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The Making of Goon2

I'm trying something new with video content for this LP - although after my first two attempts, I think I need to write a script for myself next time. Here are the video versions of character creation and EVS file creation.

Character Creation: [video type="youtube"]-4c7pDCWmso[/video]
EVS File Creation: [video type="youtube"]qmFMa0emtvk[/video]

Enough dawdling, time to get started!

Step 1: Character creation

Unlike Tokimemo 1, Tokimemo 2 offers you a lot more freedom in character creation. There's no master formula that determines Hikari's tastes and club activities - she's always going to be on the track team. So, meet our new Goon:


Fudou Gunma.

The characters used in his name mean "herd of horses" and is also the name of a prefecture in Japan.


Goon's birthday is going to be October 26th for unknown reasons, but I had to pause and think hard about what blood type he would be. Why? Because of this:



I've mentioned before that blood type factors into Japanese horoscopes - some believe that blood types also influence personality, and more importantly for gameplay purposes, they also influence compatibility. Blood type compatibility provides a small multiplier to all affection gains in Tokimemo 2, and the effect is quite noticeable for O->A and B->AB.

You may think that B is overpowered from looking at the chart, but as you may recall from the "Always Pick Grades" rant from the first New Year's Day of Tokimemo 1, some playthroughs actually benefit from slower affection gains. In particular, there are a couple of events in Tokimeki Memorial 2 that require affection to be under a certain threshold in order to see them.

In the end, I settled on good ol' O. Again, for completely unknown reasons.

Step 2: Emotional Voice System file creation!


Immediately after character creation, the game asks if you want to create EVS (Emotional Voice System) data, to insert into the game every time the girl of your choice says $playername. Hardware limitations kick in hard right here, as a single EVS file takes up a little over 80K, when PlayStation-era memory cards could only hold 120K. So if you want to have an EVS file for each main character, you have to have a whopping 10 separate memory cards! And that doesn't count the memory card you need for the system file.


Thankfully, this is the PS3, so I can make as many virtual PlayStation memory cards as I need.


The base game only comes with the ability to create EVS files for Hikari and Kasumi, the two most prominent characters in the game.


Making an EVS is simple. First, spell out the sounds you want the girl to say every time she says your name. In this case, I'm writing out "Gu-Nn", which is how Goon is written in Japanese.


Next, choose where the accent goes.


Then, the game plays a sample at you. My first few attempts, quite frankly, sounded awful (refer to the video to hear what it sounds like).


By the way, if you try to put in a sound that the system isn't capable of (or which doesn't exist in Japanese), you get a giant HONK sound effect as the game angrily refuses to accept your attempts to break the language. It's pretty amusing.


Five minutes later, I finally made something I could live with. Time for the game to begin!

Next time: Childhood... and PANIC!

Prologue: Raising the Flags of Childhood, part 1

With all of the basic information ready, the game throws you into the childhood portion of Goon's life, starting in March of 1992, when he and Hikari are 8 years old and just about to start the spring break between 2nd grade and 3rd grade..

3/27/1992: Day 1.


Hikari: Gunma-chan, let's go home.
Goon: Yeah, let's go.

New to the Tokimeki Memorial series... the third dimension! Hey, give the graphics some slack, this is 1999 we're talking about here. While walking home, Goon faceplants on the street.


Goon: Owwwwwww!


Hikari: Are, are you okay?

Hikari crying count: 1


While Hikari very helpfully runs in circles and cries, Kasumi happens by on her way home from middle school.

Kasumi: Are you alright?
Kasumi: Well, it really can't be helped...
Goon: Kasumi-oneechan...
Kasumi: Here. Pain, pain, go away!
Goon: Oh...
Kasumi: You're fine now, right? Now, don't just sit there forever.

Translator's note: 痛いの痛いの飛んでけ is a very common thing the Japanese do to their kids to distract them from cuts and bruises - "pain, pain, fly away" is the literal translation.


Goon: Thanks, Kasumi-oneechan.
Kasumi: Hikari-chan, are you okay?
Hikari: Yeah...
Kasumi: Then make sure to hurry home. No detours!
???: Kasumi, what're you doing?
???: Hey, wait. Are these your kids?
Kasumi: How would that be possible? They're from my neighborhood.
???: Boo, how boring.
Kasumi: Stop saying silly things. Let's go.

After heading home for a second, Hikari runs next door to Goon's house to ask him to come play with her.


Hikari: Gunma-chan, let's play!
Goon:
Option 1: Okay, let's play!
Option 2: No, I'll play by myself.

The correct choice on day 1 is yes.


Hikari: Hehehe... yay, let's go!
Goon: Okay.

The first stop on the childhood train is the local park.


Hikari: What are we gonna play?
Goon: Let's play in the sandbox!

Time to get some pinkeye!


Goon: Hey, Hikari-chan! Don't make a hole there.
Hikari: But it's faster to go this way!
Goon: It'll fall down. Quit it.
Hikari: I said it's fine!
Goon: Cut it out!
Hikari: IT'S FINE!
Hikari: ...uh oh!


Hikari: ...
Goon: I told you so! What now?
Hikari: No! It's your fault for not being careful!
Goon: It's your fault for making a hole there! Stupid Hikari-chan!


Hikari: I'm not stupid! You're stupid for calling me stupid! WAAAAHHHHH

Hikari crying count: 2

Goon: Uh... ...s, sorry.
Hikari: I hate you! Idiot! *sniffle*
Goon: I said I'm sorry...
Goon: Hey, let's do it over!
Hikari: Huh?
Goon: We'll make a bigger one! So big, it won't fall over!
Goon: Okay?


Hikari: *sniffle* O...okay!

With that, the scene ends, and the next step... is to run in circles and make sure to cut corners so that Hikari gets lost.


Goon: Huh? Where'd Hikari-chan go?

Good question, Goon. Good question. There are two places Hikari can be: by the park, or in the shopping district. Wherever you find her, she'll be doing the Hikari Dance until you talk to her.




Hikari: Hey, there you are!
Hikari: Wait for meeeee! Wai-- ah!
Hikari: *sniffle*
Goon: Hey, Hikari-chan!


Hikari: WAAAAAAHHH!

Hikari crying count: 3

Goon: Hey, you have to follow closer.
Hikari: *sob* But you always run ahead of me.
Goon: ......
Goon: Stop crying, okay?
Goon: I know! From now on, let's hold hands so we don't get split up!


Hikari: O...okay! *sniff* Hehe!

At this point, I took advantage of the location to investigate a bunch of buildings and answer questions about the kind of boy Goon was when he was 8 - a lot of little decisions that add up to stats. Example: "I like cake" or "I like flowers", where one option raises Stam/Sports and the other raises Art. Most of these aren't worth translating, except for a few "what the hell?" options like "I like sake" vs. "I like salmon". In general, I made it so that Goon is a lazy little gamer boy who just wants to play.


After that, it's time to run to the mountain trail and do the Hikari Dance until night falls. When it finally does...


Hikari: Hey, it's getting dark... we should go home.
Goon: Yeah. But... where are we?
Hikari: Y, you mean... we're lost?
Hikari: We can't go home?
Goon: I think it's this way, but the path is so narrow...
Hikari: You said we'd be fine! Liar!
Hikari: I wanna go home!
Goon: Saying that won't change anything...

Hikari crying count: 4


Kasumi: ~kuuuun! Hikari-chaaaan!
Goon: Kasumi-oneechan!
Kasumi: I'm glad I found you. We were worried because it was getting so late.
Kasumi: Everything's going to be okay now, Hikari.
Hikari: *sniffle* But, but...


Kasumi: Since you're a boy, you have to help take care of Hikari.
Goon: Okay...
Kasumi: You can't make her cry anymore. Can you promise me that?
Goon: Yeah. I promise.
Kasumi: Good. Now let's hurry home.

Childhood promises: 1

Kasumi: Now, go right to bed and don't stay up late.
Goon: Okay!
Kasumi: Bye-bye.
Goon: Bye-bye!

3/28/1992: Day 2.

Hikari: Gunma-chan, let's play!
Goon: Option 1: Okay, let's play!
Hikari: Hehehe... yay, let's go!
Goon: Okay.


One of the few stat-building bits that involves dialogue comes when Goon looks at a billboard near the park.

Goon: That lady's pretty...
Option 1: I've seen her on TV before!
Option 2: But Kasumi-oneechan is prettier.

No matter which option you choose, Hikari says...
Hikari: Booooo!


The first event of the day requires you to intercept Kasumi on the way home from school.


Goon: Hey, Kasumi-oneechan!
Kasumi: Oh, Gunma-kun. Were you playing around here?
Goon: Yeah!
Goon: Hey, you should come play with us, onee-chan!


Hikari: No! You're playing with me!
Goon: It's more fun with three of us. Right?
Kasumi: Well... I guess...
Hikari: Booooo!
Kasumi: Haha, Hikari votes no.
Kasumi: And I want to head home and change, so...
Goon: It'll be fine! Just for a little bit. Please? Please?
Hikari: Whatever! I'm going home!


Goon: Huh?
Kasumi: Oh dear, you made her angry. This is a little awkward.
Goon: Huh? Why?
Kasumi: You have to think about how Hikari-chan feels every once in a while.
Goon: I gueeeess...
Goon: (I don't get it.)

Hikari crying count: 5


With Hikari out of the way, time to wait for the next event of the day: a girl arrives at the park shortly afterward.


Akane: Hey. Hey! You. Wanna play with me?
Goon: Yeah, sure. What do you wanna play?
Akane: Ummm... house!
Goon: Th, that's embarrassing, no way!
Akane: No it's not! You're gonna play house with me!

Translator's note: Akane uses "boku" as her first person pronoun, which is a very tomboyish term to use. Only two girls in the Tokimemo series use it... well, three if you include Rei, who is a special case.


Akane: Here you go! Eat up, dear!
Goon: Okay! *gulp, gulp*
Akane: What a great appetite! All boys should eat like that.
Goon: My mom doesn't say that.
Akane: Mine does all the time.
Akane: Whatever, just say "mm-hmm."
Goon: M... mm-hmm.
Akane: Yeah, just like that!
Goon: So what now?
Akane: I say "The bath is ready!"


Akane: Oh, I have to go home now.
Goon: Okay.
Akane: Bye-bye, see you! Let's play again!
Goon: Okay, bye-bye!

Childhood promises: 2


The third event of the day requires waiting around in Hibikino Shrine until Miho arrives.

Goon: (Huh? It's a girl. I wonder what she's praying for?)


Miho: God, this is all I want. Let me meet a handsome prince.
Goon: Want me to do that for you?
Miho: Huh? Who're you?


Goon: Me? I'm a prince.
Miho: ...You heard me?
Goon: Yup.
Miho: Oh... oh noooo!

After this conversation, Miho takes off at a dead run and you can't catch up to her. Especially since this section was designed by the Super Smash Brothers Brawl guys, and sometimes you faceplant for no reason when you're trying to run.


Next stop: the candy store, where Miyuki awaits.

Goon: Should I should buy some Super Soldier Dragon chocolate?
Miyuki: Hey oba-chan, give me some Space Idol Love-Love Star chocolate, please!
Goon: Super Soldier Dragon chocolate for me.

Dog: Yipe! Yipe!


Miyuki: WAAAAAAHHHH! He stole my Love-Love Star chocolate!
Goon: ....here, have half of mine.
Miyuki: Really?
Goon: Yeah. Here.


Miyuki: Ehehe, thanks! I really wanted Love-Love Star, but this tastes good too!

Let's just ignore the fact that the dog that stole her chocolate might die...


Miyuki: Oh, I have to go! Bye! Thanks!
Goon: Bye-bye.


The last event of Day 2 requires [s]stalking[/s] following Akane to the shopping district, waiting for her to start clutching a giant shopping bag the size of her chest, and then talking to her.


Goon: That looks heavy. I'll carry it for you!
Akane: Really? Thanks.


Akane: Wow, you're strong.
Akane: You're like my big brother!

After carrying Akane's groceries halfway across town...


Akane: Thanks a lot. My house is close by, so I'll be fine from here.
Goon: Okay, be careful.
Akane: Thanks! See you later, bye-bye!

At this point, Kasumi comes and chases you down, which ends day 2 in the same way as day 1.

Prologue: Raising the Flags of Childhood, part 2

3/29/1992: Day 3.


Hikari: Gunma-chan, let's play!
Goon: Option 2: No, I'll play by myself.
Hikari: Booooo! Fine, whatever!
Goon: ......


The first event of day 3 involves waiting for Homura to chase Akane into the library.


Goon: Whoa!
Akane: If someone comes looking for me, will you keep quiet?
Goon: O, okay...


Homura: Hey, did you see a girl come by just a second ago?
Goon: Nope.
Homura: Shoot, where'd she go...?

Special note: Everyone other than Akane and Kasumi has actually been labeled "Girl" so far - I've only been naming them for convenience. However, 8-year-old Homura gets tagged as "Boy". Welp.


Akane: Thanks. If you see her again, keep quiet, okay?
Goon: Um, okay. But why?
Akane: It's a secret. Bye!


The second event of the day takes place at the river bank with Miho.


Goon: What're you doing?
Miho: Planting flowers.
Miho: Wanna help me?
Goon: Sure.


Dawwwww


Miho: A whole lot of pretty flowers will bloom for sure.
Goon: That sounds really cool.
Miho: This will be a secret only the three of us know.
Goon: Three of us?
Miho: Me, you, and Kero-chan. Don't tell anyone else about this! No one else, promise?
Goon: Yeah, I promise!
Miho: Good, see you later!
Goon: Bye-bye!

Translator's note: Kero is the Japanese onomatopoeia for a frog croaking. Also, childhood promises: 3


For the next event, you have to run straight to Hibikino shrine, and pull a fortune while Miyuki is nearby. She'll run into you.


Miyuki: Oops! Sorry!
Goon: Hey, you dropped your fortune. Here.
Miyuki: Oh, thanks. Bye!


Goon: ...Worst luck. I didn't look hard, but I feel like it was different before...
Miyuki: Wow! I... I did it! I did it!


After Miyuki happily skips home, Homura shows up at the riverbank and starts running around.


Homura: Hey! I'm glad you're here. I'm bored, so let's play!
Goon: Yeah, okay. What do you want to do?
Homura: Let's play Super Soldier Dragon. I'll be Dragon, you'll be the monster.
Goon: What? No way! I wanna be Dragon too!
Homura: When I'm done, we'll switch.
Goon: Okay, I'll do it. But you have to switch.
Homura: Sure, sure. Let's do it!

Time passes.

Goon: I have to go home soon.
Homura: Awww, man!
Dog: Yipe yipe!
Homura: Huh? Hey, Robo! Over here!


Homura: Did you come to get me?
Robo: Yipe yipe!
Goon: Aww man, I want a dog.
Homura: Hehe, Robo's my best friend!

Holy crap, the eyebrows on that dog.

Homura: Bye! Let's play again!
Robo: Yipe yipe!
Goon: Okay!

And then, right as day 3 ends...

Goon: Oh, there's a festival today. I should head home.


Hikari: Gunma-chan. Let's go to the festival!
Goon: O, okay.
Hikari: Hurry, hurry!
Goon: Okay.


Goon: It sure is busy here. Where should we start?
Goon: ...Huh? Hikari-chan?
Hikari: Look! There're so many pretty things here!


Goon: What're you looking at?
Hikari: This is so cute!
Goon: You're right.
Goon: ... Okay! I'll buy it for you.
Hikari: What? But...
Goon: It's fine. I brought my allowance.


Goon: ... (There isn't much left anymore.)
Hikari: ...Sorry.
Goon: Uh-uh, don't be sorry. You wanted it, didn't you?


Hikari: Yeah!
Hikari: I'll treasure it forever! Thanks...

Childhood promises: 1,003

3/30/1992: Day 4

Hikari: Gunma-chan, let's play!
Goon: Option 2: No, I'll play by myself.
Hikari: Booooo! Fine, whatever!
Goon: ......


Day 4 is light on events because it's kind of a catch-up day. However, after stalking Mei for a while, she finally stops at the riverbank.


Mei: Hey, nii-chan, what're you doing?
Goon: Huh? M, me?
Mei: Uh-huh.
Goon: I'm just playing around.
Mei: Ohhhh?
Mei: ...Are you having fun?
Goon: Yeah. ...Wanna play with me?
Mei: What? Is, is that okay?
Goon: Yeah, of course!


Goon: It's getting dark. Won't your mom get angry if you don't go home soon?
Mei: ...It's fine.
Goon: Really?
Mei: I said it's fine!
???: ...-sama! Mei-sama!
???: Where are you?
Goon: Huh? Is that...
Mei: No! I want to play more with Onii-chan!


Goon: We'll play again some time.
Mei: Again? For sure?
Goon: Yeah!
Mei: For sure! Promise!
Goon: Uh-huh, I promise.

Childhood promises: 1,004

Goon: Okay, see you soon!
Mei: Yeah, see you soon, onii-chan!

The only other event for the day is a brush with one of the secret characters, Kudanshita Maika. To see it, you have to to ignore the local policeman's instructions and play in the river where it's dangerous.


Goon: What a big river. I have to be careful not to fall in.


Goon: Help! Somebody, help!

If you time it right, Mei just runs on by like she doesn't care. It's kind of hilarious.


???: *humming to herself* W, what?
Goon: Somebody, help me!
???: Oh no! Hang on, kid!


???: Whew. Are you alright?
Goon: *sniffle, sniffle*
???: If you can cry, you should be okay.
???: Later, kid. Be careful!
Goon: Whoa...
Goon: (Th, thanks, Onee-san...)

3/31/1992: Childhood's End.


Goon: Huh? Hikari-chan, Kasumi-oneechan, what're you doing here?
Kasumi: I was thinking the three of us could go to the amusement park today.
Goon: Whoa, really?!
Kasumi: Yeah, your mom asked me to.
Hikari: Gunma-chan, let's go! Hurry!
Goon: Yeah!


Hikari: Yaaay, the amusement park!
Kasumi: Hey, slow down, you two.
Kasumi: What do you want to ride?

It doesn't matter what to choose here, you ride both no matter what.

Option 1: The Ferris Wheel
Hikari: Yeah! Let's go, Gunma-chan!


Kasumi: We're gonna be really high up, will you be okay, Hikari-chan?
Hikari: I'll be fine~
Kasumi: Gunma-kun, what about you?
Goon: I'll be fine!
Kasumi: Okay, let's get on the ride.

...


Hikari: That was awesome! Did you see your house?
Goon: Yeah! I saw your house too, Hikari-chan.
Hikari: Hehehe, you looked for it~. Yay!
Kasumi: Hehe, good for you, Hikari-chan.
Hikari: Yeah!
Goon: Okay, let's go to the merry-go-round next.
Hikari: Yeah! Let's go, Gunma-chan!
Kasumi: Okay, slow down, you two.


Kasumi: Let's get on the pumpkin carriage.
Hikari: Okay!
Goon: Okay!

...


Kasumi: Did you guys have fun?
Hikari: Yeah, I had a lot of fun!
Goon: Me too!
Kasumi: Good.
Kasumi: Okay, we should head home soon.
Hikari: What? It's over already? I wanna play more!
Goon: Me too!
Kasumi: If we stay out too late, your moms will worry.
Goon: But...
Kasumi: Oh, before we're done, we should take a picture with all three of us.
Hikari: A picture?
Kasumi: Yes.
Kasumi: Are you two ready?
Goon: Yeah!
Hikari: Yeah!
Kasumi: Okay, say cheese...


No, he doesn't have eyes. Yes, it was a common convention of the time, to allow for easier self-insertion. Yes, it does look silly these days.

Goon: Today was so much fun! We took a picture with all three of us! And then! And then!
Mom: ......
Goon: What? We're moving? Why?
Mom: ......
Goon: What? WHY? WHY? WHY?!
Mom: ......
Goon: No! I don't wanna! I don't wanna say bye to Hikari-chan and Kasumi-oneechan!

And the next day...


Kasumi: Well, take care.
Goon: Okay...
Kasumi: Hey, Hikari-chan... you need to say goodbye... okay?
Hikari: ...
Goon: ... Hikari-chan... bye-bye...



Hikari crying count: 6

Next time: 7 years later. Cue the opening song!

Chapter 1: Homecoming

After the cut scene of Hikari running after Goon's moving truck and crying, the game rolls the opening movie featuring a now-teenaged Hikari, then throws you to Disc 2. The opening song is sung by Hikari's voice actress and is still a personal favorite, 15 years later - it's just so much happier than the first game's opening song.

[video type="youtube"]yPMLJSJ84Tc[/video]

4/5: Let the games begin!


Goon: It's been 7 years...
Goon: ...And I really have come back.
Goon: Hey, it's Hibikino High.


Goon: This is our new house...
Goon: If this was the old house, I would've been so much closer to school.
Goon: Well, I start high school tomorrow. Time for a fresh start!


Goon: Hibikino High... it hasn't changed a bit, has it?
Goon: Let's see, my class is... wait, what?


Goon: Hinomoto Hikari? Could it be...
(THUMP)
Goon: Whoa!
Goon: Ow, what the hell...


Goon: Are you okay?
???: Ow ow ow... sorry! I wasn't looking where I was going, and... oh!
Goon: Hmm...?
???: Gunma-chan.
Goon: Are you... Hikari?


Hikari: Yeah!
Goon: I haven't seen you since grade school.
Hikari: Idiot... do you have any idea how sad I was when you moved away all of a sudden?
Goon: S, sorry...
Hikari: Don't worry about it. You still remember me, so I'll let it slide.
Hikari: Oh no, the opening ceremony is starting!
Goon: Let's head over.
Hikari: Yeah!

My old roommates used to jokingly call Hikari "the puppy" due to her vocal tic "un!" sounding like a happily yipping puppy. I'll rotate between translating it as "Yeah" "Yup" and "Uh-huh" based on how bored I am of writing any of those words. At this time, I would like to express sadness that no one chose D. Poor Hikari.


Bakuretsuzan: Welcome, new students, and congratulations!
Bakuretsuzan: I am the principal of this school...


Bakuretsuzan: BAKU
Bakuretsuzan: RETSU
Bakuretsuzan: ZAAAAAN

The kanji that appear behind him mean "Exploding Mountain". It's his last name. And it's awesome.

Bakuretsuzan: The motto of our school is "Freedom"!
Bakuretsuzan: Our mission is to respect and nurture our students' independence!
Bakuretsuzan: I want all of you to live your high school lives with no regrets, from academics, to sports, to hobbies, to romance!

Goon: ...What an awesome school. Academics, sports, hobbies... romance?


Why didn't any of you jerks vote for Hikari it would've been so eeeeeeasy, even the game wants you two to get together

Bakuretsuzan: That is all!
Goon: Wait, it's over?


Hikari: Gunma-kun.
Goon: Oh, hey Hikari.
Hikari: Hehehe, I'm glad we're in the same class.
Goon: I just moved back, so being in the same class with you really helps calm me down.
Hikari: If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask me anything.
Hikari: Oh, the teacher's here. Later!

Biggest difference between Tokimemo 1 and Tokimemo 2: Your childhood friend acknowledges your existence. And actually acts like your friend.

Goon: (Time to head home...)
Hikari: Gunma-kun! Let's walk home together.
Goon: Hmm? Yeah, let's go.


Hikari: ...
Goon: What's up?
Hikari: You haven't changed, have you?
Goon: Y, you think so?
Hikari: Yup!
Goon: Have you changed, Hikari?
Hikari: Hehehe, I'm not the crybaby you remember anymore.
Goon: Yeah, you really did cry a lot back then.


Hikari: Hey, you're the one who always made me cry!
Goon: Ack!
Hikari: Ahahahaha!
Goon: Ahahahaha!
Goon: (I had fun walking home with Hikari.)


Here begins the first week of Tokimeki Memorial 2! You'll notice a couple of big changes from before:

-The top right of the screen conveniently keeps a list of this week's appointments.
-Goon's stats don't start at flat 40s, and have changed slightly based on his childhood gaming habits. He leans slightly toward science and guts now, while suffering a bit in general knowledge.


The Hibikino Watcher has a lot more going on, so it'll take a few screenshots to see everything.

The bulk of the left page shows the schedule for Hibikino Stadium. Every summer, there's baseball, and every winter, they play soccer.


The far left is an ad for a mail-order product. In this case, it's "Browalker", a product that will make you muscular and popular with the ladies! This section mostly matters for the secret character Maeka.


On the bottom left, an ad for Rehearsal Weapon 4, an action-packed movie that'll be playing until June 9th. And is totally not Lethal Weapon.

The bottom right is an ad for the next movie that will play starting on June 10th, Chinobotsusen Koimonogatari, AKA "Love Story on a Sunken Ship". I wonder what that could be!


The right page has a note on when the museum will open. The exhibit from 6/20-8/31 will feature glasswork.
Hidden behind the text box, is the website "http://www.hibikino.net/walker" - a site that is sadly defunct.


And the last feature that's new - you can actually look ahead more than one month in the calendar! And, more importantly, you can see the 7-day forecast, which affects what events and dates can and can't happen. It sure is nice living in the future!


Our activity for the week doesn't actually matter since I'm going to reload based on the poll result. What's important is the people we're about to meet in the first couple of days. However, I chose to exercise because first of all, those pink shoes have to be shown. Second of all, look! It's the third dimension again! Hello, third dimension! I haven't seen you in 7 years!

4/7: Meet the Guys


Goon: (Time to head home...)
???: Yo!
Goon: H, hey... Sakaki-kun, was it?
Takumi: Yeah, that's right. I'm glad you remembered.
Goon: Umm...
Takumi: I'll get straight to the point. What's the relationship between you and Hinomoto-san?
Goon: Huh?
Takumi: Are you dating?
Goon: N, no, not at... all. We're just childhood friends...
Takumi: Oh-ho... can I get you to give me some more details?
Takumi: And not just stand around talking...
???: Takumi! you ready yet?
Takumi: Hey, Jun! Come on over here and say hi.
???: Geez...


Takumi: This is my friend, Hokari Jun'ichirou. You can call him "Jun."
Jun: My name is Hokari "Jun'ichirou." Nice to meet you.
Goon: Y, yeah, nice to meet you too.
Goon: (Jun'ichirou and Jun...?)

Translator's note: The Jun in Jun'ichirou's name means innocence/chastity. So Takumi's making fun of him every time he says it.


Takumi: Anyway, why don't we stop by a cafe on the way home, so I can ask you the real questions?
Jun: I don't care, so I'll pass.
Takumi: Don't say that, Jun.
Takumi: This is an important meeting about how we can spend our high school lives in being all lovey-dovey with a girl!
Jun: L, lovey-dovey...
Takumi: See? He's pretty innocent, isn't he?
Goon: Y, yeah...
Jun: I, I'm going home!
Takumi: Aw, man... well, whatever. Let's hit up that cafe.
Goon: Um, sure...
Goon: (I ended up answering a ton of questions about Hikari...)


Takumi: Oh yeah, have you ever heard the story of Hibikino's legendary bell?

No, I haven't. Thanks, Exposition Fairy!

Goon: Legendary bell?
Takumi: Yeah, the bell in the courtyard tower.
Goon: What about it?
Takumi: They say that if you successfully confess your love on graduation day and receive the blessing of that bell, you will live happily ever after.

Geez, that's a lot of conditions, don't you think?

Goon: Wow, that's pretty romantic.
Takumi: Well, I don't believe in it myself, but maybe it'll work for you?
Takumi: Whoops, gotta go. Oh, by the way, if you need to talk to anyone about girls, just give me a call.
Goon: Um, okay.
Takumi: It's a matter of give and take. I'll tell you whatever you need, as trade for everything you told me about Hikari-chan today. Seeya!
Goon: (Sakaki Takumi and Hokari Jun'ichirou, eh...?)

Takumi and Jun tangent

[tIMG]http://lpix.org/1602665/Tokimemo 2 post 1 image 23.png[/tIMG]
Remember how I said that there's a lot more character interaction in Tokimemo 2? Well, Takumi and Jun are a big part of it, and it really helps flesh out the cast to have a couple of high school buddies who don't measure their little sister's busts and aren't secretly girls. While Takumi is the Exposition Fairy just like Yoshio was, Jun and Takumi both have their own lives and interests, which they pursue off-screen to build their stats. Takumi tends toward looks and general knowledge since he's not in a club and just likes to gossip. Jun tends toward exercise and guts, since he spends a lot of time at Kendo practice. Both of them are willing to hang out with you on weekdays and train their stats along with you.

Why do their stats matter? Well, because these two knuckleheads are not only your best friends (non-Hikari division), but they're also your rivals.

That's right - each of these guys will pursue and try to win the heart of one of the girls. If you're unlucky enough be targeting the same girl as one of them, then you'd better be ready to compete with them for it. They'll fight you tooth and claw for the girl's attention, scheduling dates and trying to beat you to the punch. And, if it comes down to it, they're perfectly willing to throw down in an old-fashioned rumble to see who's going to have to back down.

Jun tends to gravitate toward Kotoko because they're birds of a feather, while Takumi... well, Takumi is one of the biggest potential obstacles to a Miho run, to the point where certain guides tell you to give up and restart if Miho is Takumi's target.

Oh, and that Forever Alone ending I mentioned earlier, with the three of you singing away your sorrows at the karaoke box? That's only the ending if all three of you fail in your pursuits - which you can accomplish by actively cockblocking the both of them. It's kind of amazing. No, I won't do it.

End Jun and Takumi tangent

4/9: Hikari's best friend


Goon: Alright, time to head home.
???: Hmm... not really a remarkable guy, are you...
Goon: (What's with this girl? It's pretty rude to stare like that...)
???: Hey, Hikari. Over here!


Hikari: Sorry, Kotoko!
Hikari: Oh, Gunma-kun. Are you heading home too?
Goon: Yeah. Say, Hikari, who's this...
Kotoko: Hmmm... you really have strange tastes, Hikari.


Hikari: Ko, Kotoko! I have no idea what you're talking about!
Kotoko: Sure, whatever you say.
Goon: (??)
Goon: Hey...
Hikari: Oh, sorry! This is Minazuki Kotoko. My best friend.
Kotoko: I'm Minazuki Kotoko. But enough about me, though, let's talk about this girl's...
Hikari: Ko, KOTOKO!
Kotoko: Fine, fine...
Kotoko: Well, nice to meet you.
Goon: Um... nice to meet you too.
Hikari: Hey, let's all walk home together.
Goon: S, sure...
Goon: (Minazuki-san, eh? Hikari said "my best friend", but they're polar opposites.)

Have I mentioned that Hikari would've been easy mode? Because it would have been. I hate you guys.

4/11: A visit from the Exposition Fairy


Takumi: Yes, this is Sakaki.
Goon: Hi, it's Fudou.
Takumi: Yo, glad you called.
Goon: You said you'd tell me about girls, right?
Takumi: Yeah, you can count on me. So, what're you curious about?
Goon:
Option 1: I want to know what the girls think of me
Option 2: I want to know more about a girl
Option 3: I'd like you to tell me about a date spot

This is slightly different from Yoshio in Tokimemo 1, but not really that different. Since I just want to show you Kotoko's profile, it's time to pick option 2.

Takumi: Yeah, sure. So, who is it?
Goon: Minazuki.
Takumi: Gimme a second.
Takumi: Okay, listen up.


[fixed]Minazuki Kotoko
Born December 2nd
Sagittarius, Blood type AB
Height: 166cm
B86 / W58 / H84
Club: Tea Ceremony
Memo: A traditional woman who loves old-fashioned Japanese ways.
Kinda scary when she's angry.[/fixed]

Well, that's promising. Hey, have I mentioned lately that Hikari would be really easy? Because I feel like I haven't talked about that enough.

Speaking of which, it's time to narrow our focus, since it's almost time to join a club and meet some more girls. Based on our previous poll, there are three eligible routes left (well, five technically, but let's not split hairs here):

So, whose story will we concentrate on in this first run?

[timg]http://lpix.org/1600485/Kotoko%20album%20cover.png[/timg]
A: Minazuki Kotoko
Hikari's best friend, who didn't like Goon at first sight.
Hates Western culture so much that she's allergic to curry.
Spends her spare time practicing traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony.
Favors the Lit stat.
Compatibility with O-Goon: Average
Relative difficulty: Normal (Moderately Hard if Jun is your rival)

[timg]http://lpix.org/1600487/Miho%20album%20cover.png[/timg]
B: Shirayuki Miho
Member of the drama club. Good actress.
Hopeless romantic, who loves fantasies.
Spends her spare time reading books and telling fortunes for classmates (and going to karaoke). Collects antique dolls (and designer brands).
Favors the Art stat.
Compatibility with O-goon: Good
Relative difficulty: Normal (Hard if Takumi is your rival. "Oh My God Why" Nintendo Hard under certain circumstances. Actually unwinnable under one specific set of circumstances.)

[timg]http://lpix.org/1600483/Kaori%20album%20cover.png[/timg]
C: Yae Kaori
Quiet. Aloof. Mysterious. Excellent chef.
Already held back a year for some reason - at serious risk of dropping out of school.
Favors the Sports stat.
Compatibility with O-goon: Great (which could be a problem!)
Relative difficulty: Normal (Moderately Hard if you want to hook Jun or Takumi up with her)

[timg]http://lpix.org/1600480/Hikari%20album%20cover.png[/timg]
D: Hinomoto Hikari
It's worth a shot.
Relative difficulty: Easy

Voting will close on Friday night Pacific time, when I plan to stream the prepwork for the run that you Goons choose. Unless by some miracle D wins, and I play Tokimeki Memorial 2 Puzzledama in celebration because I get to relax and not have to reload 50 times for some of these paths.

Next time: The 3 year plan!

Chapter 2: Get in.

Alright, folks. Since Miho won the vote, it's time to lay down the foundation for the first year! There are still a lot of new features to discover, but the first order of business is to join the right club to meet her.

4/18: Goon joins a club

Even the club recruitment screen is a huge improvement over Tokimemo 1. Instead of just a generic notebook with names scribbled into it, you get to see the recruitment posters that the various club presidents have made to try and convince people to join up.

Unlike TokiMemo 1, all of these clubs have a character associated with them, instead of randomly inserting Shiori based on a diff formula. I'll list the character after each poster.


"Cosplay all you want
The flowery Drama Club is looking for members!"
Character: Miho


"Tastes like Koushien
Baseball Club"
Character: Kaedeko

I have to say that this poster would really make me reconsider my life choices, instead of making me want to dedicate myself to baseball...


"Blow up everything
Science Club"
Character: Mei


"Tennis Club
We'll play the game of love with you"
Character: Miyuki

Pop Culture note: The poster is done in the style of legendary tennis/romance manga Ace wo Nerae!, which is one of the most influential manga for girls in history.


"Concert Band"
Character: Kasumi

I can't help but think that this was Konami's response to everyone in Tokimemo 1 realizing that the best club for a Shiori run was Concert Band...


"VOLLEY BALL"
Character: Kaori

What the hell is wrong with the sports clubs at this school? First weeping baseball players eating bats and now we have some Super Volleyball spiked ball stuff going on here. Okay, now I just talked myself into wanting to join the volleyball club.


"Tea Ceremony"
Character: Kotoko


"Explode out of the starting block!
Track and Field Club"
Character: Hikari


"I AM THE LAW!!
Hibikino High School Student Council"
Character: Homura

...Thanks, Homura.

As a cultural note, while every icon so far has been easy visual shorthand for the club - drama gets stage curtains, Science gets a lab coat... but the Student Council icon depicts a Daruma doll. Specifically, it depicts a Daruma with only one eye filled in, which is a distinctly Japanese custom. When you buy a Daruma doll, the eyes are blank white. You draw in one eye, then make a wish/pray for something. When that wish is fulfilled, then you draw in the second eye. Find out more of the symbolism in Homura's story.


"Come at us,
At the Kendo Club!"
Character: Jun

This is also one of the best clubs to join for an Akane run, but it has way more to do with game mechanics than it does with anything she actually likes.

So, for a Miho run, Drama club is the best option. In we go!


Look at those glorious weather effects! Yes, rain will force all activities inside - if you exercise inside it'll change from running sprints to lifting weights, while most of the non-sports clubs just watch the rain from their windows.

The Drama club raises the Lit stat a great deal, while having positive effects on Art, Exercise, General Knowledge, and Guts. It has a negative effect on Looks, so we'll have to keep an eye on that since Miho's ending requires Art/Lit/Looks. Unless it requires General Knowledge and Looks.

It's complicated.

4/22: Bumping into girls after school


Goon: (Time to go home and play video games!)
Goon: Hey, it's Hikari.
Option 1: Invite her to walk home together
Option 2: Ignore her and go home

For the sake of pointing out new game mechanics, it's time to choose Option 1.


Goon: Alright, I'll ask her.

Note the thumbs-up on the right side of the screen that prompts you to hit the R1 button. If you do, a list of names pops up, which will change what you call the girl. This has a lot of cultural significance in Japan, so let's make sure to explore this properly.


There's a surprising amount of information to be disseminated here, but I'll try to make it relatively brief. Calling someone by their family name is formal. Calling someone by their first name is a mark of familiarity and closeness, whether familial or otherwise. Most of the girls have a default of <last name>-san, which is a standard form of address, neither overly formal nor rudely familiar.

Depending on your affection level with the girl, they'll accept different forms of address as a mark of their relationship with you. For example, Miho will never let you just call her "Shirayuki", while she's fine with either "Shirayuki-san" or "Shirayuki-chan". Once you're friends, she'll be okay with "Miho-chan". At highest affection, she'll be okay with the personal "Miho-san", more intimate "Miho", and the playful "Miho-pyon" (pyon is the sound that animals make when they hop).

Hikari is an exception to all of these rules. Because she's known you forever, she will not let you call her anything other than "Hikari"... unless you've really pissed her off, in which case she'll distance herself from you and force you to call her "Hinomoto-san". This pretty much only happens unless you really go out of your way to be mean to her.


Goon: Hikari!
Hikari: Hey, Gunma-kun. I was just about to head home too.
Goon: If it's okay, wanna walk home together?


Hikari: Oh, sorry. I can't today.
Goon: Really? Well, later then.
Goon: (Damn...)

4/29: Another call to the Exposition Fairy


Quick note - because Goon joined the Drama Club, there is now a chonmage wig on the top right shelf, above his TV and PlayStation.


This is what it looks like when you call Takumi and ask about what the girls think of you. Hikari starts at average affection - in spite of being an old friend (or perhaps because she's a friend), she follows normal affection rules until year 2, when she admits a few things to herself, musters up her courage, and makes a run at Goon. Speaking of her friends, Kotoko starts the game actively disliking Goon.

The other thing you can see here is a quick overview of their stats. The five columns show you a general ranking on five categories: Lit, Science, Art, Exercise, and General Knowledge. These stats can and will change over time based on what they're doing in their after-school activities and weekends. When I called a few weeks later, Hikari had been hitting the track hard and was an A in the Exercise/Sports stat.

As a note, Takumi and Jun have these stats (hidden) as well - one of the ways you can cockblock the ever-living crap out of them is to call them every weekend and make sure they're stuck on the phone with you instead of going on dates/building their stats to the point where the girl of their dreams will accept them.


While I'm at it, here's Hikari's profile, even though you start the game with her phone number.

[fixed]Hinomoto Hikari
Born June 25th
Cancer | Blood Type A
Height: 157cm
Measurements: 82-56-83
Club: Track and Field
MEMO: A sporty girl who loves to exercise.
Not a slouch in her studies either.[/fixed]

The plan to meet Miho

There are three ways to meet Miho:

1) Study Lit with a Lit stat higher than 50
2) Study Art with an Art stat higher than 55
3) Join the Drama club and participate in club activities until Miho shows up (she will automatically show up if you haven't met her by Summer Camp)

For scientific purposes, I wanted to see all three of these options to see if they were different. Also, the first Tokimemo had moving stat thresholds to meet girls but Tokimemo 2 doesn't change those thresholds depending on how many girls you've met... which means that I wanted to make sure I didn't accidentally meet a non-Miho girl too early and make the juggling act more difficult. The first method I tested was jamming the Drama club

6/2: Meet Miho (Drama club version)

THUD

???: Oh, I'm sorry. Are you alright? I was off daydreaming.
Goon: No, it was my fault too...
???: !! You're...!
Goon: Huh? What's up?


???: Um, could you tell me your name?
Goon: It's Fudou, but...
???: I knew it.
Goon: Huh? What?
???: Excuse me, I have to go.
Goon: (Who was that girl?)


Takumi: Hmm? Say, when did you get to know Shirayuki-san?
Goon: (Hmmm? So her name is Shirayuki-san.)
Takumi: Hey, don't ignore me...

6/2 is a bit late for my tastes, since I feel like I'll need all the time I can for this run. Especially it's right up against the...

6/5: Sports Festival!


Goon: It's the Sports Festival today!
Goon: Hmm, which game should I enter?


Option 1: 100m dash
Option 2: 3-legged race
Option 3: Kibasen (Cavalry Battle)
Option 4: Pole-toppling
Option 5: Play hooky

Even though I was going to reload, I figured that I'd go through with it to show off all the mini-games. The viewers on my stream requested the Kibasen because it's something that doesn't exist in America - largely because of enormous injury risk and liability issues here.


Hikari: Gunma-kun!
Goon: Hey, Hikari.
Hikari: So, do you have a Kibasen team yet?
Goon: No, not yet.
Hikari: Ooh, really? Hey, can I be on your team?
Goon: Of course!
Hikari: Yay! Alright, let's kick some butt!
Goon: Let's do it. (Time to give it my all!)

So, what's a Kibasen, you ask? Well, it's like a game of flag football had a lovechild with Red Rover after a night of unbelievably angry sex. Each team is four people. Three of them make a triangle, clasp arms, and form the horse - the fourth person sits on top of them as the rider, and wears a long headband. When a rider's [s]head section has been destroyed[/s] headband has been stolen, they're eliminated.


So the riders fight, and fight, and keep on fighting, until the class represented by the last standing rider [s]earns the right to rule all other classes[/s] wins!*[super][spoiler]Note: image is not actually from Tokimeki Memorial 2[/spoiler][/super]

As you can tell, the risk of injury can be pretty high for a high school game, since getting the riders close enough to grab each other involves a lot of jostling for position, which is a euphemism for "running into each other". Enough with the explanation, though. Cavalry Fight! Ready... GO!


[fixed]Teams are made up of three riders. To win, defeat the enemy team's general! Your unit is your team's general.

Dodge your enemy's attacks, watch your allies' movements, and defeat the enemy general![/fixed]


The controls are pretty simple. By default, your unit jogs forward. To dash, mash the Circle button. To reverse, hold the X button. Use left or right on the D-pad to turn. Running into the enemy deals damage, and the enemy running into you deals damage. When a unit's HP reaches zero, that unit is eliminated.


The Kibasen has three formations to choose from: the offensively-oriented spearhead, the man-to-man defense Spread formation, and the "protect me, minions!" formation. 3D Hikari agreed with my stream viewers on this one.
Hikari: Let's go right after 'em!


For video of this mini-game, you can check out my stream archive - it should be about 40 or so minutes into the broadcast.


Sadly, my first try at this mini-game in 15 years resulted in time running out and the game resulting in a draw.


Hikari: Pretty good! We did our best!
Goon: (I guess it's not that bad)

Because I feel like this will be a number of interest for this first run...

RELOAD COUNT: 1

I wanted to see if I could meet Miho earlier, so I tried meeting her via the Lit method. Unfortunately...

5/17: Meet Akane

It turns out that if you study Lit with both Lit and Science over 50, Akane will wander over and start to copy your homework.


Goon: Let's see, so this question should be... hmm...
???: Mm-hmm, I see.
Goon: Huh? ...Um, who're you?
???: Oh, don't worry about that right now. Keep going.
Goon: O, okay... so this problem should look like this, and that means that for the next problem...
???: I see, I see. So what does that mean for this problem?
Goon: Oh, you work it out this way.
???: Oh, that's how you do it.
Goon: ...which means that the answer is this.
???: I kind of get it, but could you do that again and explain it a little more simply so I can do it myself?
Goon: S, sure. So, here's the explanation in the textbook. See how it works here?
???: I see, I see.
Goon: So if you apply it here, then this is the answer you should get.
???: Oh, I get it now! That helps a lot, thanks! Bye!


Goon: So... who WAS that, anyway?
Takumi: You don't know about Ichimonji-san?


Goon: AAUGH!
Takumi: That's rude, treating me like a ghost or something.
Goon: It's your fault for popping up out of nowhere!
Goon: Whatever. So, Ichimonji-san?

Translator's note: The stereotypical way for Japanese people to react to something scary popping up out of nowhere, other than screaming, is to shout &#20986;&#12383;&#65281; or, literally, "It appeared!/It's here!" - that's how Goon reacts to the sudden appearance of Takumi here, which leads to Takumi sounding a bit exasperated.


Takumi: Yeah, her name's Ichimonji Akane.
Takumi: She's cute, and everyone talks about her br...
Goon: Yeah, yeah.
Goon: (Ichimonji-san, eh?)


Before I reload, I wanted to show Akane's profile, via the Exposition Fairy. Her grades are pretty bad overall, and she focuses on Exercise and General Knowledge. Note that Hikari's Sports stat has upped itself to an A in the past few weeks, while Kotoko is down to an E because tea ceremony doesn't exactly build muscle.


[fixed]Ichimonji Akane
Born September 10th
Virgo | Blood type O
Height: 159cm
Measurements: 89-59-86
Club: None
MEMO: Works part-time at a diner.
Bad grades, possibly because she's busy.[/fixed]

Akane works at a Japanese-style diner, which are popular among the eat-and-go crowd because they have set courses that get brought out in a box and are made to be eaten quickly.

The Lit version of Miho's meeting is the exact same as the other version, and it happens on 6/2 in this version, so I think the best option will be the Art version of the meeting. But before I reload, I'll finish the week off and show you another of the Sports Festival mini-games: the Pole Toppling/Bou-taoshi event.


Players of the original Suikoden RPG will find this mini-game pretty familiar. This mini-game is 15 on 15, and the goal is to get to the enemy base and knock down their pole while defending your own. There are three important stats: Power, Speed, and Toughness. These are based on your combined Exercise and Stamina or Exercise and Guts scores; Takumi tends to be fragile, while Jun tends to be amazing. Each character can be assigned one of seven orders:

[fixed]Break Defense | Counterattack
Charge | Zone Defense
Circle Around | Wall[/fixed]

There is a seventh position that isn't assigned - it's forced on anyone who's assigned to the area around the pole, and does nothing but add hit points to the pole.


Takumi and Jun also act as Suikoden ninjas - they provide intel on where the enemy defense will be most concentrated and where the bulk of their attackers will be. In this case...
Takumi: The other team looks like it'll attack straight down the middle.
Jun: Looks like they'll concentrate their defenses on the right.


Once everyone has their orders, you can just watch as boys will be bo...

Wait, are there people dying and turning into angels?!


:aaa:


Hikari: We'll try harder next time.
Hikari: We didn't want it enough.
Goon: (She's right. We'll get 'em next year.)

RELOAD COUNT: 2

5/19: Meet Miho (Art version)


Screenshot included because she still has her winter sweater on.

5/23: Call the Exposition Fairy


Miho's stats are on the bottom. Appropriately enough, she favors the stats that the Drama Club builds, Lit and Art. She, too, is spectacularly bad at sports.


[fixed]Shirayuki Miho
Born February 24th
Pisces | Blood Type B
Height: 156cm
Measurements: 78-55-79
Club: Drama club
MEMO: Dreamer who likes to tell fortunes.
Reads a lot of books.[/fixed]

This process took a lot more space than I thought, so I'll split this into two posts. Next post coming late tonight! :getin:

Next time: 50 first dates (not literally... hopefully)

Chapter 3: 50 First Dates

What follows is a primer on dating in Tokimeki Memorial 2. It's out of chronological order since I technically did this after the very first Sports Festival, but the information is valid enough that I need to go back and highlight it here.

Run Datingtutorial.exe -easymode


For the purposes of this tutorial, I called Hikari. She's usually game to hang out somewhere with Goon, unless there's a track meet (you shouldn't ask her out on the third Sunday of a month) or there are certain knuckleheads trying to ask her out on the same day.


Goon: Hello, am I speaking to Hinomoto-san?
Hikari: Oh, Gunma-kun! I was wondering when you'd call.
Hikari: So what's up?
Goon: Hey, so...


UI improvement #1: the game actually highlights eligible days for dates. It also shows the weather forecast for the next few days, which mostly affects whether or not the girl will bring an umbrella - there are some events that are rain exclusive or require no rain, though.


Once you choose a day, the game brings up a map of Hibikino city, divided up into segments. These segments are important because they're divided up by meeting spot - which can lead to awkward double bookings for the incredibly uncareful, but also is important for the Punks Attack mini-event. If you go to the same section of the map three times in a row, that'll trigger the RPG mini-game, instead of going to the exact same spot. It means you have to keep a little better track of everything... well, unless you're out with Akane. Punks will never attack Akane. They know better.

Anyway, the west side of the city is all of the parks. From top to bottom, there's the Riverside Park (gee, I wonder if there are some special sepia-toned events there?), Hibikino Central Park, and the botanical garden. As you can see from the illustration, the shrine is also here for Ennichi purposes. Above the pop-out of Central Park is the skating rink, which comes up every winter. The lollipop is special and will come up later.


The area around Hibikino Station contains all of the fashionable date spots. The shopping district, the karaoke box, the arcade, the movie theater, and the aquarium. The bowling alley opens later in the year, while the burger joint will come up later.


The bottom right side of the map is for places that aren't within the city limits, the beach and the mountains.


The top right of the map is for places accessible by bus - the zoo, the amusement park, and the stadium. The diner will come up later.


Goon: Want to go to the zoo on the 13th?
Hikari: Ummm... yeah, looks like that's fine.
Goon: Okay, let's meet at the bus stop on the 13th.
Hikari: Roger! Don't you forget, okay?
Goon: I'll even be on time. Later.
Goon: (Awesome, I can't wait!)


UI improvement #2: On the actual day of the date, the game reminds you who's on the schedule for the day.


Goon: (I got here a little early)
Hikari: Gunma-kun.
Goon: Hey, Hikari.
Hikari: Thanks for waiting, now let's go!


Goon: This zoo supposedly has a pretty good variety of animals.
Hikari: Yep, that's right. I wonder if they've gotten any new rare animals?
Goon: I wonder? C'mon, let's check inside.


Hikari: Ooh... look at that! It's cuter than I expected.


Option 1: Yeah, the little gerbil is cute.
Option 2: Yeah, that huge lizard looking this way?
Option 3: Yeah, those raccoons have some nice moves.

Yeah, so this system hasn't changed. Thankfully - I don't think I want anything more than multiple choice in a game this complicated already. Anyway, to show how much Hikari is different from Shiori, let's pick 1


Hikari: Sure, gerbils are cute, but no, not them...
Hikari: Look at those raccoons! I've never seen them close up like this.
Goon: (Eh.)


Hikari: Today was fun! Let's do this again, okay?
Hikari: Hey, do you want to walk together on the way back home?

There's some nuance lost in translation here that just doesn't sound right in English. Hikari says "Let's walk together until we have to split up [because our houses are in different directions]" It's a casual and friendly suggestion that doesn't come with any of the blushiness of Tokimemo 1.

Taskkill datingtutorial.exe
Run getin.bat

5/30: Invite Miho out on a date


Goon: Hello, is this Shirayuki-san's house?
Miho: Yes, that's right.
Goon: Oh, Shirayuki-san? It's Fudou.
Miho: Ah, what are you calling about?
Goon: Hey...


Goon: Want to go to the shopping district with me on June 6th?
Miho: That day? Let me check the signs.
Miho: Hmmmm, it looks fine.
Goon: Okay, let's meet at the station square on the 6th.
Miho: Yes, I see. Please don't forget!

What a polite and well-mannered girl! How could this possibly go wrong?

6/5: Sports Festival, round 3


This screenshot has nothing to do with the sports festival, it's just an illustration of how characters will tag along with Goon if their schedule happens to line up with his. Hikari was execising anyway, why not hang out with her oldest friend?


On this run, I decided to take another shot at the Kibasen mini-game. However, it was not meant to be...


Goon, what happened? Goon? GOOOOOOOON

6/6: Date with Miho


Goon: (Did I get here too early? Shirayuki-san isn't here yet.)


Goon: Shirayuki-san.
Miho: Fudou-san. I'm sorry. I ran a little bit late.
Goon: I just got here too, you're not late. Let's get moving.


Miho: Where do you want to go today?
Option 1: Let's go to the boutique.
Option 2: The fancy shop sounds nice.

Don't be fooled by the English-sounding name, a fancy shop is a fake loanword - it's a store aimed at teens and pre-teens, usually offering things like handbags, accessories, character-based merchandise, simple jewelry, and so on. If you've ever been to something like a Sanrio store, you know what they're like. A relatively close-ish American equivalent would be Forever 21.

Anyway, Miho sure did love her frog when she was a kid, so she should love this place, right?

Goon: The fancy shop sounds nice.
Miho: I can't wait! There's something there I've wanted to check out for a while.


Miho: Which of these do you think suits me best?
Option 1: The red enamel scarf.
Option 2: The clean white ribbon.
Option 3: The desert camo bandana.

She's not paying attention to the frogs on the wall at all? That's odd... well, she's wearing a white hair ribbon, so 2 could be safe. Meanwhile, I learned today that enamel is a material that people will actually wear on their bodies.


Miho: It's hard to think of what I'd coordinate with it, so I'll pass.
Goon: (I didn't make a very good impression)

:aaa:


Miho: That wasn't as fun as I was expecting.
Miho: Well, I'm heading home now.

:aaaaa: What... what just happened?

RELOAD COUNT: 3

6/5: Sports Festival, part 4


One more crack at the Kibasen!


SUCCESS! All shall fall before the power of the Goon!


Hikari: That was awesome! We worked really hard for that.
Goon: (Hehehe, you're making me blush.)

6/6: Date with Miho, take 2

Alright. We know what the bad answer is now, so this should go smoothly.


Goon: (Did I get here too early? Shirayuki-san isn't here yet.)


Miho: Fudou-san. I'm sorry. I ran a little bit late.
Goon: I just got here too, you're not late. Let's get moving.

Wait weren't you wearing a different outfit last time? What's going on?


Miho: Where do you want to go today?
Goon: Option 2: The fancy shop sounds nice.
Miho: Oh good. My horoscope said that my lucky spot for the day is the fancy shop.

I'm ready this time. If she doesn't like the red scarf, then I have no idea what kind of person we're dealing with here.


Miho: Wow! It's the Kero-chan corner! Kero-chan! Kero-chan!
Goon: Kero-chan? Oh, you're talking about Kero Kero Debeso-chan.
Miho: Ding ding ding! It's really popular with a lot of girls.

Kero Kero Debeso translates to "ribbit ribbit bellybutton" - if you don't know what it looks like, please refer to every childhood picture of Miho, as well as the mouse cursor in all of the gameplay screenshots.

Goon: Yeah, looks like.
Goon: I've seen a lot of girls carrying it.
Miho: I've been a fan since I was little. Isn't it cute?
Goon: Y, yeah.
Miho: I know, right~?


Miho: Today was even more fun than I'd predicted. I'm really glad I came...
Miho: Okay, it's time for me to head home.

Wait, that's it? There wasn't even a choice, she's just happy? Okay, it's time to make a new save and then reload.

RELOAD COUNT: 4

6/3: Walk home with Jun

Yes, you can walk home with the guys in Tokimemo 2. A few of these events will give you vital information about them and their goals, others will give you tips about talking to girls. And the rest of them serve well for cockblocking purposes.


Goon: Jun!
Jun: Yo, you going home right now?
Goon: Yeah. Wanna walk together?
Jun: Yeah, sure. There was a question on tonight's homework that I wanted to ask you about.
Goon: (I had fun walking home with Jun.)

6/5: Sports Festival, take 5

This time, I wanted to show everyone the 3-legged race. This event has the strongest effect on the affection of a single girl, so under normal circumstances it can be kind of dangerous... unless Takumi is out to sabotage you, in which case he'll team up with you purely so you can't get tied to a girl. If your sports stat is high enough, the revenge is nothing short of amazing.


Hikari: Gunma-kun.
Goon: Hey, Hikari.
Hikari: Say, do you have a partner for the 3-legged race yet?
Goon: No, not yet.
Hikari: So pair up with me!
Goon: With pleasure!
Hikari: Yay! Let's win this!


The 3-legged race is more of a coordination check than a stats check... unless you plan on dragging Takumi in your dust cloud, which is a completely valid option that I wholeheartedly endorse. Just like in real 3-legged races, it's all about coordinating outside leg, inside leg with your partner. On 1, you hit L1. On 2, you hit R1. As you settle into a rhythm, your partner will speed up the cadence and you can zoom along pretty well.


Hikari keeps a pretty good pace, which shouldn't be that surprising for a sprinter.


SUCCESS!


Hikari: That was awesome! We worked really hard for that.
Goon: (Hehehe, you're making me blush.)

6/6: Date with Miho, take 3


Goon: (Did I get here too early? Shirayuki-san isn't here yet.)


Miho: Fudou-san. I'm sorry. I ran a little bit late.
Goon: I just got here too, you're not late. Let's get moving.


Miho: Where do you want to go today?
Goon: Option 2: The fancy shop sounds nice.
Miho: I can't wait! There's something there I've wanted to check out for a while.


Miho: Which of these do you think suits me best?
Goon: The red enamel scarf.


Miho: This is great! ...isn't it. I wonder if I should buy it.
Goon: (Looks like I made a great impression!)


Miho: I'm glad I came. This was super fun.
Miho: Please, invite me out again some time.
Miho: Let's walk together on the way back home.

Same translation note as Hikari above - in a few words, she says "Let's walk home until our paths have to split." It still sounds awkward in English.

Coming clean

Alright, time to stop playing dumb.

Congratulations, Goons. Whether out of malice or curiosity, you have successfully voted for the most confusing, most RNG-based path in Tokimemo 2. The reason that Miho's picture in this thread was different than the others was because Miho has the worst-kept secret in Tokimemo...



There are two Mihos. Here's what I will tell you so far:

• It is random which Miho will show up on any given day.
• They have separate affection meters and stats.
• The best way to tell the difference between them (in year 1, at least) is to have a good enough understanding of Japanese voice patterns to tell which one talks like Princess Zelda and which one talks like Sheik trying to talk like Princess Zelda.
• I hate you guys.

So here's the next poll question:

Right now, I have two save games. Which should I pick up from next time?

A, where the date with Miho has her talk about Kero Kero Debeso-chan the frog and how much she loves it.

B, where the date with Miho has her act really picky about fashion.

This is not a vote on which Miho path we will go down. There is a lot of time for us to make that decision.

Next time: Miho Gear Solid: The Twin Frogs
:frogbon:

Two brief tangents that I want to get out of the way before jumping into hard mode.

1) Over the weekend, I talked to a friend who lived in Japan when Tokimemo 2 came out, back in 1999. He told me that the Japanese community, when faced with the double-Miho problem, was utterly confused for the first week or so. And then, when word about what was really going on started spreading through the Tokimemo-playing community, the overwhelming response was "You brilliant BASTARDS!" He also gave me a lot more insight on why Tokimemo 3 killed the franchise so hard, which I'll get to... eventually.

2) I visited my best friend and his wife Miho yesterday, while she was still recovering from the birth of their beautiful baby girl, Momo. She laughed in my face when I told her that the goons had voted for the Miho path in Tokimemo 2, which she remembers from a few very frustrated college friends.

Chapter 4: Spot the Differences

6/13: Ask Miho out on a date

Game mechanics note: there are several factors involved in whether or not a girl accepts your invitation in Tokimeki Memorial 2. The most basic factor is whether or not the girl likes you; the more she likes you, the more likely she is to say yes. After that is how much the girl wants to go to the date spot; it's easy to drag some people to an art exhibit, while others would infintely prefer the arcade. New to Tokimemo 2 are two factors: whether the girl has a club activity or date already scheduled for that day, and what the weather is like on that day. Kaedeko and Hikari will tell you they have baseball games or track meets on the third Sunday of the month, while most girls are less likely to go out if there's rain in the forecast.

When you're talking to Miho, these factors change depending on which Miho answers the phone. :emo:


Goon: Hello, is this the Shirayuki residence?
Miho?: Yes, it is.
Goon: Oh, Shirayuki-san? It's Fudou.
Miho?: Ah, what are you calling about?
Goon: Hey...

TL note: "Do you need something?/What are you calling about?" in Japanese is a fairly polite inquiry - indicating that Miho is the one on the phone. I think.

Goon: Do you want to go to the zoo on the 20th?
Miho: Sorry, my horoscope says I shouldn't leave the house that day.
Goon: (Dammit!)

RELOAD COUNT: 5

6/13: Try again

Goon: Hello, is this the Shirayuki residence?
Miho?: Yes, it is.
Goon: Oh, Shirayuki-san? It's Fudou.
Miho: Ah, what are you calling about?
Goon: Hey...
Goon: Do you want to go to the amusement park on the 20th?
Miho: Sorry, my horoscope says I shouldn't leave the house that day.
Goon: (Dammit!)

RELOAD COUNT: 6

6/13: Mash until it works

Goon: Hello, is this the Shirayuki residence?
Miho?: Yes, it is.
Goon: Oh, Shirayuki-san? It's Fudou.
Miho: Ah, what are you calling about?
Goon: Hey...
Goon: Do you want to go to the amusement zoo on the 27th?
Miho: That day? Let me check the signs.
Miho: Hmmmm, it looks fine.
Goon: Okay, let's meet at the station square on the 27th.
Miho: Yes, I see. Please don't forget!

Success! ...Except that this run had me accidentally choose the wrong school command and bump into Akane again, which is no good for year 1. So...

RELOAD COUNT: 7

6/11: Bump into Miho after school

Note 1: For some reason, Miho seems to have double the after-school encounter rate of anyone else.

Goon: (Time to go home and play games!)
Goon: Hey, it's Shirayuki-san.
Goon: Invite her to walk home together

Note 2: The two Mihos have different preferences on what you should call her at different affection levels. You do not know which Miho you're dealing with when you choose what to call her, but you sure as hell will know as soon as you say something other than Shirayuki-san. Therefore, it's safest just to stick with the generic form of address for as long as you possibly can... unless you're intentionally trying to bomb yourself, which is a valid strategy for certain runs.


Goon: Shirayuki-san!
Miho?: Oh, do you need something?
Goon: If it's okay with you, want to walk home together?
Miho?: One second, let me read the signs.

Pretty sure this is Miho.

Miho: Yes, I'll go with you.
Goon: Cool, let's head out.
Goon: (I had a fun time walking home with Shirayuki-san.)

I'll skip over a few reloads here with Miho saying no to things.

RELOAD COUNT: 10

Miho eventually said yes to the zoo on the 27th. On with the run!

6/25: Hikari's birthday


Goon: Oh yeah, today's Hikari's birthday.
Goon: Should I get her a present?
Goon: Yeah, I should.
Goon: Hmm, what should I give her?

Best option: Small bottle of perfume
Neutral option: Sneakers
Bad option: Horror movie

For friendship's sake, I went with the neutral option here. A track runner always needs new shoes, right?

Goon: I wonder if Hikari's still around.
Goon: Oh hey, Hikari!


Hikari: Hey. What's up, Gunma-kun?
Goon: I got you a birthday present. Open it up!
Hikari: Oh, thanks!
Goon: (She seemed kinda happy about it, at least.)

6/27: Rainy zoo date with Miho?


Goon: (Did I get here too early? Shirayuki-san isn't here yet.)
Miho?: Fudou-san, sorry I'm late.
Goon: You're not late at all, I just got here too. Let's go.

To tell the difference between Miho and B-ho in summer, there are three major visual cues: purse, hair accessories, and generally open or closed eyes when smiling. Because it's raining, there's a fourth visual cue: the umbrella. Because of the previous date, we know that this is B-ho.


Goon: With this weather, we can't see any of the outdoor exhibits.
Goon: Let's go see the animals indoors.
B-ho: Sure, let's head that way.


B-ho: Puppies sure are cute when they're asleep.
Goon: Option 1: You're cute too, Shirayuki-san.
Option 2: Yeah, that's a big part of why they're so popular at pet stores.
Option 3: Want to knock on the glass and wake them up?

Since this is B-ho, I spent some time thinking about this, and then decided to go for Option 1, flattery.


B-ho: Geez, what did you come to the zoo for?
Goon: (I made a bad impression...)

Death glare. I guess that flattery doesn't work on B-ho!


B-ho: That wasn't fun at all.
B-ho: Never invite me anywhere again, please.
Goon: Shi, Shirayuki-san!

:aaa:

RELOAD COUNT: 11

6/27: Rainy Zoo Date, Take 2


Oh good, it's B-ho. Time to make up for the previous mistake.

B-ho: Puppies sure are cute when they're asleep.
Goon: Yeah, that's a big part of why they're so popular at pet stores.
B-ho: Yeah, now I want to raise one myself.
Goon: (Eh.)

Now we know what the right answer is for B-ho! But I want to reload until we see Miho.

RELOAD COUNT: 12

6/27: Rainy Zoo Date, Take 3


B-ho again.


B-ho: Puppies sure are cute when they're asleep.
Goon: Want me to knock on the window and wake them up?
B-ho: Ooh, great idea! I wanted to see them being startled awake, too.
Goon: (Looks like I made a great impression!)

:aaa:


B-ho: I'm glad I came. This was super fun.
B-ho: Please, invite me out again some time.
B-ho: Let's walk together on the way back home.

Alright, time to make a new save here, and reload until Miho.

RELOAD COUNT: 13

6/27: Rainy Zoo Date, Take 4


Goon: (Did I get here too early? Shirayuki-san isn't here yet.)
Miho?: Fudou-san, sorry I'm late.
Goon: You're not late at all, I just got here too. Let's go.

This is Miho. Note the hat, the white dress, the light blue umbrella with the frog on the handle, the white ribbon in her hair, the frog handbag, and the open eyes. The words are exactly the same as B-ho, so don't use that as your cue.


This is a clearer shot of the frog sticking out of Miho's purse.


Miho: Puppies sure are cute when they're asleep.
Option 1: You're cute too, Shirayuki-san.
Option 2: Yeah, that's a big part of why they're so popular at pet stores.
Option 3: Want to knock on the glass and wake them up?

This seems familiar!

Goon: Yeah, that's a big part of why they're so popular at pet stores.
Miho: That's true. Now I want one too.
Goon: (Eh.)

You didn't see this at the fancy shop because Miho has an event there, but the two Mihos have the exact same conversations on dates, often with different reactions to each of the choices. However, there's no hard and fast rule to what one of them will like and the other will not. This is a cause for much frustration in Tokimemo 2 players!


Miho: I was hitting some writer's block with my script, so this was a good change of place.
Miho: I'm glad I came out.
Miho: Goodbye.

RELOAD COUNT: 14

6/25: Hikari's Birthday, Take 2

For a change of pace, this is Hikari's reaction to the good present:


Hikari: Oh, awesome! I've always wanted this.
Goon: (She seemed really happy.)

6/26: Going home on a rainy day

Goon: Shirayuki-san!


Miho?: Fudou-san. I recognized your voice.
Miho?: You're looking cheerful today.

Two cues that this is B-ho: one, her mouth doesn't animate during the EVS function call. Two, her umbrella has no frog on it. If it wasn't raining, I'm not fully confident I could tell the difference without taking advantage of a programmer's oversight and staring at her mouth.

Goon: If it's okay with you, want to walk home together?
B-ho: Yes, of course. Let's go.

6/27: Rainy Zoo Date, Take 5


Here's a clearer look at Miho's frog umbrella.

Miho: Puppies sure are cute when they're asleep.
Goon: You're cute too, Shirayuki-san.


Miho: What? No way! Geez, stop flattering me like that.
Goon: (Looks like I made a great impression!)


Miho: Today was even more fun than I'd predicted. I'm really glad I came...
Miho: Okay, it's time for me to head home.

At this point, I saved in a separate file, then loaded from the happy B-ho save to call and arrange yet another date with Miho. However, things weren't going to be that easy, and it took two tries, ratcheting up the count to

RELOAD COUNT: 16

7/4: Read Hibikino Watcher issue 2


[fixed]Mail order (far left): With this, you'll score perfectly on all your tests! "Self-hypnosis study device."
New Spot (top left): Hibikino Bowl opens on 9/15. The first 50 customers bowl for free!
Movie information (bottom left): Love Story on the Sunken Ship. "The blockbuster that broke the mold! If you haven't seen it yet, run to the theater before you miss out!"
Night Date (top right): Night Parade at the amusement park in August
Ennichi (Top right, directly beneath the night parade): "The fourth Sunday of July is Ennichi at Hibikino shrine! See your girlfriend in a yukata, and catch some goldfish!"
Fireworks (Right side): "There will be a fireworks show on the last Saturday of August! Experience Japanese art on the canvas of the sky!"
The Beach (bottom right): "The beach opens to the public on 7/1! Summer means the ocean! The ocean means swimsuits! Run along the sands with your girlfriend!"[/fixed]

7/4: Invite Miho out on another date


Goon: Hello, is this the Shirayuki residence?
Miho?: Yes, it is.
Goon: Oh, Shirayuki-san? It's Fudou.
Miho?: Ah, what's going on?
Goon: Hey...

This time, B-ho picked up the phone. I think.


Goon: Want to go to Ennichi at the shrine on the 25th?
B-ho: That day? Let me check the signs.
B-ho: Hmmmm, it should be fine.

Again, this is the exact same line as Miho. The conversation has been different by about 2-3 words.

7/11-7/15: Midterms

Due to Goon's time in the drama club, he's strong in Lit and Art, while his Science is adequate but not good. Unlike Tokimemo 1, you don't get to see your grades until a save point has passed, so in the meantime...

7/16: Call Takumi for chuckles

Takumi: Who do you want to ask about?
Goon: Hokari Jun'ichirou.
Takumi: Wha? Well, that's fine, I guess, but...
Takumi: Here.


[fixed]Hokari Jun'ichirou
Born May 5th
Capricorn | Blood Type A
Height: 175cm
(measurements line left suspiciously blank)
Club: Kendou
MEMO: Naive and straightforward. Kendou club member.
Really fun guy to tease.[/fixed]

Takumi: ....
Goon: Thanks, sorry to bother you.
Takumi: I mean, there's nothing wrong with it, but...
Takumi: Later, I guess.

For the Cockblock ending, calling Takumi and Jun every weekend so they can't go on dates is a core strategy. Takumi's reaction to asking for details about guys is worth it at least once per run, though.

7/19: Test results!


52nd: Fudou Gunma
81st: Sakaki Takumi
115th: Hinomoto Hikari
115th: Hokari Jun'ichirou
124th: Minazuki Kotoko
148th: Shirayuki Miho

Goon: Hey, pretty good.

7/25: Ennichi at the shrine, take 1

Goon: (Is Shirayuki-san here yet?)


Miho?: Sorry I'm late.
Goon: Oh, there you are, Shirayuki-san.
Miho?: Were you waiting long?
Goon: I just got here myself.
Miho?: Oh, good.

Which Miho is this? I actually don't know! They changed all of the cues!


Miho?: I haven't been to Ennichi since I was little.
Goon: (She seems to be looking forward to it.)
Miho?: It's been a long time since I wore a yukata. What do you think?
Goon: Option 1: It really suits you. You look cute.
Option 2: That yukata is pretty, especially the pattern.
Option 3: You really took care in putting on that yukata.

Cultural note: As far as I understand it, there is pretty much one proper way to put on a formal yukata, along with all the sashes and ties that go with it. You can check out the simple 32-step process at this handy website! If you tie a yukata improperly, it can be interpreted as, erm, a signal that the wearer is an easy package to unwrap, shall we say. So while option 3 sounds a bit lukewarm to Western ears, it actually can be fairly strong praise.

Goon: That yukata is pretty, especially the pattern.
Miho?: That's disappointing. You're just looking at the yukata?
Goon: (Eh.)

Based on the response, I think that this is B-ho.


B-ho?: Let's go somewhere that really says "Ennichi".
Goon: Option 1: Goldfish scooping
Option 2: Die cutting

Katanuki/Die cutting is something that's pretty uncommon these days and is honestly not very fun as a minigame, so we're sticking to goldfish scooping for now. For a refresher on what goldfish scooping is, refer to Chapter 4 of the Tokimemo 1 LP.

As a reminder, my personal real-life record is 23. I swear I'm better at it with a real scoop in my hands than with a controller.


B-ho?: That's what you think of when you think of Ennichi? Then let's go.

Mini-game: Goldfish scooping!


The golfish-scooping game in Tokimemo 2 is really simple, but also pretty satisfying to play. The top part of the screen has your scoop's health bar, while fish and turtles swim across the screen at variable speeds in random directions. Press Circle to dip the scoop in the water, then either hold it down to go deeper (to catch turtles, usually) or release the button to bring up the scoop. As in real life, the key is to avoid putting weight on the flimsy center, and rely on quick movements and the stronger edges of the paper.


My first attempt ended up with 4 fish. Not a great score, honestly.


B-ho?: If you can't catch at least that many, then it's no fun.
Goon: (Eh.)
B-ho: I may have been expecting too much, this wasn't very much fun.

With a backhanded compliment and then a response like that, it's definitely B-ho we've been dealing with. And poorly!

RELOAD COUNT: 17

7/25: Ennichi at the shrine, take 2


Miho?: Sorry I'm late.
Goon: Oh, there you are, Shirayuki-san.
Miho?: Were you waiting long?
Goon: I just got here myself.
Miho?: Oh, good.

Well, this is the same conversation as B-ho so far, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything.

B-ho?: It's been a long time since I wore a yukata. What do you think?
Goon: Option 1: It really suits you. You look cute.


B-ho?: W, whoa, saying I'm cute... you're making me blush.
Goon: (Looks like I made a pretty good impression)

Okay, pretty sure this is B-ho. Miho would be happier to be called cute. I think.


This run was even worse for my goldfish-catching.


B-ho: If you can't catch at least that many, then it's no fun.
Goon: (Eh.)
B-ho: I may have been expecting too much, this wasn't very much fun.

Okay, that was definitely B-ho.

RELOAD COUNT: 18


Miho?: Sorry I'm late.
Goon: Oh, there you are, Shirayuki-san.
Miho?: Were you waiting long?
Goon: I just got here myself.
Miho?: Oh, good.

Her eyes are open, which might mean that this is Miho. There is no other indication so far. Troll-ass game...


Miho: It's been a long time since I wore a yukata. What do you think?
Goon: Option 3: You really took care in putting on that yukata.
Miho: Yes, my mom helped me.
Goon: (Looks like I made a pretty good impression.)


Miho: Tell me where you want to go next. I'll tell you your fortune.

Okay, now I'm 100% certain that this is Miho.

Goon: Goldfish scooping.
Miho: At this spot, the fortune is "your efforts will bear fruit."
Goon: (I should do my best to meet her expectations.)


Three fish and a turtle this time. Not bad, actually.


Miho: Hehe, just as I predicted.
Goon: (Eh.)
Miho: I was hitting some writer's block with my script, so this was a good change of pace.
Miho: I'm glad I came out.
Miho: Goodbye.

RELOAD COUNT: 19


Open eyes this time around, so it's Miho.

Goon: Option 1: It really suits you. You look cute.
Miho: Th, thank you. I'm glad to hear that.
Goon: (Looks like I made a great impression!)
Miho: Tell me where you want to go next. I'll tell you your fortune.


My worst outcome yet! I don't think this was a good night for mini-games, honestly.


Miho: Hehe, just as I predicted.
Goon: (Eh.)
Miho: I was hitting some writer's block with my script, so this was a good change of place.
Miho: I'm glad I came out.
Miho: Goodbye.

Skipping a reload here since I mashed Circle too hard and accidentally gave B-ho an answer I'd already given, so...

RELOAD COUNT: 21


Closed eyes. Hi, B-ho!


Goon: Option 3: You really took care in putting on that yukata.
B-ho: Yes, it's something I'm very proud.
Goon: (Looks like I made a great impression!)

For some godawful reason, I chose Katanuki here, even though I don't think the minigame is very fun at all. Heck, it's not even that fun in real life.

Katanuki is a festival game where you're supposed to cut a shape out of some disgusting candy (no, seriously, you're not supposed to eat it) using a toothpick or a needle. If you cut it out well enough, you get a prize. The best part of the prize is that it does not involve eating the candy, which is unsuitable for human consumption.

Mini-game: Die cutting!


Because there's a d-pad involved and not an analog stick or a touchpad, the die cutting mini-game plays a lot more like a golf swing meter than a drawing mini-game. First, pick the section that you're going to cut out with the d-pad and the Circle button.


Then, the power gauge will start bouncing between the red and green zones, and that's how much force you'll put behind the needle. Stay in the white area as best you can. You'll cut for as long as you hold down the Circle button.

That's all there is to it, which is why I consider this one of the most boring mini-games in Tokimemo.


It is a lot easier than goldfish scooping, but I misclicked once and broke the sheet. Then again, this was partially intentional, because B-ho's reaction to failure is:


B-ho: Hey! Man, it's like you've totally killed the fun!
Goon: (I made a really bad impression.)

Translator's note: B-ho absently sticks a polite "desu yo" at the trailing end of this sentence as an afterthought. The rest of the sentence sounds a bit like how a fashionable, popular Japanese teenage girl would talk. Also, it feels like B-ho Death Glare deserves a count of its own.

B-ho Death Glare count: 3
RELOAD COUNT: 22


The RNG was kind to me and B-ho showed up again, so I was able to combine the best response to her yukata with average goldfish scooping results.


The best answer, plus an average mini-game result, resulted in the mildly displeased response from B-ho, but I was willing to accept it and move on with the game at this point.

These two months of game time took far longer than I expected to play through, and I'll try to make it to the next polling point before I stream again this Thursday.

Next time: Summer camp and the Wrath of Bakuretsuzan!

Chapter 5: Summer vacation

Giblo \'gib-l&#333;\
1. verb: To load from a previous save point in a video game and retry an action, hoping for a different outcome.
2. noun: The practice of loading a previous saved game and retrying.
Synonyms: Save scumming
Origin: from the Japanese &#12462;&#12502;&#12525;, an abbrevation of "GIVE up and LOad".

To stay sane during the grueling amount of reloading in this run, I created a Giblo playlist on Spotify. I welcome suggestions on what you want added!

8/1: Plan the summer


Miho answered the phone this time.

Goon: Hey...
Goon: Want to go to the movies on 8/8?


Miho: I'm sorry. My horoscope tells me not to leave the house on that day.
Goon: (Dammit!)

8/8: Plan the summer again


B-ho answered the phone this time.

Goon: Hey...
Goon: Want to go to the amusement park on the 22nd?
B-ho: That day? Let me check the signs.
B-ho: Hmmmm, it looks fine.

I made a giblo mistake here: I scheduled the date on the day after summer camp, ensuring that any reloads I did from here would have to grind through extra scenes. Oh well! Lesson learned.

8/16-8/21: Summer camp!

Note: Thankfully(?), B-ho will never come to summer camp.


Goon: (Summer camp starts today!)
Miho: Don't push yourself too hard because it's summer camp, okay?
Goon: Thanks. I'll keep a steady pace.
Goon: You should watch it too, Shirayuki-san.

The Miho event for summer camp requires at least Friendly status with her, so we won't see it this year - it's available all three years, though, so it shouldn't be an issue.

8/20: The Inevitable Shower Scene


Goon: Ah, the night breeze feels so nice.
Goon: Hey, w, wait! Isn't... isn't that the w, window to the showers?
Goon: Option 1: It's every man's dream. Take a peek!
Option 2: I would never do such a thing!

As we know from Tokimemo 1, the best option is to do nothing. For this week, at least, we're going with Option 2.

8/22: Amusement park date, take 1

Goon: (Did I get here too early? Shirayuki-san isn't here yet.)
Miho?: Fudou-san, sorry I'm late.


Remember your training. Yellow blouse, closed eyes, small purse, blue umbrella with no frog. B-ho.

B-ho: Your luck is on the upswing.
Goon: Huh? Oh, you're telling my fortune.
Goon: The weather might be bad, but maybe something good will happen today.
B-ho: Yes, it will.

B-ho: Where should we start?
Goon: Option 1: Let's ride the ferris wheel.
Option 2: Let's ride the merry-go-round.
Option 3: Let's go to the fortune teller's mansion.

It's very likely that B-ho would prefer the ferris wheel to the other two options, so I chose Option 1 here.


B-ho: I really love the ambiance of the ferris wheel.
Goon: That doesn't surprise me, Shirayuki-san. Let's get in line.
.
.
.
B-ho: That was an incredible view.
Goon: Option 1: It was so incredible it was scary.
Option 2: It was fun seeing everything in miniature.
Option 3: Yeah, it made me feel like I was important.

Can you guess which one B-ho likes?


Goon: Yeah, it made me feel like I was important.
B-ho: I know! I wonder why that is.
B-ho: It's really mysterious.
Goon: (Looks like I made a great impression!)

There's an iconic line from Ghibli's classic Laputa/Castle in the Sky is quoted as often as "Luke, I am your father" in Japan, if not more. It's said by Colonel Muska as he reaches the height of his villainy and turns the power of Laputa to kill the army. &#35211;&#12429;&#20154;&#12364;&#12468;&#12511;&#12398;&#12424;&#12358;&#12384;&#65281; It translates to "Look! Some human garbage!" or "Look, the people are just like garbage!" It's said a lot by the Japanese whenever they're up somewhere very tall, and... it seems appropriate to quote here.


B-ho: I'm glad I came. This was super fun.
B-ho: Please, invite me out again some time.
B-ho: Let's walk together on the way back home.

I saved here, and then reloaded for :science:

RELOAD COUNT: 23

8/20: Curiosity strikes


Goon: It's every man's dream. Take a peek!

As in Tokimemo 1, there are three windows, and the contents of each are random. At my stream's behest, I chose the left window.


Goon: (Ba... ba... ba--BAKURETSUZAN!)
Goon: (What is he doing here at summer camp? Why's he in the baths?)
Goon: (And he looked this way!)

Unlike Tokimemo 1: Principal Bakuretsuzan. Seeing him in the bath raises your Stress stat significantly, which can put you in danger of getting sick and losing out on a week or two.

8/22: Amusement park date, take 2


Sun hat, white blouse, frogs everywhere. Hello, Miho! The dialogue here is exactly the same as it was for B-ho. For comparison's sake, I went to the ferris wheel with Miho as well.


Again, every single line of dialogue is the same.
Miho: That was an incredible view.
Goon: Option 2: It was fun seeing everything in miniature.
Miho: Yes, it felt like we were giants.
Goon: (Eh.)

RELOAD COUNT: 24

8/20: Summer camp peeking, take 2


My stream viewers voted on the window again, so blame them. This time, the shock drove Goon's stress so high that he got sick!

8/22: Amusement park, take 3


B-ho this time, so for curiosity's sake it's time to take her to the fortune teller's mansion.


B-ho: There are so many people here who are interested in fortune-telling. I'm so happy.
Goon: I'm glad, Shirayuki-san. Let's head in.


Robot: I can see... I can see your future!
(printer noises)


B-ho: Do you believe in fortune-telling?
Goon: Option 1: I believe that your fortune-telling is 100% accurate, Shirayuki-san.
Option 2: Fortune-telling is just statistics, so I believe it to an extent.
Option 3: I don't believe in something as fishy as fortune-telling.

Well. Flattery didn't work last time, and overall, this looks like a trap choice for B-ho. After much debate, I went with option 3


B-ho: I suppose people who have no interest would think that about fortune-telling.
Goon: (Eh.)

RELOAD COUNT: 25

8/21: Peeking, take 3


Success! Teenage boys rejoice!
Goon: Damn, I'm so jealous! I wish I was Kero Kero Debeso-chan!

Mechanically, peeking on the girls comes with awful penalties - it lowers their affection, fills up the bomb gauge immensely, and doesn't even lower your stress. But it's worth doing once just to see the picture - well, unless you're in the Kendou club, because you're almost guaranteed to see Bakuretsuzan or Jun naked. It is not for the weak of heart.

8/22: Amusement park date, take 4


B-ho again.


B-ho: Do you believe in fortune-telling?
Goon: Option 1: I believe that your fortune-telling is 100% accurate, Shirayuki-san.
B-ho: I, I see. I'm glad you trust me.
Goon: (Eh.)

Alright, looks like none of these will be good answers for B-ho. Best not to bring her back to the fortune teller's mansion!

RELOAD COUNT: 26

8/22: Amusement park date, take 5


Miho this time.


Miho: There are so many people here who are interested in fortune-telling. I'm so happy.
Goon: I'm glad, Shirayuki-san. Let's head in.


Miho: Do you believe in fortune-telling?
Goon: Option 1: I believe that your fortune-telling is 100% accurate, Shirayuki-san.
Miho: N, no way. But I'm really happy to hear it.
Goon: (Looks like I made a great impression!)

Flattery works quite well on Miho, it seems.


Miho: Today was even more fun than I'd predicted. I'm really glad I came...
Miho: Okay, it's time for me to head home.

8/28: Fireworks show!

B-ho is ineligible to show up for the fireworks show, so only set of options is available here, thankfully.


Goon: Oh yeah, there's a fireworks show today. What should I do?
Goon: Option 1: Invite a girl
Option 2: Go alone
Option 3: Stay home

This is Tokimeki Memorial, so option 1 is the only way to go. Time to call Miho!

Goon: Hi, is this the Shirayuki residence?
Miho?: Yes, it is.
Goon: Oh, Shirayuki-san? It's Fudou.
Miho: Ah, what're you calling about?
Goon: Let's go watch the fireworks!
Miho: That sounds fun. Where should we meet?
Goon: Let's meet by the riverside park.

Goon: Sweet! I shouldn't waste any time.


Miho: Fudou-san.
Goon: Hey, Shirayuki-san.
Miho: I love how lively it is at fireworks shows and Ennichi.
Goon: (She seems to be okay with how noisy it is.)
Miho: Um, uh, do I look weird in a yukata?

Yes, this question has the exact same choices as Ennichi. Thankfully, the responses have the same reactions, so we know what to do!


Goon: Option 1: It really suits you. You look cute.
Miho: Th, thank you very much.
Goon: (Looks like I made a great impression!)


Miho: Fireworks are like a fantasy in the night sky, aren't they?
Goon: Option 1: It seems like a very real chemical reaction to me.
Option 2: Yeah, want me to take a picture for you?
Option 3: It really does feel that way.

For once, the choice is clear! Smile and agree!


Goon: It really does feel that way.
Miho: There's probably a trick to it, but I can't help but feel like there's a mysterious power at work too.
Goon: (Looks like I made a great impression!)

For curiosity's sake, I reloaded a couple of times to check on her responses to them, so here they are.

RELOAD COUNT: 27


Goon: Yeah, want me to take a picture for you?
Miho: The wonder of fireworks can't be captured by a camera.
Miho: Let's just enjoy the moment.
Goon: (Eh.)

RELOAD COUNT: 28


Goon: It seems like a very real chemical reaction to me.
Miho: Thinking that anything and everything is under their control...
Miho: Humans are very conceited, aren't they, mister fairy?
Goon: (I made a really bad impression.)

When things go badly, Miho ignores you and talks to fairies because she'd rather talk to them than to you. It's... well, it's not much better than the B-ho death glare, really.


Miho: Oh, could you be a time fairy?
Miho: Can you change the past?
Goon: Shirayuki-san?
Goon: :aaa:

Yes, that's right. When a date goes badly, Miho talks to her fairy friends and asks them if they can go back in time and erase the date from history. The good thing is, she DOES happen to know someone who can change the past!

RELOAD COUNT: 29

9/3: Read Hibikino Watcher issue 3


[fixed]Mail order (far left): An ad for super-dense turtle extract Z. "Just one of these will make you strong!"
New Spot (top left): "The autumn leaves are at their peak season from 10/15 to 11/15 on Madarao! Be a picture perfect couple in the falling leaves!"
Movie information (bottom left): Love Story on the Sunken Ship. "Over a hundred million tickets sold! If you've only seen it once, you have to see it twice!"
Hibikino Stadium (top right): KO League Soccer. "The KO League is starting! The passionate cheers of the fans will guide the teams to victory!"
Winter Sports (right side): "Madarao mountain resort opens for skiing at the beginning of December! Carve out the first trail!"
"Hibikino Skating Rink opens at the beginning of December! If your girlfriend can skate, hold her hand and skate! If your girlfriend can't skate, teach her all about skating!"[/fixed]

Still a lot more to go through, but due to inconvenient biological needs and professional appointments, the next post will have to go up tomorrow night/tonight!

Next time: Drama club awesomeness.
[video type="youtube"]LspCUpSIdAA[/video]

Chapter 6: No More Mister Nice Goon


Screenshot provided to show what Takumi's model looks like - way to be a bro, Takumi! It only took 5 months for an actual friend to hang out during the "hang out with friends" activity.

9/10: Miho event in class


Goon: Hmm? There are a lot of girls making a stir over there.
Goon: Oh, it's Shirayuki-san.


Holy crap that's a lot of "go away" crammed in one picture

Goon: What're you up to, Shirayuki-san?
Miho: Oh, everyone's asking me to tell their fortune.
Goon: Really? That's pretty cool.
Gyaru: Are you totally clueless?
Gyaru: Everyone knows that Miho's fortunes, like, always come true!
Gyaru: If you don't even know that, you're, like, totally lame.

Cultural note: &#12462;&#12515;&#12523;(Gal) has very different connotations to the Japanese, especially in 1999. Being a Gyaru/Gal doesn't just mean that you're a young girl, it also means that you're part of a specific youth subculture. Gyaru are associated with being very outgoing, keeping up-to-date on the latest fashions and fads, often involving dying their hair and doing other such things that make them stand out from the conservative norm of Japanese society.

Stereotypically, Gyaru speech involves a lot of teen slang and dropping particles, which is often translated into California Valley girl speak (think Alicia Silverstone in Clueless). I'll try and remember to pepper more "like, totally" and "as if" into Gyaru-speak when I can, to emphasize this.

Oh yeah, and whenever B-ho gets annoyed, she tends to talk like that. It might explain why Miho seems so comfortable surrounded by Gyaru, even though she doesn't seem to be one herself.


Goon: Sure. Say, can you tell my fortune?
Gyaru: Oh. My. God.
Gyaru: You are, like, totally in the way! Get lost!
Goon: Hey, what're you doing?! Get off me!
Goon: Wait! Shirayuki-san!
Miho: Sorry. I'll tell your fortune soon, I promise.
Goon: (Dammit. It's not Shirayuki-san's fault - but I'll remember this, you bitches.)

9/12: Call Miho


Goon: Hello, is this the Shirayuki residence?
Miho?: Yes, it is.
Goon: Oh, Shirayuki-san? It's Fudou.
Miho?: Oh, I knew you would call. It's just like the horoscope said!
Goon: Hey...

Uh oh. Miho? has hit a new affection threshold, so the lines are starting to change. I actually don't know of this one is Miho or B-ho.

Goon: Want to go to the aquarium on the 23rd?
Miho?: That day? Let me read the signs.
Miho?: Hmmm, that day looks fine.
Goon: Then let's meet at the station square on the 23rd.
Miho?: Got it. Please don't forget!
Goon: I'll be there on time. See you later.
Goon: (Yes!)

Well, either way, it seems to have worked.

9/14: Play the Shirayuki lottery


Without an umbrella involved, this is how you can tell the difference between Miho and B-ho on any given school day. When you call her name, B-ho says:

B-ho: I recognized your voice, Fudou-san. You're looking cheerful today.

Miho says:

Miho: I recognized your voice. You're looking cheerful today.

That is the only difference. Because this line includes "Fudou-san", this is B-ho today.

9/20: Follow-up Miho? event


Oh, hi Hikari! In case you're wondering what's with the whole Japanese obsession with washtubs falling out of the sky, it's just their slapstick equivalent of the real life banana peel or cartoon anvil. It's something that makes a lot of noise when dropped on someone's head and allows for great pratfalls without causing serious injury, and was a trademark of The Drifters, who had a popular variety show from 1969-1985.


Miho?: Oh, hello.
Goon: Yo, Shirayuki-san. Oh yeah, could you tell my fortune?
Miho?: Y, yes, that's fine.
Miho?: ......
Goon: So, what's my fortune?
Miho?: Overconfidence is the greatest enemy.
Goon: That's it?
Miho?: Yes. Now, if you'll excuse me.

Welp.

9/23: Date at the aquarium


And now, it is time for autumn fashion. Is this Miho or B-ho? Dunno yet! Let's see, yellow umbrella with pink handle, white ribbon, blue dress with white flowers, closed eyes.


Goon: This aquarium has a lot of rare fish.
Miho?: Is that so? I'm pretty excited.


Miho?: Look, a school of tuna.
Option 1: What a magnificent sight.
Option 2: They'd be delicious as sashimi with a little soy sauce.
Option 3: Tuna have to keep swimming or they'll die.

I have to try this once. I can't resist. Also, my stream voted for it.

Goon: They'd be delicious as sashimi with a little soy sauce.


B-ho: Are you hungry?
Goon: (I didn't make a very good impression.)

B-ho death glare count: 4

RELOAD COUNT: 30

9/23: Aquarium date, take 2


Okay. Closed eyes, white hair ribbon, yellow umbrella with pink handle. This is the same outfit as B-ho.


Goon: What a magnificent sight.
B-ho: They're a little scary, but the light sparkling off of them is pretty.
Goon: (Looks like I made a pretty good impression.)


B-ho: That was just as fun as I'd predicted. I'm glad I came.

Wait. Wait. This is Miho's line, not B-ho's. How... what...

:aaa:

RELOAD COUNT: 31

9/21: Accidentally meet Miyuki from having a high General Knowledge stat

Goon: The weather sure is nice today.
(SCREEEEEECH, cartoon crashing noises)
Goon: Oh, oh no!
Goon: A girl just got hit by a car! I, I need to call an ambulance!


Girl: Ummmm~
Goon: AHHHHHH! Y, you, just now, you...!


Girl: Miyuki is fine, so you can call off the ambulance.
Goon: You say you're fine, but you just got sent flying by a dump truck!
Girl: Naaaah, I'm used to stuff like this.
Goon: Used to it?! No way! Uh, hey, we can go to the nurse's office, at least!
Girl: Huh.
Goon: We should be able to make it in time! Hurry, get on my back!
Girl: Huh? No, I mean... ah, whatever.
Girl: Sure, whatever you say.


Goon: Are you okay?!
Girl: Yeah, everything's fiiiine.
Girl: Didn't Miyuki tell you, she's used to this kind of thing?
Goon: But, but...
Goon: Well, I guess I should just be happy it was nothing serious.
Girl: Hehehehe, thanks for worrying. Could you tell me your name?
Goon: Yeah, sure. It's Fudou.
Girl: For that name, hm... Goo-pyon!

The Goo is for Goon, and the Pyon, as I mentioned in previous posts, is the sound that small animals make when they hop. It's a very cutesy nickname.


Goon: Huh?
Girl: That's your name! Yup yup, it really fits.
Girl: I'll call you this from now on.
Goon: Uh, sure. Oh yeah, what's your name?
Girl: Miyuki is, wait, no. My name is Kotobuki Miyuki.
Girl: Thanks sooo much for everything today.
Goon: No problem.
Miyuki: Byyye!
Goon: Kotobuki... Miyuki?
Goon: What an incredible girl. In so many ways.

Translator's note: Miyuki drawls out a lot of her words, she refers to herself in the third person most of the time, and her voice pierces the eardrums like MvC2 Storm hitting HP. I like her spunk, but dear God, I hate her voice. Also, we'll be reloading this save because we don't want to meet her yet.

9/23: Aquarium date, take 3


Nope, no clue which one this is.


Goon: Tuna have to keep swimming or they'll die.
Miho?: Is that so? Tuna sure have it rough.
Goon: (Eh.)


Miho: I was hitting some writer's block with my script, so this was a good change of place.
Miho: I'm glad I came out.

Well, that's my answer. So, the game has officially taken off the training wheels. No more easy visual cues, it's just feeling things out from here on!

Before I forget, here's Miyuki's profile via Takumi.


Miyuki is an awful student. She's not a very good athlete either.


[fixed]Kotobuki Miyuki
Born January 1st
Capricorn | Blood Type O
Height: 155cm
Measurements: 82-56-83
Club: Tennis
MEMO: Pretty unlucky, but still a cheerful girl.
I see her hanging out around town a lot.[/fixed]

10/9: Happy accident

Goon: (Hey, it's Shirayuki-san)
Goon: Shirayuki-san!


Miho?: Oh...
Miho?: I'm a little embarrassed right now, so please don't stare at me.
Goon: (Saying that kind of thing has the opposite effect...)
Miho?: I have to go. Goodbye!
Goon: Y, yeah, bye.

If you're wondering why Japanese schoolgirls wear such short bloomers during gym class, well, you're not the only one. Because of complaints about fetishization and other issues, they've largely been phased out of schools over the past 20 years in favor of much more sensible gym shorts.

Anyway, back to trying to get the best answer for B-ho on 9/23!

RELOAD COUNT: 32, 33, 34

9/23: Aquarium date, take 6


Goon: What a magnificent sight.
B-ho: They sparkle so beautifully.
B-ho: Just for a second, I thought that they looked a little like jewels.


B-ho: I'm glad I came. This was super fun.
B-ho: Please, invite me out again some time.

9/26: Play the Shirayuki lottery

Goon: Hello, is this the Shirayuki residence?
Miho?: Yes, it is.
Goon: Oh, Shirayuki-san? It's Fudou.
Miho?: Oh, good timing. I'm free right now.

I guess this is B-ho answering the phone!

Goon: Hey...
Goon: Want to go to the botanical gardens on the 11th?
B-ho: That day? Let me check the signs.
B-ho: Hmmm, that day looks fine.

10/2: Miho? event


Goon: Hey, Shirayuki-san. What's up?
Miho?: I'm sorry. Could you lend me your math book?
Goon: Math? Did we have math class today? Just a sec.
Goon: There it is. Here you go.
Miho?: Thank you so much. I stayed up late studying last night, and I completely forgot to pack it today.
Goon: (Shirayuki-san seems to be studying really hard to overcome her bad subjects.)

Oh yeah, huh, Miho's bad at math and science. Good for her!

10/11: Showdown at the Greenhouse


This bridge is called the Ijuuin Bridge. Yes, that Ijuuin.


Miho?: We might be able to meet a lot of fairies today.

Okay, this is Miho. One hundred percent.

Goon: Wha?! Oh, yeah.
Goon: Because there are a lot of different trees here.
Goon: Let's go meet them.

Nice recovery, goon.


Miho: Isn't it really relaxing to be surrounded by green like this?
Option 1: Yeah, there are a lot of broadleaf trees I recognize.
Option 2: Yeah, it makes me want to take a nap.
Option 3: I can't help but worry about bugs.

Only one of these actually agrees with her, so 2 it is!


Miho: Hehe, if you fall asleep in a place like this, the fairies will play pranks on you.
Goon: (Looks like I made a pretty good impression.)

RELOAD COUNT: 35


Goon: Yeah, there are a lot of broadleaf trees I recognize.
Miho: I don't think that's the only reason you can relax.
Goon: (Eh.)

RELOAD COUNT: 36


Goon: I can't help but worry about bugs.
Miho: I see. It must be because the fairies ride the bugs.
Goon: (I didn't make a very good impression)

RELOAD COUNT: 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42

For all of these reloads, I wasn't able to get a single B-ho appearance at the botanical garden. If it was just a coin flip then the odds for this to happen would be miniscule. It's quite likely that we found a place that is more favorable to Miho than it is to B-ho. This could be useful information! However, because this was 30 minutes of my life I won't get back...



10/17: Play the Shirayuki lottery again


Miho: Oh, I knew you would call. It's just like the horoscope said!
Goon: Hey...
Goon: Want to go to the movies on the 4th?
Miho: That day? Let me check the signs.
Miho: Hmmmm, it looks fine.

10/26: Goon's birthday


Hikari: Gunma-kun.
Goon: Good morning, Hikari.
Hikari: Today's your birthday, right?
Hikari: Here, I got you a present.
Goon: You remembered? Thanks.
Hikari: You're welcome!
Goon: (I'm moved!)

At this point in a proper Miho run, it'd probably be Miho giving this present, but I've long since lost track of which Miho is at which level of affection. Anyway, thanks Hikari! You're a real pal.

11/3: The culture festival!

Thankfully(?), the culture festival is another event that B-ho doesn't show up for. So I only have to cover this once, especially since I was dumb and put the movies date after another unskippable event.


Goon: (Today's the culture festival!)
Goon: Time to head over to our club's performance.


Miho: I'm so nervous, I feel like I might faint.
Goon: It's fine. I told you, it's all going to be fine.
Goon: I feel completely confident.
Miho: (giggle) Confident? Your knees are shaking.
Goon: Th, they, they are?

[video type="youtube"]LspCUpSIdAA[/video]

I highly recommend that you watch the video of the play. Screenshots just don't do this one justice.


And now, the Hibikino High School Drama Club presents...
A period drama: Lone Fox and Cub


"Today, Ogami Nito continues on his road to hell."


"Ogami Nito, I stand before you."
"Prepare yourself."


"..."


"Prepare yourself."


"..."


"Prepare yourself!"


"..."


"Prepare yourself!"


"..."


"PREPARE YOURSELF!!"


"Daijiro!"
"(baby noises)!"



And so, Ogami Nito continued on his road to hell.


The end.


Miho: Wheeew, everything ended up working out.
Miho: I'm glad there weren't any problems.
Goon: I hear you. Now that it's over, I feel really tired all of a sudden.
Miho: Me too. But it feels really nice.
Goon: (I'm really exhausted.)


Goon: So what did you think of the culture festival?
Miho: Because it was my first one, it was really fun.
Miho: I'm looking forward to next year.
Goon: (Me too, I'm already looking forward to next year.)

Next time:

Chapter 7: I'll never let go, Goon

So, last time we discovered through the magic of screenshotting that the only way to tell the difference between Miho and B-ho in the autumn is by staring at their chests. Armed with this knowledge, we should be able to get a little bit of an edge, at least.

11/4: Draw Me Like One of Your French Girls


Oh dear god she's covering her chest in this pose what do I do


Goon: This theater is showing The Love Story on the Sunken Ship right now.
Miho?: I see.
Goon: The reviews are really good, but I wonder.
Miho?: As long as you keep your expectations from getting too high, it'll be fine.
Miho?: Let's head inside.


Goon: (The Love Story on the Sunken Ship is a love story that depicts the incredible love story between the daughter of a poor noble family and a young artist on a sinking luxury ship.)


Goon: Option 1: That movie was awesome!
Option 2: That movie wasn't bad.
Option 3: That movie was boring.

Let's work with the assumption that both B-ho and Miho like romances. It's a safe bet, right?


Goon: That movie was awesome!
Miho?: Yes, the lead actor is really dreamy.
Goon: (Looks like I made a pretty good impression).

Miho?: Today was pretty fun.
Miho?: The next time you invite me out, it'd be great if it was more fun than today.

Backhanded compliments? Why, this must be B-ho! And she's a Leo fan, just like... her entire generation of women, really. Let's see how long it takes to get Miho at the movies.

RELOAD COUNT: 43


B-ho. I think.


Goon: That movie wasn't bad.
B-ho: Oh, you think so? I thought it was a good movie, myself.
Goon: (I didn't make a very good impression.)

B-ho Death Glare Count: 5

Since I reloaded this result anyway...

Call Takumi for chuckles

Takumi: Who do you want to ask about?
Goon: Sakaki Takumi.
Takumi: Wha? Well, that's fine, I guess, but...
Takumi: Here.


[fixed]Sakaki Takumi
Born September 6th
Virgo | Blood Type AB
Height: 153cm
(Measurements section intentionally left blank)
Club: None
MEMO: I'm everyone's sweetheart, Takumi-kun.
If you want info about a girl, come to me![/fixed]

Takumi: ....
Goon: Thanks, sorry to bother you.
Takumi: I mean, there's nothing wrong with it, but...
Takumi: Later, I guess.

RELOAD COUNT: 44


Staring at the shading on her chest, I think this is Miho.


Goon: That movie was awesome!
Miho: Yes, it was amazing. I was moved.
Goon: (Looks like I made a great impression!)

Miho: Today was even more fun than I'd predicted. I'm really glad I came...

After this point, I saved, but then I messed up and started preening with a high Looks stat, leading to meeting Miyuki. The run wasn't a total, loss, though - I got to hear B-ho's rejection line.


Goon: Want to go skating on 12/11?
B-ho: That day's no good. I have plans already.
B-ho: Invite me out again some time soon.

11/21: Play the Shirayuki lottery

Miho picked up the phone for this day.

Goon: Want to go skating on the 5th?
Miho: That day? Let me check the signs.
Miho: Hmmmm, it looks fine.

12/2: Kotoko's birthday


Goon: Oh yeah, wasn't today Minazuki-san's birthday?
Goon: Should I get her a present?
Goon: Yes, I should.
Goon: What should I get her?

Best option: High-quality green tea pearls
Neutral option: Desk clock
Worst option: English conversation set

Pretty much what you'd expect of the traditional Japanese lady. Because Kotoko hates Goon and we want it to stay that way, let's stick with the neutral option, the clock.

Goon: (Is Minazuki-san around?)
Goon: Hey, Minazuki-san!


Note: Some people wear sweaters over their uniforms in the winter, which works well with the prep school blazer/collar look. Kotoko wears a traditional Japanese winter coat, a hanten - something associated with sitting at a kotatsu, a heated table. Shockingly, Kotoko has a winter event where she talks about how wonderful kotatsu are.

Kotoko: Hmm? What's going on?
Goon: Happy birthday, I got you a present. Open it up.
Kotoko: Thanks, I'll take good care of it.
Goon: (She seemed kinda happy.)

12/5: Skate Date, Take 1


Oh God she changed clothes again and is still covering her chest, who is this


Miho?: It's clear out, but it's still pretty cold today.
Goon: Yes, but once we start skating, we'll warm right up.


Miho?: Can you skate?
Goon: Option 1: I can skate like a pro.
Option 2: I can skate like normal.
Option 3: I can't skate at all.

Miho is awful at athletics and might resent us if we say we skate like a pro. Let's be safe here.


Goon: I can skate like normal.
Miho?: Then could you please teach me how?
Goon: (I made a pretty good impression.)

Well, that could have been either of them.


B-ho: Today was fun.
B-ho: The next time you invite me out, it'd be great if it was more fun than today.

Okay, yeah, I know exactly who this was now.

RELOAD COUNT: 45

12/2: Kotoko's birthday, tea edition


Kotoko: Oh, thank you.
Kotoko: I commend you for knowing my preferences.
Goon: (Good, it looks like she was really happy about that.)

Wait, THAT counts as happy? Alright, Kotoko, sure.

12/5: Skate Date, Take 2


Nope. Still have no idea how to tell the difference between them based on this outfit and pose.


Miho?: Can you skate?
Goon: I can skate like a pro!
Miho?: Awesome! Skate for me! I wanna see it!
Goon: (Looks like I made a great impression!)

Linguistic note: Miho? here drops a few words of polite speech - she doesn't say please when she asks Goon to skate, and once again, there's a vestigial, polite "desu" tacked on to the end of the sentence almost out of embarrassment. That means this is B-ho.


B-ho: I'm glad I came. This was super fun.
B-ho: Please, invite me out again some time.

I saved here for the good result, and then...

RELOAD COUNT: 46

12/2: Troll Kotoko on her birthday

Just for giggles, I got Kotoko the English conversation set here.


Kotoko: ....
Kotoko: I suppose I am required to say thank you.
Goon: Minazuki-san!
Goon: (Was that a failure?)

Oh yes, Goon, oh yes it was.

12/5: Skate Date, Take 3

B-ho this time - not that I had any clue at the time.

RELOAD COUNT: 47

12/5: Skate Date, Take 4


Okay seriously guys help me out here I got nothing.


Miho?: Can you skate?
Goon: I can skate like a pro.
Miho?: ...I'm really jealous.
Goon: (I think I made a really bad impression.)

Okay, that was Miho, who is awful at athletics. And... wow.


Miho: Oh, could you be a time fairy?
Miho: Can you change the past?
Goon: Shirayuki-san?
Goon: :aaa:

Time Fairy Count: 2
RELOAD COUNT: 48, 49

12/5: Skate Date, take 6


Goon: I can skate like normal.
Miho: So I'm not normal because I can't even stand up in skates...
Goon: (I didn't make a very good impression.)


Miho: I didn't get any good material for my script, and this just wasn't very fun.

:aaa:

Well, looks like there are two bad choices for Miho in this situation. Let's reload and get that last one out of the way.

RELOAD COUNT: 50, 51

12/5: Skate Date, Take 8


Goon: I can't skate at all.
Miho: Mister ice fairy, can I watch you skate, please?
Miho: I can't skate at all.
Goon: (I think I made a really bad impression.)


Miho: Oh, could you be a time fairy?
Miho: Can you change the past?
Goon: Shirayuki-san?
Goon: :aaa:

Wait a second. Wait a second! I've tried all three choices now, and...

Miho hates all of them. Note to self: never take her to anything sporty.

Time Fairy count: 3
RELOAD COUNT: 52

12/6-12/10: Midterms

12/11: Play the Shirayuki Lottery


Miho: Oh! I knew you would call. It's just like my horoscope said.
Goon: Hey...
Goon: Want to go skiing on the 19th?
Miho: That day's no good. I have plans already.

Oh god she uses the same line as B-ho, why are you doing this to me, game? :psyduck:

12/12: Play the lottery again

B-ho: Oh, good timing. I'm free right now.
Goon: Hey...
Goon: Want to go skiing on the 26th?
B-ho: That day? Let me check the signs.
B-ho: Hmmm, that day looks fine.

Unfortunately, I was forced to place this date after Christmas. While there's no Ijuuin party [spoiler]yet, at least[/spoiler] at Hibikino, there's still an event on that day which is kind of annoying to have to replay a lot.

12/13: Test results

Goon: Nice, I did pretty well.


25th: Fudou Gunma
84th: Shirayuki Miho
105th: Minazuki Kotoko
109th: Hinomoto Hikari
135th: Hokari Jun'ichirou
208th: Kotobuki Miyuki


Note that some of Miyuki's and Jun's test scores are highlighted in red. In Japanese, test scores 30 and under are innovatively known as &#36196;&#28857; "red scores", which mean that the students who score really badly have to take supplementary/makeup exams instead of enjoying their vacation. There are events for having to stay at school with various girls.

12/23: Read Hibikino Watcher issue 3


[fixed]Movie information (bottom left): The Love Story on the Sunken Ship. "The run has been extended again! How long will the cruise last?"
Last Spot (top left) : The fortune teller's mansion is closing! "Unfortunately, Hibikino Amusement Place's fortune teller's mansion is closing its doors. What kind of massive new attraction is coming?!"
Mail order ad (far left): Bewitching perfume "Pheromone". "She won't be able to live without you anymore!"
Takehiro Circus (top right): "The circus is coming to town! Cute animal shows and the flying trapeze will mesmerize you!"[/fixed]

The bottom right is for the ski resort and the skating rink, which remain open through February.

12/24: Special Christmas event!


(ring, ring!)
Goon: (Yeah, yeah, I'm coming...)
Takumi: Hello?
Goon: Yes, this is Fudou.
Goon: Wait, Takumi?
Takumi: Oh good, you picked up.
Takumi: Let's go to the amusement park today.
Goon: What, are you serious?
Goon: Why should I go with you?
Takumi: Don't make scary jokes. I brought two girls with me.
Goon: Huh? Who?
Takumi: You'll see when you get here.
Takumi: Stop asking questions and hurry your ass over.
Takumi: Later.
Goon: I guess I should hurry.

Yes - Takumi is being a bro and doesn't want Goon to spend Christmas alone. I'm pretty sure someone put him up to this.


Goon: (gasping) Sorry, I'm a little late.
Takumi: You're late!
Goon: It's your fault for calling me out of the blue!
Takumi: Yeah, I guess you have a point.
Takumi: Now, I don't think you need any introductions, but...


Hikari: Yoo-hoo!
Kotoko: Hello.
Goon: Hey, Hikari, Minazuki-san.
Hikari: Let's have a lot of fun today!
Kotoko: Well, let's have fun today, I guess.
Goon: Yeah, let's go.


Takumi: Okay, let's head to the fortune teller's mansion.
Takumi: Who do you want?
Option 1: I'll take Hikari.
Option 2: I'll take Minazuki-san.
Option 3: Let's go, Takumi.

Ah, the cockblock option. Wonderful.

Goon: I'll take Hikari.


Hikari: I don't really believe in fortunes.
Goon: Why not?
Hikari: The future is something we make ourselves.
Goon: I see. Well, let's not think too hard about it and just go.



Hikari: That was pretty fun.
Hikari: The robot was way more interesting than the fortune, though.
Goon: I know, right?


Takumi: Alright, we'll ride the ferris wheel next.
Takumi: Who do you want?
Option 1: I'll take Hikari.
Option 2: I'll take Minazuki-san.
Option 3: Let's go, Takumi.

Goon: I'll take Hikari.


Hikari: Ferris wheels are so slow, and yet, they're somehow so much fun.
Goon: Yeah, I like them because you can space out. Let's get in line.


Hikari: That felt really short, even though I was just admiring the view.
Goon: Just like you said, Hikari, that was pretty fun.
Hikari: I know, right?


Takumi: Okay, we should head home soon.
Goon: Yeah.


Goon: Today was a lot of fun.
Hikari: I want to come back here with everyone!
Kotoko: It is pretty fun to come here with friends.
Takumi: Let's do this again with the four of us.

Notes: For year one, the Christmas event will always be Kotoko and Hikari. Future years are based on affection levels and the existence of Mei.

12/26: Skiing with Shirayuki, Take 1


I cheated and stared at her mouth - it moved during EVS, so this is Miho.


Goon: It's a great day today, Shirayuki-san.
Goon: It's so clear, it feels amazing.
Miho: Just as I predicted, there isn't a cloud in the sky.


Miho: I call this one "Artemis-chan".
Goon: Option 1: You name your skiwear?
Option 2: Could you give my skiwear a name too?
Option 3: I, I see. That's a cute name.

Always agree.


Goon: I, I see. That's a cute name.
Miho: Isn't that great, Artemis-chan? He complimented you!
Goon: (Looks like I made a great impression!)


Miho: Today was even more fun than I'd predicted. I'm really glad I came...

I saved here, and honestly was tempted to drive straight through to New Year's Day. But, science demands to know what B-ho wants to hear!

RELOAD COUNT: 53

12/24: Double Date, Take 2


Goon: Let's go, Takumi.
Takumi: Wh, what? Me?! I mean, it's fine, but...

Screw you, Takumi!


Takumi: The ferris wheel, eh...?
Goon: What's wrong, Takumi?
Takumi: Nothing.


Takumi: Phew...
Goon: How was it?
Takumi: Yeah, now I understand. That this is not something you should ride with another man.
Goon: (Jerk.)

Takumi: Next is the fortune teller's mansion.
Takumi: Who do you want?
Goon: Let's go, Takumi.

Do you hear that, Takumi? That is the sound... of cockblocking.


Takumi: Fortune-telling, eh? Should we check our compatibility?
Goon: That sounds like a good idea.
Takumi: I WAS JOKING!
Goon: I WAS TOO!


Takumi: If it'd told us we were an awful fit for each other, we would've at least been able to laugh at it.
Goon: Yeah...
Takumi: We should head back.
Goon: Yeah...


Even though we ignored Hikari and Kotoko both in this version, the parting dialogue doesn't change.

However, later that day...


Goon: Hello? This is Fudou.
Kotoko: It's me.
Goon: Oh, Minazuki-san. What's up?
Kotoko: ...
Goon: (Hmm?)
Kotoko: Are you an idiot?
Goon: Huh? What?
Kotoko: The amusement park this afternoon...
Kotoko: What's your deal?
Kotoko: Hikari was really looking forward to today, so what's with that attitude?
Kotoko: She feels really hurt, you know!
Goon: Huh? I mean, that was 'cause, uh...
Kotoko: Don't give me that!
Kotoko: You insensitive ass! You're the lowest kind of scum!
Goon: W, wait, listen to me...
Kotoko: Don't try to just smooth this over!
Kotoko: I have no intention of listening to the words of someone who makes Hikari sad!
Kotoko: Not one bit!
Kotoko: You should watch out for weird rumors that might start about you!
Kotoko: Hmph!
Goon: (Oh, oh god, what should I do?)

Say what you will about Kotoko, but she knows exactly what is important to her and why.

12/26: Skiing with Shirayuki, Take 2


Miho showed up again, and I decided to give the same answer as last time for speed's sake.

RELOAD COUNT: 54

12/24: Double Date, Take 3

This time, I decided to try the Kotoko-twice option.


Kotoko: I like ferris wheels - the scenery is great.


Kotoko: That was pretty.
Goon: Yeah, we could see a really long way.
Kotoko: Truly. That was a nice little diversion.

Randomly, the game chose the merry-go-round as the second spot instead of the fortune teller's mansion.


Kotoko: I don't think that we should be riding this at our age...
Goon: Y, you think?
Kotoko: Well, whatever. Let's ride.
Goon: Um, okay.


Kotoko: ...
Goon: What's wrong? Was the merry-go-round no good?
Kotoko: Let's just erase this from our memories. It's so embarrassing that I don't want to think about it.


Choosing Kotoko twice leads to the same "Don't ignore Hikari, you asshole" speech that picking Takumi twice produced. You can be my wingman any time, Kotoko.

12/26: Skiing with Shirayuki, Take 3


It was Miho again here.


Goon: You name your skiwear?!
Miho: You don't?! That's such a waste!
Goon: (I think I made a really bad impression.)


Miho: Oh, could you be a time fairy?
Miho: Can you change the past?
Goon: Shirayuki-san?
Goon: :aaa:

Time fairy count: 4
RELOAD COUNT: 55

12/24: Double Date, Take 4

The only relevant change here: Hikari at the merry-go-round.


Hikari: Are we really riding this? It feels a little embarrassing.
Goon: Well, we might as well try.
Hikari: Sure, let's ride.


Hikari: Yup, it was definitely embarrassing.
Hikari: It probably would've been better to get in the carriage.
Goon: Y, yeah.

12/26: Skiing with Shirayuki, Take 4


Miho again.

Goon: Could you give my skiwear a name too?
Miho: Sure. I'll find a good place to read its fortune, and figure out a good name.
Goon: (Looks like I made a pretty good impression.)

RELOAD COUNT: 56, 57

12/26: Skiing with Shirayuki, Take 6


Help me, goons! This is B-ho. I can't see the difference again!


B-ho: I call this one Artemis-chan!

At this point, it was about 1:30 AM and I froze in terror of giving the wrong answer and having to reload a bunch more times.


After about 5 minutes of working out the answer like I was on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, I finally went with


Goon: I, I see. That's a cute name.
B-ho: Artemis-chan and I both appreciate the compliment.
Goon: (Looks like I made a pretty good impression.)


B-ho: Today was fun.
B-ho: The next time you invite me out, it'd be great if it was more fun than today.

Remember, Miho and B-ho have separate affection ratings. B-ho appears to have reached the blushing point. Miho hasn't gotten there yet. This is more of a function of whose correct answer takes longer to get, rather than any real preference on my part.

1/1: New Year's Day!


Goon: Hmm, it's the start of a new year.
Goon: Oh yeah, did I get any New Year's cards?
Goon: Let's see...

Goon: Here's Hikari's card. Yeah, I agree, it'd been seven years since we last met.

"Happy New Year!
Last year was truly memorable because I was reunited with you.
Let's have a great year this year, too.
Hikari
1/1/2000"

Goon: Here's Shirayuki-san's card. It's just like her to send a cute card like this.

"Happy New Year.
Let's have a good year.
Miho
:frogbon:"

Goon: Here's Takumi's card. It kinda feels like lip service.

"Happy 2000.
Let's be nice to each other.
Thanks.
2000.1.1
Sakaki Takumi"

Goon: Here's Jun's card. It's a pretty curt greeting, but that's just like him.

"Happy new year. Let's have a good year.
First day of Heisei 12
Hokari Jun'ichirou"

Jun's card is way more formal than anyone else's - hell, his is the only one that is read top to bottom, right to left in the traditional Japanese style and not left to right, top to bottom.


Goon: Hmm, what should I do about Hatsumoude?
Option 1: Call a girl
Option 2: Go alone

There is only one option.

Goon: Hello, is this the Shirayuki residence?
Miho?: Yes, it is.
Goon: Oh, Shirayuki-san? It's Fudou.
Goon: Want to go to hatsumoude?
Miho?: Hatsumoude? Yes, that's fine. Where should we meet?
Goon: I'll wait for you in front of the shrine.
Goon: Okay, let's get going.


Miho: Fudou-san.
Goon: Oh, Shirayuki-san, you're wearing a haregi today.
Miho: Oh, yes. How does it look?
Miho: I don't feel very comfortable in traditional clothes...

Pasted from Tokimemo 1 chapter 7:
A haregi is a very specific kind of formal kimono. It's only worn by women and only on special occasions.

Goon: Option 1: It's pretty stylish.
Option 2: Traditional clothing suits you. You look cute.
Option 3: It's a lot different from your usual look, Shirayuki-san.

I went with 1 here, just to see.


Goon: It's pretty stylish.
Miho: Oh, good, I'm glad my time didn't go to waste.
Goon: (Eh.)


Goon: Now, what should I wish for?
Option 1: Success in love
Option 2: Good health
Option 3: Success in academics

Remember, until Tokimemo 4 it is always the best to choose academics. Luck in love is more trouble than it's worth.

Goon: I wish that my studies will go better...
???: Your wish shall be granted.
Goon: Whoa! It kinda feels like it happened already!


Miho: Since we're here, want to pull our fortunes before we go home?
Goon: Option 1: Yeah, let's do it!
Option 2: Mmmm, nah.

This is Miho we're talking to.

Miho: I love pulling fortunes. It's another form of fortune-telling.
Goon: (That's definitely true.)


Goon: Let's see, this year's luck is...
Goon: Daikichi! I'm a different man this year already!
Goon: (What did Shirayuki-san get?)

There is no fortune pulling mini-game in Tokimemo 2. Instead, it's a randomly generated number. Most people reload until they get Daikichi. It's just how it is.


Miho: How does it look?
Goon: Well, mine's like this.
Goon: How's yours, Shirayuki-san?
Miho: It was a very interesting result.
Goon: What does that mean? It didn't just say kichi or kyou?
Miho: Kichi? Kyou? What do those mean? Were they written somewhere?
Goon: (Shirayuki-san said she liked pulling fortunes... right?)


Miho: Oh... it seems like the crowd's made me a little dizzy.
Goon: What? You're feeling lightheaded? You should rest a little bit before heading home.
Miho: Oh, no, it's fine. I had fun.
Miho: Goodbye, see you soon.

B-ho is ineligible to show up for the first New Year's, and only the first New Year's - to show up for New Year's at all, she has to come over to Goon's house and invite him directly. Calling on the phone will always result in Miho, no matter who picks up. However, I was pretty much on life tilt at this point in the morning (it was almost 3 AM and I'd spent half an hour slogging through a bunch of Christmases), and I forgot this fact.



So, I ended up with

RELOAD COUNT: 63

before I was finished for the night. On the plus side, I did at least make a save with the best answer for Miho first.


Goon: Traditional clothing suits you. You look cute.
Miho: Th, thank you.
Goon: (Looks like I made a great impression!)


That's it for 1999 - thanks for slugging through the longest post yet in this LP!

It's been 8 months since Tokimemo 2 started, and it's time to make a decision. After all, the hunter who chases two rabbits catches none (especially if those two rabbits are actually one rabbit or maybe two rabbits pretending to be the same rabbit or something). Now that we've gotten a pretty decent sampling of each Miho, it's time to make the call:

Whose ending are we aiming for?

A: Miho

Vote for Miho if you like: Frogs and time fairies

B: B-ho

Vote for B-ho if you like: well-coordinated outfits and death glares

Poll will close Sunday night Pacific time. Choose carefully!