History VideoGame / AlterAILA

* NewGamePlus

* PermanentlyMissableContent: Tinder, Reeves, and Jeebes may spawn instead of Tinderbots, but their stock will change as you progress through the game, making it easy to miss opportunities to get extra copies of items that are normally chest-exclusive.

** Also, finding some of the shards. The ones in Oberon Tower requires you to [[spoiler:press the four switches in the order south, north, east, west, south ([[FunWithAcronyms SNEWS]])]]. You are given no hint as to how to do this.

* '''[[color:blue:Blue]]''' - {{The Stoic}} (You play him.)
* '''[[color:green:Green]]''' - {{Team Mom}}
* '''[[color:indigo:Indigo]]''' - {{Bratty Half Pint}}
* '''[[color:gold:Yellow]]''' - {{Badass Longcoat}}
* '''[[color:violet:Violet]]''' - {{The Chick}}
* '''[[color:red:Red]]''' - {{Psycho For Hire}}
* '''[[color:orange:Orange]]''' - {{The Smart Guy}}
* '''[[color:silver:White]]''' - {{Cool Old Guy}}
* '''Black''' - {{The Faceless}}

* '''[[color:green:Rebellion]]''': Putting an end to Kugar's regime.
* '''[[color:red:Imperials]]''': Squashing the rebel scum between your fingertips.
* '''[[color:blue:Independents]]''': Not joining any sides, and simply trying to find freedom.

A [[VideoGameRemake remake]] called "Alter A.I.L.A. Genesis" was released on October 10th, 2010. Can be downloaded [[http://rpgmaker.net/games/272/ here]]. It removes the multiple-route mechanism in favour of a more linear plot, allowing for far better plot development and {{Foreshadowing}}. Notably, the entire cast from the original game is playable, which, combined with a longer plotline, allows for far greater CharacterDevelopment. The combat system has also become much more unique, enjoyable, and balanced. In addition, all playable characters have been given set names rather than being {{Hello Insert Name Here}} characters: '''[[color:blue:Leon]]''', '''[[color:green:Erin]]''', '''[[color:indigo:Indy]]''', '''[[color:gold:Scott]]''', '''[[color:violet:Violet]]''', '''[[color:red:Dread]]''', '''[[color:orange:Jake]]''', '''[[color:silver:Hawk]]''', and '''Celia'''.

* BattleInTheCenterOfTheMind: Happens in multiple instances, though only played unambiguously straight when [[spoiler: getting the EX Guns and fighting the character's shadow self.]] Other cases [[MindScrew might]] include [[spoiler: the Shadow characters]] and, for certain values of "mind," [[spoiler: Heaven]].

* BlackAndGreyMorality: TheEmpire is straight-up evil, but [[LaResistance the Rebels]] are no saints either, and the Independents start out [[HeroicNeutral just wanting to be left alone]] and end up [[spoiler:[[NeutralNoLonger trying to]] [[OmnicidalNeutral take both sides out]]; the Empire because ItsPersonal, and the Rebels because...um, Black had a feeling about White and went KnightTemplar.]]

* BonusBoss: One of Jackal's forms, others are required to get everyone's [[InfinityPlusOneSword Infinity Plus One Gun]]. [[spoiler:Except Blue, who gets his from Gray. Who is himself a BonusBoss.]]

* DownerEnding: Almost all of them, except [[spoiler: [[GoldenEnding the one gotten for completing the Innovator route perfectly]].]]
* DownTheDrain: One of the [[ScrappyLevel low points]], unfortunately.
* DrivenToSuicide: [[spoiler:Green]].
* DuelBoss: [[spoiler:Limit Green]], and [[spoiler:Blue on the Innovator route.]]

* HeelFaceTurn: [[spoiler:Orange, [[BlackAndGreyMorality sort of.]]]]

%%* LightningBruiser: Black, masked. Gets a bit more [[FragileSpeedster fragile]] without the mask, but her PK abilities [[GameBreaker more than make up for it]].

** The ManBehindTheMan, [[spoiler:Aila]], is capable of doing a specific form of this; they can imprint a "suggestion" on a target, causing them to think they thought of the idea themselves. Later in the game, this functions as straight-up MindControl.
* MultipleEndings - One for each route.

* NonIndicativeName: Blue's a redhead.

* SacrificialLamb: No matter what route is taken, [[spoiler:Green]] is ''always'' the first core character to die. [[spoiler: Unless you're playing the Innovator route]].

* ThemeNaming: Everyone is named after a color. [[JustifiedTrope Justified]] for the most part, as at the beginning of the game everyone is participating in a DeadlyGame and assigned a code color. [[spoiler: "Gray" isn't that uncommon as a name, either.]]

* TheRevolutionWillNotBeCivilized: The Rebels attempt to take down the Independents because the latter might be brainwashed by TheEmpire. [[spoiler: In their ending, White becomes PresidentEvil, though it's [[MindControl not his fault]].]]

* TurnedAgainstTheirMasters: [[spoiler: Aila. She and her sisters had [[AndIMustScream perfectly good reasons for rebellion]], but [[OmnicidalManiac she takes it a little far,]] [[SinsOfOurFathers long after anyone who offended against her is dead]].]]

** '''Blue's Analyze''': Useful for figuring out the weaknesses of enemies that aren't immedietly obvious.\\

* DisappearsIntoLight: [[spoiler:Aila]]. Justified, since they're an EnergyBeing.

** Also, the "darkside" {{Bonus Boss}}es that can be fought to obtain characters' {{Infinity Plus One Sword}}s.

* EleventhHourRanger: [[spoiler:Hawk only joins your party permanently when you're literally on the FinalBoss' doorstep]]. Subverted in that they do join your party for short periods of time prior to when they join permanently.

* FireIceLightning: Force and [[PsychicPowers Psych]] too.

* ForcedLevelGrinding: Due to the lack of LeakedExperience. Mercifully, level doesn't impact much other than HP, but you will still need to do a fair bit of grinding if you want to do the postgame content. Especially annoying because each and every character has a [[DuelBoss Duel]] BonusBoss that you'll have to raise their level for.

* HeroicBSOD: [[spoiler:Celia, once she sees Aila in phase 6. [[CrowningMomentOfHeartwarming Indy manages to cheer her up again in phase 7.]]]]

* NominalImportance: Played so very, very straight. Characters without names aren't even drawn with faces, and the lack of sympathy for their deaths comes close to WhatMeasureIsAMook at times, especailly given how often your characters fight each other. Odds are very good that if someone's got a name and picture, then they will join your party during the game, or in the post-game.

* RainbowSpeak: Important phrases are highlighted in azure blue. Also, whenever characters' names are mentioned, they're in the colour they were in the original Alter A.I.L.A. [[color:red:Lavitz]], [[color:gold:Jeebes]], [[color:purple:Reeves]], and [[color:green:Tinder]] get name colours as well.

** The Heart of Mysia and Al Di La syncs turn whoever equips them into an extreme version of this. They increase Guard and Speed by incredible amounts, but reduce the characters' damage to 1. (And before you try giving them to Erin, be aware that they affect her healing skills as well) They are useful for [[ItemCaddy Item Caddies]], though, as damage from items is not affected.
* SuperDrowningSkills: Averted. Characters can only swim on the surface until the [[ArtificialGill Aqualung]] is obtained, however.

-->'''[[spoiler:Aila]]: [[color:red:Die.]]'''

* WhatMeasureIsANonHuman: Generally averted; the protagonists don't mind mowing down {{mook}}s, regardless of if they're humans, aliens, mutants, robots, or androids.

* TheDevTeamThinksOfEverything: [[spoiler: If you finished the game and are returning to Phase 2, you will skip the Street Tournament and Scott will just go and fetch the item.]]

* PsychoSerum: [[spoiler:Jackal Serum in high doses, which is also justified. It's designed to heighten both mental and physical capabilities, but overdose causes neurological deterioration and reversion to primal instincts. However, the heightened strength and endurance are retained, meaning you now have someone who's effectively a superpowerful zombie on your hands.]]

* RareCandy: Enhancers. Interestingly, they are infinite in amount; they can be obtained from red core chests and even bought from stores. To counteract this, however, they only raise stats by pitiful amounts. And [[OneStatToRuleThemAll there are none that raise Speed]].

* UselessUsefulSpell: Averted; nothing is immune to status effects, even bosses. Inflicting crushes on your opponent is usually a good way to cripple them.

* LawOfInverseRecoil: Magnums have incredible recoil; firing them one-handed is a good way to end up with broken wrists. However, Hawk manages to fire one one-handed with no problem at all during a cutscene.

* HoYay: Kugar and Tinder. The latter [[LampshadedTrope lampshades]] it ruthlessly.
** A darker version is revealed in Orange's case. [[spoiler: His duel with Shadow Red is about him sorting out his conflicting feelings about Red.]]

* CryForTheDevil: [[spoiler:Kugar. The poor guy used to be a kind person, but was then mind-controlled by Aila for ''years'', forcing him to commit atrocities and become the oppressive dictator he is by the beginning of the game. By the time you encounter him in Avalon, he's been driven completely insane by Aila's control, and has been under her influence for so long that freeing him is impossible.]]

* DevelopmentHell: Having to juggle ten different characters, each with their own sideplots and CharacterDevelopment, was, understandably, too much for Neok. This forced him to cut a few character subplots short so he could avoid the massive writer's block. Fortunately, he says that he's learned from his mistake, and aims to be more careful with characters next time.

* GameBreaker: Zero system. More damaged dealt depending on reduced HP. Certain Modes can give you Exceed at a decent rate for a small percentage of HP per turn. Combine the 2 and you have a nigh unstoppable force.
** You can actually buy Zero Systems from Tinder if you can find him.

* SoLongAndThanksForAllTheGear: Averted. You can un-equip every playable character at any time, even ones that aren't currently in the party.

* '''Black''' - {{The Faceless}} [[spoiler:until later.]]

* MacGuffinGirl: Celia, somewhat. She takes it completely in stride, however.

Okay, getting past the movie-trailer-speak, '''Alter A.I.L.A''' is a popular and very highly-regarded RPG made in [[RPGMaker RPG Maker 2003]] by Neok. As mentioned above, the game has three different routes, making for very high replay value. But what makes it even better is that completing all three routes unlocks a [[GoldenEnding fourth route]], which outclasses the first three in almost every way. The plotline is rife with twists, turns, and interesting developments, the characters are fleshed-out and engaging, and the music is top notch. Definitely worth checking out.

* OneStatToRuleThemAll: As with all ATB-based battle systems, Speed. Doubling it essentially doubles all of your other stats at the same time, since you can act twice as often. Fortunately, Neok is GenreSavvy in this regard -- Speed can only be increased through equipment, and only in small amounts. SPD Boosters also cost more than other boost items.

* LightningBruiser: Black, masked. Gets a bit more [[FragileSpeedster fragile]] without the mask, but her PK abilities [[GameBreaker more than make up for it]].

%% * FragileSpeedster / GlassCannon: Violet.

* FunWithAcronyms: S.P.E.A.R., G.U.A.R.D.I.A.N., and C.R.I.S.I.S. We never actually learn what they stand for.
** WordOfGod says that "C.R.I.S.I.S." stands for "Covert Reactant Intelligence Systematic Integral Special Force". He doesn't have any secret definitions of for the other two, though.

* PoorCommunicationKills: [[spoiler:Uri]] in the Innovator route.

* SacrificialLamb: No matter what route is taken, [[spoiler:Green]] is ''always'' the first core character to die.
** [[spoiler: Unless you're playing the Innovator route]].

* RareCandy: Enhancers. Interestingly, they are infinite in amount; they can be obtained from red core chests and even bought from stores. To counteract this, however, they only raise stats by pitiful amounts. And [[TheDevTeamThinksOfEverything there are none that raise]] [[OneStatToRuleThemAll Speed]].

* MightyGlacier: Red.

* MightyGlacier: Dread, Galde, and [[spoiler:Tinderbot II]].

* FragileSpeedster / GlassCannon: Violet.

* HeelFaceTurn: [[spoiler:Orange.]]
** Ah, [[BlackAndGreyMorality sort of.]]

* TransformationIsAFreeAction: Hilariously subverted with Ultima Weapon; see OneWingedAngel, above.

* PowerAtAPrice: The Demon King Cradle, sort of. It gives an incredible boost to Attack -- even moreso than the [[InfinityPlusOneSword Tear Of All Ocean]] -- but reduces [[OneStatToRuleThemAll Speed]]. [[hottip:*:In previous versions of the game, the tradeoff was more fitting -- [[GlassCannon it reduced Guard instead of Speed]]. Unfortunately, due to the GameBreakingBug mentioned above, this made it unbalanced, so the creator changed the tradeoff to Speed instead.]]

* BottomlessMagazines: Sort-of-maybe averted with Gray's Buster Cannon, which he needs to load before he can fire it. [[hottip:*:If you get his ultimate weapon, however, it plays this straight, since it bypasses the need to use Load Cartridge.]] Played completely straight everywhere else.

* LostInTransmission: A type 2 is found in a secret area of the Dam Facility, where there is a computer that contains a log of the [[spoiler:Underwater Facility]], but is missing pieces and terminates itself halfway through. Also overlaps with {{Foreshadowing}}, naturally.

** [[spoiler: Subverted to hell and back. Except for [[CompleteMonster Red]], all the playable characters and even [[EmperorScientist Kugar]] are heroes by nature, but some are being secretly manipulated by [[TheManBehindTheMan Aila]]. Oh, and Black was both right and wrong about White; White was one of Aila's pawns, but by nature he's good and makes a HeroicSacrifice in the Innovator path.]]