| Silhouette Mirage |
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Silhouette Mirage is a and published by ESP on July 23, 1998 in Japan , and by Working Designs on December 31, 1999 in the U.S. {Link without Title} STORY The setting is (presumably) planet Earth, during a post-apocalyptic year 2000. Prior to the events in the game, a group of scientists conducted genetic experiments in a great facility called Edo. From their activities emerged the two attributes: ''Silhouette'' and ''Mirage''. These aspects manifested in a child named ''Armageddon'' (Clod). The two aspects were based on the dualistic nature of Yin and Yang: One's existence is crucial to the other's. Despite the complementary nature of the attributes, they repelled each other. As a result, Armageddon's attributes split to form two pure figures: ''Megido'' and ''Har'', respectively the self-proclaimed Silhouette and Mirage leaders. Eventually, the genetic experiments resulted in a biological explosion which contaminated the genetic structure of all entities on Earth. Many perished, and those that survived displayed either of the two attributes (a special group, called ''Proteans'', can display both attributes). In preparation for this disaster, the computer system Gehena created a being known as 'The Messenger of Justice' (hostile figures dubbed her 'Messenger of Destruction'), designed to repair Edo's computer's system and neutralise all the instances of the two attributes. GAMEPLAY The game is an action side-scroller similar to '' Gunstar Heroes '' (while that game is a Run And Gun on the other hand). What makes the game unique is that it works the concept of the two attributes into the game: A figure inflicted by an attack whose attribute differs from it suffers Power damage, and has its spirit (similar to MP) absorbed when inflicted by same-type attacks (it is never absorbed in the Japanese version). The game is quite difficult to finish completely, especially in the English version. Most of the initial options are locked and can only be modified if you complete the following five tasks below.
''note'' - You can only fight Armageddon (Clod) after you defeat Zohar as Cypher Za-Zohar or Cypher Ha-Zohar.
''note'' - You can only fight Geluve after defeating Serah. Silhouette Mirage is filled with biblical allusions. In the original Japanese version almost all the characters and places are named after places and figures from the Bible. In order for it to be accepted in the American market, some of the names were changed. CHARACTERS (AND THEIR JAPANESE NAMES) Shyna Nera Shyna (Sinna Neutlarva Sinner) The protagonist, a tiny woman possessing Silhouette attribute on one side and Mirage on the other, and equipped with a winged hat and an arsenal of 'parasite' weapons to aid her in battle. Shyna more than makes up for her lack of size with resourcefulness and cunning, allowing her to defeat enemies many times larger or more powerful than she is. Shyna feels that it is her singular duty to repair Edo, but doesn't seem to have any future plans after that for she seems to wander without purpose regardless of which two endings you chose from. Shyna's appearance is a nod to the god Hermes , and the fact that she has been charged with the task of being a messenger for the restoration of Edo. She claims to be the ''Messenger of Justice'', but everyone she encounters has been convinced that she is a ''Messenger of Destruction''. That the restoration of Edo will in effect revert Earth back to the way it was before Armageddon, removing the attributes and erasing all of the events that have transpired since from history suggests that she could also be considered the latter, despite the annoyance she expresses at the 'misnomer'. Gehena (Gehenna) A computer system which communicates to Shyna telepathically via an unemotional female voice. (the voice in the Japanese version is male, and more quirky-sounding) Gehena announces bulletins to keep Shyna updated on the things she encounters during her journey. It is named after the ancient Hebrew underworld/ Hell . SILHOUETTES Silhouettes wield massive physical strength and shadow energy, and most are not all that intelligent. There are exceptions...
Megido Birthclod Leader of the Silhouettes and also the most powerful, Megido is a masculine, snappishly-dressed foil to his counterpart Hal, simultaneously cultured and unpredictable in nature. Megido supports Shyna out of his desire to return things to "the old way", or possibly in the hopes that she will be able to defeat Hal and his ever-encroaching Mirage forces. Like his brethren, Megido likes to be physical, though most of his claw attacks come in the form of waves and shuriken. His name is a reference to the proposed final battlefield of Armageddon in the Book Of Revelations . MIRAGES Mirages are more intelligent and technically-inclined than the Silhouettes, but lack endurance. They use machines to attack Shyna.
Har (Hal) Birthclod Leader of the Mirages. He prides himself to be able to hack into any computer system and create artificial lifeforms known as 'Guardian Angels' which are like Proteans. Unlike his brother, Hal doesn't come to realise the benevolence of Shyna's success and wants the world to stay the way it is so that he can rule all (including the Silhouettes). A looming being with an elegant, painted face, Hal appears to have no body beneath the decorative mantle that he wears, and instead uses wire-like tentacles to perform his activities, communicating with his minions through a series of holographic screens that surround him. His name may be a tribute to the dominating computer . However, his name is also a reference to the proposed final battlefield of Armageddon (Har Megiddo in Hebrew) in the Book Of Revelations , hence the confusion in his underlings between Hal and Har. ZOHAR A Protean which acts as Hal's right-hand man/woman. Zohar possesses both attributes, but changes in gender according to the attribute. Later, it is revealed that Zohar is a Guardian Angel, and is reverted to his/her true state as Cypher Ha-Zohar (Silhouette) and Cypher Za-Zohar (Mirage). Zohar Metatron (Silhouette, Male) like most Silhouettes, is physical and hotheaded. Fittingly, he wields a sabre. Zohar Sandalphon (Mirage, Female) on the other hand isn't as impulsive but likes to crack harsh but witty remarks on Shyna. She wields a pistol. Zohar's true gender is an issue of speculation among fans. While Zohar's gender is seemingly confirmed as male by other characters in the game (whom refer to Zohar solely as "he"), there is a point during which Har refers to Zohar as ''"son"'' or ''"daughter"'' depending on which attribute Zohar is expressing at the time. It is quite likely that Zohar possesses no true gender at all, effectively making him/her an Androgyne . Zohar's two forms are named after Metatron and Sandalphon , the acclaimed "twin angels" in biblical mythology. GUARDIAN ANGELS
ARMAGEDDON (CLOD) As mentioned above, Armageddon was the result of genetic experiments in Edo. Appearing as a small child with long hair and features similar to Shyna. After Hal (whose true name is "Har") and Megido split from Armageddon's combined attributes (ArMageddon/Har-Megido), Armageddon went in a stasis state within Edo. Not much is known about Armageddon, though it is likely he/she was the first specimen to successfully display perfect balance of both attributes before the disaster. It is speculated that Armageddon may be Shyna's sibling, though it is unclear whether this was an allusion to their biological siblinghood or merely a reference to their equal status as pawns of the Edo scientists. Armageddon's English name is derived from the apocalyptic event in the Book of Revelations. SHYNA'S PARASITES These beings help Shyna shoot various projectile styles and are obtained from various Hare Warez shops in the game. In keeping with the game's biblical theme, each were named after the Seven Deadly Sins in the Japanese version to compliment their natures.
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