It's not often that I come to anymore, or leave reviews on stories, for that matter...

I found Eternal Arcadia about 5 days ago, linked on the fanfic recommendations for Skies on TVTropes, and it has taken all of my free time since that point to read through all 36 of its' chapters-- 35 if you don't count the prologue.

Reading this fic inspired me to play through Skies of Arcadia again, reading your version while playing the same parts in the original-- from exploring the temple of Pyrynn or plumbing the depths of the Moonstone Mines in Ixa'taka, to exploring Mount Kazai in Yafutoma, or the trek through the dead city of Glacia.

I can say firmly, then, after experiencing both side-by-side, one for the first time, the other for the third time, that you have managed to impressively retell the story of Skies of Arcadia, bringing new life to the setting, the characters, the locales-- you took that lack that remained in the original game, that sense that the game needed a scaling up in size, and you ran with it, creating a story awe-inspiring enough that I cannot tell if I love the story or the original game more.

You fleshed out the characters in this story on a much deeper scale than the game ever dared, and somehow managed to make me nostalgic for the very game that I ended up playing through, while I played through it.

However, it seems that I've come across this gem a bit late; seven months since the last update to either the fic or the livejournal link provided for updates, and with nary a word of progress or thought.

It is for this reason that I chose to write a review of this story.

It is very, very rare for me to come across fanfiction written as well as this, and even more so for me to be engrossed by one that is a simple retelling of a story I've already known for a long time.

So please... don't let this story go unfinished, I beg you. It has captured my attention and my love for longer than even some games manage, and I find myself truly anticipating where you'll take the story of Arcadia next... lord knows you've done wonderful things to it so far.

Ah, but I'm starting to ramble on, aren't I. I have no idea if you're even still around to see this, but if this review should manage to find you...

Your readers are still here. And eagerly awaiting the next chapter.

-Zero9g9

Hey, I love this story! I think this last chapter is my favorite so far! Can we get an update on your progress, please? Just to see how you're doing and stuff :3

Truely an awesome story so far! I love skies of arcadia and can hardly wait for the next chapter! i have really enjoyed how you have fleshed out the original plot, and eagerly await the battle with ramirez!

terripotter5 x

*flails and wibbles and wails*

Dear gods, this is perfect. Beyond perfect. You take the plot of the game and you bring it HOME, from the terror of the Dark Rift to the agonizing grief of Rhaknam's death to the horror and beauty of the Old Wars... and then you make it -better- by giving us Belleza and Enrique and Moegi, fleshing them out and making them real, and Aika and Fina and Vyse and Gilder and just ... everyone.

And the BACKSTORY, my GOD yes. So very very very much love.

...When I came to the end of this chapter I wailed out loud. That I know how the game ends is of no relevance; there's still so much to tell!

Thank you so much for sharing your diligence and creativity with us.

Love the depth that your story goes into about the situations and characters. The way you handle fight scenes from the game is phenomanal, though Vyse just recently learning magic is a little odd it makes sense that magic should require time, skill, and concentration. You've also reignited my interest in the story and I'm going to see if I can come up with something to post on this site, though not for a while longer. Vyse-Admiral is what I think I'll call it, your links to Ares Arcadia will be very helpful while I'm typing it up. Hope to be able to bounce ideas of of you when you post your next chapter! Please update soon!

sincerely,
Anonymous Phantom Writer (APW)

UWE HE HE, EXCELENT EXCELENT, VERY GOOD, FIVE STARS FROM ME, I LOVE HOW YOU PUT ALL THE PLOT TWIST ALL THE NEW IDEAS, AND WAY OF RETELLING THE STORY, YOU MADAM ARE A GREAT WRITER, I HOPE YOU KEEP THIS UP, YAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

OOH, MAYBE NOT THE PAIRING I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE, BUT I'M STILL GONNA READ THIS, YAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

UWE HE HE, I THOUGHT THIS WOULD BE A FINAxVYSE PAIRING, YAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

UWE HEE HEE, SO RAMIREZ AND FINA ARE RELATED IN THIS FIC, NICE TOUCH, YAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

...All I want to know is whether Vyse 'fesses up to Fina or not...

Alright, I'm kidding. (But I really do want to know...) Enrique is one of my favorite characters, and I like how you handle him in general, this chapter being another awesome addition to his character. The lore you manage to come up with using actual countries makes me ashamed to call myself a Skies fangirl. I actually remembered some of the references from Spanish and Latin class, which made it even more fun. I get this itching feeling that this fic might do for Skies what Dante and Milton did for the Bible--people begin to like the fanfic's elaborations over the actual thing (and we all know that all Dante and Milton were doing was writing fanfiction ;)). Sounds like gratuitous praise, but it's not that different if you think about it. SoA is just not as big a deal to "normal" people.

That being said, I can't wait to see Aika's bit. She's one of the more neglected characters in the series as far as the fanbase goes, so it'll be nice to see her get some showtime. Break a leg! (Because I no longer trust luck with these things.)

Now you've gone and done it. You've added a whole new dungeon that would have been awesome to play through and something taken out of Indiana Jones. I can really see it, Belleza with a whip being cased by bugs in an Ancient City. All she would need is a nice hat and I'm tempted to make a drawing of her like that after reading this chapter. Pretty good idea about how everyone in the party will learn there special S. Moves. Just don't let the chapters get too focused on that instead of character and plot development...otherwise you'll have Naruto.

I like Lady DragonStarr's ideas about what you could add. Though, some of these seem like they would best have a section set aside as they may deviate too much from the plot to count as chapters. Still brilliant nontheless.

Wow, just a wonderful chapter. It was worth waiting the extra time while you couldn't update. :) Long rambly review ahead:

I honestly re-read your whole story while at work a few days this week (on break of course ;)), and I must say, I do love how everything is tying in together so neatly. The whole chapter with Belleza and Enrique was exciting and I truly wish it had been part of the game. You had a great idea about the horrible insects; I was a bit repulsed by them in the game as well. I'm curious to see if we'll see a scene on where the two will get rid of them all for the safety of the citizens that could possibly be evacuated down there, but I'm more interested in what you have planned for the rest of the crew at the moment. Your idea on the way they have learning their super moves is great; I have a feeling I know what Vyse's will be, but I'm curious to see on what you do with Fina and Gilder, as you mentioned them in your post, especially Gilder. I'm looking forward for the attention you give him, I think he's long overdue for some attention. I'm also hoping for some Aika/Gilder moments, but I'm sure you have them planned out as well as Vyse/Fina moments as well.

As for adding in the extra stuff, I think that would be a good idea after the story is fully completed. It'd also be an incentive to have people re-read your story if you're squeezing in an extra scene here and there. I'm guessing you have other things you'd like to go back in and add, such as random discovery diversions or bounty fights that were missed, or even extra scenes in the dungeons. If you're up for a suggestion of extra material, I wouldn't mind seeing a ship fight between one of the four monsters around Arcadia that you can fight. Either that or more discovery adventuring or crew interactions. :)

I'll end this review now since I'm just rambling, but I see we're getting close to 50 chapters. I'm just curious, but do you have a set amount of chapters or are you going to end on whatever number you end on? Good luck having time to write and looking forward to more as always! :)

After reading your blurb about the chapter on your Dev Blog, I find myself thinking that the chapter is actually pretty good as is. A boss fight would be cool, but I don't think it's really necessary.

I do want to mention that Aika's final S-Move is Omega Psyclone, not Omega Flare. Whether that was a typo or you're actually changing the name, I don't know. I just wanted to put that out there.

very nice. i wouldnt mind seeing the rest. I do wonder what happens to ramirez, I still think you should find a very careful way to redeem him.

Wow, not only do I like the originality of this chapter but I also think it is an OUTSTANDING one as well. I like the inclusion of more Valuan and ancient Valuan (Dragonis as you call the Yellow Civilization) lore and the chase scene where Enrique and Belleza were running and fighting those parasitic bugs had me glued to my seat. I can't wait for the next "original chapter", hopefully you get back to Vyse, Aika, Fina, and Gilder in the Great Silver Shrine. Bdw, great way to extend your story and keep us waiting for updates. I will be both happy and sad at the same time when you finish the last chapter for Eternal Arcadia.