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All posts for the month August, 2012

Kuroko’s Basketball Episode 21

Posted by Mimi on August 30, 2012
Posted in: Kuroko's Basketball. 1 comment

Let’s Get Started

As a heads up, my posts are going to be slow up until next weekend. Exams, birthdays…you know. Life. Once everything calms down, I should be back to posting quickly. I also have a couple of movie reviews coming up for Berserk and Mardock Scramble: First Compression, so stay tuned for those. =)

Now on to last week’s episode! xD Riko is planning to take her team to the beach for practice. Their biggest concern? Food. Why female anime characters must always be such dreadful chefs is beyond me, but she’s definitely the worst I’ve seen in a while. I mean, her cooking must be pretty bad to almost send people to the afterlife. The bravest and poorest soul of them all, Hyuuga, consumed every bite just to show that he appreciated her hard work, only to collapse on the brink of death moments later. It’s up to Taiga to save the day and teach her how to make curry. Thank goodness for that.

Things get more interesting and funny when they try to play basketball on the sand. Silly Kuroko forgets that he can’t bounce the ball, and Taiga can’t do his spring jumps. But of course, Riko had a plan for them all along. Once they’re back on a regular court, everyone notices sudden improvement, like playing basketball had just become so much easier. Taiga has to restrain himself just so he won’t fly over the hoop. Riko makes him do extra physical work, which she knows will pay off eventually.

It turns out that Midorima and his team are there as well, so they have a quick practice game. Kuroko makes some unusual moves, as he’s still trying to find that new style. I’m not sure what it could be, but surly something other than passing. I think the message everyone’s been trying to send him is that he must be stronger in multiple areas and not depend on other players so much. Will he ever be able to stand on his own or play one-on-one?

The next episode preview shows…more training! But I’m excited to see Kise and Aomine in this one. ^-^

Gaming Review: Wild Arms 5

Posted by Alex on August 29, 2012
Posted in: Game Reviews. Leave a Comment

I’ve reviewed Wild Arms games before, and I like to start off by saying that the franchise is very special to me. The first game captivated me, besides being the first game I truely played, the plot of fantasy and adventure took me somewhere special. It was what got me into RPG’s and video games all that time ago, and ever since then, i’ve always seen the franchise as amazing. Be it the Wild West of the third game, the ambition of the fourth game, the politics of the PSP game or the plot and characters of the first game and it’s remake, there’s so much to rave about that it’s not even funny…and at this point, the franchise is under appreciated and under loved. I probably won’t change much, but i’d like to talk about why I think Wild Arms 5 is one of the best modern RPG’s out there (because we all know that there are some classics which just can’t be topped)

It’s hard to know where to begin here, if i’m honest. So I think it’s best that I start off with the plot. Wild Arms has always had a knack for combining a desolate, wild western themed setting with a ridiculously engaging sci-fi plot, and managed to create that feeling of adventure, mystique and journey in most of it’s games.This time around is no exception, with the  main thing this time around being that there are two races: humans, and ‘advanced’ humans, called Veruni. The Veruni, originally belonging to the planet, left 12,000 years before the game’s start, and thanks to the natural process of evolution, have become a different kind of human. Those who have mutated consider themselves to be superior to regular humans, and enslave them and force them through a tough lifestyle, using their advanced technology and the like.It’s different the the other instalments in the Wild Arms franchise, but it feels very fitting. Themes aside, it’s kept the fashion of the characters fighting with sci-fi weapons, guns and having magical powers, and there’s even cameo’s this time around.

The above screenshot doesn’t lie. Every major character in the franchise is brought back in their original roles, all taking a new lifestyle in the new setting. There is a good reason for why this probably happened, but that’s a ridiculously huge spoiler, so just consider them bonuses. So, yeah. There’s a wall between two races, and that becomes the theme of this game, as our main character, after setting out into the world in the hunt of forgotten and lost technology can’t stand the injustice between them, saying that everyone’s human inside. Innocent and cliched it may be, but there’s quite an astounding amount of character development around this to the point where it doesn’t feel like it’s just been tacked on, but like it belongs in the game. On the main characters journey, he gathers five other people who join him, and they set out on their journey. On top of having the goal of bringing the wall down, the second female lead is an amnesiac, hunting for somebody called Johnny Appleseed, since that’s the only thing she can remember. Everyone gets character based development towards the plots, and they even get a little extra.

Some of the characters are included to be cute, some are included to drive the plot forward, and some are included to be cool. However, by the end of your journey, none of them feel shallow or one dimensional, even your classic childhood friend. I’d dare to go as far as to say that the plot would fall flat on itself if it didn’t have the character development, and if you can’t pick up the hints, the characters all get some quotes for the in-battle situations. Rebecca, pictured above, has a particular quote about getting a reason to fight for, and it’s the little things like that that help you to realise and understand how the characters are all progressing forward on this journey.It’s all amazingly done, and I loved some of the scenes…as for which ones, well, anyone who plays it will know which ones =P

The battling itself is a major part of RPGs, and this game is no exception. It uses a unique hexagon based grid to battle on, where characters take it in turns to execute actions. I appreciate that it sounds rather dull, but the fast pace that goes into the battles means that you won’t spend very long on many of the monster encounters that you see around, thanks to the customization and job specification that goes into the game. Most games have a job system, where you have a thief, a cleric, a mage, a swordsman, and so forth…the brilliant thing about this game is that whilst it does have that, it’s something that you can edit at will. You can make any of your six characters anything, even have a team of six clerics if you’re stupid enough to try. You can also equip characters with badges, and up to five of them, all influencing how they handle and what they do. You can increase their HP, their Speed, or make it so that their critical hits become a special move. The only thing defining you is the weapon that each character holds, but that’s something that you can easily work around.

Wild Arms 5 does everything with style, grace, and one hell of a soundtrack. It tries to do a lot, and there are moments where you worry if it’ll manage to succeed, but it throws all your doubts out the window with an amazing end project, with ridiculously well developed characters, a plot that can put most Final Fantasy ones to shame and a battle system that is fun and fast paced, without being overly easy/difficult. For me, it feels like my journey through Filgaia has come to an end, an end with cameos to remind me of our memories together, and a soundtrack that had me tapping my feet and making the hairs on my neck stand up during the parts where it wants it. My journey ended with style, grace and tears, and I urge everyone to go on the journey that i’ve been on. I can only hope for a future instalment into the franchise to get announced…

Sword Art Online Episode 8

Posted by Alex on August 27, 2012
Posted in: Sword Art Online. 1 comment

The Sword Dance of White and Black

So well, basically, Kirito and Asuna finally spend some time together. Be it showing how easy it is to cook and making me drool from how tasty it must have been, to groping her boob and getting punched, they have a merry old time all episode. And this eventually leads to them teaming up, and then they explore a dungeon, find the boss room and open the door to have a peak.

You know, I don’t know if this is a side-story or not, but we’re at Floor 74 now, and there’s little-t0-no story being given. There was some clear attempts at it, by talking of the two years passing and how they’re forgetting the real world, but…ugh. I just can’t enjoy the characters or the environment when it feels like a ridiculously huge chunk of it has wandered off somewhere. It’s like opening a book at a random page and reading from there, it just doesn’t work.

Phi Brain: Kami No Puzzle 2 Episode 21

Posted by Alex on August 27, 2012
Posted in: Phi Brain: Kami No Puzzle 2. Leave a Comment

The Sad Clown

Resuming from last week, what with the Gusha Puzzles, Kaito is still ploughing through them at a ridiculous pace. I don’t know if there’s that trademark “F” at the end of all of them, but one things for sure: Kaito’s back on the path to becoming a Phi Brain. Solving puzzles and accelerating his brain waves to a new high, well…the only difference is that he’s not wearing a ring anymore.

Freecell’s desertion of the Orpheus Order has caused  some problems, and now that someone’s messing with Mizerka and Doubt, after being spat at by Melancholy, the two arrive in front of Kaito and his friends for one last blaze of glory…one last puzzle to provide the ultimate data, with the ambition to transform their fakes into the real deal. With Kaito and Ana accepting their request to duel, it becomes very clear very quickly that the two are treating this as a suicide mission, without any care or consideration for their lives.

When everyone’s balancing on the beams, fighting for their lives, they start to enjoy the puzzle to it’s fullest, and it’s all over too soon…with the two rings shattering as they both truely gave up on their lives, that leaves Whist, Melancholy, Freecell and Klondike in the Order, with nothing about any of them becoming any clearer. Who is Klondike? Why is Melancholy special? With nothing answered and more questions posed, we march forward into the next episode, where i’ll imagine Freecell meets Klondike and has that special talk.

Sword Art Online Episode 7

Posted by Alex on August 27, 2012
Posted in: Sword Art Online. Leave a Comment

The Hearts Heat

In every MMO and RPG, you have some people who choose to pursue a path which isn’t combat focused. You have the hunters, the looters, the shop owners and the craftsmen. This episode focused on Kirito hunting for a sword to beat his one, the Elucidator.Yet again, you see the amazing touch of realism and how the writer has really played MMO’s before, what with the requirements to forge swords needing rare metals and materials from legendary monsters. The only thing missing here was the requirement to steal the material from the rare monster xD

We havn’t seen a real fight scene for a very long time, though…it was really enjoyable to see Kirito thrashing the dragon…even if his new party member is just getting in the way. I mean, i’ve been playing a few RPGs lately, so I can really get the feeling and the ideas that went on in this episode. Hidden traps, rare materials, breathtaking surroundings and a hidden boss. The only part of this that wasn’t straight from an MMO was the romance aspect, with the craftsman finding comfort in Kirito’s warmth and protection. One ridiculously long quest later, and Kirito’s new sword, the Dark Repulser, is born. It was rather tragic to see the moment where Liz’s heart broke, but he kept the sword which she put everything into.

I just really hope that Kirito’s going to go back to get enhanced weapons and armour later…and I hope that the side stories end soon. They’re not bad or anything, but I want the main story back.

Phi Brain: Kami No Puzzle 2 Episode 20

Posted by Alex on August 27, 2012
Posted in: Phi Brain: Kami No Puzzle 2. Leave a Comment

Return of the Gusha Puzzle

That was an interesting way to start the episode…we havn’t seen that since the scrolls in Series 1. Yet another rather messed up prediction of the future…I think this was the aftermath of Freecell’s awakening as a true Phi Brain, one that’s stronger than Kaito. So with Kaito knowing that Freecell’s stronger and that he’s found a very dangerous toy to play with, there’s one person left to turn to: Rook Banjo Crossfield.

One of the old Rook’s puzzles, the puzzles from when Rook was under the control of his ring and the ruthless head of the POG It’s a very fascinating puzzle, a maze complete with traps and malicious little titbits. But bod, that bit at the end was freaky. Freecell solved the Gusha puzzle before Kaito, and left his taunting remark at the end. Just what kind of person has Freecell turned into? Just who is Klondike, and what is he trying to get up to with Hoist? What has Freecell seen in Hoist? What’s the purpose of the memento that Nonoha’s carrying? I’m starting to worry that they aren’t going to wrap everything up here…

Natsuyuki Rendezvous Episode 8

Posted by Mimi on August 26, 2012
Posted in: Natsuyuki Rendezvous. Leave a Comment

Episode 8

Rokka manages to get in contact with Atsushi, asking with great restraint that he bring the plant back. When he ignores her, she decides to go out and search for him. At this point, I can’t help but feel the most sympathy for her. From her perspective, she’s getting left behind, important things were stolen from her, and now she has to go through the trouble of finding him. I’m still not sure what Atsushi is really up to. Does he think he can just go off and live as Hazuki somewhere else? But the focus of this episode is actually on Hazuki who finally makes a breakthrough.

At least, I think he’s coming back to the real world.

Hyouka 18

Posted by Doofus on August 26, 2012
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Are the Mountains Sunny?

Hmm. Hmm…

Hm.

This feels distinctly different now. I’d hate to bring Kanya Fest up after putting it to rest (no I don’t), but it feels as if we’ve trekked over the mountain range and arrived at an entirely new scenario.

The mysteries in Hyouka aren’t the main attraction, but rather always a source of intrigue which ties together the characters involved. And this might just be what I feel has changed in my perception off the show. Early on I didn’t entirely expect the show to crawl from its shell, in the same fashion Oreki is reaching out to the world at large. The cast was little more than “curious curiouser” and “database im such a friggin bag of fun”. I guess there were instances where characters showed they had more to them, but even then I had my doubts on if they’d be handled properly, if at all. Yet here we are after “my god i am so in love with kanya fest”. I now find myself watching with a new set of expectations.

So what we have this time around is a mystery initiated by King Slacker himself, pertaining to an odd scene from his middle school years when an old teacher of his, Ogi was his name I think, who had walked over to the window to watch a helicopter pass by, only to notice his staring students afterward and remark “I like helicopters”. In branded Hyouka style, it’s an odd little mystery with the whydunnit at the spotlight. Not just the reason behind Ogi’s strange behavior, but more importantly why Oreki of people acted out on his curiosity, why HE of all people wants to do something.

Satoshi and Mayaka’s reactions are spot on, but god, Chitanda’s reaction is one of the only times I genuinely find her adorable. Haah, admitting you’re curious in front of Chitanda was a pretty silly thing do, it’s like you’re asking for the SS Eru to set sail. But this isn’t only her being curious about Oreki’s curiosity, probably, but maybe even Oreki acting just a little more like her. My cold heart is a-flutter.

Oreki’s imagination even goes a little wild at the scandalous thought of riding a bike with Chitanda, and the rest of the episode is sprinkled with interaction between the two. But what tops off the episode is once the mystery behind Ogi’s words is solved, when the two leave for home. Chitanda asks “Why were you curious?”  Not knowing would be insensitive. It wouldn’t feel right to say Ogi likes helicopters when you don’t truly know how the person feels. The kicker being in that it’s not something he needed to know, and in spite of this, a part of him felt strongly enough to want to understand.

In his time with the Classics Club, Oreki has gained a sense of compassion, his degree of empathy has grown far and beyond what it had been. And there’s some special element to his evolution which really clicks in my mind. The sum of Hyouka’s parts have really made Oreki’s coming of age story something worthwhile.

Space Brothers Episode 21

Posted by justinsanime on August 22, 2012
Posted in: Space Brothers. 1 comment

A Long Awaited Glimpse of the Sky

Leave it to Space Brothers to make us wait another week to figure out who the winners are. As soon as the episode started teasing us I figured they wouldn’t reveal who the winners were. I’m going to guess one is Serika since she seemed pretty happy this episode…. But maybe that was because she saw mutta (hehehe). It was pretty hilarious to see Mutta do his hair in a window then have Serika show up looking like trash.

Yasushi, along with Mutta, didn’t win in the rock-paper-scissors match. This episode we finally see some interesting back story. And it actually makes Yasushi a likeable character! I’m glad the show is finally showing the determination of the other members. I’ve went over this before but every single person who had made it as far as Mutta are just as determined as him. Apparently, he was too short to be able to fit in the astronaut suit… So I wonder why even bothered to apply.

I think the scene of Yasushi with the professor would have been a better flash back, since it didn’t make much sense for Yasushi to apply if he couldn’t be accepted. It was great to see some more development on his character, though. Too bad he wasn’t accepted. I doubt this will be the last time we’ll see him. His chemistry with Mutta was great.

Anyway, if anyone cares, this has entered my top 5. I haven’t had a similar feeling with a series since GTO. If I were to guess, the two applicants from Mutta’s team would be Nitta and Serika… Don’t ask me why, it’s just what I think. But what? Only one more applicant will be chosen? I’m kind of disappointed… Oh well, this show will find some way for Kenji and Mutta to become astronauts. I hope the show finds some way for everyone to become astronauts. Of course we can’t have that, though.

Hunter x Hunter 44

Posted by Doofus on August 21, 2012
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Buildup x To A x Fierce Battle

 

What’s the timeslot for this show again? This ain’t a Saturday morning cartoon, is it?

Seems the Shadow Beasts were basically chumps in the end. But what a way to go for chumps. Uvogin’s handling of Worm was standard GAR, throwing out a meteor punch like it ain’t no thang. Sure, that’s pretty cool. His position as physically strongest certainly isn’t exaggerated, although the Shadows Beasts do manage to put up moderate resistance. Leech in particular gives off creepo vibes as he spews leeches into Uvogin’s open wound, courtesy of Rabid Dog, leading into a lovely explanation of how leech eggs laid in his bladder will soon hatch and head off to his urethra killing him with the sheer pain of it all.

Yet this is nothing to the currently half paralyzed monster man, as he simply takes a large bite out of Leech’s head, and just moments later spitting a hunk of that skull through Rabid Dog’s own cranium cradle. And to mess with the heads of these guys further, all it took was Uvo’s voice to turn Porcupine’s brain to mush. Not quite on the level as the skull munching, but still filled with extreme bodacity.

This is all fine and dandy, but the leeches within Uvogin’s body are a serious problem that needs to be handled post haste. And to add on top of that, somebody somewhere with a sharp distaste of spiders may have just seen the reveal of Uvogin’s spider tattoo. Well, Kurapika is all but ready to storm the spiders with A HEART OF RAGE, but Melody’s soothing tune manages to hold him back. He calms down, puts on a smile, and then opts for the much more level headed planned suicide. He even manages to recruit the rest of the Nostrade family bodyguards for the cause. Such a heart of rage athump thump thump whatever.

It does really speak measures of Kurapika’s conviction though, as he manages to “steal” Uvogin away from the other Troupers and we receive yet another lesson in Nen. Just as how you can set Nen to accomplish certain tasks, you can set certain restrictions upon Nen. With such restrictions in play, it becomes decidedly more difficult to utilize Nen. Ignoring self-imposed restrictions would lead to serious consequences on the Nen user, however the power of the abilities receive an equivalent boost. So what else would Kurapika do than place this restriction upon his Chain Jail (restraining middle finger is pretty apt) ability; to only use it on the Phantom Troupe and Phantom Troupe only, may his beating heart stop otherwise.

cuz. that’s totally what happens if he does anything else with it

And personally, that’s really awesome. Here we have a totally legitimate way Kurapika can combat the insanely brutal Phantom Troupe despite being a puny little weakling compared to them. It’s the type of balance where those lower in the ranks can actually match up against larger foes in a way that makes sense. For all intents and purposes, Kurapika is the ONLY natural enemy the Troupers have. Better yet, his existence is all thanks to them. Uvogin is seemingly helpless as the Nostrade bodyguards escape the scene. The remaining Troupe members manage to pursue them with Machi’s Nen thread, and for once the pressure is on them with Uvogin on the road to a leechy demise. Now if only any of them would act like it.