then, we'll tell you the precise details of the request. Leda, please explain the situation from three days ago."
Leda: "Allow me. We had a white tiger-type Zoid, developed ahead of the Rayse Tiger."
Arrow: "Past tense? You mean you don't have it any more?"
Leda: "Indeed. Three days ago, our corporation's president himself was piloting that white tiger Zoid, performing tests."
Leda: "However, a mysterious dragon-type Zoid suddenly attacked him."
Leda: "By the time the guards arrived, the white tiger Zoid had already been destroyed, and its core had been carried off."
Leda: "And the president had been taken as well..."
Arrow: "You mean the president of ZOITEC's been kidnapped?"
Alma: "Yes. Our request to you is to rescue the president and to locate and capture the kidnapper."
Alma: "The only demand from the culprit was not to inform the Peacekeeping Bureau. Nothing else."
Alma: "We don't know who the culprit is, or even their objective..."
Arrow: "The president of a big-name corporation getting kidnapped is a pretty big deal. So that's why you came to ask me?"
Alma: "Yes. I've heard that you're the only person in Blue City who can solve illegal incidents... ones that can't be made public."
Arrow: "Is the kidnapped president unharmed?"
Alma: "We don't know that either. We haven't been able to get any information..."
Arrow: "I see. I understand your situation. Rescuing the president, huh...? Okay, if that's your request, I'll do it."
Alma: "Thank you, Mister Arrow. I hope we can work well together."
Arrow: "Just Arrow is fine, 'Miss Client'."
Alma: "Understood, Arrow. I'll ask Leda to assist you. If you need anything, please ask her."
Leda: "I look forward to working with you."
Arrow: "So do I. Now let's get down to business..."
Thief A: "Found it! That's the Zoid we're after!"
Arrow: "!!"
Alma: "Wh-what...?"
Thief B: "Hey, there's someone here!"
Thief A: "Doesn't matter! Beat 'em up and take the new Zoid!"
Arrow: "The Rayse Tiger was under top-secret development, right...? Looks like these guys know about this Zoid!"
Alma: "That can't be! Anyway, we have to protect the Zoid from these people!"
Arrow: "I'll head right out and intercept them."
Arrow: "I only just got this Zoid, and I'm not softhearted enough to just sit back and let it be taken away!"
Alma: "We don't know for certain that we'll be giving it to you yet! Anyway, I'm heading out too! Leda! Take care of the preparations!"
Leda: "Certainly, Mistress."
Arrow: "Oho, you can pilot a Zoid too, young lady?"
Alma: "Please don't make fun of me. I may not look like it, but I've been piloting Zoids since I was little!"
Arrow: "That's encouraging."
Leda: "Take care, both of you!"
MISSION-02: "Attack of the Robbers"New parts: WEAPON BINDER, ES-GENERATER CT, BOOSTER CT, ES-GENERATER ARO, PROTECT ARMOR
New Zoids: Arosaurer, Cannon Tortoise
Win conditions: Destroy all enemies
Loss conditions: Own Zoid destroyed
Map: Zoid development laboratory
Description: ZOITEC's Zoid development laboratory, constructed on the outskirts of Blue City. Total enemy Zoids appearing: 6
Tactical info: The enemies are high-speed machines. Corner them and defeat them at once.
Zoids: Helcat/Alma (support Zoid), Sinker x3 (respawns x3)
Arrow: "Whew... It may have been in the past, but they didn't call me the Crimson Gale for nothing."
Thief B: "Th-the Crimson Gale!? Isn't he a legendary Zi-Fighter!?"
Arrow: "Seems like I'm famous..."
Thief A: "That guy didn't say anything about being up against enemies like this!"
Arrow: "...'That guy'? So you lot are hired goons, then. Who's the mastermind? Cough it up, who's your client!?"
Thief B: "Wh-what do we do!?"
Thief A: "The job doesn't matter at this point! Run!"
Alma: "Do you think we'd let that happen!? Leda!"
Leda: "Firing electromagnetic net guns!!"
Thief A & Thief B: "Gyaaaaah!!!!"
Arrow: "J-just what I'd expect from the mighty ZOITEC... Even their anti-burglar equipment is flawless..."
Arrow: "Hmm...!?"
Mysterious character: "So they were useless... We'll have to try again."
Alma: "They still have allies!"
Arrow: "I see. He couldn't trust their skills, so he kept them under watch, huh?"
Arrow: "I'll go after him! You think you can mess with people's Zoids and get away with it!?"
MISSION-03: "Robber Pursuit Battle"New parts: AZ250mm 2 LR-CANNON, ASSISTANCE BOOSTER, BOOSTER ARO, ES-GENERATER CW, ALPHA PLUG Z
New Zoids: Command Wolf
Win conditions: Defeat the Sinkers
Loss conditions: Own Zoid destroyed
Map: Zoid development laboratory / main gate and road
Description: The road from the main gate that leads to the development research facility.
Tactical info: Don't chase the enemies too far.
Zoids: Lightning Saix, Sinker x2
Arrow: "I don't plan on letting you escape!!"
Mysterious character: "Eeek!"
Arrow: "A woman...?"
Mysterious character: "Ghh...! I'll fall back for now...!"
Arrow: "That voice...!"
Mysterious character: "Smoke dischargers, on!"
Arrow: "Damn it! A smokescreen...!!"
Arrow: "She got away..."
Arrow: "That woman's voice just now... It couldn't have been..."
Arrow: "No, there's no way. I'm sure she just had a similar voice. ...To hers..."
Alma: "...And that's where you met the person who hired you to steal it?"
Alma: "Tell me his name!"
Thief A: "I don't know his name! It was a purple-haired man. He was wearing a gold pendant around his neck."
Thief A: "Apparently he was a former Zi-Fighter, but I don't know anything else!"
Thief B: "There was someone else here just now, right? We didn't know they were watching us, okay!?"
Alma: "Ugh! You people are useless!"
Arrow: "Well? Did your robbers cough up anything useful?"
Alma: "Arrow! It looks like these people don't know much. How did it go on your end?"
Arrow: "She got away. She had a smokescreen device equipped."
Alma: "I see..."
Alma: "Leda! Please turn these people over to the Peacekeeping Bureau!"
Leda: "Understood."
Thief A: "Geh!? Didn't you promise to let us go if we told you who hired us!?"
Alma: "I can hardly identify the mastermind with the information you gave me."
Alma: "And besides, I'm not so generous as to keep promises with criminals."
Alma: "Now, Leda, please take them to the PKB at once!"
Thief A & Thief B: "!?"
Thief A & Thief B: "You'll pay for this~!"
Arrow: "...Pitiful..."
Alma: "At any rate, it's odd..."
Arrow: "What is?"
Alma: "Those people said they were hired by a purple-haired man."
Alma: "But the only people who know about the Rayse Tiger..."
Alma: "...are the president, myself, Leda, and a few engineers who were directly involved in its development."
Alma: "None of the engineers had purple hair. It's strange that an outsider would know about it."
Arrow: "......"
Arrow: "Perhaps the criminal who kidnapped the president is involved?"
Alma: "You're not saying that the culprits are the same person, are you...!?"
Arrow: "The president knows about the Rayse Tiger, and he's missing after being kidnapped. I think there's a good possibility."
Alma: "Those people said they met their client at a restaurant near the Junk Zone."
Arrow: "...If we go there, maybe we'll be able to get some information."
Alma: "Let's go and see!"
.
..
...
Mysterious character: "There was a skilled pilot there, so all we could get was the Rayse Tiger's combat data."
Mysterious character: "I'm sorry..."
Transmission partner: "Never mind. As long as we have the combat data, we'll manage somehow. We already have the white tiger Zoid's core, after all."
Mysterious character: "...Will we continue with the plan?"
Transmission partner: "Of course. If we can make the president think up a new method, that's good enough. It's no great obstacle."
Mysterious character: "...I see..."
Transmission partner: "Listen, Mina. You just need to listen to what I say."
Transmission partner: "If you do, then someday I'll get your memories back."
Mysterious character: "...I understand. Thank you... brother."
.
..
...
Blue City outskirts, near the Junk Zone
Bone: "There hasn't been much valuable prey lately."
Samantha: "Looks like that's not true, dear. I picked up a transmission from a Zoid travelling nearby."
Bone: "Oh, sounds interesting. Let's hear it."
Transmission voice (female): "...I wonder if we'll be able to meet the mastermind if we go to Max's shop...?"
Transmission voice (male): "He probably left once he was finished. People could trace him if he stuck around."
Transmission voice (female): "Hiring people to steal from ZOITEC is unforgiveable!"
Transmission voice (male): "Hey, Alma. Our goal this time isn't to give him a good telling off. Don't do anything to stand out."
Transmission voice (female): "I know. Anyway, I wonder who that was..."
Bone: "People involved with ZOITEC? And what's more, they mentioned Alma. Don't tell me the one in that transmission was..."
Samantha: "She was indeed. This should make us some good cash, dear!"
Bone: "Gather round, underlings! We're mobilising the entire Bone Family!"
.
..
...
Arrow: "Near the Junk Zone, though... It's not a place I'd like to stay in for long."
Alma: "The Junk Zone? What's there?"
Arrow: "It's a spot where bandits in Zoids show up. It's full of guys like that lot from last night..."
Samantha: "Hold it, young lady!"
Alma: "...!?"
Bone: "The Bone Family is taking you into our custody!"
Arrow: "Oh, great! The bandits have turned up already!?"
Bone: "Come quietly! Miss Alma, daughter of ZOITEC's president!"
Alma: "!"
Arrow: "Daughter of ZOITEC's president!?"
Samantha: "We're going to take you hostage and get a huge ransom from ZOITEC!"
Arrow: "Is this true, Alma!?"
Alma: "Y-yes... I was keeping quiet about it, but it's true..."
Bone: "It'll be better for you if you come quietly! That way, you won't get too badly hurt!"
Arrow: "'Come quietly'? Don't expect some mere bandits to be able to keep me down!"
Arrow: "Alma! We'll talk about your identity later! For now, I'll chase off this lot!"
Alma: "U-understood!"
Arrow: "...What? A flying Zoid...?"
Transmission from Leda: "Mistress Alma! Master Arrow!"
Alma: "It's Leda!"
Leda: "It seems I have caught up with you! I brought you a few items that might be useful."
Arrow: "Nice timing, Leda!"
Samantha: "You lot! Aim for the young lady!"
Bone: "We'll show you the strength of the Bone Family!"
MISSION-04: "Junk Zone"New parts: 8MSL POD A, STRIKER SET, BOOSTER RTI
New Zoids: -
Win conditions: Escort the specified Zoid
Loss conditions: Escort Zoid destroyed
Map: Wasteland highway
Description: A wasteland highway linked to Blue City. The Junk Zone is partway along it.
Tactical info: Missile weapons are effective for repelling flying Zoids.
Zoids: Hover Cargo/Alma (escort Zoid), Brachio Rex/Bone, Cannon Tortoise/Samantha, Redler (respawns)
Arrow: "Alma, you okay?"
Alma: "Yes... I'm fine."
Arrow: "So they were the Bone Family, the ones in charge of this part of the Junk Zone?"
Arrow: "...I thought it was weird, though. A young lady like you being treated as the management at ZOITEC."
Arrow: "I never guessed you were the daughter of ZOITEC's president... So it was your father who was kidnapped?"
Alma: "I'm sorry... I didn't intend to hide it..."
Arrow: "Hey, don't worry about it. Plenty of the clients who visit me don't reveal their identities."
Arrow: "We'll be at that restaurant soon. Let's go look for information on your old man."
Alma: "Okay!"
Arrow: "They said they were hired at this shop, huh? I see. It's full of unruly scoundrels."
Alma: "I-it's the first time I've ever been somewhere with such a nasty atmosphere... I... I don't feel too well..."
Arrow: "Yeah, this isn't the sort of place a young gentlewoman would visit."
Alma: "Hmph...! Please don't call me a gentlewoman."
Arrow: "Hey, you over there. I'm looking for someone."
Arrow: "Have you seen a purple-haired man around here lately?"
Zi-Fighter A: "I dunno. And even if I did, I wouldn't tell some pretty-boy and his kid."
Alma: "Hey...!"
Arrow: "Oh? You've got some guts, running your mouth off at me like that."
Zi-Fighter A: "What!? You talk pretty big for... Ah! I thought I'd seen you somewhere before..."
Zi-Fighter A: "Y-you're the Crimson Gale, aren't you!?"
Arrow: "You know my face...? In that case, I'd prefer you calmed down and answered the question."
Roger: "Oh dear, even the Crimson Gale must know the way to gather information around here, surely?"
Roger: "I've always wanted to meet you, Gale. I'd love to see these 'legendary skills' of yours."
Arrow: "You must be Roger, the 'Destroyer King of Hell'. I didn't expect to see you in a place like this..."
Roger: "How about it, Gale? Why don't we have a game?"
Roger: "If you can beat my record, I'll tell you about the man you're looking for."
Arrow: "That's a welcome offer."
Alma: "Hold on! Are you serious? Stop doing this useless stuff, we need to gather information quickly!"
Arrow: "He says he'll tell me if I win. So it's fine, right?"
Alma: "And if you lose, then what!? Ugh! I don't care! Do whatever you want!"
Leda: "Mistress Alma!"
Roger: "...They're gone. Are you okay with that? That girl was with you, right?"
Arrow: "She's the client in my current job. Looks like she's been brought up a little selfish..."
Arrow: "Oh well. Guess I'll take you up on that game. What are the rules?"
Roger: "Hey, it's not complicated. It's a sniping game."
Roger: "You take down the targets by sniping them. Simple rules, but in exchange it tests your technique."
Arrow: "I see. So, how many do I have to take down to beat your record?"
Roger: "Seven Zoids. Oh, and within 2 minutes and 30 seconds."
Arrow: "Naturally there's a time limit."
Roger: "Let's see your legendary skills, shall we?"
Zi-Fighter A: "Do you have a sniper Zoid? If not, we have a practice one spare. Use that."
Zi-Fighter A: "Let me give you some advice. Be careful not to take too much time!"
Zi-Fighter A: "This area's a No-Battle Zone, so if you go off blasting your Zoid's guns, the PKB'll come running."
Roger: "Come on, we'll have things settled by then. Right?"
Arrow: "Now then, let's rewrite your record!"
MISSION-05: "A Challenge to the Crimson Gale"New parts: STRIKE TONFA, MOSA MSL, ES-GENERATER SM, ZGR-TYPE A, BLADE ANTENNA
New Zoids: Snipe Master
Win conditions: Destroy 7 targets
Loss conditions: 6 targets or fewer destroyed
Map: Junk Zone
Description: An area where Zoid junk dealers gather. Snipe the targets from your starting position. Set out in a Snipe Master.
Tactical info: You cannot lock onto the targets. Predict the targets' movements.
Zoids: Blitz Hornet x7 (destruction target)