Post by osumatthew on Sept 16, 2018 17:40:05 GMT -8
So, I was curious to hear what peoples' thoughts were regarding which of the members of Starnova were most deserving of being named the center, based primarily off of the two main criteria mentioned in the story (perseverance through the trials faced by the team and who had worked the hardest). I've tried to be as (reasonably) objective as possible, but since my list roughly corresponds to how I'd personally rank the girls, I want to be transparent about my possible biases. I've only completed 2 routes so far, so most of this analysis is based around the information available in the common route, which works since that's what we have to go by at the time of choosing the center. My list, from most to least worthy, would likely be:
1. Mika: She's certainly not the most skilled or talented out of the girls, but she definitely meets the criteria to be named as center. She not only came from a position where she had no prior experience in the idol industry (or any other entertainment industry) beyond what she saw in Black Opera, but in fact is terrified by people and real life in general. She makes mistakes and is held in disdain by several of the other girls (particularly Aki). And yet, she develops from essentially a self admitted NEET to a talented, successful, notably recognized idol. The amount of effort required for this, as well as the tenacity to get back up every time she's knocked down firmly cement her as being the most worthy of being named as center.
2. Mariya: On the other end of the spectrum we have Mariya, who has plenty of experience in the idol industry, but is completely worn out and who recognizes that she is indeed near the end of her idol career. She's 25, a chronic alcoholic and tobacco user, and lacks even a full middle school education. She's held in contempt by at least Aki and Julie because of her age and the notion that she's essentially wasted her chance at being a successful idol. Despite all of this, she changes herself (to some extent), largely abandoning her vices after the group's first live and serving excellently in her role as the team's general manager and initial center. Her body itself is almost unable to perform her duties as an idol, and yet she pushes ahead despite that, serving as the experienced heart of the group until the potential change in center. This makes her a clear pick as the second most worthy girl for the center position.
3. Aki: She might be a jerk most of the time, but the resident "Shit loli" actually cares deeply for the group, and easily puts the most visible effort into becoming an idol. It's her one and only dream to become the top idol in the country, and she's willing to give up anything, to do anything, and to work harder than anyone else to achieve that goal. However, being the industry veteran, most of the job of being an idol comes naturally to Aki, far moreso than it does for most of the others. Despite her clear advantages, she's unforgiving of the others (at least initially) and doesn't seem to understand why they can't have her expertise and talent. She's vain, entitled, and has an abrasive personality that pushes others away, even if she actually does care inside. She definitely has the makings of a great center, and she'll no doubt reach that position eventually, but at the time of decision she still has much to learn before being ready to take the leadership role for the group.
4. Nattan: For most of the remaining girls, I don't really have strong feelings (other than the last, but we'll get to that), largely because we don't actually get to see much in the common route that actually qualifies them for the center spot. Nattan comes closest, as she's had to give up her previous life in the country in order to move to the city for her shot at idoldom. She lacks any kind of tact initially and has to learn the proper skills to truly blossom into a true member of Starnova. Unfortunately, she really never shows any kind of true dedication to her calling. She continuously tries to curry favor with the Producer through various means, whether ethical or not, and has the advantage of being in peak physical condition. In fact, the only major hardship she suffers in the common route that I can recall is a scrape on her leg before the initial live, certainly an uncomfortable and painful thing to have to deal with in a performance, but a trifle for someone with her physical abilities. Thus, she can't reach the upper half of the cast in terms of worthiness for the center job.
5. Sasami: I don't really have much to say about Sasami. She's always there to help the group pull together and is naive to a fault, though this is an endearing trait rather than something to be ridiculed. And while she certainly had a rough time of it with Golden Calf, since the people who work there are scummy enough to try sexually assaulting her, her time with Starnova doesn't really ever require any effort or sacrifice. Her obligations are pretty much limited to helping out her parents at home, and there really isn't any incredible adversity that truly tests her resolve. Her leadership skills are indisputable, as the "Lamb of Starnova" certainly holds the title of the group's soul and conscience, but she just doesn't ever really demonstrate any behavior matching the criteria for the center role.
6. Julie: Ah, the "top bitch" of Starnova. She suffers from the same issues as the previous two girls, namely the lack of any major sacrifice, test of mettle, or extraordinary dedication that would indicate her worthiness to lead the group. In fact, she's pretty much just there most of the time. She's gone through life relying on her looks, and besides being a master manipulator she doesn't demonstrate any particular leadership qualities. Her manipulative nature manages to keep her in the group after initially being caught working as essentially an escort, but giving up that "job" hardly qualifies as a substantial sacrifice. Honestly, maybe playing through her route would reveal more of her personality, but just from the common, she doesn't really have any claim to being the center.
7. Nemunemu: Take all the problems of the last three girls, and stack them together. With that, you'll get why Nemunemu is the least worthy of being the center of Starnova. She's essentially perfect; great physical appearance and ability, a wealthy family to support her, and the capacity to adapt to the needs of being an idol all make her a valuable part of Starnova. But, she doesn't have to put in any real effort. Everything seems to come naturally to Nemu, and I can't recall a single moment of true misfortune for her. Sure, she feuds with her mother over her aspirations of being an idol, even being kidnapped after running away. But, she never really has to give anything up. She's still supported by her family and doesn't lose anything in the pursuit of her dream. Add to that a notable lack of leadership ability, and it's easy for me to name her as the least deserving of being Starnova's center.
But, those are just my opinions and analyses. I'd love to hear what others think!
1. Mika: She's certainly not the most skilled or talented out of the girls, but she definitely meets the criteria to be named as center. She not only came from a position where she had no prior experience in the idol industry (or any other entertainment industry) beyond what she saw in Black Opera, but in fact is terrified by people and real life in general. She makes mistakes and is held in disdain by several of the other girls (particularly Aki). And yet, she develops from essentially a self admitted NEET to a talented, successful, notably recognized idol. The amount of effort required for this, as well as the tenacity to get back up every time she's knocked down firmly cement her as being the most worthy of being named as center.
2. Mariya: On the other end of the spectrum we have Mariya, who has plenty of experience in the idol industry, but is completely worn out and who recognizes that she is indeed near the end of her idol career. She's 25, a chronic alcoholic and tobacco user, and lacks even a full middle school education. She's held in contempt by at least Aki and Julie because of her age and the notion that she's essentially wasted her chance at being a successful idol. Despite all of this, she changes herself (to some extent), largely abandoning her vices after the group's first live and serving excellently in her role as the team's general manager and initial center. Her body itself is almost unable to perform her duties as an idol, and yet she pushes ahead despite that, serving as the experienced heart of the group until the potential change in center. This makes her a clear pick as the second most worthy girl for the center position.
3. Aki: She might be a jerk most of the time, but the resident "Shit loli" actually cares deeply for the group, and easily puts the most visible effort into becoming an idol. It's her one and only dream to become the top idol in the country, and she's willing to give up anything, to do anything, and to work harder than anyone else to achieve that goal. However, being the industry veteran, most of the job of being an idol comes naturally to Aki, far moreso than it does for most of the others. Despite her clear advantages, she's unforgiving of the others (at least initially) and doesn't seem to understand why they can't have her expertise and talent. She's vain, entitled, and has an abrasive personality that pushes others away, even if she actually does care inside. She definitely has the makings of a great center, and she'll no doubt reach that position eventually, but at the time of decision she still has much to learn before being ready to take the leadership role for the group.
4. Nattan: For most of the remaining girls, I don't really have strong feelings (other than the last, but we'll get to that), largely because we don't actually get to see much in the common route that actually qualifies them for the center spot. Nattan comes closest, as she's had to give up her previous life in the country in order to move to the city for her shot at idoldom. She lacks any kind of tact initially and has to learn the proper skills to truly blossom into a true member of Starnova. Unfortunately, she really never shows any kind of true dedication to her calling. She continuously tries to curry favor with the Producer through various means, whether ethical or not, and has the advantage of being in peak physical condition. In fact, the only major hardship she suffers in the common route that I can recall is a scrape on her leg before the initial live, certainly an uncomfortable and painful thing to have to deal with in a performance, but a trifle for someone with her physical abilities. Thus, she can't reach the upper half of the cast in terms of worthiness for the center job.
5. Sasami: I don't really have much to say about Sasami. She's always there to help the group pull together and is naive to a fault, though this is an endearing trait rather than something to be ridiculed. And while she certainly had a rough time of it with Golden Calf, since the people who work there are scummy enough to try sexually assaulting her, her time with Starnova doesn't really ever require any effort or sacrifice. Her obligations are pretty much limited to helping out her parents at home, and there really isn't any incredible adversity that truly tests her resolve. Her leadership skills are indisputable, as the "Lamb of Starnova" certainly holds the title of the group's soul and conscience, but she just doesn't ever really demonstrate any behavior matching the criteria for the center role.
6. Julie: Ah, the "top bitch" of Starnova. She suffers from the same issues as the previous two girls, namely the lack of any major sacrifice, test of mettle, or extraordinary dedication that would indicate her worthiness to lead the group. In fact, she's pretty much just there most of the time. She's gone through life relying on her looks, and besides being a master manipulator she doesn't demonstrate any particular leadership qualities. Her manipulative nature manages to keep her in the group after initially being caught working as essentially an escort, but giving up that "job" hardly qualifies as a substantial sacrifice. Honestly, maybe playing through her route would reveal more of her personality, but just from the common, she doesn't really have any claim to being the center.
7. Nemunemu: Take all the problems of the last three girls, and stack them together. With that, you'll get why Nemunemu is the least worthy of being the center of Starnova. She's essentially perfect; great physical appearance and ability, a wealthy family to support her, and the capacity to adapt to the needs of being an idol all make her a valuable part of Starnova. But, she doesn't have to put in any real effort. Everything seems to come naturally to Nemu, and I can't recall a single moment of true misfortune for her. Sure, she feuds with her mother over her aspirations of being an idol, even being kidnapped after running away. But, she never really has to give anything up. She's still supported by her family and doesn't lose anything in the pursuit of her dream. Add to that a notable lack of leadership ability, and it's easy for me to name her as the least deserving of being Starnova's center.
But, those are just my opinions and analyses. I'd love to hear what others think!
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