Out of curiosity, what's the absolute longest Walt Disney could live, without anything ASB? Assuming he gives up smoking, 90? 100? Further?
Pop Culture Oneshot Scenarios
- Thread starter The Director
- Start date
It depends on if he still smokes, and if he does, when (or if) he stops.
Atelier Aviation Addendum:
The Legend of Aces - Chapter 2: Trails
The Legend of Aces - Chapter 2: Trails
Final: Skies of Cold Steel
“Upon a single missile, the clouds of military thunder begin to turn.”
“Upon a single missile, the clouds of military thunder begin to turn.”
The Legend of Aces: Skies of Cold Steel
Platform: Sony PlayStation 4
Developer: Nihon Falcom
The Legend of Aces: Skies of Cold Steel is a semi-realistic arcade flight simulation role-playing game game developed by Nihon Falcom Corporation and the final of the Trails franchise. Cold Steel is one of the most expansive Legend of Aces games, featuring more playable aircraft and campaign missions than most other installments, many controllable wingmen in most missions, and a large number of dialogue
Gameplay
Core Mechanics
Skies of Cold Steel's flight model and controls will feel most similar to Squaresoft's Fox Two and Bandai Namco's Ace Combat series. The HUD will be very similar to that of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown. In addition, flares (originated from Fox Two V) will be featured for player control. During the course of the game, the player has the opportunity to buy a variety of different planes, from real-life aircraft to prototypes and fictional planes. All planes have different types of alternate paint schemes, gained by meeting certain goals in missions, such as shooting down "ace" pilots.
Clouds will play a major role in gameplay for the first time in the series. Units inside of clouds, including the player, will gain stealth. However, visibility is poor inside clouds, and the player will risk crashing into other aircraft or the terrain. The player's aircraft will ice and stall if they stay in cloud cover for too long.
Post Stall Maneuver is a move that your aircraft can perform to get behind an enemy aircraft if used correctly.
The Boresight System derived from Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War allows the player to select their lock-on targets manually with a thumbstick instead of cycling through bogeys and ground targets.
As this game was released post-Fox Two VI/Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, Skies of Cold Steel also has a tuning system which, after unlocking an aircraft, allows the player to upgrade that aircraft through Nome’s Hangar. Players can tweak their aircraft by swapping out and upgrading their aircraft's armor, missile power, machine gun damage, engine power, power of certain weapons, and more. Further aircraft and parts on the tree can only be unlocked if all of the aircraft and parts that show up previously on the same branch are unlockeds and purchased.
Similar to the My Flight Story Nelke - World's Flight Director mode. Skies of Cold Steel features the Ace Director mode, which allows them to set up cameras record their moments and exploits in the campaign, free mission from whatever angle and effects they choose for, leading them to create GMVs or that can be uploaded to YouTube or other social media.
Minigames
In addition to the dogfights and bombing runs, there are some skipable minigames that can be completed for additional money reward. Here are the minigames: taking off, landing, and mid-air refueling, which can take place before or after certain missions. All of them require precise control of the aircraft and have to be completed within very short time for the maximum reward.
Additionally, some missions feature the Resupply Base. These missions contain too many enemies to destroy with just one payload, so the player has to return to the airbase by crossing the Resupply Base at the edge of the map. Returning the base fully rearms (on all difficulties) and repairs their plane, and allows to select different special weapons and pilots available. The mission timer is stopped until the player returns to battle.
Wingman interaction
Like in the Ace Combat games, the player is the flight lead and can give orders to their wingman with the arrow buttons. There are four possible commands:
- Attack concentrates wingman's fire on the targets being currently pursued by Rean.
- Break lets the wingmen choose his own targets. Repeated selection of the Break order additionally specifies whether the wingmen should only engage air, ground units, or both.
- Cover recalls the wingmen back to Rean and makes him attack any hostile pursuing the flight lead.
- Special Weapons toggles the permission to use special munitions (e.g. to preserve them for later). Unlike the other three commands, which are mutually exclusive, this one can be combined with any of them.
The left and right buttons also help the player answer 'Yes' or 'No' to dialogue prompts to raise your academic points (AP).
Story
Among the nations on the Zemuria continent, the military-powered Erebonian Empire struggles with its internal conflict between the two society-divisions of its population where their struggle for power steadily intensifies with each passing month. The Noble Faction which centralizes around the Four Great Houses to maintain tradition through provincial rule and the Reformist Faction, which centralizes around Giliath Osborne the Ironblood Chancellor who attempts to reinforce the government for the commoners' well being. None were kind to another over the years without a conclusive stalemate as the Empire itself plunges back into the Dark Ages from the worsening tension.
However, change begin at a gearing motion which pivots at the Empire's prestigious air combat school, The Thors Air Combat Academy, an institute founded by the late Emperor Dreichels Reise Arnor, where new flight students regardless of class and background come to enroll for their respective Air Combat futures. But not even the academy (students and faculty alike) can avoid the turbulent friction between the two factions as its class system is deeply interwoven in the tapestry of Erebonian culture since its foundation. As portrayed by the uniforms and flight suits, the white are the nobles who are given preferential treatment in every aspect, while the green stand for the commoners who progressively excel while bearing the given inferiority. Both sides still tend to repel one another and spark competitiveness between academic performances, combat training, and extracurricular activities.
In this new semester in S1204, Rean Schwarzer, the 17-year-old teenager from the northern region of Ymir arrives at Trista Air Base where the lino flowers bloom in the season of spring. Noticing that his issued crimson uniform and flight suit is different from the regular status quo, he also encounters eight other similarly dressed students of different ethnic backgrounds which makes his attendance even more curious. After the entrance ceremony and the headmaster's speech, a young female flight instructor announced, "All students in red uniforms, gather around for a special orienteering Red Flag excercise".
For the first time in Thors' academic history, Class VII is born where rank means nothing but skill means everything. Thus, Rean's adventure and Class VII's begin through the political quagmire that threatens them and the very foundation of the Empire. During their special orienteering Red Flag training exercise over Astean Cape, a unidentified aircraft entered Erebonia airspace. The Erebonian's anti-aircraft defensive network managed to damage the bogey, and it had begun withdrawing from Erebonia airspace. The Class VII performed to intercept the aircraft. They attempted to force the plane to land, but a unknown squadron of MiG-21s from Calvard suddenly entered the airspace and attacked the Erebonian aircraft, and the engagement cost the lives of 8 students except the entire Class VII students whose fought bravely. By the time the remaining Class VII pilots had returned to base, the Republic of Calvard had made an official declaration of war on the Erebonian Empire, Liberl Kingdom and Remiferia, beginning the Zemurian Continental War.
Characters
Main Characters
Although the player is free to choose any plane for Class VII students, they fly their canonical aircraft.
- Rean Schwarzer: The main protagonist of the game and the ace of aces. He eventually becomes the Phoenix of Erebonia, the Ashen Sky Night while finding himself caught in the war between the Zemurian nations. He canonically flies an F-22A Raptor.
- Alisa Reinford: Daughter of chairwoman Irina Reinford of the Reinford Group, Alisa attends the academy as a way of distancing herself from her relationship with her mother. She is strong-willed and sometimes quick to react, but she is very caring underneath her rough exterior. She canonically flies an F-35A Lightning II
- Elliot Craig: An aspiring musician with an abashed personality, Elliot is the son of Lieutenant-General Olaf Craig ('the Red'). He is a supportive friend and dependable ally, but his tendency to appease the wishes of his loved ones can come to a fault. He canonically flies an Su-27SM3 Flanker-B
- Laura S. Arseid: Daughter to Viscount Victor S. Arseid, Laura has a dignified, somewhat restrained personality. She is revered by many for her strength and skill against air and the ground. She canonically flies an J-15 Flying Shark
- Machias Regnitz: Son of the Imperial Governor Carl Regnitz, he has a severe dislike for the nobility that often leads to squabbles with others. Deep down he is an empathic individual, and truly caring where his companions are concerned. He canonically flies an A-10C Thunderbolt II
- Jusis Albarea: Youngest son of one of the 'Four Great Houses', Jusis has a somewhat dismissive attitude toward many things. He can be criticizing or sharp in his words and actions, but is informed, considerate, and thoughtful. He canonically flies an MiG-31B Foxhound
- Emma Millstein: An incredibly bright young woman, Emma is attending Thors on scholarship. She is kind and gentle, and often relied upon by her flight students for her warm spirit. Though quite the intellectual, she has reservations due to a secretive past. She canonically flies an J-20
- Fie Claussell: A former Jaeger, Fie displays an aloofness that belies unnatural physical strength and nimble reflexes that once earned her the nickname 'Sylphid'. She tends to perform poorly through air academics, and sometimes sleeps in unorthodox places. She canonically flies an JF-17 Thunder
- Gaius Worzel: A foreign exchange student from the Nord Highlands. He is mild-mannered and polite, making fast friends with most he meets. He ventures outside the confines of his homeland to become more acquainted with the outside world. He canonically flies an YF-23 Black Widow
- Millium Orion: An energetic, mysterious young girl who is rarely discouraged from anything she sets herself to, and can be quite the handful for her friends or anyone she meets. She canonically flies an EF-111A Raven
- Sara Valestein: Known as the "Purple Lightning," she is Class VII's instructor and homeroom teacher who was originally an veteran fighter pilot and yet more. She canonically flies an EF-2000 Typhoon
- AWACS Sky Teacher: An E-767 AWACS that was assigned to support the combat operations of the Class VII’s Fighter Squadron.
- Neithardt: A major in the 4th Division of the Imperial Army, and also an instructor in the military academy specialized in military science.
- Giliath Osborne: The Imperial Chancellor, this man has earned a name for himself - 'Blood and Iron'. He is a ruthless and intimidating negotiator.
- Rufus Albarea: Heir to the Albarea Dukedom, he is the "poster boy" of the Noble Faction.
- Claire Rieveldt: Captain of the 91st Strike Fighter Unit and a striking figure, she is called the 'Icy Maiden', and has something of a history with Sara Valestein. She flies an JAS-39E Gripen
- Sharon Kreuger: Maid/Secretary of the Reinford family and a Attacker pilot in the Erebonia Air Force. She flies an A-6E Intruder
- Towa Herschel: A second-year student at Thors Air Combat Academy, she is president of the student council. Often overworked, she still retains a bright smile and cheery attitude. She flies an F-20A Tigershark
- Angelica Rogner: Towa's best friend who is also a daughter of Marquis Rogner, one of the 'Four Great Noble Families'. She flies an F-15SE Silent Eagle
- Elise Schwarzer: The biological daughter of Baron Teo Schwarzer, she attends Saint Astraia Girls' Air Force School in Heimdallr as Princess Alfin's classmate. She is shy around her brother, Rean. She flies an F/A-18E Super Hornet
- Agate Crosner: From Trails of the Sky, comes to Erebonia for the first time. He flies an F-15E Strike Eagle
- Alfin Reise Arnor: The Imperial Crown Princess who is a selfish, witty young girl who delights in teasing her friends and family.
- Victor S. Arseid: Laura's father and Viscount of Legram, he is considered one of the best ace pilots in Erebonia Navy, and is known as the 'Radiant Fighter'. He flies an F-14D Super Tomcat
- Olivert Reise Arnor: The eldest prince of Erebonia, Olivert has a penchant for singing, drinking, flirting, and just general mischief. He flies an Rafale M
- George Nome: Rean's senior and supporting mechanic at Thors.
- Lechter Arundel: Chief Negotiator and fighter pilot of Erebonia's 99th Tactical Fighter Squadron. He flies an Tornado F.3
- Major Michael: A serious and straight-laced elite special duty major of the Imperial Air Force who fought alongside Prince Olivert during the Continental War.
- Aurelia Le Guin: The young countess of the Le Guin family, and master fighter pilot of the Vander and Arseid. She flies an YF-12
- Kurt Vander: The younger brother of Mueller Vander, who recommended him to enroll in Thors as a member. He flies an F/A-18C Hornet
- Juna Crawford: A young woman from Crossbell, and a former member of its Air Force Academy. She joins Class VII following the annexation of Crossbell from Calvard Forces. She flies an EA-18G Growler
- Musse Egret: A member of Thor's "Class IX: Recon Division," Musse is a woman born to a noble family. However, there is something unfathomable about her, as she tries to seduce newcomer professor Rean at every opportunity. She flies an F-117A Nighthawk.
- Toval Randonneur: One of the few Erebonian Fighter Pilots left in the Empire and supporter of Class VII. He flies an F-35A Lightning II.
- Ash Carbide: Ash is a member of Thor's "Class VIII: Air Tactics Division." Due to his combat record and preferred style of strike fighters, he is provocative towards captain Rean, picking a fight at every opportunity. He flies an F-15E Strike Eagle
- Cedric Reise Arnor: Olivier's younger brother and Alfin's twin sister of the Royal family. He enrolled at the Thors air force academy following his rehabilitation from the Vermillion climax. The young legitimate prince still looks up to Osborne with influence in accordance to his behavioral change since the war. He flies an BAE Tempest
- Thomas Lysander: The squadron leader of the Gralsritter air force squadron. He flies an F-22A Raptor
- Irina Reinford: The bomber pilot and mother of Alisa Reinford, whom she cares deeply while devoted to her work. She flies an B-2A Spirit.
- Marlene Jane Buchner: A former officer and pilot of the Imperial Erebonian Air Force and the oldest daughter of an aristocratic Erebonia family. She later played an important role in bringing about the resolution of the Zemurian Continental War in late S1204.
Returning Characters
- Tita Russell: One of the main characters from Trails of the Sky. She flies an F-5E Tiger II
- Tio Plato: One of the main characters from Trails of Azure Skies and member of the Special Support Section. She flies an JAS-39E Gripen
- Randy Orlando: One of the main characters from Trails of Azure Skies and member of the Special Support Section, and former successor to the Red Constellation Jaeger Corps. He flies an F-15C Eagle
- Lloyd Bannings: The leader of the Special Support Section of Crossbell State Air Force. He flies an F-15E Strike Eagle .
- Elie MacDowell: An S.S.S. member and granddaughter of resigned mayor Henry MacDowell. She flies an F-15E Strike Eagle
- Estelle Bright: The main heroine of the Trails of the Sky. An ace pilot from Liberl who won the Civil War alongside with her companions. She, Joshua and Renne began investigating the disturbing rumors bordering around the Republic and the Empire. She canonically flies the EF-2000 Typhoon
- Joshua Bright: The main protagonist of the Trails of the Sky. An ace Fighter Pilot from Liberl who partners with her surrogate sister and lover, Estelle along their adventures. He watches over Renne, their newest family member. He canonically flies the EF-2000 Typhoon
- Scherazard Harvey: Liberl's Ace Pilot known as the "Silver Streak", who was Cassius's disciple and elder sister figure to Estelle. She maintained personal "connections" with Olivier since their first meeting in Liberl 4 years prior. She flies an J-10.
- AWACS Cyclops: Was the callsign of an Royal Liberl Air Force E-767 AWACS during the Liberl Civil War and later the Zemurian Continental War.
Republic of Calvard
- President Cayenne: The President of Calvard.
- Altina Orion: A girl of unknown origin and background while sharing characteristics with Millium Orion. Codenamed "Black Rabbit." She flies an Su-35S Flanker-E.
- Crow Armbrust: Former Thors Air Combat Academy student and friend/mentor of Rean Schwarzer. Revealed to be "C," leader of the Imperial Liberation Front, and the awakener of Ordine, the Azure Knight. He flies an Su-57
- Vulcan: Known as Comrade "V," a highly decorated bomber pilot of the CAF and former head of his own Jaeger Corps. He flies an Vulcan modified with Air-to-Air weaponry.
- Scarlet: Known as Comrade "S," a commander of the CAF. She flies an F/A-XX
- Xeno: Former member before being hired as President Cayenne's bodyguard, known as the Trap Master. He flies an Su-37 Terminator modified with a Laser weapon.
- Leonidas: Another former member hired as President Cayenne's bodyguard, known as the Behemoth.. He flies an FB-22 Strike Raptor
- Campanella: The No.0 Enforcer nicknamed "The Fool." He appears per story arc of the series as the observer of the projects as stages for the Master Plan. He flies an Su-57
- Vita Clotilde: A mysterious woman who doubles as the Empire's famous opera singer and radio personality under the alias "Misty." She is the second Anguis of the Society and an exiled ace pilot of the Hexen Clan. She flies an Su-30M2 Flanker-G.
- Shirley Orlando: The No. 17 Enforcer nicknamed the "Crimson Wing," and "Bloody Shirley" in the Red Constellation. She and Mariabell joined Ouroboros after the events of Trails of Azure Skies, and joins the mission with her Jaeger squadron by orders of the new third Anguis. She flies an Mirage 2000-5
- Arianrhod: The seventh Anguis nicknamed the "Steel Maiden." A beautiful female ace pilot whose characteristics reflect the legendary aces from the past wars, she joins on the mission with her legion of fighter aircraft, the Stahlritter. She flies an Tejas
- Bleublanc: The mysterious Phantom Thief B and Enforcer No. X. He flies an F-4X Super Phantom.
- McBurn: Enforcer No. I, known as the Eternal Flame and said to have strength that rivals Arianrhod. He flies an Su-30SM Flanker-H
- Duvalie: Head knight of the Stahlritter, Arianrhod's elite ace pilots. She flies an Su-33 Flanker-D modified with a Railgun.
- Ennia: The inteceptor pilot and vice-commander of the squad. She flies an MiG-31B Foxhound modified with pulse lasers.
- Ines: The fortitude strike fighter pilot of the squad. She flies an Su-47 Berkut
- Vermillion Roselia: A mysterious semi-long blonde-haired girl who approaches Rean due to the war at this rate would end, while her description familiarizes from that of ancient Imperial folklore. She flies an Su-47 Berkut
- Rutger Claussell: Leader of the Zephyr Jaeger Squadron, while referred to as the "Jaeger King." He flies an EF-2000 Typhoon
Skies of Cold Steel features 73 playable aircraft. To purchase aircraft for Class VII, the player has to buy them by expending credits in the Aircraft Tree. Credits are earned by destroying hostile or neutral ("yellow") targets. Only one plane, the T-45 Goshawk, is available from the start and it cannot be sold later; the A-4 Skyhawk is unlocked at the start of the game but has to be purchased before use. In addition to a machinegun and all-purpose missiles, each plane is equipped with a limited number of special weapons, specialized against either ground or air targets. Like with other Ace Combat and Fox Two games, the player can select their special munition after selecting their plane at the beginning of each mission. Only one special weapon type is available for each aircraft upon purchase and two or three more can be bought later (which special weapons each aircraft can carry is predetermined for each plane, see the list).
Playable Aircraft
- McDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk (Fighter) (Carrier-based)
- Douglas A-4 Skyhawk (Attacker) (Carrier-based)
- Northrop F-5E Tiger II (Fighter)
- Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21bis Fishbed (Fighter)
- Saab J35J Draken (Fighter)
- IAI Kfir (Multirole)
- Dassault-Breguet Super Étendard (Multirole)
- Mitsubishi F-1 Kaizen (Attacker)
- Grumman A-6E Intruder (Attacker)
- McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II (Fighter)
- Mikoyan MiG-27 Flogger-J (Attacker)
- Saab JA37D Viggen (Multirole)
- KAI FA-50 Golden Eagle (Fighter)
- Sukhoi Su-25SM Frogfoot (Attacker)
- Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25PD Foxbat-E (Fighter)
- Northrop F-20A Tigershark (Fighter)
- General Dynamics–Grumman EF-111A Raven (Jammer)
- McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II+ (Multirole) (Carrier-based, VTOL)
- Mikoyan MiG-29S Fulcrum (Fighter)
- General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon (Fighter)
- Dassault Mirage 2000-5 (Multirole)
- Xi'an JH-7 (Multirole)
- Grumman F-14A Tomcat (Fighter) (Carrier-based)
- McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet (Multirole) (Carrier-based)
- Fairchild Republic A-10C Thunderbolt II (Attacker)
- AIDC F-CK-1 Ching-kuo (Multirole)
- Panavia Tornado GR.4 (Attacker)
- McDonnell Douglas F-4X Super Phantom (Fighter)
- Mikoyan MiG-31B Foxhound (Fighter)
- Dassault Mirage 2000D (Attacker)
- General Dynamics F-16F Desert Falcon (Multirole)
- Yakovlev Yak-141 Freestyle (Fighter) (Carrier-based, VTOL)
- Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler (Jammer) (Carrier-based)
- Sukhoi Su-24M Fencer-D (Attacker)
- Panavia Tornado F.3 (Fighter)
- CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder (Fighter)
- Sukhoi Su-27SM3 Flanker-B (Fighter)
- McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle (Fighter)
- Grumman X-29A (Fighter)
- Grumman F-14D Super Tomcat (Fighter) (Carrier-based)
- Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet (Fighter) (Carrier-based)
- HAL Tejas (Multirole)
- Saab JAS 39E Gripen (Multirole)
- Sukhoi Su-33 Flanker-D (Fighter) (Carrier-based)
- Shenyang J-15 (Multirole) (Carrier-based)
- Chengdu J-10 (Multirole)
- Rockwell-MBB X-31 (Fighter)
- General Dynamics F-16XL (Attacker)
- Mitsubishi F-2 (Multirole)
- Sukhoi Su-30M2 Flanker-G (Fighter)
- McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle (Multirole)
- Dassault Mirage 4000 (Fighter)
- Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk (Attacker)
- Sukhoi Su-34 Fullback (Attacker)
- Mikoyan MiG-35D Fulcrum-D (Fighter)
- Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II (Multirole)
- Boeing X-32B JSF (Multirole) (VTOL)
- Boeing EA-18G Growler (Jammer) (Carrier-based)
- Dassault Rafale M (Multirole)
- Eurofighter EF-2000 Typhoon (Fighter)
- Shenyang FC-31 Gyrfalcon (Fighter)
- Sukhoi Su-37 Flanker-F (Fighter)
- McDonnell Douglas F-15 STOL/MTD (Multirole)
- Mikoyan Project 1.44 Flatpack (Multirole)
- Sukhoi Su-47 Berkut (Fighter)
- Sukhoi Su-30SM Flanker-H (Multirole)
- Boeing F-15SE Silent Eagle (Multirole)
- Sukhoi Su-35S Flanker-E (Fighter)
- Northrop YF-23 Black Widow II (Fighter)
- Lockheed Martin FB-22 Strike Raptor (Attacker)
- Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor (Fighter)
- Chengdu J-20 (Fighter)
- Sukhoi Su-57 (Fighter)
- BAE Systems Tempest (Super Fighter)
- F/A-XX (Super Fighter)
- Tupolev Tu-22M Backfire
- Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack
- Tupolev Tu-95 Bear
- Avro Vulcan
- Boeing B-52H Stratofortress
- North American XB-70 Valkyrie
- Rockwell B-1B Lancer
- Rockwell B-1R
- Northrop Grumman B-2A Spirit
- Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow
- Lockheed YF-12
- Boeing E-3 Sentry
- Boeing E-767
- Beriev A-50 Mainstay
- Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye
- McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender
- Boeing Skyfox
- Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow
- Mil Mi-28 Havoc
- Mil Mi-24 Hind
- Eurocopter Tiger
- Airbus A400M Atlas
- Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
- Lockheed C-130H Hercules
- Ilyushin Il-76 Candid
- Antonov An-225 Mriya
- Boeing CH-47 Chinook
- Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey
- Lockheed AC-130U Spooky
- Hawker Siddeley Nimrod
- Aero L-39 Albatros
- Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk
- Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird
- Lockheed U-2S Dragon Lady
- Northrop Grumman X-47B
- Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk
- Garrelia Industries U-3 Jayhawk (a nuclear-powered heavy flying aircraft carrier operated by Calvard, based on the proposed Lockheed CL-1201 design)
- SRAM (Standard Joint Strike Missile)
- MRA4 (4-Target Medium-Range Multi-Lock Missile)
- MRA6 (6-Target Medium-Range Multi-Lock Missile)
- MRA8 (8-Target Medium-Range Multi-Lock Missile)
- LRAA (Long-Range Multi-Lock Missile)
- SAAM (Semi-Active Air-to-Air Missile)
- HMAA (High-Mobility Air-to-Air Missile)
- SRSM (Short-Range Suppression Missile)
- EMPW (EMP missile Anti-electronics)
- GAM4 (4-Target Ground-to-Air Missile)
- GAM8 (8-Target Ground-to-Air Missile)
- ASAM (Air-To-Ship Missile)
- LRGM (Long-Range Air-To-Ground Missile)
- RPOD (Rocket Pod)
- B500 (500lb Unguided Bomb)
- B1K (1000lb Unguided Bomb)
- B2K (2000lb Unguided Bomb)
- GPSB (Precision Guided Bomb)
- UCB (Unguided Cluster Bomb)
- GAT-CM (Guided Cluster Submunitions)
- SODM (Standoff Missile Submunitions)
- BB500S (Bunker Buster Bomb)
- FAOB (Fuel-Air Bomb)
- BDM (Bomblet Dispenser)
- SLAMR (Anti-ship/ Land Cruise Missile)
- SKEETR (Anti-Tank Missile Submunitions)
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LostMediaWiki page: Thomas the Tank Engine (unfinished adaptation of "The Railway Series", Disney animated film; early 1980s)
Thomas the Tank Engine was a planned Disney film that would have adapted The Railway Series book of the same name. Due for release sometime in the early 1980s. However, production was halted when the rights were lost from Disney. So the creative team, Director Don Bluth and Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, would instead use various concepts in the 1985 film Starlight Express.
Origins
In the 1970s, Andrew Lloyd Webber approached author Reverend W. Awdry about adapting the latter's Railway Series in some sort of musical form. He later recalled that ‘writing music for something as simple and heartwarming as Thomas would be a joyous antidote to the heavy waters of Evita’, the musical he was working on at the time. Following the meeting, Lloyd Webber starting composing with actor and children’s TV writer Peter Reeves and created a television adaptation. They pitched their material to Granada TV, who commissioned a pilot episode. The episode was completed in early 1976, but Grenada ultimately decided not to produce a full series due to its obscurity outside the UK. Another contributing factor was that Awdry did not give Webber much creative flexability. [1]
During the early 1980s, while production was almost finished on the 1982 film The Secret of Nimh, Don Bluth's team at Disney Animation went into talks with Webber for another Disney collaboration. The two parties had previously worked on the 1975 film Homer's Odyssey and 1981 film Cats, and were eager to work again. At this point, the team decided on revising the idea for adapting The Railway Series as their next major contribution to the Disney Animated Canon. However, by the time they agreed on a game-plan, the rights already had been picked up by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton.
However, Webber would eventually get his chance at a Thomas adaptation when said show was rebooted in 2010. Today, said show is in CGI and airs on Cartoon Network.
Details
Not many details have been given to the public about what this Disney adaptation would have been like. Though Don Bluth did give some insight on what the details were in a series of interviews with the Sodor Island Fansite, a popular Thomas fan community.
Firstly, Webber and Bluth had decided on adapting the events of the first two Railway Series books; The Three Railway Engines and Thomas the Tank Engine. It would follow the books fairly closely, but with the key change of James the Red Engine now being a female character named Jane, who was voiced by Sandy Duncan. As far as voice acting went, Bluth's preferred choice for the voice of Thomas was Star Wars alumnus Mark Hamill. Whereas both he and Webber agreed on Edward the Blue Engine and The Fat Controller being voiced respectively by Johnny Morris and Willie Rushton, both of whom had previously read many of the Rev. Awdry's books for audio. Additionally, due to the lack of a proper antagonist in the original books, it was suggested that 98462 and 87546, two engines that were mere cameos in the books, be made major villains.
Additionally, Bluth would later give several sketches to the writers of All Aboard: The Wonderful World of Disney Trains. A book focusing on railroads in Disney-owned media. Many of them were drawn by him in 1978, and detailed his idea for how the characters would have looked. Notably, all of them look cartoonier than even the models in Allcroft's TV series.
Gallery
A sketch of Thomas the Tank Engine that was drawn by Don Bluth circa 1978, as part of the planned adaptation.
[1] https://starlightexpressmusical.fandom.com/wiki/Background_to_the_original_London_production
Thomas the Tank Engine was a planned Disney film that would have adapted The Railway Series book of the same name. Due for release sometime in the early 1980s. However, production was halted when the rights were lost from Disney. So the creative team, Director Don Bluth and Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, would instead use various concepts in the 1985 film Starlight Express.
Origins
In the 1970s, Andrew Lloyd Webber approached author Reverend W. Awdry about adapting the latter's Railway Series in some sort of musical form. He later recalled that ‘writing music for something as simple and heartwarming as Thomas would be a joyous antidote to the heavy waters of Evita’, the musical he was working on at the time. Following the meeting, Lloyd Webber starting composing with actor and children’s TV writer Peter Reeves and created a television adaptation. They pitched their material to Granada TV, who commissioned a pilot episode. The episode was completed in early 1976, but Grenada ultimately decided not to produce a full series due to its obscurity outside the UK. Another contributing factor was that Awdry did not give Webber much creative flexability. [1]
During the early 1980s, while production was almost finished on the 1982 film The Secret of Nimh, Don Bluth's team at Disney Animation went into talks with Webber for another Disney collaboration. The two parties had previously worked on the 1975 film Homer's Odyssey and 1981 film Cats, and were eager to work again. At this point, the team decided on revising the idea for adapting The Railway Series as their next major contribution to the Disney Animated Canon. However, by the time they agreed on a game-plan, the rights already had been picked up by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton.
However, Webber would eventually get his chance at a Thomas adaptation when said show was rebooted in 2010. Today, said show is in CGI and airs on Cartoon Network.
Details
Not many details have been given to the public about what this Disney adaptation would have been like. Though Don Bluth did give some insight on what the details were in a series of interviews with the Sodor Island Fansite, a popular Thomas fan community.
Firstly, Webber and Bluth had decided on adapting the events of the first two Railway Series books; The Three Railway Engines and Thomas the Tank Engine. It would follow the books fairly closely, but with the key change of James the Red Engine now being a female character named Jane, who was voiced by Sandy Duncan. As far as voice acting went, Bluth's preferred choice for the voice of Thomas was Star Wars alumnus Mark Hamill. Whereas both he and Webber agreed on Edward the Blue Engine and The Fat Controller being voiced respectively by Johnny Morris and Willie Rushton, both of whom had previously read many of the Rev. Awdry's books for audio. Additionally, due to the lack of a proper antagonist in the original books, it was suggested that 98462 and 87546, two engines that were mere cameos in the books, be made major villains.
Additionally, Bluth would later give several sketches to the writers of All Aboard: The Wonderful World of Disney Trains. A book focusing on railroads in Disney-owned media. Many of them were drawn by him in 1978, and detailed his idea for how the characters would have looked. Notably, all of them look cartoonier than even the models in Allcroft's TV series.
Gallery
A sketch of Thomas the Tank Engine that was drawn by Don Bluth circa 1978, as part of the planned adaptation.
[1] https://starlightexpressmusical.fandom.com/wiki/Background_to_the_original_London_production
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Something I have been Toying with: A Mirror verse of The Last Airbender
Avatar: The Last Earthbender
Long ago, the Four Nations lived in Harmony. Then, Everything changed when the Empire of Water attacked (Based on the legend of Mu). Historically, the Water Empire had been known for their proficiency in Science, making their homeland a utopia, But the Recent Emperors have become power hungry and believe that the Element that makes up most of the world should rule the world, and the Weaker nations shall perish. They started with the EarthBenders. Using the Great Deluge brought forth by "Jayesh's Moon" to boost their power, they flooded the Underground Mines, drowning the Earthbenders and their Subterranean Cities. Next, they targeted the Fire Clans, Launching raids against their Counterparts on the Main Continent, leaving only one Firebender left, but leaving the More Advanced Clans out at sea alone, for now.
Now, all that remains is the Air City of Ba Sing Se, high up on the mountains and isolated from the rest of the world (To the point that many of the Air benders, including much of the high council, don't even know there is a war). the Water Empire has tried and failed to take the city on many occasions, but failed each time, and the other isolated pockets of Airbenders survive by either hiding their abilities or by constantly being on the move. Hope may seem low, but a new discovery has recently been made by the Continental Fire Clan within a dormant volcano: The Last Earthbender and the Avatar! However, While the Avatar has mastered Earthbending , He is merely a child who can barely see in the bright light. but with the right teachers, it is believed that the Avatar can stop Water Emperor Kaito and save the world.
Avatar: The Last Earthbender
Long ago, the Four Nations lived in Harmony. Then, Everything changed when the Empire of Water attacked (Based on the legend of Mu). Historically, the Water Empire had been known for their proficiency in Science, making their homeland a utopia, But the Recent Emperors have become power hungry and believe that the Element that makes up most of the world should rule the world, and the Weaker nations shall perish. They started with the EarthBenders. Using the Great Deluge brought forth by "Jayesh's Moon" to boost their power, they flooded the Underground Mines, drowning the Earthbenders and their Subterranean Cities. Next, they targeted the Fire Clans, Launching raids against their Counterparts on the Main Continent, leaving only one Firebender left, but leaving the More Advanced Clans out at sea alone, for now.
Now, all that remains is the Air City of Ba Sing Se, high up on the mountains and isolated from the rest of the world (To the point that many of the Air benders, including much of the high council, don't even know there is a war). the Water Empire has tried and failed to take the city on many occasions, but failed each time, and the other isolated pockets of Airbenders survive by either hiding their abilities or by constantly being on the move. Hope may seem low, but a new discovery has recently been made by the Continental Fire Clan within a dormant volcano: The Last Earthbender and the Avatar! However, While the Avatar has mastered Earthbending , He is merely a child who can barely see in the bright light. but with the right teachers, it is believed that the Avatar can stop Water Emperor Kaito and save the world.
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Various clips from Nostalgia Critic Reviews
Walker: It takes a while for Buster to prove that he is not actually Jessica.
Buster Spencer as a clone of his older sister Jessica Spencer (Naomi Watts): Down below was smaller as it is but...
Walker: Wait? Did he reference his DICK?!
The clip repeats.
Walker: YOU ARE SICK MOVIE. YOU. ARE. SICK.
- The Hot Chick (1996)
Walker: I mean, why would people not see a legit Speed 4 like this?
Milkman (in the episode): Because it's shite.
Walker: I suppose it probably would be.
- Top 11 Father Ted Episodes: #5: Speed 3
Doug Walker: I get that a lot of Britishers prefer Ringo Starr as the narrator. And that's natural since this is a British show. But Ringo usually sounds kind of like he just woke from surgery most of the time. George meanwhile is far more lively and enthusiastic. I mean, just listen to this line as performed by Ringo...
Ringo Starr (as a stationmaster's wife in Thomas Comes to Breakfast): Look what you've done to our breakfast!"
Doug Walker: Compared to George's version...
George Carlin's version of the same quote.
Doug Walker: Also, I just have to give credit to the most American, foul-mouthed actor who can still give a convincing Scottish Accent...
George Carlin (as Douglas in Break Van): Well, well, well. Surely James it was nae you!
- Top 11 Nostalgic Narrators; #1: George Carlin in Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends
Reiko Asakawa (played by Nanako Matsushima; voiced by Jodi Benson): A dialect? From where exactly?
Principal Skinner (voiced by Harry Shearer): Uhh... Upstate New York.
- Old Vs. New: Ringu vs. The Ring
Honestly though, I can see Awdry's publishers getting pissy if Annie or Clarable said something like this...
Pat Musick as Buffy over a clip of Annie: Come and bite my burgers. I'm hot and cheap and quick!
Rev. W. Awdry: No.
- Starlight Express
Walker: It takes a while for Buster to prove that he is not actually Jessica.
Buster Spencer as a clone of his older sister Jessica Spencer (Naomi Watts): Down below was smaller as it is but...
Walker: Wait? Did he reference his DICK?!
The clip repeats.
Walker: YOU ARE SICK MOVIE. YOU. ARE. SICK.
- The Hot Chick (1996)
Walker: I mean, why would people not see a legit Speed 4 like this?
Milkman (in the episode): Because it's shite.
Walker: I suppose it probably would be.
- Top 11 Father Ted Episodes: #5: Speed 3
Doug Walker: I get that a lot of Britishers prefer Ringo Starr as the narrator. And that's natural since this is a British show. But Ringo usually sounds kind of like he just woke from surgery most of the time. George meanwhile is far more lively and enthusiastic. I mean, just listen to this line as performed by Ringo...
Ringo Starr (as a stationmaster's wife in Thomas Comes to Breakfast): Look what you've done to our breakfast!"
Doug Walker: Compared to George's version...
George Carlin's version of the same quote.
Doug Walker: Also, I just have to give credit to the most American, foul-mouthed actor who can still give a convincing Scottish Accent...
George Carlin (as Douglas in Break Van): Well, well, well. Surely James it was nae you!
- Top 11 Nostalgic Narrators; #1: George Carlin in Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends
Reiko Asakawa (played by Nanako Matsushima; voiced by Jodi Benson): A dialect? From where exactly?
Principal Skinner (voiced by Harry Shearer): Uhh... Upstate New York.
- Old Vs. New: Ringu vs. The Ring
Honestly though, I can see Awdry's publishers getting pissy if Annie or Clarable said something like this...
Pat Musick as Buffy over a clip of Annie: Come and bite my burgers. I'm hot and cheap and quick!
Rev. W. Awdry: No.
- Starlight Express
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Here's a little something for my planned pop culture TL...
TV Trope's page for Creator/Henry Banks
Henry Andrew Banks (born June 7, 1976) is one of the most iconic of the newer members of Disney's animation team. His own family has a long history of working with Disney, his father Roger Herbert "Robert" was a member of Don Bluth's team who famously animated Mr. Mole in Thumbelina, Skimbleshanks in Cats. Henry was inspired by his father Robert after he saved the life of actress Judith Barsi, and applied to the art school at the California Institute of the Arts.
Banks graduated from CalArts in 1998 and became an animator at Walt Disney Productions. His first taks was to create several sketches for the character Mushu in the 1998 film Mulan. Though eventually he instead ended up animating Nuka, Fed Asmiren's character in The Lion King: Simba's Pride. His continued success would continue when he animated the corrupt, zealous Mr. Hater in 2001's Mistress Masham's Respose. He also went on to animate Polgara when Don Bluth adapted the Belgariad book series.
Since then however, he as become particularly well crafted in animating various characters in Disney's adaptations of Nintendo IPs. Of particular note is his role as a director and artist in 2010's Super Mario Bros and its 2012 TV series continuation Super Mario Bros: The Animated Series. Around the same time he worked on 2012's Merida of the Dunbroch, where he designed many of the title character's outfits during the film and also animated Bear!Queen Eleanor.
He is also married to actress Judith Barsi, whom has since gone on to become an actress in both live-action features and other Disney features made since Don Bluth's rise to Creative Symbol in 1998.
Topes that apply to Henry Banks:
TV Trope's page for Creator/Henry Banks
Henry Andrew Banks (born June 7, 1976) is one of the most iconic of the newer members of Disney's animation team. His own family has a long history of working with Disney, his father Roger Herbert "Robert" was a member of Don Bluth's team who famously animated Mr. Mole in Thumbelina, Skimbleshanks in Cats. Henry was inspired by his father Robert after he saved the life of actress Judith Barsi, and applied to the art school at the California Institute of the Arts.
Banks graduated from CalArts in 1998 and became an animator at Walt Disney Productions. His first taks was to create several sketches for the character Mushu in the 1998 film Mulan. Though eventually he instead ended up animating Nuka, Fed Asmiren's character in The Lion King: Simba's Pride. His continued success would continue when he animated the corrupt, zealous Mr. Hater in 2001's Mistress Masham's Respose. He also went on to animate Polgara when Don Bluth adapted the Belgariad book series.
Since then however, he as become particularly well crafted in animating various characters in Disney's adaptations of Nintendo IPs. Of particular note is his role as a director and artist in 2010's Super Mario Bros and its 2012 TV series continuation Super Mario Bros: The Animated Series. Around the same time he worked on 2012's Merida of the Dunbroch, where he designed many of the title character's outfits during the film and also animated Bear!Queen Eleanor.
He is also married to actress Judith Barsi, whom has since gone on to become an actress in both live-action features and other Disney features made since Don Bluth's rise to Creative Symbol in 1998.
Topes that apply to Henry Banks:
- Affectionate Nickname: His thrifty attitube towards money has led many in his ranks to call him "The Hank Bank."
- Author Appeal: Big Friendly Dog, Beary Friendly, Cool Train, Food Porn, Scenery Porn, True Blue Femininity are all frequent in his works.
- Black Comedy: Lots of his humor in the works he wrote as opposed to merely animating involves characters being killed, or otherwise injured, in over-the-top ways. However, many of the more gruesome deaths are for Asshole Victims or villains.
- Cool Train: As mentioned before, this came from his childhood near Roanoke, Virginia. A major rail hub for the Pennsylvania Railroad's former Norfolk & Western lines. He especially has a fondness for steam engines since he often would see the numerous steam excursions from his home in Christiansburg.
- Cool Uncle: His own opinion of his Uncle Phil.
- Crosses The Line Twice: He stated in a Comic-con interview that in his mind, Toilet Humor is rarely funny unless the humor comes from the reactions of the characters as opposed to anything else. Bonus points in his eyes if said reaction is an act of Disproportionate Retribution.
- Deadpan Snarker: Many of his characters tend to be this. But none so much as he himself when it comes to his opinions on old shows or things he dislikes.
- Happily Married: To actress Heather O'Rourke.
- Jerkass Has A Point: In many of his works, the ruder characters tend to often be correct in their statements about the situation at hand.
- Jerk with a Heart of Gold: Most of his co-workers agree that at his worst, he is rather blunt in his critiques. But otherwise he is a great friend to all of them, and already willing to chip in when his advice or help is requested.
- One of Us: Henry has been a long-time fan of The Muppets and The Railway Series. The former coming from his fondness for eccentric character designs, and the latter from growing up in Christiansburg, Virginia; near the major railroad town of Roanoke.
- He is also a pretty big fan of SuperHero and Newspaper Comics, but especially of Carl Barks' Donald Duck comics.
- Nice Guy: At his best, he is still seen by his co-workers as a friendly fellow who is willing to hear the ideas of anyone he holds conversation with.
- Promoted Fanboy: Was chosen to be a major figure in the production of Disney's Nintendo adaptations specifically because he is such a big fan of the Mario games.
- Take That!: Several short films he has animated and his own comments have notoriously brutal digs towards John Kricfalusi, who he has famously called "Cuck-a-loony" on several occasions. What's notable is that despite debating heavily various social views, Billy West has since more or less stolen the nickname from Henry.
- He also does not like Woody Allen. Considering him a creep who ought to have been put in prison years ago.
- He also has criticized Seth MacFarlane's shows after Larry and Steve. However, he has become softer towards Seth and even apologized for some of the harsher criticisms about his work ever since his viewing of the film Ted. Which he praised for sending the CGI character-live action film sub-genre "back where it belongs": Hell.
- Vitriolic Best Buds: While he and Billy West are ready to joke about each other's social views, they still are good friends. Especially when it comes to bashing John K, or sharing their fondest moments of working on Nintendo adaptation.
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I put that as a side event in one of my TLs, but this would make a good WI thread.
That is why i'm asking, you got a very nice idea in that regard buddy
This is a little yingette from a certain TL of @RySenkari and @Nivek.
TV Tropes’ YMMV page for Thomas the Tank Engine 2010
TV Tropes’ YMMV page for Thomas the Tank Engine 2010
- Awesome Music: Not counting the re-compositions of various songs from the Model Series, we have Andrew Lloyd Webber’s contributions.
- Big, Blue, and Proud.
- Broken Base: Wether the show is really as Truer to the Text as it claims to be is often debated. Those who believe so point to many key details and characters that the original series Adapted Out being returned. While those who don’t think so cite the growth of creative liberties like new characters such as Rita and Bridget.
- Fandom Rivalry: Fans of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Dora the Explorer are not pleased about Thomas beating them as the most popular preschool brand. Thomas fans have also been known to take jabs at those two shows and other generic modern preschool shows, often referring to them as The Unlucky Tug put it: "Fructose-laced".
- Friendly Fandoms: Fans of Thomas tend to get extraordinarily well with those of Bob the Builder. As both are realistic portrayals of sentient machinery, and place heavy value on their stories. It helps that many writers and actors have worked on both shows, including when the latter's creator Keith Chapman joined production in Season 2.
- Fans of this show and PAW Patrol tend to get along fairly amicably. What also helps is that the latter was more or less the death nail to the Fake Interactivity that pre-school shows were once notorious for. Both also have the dubious honor of being accused of heavy anti-diversity themes, though in Thomas' case it usually has more to do with the historical context under which its source material was written.
- Growing the Beard: Most people will agree that the show really crafted its own identity during its adaptations of Henry the Green Engine. Which really set up various darker plot lines in the future. Not to mention making 98462 more a of a genuine villain as opposed to a slimy Jerkass.
- The second season cemented this further with its introduction of the Skarloey Railway, Duck, and the Scottish Twins. As well as expanding on Rita, Bridget, and many other villains.
- He Really Can Act: Almost all the actors tend to carry very strong emotion throughout the series. But especially notable is Nigel Pilkington's performance in Stepney the Bluebell Engine when Percy is devastated by news of dieselization in various railways across the western world.
- Moral Event Horizon: Mr. Lennox was already a stubborn, careless, Jerkass. But where he crosses the line is likely when he starts Thomas early, and shows no care when a workman who was checking Thomas’ whistle nearly died.
- 98462 crossed it when he tried to have Henry wrecked, then scrapped, in The Flying Kipper.
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