Remnant Knights from GameSamba Impression

Looks like anime. Taste like anime. Is it anime … almost. Say hello to Remnant Knights anime fans, it’s time to play

UPDATE: August 16, 2011- GameSamba announced today that its free-to-play MMORPG, Remnant Knights, is entering open beta. Servers will be made available for play starting at noon PST on Tuesday, August 16th. All players who create accounts at www.remnantknights.com will gain immediate access to the open beta. During this final phase, players will be able to reach level 60. In addition, all zones will be made available for players to enjoy and explore.

GameSamba’s online game Remnant Knights sports a very unique, anime look and feel and follows many of the known story conventions found in RPG’s and fantasy anime in general. They’ve partnered with anime publisher FUNimation to form a strategic alliance that will promote a game with content in line with the anime FUNimation puts out, so totally worth brining up as it’s go time folks. Beside the anime roots found in Remnant Knights why else should anime fans and gamers care? Let’s take a look.

What is Remnant Knights – It’s GameSamba’s flagship title that’s anime inspired in look and feel. It’s an MMORPG (massive multi-player online role-playing game) which just ended its beta but will soon (when?) enter it’s next phase. From GameSamba, “created by Min Communications, the game will feature a story by Eisner Award winning Marvel Comics writer Jim Krueger” so it’s got that going for it, which is nice. It’s also a free game where money is made by micro-transactions (buying equipment, etc). Choose a character class and get to adventuring. Yeah, not much more is known beyond this and what is available on the site but having the cajones to hook up with FUNimation means they are in this for real.

Why Should Anime fans care? – FUNimation is making an effort to bridge gaps in the anime/gaming communities with GameSamba and if they think it’s worth investing time in so should fans of anime. Sounds lemming-ish but this is no walk off a cliff. As otaku we’ve seen successful franchises go bye-bye thanks to the closure of anime/manga companies so any business venture for anime is risky and must be researched. As fans of FUNimation and anime in general and knowing the companies track record, well I’ll be blunt in saying we owe it to ourselves, to the industry to take a look at what looks to be a promising crossover.

Why Should Gamers care? – It’s another online MMO offering that’s ‘free’ yet from the screenshots and video has promise to be solid. Nobody is claiming this is WoW or even WoW lite but if they are partnering with FUNimation (they are) then the content will not be all kiddie either. More to come from why gamers should care as we delve into the game a bit more.

Overall Remnant Knights has promise from a variety of angles. Time will tell how well it does but as gamers and anime fans there is zero reason not to jump on board. The fare is light and you can get off anytime.

Ga-Rei-Zero Blu-ray Complete Series Impression

The paranormal gets personal with sword wielding friends

Very few anime start and hit as hard as Ga-Rei-Zero from FUNimation. The action ramps up to insane levels and no life is spared and just when things reach a fever pitch with characters viewers just met … it’s time to see where it all started. Not for the young of age, the action and violence gets crazy but there’s also one solid story to follow, let’s take a look.

Story – Teenage exorcists with swords and other extraordinary weapons help protect Japan from things that go bump in the night. Most threats are lower level but these supernatural entities can ramp up pretty fast leading to exorcist such as ‘sisters’ Kagura and Yomi to take-up the fight with their teammates. This government backed counterattack unit takes on these threats but are not always the hunters. Kagura comes from a family with special holy powers and a demon bonded to their spirits used to fight evil. As her mother passes she taken in by the slightly older teen Yomi and her father. Kagura’s father is all about the job so Kagura must learn to be stronger and it’s under Yomi she accomplishes this. Yomi too comes from a family of spiritual users and with her sword and spirit beast she fights these evil spirits until she is one day possessed by one and turns on her former team, fiancé included. As Yomi cuts down those she once loved will Kagura have the heart, the sprit and power to stop here big sister or will Tokyo burn at the hands of one who once protected her?

Fast and furious my friends. The story starts off in the future then backtracks to show you who these characters are and the relationships the form so while starting with a bunch of who’s the viewer is very quickly made to care. The core to the story is both Kagura and Yomi. Both share much in common, truly become family but both end up targeted due to their family background. The tragedies that unfold feel gut wrenching and this is a testament to how well the tale engages the viewer. The action, bloodshed and gore seen in episode 1 are not the norm but it hits home like a punch to the gut with action not fully understandable at first. Crazy battles show many characters falling until a clash of sword wielding girls the … whoosh, back to the past. The growth of Kagura as a fighter and Yomi as a sister makes the ending very cool, very epic. It’s a great story with great pacing, just very well done and full of action (as well as relationship moments to crack up for).

Animation and Art Style – While not as slick Persona Trinity it’s not that far off. The Tokyo setting rocks and is well detailed with awesome creature designs and action that plain rocks. The style is fluid and the emotion of each character can be felt. Designs look great with little signature appearance points to each character that break them out of the usual paranormal anime mold. Yes these are two girls in school uniforms with swords but their personalities shine more than their outstanding looks. The action unfolds in darker environments leaving the character building to mostly daytime settings so very well done on using lights and darks. At times Ga-Rei-Zero feels like two anime, in a good way, very pleasing to watch.

Voice work and Music – The emotional range is quite excellent as the anger, pain and suffering collide with happiness and true joy in Ga-Rei-Zero. Going from such high paced action to the background story really required a lot from these voice actors and they do an admirable job. The music is standard anime opening/closing fare that’s not too memorable but the sound effects are great and with the proper sound system in place really rock the house with the action that is brought so well.

Miscellaneous – Not many anime would take the chances of starting at the end but Ga-Rei-Zero pulls it off in spades. The lack of intro songs showing characters in the first few episodes leaves the viewer wondering what’s going on, who should be alive, why did that person die, who are these people while setting up the back-story that is soon to unfold. Hooked from the press of play is what Kagura and Yomi do and after 1-3 episodes there is no point in not finding out what just happened.

Overall, Ga-Rei-Zero is sure to please supernatural anime fans with a thing for sword wielding schoolgirls. The action is amazing from the word go and the relationships built feel real and connect with the viewer. There are sad moments followed by gruesome with ‘what-the’ moments thrown in and its pulled off quite well, not to mention looking pretty in HD. Highly recommended action; that’s what Ga-Rei-Zero is.

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RideBack Blu-ray Complete Series Impression

When ballet, terrorist and motorcycle mechs collide

Rin was born to a dancer and all her life she knew nothing but the joy of dancing but an accident ended her dream. In FUNimation’s RideBack, Rin is introduced to robotic motorcycles called ridebacks which allow her to touch those sweet dancing sensations but how does this translate into an anime, let alone one full of terrorist and corrupt governments? Let’s take a look.

Story – A fallen ballerina set rise again. Rin held so much promise; a prodigy in her mother’s footsteps, but a knee injury crushes her dancing dreams and sets her on the path of ‘normal’ student until fate intervenes. Walking by her schools rideback club (mech-like, transformable motorcycles), Rin is introduced to a world where she can soar once again. As a test ride goes wrong Rin soon finds she has a true talent for driving the rideback Fuego. Ridebacks were first introduced during military rebellions which shaped the current social and political landscape and their military past soon catches up with Rin. Terrorist using ridebacks hold one of Rin’s friends and as she rides to the rescue she’s wrapped up into a world of terrorist and government where past relationships clash to affect the future. Rin must embrace this new life to clear her name and protect those she loves as her desire to ride, to soar, is so close to being stripped from her.

How does a ballet dancer get dubbed a terrorist? Just ask Rin as that’s the core story to RideBack where the mech motorcycle is as central a figure as character. The story, upon reflection, feels like the perfect infomercial for rideback showing its military past, public uses and policing effects. It’s a device which changed the political landscape, one that’s more than just a weapon or vehicle. There is a lot of story thrown into RideBack and the entire series would have served very well as a political/military throw down between, well that would be a spoiler, let’s just say using Rin as a way to tell a grander tale is how RideBack unfolds. Through Rin the abilities of the vehicle, its history and present all come to light. Sadly while she is a sympathetic character Rin is not too relatable as she’s a gifted, well provided for prodigy that loses her ability only to find another special one. She is not the average teenager-turn-hero but someone who comes off as cold as the vehicle she rides. So ballet dancer, bad knee, rideback, terrorist, political intrigue, social unrest and some sweet battles … and with all this there’s just something missing.

Animation and Art Style – The ridebacks themselves are a bit odd looking, motorcycles with arms, but seeing them in action shows the sense of beauty and grace seen in ballet … at least when Rin’s the rider. The world created is that as we see today, normal settings, solid detail that’s well above normal long running anime serious but not quite movie level and the mechanical level on the ridebacks is pretty sweet. Viewers could see one of these being constructed, never mind what type of OS would control its core CPU. The characters sport a unique look that feels anime, is anime, but just feels off. The same feelings of disconnectedness seen with Rin are amplified with the character designs. They are just not that striking to remember or really care too much about; not bad, just forgettable.

Voice work and Music – Opening theme is excellent and ramps up the action as Rin pushes on the throttle while the closing them is just soft and subtle enough. With FUNimation the voice work is almost 100% great and this is not an exaggeration. They pull from a stable of very talented voice actors who know what they are doing and anime fans will notice so many from prior series both from FUNimation and others. RideBack is just as solid but the soundtrack is so-so, does not really pop out of the speakers.

Miscellaneous – Was Rin really right? She feels cold and devoid of emotion through much of the anime and is not very relatable for viewers (unless you’re a broken dancer riding a cool mech). The story in RideBack would have been well told with just the political pieces, military past in place or even using a gifted, normal rider. Rin was supposed to bridge this gap but something with her just misses on the emotional level.

Overall, RideBack is not a bad anime it’s just not one that captured this viewer. The story is unique in how it brings together so many separate parts and the history is solid, worthy of a show itself but tread cautiously with RideBack, you will either love it or just be ‘eh’ to it.

FUNimation hooking up Deadman Wonderland, Steins;Gate and more

Deadman Wonderland will rock … as for Steins;Gate, yeah, you too.

While FUNimation continues to expand their excellent anime coverage and release catalog there are two titles that just need to be called as they were recently announced as acquisition releases for the company. These two series allow for gamers to expand into another media and for fans of a once thought dead (pun intended) Tokyopop properly to live again. What’s got this otaku all excited? Deadman Wonderland and Steins;Gate, that’s what. There is much more from FUNimation besides these two titles so be sure to check out their news section often.

Deadman Wonderland is coming to DVD in North America. Yes, the Tokyopop manga with style and action galore is getting the release treatment and for those who have followed the series this is something to be joyful and giddy about. Here’s a quick synopsis of Deadman Wonderland …]

“An adaptation of Jinsei Kataoka and Kazuma Kondou's Deadman Wonderland manga, the dark story is set after the destruction of most of Tokyo by an earthquake and centers on Ganta Igarashi, a middle school student framed for the murder of his classmates. Igarashi is sentenced to Deadman Wonderland, a bizarre brutal and bloody privately operated prison that is one part incarceration and one part public spectacle – a thoroughly twisted tourist destination! The series is animated by Manglobe and directed by Koichi Hatsumi.”

So it’s coming to DVD and will stream online later in 2011 and the best part is seeing what happens to Ganta since the manga left us cutoff. The opening theme is already a multi-play on my iPod and just oh so sweet highlight the action to come. The series is 12-episodes and we can only hope it lives up to the hype and excellence the manga produced.

Steins;Gate is more a wildcard since I’ve heard more about it than been exposed. It has a gaming hook that those hardcore J-Gamers will recognize. From FUNimation, “The series is based on the visual novel and later adventure game created by 5pb and Nitroplus, the same team that created Chaos;Head. The anime adaptation is produced by White Fox, directed by Hiroshi Hamasaki and Takuya Sato.” It’s a newer anime, airing in 2011 in Japan so the style should rock but the gamer hook, the series origins will be very interesting to follow.

FUNimation announced more titles including B Gata H Kei – Yamada’s First Time, [C] – Control – The Money and Soul of Possibility, Baka and Test -- Summon the Beasts and Cat Planet Cuties. Yes, 2011 and beyond is shaping up nicely for FUNimation and anime fans.

Trailer for Trigun Badlands Rumble

Vash is back to clean up a mess from his past

Trigun was, and is, an awesome anime. The animation quality is a bit dated but the core story and characters still rock. With Trigun: Badlands Rumble the series gets a nice reboot in the form of an animated feature ten years after wrapping the original series. This means better animation, a few new voice actors but most important is the exposure to anime fans who may not be familiar with the source work and thus will go check it out. FUNimation has more on Trigun but check out the trailer, linked above and below, it's hot. Dates and cities to be announced soon.

Dance in the Vampire Bund vol. 1 DVD Impression

Vampire, human and more living side-by-side; will peace or trouble follow?

With the popularity of creative works such as the Twilight Saga there’s no shortage of vampire tales surfacing but not every tale is a copy-cat. As vampire stories go, FUNimation’s Dance in the Vampire Bund does an excellent job of mixing action and intrigue along with solid character design and animation. It’s anything but a copy of the formula seen in Twilight but fans of vampire stories should definitely checkout this Blu-ray/DVD combo pack for a number of reasons. Let’s take a look why.

Story – A series of mysterious attacks in Japan prompt the population to believe vampires do exist. As the debate rages the revelation is made by the queen of the vampires, Mina Tepes, that the mythical figures are real and in society. The beast of legend are very real and want to establish a colony of their own in Japan, their very own bund, land to live and be free. Mina reconnects with her long lost servant, Akira Kaburagi, who has lost his memory yet as he begins to recall these lost memories he works to serve the queen in body, heart and soul. Mina may look young but she is a fierce leader who plays the political games of both humans and vampire with cold and calculated moves. Her only undoing lies in the lost memories of Akira and a blood legacy she has yet to learn. Will Mina be able to maintain control of her kingdom, protect those under her care while remaining with Akira or will the rival royal clans succeed in their conquering of Mina and all vampire?

The story centers around Mina and Akira, both personal and political (for Mina) and while there are other rivals, conflicts and adventures these two are front and center. The story packs a ton of action but the real joy is the mystery, the curveballs thrown at the viewer. Some assumptions can be made but there are many twist and turn not seen. As much as I’d like to revel more I sadly cannot because the true joy of Dance in the Vampire Bund comes from the story. Vampire clans, earth clans and secrets galore, what a joy … especially given the twisted ending.

Animation and Art Style – The gothic look expected is present in Mina’s dress with traditional school uniforms also present, the rest, well its modern day Japan. As the various vampire clans make their appearances, viewers are treated to a collection of period looks and dress. Dance oozes style and class which is also present in each characters design. The core design is nothing new or spectacular in its originality from anime that have come before but it is solid. Characters look good even if they fit some of the personality stereotypes seen throughout anime. A haunting style that is gothic and enchanting, this is a vampire anime to savor in many aspects.

Voice work and Music – Mina has a childish voice that fits during her transformation with a well delivered mixture and range of emotions. Akira pulls off the same excellence with just a lack of surprise you’d expect from a human missing his memory and thrown into these situations. The trickle down in voice work is equally as solid thanks to what many anime fans will recognize as some established voice actors. The intro and ending sequence are excellent for the theme, very solid sound anime.

Miscellaneous – The fact Mina wears such a young look makes this a unique vampire tale. Her purpose is legit as revealed but seeing a vampire tale that takes this risky approach with such a mature child is refreshing when compared to so many pretty and mature vampire tales on the market.

Overall, Dance in the Vampire Bund is a solid vampire story that anime and vampire fans alike will enjoy. Some viewers may have a hard time dealing with Mina at first but she will grow on the viewer as the story does. There is much to this anime, a deep and detailed world that’s only hinted at in these episodes. There is much more than seen but what is revealed is worth savoring.

Kuragehime DVD/BD will come out next year

Well, this could only indicate that the possible second season of the anime could come out later this year, or next year at the most. And that's a big COULD, since we have no confirmation yet.

:-/

FUNimation announced its acquisition of home entertainment, broadcast, digital, and merchandising rights to the 2010 Kuragehime (Jellyfish Princess) television series. The eleven-episode series will be released on domestic DVD & BD next year. FUNimation simulcast the series last fall.

I want a season 2 so bad! :(

Evangelion 2.22 You Can Not Advance Blu-ray Impression

Euro pilot Mari is not the only thing all new (& hot) in Evangelion 2.22

Evangelion 2.22 You Can (Not) Advance is simply stunning. As an anime and blu-ray, the story, animation and voice work is worth savoring more than once. The original Evangelion was quite a piece of work but this re-imagining is all that was to love the first time around amped to the nth degree. It’s not just the animation quality and the story pacing but the changes from plug suites to new characters and settings. It’s a whole new Eva folks, so forget all you knew about Shinji, Rei, Asuaka and Angels and get ready for a visual feast that’s all new.

Shinji continues to adjust to his new life as an Eva pilot and re-engaging with his father, neither is an easy task. Complications continue as his relationship with Rei grows and the introduction of Eva Unit-02 pilot Asuka Langley Shikinami really mixes things up when she’s as Shinji’s roommate. Angles continue to attack and the trio find themselves pitted against an angel intent on obliterating Nerv. They are not alone. Over at the Euro Branch Eva Provisional Unit-05, piloted by Mari Illustrious Makinami takes on the Third Angel and on the moon construction of Eva Mark-06 is near completion as the pilot, Kaworu Nagisa, looks on from the vacuum of space. Five pilots, ten Angels and events foretold unravel. Eva’s fight together, get destroyed and clash as their pilots are torn to emotional and physical shreds in events they have no hope of comprehending. Shinji must deal with his relationships with Rei, his father and Asuka while also coping with duty over friendship. Will he pilot again and who is Mari exactly and how does she know how to unlock the true power of Eva Unit-02? Will Shinji save those he loves or will the world face another Third Impact?

Where to start? So much to love about this series for both old and new fans. Let’s take a look at the animation quality, sound and story.

Animation – Amazing quality, especially on Blu-ray, as cell animation is mixed with 3D-GCI for some beautifully crafted effects and Eva’s/Angels. Using CG to handle the movements, the fluid moves of Eva’s then crafting in effects with normal animation gives a look that feels nether traditional in animation or wholly CG. The merger something worth taking in as its applications are mind blowing. The action and scale of the Eva’s and Angels is handled very well and the amount of detail in the environments from bustling city streets to subway lines is just plain granular. Battles are fast, furious and the power, speed of the Eva’s come across quite well. The character retain their iconic appearances with slight tweaks and new addition Mari fits in perfectly with the likes of Rei and Asuka. Bottom line is the animation is amazing but only enhances an amazing rewrite to an iconic story.

Sound - While a few voices have changed, Gendou, most have stayed intact and the level of familiarity with situations and emotions can be felt. Mari blends in well as an almost Asuka 1A. The soundtrack is actually a bit lacking when compared to the massive CD collections provided from the first series. This could be due to the faster pacing but it’s just not as memorable. That said, not as memorable when compared to the original but it’s no slouch of an orchestral track. The music meets the mood in a new way which is appropriate given the new story content.

Story – Outlined above is the high level outline of what 2.22 is about. It’s in this animation that the story really changes from what was seen in the original series. Stop reading now if you don’t want potential spoilers. The story is more than just Shinji but yes he’s at the center. Rei and Asuka are also pilots but the introduction of Mari, right at the beginning shows fans this is not the Eva they know. This is a world full of humans as seen on crowded city streets, evacuations filled with packed cars and tons of military. The world is real, very, very real and it’s issues, such as the red ocean and the International Environment Agency shows. Slight changes to the story such as Asuka and not Shinji in the shower are a freaking trip while the Angel designs shift to allow for this tale of Eva to truly stand on its own. Mari unleashes the Beast Transformation for a missing pilot and Shinji tries to save another pilot in a Pseudo-Evolved Awakened mode … both of which mean these Eva’s are advancing way beyond any Eva seen before and this is not even brining Mark-06 into play yet. The story is rock solid but its path of growing the world of Evangelion is what really shines. No longer just about Shinji, this is a world with more at stake than one boy, or even one father with his own agenda. Not as confusing as before but still will make viewers think.

Overall Evangelion 2.22 is rock solid, a can’t miss purchase for anyone calling themselves a fan of anime, animation or just great storytelling. Beautiful on Blu-ray and solid on DVD, don’t miss this movie or its predecessor, and for the price of two movies, there is no excuse.

Summer Wars DVD Impression

Teenage romance and global catastrophe all on the same summer break.

The future of the internet, of online access and advanced AI? Summer Wars on DVD from FUNimation may just provide a bit of a glance at what could be in line for the future. A world where an advanced AI gets loose unleashing both virtual and real world damage. Not every great anime needs to be a long running series requiring hours of investment. Sometimes it takes just a few hours to truly enjoy what animation is all about.

Kenji is a nerd, plain and simple. Amazing with numbers and a contracted worker for the all-encompassing online community OZ. In OZ visitors manager every aspect of their lives from bills to fun creating unique avatars to represent themselves in a world as real and alive as the living breathing world. His summer break will be more time online with OZ, that is until the very pretty and headstrong Natsuki borrows him for role of fake fiancé. Seems Natsuki comes from a very strong and proud family and she’s trying to sell Kanji as her fiancé to get her grandmother off her back and to accomplish this all Kenji needs to do is play along at a family reunion. What was supposed to be a simple favor turns for the worse when Kenji solves a complicated equation (or does he?) to set loose a military developed AI that takes over OZ. Seems Kenji is not the only one with secrets as members of his new family reveal themselves to have larger roles in this event and OZ than anyone could have guessed. With a rogue AI taking control of very real defensive satellites the threat to the real world begins to countdown. Let the summer wars begin and be resolved by the turn of a card.

First the story in Summer Wars starts off kinda slow but gently picks up the pace with no letdown. With the size of Natsuki’s family it’s easy to identify with one and the similarities between this world and the one lived in now is very, very similar. The vision of OZ is not that far off from what is attainable now be it in more separate, disparate chunks. It’s like an MMO meets dating sim meets online bill pay and shopping … and more. Viewers will get hooked once the AI kicks into action but until then there is no lack of family drama. So the story mixes the online action with some good ol’ family drama but how’s it look and move?

The animation is sharp and vivid mixing in hand drawn animation and computer generated. The world of OZ looks very real and could be quite fun to jump into while the real world, well it’s realistic looking in every aspect. Quite a unique take and accomplishment that a movie pulls off such solid and realistic visuals while creating the exact same odd and amazing online community. Like many a summer vacation the length of Summer Wars is short but it will leave the viewer with fond memories the twill make the adventure well worth the time.

Tsubasa: The OVA Collection, Spring Thunder and Tokyo Revelations Blu-ray Impression

Two epic tales part of one incredible epic journey. Tsubasa as you know it ends and begins again with Spring Thunder and Tokyo Revelations.

The Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE series from Clamp, published by FUNimation, is epic in scale and storytelling as well as sheer DVD length. Both magical and beautiful the story takes quite an investment from its fans but there are few anime that look and sound this good on Blu-ray. The latest release in the franchise is a collection of two OVA (think straight to DVD releases) which fill in so many plot points that it’s a must have for fans. As for gamers with Blu-ray and DVD playing in their favorite consoles and the ability to rent, your reason for wanting is as follows.

The Story – Two tales in this collection, each 2-3 episodes in length. They pick up where the larger, 50+ episode TV run ends and moves at lighting pace when compared to those episodes. From the amazing events and awakenings seen in Tokyo Revelations to the cliff hanger ending of Spring Thunder the world fans come to know gets turned upside down. Without revealing too much more it’s easy to say that bad guy motivations are revealed and each character is changed in drastic ways. A truly amazing set of stories but one that requires prior knowledge of Tsubasa to fully enjoy.

The Animation – Beautiful and outstanding in HD. The quality of Clamp shines through in the long limbed, pretty characters seen in Tsubasa and the action is flawless with well choreographed sword fights and magic attacks. From a desolate city to the beautiful cherry blossoms of Japan the full spectrum of colors and moods is present in this OVA collection.

Why Gamers Should Care – For those who invested in the excellent Blu-ray Tsubasa collection this continuation of Syaoran, Sakura, Fai and Kurogane needs to be watched. The amount of detail and main story points filled in is simple amazing given the animations length. Buying, renting or borrowing, both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 show off this series in amazing detail and is a great addition to those gamer’s anime libraries but also the type of storytelling is on par with the best told games today. Fans of RPG’s, or epic journeys and adventures will love Tsubasa as it embodies all that is wonderful about an RPG with none of the random battles.

Why Anime Fans Should Care – For the same reason as gamers, the continuation of the story is awesome. Tsubasa is one long and very satisfying tale … as long as it does reach a conclusion which these episodes don’t quite setup just yet. This is also the best example of the perfection that Clamp has produced so a true anime fan has nothing to lose with something for every taste … every normal taste we should say.

Overall the three episodes of Tokyo Revelations and two of Spring Thunder Chronicle take a grand series in a new direction and feels like the beginning of a new series. Gamers and anime fans alike owe it to themselves to take a look at what is some of the best anime available.

Chrome Shelled Regios DVD Part 1 Impression

A fight for survival that feels like a refreshed E’s Otherwise meets Blue Gender

Chrome Shelled Regios from FUNimation is solid. The characters, design, story is all solid but not spectacular. This series of survival keeps the mood lighthearted but mixes in the action and an intense storyline for one solid anime. Let’s take a look at a bit more of the story then pass a wee bit more judgment.

Humanity is mobile, living in large domed cities and on the watch for monstrous Contaminoids that prey on humans. These large insect like creatures swarm and attack if not avoided and the only line of defense are soldiers with military arts powers. One such fighter is a young boy named Layfon who finds himself enrolled in a military academy. His abilities are incredible but he hides them for some reason, a past reason that will catch up with him. Layfon has a past with these Heavens Blades is quickly coming to the fore but as a new student, a member of the 17th platoon and a few young ladies with a crush on him, Layfon not only has to deal with the past but the very real present. Battles, special missions, desolate cites and pools all await Layfon.

The story in Regios does no real explaining of the mobile cities, military arts users or Contaminoids in this first volume but rather its focus is on Layfon. Viewers will explore parts of his past mixed into his current enrollment and member of the 17th platoon. The school portions feel like a typical anime school series but with action thrown in. Full Metal Panic anyone? Layfon has fled something and the fun is finding out what. The awkward situations are great fun, heck there’s even a maid café in here, but the action is what will get viewers jazzed. There is a lot of promise in this first volume but so much more to see as anyone paying attention to the opening theme (decent song) and animation will notice. There are a lot more players to be introduced. So volume 1, solid story about Layfon, a very likeable character, and his platoon/schoolmates but not enough about what the heck happened to the world. Even a quick intro would have been nice, but no, all viewers get is a bunch of mobile cities and big-ol-bugs.

The animation is solid (liking this word today). Each character is very shonen cookie-cutter down to their not-overly spiky hair. The personalities from tech wiz to playboy are all present but this formula never gets old. Each character and setting will feel familiar to fans of the genre, even the desolate settings feel familiar (hi Desert Punk). Also with FUNimation fans can be assured they will get outstanding voice work and background music.

Overall Chrome Shelled Regios is not a revolutionary, ground breaking anime but what it is translates into a great purchase. A solid story and characters that has great pacing in revealing just enough to get viewers back to the next episode. How will volume 2 play out? From the looks things are going to get serious very fast now that the groundwork has been laid. The past will crash into the present and viewers will take pleasure especially if the nasty bugs get explained a bit more.

One Piece Season 3 DVD Impression

Luffy and the crew of the Going Merry continue their adventures in Sky Island and take on God

It’s been a while since we’ve taken a look at One Piece but with these new adventures what better time to regroup. See the edited version and even un-edited versions only hit most televisions on cable in limited form. This means not every episode folks. Even if they did it’s tough to keep up with these sequential offerings. That being said the One Piece Season 3 DVD sets from FUNimation give fans a chance to get all the action broken up into 12-13 episode purchase (or online, your choice).

What’s so great about these releases? Besides great story, characters and action the flow of One Piece allows for fans to get hooked and attached to the narrative. The release schedule from FUNimation makes it easy on the fans bank account with affordable purchase options and plenty of episodes to dive into and finally the release schedule. These episode hit fairly frequently with only weeks between release so fans are not left forgetting key story points.

With Season 3, the reason I jump in here is it’s a more unique path in its entirety for Luffy. The journey to Sky Island was outlined on TV (Cartoon Network among others I believe) but due to the amount of episodes it’s better to get the full sets. Season 3 sees a majority of the crew assembled in an adventure seen in the manga but not fully chronicled in Shonen Jump (which has of course jumped ahead in story in the same manner Naruto did). From here on out I’d like to take a look at this outstanding series so let’s get to it with a look at these DVD releases.

Season 3, Part 1 – (Episode 144-156) Another day at sea turns odd as a ship wreck falls from the sky. After checking out the remains for treasure and encountering an odd sort of salvager the crew of the Going Merry make their way to Mock Town where they manage to get into trouble. The local tough guys are not so touch and after Nico learns of a legendary liar a new goal is targeted; the Knockup Stream.

A good start to this new adventure but just that, a start.A tale of a city of gold, yeah, that will get a pirate going.

Season 3, Part 2 – (Episode 157-169) A risky move to travel the Knockup Stream leads to the land of Skypiea located in the clouds with oceans of clouds. After being saved by the Sky Knight and meeting with some friendly locals the crew is quickly marked as fugitives at the mercy of God. Who is this God in the Upper Yard and why is being from the blue sea such a crime.

Now this is adventure. A new land, really new and unique with some cool people in the Skypiean’s and their dial technology. Whoever this God is he’s not very nice and he’s sending his priest to take down the Straw Hats...

Season 3, Part 3 – (Episode 170-182) The city of gold is real? God, better known as Eneru who rules Skypiea has started a game, a deadly contest where his priest and the Shandorian warriors will battle until only a handful remain. Luffy and crew, all separated, are included in this game where losing means death. Nico makes some amazing discoveries while the history of war between the Skypiean’s and Shandorian’s comes into focus.

Action, action and more action. Eneru has nothing but death in mind for all. There is a lot more going on then I outline above, that can be said for each part of season 3, but it’s not until this volume, part 3, that the action really kicks in and takes shape, forms what’s been building to this point. There is still some background needed but all the players are now present and the game has begun.

Season 3, Part 4 – (Episode 183-195) The battle which everyone wanted; Luffy takes on Eneru in a battle of lighting and rubber. History is revealed, plans outlined and agendas laid bare. The sad tale of Shandora brings endless cycles of battle but these will soon end but how? Even if Luffy can take down Eneru will the fighting between the Skypiean’s and Shandorian’s end? How will the crew get back to the blue sea? These questions will be resolved one way or another.

Ah the conclusion and what a very satisfying one it is. There are losses and a land is devastated but the golden bell does ring and it’s such a sweet sound. Trust me this will make sense and after watching you’ll be as thrilled as the Shandorian’s. The story arc’s in One Piece really establish themselves well with background that builds and builds to an epic encounter that’s resolved in unique manners. The legend of Luffy is building and this is one story fans will want to follow.

Season 3, Part 5 – Well, not out yet but we’ll be checking back in April as the crew is back in the blue sea right in the middle of new trouble.

Overall the action in One Piece is great and really going to new levels not seen before in the badly edited versions. These uncut divided up season DVD’s are outstanding and come out frequently enough that the action never stops. The animation quality is rock solid with outstanding voice acting and a style that’s unique among a crowded anime field. Like Naruto, Luffy and his crew are on one long and epic journey that is not full of filler and fluff but story driven action that’s yummy to digest. Having read the updated manga in Shonen Jump I get super jazzed at what’s to come and know that the seasons are nowhere near ready to end.

Fans of Naruto, of great action anime with unique characters, design and action owe it to themselves to checkout One Piece. It really is a shining example of how to do a long running animated series with substance.

Black Butler DVD Set Part 1 Impression

Is ones soul worth the best butler on Earth?

Stylish and classy with a bit of the dark mixed in. Black Butler from FUNimation will satisfy fans looking for a more sophisticated, less gruesome anime that feels parts Hellsing and parts Pandora Hearts. What’s not to love I say; but oh first you need to see to believe. What’s it about, let me tell you.

He may be powerful, the watch dog of the queen of England and he may be young but one thing Ciel Phantomhive is not is a pushover. The young lord rules his estate with an emotionless fist in which he holds the most unlikely of swords … his butler. Sebastian is quite simple one hell of a butler as he often say and not only does he make the best tea and keep the best household but he is also contractually bound to Ciel, a bond only a demon can forge. Sebastian has served Ciel’s family before and will continue to do so after Ciel is gone but while they both reside in the land of the living their task is to hunt down those that do evil, especially of the super natural type. From a town haunted by a demon dog to a mysterious camera and even involvement with reapers no day is ever dull. Add to this an interesting crew of servants and the running of normal business and Ciel is anything but an average boy but luckily he has one hell of a butler to guide him and protect his soul.

First the animation; beautiful with a very shoujo look similar to that seen in Pandora Hearts or Ouran High Host Club. Don’t let these comparisons fool you as the old English style and class hides a darker story where contracts are sealed with demons and bumps in the night can be very bad things. This compares to the look seen in Hellsing with a bit more polish. These are proper noble folk with their servants and real world settings. It’s a great looking anime with a high level of polish on the animation and action but it’s all driven by the story.

Ah the story; poor Ciel, so young but his path already determined. The mystery to his contract with Sebastian is not revealed in this first volume but like any good story it’s hinted at with more and more players introduced as the story progresses. Does Sebastian really care about Ciel? One question as well as the Phantomhive family history that will intrigue viewers. Thing is the story is really well done with great pacing, really solid characters a nice mix of humor and a variety of mysteries to be resolved. The larger plot keeps moving all the while sucking viewers into caring about Ciel and Sebastian knowing this can’t end well.

So overall who do I recommend this to … anime fans who like Pandora Hearts, anime set in old English times where the ladies and gents are classy and a dark, super natural entity lurks in the shadows. Borderline reality anime that is almost believable. Fans of the gore in Hellsing won’t be happy but fans of the demons, action and setting in Hellsing will be happy. This is quite simple one hell of an anime.

Sengoku Basara: Samurai Heroes on Blu-ray Impression

What’s better, the anime or the video game for Sengoku Basara: Samurai Heroes?

With Sengoku Basara hitting gaming systems and as an anime it would be easy for gamers to think they are mirrors of each other but oh how wrong this is. While the game has been met with mixed reviews the anime stands very well on its own. The focus is on two of the heroes seen in the game but the viewer gains a deeper understanding of these two, a connection the game just does not create. So why should gamers, those who purchased the game care, let’s take a look …

The Story – The Devil King, Nobunaga Oda, is on the march and not even his allies are safe. The long standing, respected rivalry or Shingen Takeda and Kenshin takes a backseat to the advances of Oda and the danger he poses to the country. Shingen’s right hand, fiery fighter Yukimura Sanada encounters a new rival in the Azure Dragon Masamune Date. Their epic battles shift focus as they both witness atrocities at Oda’s hands and clash with the Devil King in an epic final battle.

The story takes a more narrowed approached, one that puts the focus on two of the four playable characters from the game and offers gamers and anime fans a taste of action, a depth that is totally unique from the game. Watching this anime first will skew gamers to pick a few specific in-game characters but that’s a testament to the storytelling the anime pulls off. While the story points above have been simplified the actual anime is anything but. The relationship between Yukimura and Shingen is hilarious and the rivalry/relationship formed by Yukimura and Masamune is what really drives the show. There are many, many more characters and generals which fans of the franchise will love to see but know the focus is on our red and blue colored friends.

The Design & Animation – The characters retain their gaming look but its sharper, better in the anime. The style overall is not typical anime, it’s more fluid like seen in the game. The action is great and the animation flows better than in the game, it’s a joy to watch and reflects the action of the game without the sore thumbs. There are some liberties taken with the setting of feudal Japan but it’s a very enjoyable looking, moving anime that is all the better in HD.

Why Gamers Should Care – Watching the entire series, hearing the excellent voicework and seeing the bonds formed is done in a manner the game cannot create. For gamers that did connect with the characters in-game this will be a true treat to really see those characters in another light. For those not thrilled with the game, the anime offers a chance to see just how awesome Sengoku Basara is.

Overall Sengoku Basara: Samurai Heroes on Blu-ray is fun, lots and lots of fun to watch with some funny and memorable characters that ramps up the action, mixes in the drama and keeps it all moving in a package that looks great in HD and is the standard on how anime based on games should be done. Don’t just repeat the entire story and characters, do it unique, focus on a core set of characters and make it memorable. This the anime does in droves.

Dragon Ball: Raging Blast 2 on Xbox 360 Impression

Goku still rules next-gen gaming with Raging Blast 2 …. right?

Dragon Ball, you are indeed as eternal as the dragon Shenron. Anime games in the last generation were niche except for one, Dragon Ball Z. The Tenkaichi and Budokai series of fighters brought a gorgeous cell shaded look to the fighting game genre and a solid fighting game engine that helped to separate Dragon Ball Z from other anime titles. This was a series mainstream gamers could get into and it paved the way for the mostly excellent Naruto titles seen now. Like many an older boxer thought, Goku and the gang does not know if, when to hang it up thus gamers get Dragon Ball Raging Blast 2 from Namco Bandai. The anime has been done for a very long time with special packages released from FUNimation including the current Dragon Ball Z Kai but what does Raging Blast 2 offer that should make gamers care, especially those non-fans of the franchise? Let’s take a look.

Gameplay – 90 characters, 14 levels and an online tournament mode mixed into the Dragon Ball mythos and storylines. A fighting game that’s very refined and full of personality, Raging Blast 2 is the ultimate fan-service for Dragon Ball-a-holics. Moves can get very complicated so it’s rewarding to pick one and master them but don’t fret, many characters share moves and overall combat styles.

Graphics – The strongest point for Raging Blast 2 is its character models. This feels like taking control of an anime. Every character looks amazing and moves fluidly. The environments feel pulled from the anime which can feel pretty cookie cutter at this stage and the menus are freshly made from Capsule Corp. All the characters look great, did I mention this?

Sound – The opening feels ripped from the anime and is a joy while the voice acting is super happy fun time good. All the special powers sound great. It’s a good sounding game that replicates the anime well but the background music is a miss. Why not use those tunes from the original anime, even remixed tunes.

Design – Online tournament mode is cool but this is the same game as it was back on PlayStation 2. There are more fighters but overall it’s a high flying fighting game. Adding in an almost RPG angle with the Raging Soul System is a step in the trying to innovate direction but it’s a fighting game folks with tons of Dragon Ball characters.

Miscellaneous – Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z are two completely different eras, types of anime sharing characters, the world but we’ve gotta wonder where is the Z on the title. Dragon Ball Raging Blast 2 vs. Dragon Ball Z Raging Blast 2 … did Z get cut in budget cuts? Props on having the Japanese voice cast.

Overall fans will enjoy Dragon Ball Raging Blast 2 as it takes the gameplay and characters fans love, makes them look great, offers up all their moves and presents it all in a more polished HD package. Sadly for most other gamers even with the large fighter cast the appeal is not there for a deep fighting game, not like it was back on PS2. An All-star past its prime, Dragon Ball is still solid but there are other fighters, other anime titles that have taken the reigns like young bucks should.

Vampire Girl vs. Frankenstein Girl Blu-ray Impression

Gory, over the top action that would make Tarantino proud

Twisted and a little sick. An endearing description of the action found in Vampire Girl vs. Frankenstein Girl on Blu-ray from FUNimation. While known for their anime release library, FUNimation has seen quite a few solid live action features put out on US shores, titles with a more historic setting, a serious tone … until now. The action and gore found in VG vs. FG is reminiscent of so many 80’s horror flicks. The special effects are cheesy at times while the acting is, well it’s acting but this is why we love this type of movie. While not for everyone there is most definitely an audience for this genre of gore and over the top action. Who are you and what do you like, let’s see.

Monami is just an average school girl nobody seems to take notice of even on Valentine ’s Day when all girls’ chocolates but hers are confiscated. She managers to deliver her chocolate to Mizushima with a bit of a secret. The filling is blood, her blood and Mizushima is about to be transformed into a vampire. Issue with this is his forced upon him girlfriend Keiko is not cool with this and tries to stir up trouble only to end up … well as Frankenstein girl. The action kicks into overdrive as a serial killing, psycho principal and his twisted nurse assistance reconstruct a few students and the fight is on. A grudge over a boy soon escalates into Vampire Girl vs. Frankenstein girl and nobody is safe.

Ok so this is not an Academy Award winning plot. The story has many more funny and offensive points from the opening killing scenes to the African centric student group and the wrist cutting club. This feature does not worry about offending anyone but that’s just the beginning. The special effects are so ridiculous they are great and the action is very, very over the top. The actors ham it up from the very beginning and why not with this much blood spewing all over the screen and such a twisted group of individuals contained in one school.

Overall Vampire Girl vs. Frankenstein Girl is a guilty pleasure. It’s sick, gory, sadistic, bit perverted and just plain not right at times but it works for what it is. A film that knows it wants to be gross and over the top but at the same time fun and entertaining. Look at the cover, read the description, it is what it thought it is and so tasty to watch.

A 'Noir' live action film is in the works, produced by Sam Raimi

The Hollywood Reporter indicates that Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert are working on a live action adaptation of this story by Ryoe Tsukimura and directed by Koishi Mashimo that aired on TV Tokyo on 2001. Stephen Lightfoot (Criminal Justice, House of Saddam) will write the series, as well as executive produce.

The movie will be presumably for TV and it will air on Starz network, though it's still unknown when it will premiere.

Funimation will re-release the series on DVD next year in the U.S.

Noir is the story of Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yuumura. Mireille is a young woman whose family was murdered when she was a child and she works as an assassin, while Kirika is a teenage girl with amnesia that only remembers the word 'Noir' and her assasination skills.

Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Shinji Ikari Raising Project Volume 4

Evangelion answers the question of ‘what if’ seen at the end of the original series

Ah, Evangelion. An iconic series that frustrated fans with it’s odd ending only to satisfy with movies giving the deserved finale. While FUNimation is releasing the re-make/update to the famed anime Dark Horse is publishing a refreshing ‘what if’ scenario for the franchise. In Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Shinji Ikari Raising Project the series takes the normal life for Shinji seen in those controversial final episodes and says what if to this being more than a scene in an episode. What if Shinji, Rei and Asuka were childhood friends going to school with fairly normal parents (still alive). What if they had to deal with not Angels but crushes and embarrassing situations? Let’s take a closer look at volume 4 of the series and ask ourselves ‘what if I wanted to buy this book?’

As the trio of Shinji, Asuka and Rei continue to go to class and train together the hidden feelings Asuka has been hiding really begin to surface. Is Shinji more than a childhood friend? Why does his relationship with Rei frustrate her so? A day to exchange chocolates leads to awkwardness while a very familiar synchronization test takes place in the school swimming pool followed by a drunken cherry-blossom party that shows the lighter side of Shinji’s father while Dr. Kyoko Soryu makes an appearance surprising her daughter. All of this pales when compared to Asuka’s mistaking a kiss between Rei and Shinji and its results. Things are definitely heating up for Shinji and the Evangelion crew.

Notice something interesting? All of these interactions and encounters seem fairly ordinary, no Angels, no Eva’s … just normal life and this is what makes this series so refreshing. The art style is beautiful and reflects a polished, updated look for the franchise which keeps the main looks of the original, solid, character and setting designs. The story is the star as fans get a different side of these iconic characters, one that is not all doom and gloom. The exploration of feelings between the three pilots … students reeks of many a school age comedy in a flowery fragrant manner (read good folks, its good). The humor is great and the embarrassing situations and new personalities for characters rocks. This really is a world of normalcy, of happiness that’s populated by the characters fans of Evangelion came to know and love.

The Shinji Ikari Raising Project is rock solid. Its beautiful art mixed with characters that fans love in a brand new setting that just needs an anime adaptation. As Full Metal Panic FUMOFU was to the original Full Metal Panic so too is The Shinji Ikari Raising Project to the original Evangelion.

Funimation will simulcast Kuragehime and SoraOto!

It was about time! From this Thursday, Anime News Network announced that Funimation began its plans to begin simulcasting the current Princess Jellyfish (Kuragehime) television anime this Thursday and the current Heaven’s Lost Property Season Two (Sora no Otoshimono Forte) TV anime series this Friday. Crunchyroll began officially streaming the later series four weeks ago.

Great news, if you know what I mean
;-)

Spice and Wolf Season 1 DVD Impression

FUNimation serves up an anime about commerce and wolf spirits

Can an anime that sounds more like a backwoods cooking recipe really be that engaging? Spice and Wolf Season 1 on DVD from FUNimation is an interesting bird as it gets into some interesting merchant politics then tosses in … well let’s take a look shall we.

Lawrence comes and goes, taking his goods to the proper location for the most profit. He’s a merchant and must be shrewd in his dealings utilizing a keen business sense to stay in the black and he gets a bit of assistance. During an annual seasonal festival Lawrence stumbles across a naked girl with the ears and tail of a wolf and before he knows it he has a new partner, the harvest goddess Holo. The two strike an agreement that will see Holo travel with Lawrence to her northern home. Their journey sees the two encounter shady business dealings, the devaluing of certain materials along with a mob out for Holo’s head. Being setup to fail by corrupt business partners Lawrence and Holo must take desperate measures to avoid imprisonment. The journey is just beginning for this unlikely pair nicknamed Spice and Wolf.

First thing that may put viewers off about this series is the setting. A travelling merchant is not the most engaging pitch angle for an anime. Thing is in a very odd way it works. The strong animation, detail and character design helps as does solid voice acting but it’s the story that is both curious and engaging. Lawrence gets into pretty vivid detail on trading, the life of a merchant, what to beware of; how gold can be devalued … it’s a grand lesson that does not always feel entertaining. Think of this as the episode of a sports anime where they explain the rules. Just like a sports anime the action picks up which is the other half of the quirkiness. The shady business dealings are the fuel but Holo’s transformations are the fire. She is a wolf deity and can take on a pretty savage form, which she does to great effect. So viewers get a dose of trading teaching mixed in with some more super natural adventuring. Wrap this up with a budding relationship, a friendly bond, and you get one unique anime.

I don’t really know how to categorize Spice and Wolf. I love the animation quality and voice work but the odd pacing keeps throwing me off. Is it going to go all super natural with cool action or become a merchant simulation, or a relationship cross specials? I’d recommended checking out 1-2 episodes online before purchasing. It’s not a bad anime by any stretch but rather it’s unique.