Episodes: 26
I'm not sure in what genre I should place this anime, but I'm sure it's not for very young audiences. Maybe I should say it's a mix of the supernatural, science fiction, and psychological genre.
The story technically begins when a guy is unwittingly dragged into a game of life and death to choose a new god. All the participants are given future diaries which are unique to each player. To win the game, all other future diaries must be eliminated and only one must remain.
So how is it actually? I thought it was a bit predictable, except for some plot twists which I thought were quite good. There's a bit of variety in how each win was taken, and majority of the characters in the anime had his/her own story to tell. I thought the overall pacing was good as well.
The characters? Hmmmm, I didn't really like the main male character that much, except for the later parts of the story. It was the female lead which kind of struck a note with me, maybe coz she was a psychotic bitch? But seriously, her whacked up personality was the most interesting one in the show. There were other characters which were also quite remarkable in their development as well as their side story, but none as fascinating as the female girl's story.
Animation and music were good, but really that remarkable to further comment on.
It won't be for everyone, but it's a good enough anime to watch.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Thursday, December 20, 2012
R007: Eden of the East
Episodes: 11
Hmmm, how should I categorize this anime? I guess maybe
sci-fi and maybe a bit of slice of life, but it’s more sci-fi to me. At 11 episodes it’s a bit short I think, and
it left me wanting a bit more in a good way.
The story starts when a young man, naked in Washington DC, with nothing but a phone in his hand, helps a girl when she gets in trouble with the police. The ball gets rolling then, with the guy having not a speck of memory in his head comes to Japan with the girl. There are a lot of twists and turns in the story, and we later find out that the guy is one of the “saviors of Japan” with 10 Billion yen at his disposal.
The plot was quite good, in fact, as I said, the anime left
me wishing for a continuation to the story (they released 2 films after this
but I haven’t watched both of them yet).
Each episode was cut in various places that left you frustrated and
wanting the next episode. Each episode
also answered some questions but left you with more, and of course, kept up the
excitement throughout the length of the series.
It was only near the end that the puzzles start to fit, and you can
finally piece together the whole story.
About the characters, well, all I can say is that the main
male character is an enigma. He is such
a loveable and remarkable character due to his innocence, which I think is due
to the fact that he doesn’t have any memories.
The other characters were also a bit interesting, but not as riveting as
the lead. I nearly forgot to add, the
story was seen in the female main character’s point of view, which is why I
guess we are made to see the main male character in such a light.
Animation was normal, and I guess the only thing which
caught my eye was the cellular phone used by the main character. Music was also quite good, and interesting
enough, the opening theme was Falling Down by Oasis.
I think it’s a different kind of anime, not your usual
sci-fi, and is quite an interesting pick.
Must watch.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
R006: Dantalian no Shoka
I have always liked a bit of the supernatural, which is why I tried watching Dantalian no Shoka. How was it?
Episodes: 12
Plot:
The main plot is about Huey who becomes the key keeper of the mystic archives of Dantalian. Dalian, the human form of the archives, help him in retrieving various "Phantom Books" which are said not to exist in this world.
Story:
It was a story per episode, and the formula was quite repetitive. The main characters hear about something unusual happening in town, or is asked for help with regards to Phantom books. The power of the phantom book is then shown, and then it is either retrieved or destroyed. There was actually a sub plot, which I think if more elaborated the story would have been better, but unfortunately it wasn't. At the end of the series you are left quite hanging. There is a feeling that the ending was quite rushed, and that it wasn't really the ending. I couldn't say it was the completion of an arc either, for as I said earlier, it was a story per episode.
Characters:
You don't really get to know the characters that well, even Dalian. There was a background story on Huey, but that was it for character development. There was no real depth to them, even the antagonist which appeared late in the series. Well, there was a sense of mystery about some of the characters, but nothing else. I can quite say that the characters in this anime are quite forgettable, unfortunately.
Animation & Music:
Usually I separate these two categories but there isn't much to tell about either so I just decided to lump them together for now. The OP and ED songs were okay, the opening was quite apt for the anime, but the ending was just a bit creepy for my taste, like it was meant for a more scary anime. The animation was just so-so, considering this was a supernatural anime. Some parts of the animation were not the usual type you saw but rather seemed like paintings, which was a nice touch which made the series a bit darker (Iwhich personally I think it was supposed to be).
Overall verdict? I guess I can say if you can spare the time you can watch it, but if there's some better series you'd be far better off with that.
Episodes: 12
Plot:
The main plot is about Huey who becomes the key keeper of the mystic archives of Dantalian. Dalian, the human form of the archives, help him in retrieving various "Phantom Books" which are said not to exist in this world.
Story:
It was a story per episode, and the formula was quite repetitive. The main characters hear about something unusual happening in town, or is asked for help with regards to Phantom books. The power of the phantom book is then shown, and then it is either retrieved or destroyed. There was actually a sub plot, which I think if more elaborated the story would have been better, but unfortunately it wasn't. At the end of the series you are left quite hanging. There is a feeling that the ending was quite rushed, and that it wasn't really the ending. I couldn't say it was the completion of an arc either, for as I said earlier, it was a story per episode.
Characters:
You don't really get to know the characters that well, even Dalian. There was a background story on Huey, but that was it for character development. There was no real depth to them, even the antagonist which appeared late in the series. Well, there was a sense of mystery about some of the characters, but nothing else. I can quite say that the characters in this anime are quite forgettable, unfortunately.
Animation & Music:
Usually I separate these two categories but there isn't much to tell about either so I just decided to lump them together for now. The OP and ED songs were okay, the opening was quite apt for the anime, but the ending was just a bit creepy for my taste, like it was meant for a more scary anime. The animation was just so-so, considering this was a supernatural anime. Some parts of the animation were not the usual type you saw but rather seemed like paintings, which was a nice touch which made the series a bit darker (Iwhich personally I think it was supposed to be).
Overall verdict? I guess I can say if you can spare the time you can watch it, but if there's some better series you'd be far better off with that.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
R005: Guilty Crown
This is the latest anime I finished watching and... omfg it blows! I totally enjoyed the full series, and I had to admit it was quite sad that when I was finally finished watching it for various reason.
If you're a fan of mecha, there's a bit of it here, but the genre in all is more sci-fi. I can't give you a lot of details without fully going into the story, but I guess it will suffice to say that in the plot, Japan is being ran by other nations after a disaster struck it, and that certain disaster was something like a biological weapon which causes the body to crystallize. An organization is fighting the government, due to various reasons which will be further seen in the anime. Okay, any more than that I might as well tell you the whole story.
About the story, I have to say it was brilliant. I was quite hooked to it, and there were a lot of unexpected twists and turns to the story. I guess that's another thing that makes it good, the fact that I couldn't second guess and I just wanted to watch the next episode so that I could find out what happened. Yes it had quite a sad ending but for me it was perfectly acceptable. Tried to think of any other way to end it but couldn't think of any more suitable. Well, actually I could, but the ending was just right for it so I wouldn't want to change it.
About the characters, well, in this anime the main character was the one who was given the most focus, as most anime usually do. His changes were all detailed, and the story was most of the time seen in his point of view. However, it does not mean that the other characters were left behind a lot. It was just that the other characters seemed to further enhance the main characters qualities. I did hope for some other background stories on the other characters, but I guess due to the nature of the anime there wasn't much except for some key people which were vital to the storyline.
The animation was... extraordinary, specially the voids (you'll know what they are if you watch the anime) and the machines. Fight scenes were also terrific. The character's clothes were a bit normal except for the machine suits which resembled Evangelion suits a bit (then again, don't they all?).
No complaints about the sounds, in fact I loved all the opening and ending songs. BGM during all the scenes were apt as well, although not really that memorable for me as compared to the OPs and EDs.
Am not sure if everyone would enjoy it, but it's a good way to diversify for you're trying out other anime genres that you don't usually watch. However, as I said, the ending is a bit sad, and it is quite plot heavy as well. One word to describe it: SERIOUS.
If you're a fan of mecha, there's a bit of it here, but the genre in all is more sci-fi. I can't give you a lot of details without fully going into the story, but I guess it will suffice to say that in the plot, Japan is being ran by other nations after a disaster struck it, and that certain disaster was something like a biological weapon which causes the body to crystallize. An organization is fighting the government, due to various reasons which will be further seen in the anime. Okay, any more than that I might as well tell you the whole story.
About the story, I have to say it was brilliant. I was quite hooked to it, and there were a lot of unexpected twists and turns to the story. I guess that's another thing that makes it good, the fact that I couldn't second guess and I just wanted to watch the next episode so that I could find out what happened. Yes it had quite a sad ending but for me it was perfectly acceptable. Tried to think of any other way to end it but couldn't think of any more suitable. Well, actually I could, but the ending was just right for it so I wouldn't want to change it.
About the characters, well, in this anime the main character was the one who was given the most focus, as most anime usually do. His changes were all detailed, and the story was most of the time seen in his point of view. However, it does not mean that the other characters were left behind a lot. It was just that the other characters seemed to further enhance the main characters qualities. I did hope for some other background stories on the other characters, but I guess due to the nature of the anime there wasn't much except for some key people which were vital to the storyline.
The animation was... extraordinary, specially the voids (you'll know what they are if you watch the anime) and the machines. Fight scenes were also terrific. The character's clothes were a bit normal except for the machine suits which resembled Evangelion suits a bit (then again, don't they all?).
No complaints about the sounds, in fact I loved all the opening and ending songs. BGM during all the scenes were apt as well, although not really that memorable for me as compared to the OPs and EDs.
Am not sure if everyone would enjoy it, but it's a good way to diversify for you're trying out other anime genres that you don't usually watch. However, as I said, the ending is a bit sad, and it is quite plot heavy as well. One word to describe it: SERIOUS.
R004: Durarara!!
During the first few episodes of this anime, I did not really like it that
much since it was the first time I saw a story told in various point of
views. However, as I watched it further, I realized that it was
deliberately told in that way to unfold the story even better than if it was
only seen through one person's POV.
So what is this anime about? It's a story about a group of friends and their friends, enemies and lives all in a single town. Oh, there's also a bit of the supernatural, but no horror. In fact, there's quite a number of laughs. I could say this anime is a bit serious with some comedic intervals, and yes, quite plot heavy again.
So what can I say about the story? Since it was told in various point of views, it gave you a chance to see another aspect of the storyline, along with the character who is narrating it. In the long run it was quite good, however, it was quite annoying for me at first since it can give you a bit of hanging feeling like "so what happened with (insert character name here)???". In a way all characters are interrelated, but sometimes not directly, so if you were following a certain character's story and then suddenly the narrator is someone not closely related to him/her, you just wanna go "ashdgsakdgfhasdkfghaksdjh".
The characters? Well, if you plan on watching this, I will tell you firsthand that I love Izaya and Shizuo best due to their personalities. Basically, I can say that in this anime there are only a few minor characters and majority of them are main characters since, as I said in the previous paragraph, everyone is related in one way or another. There are some who might seem extra but who actually play an important role (no spoilers, sorry). Also, since the story was told through various characters, it will seem like no one is unimportant because you get to know each character’s story.
Animation wise, it’s quite simple except for the supernatural part, but then again that isn’t really that elaborate either. I would say it’s pretty normal, not really that jaw dropping or anything, but I guess that’s to be expected in this kind of anime.
As for the music and background music, they were pretty decent. My favorite is the 2nd opening for some reason. I guess because I think it fits the anime’s mood perfectly.
I could say that anyone can watch this and probably finish it without getting bored of it and all. In fact, after watching the series they might look for the 2 special episodes which came after it.
So what is this anime about? It's a story about a group of friends and their friends, enemies and lives all in a single town. Oh, there's also a bit of the supernatural, but no horror. In fact, there's quite a number of laughs. I could say this anime is a bit serious with some comedic intervals, and yes, quite plot heavy again.
So what can I say about the story? Since it was told in various point of views, it gave you a chance to see another aspect of the storyline, along with the character who is narrating it. In the long run it was quite good, however, it was quite annoying for me at first since it can give you a bit of hanging feeling like "so what happened with (insert character name here)???". In a way all characters are interrelated, but sometimes not directly, so if you were following a certain character's story and then suddenly the narrator is someone not closely related to him/her, you just wanna go "ashdgsakdgfhasdkfghaksdjh".
The characters? Well, if you plan on watching this, I will tell you firsthand that I love Izaya and Shizuo best due to their personalities. Basically, I can say that in this anime there are only a few minor characters and majority of them are main characters since, as I said in the previous paragraph, everyone is related in one way or another. There are some who might seem extra but who actually play an important role (no spoilers, sorry). Also, since the story was told through various characters, it will seem like no one is unimportant because you get to know each character’s story.
Animation wise, it’s quite simple except for the supernatural part, but then again that isn’t really that elaborate either. I would say it’s pretty normal, not really that jaw dropping or anything, but I guess that’s to be expected in this kind of anime.
As for the music and background music, they were pretty decent. My favorite is the 2nd opening for some reason. I guess because I think it fits the anime’s mood perfectly.
I could say that anyone can watch this and probably finish it without getting bored of it and all. In fact, after watching the series they might look for the 2 special episodes which came after it.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
R003: Fate/Zero
I watched Fate/Stay Night quite a while back, and I guess I have to admit I was just a wee bit interested in this prequel, since it was the same story all over again: The War for the Holy Grail.
First of all, I have to say that I never expected the anime to impress me more than the original did. I guess it seemed a bit more realistic to me that adults were playing this game, unlike in Fate/Stay wherein majority of the Masters were students. Also, the chain of events in the anime was like a flower from its bloom to its wilting, wherein the story opens up perfectly to the finish.
The animation was superb, I have to admit. The details of the Noble Phantasms were well executed, but I guess I will always like Archer and Rider's best. The Servants and their respective clothing were also drawn quite well, and the details of their weapons leave none to be desired. Just something I noticed: is it just me or did Emiya Kiritsugu and Kotomine Kirei look quite alike? The resemblance was quite striking especially near the end of the series when they dueled.
The characters? I have to say that they were well developed. I never really enjoyed reminiscing parts in an anime, but it worked quite well for this particular one. I guess it was because it gave the story more depth, and you further understood the character (particularly Emiya Kiritsugu). I liked the mix of the servants, and aside from Assasin, I think all the Servants and Masters were given such distinct personalities that you could really see and understand why they took the actions they took as well as their line of thought.
The soundtrack was great, although I prefer the first opening and ending songs. The BGM was also appropriate during the various scenes, like fight scenes and dramatic scenes.
As I said from the start, the story wasn't really that interesting to me since it was the same plot as Fate/Stay Night, but I guess what makes this anime different is that the war was not the focus, but instead the individuals participating in the war. Even without watching Fate/Stay Night this can be watched, although if you watch this first you might be a bit disappointed with the sequel.
/note to self: make reviews immediately after watching the whole season
First of all, I have to say that I never expected the anime to impress me more than the original did. I guess it seemed a bit more realistic to me that adults were playing this game, unlike in Fate/Stay wherein majority of the Masters were students. Also, the chain of events in the anime was like a flower from its bloom to its wilting, wherein the story opens up perfectly to the finish.
The animation was superb, I have to admit. The details of the Noble Phantasms were well executed, but I guess I will always like Archer and Rider's best. The Servants and their respective clothing were also drawn quite well, and the details of their weapons leave none to be desired. Just something I noticed: is it just me or did Emiya Kiritsugu and Kotomine Kirei look quite alike? The resemblance was quite striking especially near the end of the series when they dueled.
The characters? I have to say that they were well developed. I never really enjoyed reminiscing parts in an anime, but it worked quite well for this particular one. I guess it was because it gave the story more depth, and you further understood the character (particularly Emiya Kiritsugu). I liked the mix of the servants, and aside from Assasin, I think all the Servants and Masters were given such distinct personalities that you could really see and understand why they took the actions they took as well as their line of thought.
The soundtrack was great, although I prefer the first opening and ending songs. The BGM was also appropriate during the various scenes, like fight scenes and dramatic scenes.
As I said from the start, the story wasn't really that interesting to me since it was the same plot as Fate/Stay Night, but I guess what makes this anime different is that the war was not the focus, but instead the individuals participating in the war. Even without watching Fate/Stay Night this can be watched, although if you watch this first you might be a bit disappointed with the sequel.
/note to self: make reviews immediately after watching the whole season
Saturday, November 3, 2012
R002: Winter Sonata
I was addicted to Korean drama from where this anime was based upon, so when I finally got the chance I decided to watch it. How was it? Let me break it down to parts. And yes, please expect comparisons with the K-Drama.
Story:
It was still the same tearjerker it was when it still was a drama, but they changed the plot a bit so that they could put in an ending which made the fan girl in me totally scream. The ending they concocted somehow closed the open ended nature of the drama, wherein it was just implied they got back together again. However, I didn't really like some of the changes they made. It felt like they just tried to prolong the story, unlike the drama.
Animation:
It kinda felt like watching the drama since the characters were drawn to the likeness of the actors. However, I wouldn't say that the animation was superb, in fact it was a bit lacking for me. Since this was a serious drama/romance anime, I was looking for the subtlety in the facial expression, but I guess I was expecting too much. I just wish there were a bit more changes in the faces, since the character's faces seem a bit bland throughout the series, specially during extremely emotional scenes.
Others:
The opening music is the same as the drama, and the other music were Korean as well. The voice actors were the actors in the drama (well at least some of them like the main characters), so basically, it was a Korean anime, if there was such a thing (only the animation was truly Japanese).
I guess this is one of the anime where you would appreciate it better if you were a fan of the original series. I think it was okay, not really the best but since I liked the drama I enjoyed it just the same.
Story:
It was still the same tearjerker it was when it still was a drama, but they changed the plot a bit so that they could put in an ending which made the fan girl in me totally scream. The ending they concocted somehow closed the open ended nature of the drama, wherein it was just implied they got back together again. However, I didn't really like some of the changes they made. It felt like they just tried to prolong the story, unlike the drama.
Animation:
It kinda felt like watching the drama since the characters were drawn to the likeness of the actors. However, I wouldn't say that the animation was superb, in fact it was a bit lacking for me. Since this was a serious drama/romance anime, I was looking for the subtlety in the facial expression, but I guess I was expecting too much. I just wish there were a bit more changes in the faces, since the character's faces seem a bit bland throughout the series, specially during extremely emotional scenes.
Others:
The opening music is the same as the drama, and the other music were Korean as well. The voice actors were the actors in the drama (well at least some of them like the main characters), so basically, it was a Korean anime, if there was such a thing (only the animation was truly Japanese).
I guess this is one of the anime where you would appreciate it better if you were a fan of the original series. I think it was okay, not really the best but since I liked the drama I enjoyed it just the same.
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