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.

Pokemon Black and White; stepping up in 2011

How does catching all them little Pokémon get more addictive? Take a look

With the March 6th of Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version quickly approaching not only will gamers get a new entry in the classic franchises RPG formula but they’ll get an easier way to play online with the Pokémon Global Link web site. What’s the deal, what do gamers get on the site set to launch soon after the release of Black and White?

• Gamers will sync their gameplay from the DS to PC allowing for access to customizable web-only content 
• Ability to friend additional Pokémon 
• Communicate with fellow Pokémon Trainers 
• Earn and view Worldwide Battle Ratings 
• And of course the perquisite ‘more’

Access will be gained using a Pokémon Trainer Club account. This gets the franchise closer to what’s at the heart of Pokémon, not catching but battling and doing so against real trainers. This is not limiting gamers to friends and those close enough to share a cart but rather a truly unique way to get online, get ranked and even, potentially, invited to regional, national and global tournaments. It’s a truly outstanding experience that removes so many borders from gamers looking to compete without travel.

So gamers get a new Pokémon video game and (finally) an easy way to battle online with DS data but what else? Why else should gamers get geeked for Pokémon in 2011? Ask and ye shall receive.

• New Movie; Pokémon-Zoroark: Master of Illusions – Set to premier on Cartoon Network on February 5th at 7:00 P.M 
• New Manga based on Movie from Viz 
• New TCG Expansion Black & White 
• Black & White Mall Tour 
• New merchandise and toys

So yeah, there’s a lot to get excited about and very early in the year. It’s going to be great to be a Pokémon gamer, collector and fan in 2011.

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.

Beyblade Metal Fusion DVD vol. 2 Impression

The Beyblade action is still spinning, should otaku care?

Pokémon is the gold standard for gaming and anime collectible/battling franchises. The amount of trading cards released, merchandise and games shows no signs of slowing and is a formula Digimon and Yu-Gi-Oh! have replicated to varying levels of success. Beyblade is another such entry with a stronger anime and product line than gaming but still with a solid presence in all arenas. The latest anime offering which gives greater meaning to the games and products is Beyblade: Metal Fusion. The story in Metal Fusion drives the game action and gives fans greater need to buy those spinning tops. What does this mean to gamers and anime fans alike?

The Story: As Gingka continues his blading the evil organization Dark Nebula sets their plans in motion to neutralize him as he’s the only one with the power to prevent their unleashing of a dark and evil Beyblade. With a love of blading fueling him Gingka must overcome an odd game show which harnesses and assesses his power while confronting friends turned foes to be turned friends again. His courage and belief in his blade keep him going but Dark Nebula close in and engage Gingka in an epic battle where all could be lost.

There is more to the story but the points above keep the fun plot points intact. Gingka is the latest hero who has amazing potential and he’s put into amazing battles and must convince friends and foes alike what is the right path. The real star are the beyblades themselves which have power and character. The overall formula for this story has been seen before and it’s fit for the younger viewer but is a lot of fun. It reminds of all the tales above from Pokémon to Yu-Gi-Oh! and don’t mark this off as a kids show, it’s got a lot more depth than expected even if some of the story points are a bit hard to grasp.

The Animation and Action: Clean bright and vivid animation show off the colorful characters and settings which again reflect this overall genre. This is what many think of when told the word anime with big eye, big hair characters with over the top moves. If you’ve ever seen Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Digimon then you’ll know what to expect in the animation and action category.

What’s It Mean to Gamers: Gamers can get a taste of the full story for the DS and Wii games available which they or their kids will be playing. Any game that has a story driving it is greatly enhanced with a fleshed out story via animation or a book.

What’s It Mean to Anime Fans: Want more young boy growing into his power and overcoming evil? This is the latest in a long line of shonen anime and it fits in just perfect. Great mid-day Cartoon Network fodder also.

Overall Beyblade: Metal Fusion is a solid entry, a new round of anime episodes for young and old fans to embrace with good gaming backing and tops on steroids to buy and battle with. A successful product just needs a new story and setting to makes kids go gaga and Metal Fusion is hitting on all cylinders from the marketing front.

Sengoku Basara: Samurai Heroes on PlayStation 3 Impression

The Sengoku Basara anime rocks, does the game?

A great anime does not always translate into great video gaming. Even with Dragon Ball Z’s successes on PlayStation 2 it had a fair share of failures while Naruto also went through growing pains on the PS2 only to finally shine on the current generation of systems. The advantage these two big hitters have over Sengoku Basara: Samurai Heroes on PlayStation 3 is pedigree. Naruto and Goku got to work through their growing pains, the stigma that haunts many an anime game here in the States. Sadly the promise seen in the Sengoku Basara anime does not translate in-game for a number of reasons and without the pedigree of a Naruto it’s a safe bet to assume it SB won’t get the chance to work out the kinks. Fans can dream but what makes this first title struggle? Let’s take a look …

Gameplay – Take control of one of multiple heroes (12 total) in 16th century Japan in battles and campaigns that will determine the future of the country. Each hero provides different story arcs in a larger scale campaign setting where gamers jump into battles third-person style where wave after wave of similar looking enemies attack. Gamers unleash special moves and take on boss battles in a style that will be instantly familiar to fans of the Dynasty Warriors franchise. Lots of running and fighting is what gamers can expected without much change to strategy no matter the level of game reached. The ability to play with another gamer keeps the formula a bit fresh but not by much.

Graphics – Dated looks don’t help endear Sengoku Basara to non-fans of the anime. This feels like a first-generation next-generation title where the developers put some thought into the re-imagined historical figures but no time on settings or the droves of enemies. All the action and style the anime brings is lost in-game. The Naruto and Dragon Ball games look great as they mimic the shows they are based on and this is a path that would have served Sengoku Basara very well.

Sound – Forgettable soundtrack and voice actors yelling a lot. Not a great formula for gamer’s audio pleasure.

Design – Uninspired design that mimics past titles of similar ilk but fails to innovate and bring to life the magic seen in the anime.

Miscellaneous – The anime rocks and while the game is repetitive and not super polished there is a charm to playing as those characters watched for hours in the anime. On the flip side for gamers with no taste of the anime go out now and experience so much more to this franchise and why this game is even close to relevant.

Overall Sengoku Basara: Samurai Heroes could have rocked if it only matched what the anime delivered. The repetitive gameplay on an old formula with no innovation and lackluster graphics keep the game from reaching the levels of the anime. Fans should give it a spin but sadly unless the anime is already in gamers DVD or Blu-ray library then just pass.

Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage on PS3 Impression

Will Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage be a ramped up, awesome video game or does this anime classic show it’s age?

Having been out for a few months, Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage for PlayStation 3 is a game fans have already embraced and which the average gamer may find a bit lacking. That being said, for a franchise as iconic as Fist of the North Star can developers really complain about this perception? Many an anime fan cut their teeth on this uber violent anime and since it’s been out for well over a decade how much of a newer fan base was this title hoping to obtain? Was this the goal or were gamers just getting a nice dose of the anime gaming love US gamers have been missing for so many years? Let’s take a look …

Gameplay – Assume the role of Ken as he wanders the desolate wasteland taking on baddies and exacting justice through incredible martial arts moves while seeking out ghosts from his past which almost lead to his death. The action is a third-person slugfest where gamers run around, pick a path, fight waves of enemies and a bad camera while taking on bosses with signature moves pulled from both the anime and manga Fist of the North Star.

Graphics – As a third-person brawler the overall look of Ken’s Rage is average with solid textures and in-game action. The special moves and cut scenes look great, worthy of the anime and manga but the entire graphical package is pulled down thanks to the apocalyptic setting. How many desolate wastelands look good even with the best graphics engine behind them? Fans will feel the anime and manga come to life while the average gamer will just feel a bit of repetitiveness. This said gamers will be hard pressed to experience better exploding heads and bodies.

Sound – The soundtrack and effects sounds all bring back fond memories of anime watched long ago. Great for fans but forgettable and uninspired … plain really when compared to other games, like listening to noob night on open guitar night.

Design – Read manga, watch anime, make into game and thus the developers were done. The game’s story and action, special moves, everything is set from the word go so it comes down to which game engine to implement and on this front Ken’s Rage just feels average and ok. Not a well designed games are gamers are funneled down set paths to fight wave upon wave of the same enemies with bosses thrown in. For the average gamer not much fun but for fans of the franchise a freaking blast reliving these encounters and epic battles, really, no joke, great for fans.

Miscellaneous – Finishing moves rock! The muddy looks of the somewhat long levels and repetitive enemies all melts away when gamers unleash the perfect finishing move with visual flare one very unique looking bosses.

Overall Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage is a fairly average third-person brawl fest, for the average gamer, but a tasty treat worth playing over and over for fans of the franchise. It’s these core gamers who will want to unlock every secret and story point, to take control of every character and just enjoy Ken’s Rage for what it is; a well crafted, faithful to the source material anime gamers dream.

GameStop Unlocks Zoroark

Unlock Elusive Pokémon Zoroark at GameStop

GameStop and Nintendo are getting creative yet again to give Pokémon gamers a leg up, and reward, in the upcoming Pokémon: Black Version and Pokémon: White Version. What’s the deal; let’s take a look and what it means.

“Starting today through February 6, 2011, Pokémon players can add a Legendary Trio of treasured Shiny Pokémon, Raikou, Entei, and Suicune for their English language versions of Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, or SoulSilver Version games. Transfer any one of the Legendary Trio into Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version to unlock the opportunity to encounter a brand-new elusive Pokémon!”

So transferring a powerful, legendary Pokémon really offers gamers a reward for buying another Poke title but it’s this combined with the chance, the only way, to obtain the mysterious Illusion Fox Pokémon Zoroark that’s the true treat. Details are still coming but this opportunity is a different view on digital content offered by GameStop in the past. Moving one character which opens the chance to get another character, all powerful in their own right, really should tickle gamers who spend hours catching them all. Combine this with the new Pokémon movie, Pokémon Zoroark: Master of Illusions premiering on Cartoon Network in February and it’s a delicious beginning to the year for Pokémon fanatics.

Here are the details, the what, when, where and how to make this happen so don’t miss out.

What: Shiny Raikou, Shiny Entei, and Shiny Suicune character distribution

Where: U.S. and Canadian GameStop stores.

When

• Shiny Raikou-January 3 through January 9, 2011 
• Shiny Entei-January 17 through January 23, 2011 
• Shiny Suicune-January 31 through February 6, 2011 

How: Players must have a Nintendo DS™ system and their own copy of the English language versions of Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold or SoulSilver Version video games (each sold separately). 

• Players must have acquired the Pokédex within their game. 
• Players must have no more than two Wonder Cards in their possession. 
• Visit any U.S. or Canadian GameStop during the designated distribution period.

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 on Xbox 360 Impression

Playable anime? Just about dang near close with Ultimate Ninja Storm 2

Anime based video games have come a long way in the States and they continue to evolve with Naruto: Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 from Namco Bandai. The blending of fighting game action with RPG leveling up elements merges with storytelling and graphics grander than the most top-level games … period. Having a prior knowledge of Naruto will help greatly but the game moves along at a pace on par with the manga and anime which will allows those new to the franchise to get into the action. What makes UNS2 the next evolution in anime gaming? Let’s take a look …

Gameplay – Take control of Naruto in the Shippuden story-arc as he returns to Konoha after training with Jiraiya to begin his search for Sasuke. Gamers move through the story up until the Pain battle by moving from village to village, location to location taking on battle after battle with a mixture of timed events thrown in. Essentially it’s playing the anime, the key battles and events with a lot of running around between battles. The story mode is the meat but there are also single player and vs. modes to fight out. A fighting game wrapped in an excellent adventure story with outstanding and memorable characters.

Graphics – Beautiful, worth the purchase alone. Only the anime compares in how the game looks and flows from the character movements to the settings. Every piece of this game is eye candy not only to fans of Naruto but gamers as a whole. Impressive visuals, all the special moves and effects from the anime, it’s just one gorgeous game.

Sound – Looks AND sounds good! Oh yes! With the voice cast from the anime and a strong soundtrack to back it this is one title that sounds as professional as it looks. The voice actors know their stuff, sound great and bring the game to life while the background music matches the situation with a unique flare that is totally Naruto and worthy of some soundtrack purchasing love.

Design – Not much freedom for the developers when it comes to story (already set) or character/setting design (ditto) but how the battles unfold with regular moves and time actions works very well and makes this feel like playing an anime. Gamers and fans are in the Shippuden story arc with ease and it’s seamlessly integrated.

Miscellaneous – Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 on both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. When Naruto was first licensed in the states the video game rights went to three publishers, one each for Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft. With Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 the same game now appears on both PS3 and 360 making one next-gen choice which is a treat in place of a variety of games on all systems.

Overall for fans of Naruto reading this, they do so for fun as they must have purchased Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 already. For gamers looking for something different that looks, sounds and plays great then look no further. As Dragon Ball Z put anime games on the map in the last generation it’s now in solid hands with Naruto moving the genre along yet again. Naruto: Shippuden is an excellent anime and manga and with Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 games can be added … nay continued on that list.

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.

Pokemon HS-Triumphant TCG Expansion

Say hello the latest, in time for the holidays, Pokémon booster packs and theme decks. This new sets is called HS-Triumphant. Some of the highlights include the following:

• Legendary Pokémon are back in pairs as LEGEND cards Dialga & Palkia and Darkrai & Cresselia. 
• New Pokémon Prime cards that include Celebi, Machamp, and Gengar. 
• New Trainer, Supporter, and Stadium cards. 
• New Special Energy card

Upgrades and updates are the name of the game with a new expansions and Pokémon TCG: HS-Triumphant looks to deliver with 100+ cards. Getting your hands on a new card, deck, expansion is one of the true joys of being a TCG player and Pokémon never fails to deliver the new.

Pandora Hearts Volume 1 Premium Collection Impression

A new take on the tale of Alice with one bloody B-Rabbit

Alice in Wonderland, Disney’s well known version, is fun and entertaining, full of interesting characters and settings. Recent interpretations such as the theatrical Alice with Johnny Depp and Tokyopop’s manga Alice in the Land of Hearts have taken the tale to new heights either rewriting it completely or picking up the tale after the original tale was over. Now anime fans get a taste of a new interpretation, one that’s enjoyable, recognizable and so very, very different. NIS America continues its splendid anime title release with Pandora Hearts volume 1 Premium Collection and the tale of Wonderland will never be the same. Let’s take a look at this new tale of hearts.

Oz Vessalius has it all. A rich privileged life as heir to the Vessalius estate, one of the four great dukedoms. As he turns fifteen, his Coming of Age Ceremony is interrupted by amazing events as he’s drawn into the Abyss, a dark dimension full of chains. Thrust into this new, odd world where these living weapons, chains, wish to devour him, he must make a contract with a special chain named Alice, the Bloody Black Rabbit, or B-Rabbit for short, to survive. Alice assisted in saving Oz at his ceremony from the mysterious group Baskerville. After forging the contract which allows Alice to access more of her full power, both Oz and Alice depart the Abyss and come into contact with the Pandora organization, specifically Sharon and Break. Much time has passed for Oz in the Abyss, what seemed only hours is years in the real world. What happened to Oz family, sister Ada and uncle Oscar? What about his best friend and servant Gilbert? Why was he drawn to the Abyss, what are chains and why are both Baskerville and Pandora looking to control them? Why can’t Alice remember her past, was she horrible to be called Bloody Black Rabbit? Many mysteries abound but Oz seems to take everything in stride as he works to help Alice recover her memories and uncover secrets along the way.

Wow, this is only the tip of the iceberg that is Pandora Hearts. The animation style is solid with an older, noble setting that seems to be in Europe with major houses ruling and dukedoms overseeing all. The character designs are well done with Alice in human and rabbit form being powerful while Oz shows his youthful innocence and dark side (used to torment Gil). The designs almost feel shojou with a pretty boy aspect to just about every character and the use of humorous expressions lightens the at time very dark mood. The settings feel alive with a great amount of detail that seems very much pulled from the pages of history. It’s a beautiful anime and twisted also with the Abyss settings that are, well off. The chains are also pulled from the pages of Wonderland and twisted to fit the story and setting. Pretty, pretty, pretty is the best way to describe this anime.

The story has ties to Wonderland but is wholly unique and new. Alice, B-Rabbit, is not the sole central figure. This falls on Oz who serves as a sort of white rabbit and Alice hybrid. It’s Oz who’s sucked into Abyss and is the target of the various groups in play. Due to his contract with Alice, B-Rabbit, she also becomes central but not sole central. There are many layers to this story, layers of interest from Pandora to the power of the chains and Key of the Abyss. There is a mystery about Gil, his appearance years ago, his relationship with Oz, the watch Oz finds and Alice. Alice is missing her memory and it seems to be key to events 100 years ago, events tied to Abyss and the Dukedoms. Sharon Rainsworth and her agenda is also hidden as she works for Pandora yet seems to do things her own way. Yes much mystery in this series. The fun of this series is seeing how it ties into the original Wonderland tale yet weaves a very unique path.

Listen, what Pandora Hearts offers is great animation with great voice work, albeit in Japanese (yup, English subtitles only). The story is unique and sometimes familiar but there is no denying it’s originality and action. Anyone who loves a new Alice tale will dig Pandora Hearts and anime fans looking for a new and unique purchase really can’t go wrong. The included art book is sexy, I mean really nice quality, hardbound so pretty to read and look at. This is the third title from NIS America and so far they’ve hit on three very unique titles that are all gorgeous and well packaged. Check out Pandora Hearts in what’s a crowded anime market.

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.

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.

Corpse Princess Shikabane Hime DVD Impression

Despite an odd title, Corpse Princess Shikabane Hime from FUNimation is one rock solid anime full of mature action that's on par with both Tokyo Majin and Persona: Trinity Soul in it's look, feel and overall storytelling. The title may sound like a B-movie being a princess of corpses and all but the title is anything but. Why is judging a book by its cover bad for this shikabane hunter, lets take a look.

Die with strong enough regrets and it's possible to be reborn as a shikabane, a spirit that's evil an twisted, needing to be wiped out before humans are hurt or worse. Enter Makina Hoshino, a living dead girl also referred to as a Shikabane Hime. Paired with a Buddhist priest, Keisei Tagami, Makina hunts down shikabane and eliminates them in order to gain access to heaven. By killing, or re-killing 108 shikabane then Makina, and those like her can enter heaven. There are more like Makina, shikabane themselves but ones who have kept part of their humanity in order to hunt. MAC-11 machine guns are Makina's weapon of choice as firepower to the brain is the one way to destroy other shikabane. Things get complicated for Makina as Keisei's younger brother (not by blood) Ouri Kagami soon encounters her in battle and is not scared. The two begin to grow closer as conspiracies grow, come to light around all the contracted monks, their shikabane hime and a deadly group called the Seven Stars. The origins and truth behind these corpse princesses will come to light and for those involved life, and death will never be the same.

Damn I want to tell you more. This series starts with a narrower look at Makina and Ouri but quickly expands to incorporate the larger Contracted Monk organization, multiple shikabane hime, a few freelance monks and of course the Seven Stars. The story also shifts to place Ouri front and center as star 1A to the 1B that is Makina. It does not get overly complicated but viewers will need to play attention. The story ramps up at a very nice pace introducing characters and concepts then unfolds into the larger paranormal world. Much like Tokyo Majin and Persona: Trinity Soul, Corpse Princess has a deep and dark past and various layers of gray on factions and their purpose. The characters are varied and interesting. The art style looks simple at first but delivers the action. The action gets pretty insane at times with great sequences of acrobatics and gun battles. The character designs are interesting as they are not as 'cool' as the series mentioned but still have an air of bad-ass about them that is enhanced due to the story and action.

Overall, while I found the title Corpse Princess a bit off this was an amazing and awesome viewing experience. The story made me want more, the outcomes and plot points are anything but predictable. The characters are awesome with good back-story and solid design while the action keeps going throughout the series. Rock solid but not lacking on the violence, so keep this in mind when purchasing. Highly recommended.

Initial D First Stage DVD Impression

Initial D First Stage on DVD is by no means a brand new series, but seeing release recently by FUNimation made this anime fan pick up a genre long passed over and wow am I happy. Simple put this series is about street racing, specifically mountain-pass drift street racing. So why after all these years am I geeked for Initial D? The story centers around the mentioned street racing and how teenage Takumi Fujiwara gets involved in the underground battles. Takumi's father owns a tofu story and since he was young Takumi has been making the evening deliveries. Over the years, without knowing it, he's honed his driving skills. Once evening another racer, Keisuke Takahashi of the Red Suns racing team sees and challenges the Ghost of Akina (name given to the unknown Takumi). Urged by his friends and former street racing father, Takumi takes part in the race using is AE Eight-Six. Knowing the mountain like the back of his hand Takumi wins but the challenges are just beginning. Welcome to the world of drift street racing Takumi, could you be the best?

Simple concept, yes but one executed awesomely. Funny thing is the animation, character design are dated and feel dated. Like watching some Lupin from back in the day and even looking at anime of the late 90's, Initial D was not that pretty to look at. The cars are done with some early animation meets computer stuff (yes, stuff is a technical term). So I've just said the animation and character design is not that great while the story is pretty straightforward, so what gives? Why am I geeked about Initial D? The flow folks, the flow! The Euro inspired J-pop, J-rap music is still sick and matches the racing action perfectly. The story takes the sports concept of raw protege and puts it on four wheels ... it's just plain sweet. The racing, learning about cars and yes they teach you about cars, the family history, other racers and styles ... it's the flow of all of this that makes Initial D so very relevant even now.

There will be anime fans who just don't dig this genre, so pay attention. It's an anime about racing cars. Sound interesting then check it out but if not don't waste your money then complain. Initial D keeps the action grounded in reality from race types to cars. It's solid anime fun that I'm taking for a second drive, a third drive, a fourth ... well you get the point. Watch if on Hulu and decide if you've missed a gem, sadly this was true for me.

Big Windup! Oofuri DVD Complete Series S.A.V.E. Impression

Great baseball action at a nice low price! Are we talking about cheap seats to a bad MLB team? Nope, we’re talking about Big Windup! Oofuri from FUNimation. This anime of an all freshman high school baseball team has received the S.A.V.E. (super amazing value edition) treatment and getting a full series for the price should not be missed. What’s the story all about? How’s the animation? Lots of questions so let’s get to it.

Middle school is over, time for high school baseball. For Mihashi this means a new school where is failings of the past, not to mention his family ties to the school, are in the rear view mirror and he can work to be the #1 pitcher he wishes to be. With splintered confidence but an array of solid pitches Mihashi must learn to trust his new catcher Abe and the new team behind him. The first challenge is building trust and a practice game against his old school Mihashi Academy. Conquering this challenge won’t be easy nor will the summer baseball tournament where Nishiura draws the defending champs Tosei full of seniors and experienced players. The challenges facing Mihashi and the players of Nishiura will be many but with an energetic female coach and faculty advisor full of off-field mental exercises the team will be in great shape to compete. Warm-ups are over, it’s time to play ball.

Sports anime are interesting. How do you recreate the love of a game in a story driven animation? Well for Big Windup! it’s all about the characters and setting. Mihashi is not the prototypical ‘hero’ athlete and his issues, failings are easy to connect with for many a viewer. The story introduces enough background to make the characters seem real and the two games (yes two games) played over the course of the series not only add drama but show growth in each player and teaches a bit about baseball. All this is accomplished by using humor and intensity at the right time and the outcome is never 100%. It’s a really, really well told story with great characters. The animation does not let down the action with good character design and moments of intensity that come across as any major moment in an ESPN highlight. The action and animation deliver to the point of feeling the nervousness and excitement of the game. Well done on all fronts.

Let me state this. I’m not a big sports anime fan. I’ve gotten into the manga Slam Dunk and really dug the anime for Bamboo Blade but this is the first American sport anime I’ve dove into and it was good, not what I expected. There are a few baseball lessons thrown in but I found myself liking these characters and their issues, even the bonus episode about a different group of players, it’s just fun. I will most definitely be grabbing a few more sport anime to check out and for the price of S.A.V.E. I’m not really sure how any anime fan can pass up this series.

Death Note Collection on Blu-ray Impression

Looking for a Blu-ray double-feature with mystery, suspense and death gods? Look no further than Viz’s Death Note Collection on Blu-ray, a package that gives viewers both full length features Death Note and Death Note II. These movies are based on a very beautifully drawn, excellently told story and while it shrinks down the story the acting and plot points make it a worthy watch. What is a death note and why should gamers care, let’s take a look.

The Story – Ryuk is a Death God, a Shikigami who is bored. To sate his boredom Ryuk drops to Earth his ‘Death Note,’ a notebook with the power to kill. Writing a name in the notebook causes that person to die. There are many rules, rules which Light Yagami who finds the notebook learns and exploits. Light is brilliant, top of his class and looking to become a lawyer. He embraces the Death Note and strikes down criminals with its power. Assuming the alias Kira, Light should be hailed as a hero but is soon targeted by the police. Kira is a murderer no matter who he kills and the brilliant ‘L’ is brought in to help reveal who Kira is. A cat and mouse game begins where Light must work to outsmart ‘L’ and suspicions into his life as his father heads up the task force looking for Kira. Death Gods, death notes, brilliant investigators, more Death Gods and a Kira obsessed fan will make Lights life anything but boring.

The original manga story is longer, much more fleshed out and contains a different ending and characters but these movies do an excellent job of getting across what the death note is. Both movies are needed to appreciate and fulfill this edited down story so from that aspect the collection is perfect. The acting is well done as this is the cocky, smart and self assured Light known in the manga and the quirky ‘L.’ Ryuk looks perfect and blends in to a real world setting perfectly. A well done story faithful to the manga that can be enjoyed with no knowledge of said manga.

The Design & Art Direction – Characters look and act just as fans of the franchise would expect based on the manga. No major design changes or setting changes, it’s a real world, big screen translation of an excellent manga and story. Ryuk is a Shikigami but feels pretty real not full of cheesy effects. The star is the story and a star that really shines.

Why Gamers Should Care – Most Blu-ray, especially animated ones covered here are fairly easy to tie to a video game genre. Death Note Collection is a bit different as it’s got more in common with mystery games, the CSI, Trauma Center and detective stories out on consoles and handhelds. This is a chance to put down those particular games and see a mystery being solved when all the players and agendas are known. It’s also a well acted, executed film that is just enjoyable to watch. Don’t watch Death Note due to a game relationship but because it’s an enjoyable double-feature.

Overall the Death Note Collection on Blu-ray is a very solid manga based movie set that remains true to the manga while delivering a stand-alone ingestible entertainment experience. Fans of mystery and crime based video games that require thinking will enjoy this cat and mouse romp and just who is the mouse?

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 3 on PSP Impression

Hot and cold; incredible and mundane; taste great, less filling; Dan or Dave. When a license like Naruto is split between developers by system the results can be a mixed bag. Naruto titles on the DS deliver good old-school side-scrolling gameplay but wonky 3D titles while the Wii servers up good fighters with some of the better graphics on the system. The true gems are those delivered by Namco Bandai and Ubisoft on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 respectively. These titles look beautiful, play great and find the sweet spot balance between fighter, adventure and RPG that some of the PlayStation 2 titles missed. Then there’s the PSP. The latest title, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 3, falls in-between the excellence of the PS3 Storm titles (Ninja Storm 2 still to be released) and the misses that were Uzumaki Chronicles on PS2. What does this mean for Naruto fans and PSP owners alike, let’s take a look.

Gameplay – See the ninja, be the ninja. At this point in the franchise fans know what to expect but for non-fans this is a PSP fighting game with a huge roster of characters from the mega popular Naruto anime series, now in the Shippuden seasons. Gamers can battle their way through the story in Master Road mode, take on friends and the computer in Free Battle or jump into practice. Ad-Hoc wireless battles are a blast but best to practice first. All the personality of the anime comes shining through but this won’t mean much to non-fans, but Ultimate Ninja heroes 3 is for fans, don’t even try to deny this. A good fighter with friends but built for the fans.

Graphics – Fights and character models look spot on from the anime along with the environments. Not much creative freedom for a developer but when it comes to a licensed property, one that follows a specific story-arc, nailing the established design is mandatory and its mission accomplished on this front. There are times the character models can look block but this is infrequent and not an issue. The side-scrolling platforming segments are a miss that feel more like the failures of Chronicles than what Storm delivered. The platforming would have been great in the DS style of old-school then jumping into the 3D battles but split license, nuff said. The use of 3D graphics in 2D battles is pulled off quite well.

Sound – Tons of canned vocals from the anime along with some familiar sounding tunes and battle music, nothing spectacular but it serves its purpose. Aren’t ninja supposed to be silent and deadly?

Design – Mixed bag with good fights containing main characters but limited moves sets and a platforming experience that feels very forced. The story mode is a great idea but needs a bit more refinement. Taking on filler characters is never fun, not when a series like SoulCalibur has managed to deliver a quest mode that’s fun and engaging.

Miscellaneous – Fans, 45+ characters, some say over 50 (have not seen/unlocked them all). A game most definitely built for fans, this huge roster and the amount of un-lockable content rocks.

Overall, the PSP may not sport a huge lineup of groundbreaking titles and yes there are even some very solid fighters out there (Tekken, SoulCalibur) to compete with Ultimate Ninja Heroes 3 but from a pure fan standpoint it does not get better than this on the PSP … really. There are two ways to take a licensed title, from the gamer’s perspective and the fans perspective. As a fan it’s rock solid with good gameplay, graphics and tons of content from the anime and manga. From a gamers perspective it’s a second tier fighter when compared to the other more mainstream titles above, but still a solid fighter in Ad-Hoc mode. The main drawback for regular, non-fan gamers is the ‘huh’ factor as events and attacks from the anime are pulled out and have no meaning. A game for fans that can be enjoyed wireless with regular gamers, good times.