Mechatalk Final Gear: Ghost in the Shell Special

 The Second Final Gear Mechatalk Crossover edition is here! The 19th Final Gear Mechatalk is dedicated for the Cyberpunk Ghost in the Shell series featuring Major Motoko Kusanagi kicking some asses with Tachikoma accompanied by her ever loyal buddy, Buddy in the world of Final Gear. GITS Collab event is actually quite a special case because it is one of the Final Gear collab event that apparently never made it in Mainland China because the original GITS is one of those IPs that got trouble with censorship just like Psycho Pass. Still wonder why series like Evangelion and Sakura Taisen can make it safely even though some of the themes from those two IPs could easily ruffle feathers with the Censorship too.

 Back in early 2022 when Final Gear still active with their contents even though mismanaged and rushed, Ghost in the Shell is the second Collab event that came out a month after 1st Evangelion Collab event. Apparently Final Gear uses the Netflix Ghost in the Shell 2045 as the collab source material which is not exactly the best pick due to mixed reception of the original point, however the anime rendition of this version makes it a moot. 

 Final Gear Ghost in the Shell Collab feature 2 Limited units recruitable from banners along with 1 Welfare. Major Motoko and the new character Purin Ezaki served as the limited character from the event debuting as SSR Light Shooter and Bomber class unit respectively whereas Batou made his appearance as welfare SSR Demolisher Class.

 Overall the GiTS collab event is the standard Final Gear monthly event with some extra flairs which was still palatable at its time. However the flawed design of Final Gear's monetization begin to become apparent in this collab event, alienating some of Final Gear player base. To put it simply while the limited SSR can be obtained within 15000 Crystals which is 2 months worth of grinding, In order to obtain the sufficient amount of Sequence to raise a single Limited unit's potential to the fullest, most players will need 45000 Crystals which is triple the amount of normal SSR, something that would have been reserved for UR units. Also during GiTS Collab event, there was no proper Sequence pack that events like Sakura Taisen had which forces player to Whale if they want their maxed Major Motoko Kusanagi.

  Lastly from the Final Gear original character side, I never expected Mackenzie did playa role in this collab event and only thought Imperia is the only one who made the appearance serving as the main boss of the event. This is because it is only until way later in Final Gear's lifetime that

 In this particular Mechatalk I will only discuss Motoko and Batou since I didn't pull Purin back then who was one of the few healer units in the early days of Final Gear.

 The main heroine of Ghost in the Shell, Major Motoko made her appearance as SSR Light Shooter character in Final Gear riding on top of the Iconic Blue Tachikoma. Taking after the GiTS 2045 version, veteran seiyuu Atsuko Tanaka returns to reprise the role for Major after Maaya Sakamoto served as the seiyuu for a brief period. From what I know in GiTS 2045, Major Motoko had left Section 9 to lead a life of mercenary but either rejoin or served as contractor for Section 9 in the Netflix adaptation. 

 Major Motoko was one of my Backbone unit in my early days of Final Gear. Her kit pretty much allows her to be hard hitting unit with her Crits which only hampered by her low ammo count and high rate of fire. Nevertheless Major Motoko served me faithfully as Top DPS over the period of 6 months until I got Noctris and truly replaced when I got Ruby. I can't exactly say I have easy time in PVP scene with Major Motoko being my strongest unit for a period of time but I did appreciate her effort carrying me through bulk of Final Gear content which is why I dedicate a mechatalk article for her collab event.

 Compared to her Stand Alone Complex version, Major Motoko 2045's version's appearance can appear to be underwhelming. But given her main character treatment, Major Motoko had a premium paid skin complete with exclusive background that had her perfect physique of femme fatale reminiscent from SAC times.

 The ever loyal companion of Major Motoko, Batou comes in Final Gear as welfare SSR Demolisher with the Tanky version of Tachikoma. Once served Military Ranger, Batou ended up joining Section 9 at some point and engaged a deadly encounter with Major Motoko in one of the overseas operation. Batou held a special bond with GITS Iconic AI Tank Tachikoma as he is one of the most caring member toward them which are particularly shown in SAC Season 1. Apparently the new character in GiTS 2045 Purin Ezaki which is the other limited unit had a crush toward Batou.

 To be honest just like other Welfare units in Final Gear, you won't expect much from him since his DPS is rather pitiful with his low ammo count and base damage. Batou's Tachikoma would server well as starter unit with his beefy inital BP stats but nothing more than that.

 Back in its Debut, GiTS Collab unit provide some nice value for Final Gear Players, Motoko with her DPS, Purin for Early Healer units and Batou as welfare starter. The GiTS Collab units held up quite well at least until Natural UR units starting making their debut. Back then SSR Motoko can shred most SSR units barring the tankiest Defenders. But just like other Collab units, Major Motoko is rendered impotent when facing the likes of Zero/Ruby. In any case SSR Motoko easily belong to Top 5 Collab units along with Striker Rei, Demolisher Iris, Bomber Shinji and Striker Sakura. I think if minmaxed, Major Motoko DPS could easily reach 100m level but due to poorly made event design that makes her upgrade drops more difficult than necessary mine is only stuck at 46 million.

 Despite Major Motoko has not seen in use anymore in my team as I didn't have sufficient materials to let her reach her fullest potential, I am still thankful for the service she rendered for a brief period and wouldn't mind another GiTS Collab if Final Gear ever find some way to resurrect from its dying status. With the Final Gear crossover series done, Final Gear Mechatalk will keep proceeding as usual until the game inevitably close down.