tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63057668209318245992024-03-14T00:37:03.505-07:00Sakura's BlogA blog for me to talk about Murashige Anna, Idols(HKT), games, and other stuff I like. I don't really expect anyone to read it, so I'm more just writing it for myself.Sakurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122564770322902084noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305766820931824599.post-85028943526566751072013-12-18T03:14:00.001-08:002013-12-18T03:15:01.553-08:00Some HKT stage performance screencaps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-twJs7QkpmCI/UrGCVcyk0uI/AAAAAAAAATc/8J4zwUcghdw/s1600/photo+(44).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-twJs7QkpmCI/UrGCVcyk0uI/AAAAAAAAATc/8J4zwUcghdw/s640/photo+(44).jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I think the title explains itself. Just some random screencaps from Pajama Drive and Hakata Legend.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WubV7YRSZRg/UrGCs2F1atI/AAAAAAAAATo/_A25Dnj49AQ/s1600/murashige002.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WubV7YRSZRg/UrGCs2F1atI/AAAAAAAAATo/_A25Dnj49AQ/s640/murashige002.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WVZIyvefIPY/UrGCs-Pu_1I/AAAAAAAAATk/cix1UeaC-CM/s1600/murashige003.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WVZIyvefIPY/UrGCs-Pu_1I/AAAAAAAAATk/cix1UeaC-CM/s640/murashige003.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UyC1lGKnIRQ/UrGCud6TvfI/AAAAAAAAAT0/ewJ9sjvo7s0/s1600/murashige004.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UyC1lGKnIRQ/UrGCud6TvfI/AAAAAAAAAT0/ewJ9sjvo7s0/s640/murashige004.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-weRvpvFNRPE/UrGCuk00ztI/AAAAAAAAAT8/UrU2qXlW8jo/s1600/murashige006.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-weRvpvFNRPE/UrGCuk00ztI/AAAAAAAAAT8/UrU2qXlW8jo/s640/murashige006.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mzgTCDUUu2A/UrGCw8xBJoI/AAAAAAAAAUM/kzFkcLHXs48/s1600/murashige007.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mzgTCDUUu2A/UrGCw8xBJoI/AAAAAAAAAUM/kzFkcLHXs48/s640/murashige007.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VMVja8ByVsg/UrGCx7EyS9I/AAAAAAAAAUU/c_8YyRzFqyw/s1600/murashige008.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VMVja8ByVsg/UrGCx7EyS9I/AAAAAAAAAUU/c_8YyRzFqyw/s640/murashige008.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IxryTShiZaY/UrGCx4riWJI/AAAAAAAAAUY/9ex924Z5r8E/s1600/murashige009.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IxryTShiZaY/UrGCx4riWJI/AAAAAAAAAUY/9ex924Z5r8E/s640/murashige009.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bL4_MSIi_UQ/UrGCui9fZiI/AAAAAAAAAT4/GsBiroD9j64/s1600/murashige005720p.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bL4_MSIi_UQ/UrGCui9fZiI/AAAAAAAAAT4/GsBiroD9j64/s640/murashige005720p.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-he0PJ2pDnFw/UrGDMZKOEOI/AAAAAAAAAUo/h5NP2j4dRuk/s1600/HKT48+131118+Himawarigumi+LOD.mp4_snapshot_01.05.41_%5B2013.11.18_17.17.45%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-he0PJ2pDnFw/UrGDMZKOEOI/AAAAAAAAAUo/h5NP2j4dRuk/s640/HKT48+131118+Himawarigumi+LOD.mp4_snapshot_01.05.41_%5B2013.11.18_17.17.45%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl_VfniaqjU/UrGDMZt2psI/AAAAAAAAAVA/J8T_1eh_eCc/s1600/HKT48+131118+Himawarigumi+LOD.mp4_snapshot_01.06.53_%5B2013.11.18_17.19.33%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl_VfniaqjU/UrGDMZt2psI/AAAAAAAAAVA/J8T_1eh_eCc/s640/HKT48+131118+Himawarigumi+LOD.mp4_snapshot_01.06.53_%5B2013.11.18_17.19.33%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IZBCu6XQYPo/UrGDMVLnouI/AAAAAAAAAUk/HlKtg0qjhts/s1600/HKT48+131118+Himawarigumi+LOD.mp4_snapshot_01.08.26_%5B2013.11.18_17.20.59%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IZBCu6XQYPo/UrGDMVLnouI/AAAAAAAAAUk/HlKtg0qjhts/s640/HKT48+131118+Himawarigumi+LOD.mp4_snapshot_01.08.26_%5B2013.11.18_17.20.59%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BGPgGbOzQ5E/UrGDM_HdY6I/AAAAAAAAAUs/yolJI72RLV4/s1600/HKT48+131118+Himawarigumi+LOD.mp4_snapshot_01.09.20_%5B2013.11.18_17.22.02%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BGPgGbOzQ5E/UrGDM_HdY6I/AAAAAAAAAUs/yolJI72RLV4/s640/HKT48+131118+Himawarigumi+LOD.mp4_snapshot_01.09.20_%5B2013.11.18_17.22.02%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LxlwB2IBf04/UrGDNAuZylI/AAAAAAAAAU0/mC0LtUkF1pM/s1600/HKT48+131118+Himawarigumi+LOD.mp4_snapshot_01.17.06_%5B2013.11.18_17.32.45%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LxlwB2IBf04/UrGDNAuZylI/AAAAAAAAAU0/mC0LtUkF1pM/s640/HKT48+131118+Himawarigumi+LOD.mp4_snapshot_01.17.06_%5B2013.11.18_17.32.45%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Sakurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122564770322902084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305766820931824599.post-73914629014803879592013-11-09T21:21:00.000-08:002013-11-09T21:22:52.225-08:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ma5lNXHdgM/Un8WztFaoJI/AAAAAAAAATI/mW8tr52jCxU/s1600/photo+(34).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ma5lNXHdgM/Un8WztFaoJI/AAAAAAAAATI/mW8tr52jCxU/s640/photo+(34).jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Why is she so fucking kawaii </span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I don't know why, but I decided to try making some slight visual changes to my blog.<br />
I think it looks a bit better? I will try to post more often from now on ( ̄▽ ̄)<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
(just kidding about the posting more often thing)Sakurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122564770322902084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305766820931824599.post-21759337644659213862013-07-19T14:51:00.000-07:002013-11-09T21:16:33.004-08:00Kiniro Mosaic Translation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AaisLICYeV4/Uemy9AZ-QuI/AAAAAAAAARg/Mig4_2t9_Ks/s1600/kin-iro_mosaic_01_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AaisLICYeV4/Uemy9AZ-QuI/AAAAAAAAARg/Mig4_2t9_Ks/s640/kin-iro_mosaic_01_001.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I've decided to try a bit of translating to practice my Japanese, and Sudo demanded I translate Kiniro Mosaic, so I'm going to try doing that.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>It seems it was already worked on a bit by this group <a href="http://kireicake.com/">http://kireicake.com/</a> so I picked up where they left off.<br />
Now, the manga itself doesn't seem to have any chapters. There is no index or anything in the book, and no title indicating the start of a chapter. It's just a bunch of 4koma. The other guys at kireicake were doing it in some format I didn't understand, like 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 etc. I've decided I will just translate up until when there are breaks, and then call that a "chapter", but before I do that, I wanted to finish the "chapter" that the other people left at.<br />
<br />
Therefore, this release is only about 8 pages long. I'll title this release as 3.3, and for releases after this (assuming I don't drop it www) I will just title them chapter 4, 5 etc. I'm not the greatest writer, so please forgive me if some of the lines don't make sense.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure what to title the releases under, as I am not a group, and don't have a group name, so I will just call them "Mentaiko" after my waifu.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mediafire.com/download/ob9j91hkon8bwm4" target="_blank">Here is "3.3"</a><br />
<br />
Please let me know what you think, and if you'd like me to continue.<br /><br />EDIT: Kiniro Mosaic is actually really boring so forget that idea.Sakurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122564770322902084noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305766820931824599.post-48205995801371552182012-12-28T13:08:00.000-08:002012-12-28T13:44:57.221-08:002012 GOTY listNow that 2012 is coming to a close, I think I'll post a list of what I found to be the best, and worst games of the year 2012!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><b>Top ten 2012 games of the year:</b><br />
<br />
1. AKB1/149<br />
2. New Love Plus<br />
3. Bravely Default<br />
4. Animal Crossing: New Leaf<br />
5. Persona 4 The Golden<br />
6. Fire Emblem: Awakening<br />
7. Mass Effect 3<br />
8. Harvest Moon: New Beginning<br />
9. Halo 4<br />
10. XCOM: Enemy Unknown<br />
<br />
Honourable mentions: FTL, Spec Ops: The Line, Binary Domain<br />
<br />
<b>Kusoge of the year</b> (1 being the most kuso and 10 being the least)<br />
<br />
<b>1. The Walking Dead</b><br />
<br />
The focus of the game is giving you, the player, choices. Having to choose between two equally shitty options. Having to choose to do something pretty depressing. Etc etc. Now this would sound like a good game. Except it is extremely linear. Regardless of what you choose, you get the same outcome. Because of this, I get a sudden disconnect from the world, and no longer care that much about what I choose. I can choose to save Y or X, but if they are both going to die after anyway, who cares? What's the point?<br />
<br />
The fact that every time you boot up the game it states how the decisions you make shape and alter the story etc is just an insult. Mass Effect 3 is less linear than this game.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Dust: An Elysian Tail</b><br />
<br />
Furry shit.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Mists of Pandaria</b><br />
<br />
This new expansion doesn't bring anything new. Though I suppose they aren't trying to any more. It just dumbs down the game even further. You get the expansion, level to the new level cap via questing in the new zones. But it isn't fun. Killing mobs and doing the mundane quests have just gotten so boring now. And then on top of that, they have this stupid nonsensical Disney-esque storyline, so any reason to play it from a lore aspect is gone too.<br />
<br />
<b>4. Skullgirls</b><br />
<br />
I wish non Japanese would stop trying to make Japanese-esque games. You are an inferior race, and thus will create an inferior product. We must all worship our Japanese overlords.<br />
<br />
<b>5. Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified</b><br />
<br />
One of the games that was supposedly going to help save the Vita, but it's <a href="http://www.giantbomb.com/call-of-duty-black-ops-declassified/61-38542/reviews/" target="_blank">complete garbage</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>6. Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor</b><br />
<br />
A kinect game that controls like poop. Pretty much rendering it unplayable.<br />
<br />
<b>7. Game of Thrones</b><br />
<br />
Kuso, just like the show.<br />
<br />
<b>8. Kingdom Hearts 3D</b><br />
<br />
Probably the worst KH game I've played. It just isn't fun. The story is boring. The characters are boring. And instead of cruising around with Donald and Goofy like a main series title, you get stupid little creatures you collect and customise, but are ultimately never very helpful.<br />
<br />
The gameplay is a joke. Any enemy encounter can be bested by simply using the free flow attacks or whatever they are called, even on hard. So jump on a wall, jump in the air, and use the attack button. Rinse and repeat. For every enemy. I never even bothered using magic because there was no point.<br />
<br />
<b>9. Lollipop Chainsaw</b><br />
<br />
Another Suda game.<br />
<br />
<b>10. Assassin's Creed III: Liberation</b><br />
<br />
The other game that was supposed to give you a reason to purchase the Vita, and it ain't very great either. Though most certainly not as bad as Declassified. The plot is largely unimportant, and the gameplay ain't great either.<br />
<br />
And the game adds itself to the (long) list of Vita games that do not run at the Vita's max resolution. The Vita's resolution is<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"> </span></span>960x544 (522,240 pixels) yet the game only runs at 720x384 (276,480). How disappointing. One of the reasons I bought a Vita was for the relatively high resolution. But if the games ain't even running at it, then what's the point?Sakurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122564770322902084noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305766820931824599.post-8494443597035417972012-11-29T03:50:00.001-08:002012-11-29T03:50:52.086-08:00AKB48+Me<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dL2cf7IJf5k/ULcwle6iETI/AAAAAAAAAOo/kypWdwIkhM8/s1600/71Wn+y+MX8L._AA1000_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dL2cf7IJf5k/ULcwle6iETI/AAAAAAAAAOo/kypWdwIkhM8/s640/71Wn+y+MX8L._AA1000_.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It's surprisingly easy to tell who is who, even in Mii form.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Whelp. I haven't made a post in a while... and I finished this game not too long ago... So I guess I'll make a post about it!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
AKB48+Me (not you) for the 3DS! I purchased the digital version.<br />
<br />
Ok. So what is the game about.<br />
You choose a Mii to play as, it has to be female of course.<br />
The game starts off with you going to see an AKB48 performance with a friend. After the performance, you're really impressed, and your character decides she wants to become a member of AKB48 too.<br />
So you go to an audition, and pass, and become a kenkyuusei for 3 years.<br />
<br />
During this 3 year period, you raise your popularity, to achieve higher results during the senbatsu. At the end of the 3 years, if you do well enough, you are made a regular member, and the game ends.<br />
<br />
Now let me talk about the game system.<br />
<br />
The game is kind of divided into two parts, the weekly schedule/raising stats, and the rhythm game stage performances that happen every two weeks, and on other special events. You raise stats during the week, so that you can get better results during the rhythm game part, so that your popularity rises faster.<br />
<br />
There are 3 stats, which all are for the sake of raising the one main stat, ninki (popularity).<br />
Dance, song, and variety. Your dance and song level determines the bonus points you get on top of the base points for completing the song on the rhythm game part.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXsjCYB2vUE/ULc98qLTlHI/AAAAAAAAAO4/YxDXNcEr1tw/s1600/HNI_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXsjCYB2vUE/ULc98qLTlHI/AAAAAAAAAO4/YxDXNcEr1tw/s640/HNI_0064.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Me doing a performance.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
So for example, you perform the song Heavy Rotation, and you do good. You get 40 base points. Your dance stat is at level 20, and song is at level 24. It divides your level by 2, to determine the bonus points you get. So 10 points for dance, and 12 for song in that case, giving you an end score of 62. Those 62 points go into your ninki stat, which levels at every 100 points. So the idea is you are raising your dance and song before performances, to get higher and higher points.<br />
<br />
During the weekly, there are always days where you appear on a variety show. The show you either succeed at, or fail at. Succeeding raises ninki, failing lowers it. The variety stat gives you additional ninki for the show. Sometimes the variety show, instead of just being a "beep you failed/passed" 3 second occurrence actually has you play a minigame, and if you succeed at the minigame, you get ninki up plus usually an item.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of each week, you are in your room, where you can save, check personality, items, etc. You decide your schedule for the week here. On the days you have nothing already set in stone (events, variety show, performances, etc) you can choose dance, song, variety lessons, or to have the day off. Doing anything other than resting takes stamina, and resting replenishes it. If you run out of stamina during the week, you will miss other lessons/jobs/etc planned.<br />
<br />
So again, the point is to raise ninki, so you perform better during the senbatsu.<br />
<br />
The other thing you're minding while playing, is your personality. Many of the events, even just stuff like before every stage performance etc, there will be decision points, where the choices are colour coded. These change your personality. So if you want to become an idol like Maeda, you generally choose responses that are cool/my pace.<br />
<br />
Your personality, I believe, affects random events. So my first play through, I was aiming to be like Maeda, so I had events about acting in dramas and stuff, and she and Yuuko would give me advice etc.<br />
<br />
They also have other events like the Janken Tournament, Tokyo Dome performances, end of the year song battle, etc.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>OK SO NOW I WILL TALK ABOUT MY IMPRESSIONS OF THE GAME</b></span><br />
<br />
Some complaints I have would be.....<br />-There isn't enough to do! There is no real story or anything, you just raise stats, see random events, then at the end get an epilogue based on how you did. At the time, I didn't even realise the game was going to end. I was like, alright, done being a kenkyuusei, I placed first in the senbatsu, let's get this show on the road! But then the game ends... lol...<br />
<br />
-Another thing, not necessarily a complaint, but it doesn't make sense that you are a kenkyuusei for 3 years. In my first play through, during the second senbatsu I came in like 6th. It doesn't make any sense to me that I wouldn't be made a regular member then and there. During the 3rd senbatsu, the end of the game, I came in first. I'm supposedly still a kenkyuusei at that point, and it's not till after the results it's decided I am a regular member. Can you imagine if a kenkyuusei came in first in the senbatsu? Crazy...<br />
<br />
-There aren't enough songs! The game has like 10~12 tracks or so, with one song being original to the game, but it's not enough. In the second Janken Tournament, I came in first. But.. there weren't any more songs, so they didn't even do a single or anything! What is the point of the Janken Tournament, aiming to become a member for the next single, when there is no single!? The only Janken that had a single was the first one. And there isn't much benefit in becoming senbatsu either, aside from the increased work and events, because there aren't any senbatsu PV etc you participate in to raise your popularity, aside from one single. After that, there isn't anything.<br />
<br />
-The game is SUPER easy. I've never not gotten kami, the highest rank, on any of the rhythm game parts. And I'm bad at rhythm games. I feel like I didn't put much effort into getting into the senbatsu. At the end of the game my ninki was level 99 which was max. Just so easy. No challenge.<br />
<br />
Ok. Some things I enjoyed...<br />
-I like these kind of stat building games, so it's fun.<br />
-The game is pretty cute, and doesn't take itself seriously.<br />
<br />
Other thoughts...<br />
-The game at a couple times was weirdly meta. When the next single, the game original song 'kimi ni niteru' or something, was announced, the character literally says "This song is original to the game!". The narrator too, sometimes talks to you, the character, and even gave me an item one time :s<br />
-The game is obviously low budget. All characters are just Miis, there is no voice acting, etc etc. so it could not have cost much to make. I'd like to see them to another game, but with a better budget.<br />
<br />
<br />
All in all, the game is a pretty good time waster. If you're an AKB48 fan, then you'll probably enjoy it. My first play through took about 12 hours, and there is replayability in playing as different personality type, trying to achieve senbatsu faster, etc. It's a game made for kids though, so keep in mind it's pretty easy, and also easy to read, if you have poor Japanese.<br />
<br />
I don't remember what I was typing about, or what I wanted to write about this game, so sorry if none of this post made sense. Maybe I'll edit the post later and include the track list, or maybe I'll edit the post to be funnier so it's a better read. I wouldn't count on it though.Sakurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122564770322902084noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305766820931824599.post-26774934714703103572012-08-13T15:46:00.000-07:002012-08-13T15:46:08.988-07:00Robotics;Notes impressions (spoiler free)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1y8LRjWHwes/UCmCb44jITI/AAAAAAAAANA/XLTMS5Yf5Ro/s1600/RNcover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1y8LRjWHwes/UCmCb44jITI/AAAAAAAAANA/XLTMS5Yf5Ro/s640/RNcover.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is not a review or anything, just me posting my thoughts on various aspects of the game, Robotics;Notes.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<br />
<b>Main Characters</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l1HpEmEjtRw/UCmCkHCJ0qI/AAAAAAAAANI/sIT8_QxmiWo/s1600/chara_1_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l1HpEmEjtRw/UCmCkHCJ0qI/AAAAAAAAANI/sIT8_QxmiWo/s1600/chara_1_2.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>All images shamelessly stolen from elsewhere.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">八汐 海翔 - </span>Yashio Kaito </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The protagonist of the game. A 3rd year student. He is always playing fighting games, and is ranked in the top 5 for the game Kill Ballad. I think that's what it's called at least. Whenever someone asks him to do something, he always says they have to beat him first in the game. He has a condition where when he over exerts himself, he enters something he calls 'slow mo', in where everything seems to be moving slower than it is. While 3 seconds go by in the real world, he experiences that 3 seconds for what feels like 30 seconds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a2bYo32HlZU/UCmCkYKUqMI/AAAAAAAAANQ/uhBTy4uyQIs/s1600/chara_2_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a2bYo32HlZU/UCmCkYKUqMI/AAAAAAAAANQ/uhBTy4uyQIs/s1600/chara_2_1.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>uguu</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">瀬乃宮 あき穂 - Senomiya Akiho</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">The heroine of the game. Also a 3rd year student, and the current leader of the Robo club. She loves robots and mechs and such. She is always watching mecha anime, and she frequently quotes Char. She is also quite a siscon. She has a condition like Kaito, but the effects of it are somewhat opposite. While for Kaito things seem to slow down, for her things speed up faster than they are. They call her condition 'fast forward' I think. It is her dream to finish the giant robot that her sister started back when she was the original leader of the robo club.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CzXRdzS_dBo/UCmCk7LqVwI/AAAAAAAAANg/_UqufXMWoZc/s1600/chara_4_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CzXRdzS_dBo/UCmCk7LqVwI/AAAAAAAAANg/_UqufXMWoZc/s1600/chara_4_1.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">神代 フラウ - Koujiro Frau</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Her real name is Furugoori Kona. She is a 2nd year student, and is also a genius programmer. She created the super popular game that Kaito plays, Kill Ballad. She's also somewhat of a hikikomori, having not showed up to class since her first day. She also speaks using 2ch talk from 10 years prior.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8CuZcF0NbMU/UCmClGoD3zI/AAAAAAAAANo/4PidZnhWS6k/s1600/chara_5_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8CuZcF0NbMU/UCmClGoD3zI/AAAAAAAAANo/4PidZnhWS6k/s1600/chara_5_1.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.649999618530273px;">大徳 淳和 - Daitoku Junna</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.649999618530273px;">A 3rd year student. She practices karate, as her house is a karate doujou and everything. She is super afraid of robots as she had a traumatising experience when she was little. She also has a somewhat meek personality; when she practices karate by herself, her form is really good and she looks like a pro. When other people are around though she gets nervous and can't perform as well.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.649999618530273px;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2T9ILQY6Koo/UCmClbAY4_I/AAAAAAAAANw/JYKppQmPI2s/s1600/chara_6_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2T9ILQY6Koo/UCmClbAY4_I/AAAAAAAAANw/JYKppQmPI2s/s1600/chara_6_1.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.649999618530273px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.649999618530273px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 22.633333206176758px;">愛理- Airi</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 22.633333206176758px;">A very advanced, realistic, AI created by Kimijima Kou. She can only be viewe<span style="font-family: inherit;">d via the </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.649999618530273px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">居ル夫(iruo) app. She likes to call Kaito 'oniichan' ^_^.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5hzpxqP9sgg/UCmCk603ZBI/AAAAAAAAANY/LaS-lDCfrdo/s1600/chara_3_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5hzpxqP9sgg/UCmCk603ZBI/AAAAAAAAANY/LaS-lDCfrdo/s1600/chara_3_1.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">日高 昴 - Hidaka Subaru</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">A 2nd year student. He looks down on the robo club. He has a habit of using the word 'nonsense'. He is very realistic when designing robots and has a cool personality.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<b>Setting/Plot/etc</b><br />
The game is set in 2019, on the rural island, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanegashima">Tanegashima</a>. Kaito and Akiho are childhood friends, and are the only two members of the robot club, though Kaito is only in the club because Akiho is, and he doesn't actually help with anything. Akiho's goal is finishing the giant robot, Gantsuku1, started by her older sister, and bringing it to participate in a world wide robot expedition the next year. The robot club was originally created by Akiho's older sister, Misaki, years earlier. Back then, they had drawn up plans for a giant robot, and ever since, the robot club has been working on it bit by bit. Misaki moved to Tokyo after graduating high school, and Akiho and Kaito haven't had contact with her since.<br />
<br />
In the world, in 2019, devices called PokeComs have replaced cell phones and smart phones. Though they essentially are just smart(er) phones. The devices feature an app called 居る<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.633333206176758px;">夫(Iruo), pre-installed on all systems, which acts as an AR (augmented reality) tool. You can use it to view geotags placed on buildings, cars, etc. You can use it to do things like make Akiho cosplay via it. </span>Kaito uses Iruo to uncover hidden text documents on the island, called Kimijima Notes, left by Kimijima Kou, which move the plot forward.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>System/mechanics/etc</b><br />
There are twelve phases. Phase 6 is devoted to Junna. Phase 7 is devoted to Frau. And Phase 8 is devoted to Airi. In order to get to Phase 9, and essentially the rest of the game, you must first play these 3 phases. At the end of each phase, there is a CG and the credits role, so even if you fulfill the conditions for the subsequent phase, it does not go into it, the game ends there, and it will take you back to the title screen saying 'Phase X clear'. You need to load a save and fulfill the conditions for the next phase, without fulfilling the conditions for the one prior.<br />
<br />
Also, even though the game has an 'end' at each of these phases, they are not really 'endings' as the following stage continues directly after the ending.<br />
<br />
The game uses a twitter like system to determine the phases you go to, somewhat similar to the email system in Steins;Gate. It's not actually called twitter, but that is what I will refer to it as for convenience. The requirements to get on a phase, is to respond correctly to the specific girls' tweets up until the end of phase 5.<br />
<br />
If you responded correctly to Junna's tweets, you will proceed to Phase 6 after Phase 5. If you respond correctly to both Junna and Frau's tweets, you will still proceed to Phase 6 after Phase 5, and you will be unable to go to Phase 7 (Frau's phase). You need to respond correctly to Frau's tweets without doing so for Junna in order to go to Phase 7. The same is true for Phase 8, Airi's phase. Without a guide this would be a hassle, but with one, it isn't a big deal as there is a convenient point on Aug 23 where you can make a save.<br />
<br />
The problem, is that you can go to say Phase 8, without having yet played Phase 6 or 7, as the end of Phase 5 will take you directly to the earliest phase you fulfil the conditions for. So if you do play the game, make sure you play it in order.<br />
<br />
The gameplay aspect didn't seem to make much sense. All it is is matching the buttons shown on screen before the timer runs out. However, you are never in danger of it running out as you always have plenty of time. It is pretty much impossible to lose unless you go out of your way to try (and even then, you are forced to win sometimes so you simply cannot lose). It makes me wonder what the point was in even including it. It's not a big deal because, as I said, it is super easy, but why put gameplay in in the first place if it is just going to be so simple?<br />
<br />
Originally, given the protagonists, "if you want me to do something, then you'll have to beat me first attitude", I thought that the gameplay part would be a way of making in game choices, ie lose on purpose to say yes or win to say no. But that almost never happens.<br />
<br />
<b>Thoughts</b><br />
If there was no walkthrough available when I was playing, it would've been a real hassle getting on the 3 phases required to unlock phase 9+. This is because when using the skip function, the game does not stop ever. So it would be skipping over when you get new tweets you can reply to. Ideally, it should stop each time there is a new set of tweets, but it doesn't. With a walkthrough though, like I said, not a big deal.<br />
<br />
You can reply to lots of tweets from Akiho, as she is the main heroine. However, it serves absolutely no purpose, as the only way to get phase 9+ is to do the other 3 girl's phases, and after that you don't have to do anything in regards to the tweets. I'm not sure why they went this route honestly. It makes it kinda pointless to reply to Akiho other than the hope that she might reply to one of your tweets (she usually doesn't). I wish there was more emphasis placed on the conversations with her, otherwise, why put it in?<br />
<br />
They should have made the gameplay more interesting. At least some kind of rythm game, or hell an actual fighting game. Maybe they just didn't have time.
<br />
<br />
Another thing I should mention, is that unlike Steins;Gate (and Chaos;Head Noah) there are no character specific endings really. What I mean by this is, say in Steins;Gate, if you like Faris (sp?), during her phase, you can make a choice that will cause the game to end during her phase, and you get an ending with that girl, that is different than what would happen if you play the game normally. The way Robotics;Notes is, is very linear.<br />
<br />
In Steins;Gate, there were girls other than the main heroine that liked the protagonist, and you could get endings for some of them that were somewhat romantic. In contrast, there is absolutely no romance with Junna, Frau, or Airi. You cannot get a separate ending for those characters if you like them. Their phases focus on their story, and only their story. In reality, the only heroine is Akiho. This is fine, because I really like Akiho and she is super cute, but if you like some of the other girls, you might find yourself disappointed.<br />
<br />
I would've liked to see more romance between Akiho and Kaito.<br />
<br />
<b>Criticisms</b><br />
The ending was a little lacklustre. The whole last phase was kind of anti-climactic compared to the rest. I won't say anything specific because I don't want to spoil. It wasn't bad, but it could've been better. I also would've liked an epilogue. I want to see what happens to characters afterwards. But instead the game kind of just ends.<br />
<br />
The twitter-like system didn't really go far enough. You can only reply to tweets by the 4 main girls, you can only choose 3 replies to choose from to send to them, and they don't reply to you most of the time anyway. It would've been cool to feel like you are having more of a real conversation with them outside the main game. Isn't that the point in going that route as opposed to flat out decision points? Oh well.<br />
<br />
Another thing I didn't really like was Airi's sudden feeling of irrelevance to the main story after her phase. It feels like she gets relegated more to a side character.<br />
<br />
<b>Things I liked</b><br />
The story is great. It manages to always dangle something fresh to keep you reading, and there are a few entertaining twists that aren't as predictable as in many other games.<br />
<br />
I really liked the setting too. I like the more kind of laid back rural setting, than the typical Tokyo or big city setting. It provided a nice change of pace from C;H and S;G.<br />
<br />
I liked the fact that they don't have a super convenient plot device like Steins;Gate's d-mail thing. In Steins;Gate if something bad happens you know they just will fix it with time travel, that killed a little bit of the suspense for me in that game.<br />
<br />
I liked the characters a lot. The heroine is super cute, and I enjoy having a more normal protagonist, as I'm not that fond of Okabe or Takumi like protagonists.<br />
<br />
I liked that the text wasn't filled with memes. I do not care for memes from 2ch or nicovideo or wherever else to be in my games. The only character that really talks like that in Robotics;Notes is Frau.<br />
<br />
<b>Closing Thoughts</b><br />
Although there were some minor issues with the game I had gripes with, at the end of the day, that's all they were, minor. The story, characters, setting, were all very good, and these are the most important things in any VN.<br />
<br />
I sincerely hope they release a fandisc for this game. They did for Chaos;Head and Steins;Gate, and I'm pretty sure Robotics;Notes is their best selling title thus far, so I'm sure they will.<br />
<br />
Do not look forward to this game or its anime on the assumption it will be more Steins;Gate. Because it's not. Was Steins;Gate more Chaos;Head? If you like an interesting story with good characters, etc set in that world, then I think you will enjoy Robotics;Notes.<br />
<br />
I look forward to the next title in 5pb's science adventure series.Sakurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122564770322902084noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305766820931824599.post-53426495932031596722012-08-11T18:45:00.002-07:002012-08-11T18:45:21.939-07:00Milky Holmes TL finished?It seems someone has finished TLing Milky Holmes. I haven't tested it myself, but it can be found over here with instructions on how to use. <a href="https://bitbucket.org/truneet/milky-holmes-psp">https://bitbucket.org/truneet/milky-holmes-psp</a>Sakurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122564770322902084noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305766820931824599.post-56762944708946408702012-07-18T00:07:00.004-07:002013-07-19T14:54:40.518-07:00Official Waifu ListThis is the official waifu list. Any other list is not canon.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
Me(Sakura): Murashige Anna<br />
Sudo: Tohsaka Rin<br />
Donkey: Makise Kurisu<br />
Y10NRDY: Reimu<br />
Branch: Tenshi<br />
Cur3bakaecchi: Katsuragi Misato<br />
Mastaz: Kikuchi Makoto<br />
Jones: Ekspol<br />
Saten-san: Kuroko<br />
Manick: Utsuho Reiuji<br />
Neetches: Alice Megadroid<br />
Fukune: Kirino<br />
ThePepperized: YoumuSakurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122564770322902084noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305766820931824599.post-31699085292554466522012-05-08T14:11:00.000-07:002012-05-08T14:18:16.270-07:00Summer 2012 AnimeWell. Summer is almost upon us. Maybe. Let's see what shows are worth watching da ze~<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0uiizEvkHxE/T6l_WsIyfWI/AAAAAAAAAMI/XowPFflFSGc/s1600/summeranimep01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0uiizEvkHxE/T6l_WsIyfWI/AAAAAAAAAMI/XowPFflFSGc/s640/summeranimep01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Alright so red dot means it's shit and not worth watching, basically. I was too lazy to draw an X or something more creative.<br />
<br />
<b>Kingdom</b> - This looks especially bad. Awful art, boring setting, etc. I don't think anyone expects it to be good any way though.<br />
<b>Kono Naka ni Hitori, Imouto ga Iru!</b> - I'm sure Sudo will watch it or something, because it sounds like utter trash. Oh no, I need to hook up with one of these girls, but one of them might be my imouto! Yea right. Another harem show, and this one doesn't even try to have a plot. No thanks.<br />
<b>Moyashimon Returns</b> - >.><br />
<b>Natsuyuki Rendezvous</b> - Wow this really sounds good. A man who falls in love with an ugly woman, who is probably not a virgin and is definitely not pure. I bet this series is marketed towards women.<br />
<b>Hagure Yuusha no Estetica</b> - Harem, fanservice, and a plot that doesn't make up for it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MhM2JzBgyFA/T6mCM9HlOUI/AAAAAAAAAMU/M0kfzJz9y0E/s1600/summeranimep02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MhM2JzBgyFA/T6mCM9HlOUI/AAAAAAAAAMU/M0kfzJz9y0E/s640/summeranimep02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Rinne no Lagrange</b> - The first season was really good and entertaining, so I'm glad it's getting a second season. Not.<br />
<b>Sword Art Online</b> - The light novel series is pretty popular, and I'm a sucker for the 'sucked into mmo' setting, so I will probably check it out.<br />
<b>Jinrui ha Suitai Shimashita</b> - "It's been several centuries since human beings declined due to the steep drop in birthrates." Ok ok, you've got me so far. "The most prestigious species on the Earth are 'Faries', 10 cm tall creatures with high intelligence." No thanks.<br />
<b>Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate</b> - The eroge was extremely boring, with the only redeeming point being the pretty art. The anime does not have the pretty art. Needless to say I have less than 0 interest (negative interest).<br />
<b>Dakara Boku ha, H ga Dekinai</b> - I think when the title mentions sex, that alone should be clue enough of what kind of show it is. A kuso show.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoUNs3goG3k/T6mFPC-BXII/AAAAAAAAAMg/qJaV6YwBVKQ/s1600/summeranimep03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoUNs3goG3k/T6mFPC-BXII/AAAAAAAAAMg/qJaV6YwBVKQ/s640/summeranimep03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Dog Days Second Season</b> - As if the first season of that boring furry shit wasn't bad enough, now we get a second season.<br />
<b>Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon</b> - The epitome of shitty harem fanservice shows. If you enjoy this series you should commit seppuku immediately.<br />
<b>Aruvu Rezuru blah blah blah</b> - I don't care. May your imouto be lost in net space forever, Remu.<br />
<b>Oda Nobuna no Yabou</b> - Wow. This is a unique spin on Sengoku period Japan. They've decided to replace Japan's historical figures, with kawaii girls. Wait. This isn't unique at all. I can't count the number of shitty series that do this. Go come up with something original, assholes.<br />
<b>Hakuouki: Reimei-roku</b> - Woohoo an anime adaptation of a shitty otomege! Eat your heart out, ugly fujoshi.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bN5oJJulfi0/T6mHfxFj_2I/AAAAAAAAAMo/xTNiRlayEos/s1600/summeranimep04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bN5oJJulfi0/T6mHfxFj_2I/AAAAAAAAAMo/xTNiRlayEos/s640/summeranimep04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>La storia della Arcana Famiglia</b> - Aw yea, now this is what I'm talking about. Another anime based off a mediocre otomege! Just kidding. How do they keep making this shit? When are otomege based anime ever popular?<br />
<b>Tari Tari</b> - An anime centred around three girls and their musical endeavours. Not interested. At least this one seems it will have romance though.<br />
<b>Chouyaku Hyakunin Isshu: Uta Koi</b> - Another anime for girls. 勘弁してくれよ...<br />
<b>Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse</b> - Alternative itself is an alright series. I would watch an anime adaptation of that. But I have no interest in an anime of the shitty light novel spin off series that is Total Eclipse.<br />
<b>Chitose Get You!!</b> - I'm sorry Chitose, but I'm not going to watch your shitty sh-<br />
>Elementary school girl named Chitose who wildly pursues the love of Hiroshi, and older young man...<br />
W-Well, probably nobody will watch it, so maybe I'll check the show out because I'm a nice guy. Not because I want to watch it or anything.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DjhcI7YTAvA/T6mLE3-iKEI/AAAAAAAAAM0/vygc1KybEN4/s1600/summeranimep05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DjhcI7YTAvA/T6mLE3-iKEI/AAAAAAAAAM0/vygc1KybEN4/s320/summeranimep05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Kokoro Connect</b> - No thank you sir!<br />
<b>Binbou-gami ga!</b> - Although it isn't common for a shounen anime to have a female lead, I'm not really interested at all in the plot, so I will pass.<br />
<br />
And that's it sirs! Pretty bad season! Looks like anime might be doomed until the Gods bring us more Raildex.Sakurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122564770322902084noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305766820931824599.post-81502110277696183382012-02-22T17:43:00.004-08:002012-02-22T17:44:25.530-08:00Gundam Series Best to Worst<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-stMMQKXueos/T0WXk4HH5II/AAAAAAAAALM/CTSQm8cJ45o/s1600/snapshot20091022024758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-stMMQKXueos/T0WXk4HH5II/AAAAAAAAALM/CTSQm8cJ45o/s640/snapshot20091022024758.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I've decided to make a post ranking the gundam series from best to worst. The list will ignore OVAs and movies. This list is not opinion and is to be taken as fact. I'll try to keep it mostly spoiler free, but no promises.<br />
<br />
Anyway, here we go.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
--------------Triumvirate of Awesomeness--------------------<br />
<br />
<b>#1 Gundam Seed Destiny</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-prHURUeBpdE/T0WXrhs3cCI/AAAAAAAAALU/SzLhyoTlXtE/s1600/Gundam+Seed+Destiny116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-prHURUeBpdE/T0WXrhs3cCI/AAAAAAAAALU/SzLhyoTlXtE/s640/Gundam+Seed+Destiny116.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Now, I know a lot of people give the series a hard time, and it does have its problems like the number of recap episodes and the amount of stock footage. But it is still truly the best Gundam out there. It masterfully captures the essence of what makes a Gundam. It has the best cast of characters compared to any other series. The politics and happenings in the world are the most realistic, and most interesting.<br />
<br />
Kira is the coolest dude.<br />
<br />
The ending most importantly, is probably the best ending I've seen in a Gundam series. It wraps up very nicely. The characters are with the heroines they should be with (AthrunxMeirin). The mobile suits themselves are all quite aesthetically appealing too.<br />
<br />
<b>#2 Zeta Gundam</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X4k6iGBrGNk/T0WX_5CKG7I/AAAAAAAAALc/3OPPIku86c4/s1600/3747983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X4k6iGBrGNk/T0WX_5CKG7I/AAAAAAAAALc/3OPPIku86c4/s640/3747983.jpg" width="470" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I doubt most people will disagree that this is a good series. It's got a strong universe and the story is told quite well. It is probably the most popular Gundam series out there. The ending I felt was a little weak though. They just start killing a bunch of cast. Killing off characters does not make a series more 'mature' or 'deep' as some viewers would like you to believe.<br />
<br />
I also did not care for Kamille's romance. Fa is right there. She is a nice girl. She is his childhood friend. But instead Kamille goes after the socially retarded and mentally unstable girl. What is it with Gundam protags?<br />
<br />
The movies aren't that great though, so I don't recommend watching them in place of the series.<br />
<br />
<b>#3 Turn A Gundam</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QMV8kXAal5Q/T0WZX8eJ2NI/AAAAAAAAALk/tYmyKZAJURU/s1600/16021777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QMV8kXAal5Q/T0WZX8eJ2NI/AAAAAAAAALk/tYmyKZAJURU/s640/16021777.jpg" width="444" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I'm too lazy to find pictures for the rest</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is probably the most unique Gundam series. The design of the gundam itself was rather controversial at the time, and at the end they try to imply that all the gundam series (AU and UC) take place in the same universe. The protagonist was cool and a bit of a change from the standard, and the setting in a kind of early 20th century earth was also pretty interesting.<br />
<br />
The series starts of rather slow but really builds up by the end. It's a real shame that the ending was so bad. For whatever reason, Tomino, the idiot that he is, decided to have Loran end up with the boring and garbage Dianna, instead of the infinitely superior Sochie. This prevents the series from moving higher on the list.<br />
<br />
--------------Good Tier--------------------<br />
<br />
<b>#4 Mobile Suit Gundam</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
This is the original Gundam series. It is quite dated, so it may be hard for new viewers to watch it now, but it is still quite good, and is after all, the series that started it all. Not much else to say. If you are going to get into UC then you should start with this.<br />
<br />
<b>#5 Gundam Seed</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
This is the 21st century's version of the original Gundam. It was extremely popular, and helped revitalise Gundam franchise which hand't been doing too well by that point. Unfortunately I didn't care for Kira's behaviour in the first half of the series which makes it hard for me to rank it higher. He NTRs his friend Sai, which I was not pleased with at all, and seems out of character for the man they call Jesus. I also was not happy with the characters they decided to kill off. They should have lived as far as I am concerned.<br />
<br />
The show really picks off after Kira gets the Freedom though. And the cast is quite well done. The themes they bring into the show are also mature and invoke thought. Subjects like genetic modification, war, etc. Destiny takes this further though, which is why it is a better show.<br />
<br />
<b>#6 Victory Gundam</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
This show seems to get mixed reactions. Tomino himself doesn't like it. But, I liked it. I like Usso, I like Shakti, I like the characters. The show is pretty depressing though as they kill off like 50 characters by the end.<br />
<br />
<b>#7 Gundam Wing</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
Probably the first Gundam for a lot of people in the west. It was my first Gundam as well. The show is... alright. The protagonist is kind of a nice change from the typical kid who just happens to be thrown into a war and doesn't want to fight. It's also unique in that it isn't really a war, but more terrorism. The Gundams are acting on their own and are not part of an army, nor are the Gundam pilots even allied with each other. Heero is also kind of tsundere moe. The overall plot though, is kind of boring. There aren't really any stronger themes, interesting revelations, or anything at all.<br />
<br />
The Gundam designs are nice though.<br />
<br />
<b>#8 Gundam ZZ</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
This show...<br />
<br />
A lot of people probably wont like it. Especially if they are coming straight off of Zeta. Personally though, I don't think it is that bad. The show starts off week, for sure. It almost seems like Gundam was turned into a gag show. About half-way through though, the show starts to take off and have a more serious tone. It's got lots of Haman-sama which is a plus for Haman fans.<br />
<br />
However, Tomino once again was an idiot and killed off good characters. I wont say specifically in case people reading this are planning on watching it.<br />
<br />
--------------Kuso Tier--------------------<br />
<br />
<b>#9 Gundam 00</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
There are a million things I could write about this show, but I'll try to keep it somewhat breif. The show is just plain bad. There are no mature themes or interesting plot. Just some group of individuals called Celestial Being, who have an absolutely retarded goal of ending war forever.<br />
<br />
The Gundams at the beginning are ridiculously overpowered. It's almost like Gundam Wing for the first part of the first season.<br />
<br />
The only way the plot ever advances, is via technology.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Oh no these Gundams are totally destroying us!<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Now we have something to fight them with!<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Oh no now they are using something called trans-am and are destroying us again!<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Now we have our own trans-am!<br />
etc etc etc.<br />
<br />
The worst part too, is that the technology makes absolutely zero sense. They never even really try to explain it. Everything works around GN particles, but the particles themselves make no sense. They can essentially do everything too, they are basically magic.<br />
<br />
The other totally awful part of the show, is its use of time skips to advance the story. In between the first and second season they have a time skip of 4 years, just so they can have the world "change" as a result of the actions of the first season, without ever actually having to show how it all happened or developed. Then, the worst time skip in the series happens later in the second season. They use a time skip to develop the romance between a main character and some girl they just introduce, just so they be in a romantic relationship all of a sudden without ever having to show us it developed. And because it happened via time skip, why would I, or any other viewer, care if said new character died or did anything else? We have no attachment to her.<br />
<br />
I'll stop there because I don't feel like discussing 00 in that much detail.<br />
<br />
<b>#10 G Gundam</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
I know a lot of people like this series. But, as a Gundam, it just isn't that good. I'm not even sure why they decided to make it a Gundam series, when it is as far away from being Gundam as anything.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's a bad show (it's bad) but it just is not a real Gundam show and so I have ranked it low.<br />
<br />
<b>#11 Gundam X</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
The worst Gundam ever. It is the most boring and dreadful Gundam I have ever watched. It wasn't popular when it aired either. It was cancelled after only 39 episodes, so the story suffers from that too.<br />
<br />
Recently, however, due to its low popularity, a number of Gundam hipsters have emerged. They will lead you to believe the show is actually really good, and didn't get the credit it was due. But trust me. The show is trash. It does absolutely nothing unique. The characters are a joke. The setting and plot is a joke. The only reason to watch it, is if you are a Gundam fan and need to see every series.<br />
<br />
------------------------------------------
<br />
<br />
So, there you have it. The official list of the best series. Sorry I didn't go into a lot of detail on most shows, I just don't feel like spending all day writing this post. I do have other things to do after all, like translate milky holmes (just kidding). Also, don't ask about AGE. That show does not even deserve to be in a list with any of these shows.Sakurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122564770322902084noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305766820931824599.post-76009491345520688452011-12-04T12:38:00.001-08:002011-12-04T13:53:57.916-08:0010 Best and Worst Heroines of 2000+Someone was bugging me to make a post about anything so I decided to make a post listing the top ten best and worst heroines since 2000. Keep in mind this list is fact, and based on actual scientific research. As such no disagreeing with the list is allowed.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
Alright so we'll start with the best heroines then, in no particular order.<br />
<br />
First up is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uc3r8f01x-E/TtvbdHuHTsI/AAAAAAAAAIg/Qm9_t0OMbBQ/s1600/23298330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uc3r8f01x-E/TtvbdHuHTsI/AAAAAAAAAIg/Qm9_t0OMbBQ/s640/23298330.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Satonaka Chie </b>from Persona 4. She is beautiful and nice. She also wears delicious spats. She is the best heroine out of any Persona game.<br />
<br />
Second is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w5CVz7YSJAc/TtvcQRsxkYI/AAAAAAAAAIo/_Jtyzx8s8rM/s1600/23064412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w5CVz7YSJAc/TtvcQRsxkYI/AAAAAAAAAIo/_Jtyzx8s8rM/s640/23064412.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Misaka Mikoto </b>from To Aru Majutsu no Index. Best tsundere ever award. Also perfect age range for me... I'm not lolicon by the way.<br />
<br />
Third is:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fl-ggXoYqvk/Ttvc7X_LgwI/AAAAAAAAAIw/ADTGpoHYpBo/s1600/13625516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fl-ggXoYqvk/Ttvc7X_LgwI/AAAAAAAAAIw/ADTGpoHYpBo/s640/13625516.jpg" width="474" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It was hard to find non-lewd pictures.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Yuuki Mikan </b>from to-love-ru or something. Excellent imouto character. Makes breakfast, takes care of herself and the house, and is only 11! She also loves her Oniichan. I wish I could replace my baka imouto with her~<br />
<br />
Fourth is:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mIMQHt2jB6A/TtveBaQ1BfI/AAAAAAAAAI4/MdS80bVwv0k/s1600/23367504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mIMQHt2jB6A/TtveBaQ1BfI/AAAAAAAAAI4/MdS80bVwv0k/s640/23367504.jpg" width="432" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inamiiiii</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Inami Mahiru </b>from Working!!. She is super dere towards the protagonist (me) and super cute~<br />
<br />
Fifth is:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rHhxw7LgK_M/TtveumVNjnI/AAAAAAAAAJA/d5eA42BnF98/s1600/datface.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="572" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rHhxw7LgK_M/TtveumVNjnI/AAAAAAAAAJA/d5eA42BnF98/s640/datface.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dat face</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Kagami Sumika </b>from Muv-Luv. She is the epitome of childhood friend character. If Sumika was my CHF things would be different around here...<br />
<br />
Sixth is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ruj1yrtenzk/TtvfhSt2D-I/AAAAAAAAAJI/TFJelLyZx_k/s1600/8217138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ruj1yrtenzk/TtvfhSt2D-I/AAAAAAAAAJI/TFJelLyZx_k/s640/8217138.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
<br />
...<b>Asuka</b> from Evangelion. She is so attractive it's crazy. Although she is a little tsun her dere is great!<br />
<br />
Seventh is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IMTt5rjpsG4/TtvgGGzfYnI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/-U0oCDbrwUs/s1600/9173032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IMTt5rjpsG4/TtvgGGzfYnI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/-U0oCDbrwUs/s640/9173032.jpg" width="460" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Tsukimiya Ayu</b> from Kanon. The original moe from the original nakige (no arguing allowed). Uguu...<br />
<br />
Eighth is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-21AlHmyzMLw/Ttvgjftq4II/AAAAAAAAAJY/mHdU6p9o1Xo/s1600/22499105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-21AlHmyzMLw/Ttvgjftq4II/AAAAAAAAAJY/mHdU6p9o1Xo/s640/22499105.jpg" width="502" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Suzumiya Akane</b> from Kimi ga Nozomu Eien. Really the only reason to read the VN. She is great, younger, and yea. The fandisc is nice too because you can court her before the accident~<br />
<br />
Ninth is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6g0czGErZbI/TtviezYaVVI/AAAAAAAAAJo/pxuMYEaLE40/s1600/000709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6g0czGErZbI/TtviezYaVVI/AAAAAAAAAJo/pxuMYEaLE40/s640/000709.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nanasakiiiii</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Nanasaki Ai </b>from Amagami. Excellent kouhai character. Superbly delicious voice acting. Literally almost die every time she says 'Senpai'.<br />
<br />
Tenth is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iQDjDZ9hZ28/TtvjemjitPI/AAAAAAAAAJw/Zu5b5yU4cGk/s1600/4771585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iQDjDZ9hZ28/TtvjemjitPI/AAAAAAAAAJw/Zu5b5yU4cGk/s640/4771585.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Hinamori Amu </b>from Shugo Chara. Although I don't approve of her boy harem and her letting older boys at her house... she is still moe.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Now for the 10 worst characters. Remember, this is indisputable.</span></b><br />
<br />
First is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yP6Zu1SK2gQ/Ttvlz_bwHaI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/LOHDeb-HbyE/s1600/284254.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yP6Zu1SK2gQ/Ttvlz_bwHaI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/LOHDeb-HbyE/s640/284254.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Kusoneko </b>from Ore no Imouto. She is a garbage friend to Kirino, is a hipster, has shit taste in anime and manga, writes dumb fanfics, and probably smells bad. She is an ugly fujoshi. And she is trying to NTR Kirino.<br />
<br />
Second is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k2bdX6Gjkqw/TtvmV9q5F_I/AAAAAAAAAKA/THuDEFvm6Lk/s1600/23081615_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k2bdX6Gjkqw/TtvmV9q5F_I/AAAAAAAAAKA/THuDEFvm6Lk/s640/23081615_m.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Itsuwa </b>from To Aru Majutsu no Index. She is a trash heroine added halfway through the series. Nobody except a small vocal minority likes her (fact, don't argue) and she gets way too much attention to her in the novels. I hope she disappears.<br />
<br />
Third is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c-OUrhPC7kA/Ttvm_iiWqJI/AAAAAAAAAKI/0a4GGR5DLiU/s1600/4786579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c-OUrhPC7kA/Ttvm_iiWqJI/AAAAAAAAAKI/0a4GGR5DLiU/s640/4786579.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Meiya </b>from Muv-Luv. She is a dumb character. She met the protagonist, for one day, when they were both like 4 or 5, and he apparently said he would marry her. So like 12 or 13 years later she comes to live with him against his consent to fulfill this promise? Who the hell does she think she is? She played with the guy once when they were pretty much babies and somehow she deserves to come into the scene and expect to hook up with him? I don't think so. Muv-Luv would be better if she was the only one that died.<br />
<br />
Fourth is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9zWJzC604Yw/Ttvn9kFKCDI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/TC63ww4g_AI/s1600/23454695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9zWJzC604Yw/Ttvn9kFKCDI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/TC63ww4g_AI/s640/23454695.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Haruhi </b>from...Haruhi. I don't think I really need to say that much right? She is a bitch.<br />
<br />
Fifth is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dsAXgfH1tVw/TtvoYqLH_aI/AAAAAAAAAKY/_geTtLXNIko/s1600/23368041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dsAXgfH1tVw/TtvoYqLH_aI/AAAAAAAAAKY/_geTtLXNIko/s640/23368041.jpg" width="454" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Taiga </b>from Toradora. She is the worst kind of character. Abusive, dumb, fake tsundere, etc. She does not deserve to have her feelings rewarded. Minorin did.<br />
<br />
Sixth is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fK-0X-XdHyo/Ttvo2XfDcXI/AAAAAAAAAKg/Ku9vGy5qSug/s1600/22934561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fK-0X-XdHyo/Ttvo2XfDcXI/AAAAAAAAAKg/Ku9vGy5qSug/s640/22934561.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Ohana</b> from Hanasaku Iroha. Another typical slut voiced by Itou Kanae. Although she has a very bad mother so it isn't all Ohana's fault she turned out the way she did.<br />
<br />
Seventh is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YQvQHiT5d1A/TtvpTMKENwI/AAAAAAAAAKo/3y-xHAkcHck/s1600/23467605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YQvQHiT5d1A/TtvpTMKENwI/AAAAAAAAAKo/3y-xHAkcHck/s640/23467605.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Toosaka Rin </b>from Fate/Stay Night. She is lewd, bisexual, and is a bitch to her poor imouto.<br />
<br />
Eighth is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nDh6m-9Cc-k/Ttvp5BkCjJI/AAAAAAAAAKw/gb7iCJLPIQw/s1600/23041879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nDh6m-9Cc-k/Ttvp5BkCjJI/AAAAAAAAAKw/gb7iCJLPIQw/s640/23041879.jpg" width="384" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Konata </b>from Lucky Star. Another ugly fujoshi character meant to appeal to the stinky otaku crowd. "Konata likes anime and galge! Just like me! K-Konata..."<br />
<br />
Ninth is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mKS9ciTBLQM/TtvqegUOdwI/AAAAAAAAAK4/l2TCn0soQBI/s1600/23353526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mKS9ciTBLQM/TtvqegUOdwI/AAAAAAAAAK4/l2TCn0soQBI/s640/23353526.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Tomoyo </b>from Clannad. Biggest Mary Sue character in a VN. She is violent and lewd. Not moe at all. Has an awful route in the VN and an awful fandisc.<br />
<br />
Tenth is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cFrLXsBnTNE/TtvrNpK_0AI/AAAAAAAAALA/UIZBfjNps5M/s1600/23435602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cFrLXsBnTNE/TtvrNpK_0AI/AAAAAAAAALA/UIZBfjNps5M/s640/23435602.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Yui </b>from K-ON. I applaud KyoAni for having it in them to make an anime with a cast of mentally handicapped characters, but they went too far with Yui. Sometimes I wonder how she even remembers to breath considering how retarded she is. I'm not sure what's worse, the fact that a character like her exists, or the fact that there are people that actually like her.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
That's all for now.Sakurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122564770322902084noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305766820931824599.post-69422662299174597602011-10-15T20:12:00.000-07:002011-10-15T20:12:32.561-07:00Fall 2011 anime: What I've watched<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QjOu8wUwPOk/Tpo_znJbcLI/AAAAAAAAAFo/qoz18h8wgBI/s1600/%255Bsakura-raws%255D+Kyoukai+Senjou+no+Horizon+-+01+%2528D-tvk+1280x720+x264+AAC%2529.mp4_snapshot_05.14_%255B2011.10.13_19.23.44%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QjOu8wUwPOk/Tpo_znJbcLI/AAAAAAAAAFo/qoz18h8wgBI/s640/%255Bsakura-raws%255D+Kyoukai+Senjou+no+Horizon+-+01+%2528D-tvk+1280x720+x264+AAC%2529.mp4_snapshot_05.14_%255B2011.10.13_19.23.44%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Fall season is here, I've watched some of the stuff airing, and thought I'd write my thoughts on them.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eNJso0P-3Og/TppAhJNDhjI/AAAAAAAAAFw/mHE5ECz8gN8/s1600/%255BReported%255D+Fate+Zero+02.mkv_snapshot_09.52_%255B2011.10.15_19.24.51%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eNJso0P-3Og/TppAhJNDhjI/AAAAAAAAAFw/mHE5ECz8gN8/s640/%255BReported%255D+Fate+Zero+02.mkv_snapshot_09.52_%255B2011.10.15_19.24.51%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Saber waiting for lunch</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
First show is Fate/Zero. Based of the light novels of the same name, Fate/Zero is a prequel to Fate/Stay Night. It takes place 10 years before FSN and chronicles the holy grail war that took place then. Fate/Zero is an action/plot focused anime, and sure to be one of the more popular this season. I've enjoyed it so far, though it isn't exactly that exciting and I find I don't really care about any of the characters. There is no semblance of a protagonist thus far in the series, though I know it will most likely come down to Saber vs Gilgamesh with their respective masters. Overall, first two episodes vs first two episodes, FSN was better. Though F/Z is still worth watching.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1mznljvJTQ/TppCXIJ3HoI/AAAAAAAAAF4/jqGoHvjTKnM/s1600/%255BZero-Raws%255D+Persona+4+-+02+%2528MBS+1280x720+x264+AAC%2529.mp4_snapshot_20.35_%255B2011.10.15_19.31.21%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1mznljvJTQ/TppCXIJ3HoI/AAAAAAAAAF4/jqGoHvjTKnM/s640/%255BZero-Raws%255D+Persona+4+-+02+%2528MBS+1280x720+x264+AAC%2529.mp4_snapshot_20.35_%255B2011.10.15_19.31.21%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Chie is the best character, just like in the game. A truly faithful adaptation.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next show I watched was Persona 4. I wasn't really sure what I was expecting, but I was pleasantly surprised. It is a very faithful adaptation, but still fun to watch. It's kind of weird at times though hearing the protagonist talk. Looking forward to more, and the Persona 4 port to the Vita next year.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5Y4OJJCAyw/TppDNOzkR8I/AAAAAAAAAGA/Xf6HQeoVXnI/s1600/%255BZero-Raws%255D+Kyoukai+Senjou+no+Horizon+-+01+%2528D-tvk+1280x720+x264+AAC%2529.mp4_snapshot_08.08_%255B2011.10.13_19.24.07%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5Y4OJJCAyw/TppDNOzkR8I/AAAAAAAAAGA/Xf6HQeoVXnI/s640/%255BZero-Raws%255D+Kyoukai+Senjou+no+Horizon+-+01+%2528D-tvk+1280x720+x264+AAC%2529.mp4_snapshot_08.08_%255B2011.10.13_19.24.07%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>............</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A friend of mind, battling a severe case of autism, told me to check this show out. I wish I hadn't. It's awful. It's just grossly oversized boobs everywhere, fanservice, otaku pandering, whatever buzzword you want. The plot is only there as a background element, the real focus of the show is the fanservice. Don't watch it unless you are 13 years old. It sucks.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7GTfLqmb5uE/TppERs8pJlI/AAAAAAAAAGI/aYjomQfZzrA/s1600/%255BZero-Raws%255D+Guilty+Crown+-+01+%2528CX+1280x720+x264+AAC%2529.mp4_snapshot_09.07_%255B2011.10.13_18.20.24%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7GTfLqmb5uE/TppERs8pJlI/AAAAAAAAAGI/aYjomQfZzrA/s640/%255BZero-Raws%255D+Guilty+Crown+-+01+%2528CX+1280x720+x264+AAC%2529.mp4_snapshot_09.07_%255B2011.10.13_18.20.24%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Too lewd.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next show, Guilty Crown. This one wasn't actually too bad. Again, it seems like it was made for 15 year olds, but it is certainly watcheable. So far at least. It is set in 2039 I believe, 10 years before this there was some kinda terrible thing that went down in Japan, and so the rest of the world has been effectively running Japan since to help the country get back on its feet. I think Nitro+ is making a VN of the events of that disaster (epidemic?) so be on the lookout. I do though, have a problem with the number of chest shots, and the lewd clothing the girl wears (there really is no reason for it). The setting too is idiotic, reaching into girls to pull out their weapons. Seems like a setup for the protag to deal with multiple cute girls, yawn. (I'm so edgy). I'll keep watching for now.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yVRuG2pF_RM/TppIwwvRZoI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/QbX0u6BiMmk/s1600/12578264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yVRuG2pF_RM/TppIwwvRZoI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/QbX0u6BiMmk/s640/12578264.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I watched it on nicovideo so no screencap. Have a beautiful piece of fanart instead.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just when you though UG couldn't get any gayer, well, you were wrong. He looks just awful with long hair. Aside from that, I have no idea what to say because I have to idea what was going on in the episode. This could be due to either a) I have no recollection of season 2 or how it ended or b) In order to make this 3rd season the final one, they skipped some stuff after season 2. I'll continue watching it for now just to see if it gets better.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DzdaNt1mzcA/TppKgTZblqI/AAAAAAAAAGY/cwUwEHjaSEs/s1600/1318706931868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DzdaNt1mzcA/TppKgTZblqI/AAAAAAAAAGY/cwUwEHjaSEs/s640/1318706931868.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Generic harem anime #073892</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This show is total rubbish. Otaku pandering in the truest sense of the word. Really no value in watching this harem show. People that might enjoy this: 15 year old kids/adults with the mindset of a 15 year old.<br />
<br />
So that's it for this season! Top show so far looks to be Persona 4. F/Z isn't bad either, though I don't think it is my cup of tea.Sakurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122564770322902084noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305766820931824599.post-19890306542847190302011-07-29T19:14:00.000-07:002011-07-29T19:14:33.381-07:00Idolm@ster anime<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mcdxrig8C_E/TjNO6tB94aI/AAAAAAAAAFI/SudjByIleno/s1600/snapshot20110714233713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mcdxrig8C_E/TjNO6tB94aI/AAAAAAAAAFI/SudjByIleno/s640/snapshot20110714233713.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Now that there have been 4 episodes of the show out, I feel it's ok if I give my opinion on it now.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
It sucks.<br />
<br />
The show seems to be a idol of the week format. It doesn't have much of a structure to it, and doesn't really follow the games or anything. It's just the producer and his interactions with the random idols of this weeks episode.<br />
<br />
It is not very consistent with the source material, for example, let's take a look at a screenshot from Episode 4.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AV2R3juPzNE/TjNcAp6rZiI/AAAAAAAAAFM/Cfi0tjsL-4A/s1600/snapshot20110729181237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AV2R3juPzNE/TjNcAp6rZiI/AAAAAAAAAFM/Cfi0tjsL-4A/s640/snapshot20110729181237.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
What's wrong with this you say? Hibiki is supposed to be the second shortest idol in the series, at 152cm. Yet here we have her standing next to the tallest idol in the series, Takane, at 169cm. Takane should be about half a foot taller than Hibiki, yet there is hardly a difference between Hibiki and all the characters pictured here in terms of height.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xc4pTfigX4g/TjNe5pplV7I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/fNaTiwwyag4/s1600/027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xc4pTfigX4g/TjNe5pplV7I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/fNaTiwwyag4/s640/027.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
It should be more like this. You might think this is just nitpicking, but it really affects Takane's character design to be displayed like that. It also shows how much they actually care about the source material.<br />
<br />
Other than that the characters are occasionally out of character, as you can see from the first image. I would almost think that the director played the first game, but not the second, even though the show is supposed to be based off the second. Miki doesn't really sleep a lot or laze about in idolmaster 2 so much, for example.<br />
<br />
They should've chosen to follow the game plot more, instead of doing this random idols in random situation weekly, format that they're going with. Considering there are 12 girls, 13 if you include Ritsuko, and only 26 episodes, it doesn't seem like a very good choice. How much plot or character development can you have, with each idol getting such a small amount of time devoted to them? And how is it even feasible that the Producer and Ritsuko could manage to produce 12 idols? He struggles to successfully produce 3 by himself in the game, and Ritsuko fails altogether. I would like to see more auditions, lives, FES, etc rather than just dumb cooking events and shit.<br />
<br />
The animation is also questionable. As you can see by Iori's chimpanzee face below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DhcGhSzc2gU/TjNkrh5GDtI/AAAAAAAAAFU/1yEMPZq2JYM/s1600/snapshot20110721235649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DhcGhSzc2gU/TjNkrh5GDtI/AAAAAAAAAFU/1yEMPZq2JYM/s640/snapshot20110721235649.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I think the show would be a lot better if it followed the game more closely. You would have the protagonist, the producer, new to the company. He chooses 3 of the idols to produce as a unit. The show could have whatever 3 girls are the most popular, as the ones he chooses. Then you also would have Ritsuko's group, containing Iori, Ami, and Azusa, as your rival group. So right there you have 6 girls. The main focus on the 3 that the Producer is producing, and the other 3 having events and appearances and such.<br />
<br />
It would be about the start of the new unit, the Producer new to it all but still trying hard. Doing TV events, holding concerts, etc to raise his unit's popularity. Releasing singles every now and again, and seeing how well they sell. Focus on the development of the 3 idols, their relationship with each other and the producer. The ultimate goal being to win the Idol Academy awards, to be held a year from the start. At the end of the show, having won, the Producer goes to Hollywood for year, to undergo further training and development of his skills. He says farewell to the idols, and then they could have an epilogue or something.<br />
<br />
I think that would provide much more worth in watching than what the show currently consists of. Who knows, it may change later, we already saw a came by a member from Jupiter previously. Either way, it will still have too many idols, with nothing going on.<br />
<br />
So if I were to give the show a score, it would be 4/10. Watchable to those that have no taste.Sakurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122564770322902084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305766820931824599.post-3757082122693657922011-07-10T04:35:00.000-07:002011-07-10T04:35:57.047-07:00Rewrite impressions (some spoilers)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-POY7M8Cju8c/ThmNoNp-z-I/AAAAAAAAAFE/pC2kxOm5CpI/s1600/snapshot20110710043134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-POY7M8Cju8c/ThmNoNp-z-I/AAAAAAAAAFE/pC2kxOm5CpI/s640/snapshot20110710043134.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I haven't finished the entire game, as I still have Terra left to do, but all the heroines are finished, and I doubt my opinions will change after the final route, if I read it.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<br />
I should mention first hand, that a non-happy end diminishes my opinion of the route, in all games. So some routes I dislike because of an ending, others may like.<br />
<br />
Routes<br />
<br />
Lucia≥Chihaya>Shizuru>Akane>Kotori>Moon<br />
<br />
Moe level<br />
<br />
Lucia>Chihaya>Shizuru>Yoshino>Kotori>Akane<br />
<br />
Routes:<br />
<br />
<b>Common route:</b> Best part of the game, although I'm sure people will disagree with me. It's not as good compared to the common routes of other Key titles, but it's fine. It suggests a lot of potentional to the game, and does a good job of introducing the characters.<br />
<br />
<b>Lucia:</b><br />
This is the most galge-ish route, which is strange, considering it's written by Ryuukishi. The route was good for the most part. The frequency of changing perspectives was annoying. The unreliable narrative didn't really bother me. I didn't much care for Lucia before doing this route, but she was pretty moe in it. The date scene with Kotarou was just the best. The way it went though, the ending and all that, I thought was bad. I don't think it was cool to have Lucia's poison kill all those people, and then the part at the mall was just awful. But the whole 'mystery' part leading up to that, was great. The route should've ended after the date. One problem people might have, is that this route really clashes with all the other routes.<br />
<br />
<b>Chihaya:</b><br />
Probably the most actiony route. Chihaya was my favourite from the trial, so I went with this route first. The only time I felt my eyes water up was during this route. It felt the most like a light novel written by some high school kid, but that was alright. Sakuya is a cool character and helps make the route more enjoyable. It also had a happy end which is a plus. I didn't understand Midow. He seems to be given far more importance than he deserves. He had a fight with Kotarou in the school. That's cool, but so what? Then there is the whole thing with him talking to Kotarou in his mind, but it just seemed silly. The route dragged on a bit at times, the fighting scenes weren't as thrilling as they could be, and there was a serious lack of romance between Chihaya and Kotarou. I would've at least liked to see them kiss. Oh well.<br />
<br />
<b>Shizuru:</b><br />
Too lacking in content. The route didn't really have much of an impact on me. The first half of it severely dragged on, and felt like a poorly done moege. Kotarou didn't really do anything important. The ending was kind of shitty. Shizuru is cute though, which is good.<br />
<br />
<b>Akane:</b><br />
Far too wordy. I really don't like Romeo. There is way too much filler text, and the route probably could've been half as long as it was. In fact, it should've ended with the Key being killed in the forest and then Kotarou and Akane living happily ever after. But instead we get such a shitty end, but some people like that kind of thing.<br />
<br />
<b>Kotori:</b><br />
Absolutely no substance. It's also the only route where Kotarou's problem with his head is mentioned and seems to play any kind of role, which was weird to me. The route was probably about 4 hours long, but felt like it had 1 hour of content. I learned interesting stuff about Kotori's past but that's it. And what was with the ending? What the hell? Kotori doesn't come to see him in the hospital, so I'm expecting something to be up or that there is some kind of reason, but it just ends.<br />
<br />
<b>Moon:</b> Easily the worst route. It felt like a farce. It's like plot twists for the sake of plot twists. I don't recall there being foreshadowing about the moon. I also don't understand how the common routes lead into the Moon route. In Little Busters, Refrain unlocks after finishing all the girls routes. But it makes sense.<br />
This Moon route, it's kind of hard to describe it, but it felt like a Dragon Ball Z movie. A self contained story, not particularly a great one, with no relation to the main series, quick development of events, all your favourite characters showing up, cheap action, etc. I didn't know if I was supposed to take it seriously or not. Was I supposed to be upset when characters were dying? Or was I supposed to laugh at the absurdity of the situation? I was half expecting it to be some kind of prologue and the real Moon route to start.<br />
<br />
I've started reading Terra as well, but I have very little interest.<br />
<br />
<b>General complaints:</b><br />
<br />
What the hell is with Mappi or whatever? Who thought up that garbage? It is the least fun interactive thing I can think of having played in a VN.<br />
<br />
One major annoyance, was the lack of stuff that seems obvious to me. It should've been full voiced. It's really distracting when some minor characters have no voices during dialogue. It should have had more character sprites. I do not understand why characters like Inoue do not have character sprites. And finally, the lack of BGs. There were too many scenes that just had some generic background cg, or no cg at all.<br />
<br />
The game seems like a mediocre chuuni game disguised as a galge. I don't understand the purpose of the three writers. They all seem to clash. The characters change too much during routes.<br />
<br />
In Chihaya's, Kotarou never kills a single person, and has a very strong hesitation to do so, but in Akane's route it seems like it's the most normal thing in the world for him.<br />
<br />
And in Chihaya's route, Kotarou is insanely strong at the end, but in Kotori's, and even Shizuru's somewhat, he is insanely weak. Like he has forgotten he can strengthen his own body or something.<br />
<br />
It's also, way, way too long for what it is. There is way too much text that does not need to be there and does not add anything but artificial length.<br />
<br />
It's not like I'm a Key fanboy or anything. The only Key works I really like are LB and Kanon. I just think this is a disappointing game. I was expecting more after the trial.<br />
<div><br />
</div>Sakurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122564770322902084noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305766820931824599.post-42187715849642095312011-06-27T01:32:00.000-07:002012-08-25T04:52:17.672-07:00Summer 2011 Anime - What to look forward to<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-beygjXwB0FU/TggzfjmkVUI/AAAAAAAAAEU/D3s5b_w5zYs/s1600/snapshot20100904232047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-beygjXwB0FU/TggzfjmkVUI/AAAAAAAAAEU/D3s5b_w5zYs/s640/snapshot20100904232047.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Picture unfortunately unrelated</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So every low level blogger seems to write a dumb post about what shows are airing next season and what they are going to watch. As a low level blogger myself, I figured I should be doing the same thing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Now let's begin!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G1UX0zh_MUY/Tggz8r4vrSI/AAAAAAAAAEY/E39X1qUEY_I/s1600/BoS01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G1UX0zh_MUY/Tggz8r4vrSI/AAAAAAAAAEY/E39X1qUEY_I/s640/BoS01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Appleseed XIII - </b>More like Appleshit amirite?<br />
<b>Inumarudashi - ...</b><br />
<b>Double-J - </b>"The story is about the surreal, strange life in a high school full of cute girls" Finally something creative. Just kidding, it's not creative or interesting at all. It should be called Double-Gay.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vRxiRsw-gAQ/Tgg1Q7DfarI/AAAAAAAAAEc/cwfDeIPqJ9g/s1600/BoS02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vRxiRsw-gAQ/Tgg1Q7DfarI/AAAAAAAAAEc/cwfDeIPqJ9g/s640/BoS02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>BLADE - </b>I wonder if any of Madhouse's anime versions of American garbage have been successful? Either way, absolutely zero interest. Even the source material is trash in the case of Blade.<br />
<b>Uta no Etc - </b>Otome game turned anime? No thanks.<br />
<b>Natsume</b> - I wont exactly say it looks bad, but it's apparently the 3rd season of a series I haven't watched, so yea.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1H790wLO0bc/Tgg2H9xbKOI/AAAAAAAAAEg/6pVIZ5rz7os/s1600/BoS03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1H790wLO0bc/Tgg2H9xbKOI/AAAAAAAAAEg/6pVIZ5rz7os/s640/BoS03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Yuru Yuri - </b>Another shitty and boring slice of life manga centring around 4 or so girls. turned into an even worse anime. I'm sure the K-ON group and low level /a/nime fans will love it.<br />
<b>Kamisama Dolls - </b>Not about to read something not starring a high school protagonist. Just kidding, if Sudo says good things about it I'll check it out.<br />
<b>Morita-san wa Mukuchi - </b>What is this? A slice of life "comedy" manga centring around a handful of girls? Turned anime!? I never though I would see the day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YqBu9WpJe9c/Tgg2IEI-oyI/AAAAAAAAAEk/ryLeeMpx3yE/s1600/BoS04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YqBu9WpJe9c/Tgg2IEI-oyI/AAAAAAAAAEk/ryLeeMpx3yE/s640/BoS04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Nyanpire the Animation - </b>No comment.<br />
<b>Usagi Drop -</b> Sudo told me there was time skip in this where she jumps from being 6 to 16 or some shit. I do not watch/read things with time skips. Quite possible the worst form of plot 'development'.<br />
<b>NO.6 - </b>The show is based on a story by the author of Telepathy Shoujo Ran, which was not good, so I don't see this being good. It is also by Bones, a studio that has only made one good series before. The plot description for the series also sounds like shit, so I'll pass.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3MkF1hZrhHM/Tgg2IhTsAZI/AAAAAAAAAEo/RU8llq1fvjI/s1600/BoS05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3MkF1hZrhHM/Tgg2IhTsAZI/AAAAAAAAAEo/RU8llq1fvjI/s640/BoS05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>The Idolm@ster - </b>Oh wow, im@s is getting an anime adaptation. What's that, there will be no male producer as the protag or anything? Just some shitty 'moe' show meant to appeal to the lower dregs of society? I'm sure all the secondary fans will enjoy it and spam images. I'll just stick to the game.<br />
<b>Blood-C -</b> No thanks.<br />
<b>Mayo Chiki</b> - I can't begin to describe how uninteresting this sounds.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pIuFo9uHAzo/UDi63i0RZnI/AAAAAAAAAOE/EW-EhUUB98k/s1600/BoS06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pIuFo9uHAzo/UDi63i0RZnI/AAAAAAAAAOE/EW-EhUUB98k/s640/BoS06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>R-15 - </b>I'm sure there will be lot's of fanservice.<br />
<b>Dantalian no Shoka - </b>Totally uninteresting. The author's older work, Asura Cryin' was pretty bad as well.<br />
<b>Ro-Kyu-Bu - </b>This... actually looks pretty good. I will watch this. Only because I like basketball. I'm not a lolicon or something.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lcXCQZdhW2g/Tgg2JQX-PZI/AAAAAAAAAEw/5_sHlKoS8E8/s1600/BoS07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lcXCQZdhW2g/Tgg2JQX-PZI/AAAAAAAAAEw/5_sHlKoS8E8/s640/BoS07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Kami-sama no Memo-chou - </b>Sounds pretty dumb. I wouldn't really consider her a NEET if she is solving cases and such, because she isn't really a leech on society in that case. She is also kind of young to be considered a NEET really. Would you consider a baby a NEET because they aren't working, in school, or in training yet? Of course not, how dumb. 15 is the age the Japanese government starts considering people to be NEETs and it is questionable whether this girl is that old. Regardless, it doesn't sound that interesting. At least it has a male protagonist. I might try it out if I hear good things.<br />
<b>Mawaru Penguindrum - </b>No thanks.<br />
<b>Sacred Seven - </b>Again, I'll check it out if I hear good things.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvRVJC_RZA8/UDi7Ltdio-I/AAAAAAAAAOM/EtwbwiOWtyI/s1600/BoS08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvRVJC_RZA8/UDi7Ltdio-I/AAAAAAAAAOM/EtwbwiOWtyI/s640/BoS08.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Baka to Test - </b>The first season was hilarious. Here's hoping for more awesomeness.<br />
<b>Ikoku Meiro no Croisee - </b>Sounds like it should be a biography. Not interested. I don't normally care for past settings as it is anyway.<br />
<b>Itsuka Tenma no Kuro-Usagi - </b>I have also been really sleepy lately, I keep dreaming of good anime. But sadly there is no Raildex airing at the moment.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XCdo4IlPSck/UDi7X3ElDRI/AAAAAAAAAOU/kB_M0sowZsk/s1600/BoS09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XCdo4IlPSck/UDi7X3ElDRI/AAAAAAAAAOU/kB_M0sowZsk/s640/BoS09.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Nekogami Yaoyorozu - </b>No thanks.<br />
<b>Manyuu Hikenchou - </b>If you read that summary for that anime, and are even somewhat interested in watching it, then perhaps you should see a doctor.<br />
<b>Nurarihyon</b> - No thanks.<br />
<b>Kaito Tenshi Twin Angel - </b>>Freshman high school students<br />
Why does the chart maker use retarded terms like freshman, but has no problem using words like 'goukon'? Either way the show looks terrible.<br />
<b>Milky Awesomeness - Yes please!</b><br />
<br />
So there you have it, the anime series airing this summer. Nothing worth watching - Except Milky Holmes. Fall looks to be better though.Sakurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122564770322902084noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305766820931824599.post-12179879205755533202011-05-07T14:29:00.000-07:002011-05-07T14:29:20.818-07:00Sotsugyou Next Graduation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WNKOxKCcGz8/TcWzKTbjExI/AAAAAAAAAEI/_xmiPbe8w5I/s1600/%25E5%258D%2592%25E6%25A5%25ADNG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WNKOxKCcGz8/TcWzKTbjExI/AAAAAAAAAEI/_xmiPbe8w5I/s640/%25E5%258D%2592%25E6%25A5%25ADNG.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I had been looking for a girl raising sim (?) after spending far too many hours in Princess Maker, and saw this recommended in a thread somewhere so I gave it a shot.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Please give me my six and a half hours back.<br />
<br />
You, the protagonist, are a middle school teacher. There are 5 girls, in your class. They are the daughters of women whom you used to be the teacher of back in the day and helped graduate. Which is kind of weird, because it means they all had their kids in the same year (and they're all girls). But anyway, they bring you their daughters to help graduate middle school like you did for them when they were kids.<br />
<br />
The flow of the game is basically Mon-Sun. For the school days, you choose where you 5 girls sit. There are two groups, so you always have a group of 3 and of 2. Placing a girl who is good at English in a group is supposed to increase the gain they get to that subject. Or something. I didn't pay much attention. You choose the subject they study to raise their stats the way you want. This happens twice a school week.<br />
<br />
Then on the weekend, you can visit the girls at home and tutor them or take them out somewhere. You can also choose to 'patrol' which leads to certain random events. Choosing to take the girl out when you visit her at home, is like a date event. Except really shitty. It seems like there must be like, 5 events. And they repeat. I must have seen the same events for the girl I was aiming for, like 4 times each.<br />
<br />
It's also kind of funny, that you are technically the teacher of an entire class, yet clearly you only focus on this group of 5 girls.<br />
<br />
The girls also have certain status's that they can fall into, which don't make any sense to me. They can become 'delinquent' which you fix by just patrolling and seeing a scene. Some of the other status's made no sense to me as it did not seem to change the girl's attitude, character portrait, etc. at all.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-drK2aBZrGnQ/TcW29Nmpa7I/AAAAAAAAAEM/81I8rt9nsHM/s1600/%25E5%258D%2592%25E6%25A5%25ADNG2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-drK2aBZrGnQ/TcW29Nmpa7I/AAAAAAAAAEM/81I8rt9nsHM/s640/%25E5%258D%2592%25E6%25A5%25ADNG2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I should mention that this is the girl I was aiming for. Her name is Takagi Reika. She was raised in America and has come to Japan because she has heard lots about it from her mother and likes what she hears. However she has a glorified image of Japan in her mind and is very disappointed when it's not as amazing as she thought it would be. She frequently compares it to America, with America being better to her. For example she brings up school uniforms and stuff saying it's silly that they can't dress the way they want etc etc etc. Frankly, I thought those parts were kind of annoying. Her knowledge about the US was also incorrect in certain parts, but the game is made by Japanese so that's to be expected.<br />
<br />
Anyway she eventually warms up to the country.<br />
<br />
There was also a part during winter break, where they reused the same line that they had used in summer break. It was voiced as '折角の夏休み' but wasn't in the text. Seemed pretty low quality like that at parts.<br />
<br />
So at the end, of my sitting through this super mediocre game, 3 of the 5 girls graduated. The girl I was aiming for graduated so it didn't matter that the lesser girls failed. They should feel ashamed for failing middle school anyway.<br />
<br />
BUT, at that point, after the credits, and watching the epilogue, I finally realised. There is no romance in this game. I don't get to end up with any of the girls. Even though I could raise their affection for me. They just graduate middle school and go their separate ways. The epilogue is a letter from each of them describing what they're doing now/aiming to be. Reika, the girl I was aiming for, said her dream in the future was to become Sensei's (my) wife. And that was it.<br />
<br />
Please give me my six and a half hours back.Sakurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122564770322902084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305766820931824599.post-20607391377595101282011-05-07T13:40:00.000-07:002011-05-07T13:40:49.317-07:00Muv Luv Alternative impressions (spoilers)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OAUuyxwGHaM/TcWl1WMFQhI/AAAAAAAAAEE/HNcbW5Pg-Z8/s1600/datface.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OAUuyxwGHaM/TcWl1WMFQhI/AAAAAAAAAEE/HNcbW5Pg-Z8/s1600/datface.png" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Although it's been a year since I finished it, I feel like writing my feelings on the VN now that the English translation is out and lots more people have been talking about it.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
I'm not sure I understand all the praise Alt gets, or why there are some people who say it's a masterpiece. It's most certainly not a bad VN, but it isn't great either. It has a few things that it does well.<br />
<br />
The setting for Alt is great. It's very interesting, and I feel it's a well done world. Few VNs draw me in like Muv Luv does (did) so it's doing something right here. I don't feel like I need to go in depth about the setting as I'm sure everybody knows. Humans have thus far been fighting a losing battle against aliens of questionable sentience that have invaded for unknown reasons. The world population is at, if I remember correctly, 1 billion. So here we have an interesting setting.<br />
<br />
The writing, however, isn't so great. It extremely drags on at times. Some parts are far lengthier than they deserve to be. There is way too much explanation and inner monologue. It seems, at times, that you have to sit through 10 minutes of drab to get 1 minute of the good stuff. This VN is way longer than it should be.<br />
<br />
I don't think the protagonist was done well either. Some people talk about how he really matured nicely, or is a really realistic done character, but I would disagree. I hated all the times where he was berated by himself and others for being too immature. What's wrong with a kid acting like a kid? Big deal, he should be emotional, he should be hot blooded, I wanted to see him with more backbone to stand up for himself and do what he felt was right not just let other people's opinions shape him.<br />
<br />
And if they're going to go down the path of him becoming an adult, maturing, whatever, then I wish they would've done it better. They just kept building him up, have the reader think, 'Alright, now Takeru has got his shit down. Let's get to the good stuff!' but no, they'll just throw some other thing at us and have Takeru go back to zero again. And then redo it again.<br />
<br />
I didn't understand all the build up of Takeru's supposed skill either. Apparently he is supposed to be a great pilot, which we are shown bits of throughout Unlimited and Alternative, but at the end, his skill plays absolutely no real role, and felt very anticlimatic. I have no idea why they developed him as a character like that to not bother with using it.<br />
<br />
The story itself in Alt wasn't that great either. Or at least I should say it felt very hit and miss. The parts about the Beta and what makes them tick I found interesting. However, the fact they kept killing off characters was annoying. When a character dies, you can get a lot of emotion out of the reader. It can be a very impacting experience. But when they keep getting killed off like in Alt, it cheapens the whole thing.<br />
<br />
The first character that died in the Valkyries was a minor character compared to the last ones that died, yet I still felt a lot emotion in that first death compared to the last. At some point it just became a 'who is going to die this time?' for me. It almost seemed that because of the fact it was an alternate world, the staff could just go to town on it, and then have a cheap reset end. And that's what they do.<br />
<br />
The vast majority of Takeru's harem die, the most important girls seemingly giving their lives for him. And for what? So Takeru can just forget their sacrifices, forget everything that happened and everything he did, and go back to his harem in Age's main world where everyone is alive and fine.<br />
What a shitty ending.<br />
<br />
I'm always impressed though by the quality of Age's releases. The system is just great, I wish more VNs were like this. They do, however, recycle their music as always.<br />
<br />
I don't remember what I was talking about. Anyway, Alt is OK, but is not that great. And as of now, only serves as a world for Age to release shitty fandiscs and side stories to keep making money. Hopefully they'll start a new series some day.Sakurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122564770322902084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305766820931824599.post-64584530352994077512011-03-27T00:03:00.000-07:002011-03-27T00:03:14.824-07:00Idolm@ster 2 Impressions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nMQCWTzXNBM/TY7UfwNfn8I/AAAAAAAAADQ/43TdrxGyVrQ/s1600/22923-1293986233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="636" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nMQCWTzXNBM/TY7UfwNfn8I/AAAAAAAAADQ/43TdrxGyVrQ/s640/22923-1293986233.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Well. I've finished producing three of the girls in the game now (Mami, Takane, and Yayoi) so I feel I've played enough to write about it. Probably the best game I've played so far this year, and much better than its predecessor.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
In the first game, you reached different idol levels by passing auditions and acquiring a required number of fans to reach the ultimate goal of becoming the top idol. You also only produced one girl, at first at least. In this game, there is a real focus on unity, which is why you're required to produce a group of 3. I think the whole theme is handled quite nicely. At the beginning there might be trouble and there might be a little bit of fighting and whatnot between the girls, but by the end of the game there is a strong unity and the contrast is really nice.<br />
<br />
As I said, the goal in the first game was becoming the top idol. In this game there is something called the Idol Academy, which you must first be nominated for, and then win the grand prize at the end to get the good ending. There is a sales ranking show that is broadcast every week, for you to see how well your singles are selling. You have to enter into the top 20 by a specific point in the game to first be nominated for IA, then in order to win the grand prize you must be within the top 10 and have over 300,000 fans by the end of the game. These requirements are quite easy to reach, as you can get in the top 10 with your first single if you're good enough.<br />
<br />
There is also 5 other prizes that can be won during the IA at the end of the game. Winning all 5, and the grand prize, nets you the 'true end', which I got during my playthrough with Mami. It seems to basically be the same as the regular ending, but with an epilogue of sorts. Getting the true end can be a bit more difficult. Japan is divided into 6 areas from which you choose to do your activities. The 5 prizes are each associated with a region other than the one you're based out of. In order to win a prize, you have to amass 100,000 fans in the area and then win the special FES match that pops up.<br />
<br />
Anyway, all that junk aside, the game is great. Much, much better than the first. It feels very fluid, and the visuals are great. The gameplay is much improved to. Auditions in the first Idolm@ster were pretty boring. Now it is a rhythm game of sorts, with more mechanics to it. The 'memories' also don't play as much of a role in this game. In the first, I would usually just spam them whenever allowed, but in this I only find myself using them during FES battles, and only when I need to. There are only 3 types of training, dance, vocal, and visual. They are all also super easy, I've never not gotten a perfect on any of them, and 99% of the time I get perfect + bonus.<br />
<br />
A lot of people complain about Jupiter in the game (probably people who haven't even played it) but really, they aren't that bad. In fact, I wish they had more screen time, as they are barely in the game. They are a typical boy band group, and their songs aren't that bad. Your idols aren't falling for them or anything, so there is really nothing to complain about.<br />
<br />
I think there are a lot of 'fans' of the series who are complaining about the stupidest things. Yes, you can't produce Azusa, Ami, Iori, or Ritsuko. But so what? Big deal. Do these people not like the rest of the great cast or something? There are 9 other really likeable girls to choose from, and I think they are really missing out by not getting the game just because of a silly reason like that. I've also seen complaints about Takane's route, though I don't know why. It was pretty typical, sure there was some drama with a guy causing trouble to Takane, but it all ended well, there was no NTR or anything.<br />
<br />
Now onto the obligatory tier list:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H3lMOTmJ2Fg/TY7fYng6S5I/AAAAAAAAADY/c6kOCxnnnno/s1600/Official+Tier+List.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H3lMOTmJ2Fg/TY7fYng6S5I/AAAAAAAAADY/c6kOCxnnnno/s400/Official+Tier+List.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Official Factual Tier List</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Mami is super cute. Like crazy cute. I don't get it. I wasn't even a fan of Ami/Mami in the first game. Even still I don't care about Ami that much. But Mami, how can she be so cute? Is it really just her new hairstyle that makes all the difference? I can't get enough of her...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DHXCK2sV-7Q/TY7f2JLrcNI/AAAAAAAAADc/MooesekDkOE/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DHXCK2sV-7Q/TY7f2JLrcNI/AAAAAAAAADc/MooesekDkOE/s640/download.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ハァハァハァ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My only complaint about the game would probably be the inability to just skip past already read dialogue. It's putting me off of producing a new girl because of all the text I've already read, all the scenes I've already seen, and all I can do is keep mashing the A button wishing it would go faster. Each playthrough probably takes about 10-15 hours. I feel it shouldn't take that long considering the amount of actual new content per character when you produce someone else.<br />
<br />
<br />
Anyway, those are my thoughts on the game. 9.5/10. If you liked the first game, then you'll like this one.Sakurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122564770322902084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305766820931824599.post-18810350815371206142011-02-24T14:40:00.000-08:002011-02-24T14:40:09.541-08:00Idolm@ster 2 GET<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HqVpH14Yg0g/TWbaAa01MQI/AAAAAAAAAC4/wD09H-2-gQ8/s1600/imas2cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HqVpH14Yg0g/TWbaAa01MQI/AAAAAAAAAC4/wD09H-2-gQ8/s640/imas2cover.jpg" width="451" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I got The idolm@ster 2 today, so I figured I'd upload some pictures.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2n5anbrdnPY/TWbauyPOyyI/AAAAAAAAAC8/CmAiGUb1ZTA/s1600/imas2_image01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2n5anbrdnPY/TWbauyPOyyI/AAAAAAAAAC8/CmAiGUb1ZTA/s640/imas2_image01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some stupid trading cards. I don't care.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I purchased the first press limited edition, or whatever it's called. It came with these trading cards, a download code for Little Match Girl, my employee card for 765Pro, some post card size images of the idols, and that's it. Not sure if it was worth the premium over the original. But oh well.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6b1t8vwuMdc/TWbb7rQJKVI/AAAAAAAAADA/clR_UWVRouE/s1600/imas2_image02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6b1t8vwuMdc/TWbb7rQJKVI/AAAAAAAAADA/clR_UWVRouE/s640/imas2_image02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the employee card on the left. It has some unique code on the back.<br />
Not sure if it's used for anything.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The game is only rated CERO B, while the last one was CERO C.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7xubgIuWHHA/TWbcq_3sIZI/AAAAAAAAADE/W5aORi3cHj4/s1600/imas2_image03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7xubgIuWHHA/TWbcq_3sIZI/AAAAAAAAADE/W5aORi3cHj4/s640/imas2_image03.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you can see, my case appears to be cracked. Disappointing!<br />
At least it's only aesthetic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-377AsIAoCmw/TWbdw3KSeLI/AAAAAAAAADI/0a80YnG7APM/s1600/imas2_image04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-377AsIAoCmw/TWbdw3KSeLI/AAAAAAAAADI/0a80YnG7APM/s640/imas2_image04.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No Jupiter?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zorcDE8VvYs/TWbd_UUa6YI/AAAAAAAAADM/4OwdfAJprrI/s1600/imas2_image05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zorcDE8VvYs/TWbd_UUa6YI/AAAAAAAAADM/4OwdfAJprrI/s640/imas2_image05.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The idols themselves actually took the time to sign their names on the back.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Whelp, now I'm going to go try the game. Goodbye.Sakurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122564770322902084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305766820931824599.post-37527669187805003562011-02-03T02:55:00.000-08:002011-02-03T02:57:04.535-08:00Ore no Imouto PORTABLE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TUp3Lh7JtmI/AAAAAAAAACY/a7pjE1ztjbQ/s1600/orep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TUp3Lh7JtmI/AAAAAAAAACY/a7pjE1ztjbQ/s640/orep.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The games been out for about a week now, I've cleared all main routes, so I figured I'd talk about it.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
Let me start by saying I am now a fan of OreImo. I like Kirino, and that's about it. I don't enjoy the anime or the light novels that much. I do, however, like this game. I'm pretty sure it's made by the same people who made Toradora P, so if you liked that then you'll probably like this. I've also already deleted the game so I can't take pictures. I only took one shitty one.<br />
<br />
There are five heroines, each with multiple endings. I'm sure you could guess who, but they're Kirino, Ayase, Saori, Jimiko, and Kuroneko. Kanako also has a short if route that splits off from Ayase's, and there are multiple endings with Akagi, some dude. I'm not sure whereabouts the game takes place in terms of series timeline, as I have not read all the novels nor do I plan to. I do know it's been about a year since the start of the series.<br />
<br />
The gameplay is as follows:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TUqAC9UBjPI/AAAAAAAAACg/vyFeKIYvS68/s1600/iTotallyDidn%2527tTakeThisOffNicovideo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TUqAC9UBjPI/AAAAAAAAACg/vyFeKIYvS68/s640/iTotallyDidn%2527tTakeThisOffNicovideo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Look I found a picture of Two Shot.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
There is two shot conversation system, and the ORE system. The two shot consists of you entering a talk phase with one of the main heroines. During the conversation you will have points where you can press square and interject or press nothing and let it pass. Kind of like the way you make decisions in School Days. Sometimes it might be hard to know what you're supposed to choose to get the desired result but it's pretty easy once you get the knack of it/save-load. If you did well enough in the conversation, the story will continue, other wise it will say URGENT EVASION (or something like that) on the screen and you'll have the option to try to smooth things over. Either way you generally want to avoid getting that message unless you are talking to a girl you care not about.<br />
<br />
I have absolutely no recollection what ORE stands for, but it is basically conversation keys you get throughout the game that allow you to decide the route. They play more influence on route splits than the two shot. For example, at the school trip, you decide who to buy a souvenir for. The people you can buy for, are decided by the ORE's you've received up to that point. You might get the ORE for Kirino's souvenir, then, assuming you meet the prerequisites, you would choose that ORE at the airport, and then when you come home, BAM you're on Kirino's route. Otherwise you get to spend time with Akagi.<br />
<br />
I'll talk about the routes, so there will be spoilers. All routes start after you get home from your school trip.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TUp8EonWg1I/AAAAAAAAACc/KG2J-xt5dA8/s1600/16029310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TUp8EonWg1I/AAAAAAAAACc/KG2J-xt5dA8/s640/16029310.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Isn't she just the cutest?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
In Kirino's route, you return home to find she is acting weird. She has lost her memories it turns out. Or, more specifically her memories of anything Otaku related, including you. So basically she remembers nothing about you over the past year. Her route mostly consists of Kyousuke trying to get her memories back. The endings range from she never remembers, to she gets her memories back. The worst part about her route, and the game for me, is that there is no romance here. The end of the good route is kind of ok, but nothing love related. My main reason for wanting to play this game is wanting to romance Kirino. But what can I expect? The game is rated B, I doubt they wanted to have blood related brother sister romance. There is an IF ending though, where you discover you are not her biological brother, but that's just the worst for me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TUqDLPELzgI/AAAAAAAAACk/VTrzGIwOEDg/s1600/15567622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TUqDLPELzgI/AAAAAAAAACk/VTrzGIwOEDg/s640/15567622.jpg" width="594" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pixiv is so useful!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
My sweet angel Ayase-tan's route was about her wanting to understand Kirino's hobbies, and you via Kyousuke spending time with her. At the end, you go to Comike together, afterwords Kyousuke and Ayase start dating. However! Kirino doesn't like this much, and is all upset saying she won't except it. Ayase's normal ending was probably my favourite, because of Kirino's behaviour.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TUqDT38oe3I/AAAAAAAAACo/_q_eMk0OVhM/s1600/kirinooo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TUqDT38oe3I/AAAAAAAAACo/_q_eMk0OVhM/s640/kirinooo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The only picture I took myself!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kirino just was so cute here I couldn't help it. Kyousuke says he understands and would feel the same way if the situation were reversed. Then the best part? Kyousuke breaks up with Ayase! I couldn't believe it, but as a Kirino fan I was elated. In the happy ending you don't break up and in the epilogue you are with Ayase some years later, she's pregnant, Kirino comes to visit, everyone is happy.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TUqGWDaHwdI/AAAAAAAAACs/doo_gXXNjug/s1600/saori.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="636" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TUqGWDaHwdI/AAAAAAAAACs/doo_gXXNjug/s640/saori.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Saori</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Saori's route was kind of weird. She ends up getting engaged to some 40 year old guy due to family. And he wants her to stop her otaku ways. Anyway, in the good end, you marry her instead. CG with wedding dress etc. Bad end NTR.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TUqIqaTJiQI/AAAAAAAAACw/Xa_rRWRSZfw/s1600/jimiko.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="636" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TUqIqaTJiQI/AAAAAAAAACw/Xa_rRWRSZfw/s640/jimiko.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yea...</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I literally held skip through the entirety of Manami's route, so I don't have anything to say.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TUqJBtPT0eI/AAAAAAAAAC0/nS8UONowZw8/s1600/16118132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TUqJBtPT0eI/AAAAAAAAAC0/nS8UONowZw8/s640/16118132.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Kuroneko's route was ok I guess. Just kidding it kinda sucked.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I give Ore no Imouto P a 7.5/10<br />
It's not great, it's not intuitive, it may not make everyone happy, but it was definitely fun to play. If you aren't a fan of the series or don't know much about it but like galge, give it a go.Sakurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122564770322902084noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305766820931824599.post-74277797766175474892010-12-08T18:09:00.000-08:002010-12-08T18:09:11.266-08:00DREAM C CLUB<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TQAxCl0fjVI/AAAAAAAAACI/c4znyygwots/s1600/shit_club.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="516" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TQAxCl0fjVI/AAAAAAAAACI/c4znyygwots/s640/shit_club.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I don't feel like looking around for images that much so this will be the only image. It's not like I have a capture device anyway.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I haven't finished Dream Club (nor am I sure if I ever will) but I feel I've played enough to write how I feel about the game.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>I should start off by saying, I cleared 2 of the girls. Mian (blonde twin tails), and Makoto ("girl" left of her). Two of the girls, Airi and Eyepatch need to be unlocked and are not available from the beginning.<br />
<br />
I have to say, the game was a bit disappointing. You start off by becoming a member of some suspicious looking <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyabakura">kyabakura</a> which apparently is only accessible by those of pure hearts. I think this must be some kind of joke though, because the protagonist (and probably the player) do not have a pure heart. You also only have 1 year. You are a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freeter">freeter</a>, and during the week you choose whether to work at a place of your choice, rest, or go shopping. The part time jobs you can choose from are working at a convenience store, and gambling. After more gameplay time you get the additional jobs of working at a call centre for a 2 week period, and something called a 'Mysterious Job' (I think that's what it was) which can take up to 5 weeks I believe.<br />
<br />
After gambling all week to make some cash, you go spend it at the kyabakura on your weekend. You choose a girl of your choice, assuming she is available, and then chat her up. The gameplay basically consists of getting her and yourself drunk (but not too drunk! You don't want to pass out) and talking to her. The talk system is kind of like im@s. You use the buttons to choose conversation options, though in this game you aren't timed. You can also order more drinks, spend money on snacks, and karaoke. Finishing your drink, buying her the drink she likes, doing well in mini-games (karaoke, some snacks, etc), making the right choices when you have the option, and giving gifts raises her affection. Her affection is represented by a heart over the dialogue box when she's talking.<br />
<br />
Regardless, the main point is conversation. You both get drunk and enter ETS (erotic talk system) where, because the girl is drunk, talks more freely about certain things. There is usually story related dialogue amongst others. You progress through the game by seeing key story dialogue points which sometimes require giving certain items or other conditions. If you satisfy all the requirements, and she likes you lots, you'll get the happy ending, other wise you get the friend ending. You also get a bad ending if you pass the year without getting a girl's ending.<br />
<br />
You can go on a couple dates with the girls, you get email from them throughout the game, you can obtain their info, including their real names, etc etc.<br />
<br />
One reason I found the game disappointing was because all the girls are super old. The youngest girls are 20, and there is one as old as 24. The game mainly focuses around drinking booze with the girls, so of course they need to be 20+. But frankly, I don't find the idea of get a bunch of old ladies drunk that attractive. I think the game would be a lot more enjoyable for me, if maybe the game didn't involve alcohol. You really need to get a girl drunk to get close to her? Too realistic! Just a normal cafe or something maybe, where you converse with girls of a wider age range would be nice. Not to mention the idea of the girls I'm aiming for, drinking with and flirting with other customers when I'm not around isn't that appealing. A lot of the girls, to me at least, come off a bit slutty. But oh well, that's what kind of game it is.<br />
<br />
Probably the most annoying part is the fact that two of the girls have to be unlocked in order for you to choose them. Big deal right? Only problem is, it unlocks the girls based on the number of achievements you've unlocked in the game. In order to unlock Airi, you need 30 in game achievements unlocked. In order to get the pirate, you need 35. There are a total of 50 achievements in game. Four of them require the characters that are locked. So 46 possible. A lot of achievements are maybe not 'hard' but annoying and time consuming to get. Sixteen achievements involving all the girls available from the get go. I'd have to play through girls routes I'm not that interested in, or plain don't like, and have to be constantly focusing on getting achievements during playthroughs and probably re-playthrough just to get a few others. All for two girls I may or may not like. What a hassle. But don't worry, they're so nice, that if you can't be bothered doing all that, you can pay 800MS points to unlock each, so 1600 total! Right.<br />
<br />
The game still had it's fun points though, the tempo is good, the dialogue isn't boring. I wouldn't buy it at full price, but I got the platinum collection which is only like what, 2600 yen? So I think it was worth it. I spent too much on DLC I'll probably only use a couple times though.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TQA6HK5nLMI/AAAAAAAAACM/0wRb97ts2Ac/s1600/MIAN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TQA6HK5nLMI/AAAAAAAAACM/0wRb97ts2Ac/s640/MIAN.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A must</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sakurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122564770322902084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305766820931824599.post-9997549087533890622010-12-06T18:54:00.000-08:002010-12-06T18:58:15.879-08:00Received some items<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TP2ftW7bPUI/AAAAAAAAAB4/O2vTF2vXH9M/s1600/HMV_order_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TP2ftW7bPUI/AAAAAAAAAB4/O2vTF2vXH9M/s640/HMV_order_01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I got some junk in that I ordered today off of HMV. I ordered the 12 volumes of CCS and idolm@ster.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>I was going to order two other games as well, Ore no Yome, and the Chaos;Head fandisk. Ore no Yome looked to be not so good, however, and kind of reminded me of LovePlus, so I decided not to order it. Chaos;Head I just didn't feel like I had the money, and it's coming out on PSP soon.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TP2gKnvRpCI/AAAAAAAAAB8/ocv0AC6QZDs/s1600/HMV_order_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TP2gKnvRpCI/AAAAAAAAAB8/ocv0AC6QZDs/s640/HMV_order_02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Why is Sakura so cute?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>It's a bit silly that, as much as I like Card Captor Sakura, I didn't have the manga yet. So I decided to grab it off HMV. They were pretty cheap, about 400 yen a volume. They also came with a flimsy little Clow Card thing in each volume, featuring a character.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TP2gvteo2BI/AAAAAAAAACA/4bMM9A4hPPI/s1600/HMV_order_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TP2gvteo2BI/AAAAAAAAACA/4bMM9A4hPPI/s640/HMV_order_03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I like the artwork. It looks very nice and clean. Poor Meiling doesn't get to be featured on any of the cards. Oh well, I don't think she had any fans anyway.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TP2hU8V45mI/AAAAAAAAACE/DmIOx1x_Usg/s1600/HMV_order_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TP2hU8V45mI/AAAAAAAAACE/DmIOx1x_Usg/s640/HMV_order_04.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I hate the grey packaging.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I also picked up im@s for the 360. At first I wasn't sure if I should get it. I've already played some of the PSP versions. I've finished Yayoi and partway produced Haruka and Chihaya. But, it was the platinum edition so it was pretty cheap. Around 2500 yen or so. Figured I might as well for the improved graphics.Sakurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122564770322902084noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305766820931824599.post-91857905368538294122010-11-19T22:43:00.000-08:002010-11-19T23:00:50.041-08:00Xbox 360<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TOdtD9qjbmI/AAAAAAAAABs/17gK1a0W7fw/s1600/f0064066_18453527.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="363" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TOdtD9qjbmI/AAAAAAAAABs/17gK1a0W7fw/s400/f0064066_18453527.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I recently got my Xbox 360 in the mail, in preparation for Idolm@ster 2. I ordered the 4GB model off of HMV. I got the 360, Dream Club (Platinum Edition), and the latest issue of G's Magazine.<br />
<a name='more'></a>In total it all came to ¥33,020, I used EMS (as is required by HMV) I just wish the exchange rate wasn't so shitty.<br />
<br />
I really like the new 360. It's super sleek and quiet, and the buttons are all touch like the PS3. It also has built in wireless which is nice. Unfortunately though, I can't purchase any games from the games on demand service, or any videos from the video marketplace on the Japanese marketplace, as it is region locked.<br />
<br />
So I've currently got Dream Club, and looking at what I should get next. I'm thinking about getting the Idolm@ster and possibly Ore no Yome, or the Chaos Head fandisc. I'm not sure about Ore no Yome though. It sounds kind of like Love Plus with it's pre waifu phase and post (where the majority of the game I assume takes place). Personally, I don't like that system in Love Plus that much, and get bored almost immediately after the relation ship starts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TOdyDu5mtiI/AAAAAAAAABw/H_FQew-KCZ4/s1600/No_I_Didn%2527t_Get_This_Off_Google.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TOdyDu5mtiI/AAAAAAAAABw/H_FQew-KCZ4/s400/No_I_Didn%2527t_Get_This_Off_Google.jpg" width="323" /></a></div><br />
The G's Magazine was nice. I really don't know what I buy them for. Must be the silly posters. This one game with two bath posters, Kuroko and Kanade from Angel Beats. I've already got two in my shower. Not sure if I should put these in too. It also had some preview of the Oreimo game, which I'm kind of looking forward too. I rather enjoyed Toradora Portable even though I don't like Toradora itself that much. It also gave the release date (April 28) for Rewrite, though I could've just checked Key's page for it. <br />
<br />
I've also started playing Fragile for the Wii lately, and it's pretty nice. I really like the whole style of it so far. I'll probably write a post of what I think of Dream Club thus far.Sakurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122564770322902084noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305766820931824599.post-73565818788558295492010-10-23T22:07:00.000-07:002010-10-23T22:25:38.672-07:00Ar Tonelico III Impressions *minor minor spoilers*<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TMOwqUeT4gI/AAAAAAAAAAk/eWDpabFjeck/s1600/AT3_top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TMOwqUeT4gI/AAAAAAAAAAk/eWDpabFjeck/s1600/AT3_top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TMOwqUeT4gI/AAAAAAAAAAk/eWDpabFjeck/s1600/AT3_top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><img border="0" height="350" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TMOwqUeT4gI/AAAAAAAAAAk/eWDpabFjeck/s640/AT3_top.jpg" width="640" /><br />
I finished Ar Tonelico 3 the other day, and figured I would write my thoughts on the game while the impression is still fresh on me.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
I think I should start off by noting that I have not played or beaten Ar Tonelico 1, and I have not played Ar Tonelico 2 any further than about 2/3rds of the way through. I don't plan on finishing AT2 any time soon as it didn't particularly capture me in any way. Anyway, AT3.<br />
<br />
I think I should start off by saying, I think this is the best game in the series. Now, I'm not sure if I should be saying that, given I haven't played and decent amount of AT1, but I doubt it's a better title than AT2 or 3. I don't know if I should write as to avoid spoilers or not, but I'll try not to spoil the game in any case.<br />
<br />
I've heard people complain about the 3D models in the game, saying the graphics are not that good, especially considering this is a PS3 game. I thought they were ok though. Obviously, if you're going to compare it to something like FFXIII, or MGS4, then you'll be disappointed, but the graphics serve there purpose. Personally, I think the 3D models are better looking than the 2D sprites in AT2. The 2D CG in the game is quite nice too, in all it's HD-ness. Either way, I doubt anyone is playing a game like AT3 for the graphics.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TMO3nxB4R0I/AAAAAAAAAAs/8Xh9veP_Aj4/s1600/AT3_Shirou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TMO3nxB4R0I/AAAAAAAAAAs/8Xh9veP_Aj4/s400/AT3_Shirou.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Shirou</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The story starts out with Shirou in his village, when he finds Saber surrounded by several enemies, and an old guy lying on the ground injured. I think it was something like that, I don't really remember. Saber disappears turning into Saki, one of the heroines, and the old man on the ground entrusts her to you before passing away. Shirou, being the man he is, of course has no trouble dropping everything he is doing and getting Saki to where she wants to go. But anyway, the story is ultimately about restoring life to the barren world, with some sub plots along the way. The story wasn't great, there were numerous times in cutscenes where a few soldiers surround your party and you have no choice but to drop what you're doing, even though there is no problem when fighting hordes of enemies in combat. The ending was very lackluster too. It kind of seemed like a, "Oh, that's it? That was the last boss? These are credits rolling now?", and there is a decent amount of backtracking in the game, but nothing too bad.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TMO26kbjG0I/AAAAAAAAAAo/ovhJ6kinIHo/s1600/AT3_gameplay01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TMO26kbjG0I/AAAAAAAAAAo/ovhJ6kinIHo/s640/AT3_gameplay01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Shirou battles a monster with Saki. By the way, I just stole these pictures off the web in case you couldn't tell.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
The gameplay itself wasn't great, but neither was the gameplay in AT2. It's no worse than that game, though it does take a bit getting used to. In battle you have your 3 vanguards (that's what they're called right?) and the one RT of your choice singing. While the RT is singing, her percentage will increase, slowly at first. If you attack when the bars in the gauge are reddish, then you'll get "Beat Up" (I think that's what it said) affecting the heart in the circle at the bottom right of the screen. Doing this enough times will produce text over the heart saying, "Purge Ready". After doing so, you press and hold either L1, L2, R1, or R2, then shake the controller a bit while holding. The 4 buttons each correspond to a different element. And if you install a ヒューマ (what are these called in the English version? Huma? I don't remember.) to the elements, you gain specific abilities. For example, install one that gives the benefit of defence up to your L1, and when you purge using L1, you'll gain that benefit on your party.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TMO68gC9pII/AAAAAAAAAAw/OZQnwABVdC0/s1600/AT3_purge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TMO68gC9pII/AAAAAAAAAAw/OZQnwABVdC0/s640/AT3_purge.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Finnel purging. Look at that DFC.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>When you purge, the heroine will those a bit of clothing, until at the last purge, where she is only wearing her underwear. If you purge when the bar is red, you will see the short purge movie of her losing a bit of clothing. Otherwise it will just switch right away and the battle continues. After the 3rd purge level, if your song percentage reaches 30k% you can use one of your characters EX moves, dealing a decent amount of damage. You can only use an EX move once per character in battle, however, and you have to have created the moves. At the 3rd purge level, if you purge again, you will use the heroine's flipsphere which is her strongest attack. It's basically a mini-game where you press the circle button on the bars as they appear. The heroine will then attacked using her song magic thus far, and after attacking, return to her normal form.<br />
<br />
When you are in the game, you'll notice 3 hearts next to Saki and Finnel. This will determine some of the scenes you get and influence the ending. There are 3 choices that are presented to you up to the end of Phase 3. So basically you'd end up with something like 3:0 or 2:1 hearts. If you have 3 for one heroine, you are locked in to her ending, and will see some CG you otherwise might not get. 2:1 hearts + accepting that heroines confession in her cosmosphere will also lock you in on her ending.<br />
<br />
There was no real split in the game though. I remember in AT2 choosing between Cloche and Luca, and Phase 2 would change accordingly. Or something like that. It's essentially the same linear game all the way through, with a few differences in scenes, in AT3. Also, Tilia, the final heroine, doesn't appear in your party until Phase 4, so the hearts don't really apply for her. If you want to get a Tilia ending for example, don't have 3 hearts for Saki/Finnel, and you can't have accepted either of their confession in their cosmosphere. Then just accept Tilia's in hers.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TMO-T1X6eWI/AAAAAAAAAA0/YCZK0dt2rxY/s1600/AT3_cocona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S1p8bvHxmq0/TMO-T1X6eWI/AAAAAAAAAA0/YCZK0dt2rxY/s640/AT3_cocona.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>COCONAAAAAAAAAAAA</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
I went for the Cocona ending, as disappointed as it was, because she will always be my number 1, so I didn't delve much into the cosmospheres, and won't talk about them. It's pretty much the same stuff as AT2 though. All in all though, I had fun with the game, the dialogue was good and amusing, I never found myself bored. The cast was pretty good, the heroines were my favourite out of the series, and if you're an AT fan, I would definitely recommend this game. Needs more Cocona though.Sakurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122564770322902084noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6305766820931824599.post-45203255299695678052010-10-23T20:51:00.001-07:002010-10-23T20:51:58.683-07:00Idolm@ster PSP translationWell. The im@s psp translation project seems pretty stalled, though I've only translated like, a handful of scripts so I'm not sure if I'm one to talk about it. I don't think I'll bother with it any more though (as if I was going to in the first place) seeings as nobody's really working much on it any more. It's really too bad, it's already at 50+%. If people hadn't been translating scripts for lesser idols, we could already have one idol done, Yayoi. And really, who matters other than Yayoi?Sakurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122564770322902084noreply@blogger.com2