Memories
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Memories
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Episode 166 – An Epic Love
Episode Summary:
Anime covers all kinds of stories, from comedies to dramas, fantasy to sci-fi. But a theme that can be found in any anime is love. As Valentine’s Day approaches everyone begins to sense the love in the air. Here are some anime couples that share an epic love that transcend space, time, race, social norms, and distance.
Opening Song: Zeotrope from the anime Amnesia by the artist Nagi Yanagi
Main Topic:
Parn and Deedlet – Record of Lodoss War
Why: A low born human who took up the sword and an elven princess in a fantasy world. It’s an epic love that comes together in spite of war and all odds.
Inuyasha and Kagome – Inuyasha
Why: This is an epic love. After almost 200 episodes and 4 movies of these two bickering and fighting and falling in love, we finally get the kiss everybody waited for in the Inuyasha films, which seals the deal.
Shizuku Tsukishima and Seiji Amasawa – Whisper of the Heart
Yukino Miyazaki and Souichiro Arima – Kare Kano
Why: Few anime start off with as much of a bang as this one. Very quickly we are skillfully made to understand the personalities of Miyazaki and Arima and soon after a rich love story develops. Later, they fight for their relationship as many obstacles get in the way.
Sawako and Kazehaya – Kimi Ni Todoke
Why: Their romance is a realistic imaging of two high school students falling in love. It’s the focus of the series so it has a natural development throughout.
Tamahome and Miyaka – Fushigi Yuugi
Why: Star crossed lovers with the ultimate devotion. These two know they want to be together and literally overcome mind control and people meddling at every turn.
School days ( ^.^)
Kenshin and Kaoru/Tome – Rurouni Kenshin + Samurai X(OVA)
Why: Another epic love that develops over a long series of episodes and OVAs. A very believable love story is created in the first two OVAs of the Samurai X OVAs but the remained of the content is spent to develop the love between Kenshin and Kaoru, including Kenshin ultimately dying in Kaoru’s arms.
MD Geist ( ^^.^^)
Armitage and Ross – Armitage III
Why: This couple makes the list because of how real they feel in their world. Not only do they fall in love but they have real feelings such as a want to get married and have children. It’s also authentic to the world because they must overcome notions and limitations of a human and an advanced cyborg.
Chii and Hideki – Chobits
Why: The relationship has a full 26 episodes to develop; there are many events during the series in which Hideki demonstrates how much he loves Chii
Yukari and George – Paradise Kiss
Why: Love or hate this show these two have a fleshed out relationship. From infatuation turning into love, to the first time, and the transition into adulthood their romance tackles real issues and feelings people in such a situation face.
Noboru Terao and Mikako Nagamine – Voices of a Distant Star
Holo and Lawrence – Spice and Wolf
Nana Komatsu and Takumi Ichinose – NANA
Why: This romance is one of the best developed in anime because it is not a fluffy everything is perfect world. It starts out as a fling and then is brought together by obligation and a respect between two people that becomes a form of love over time. A realistic situation many people find themselves in.
Lafiel and Jinto – Crest of the Stars
Why: Powerful relationship that develops over the course of many episodes. A deep love that is held back by military duty. However, the two care deeply for each other and often show it through their concern when one is in danger. A true love story from one of anime’s great space operas.
Takaki Touno and Akari Shinohara – 5cm Per Second
Why: Another example of how a romance doesn’t have to end in a shower of rose petals and rainbows to be epic. This romance is made epic through Takaki’s endless devotion to Akari. Throughout the course of his movie – his life – he spends every moment thinking of her, dreaming of her, wanting to be with her. Even into adulthood his heart belongs entirely to her even though she’s long since moved on. Making his love for her one of the most epic out there.
Closing Song: Recall from the anime Amnesia by the artist Ray
Reviews: Memories
Impressions: Senran Kagura, Sasami-san@ganbaranai, and Kotoura-san
Episode 165 – Recent Anime Video Games
Episode Summary: Anime and video games, for many fans the two hobbies go hand in hand. We discuss some of the best anime video games that have come out in the past year to two years.
Opening Song: Mukai Kaze from the anime Maoyuu Maou Yuusha by the artist Yohko
Main Topic:
Game | Genre(s) | Consoles | Notes |
| Fate/Extra CCC | Fighter 2-d | PsP | Fate/Extra CCC is a 2D Fighting game, developed by Image Epoch and published by Marvelous AQL, scheduled to be released in Japan in 2013. GameRankings Score: NA Release Date: March 28, 2013 |
| First of the North Star: Ken’s Rage 2 | Beat em up | PS3, xbox360, wiiU | Fist of the North Star X Dynasty Warriors GameRankings Score: NA Release Date: Feb 2013 |
| Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch | JRPG | PS3, DS | Created by Level 5 but the art and music are done by studio Ghibli. Described has have a pokemon esque feel to it in that you battle with familiars that you train and evolve.Came out several years ago in Japan and has been a long localization process. GameRankings Score: 87% Release Date: January 2013 |
| Persona 4 Arena | A fighting game with a splash of RPG storyline aspects | PS3 XBOX360 | The fighting aspects of the game are great, though the storyline is dialogue heavy and mental narration, plus it depends on some prior knowledge of the Persona 4 franchise. GameRankings Score: 85.95% Release Date: August 6, 2012 |
| Dragon Quest 7 | JRPG | DS | Classic RPG series. Character designs done by Akira Toriyama |
| Disgaea 4 – A Promise Unforgotten | A turn-based strategy RPG | PS3 | The Disgaea anime came out back in 2006 but this franchise has been going on since 2003 with the original (great) game “Disgaea: Hour of Darkness.” Disgaea 4 takes place in the Neatherworld setting of previous Disgaea games but focuses on the politics of the world foremost. GameRankings Score: 82.53% Release Date: September 6, 2011 |
| Skullgirls | 2-D Fighting | PS3 XBOX360 PC | For those of you who love indie and anime this game is a collaboration between Revenge Labs and Autumn Games. It features hand-drawn animation and six button play for all fighter fans. GameRankings Score: 83% Release Date: April 10, 2012 |
| One Piece: Pirate Warriors | Action | PS3 | The game encorporates elements from previous One Piece games as well as the Dynasty Warriors franchise. There are story, adventure, and battle mode. In all of which you control Luffy and the straw hat crew to work through the plot and take out other pirates. GameRankings Score: 65.63% Release Date: September 25, 2012 |
| Natuto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations | Fighting | PS3 XBOX360 | Continues elements such as online tournaments and story mode from previous games the game has also added some new elements such as a technique meter and a “beast mode.” GameRankings Score: 75.5% Release Date: March 13, 2012 |
| Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney | Adventure Puzzle | 3DS | A crossover with the Ace Attorney Franchise, Layton, Wright, and their crew attempt to solve a mystery in Labyrinth City. Like the games it is merging the game features two gameplay modes: Puzzle and Trial. Currently Only Released in Japan GameRankings Score: N/A Release Date: November 29, 2012 |
| Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn | Action | PS3 | The game plays in several different, but intertwined arcs, that are told from the perspectives of their respective characters. The game features a flight system which allows characters to climb onto mobile suits to transform it into flight form. Currently Only Released in Japan GameRankings Score: N/A Release Date: March 8, 2012 |
| Macross 30: The Voice that Connects the Galaxy | Action RPG | PS3 | Commemorating the 30th anniversary of the macross franchise the story will consist of elements from across major previous Macross series woven into a new story line. A special Super Galactic Box is available. Not out yet GameRankings Score: N/A Release Date: February 28. 2013 |
Closing Song: Unknown Vision from the anime Maoyuu Maou Yuusha by the artist Akino Arai
Reviews: Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva
Impressions: Hakkenden, Ishida & Asakura, Chihayafuru 2
Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva
Summary:
A telling of a great mystery involving eternal life and the lost city of Ambrosia. Layton and Luke head to the opera where an evening’s performance turns into a game of life or death as they seek to solve the mystery surrounding the mysterious runner of the game and if there really is eternal life waiting at the end.
Review:
I will out myself on two accounts right off the bat for this review:
1) I did not expect this movie to be good at all given it’s source material. Puzzle game plus movie does not equal something good in my mind.
2) I’m a huge fan of the Professor Layton franchise and wanted to watch this movie as a result of that.
It’s original release was in December 2009 in Japan, I actually saw posters for it but didn’t make it to theaters at the time – obviously – and ended up watching it later. It did not get an official US release but there IS an English Dub. I’m not really a fan, not crazy about Luke’s voice in the Dub, but for those of you who prefer dub no matter what that’s an option.
The director is Masakazu Hashimoto who has actually directed some other fairly famous stuff such as Jin-Roh the Wolf Brigade and most recently Tari-Tari.
The animation was done by P.A. Works, which also did the animation for the scenes in the games. Making it really true in style and feeling for fans of the games. The animation is also of a decent quality with some CG thrown in. Maybe the CG was done well, or maybe because it’s based off a game there’s an element of forgiveness to it being there but it didn’t feel obtrusive at all.
The movie also retained all the charms of the game, the puzzles, Layton’s genius, well-loved characters being a part of the cast, even numbering the puzzles the characters come across. So for fans of the game it’s very charming in that respect but it wouldn’t be off-putting for someone who doesn’t know anything about the games.
Because of the “mystery” element the pacing is well done and there’s a little bit of guess work on the viewer’s end. But if you’re a fan of figuring out puzzles yourself and trying to piece through a mystery as you watch they don’t really give you the time for that.
The story is simple and easy to follow, making it a relaxing watch for someone of any age. The subject matter is engaging, possessing Layton’s charming mix of old world, mystery, meets some elements of fantasy without any of it seeming out of place. There are some moments of action and some comedic moments. It’s tense enough for an adult to enjoy on a Sunday afternoon, but not so complex that you couldn’t show it to your 7 year old niece. In fact, put it on the list of anime that would be GREAT to get younger fans into anime. It has all of the charming things that I remember liking when I was first getting into anime. I can just see someone running around saying, “Move aside Luke! I’m Layton’s number one apprentice!”
That would potentially be the sole criticism about the movie. It IS simple and it IS more fun than trying to say some incredibly deep message. But it knows what it is, plays to it, and does a good job at that.
Overall, at 99 minutes this movie is well worth watching for almost anyone. Strongly recommended to share with younger fans – though adults can still enjoy. And a MUST SEE for any Layton fans!
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Maile Flanagan
Interview Exclusive! Naruto fans unite! The voice of Naurto in the English dub joins the show to talk about her work on Naruto and give an interesting insight on the differences between working in the anime dubbing industry and Hollywood in general.
Episode 164 – 12 Hour Anime Marathon
Episode Summary: Have you ever sat down with a day to kill and wanted to know the best anime you should watch? Well we put together the best anime marathons for you to get some of the best shows and movies in a space of just 12 hours!
Opening Song: God Fate from the anime Hakkenden by the artist Faylan
Main Topic Notes:
The Ultimate Anime Marathon. We help you get the most bang for your buck during a 12 hour anime marathon! – Suggested by… Chiaki! 😀
12 Hours = 720 Minutes
Chiaki’s 12 Hour Lineup:
0 – 10 minutes: Comedy OAV (optional) – 10min
10 – 100 minutes: Read or Die OAV – 90min
100 – 180 minutes: Ghost in the Shell (Original Movie) – 80min
180 – 270 minutes: Tokyo Godfathers – 90 min
270 – 390 minutes: Samurai X Trust and Betrayal – 120min
390 – 480 minutes: Porco Rosso – 90min
480 – 525 minutes: Hotarubi no Mori e – 45min
525 – 585 minutes: Byousoku 5cm – 60min
585 – 685 minutes: My Neighbors the Yamadas – 100min
685 – 730 minutes: Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks – 45min
Total Run Time: 730 minutes
(with Comedy OAV and using total runtime count, so counting all credits)
Kram’s 12 Hour Lineup:
Golden Boy 180 min
FLCL 138 min
Akira 125 min
Robot Carnival 90 min
Grave of the Fireflies 89 min
Level E, Eps. 1-3 72 min
Voices from a Distant Star 25 min
Total Run Time: 720 min
Mitsugi’s 12 Hour Lineup:
Lupin the 3rd: Castle of Cagliostro (1979) 100 mins
MD Geist (ova) (1986) 47 mins
Battle Angel Alita (OVA) (1993) 70 mins
Dragon Ball Z – History of Trunks (1993) 47 mins
Golden Boy (episode 1, 5 and 6) (1995) 90 mins
Magnetic Rose (1995)(movie) 44 mins
Ayakashi Samurai Horror Tales (Bakeneko)(2006) 105 mins
Redline (movie) (2009) 101 mins
Denpa Teki na Kanojo (OVA) (2009) 84 mins
30 minutes break
Total run Time: 718 mins
Closing Song: Reason from the anime Hunter X Hunter by the artist Yuzu
Reviews: Code Breaker
Impressions: Vividred Operation, Boku no Imouto ga Osaka Okan, Amnesia, Bakumatsu Gijinden Roman
Code:Breaker
Alternative Title: コードブレイカ― (Japanese)
Summary:
Sakurakouji Sakura has a new student join her class, a boy that she saw not a day earlier burning people alive from a bus window! Determined to find out his secret and keep him from hurting others she makes it her mission to follow him. In doing so, she learns he is part of a secret organization called “Code:Breakers” a group of people with supernatural powers that does the government’s dirty work of killing criminals.
Review:
Code:Breaker is a show that tries to be more than it is and in the end that hurts the overall experience of the show.
From the beginning it begins to plant seeds for deeper meanings of good and evil, right and wrong, and a utilitarian overview of society. However, the anime does little to focus and really comment on these things, rather introducing new characters and having stupid comic relief moments at the wrong times. Example, taking a girl and a puppy into a battle field… why?
The anime also continues to introduce plot points that are never fully explained up to the end of the show, such as implying Sakurakouji has a deeper skill and importance to her but never fully fleshing that out. Also introducing government motives and ultimatums. The show is based off of a still ongoing manga that currently has 23 volumes so the source material is massive. No second season has officially announced at this point but this show greatly needs it to close itself. The ending felt more like a “to be continued” opening more questions and introducing potential new villains than a actual conclusion.
The superficial “deeper” meanings aside this show has fantastic action if you’re into the supernatural super powers side of fighting. The best thing to do is approach this show as a shonen fighting show and know the ending will leave you hanging. Despite appearances it has no touch of harem or romance to it which helps keep it focused purely on the action. I’d recommend this show for people who are a fan of that genre with a touch of darkness, but know it’s faults and short-comings upfront and be warned.
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Rainbow
Alternative titles:
ＲＡＩＮＢＯＷ 二舎六房の七人 (Japanese)
Rainbow – Nisha Rokubō no Shichinin
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Ookami-san to Shichinin no Nakama-tachi
Alternative title:
Ookami-san & Her Seven Companions
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Origin: Spirits of the Past
Alternative title:
Gin-iro no kami no Agito (Japanese)
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