Anime Avenue

Shiki’s Disgaea 4 Review
Secret World of Arriety Anime Review
Shin Chan Season 3 Pt 1 Review
Bleach Soul Resurrection (PS3) Game Review/
OVA – Open Versatile Anime – Game Review

Posted: 25 Nov 2014 07:18 PM PST

Disgaea 4 was great! It took the game the fans loved and gave it an interesting twist. They did this while keeping the storyline entertaining, funny, and rather touching at some points. Compared to the others I’d rank Disgaea 4 2nd on the list right behind the first Disgaea.

The graphics have greatly improved from the previous games and you can really see it. Not only are the sprites more detailed but so are the backgrounds during conversations. The transitions between scenes are pretty cool with a horde of bats flying across the screen. I thought that was a nice touch for the game’s main character “Mr. Vampire”

The sound quality has also improved. The voices are crisp and clear and much easier to understand if you don’t feel like reading what the text boxes say. The music collection is pretty interesting as includes some new pieces as well as some from the other games which can all be viewed via a music shop unlockable in the game. As for the replay value, you never really run out of things to do in Disgaea, with the post game story, the land of carnage, or downloadable content, there is always something to keep you busy. The game also features multiple endings to entice you for another go at the game once you finish it. I won’t spoil how to unlock them though.

Disgaea 4 has greatly expanded upon the game that millions of fans have loved since the first game. This was done without taking away from the gripping tale normally found in the series, with the new features and overall restructured HQ the game still holds to the Disgaea series struggle for power. I give Disgaea 4 a 4/5 and encourage even new comers to the series to give it a try. NIS America did it again.

Secret World of Arriety Anime Review

Posted: 25 Nov 2014 06:17 PM PST

Known in Japan as The Borrower Arrietty (借りぐらしのアリエッティ Kari-gurashi no Arietti?) and in the UK and Australia as Arrietty

It is a rare delight when I can catch an anime movie in the movie theater. It is even rarer for me to catch an anime movie both my daughter and I would enjoy. Well guess what? I went to see The Secret World of Arriety in the theater on 2/20/2012 with my daughter. A definite rare moment to cherish.

I was watched the subbed Japanese version in the summer of 2011. It was amazing. Figured it was time to break down and go to the theater for the release of The Secret World of Arriety.

Studio Ghibli's films are always a must see for me. While Hayao Miyazaki did not direct, he was involved with the planning and with writing the screenplay. Miyazaki hired first time director, Hirosama Yonebashi, the youngest director with Studio Ghibli, to direct The Secret World of Arriety. I am beyond impressed with the work put into this film. I can see why it topped Japanese box offices the year of its release in Japan.

The Secret World of Arrietty is based on Mary Norton's 1952 novel The Borrowers, about a family of 4-inch-tall people who live secretly beneath the floorboards of a house out in the country.

Arriety (voiced by Bridget Mendler), her father Pod and mother Homily (voiced by real life husband and wife Will Arnett and Amy Poehler) make up this family. They "borrow" stuff from the humans (which they call "beans").

The movie starts out with the arrival of a sick boy named Shawn. Amidst father and daughter's borrowing spree they are both seen by him. This eventually leads to a friendship between Arriety and Shawn. Pod, however, becomes worried that the friendship could lead to the boy alerting other beans to their existence under the floorboards. The nosey housekeeper Hara (voiced by Carol Burnett), knows the Borrowers exist and wishes to find them by any means. This leads the family to plan to move.

This is a very imaginative movie with lush animation. Electrical outlets are passage ways, Arriety finds a human sewing needle she wields as a sword, a tea kettle is a boat…the list goes on about what is used as what from the perspective of a little borrower.

I have constantly heard this is a slow and boring film. I extremely disagree. This is yet another Studio Ghibli (THANK YOU Disney!!!!) gem. I agree it could've been a little bit longer and the ending could have wrapped more up. Honestly those are my only complaints.

Oh and the soundtrack I must rave about! It is an absolute work of art. It is composed by Cécile Corbel. She is a very talented composer. I highly recommend getting the soundtrack. It created a stir of emotions within me. I can not explain but the musically truly was an experience. It fit right in with the beautiful animation.

I did sorta laugh out loud over the "Disneyfied" choices for a few of the voice actors (Wizards of Waverly Place, Hannah Montana and Good Luck Charlie). The Japanese version of the film is call The Borrowers Arriety. I guess I was disappointed with the name change too.

My daughter enjoyed the movie, I think almost as much as I did. Hara scared her a few times (hey she is a 7 year old lol) and the cat made her laugh. Another Studio Ghibli masterpiece.

This one gets 5/5! My complaints would not even lower how perfect of a movie this is. Looking forward to the next Studio Ghibli film and I hope it is directed by Miyazaki.

Shin Chan Season 3 Pt 1 Review

Posted: 25 Nov 2014 05:59 PM PST

One of my favorite anime series on Adultswim was Shin Chan. Each and every Saturday night I looked forward to laughing my butt off at Shin and his family. I was truly sad after season 2 of Shin Chan ended. Adultswim had no more Shin Chan. I had to go to my DVDs. Now when I heard Shin Chan Season 3 was coming out I had to jump up and down with joy.

I have watched Shin Chan Season 3 Part 1 several times now. I still laugh out loud. There are so many great episodes on part one. Some great new characters too.

The series takes place 2 years in the future. Much has changed. Georgie's family went from rich upper class to the bottom of the ladder. Penny's father has stopped beating his wife and daughter. My personal favorite of course is Action Bastard gets his own movie, in which he says the "C" word (take a guess lol). Immediately after watching both discs, I noticed the series was a little more profane and touched on subjects we did not see in the first 2 seasons.

My understanding is since season 3 of Shin Chan was not being syndicated the creators had more freedoms. I must say the episode "Fibromyalgical Mystery Tour" had me laughing. Shin's fibromyalgic neighbor gave Mitzi some shrooms. Let just say Shin manages to get to them first. In several episodes on the 2^ndDVD, we are introduced to Mitzi's sister Bitzi. She is of course addicted to brown-brown (cocaine cut w gunpowder. The episodes with Bitzi in it are classic. Also, a parody of True Blood/Twlight is done. This is a 2 part episode.

I laughed until it hurt watching Shin Chan Season 3 Part 1. I am looking forward to the 2^nd part which comes out later this month.

I give the DVD set 4.5/5. It didn't get the 5 because it should have been released as one whole set.

Bleach Soul Resurrection (PS3) Game Review/

Posted: 25 Nov 2014 05:36 PM PST

NIS America games have always treated me well ever since Disgaea they always held so much replay value so after beating the game I was never truly finished with it. I expected the same with Bleach Soul Resurrection but unfortunately it didn’t hold the same replayability that the other games had.

I honestly don’t think it was worth it to buy brand new. first off the game is really short. to beat all the episodes it will take about 4 hours. second its a watered down version of dynasty/samurai warriors meaning its basically the same except that you don’t capture bases and its Bleach.

The visuals are pretty good. when running around the Soul Society or Karakura Town you might be surprised how much it looks like the anime. The sound effects are also quite impressive. The music might be over shadowed by the sounds of combat. Another issue is if your playing with the Japanese voices, like I did, you might have to read subtitles. If you actually want to know what everyone is saying (which slightly gets in the way when in the middle of boss fights). So if you want know what’s going on with out the distraction, turn subs off and play in English.

The game is strictly single player and the episodes get rather boring after a second round. However, the game does have around 28 missions for players to tackle, if they are trying to reach the max level for their characters. The game also features a soul attack mode which includes Time attack, Beat attack and Soul attack. Time attack is essentially a race to the finish with a group of required enemies at the end. Beat attack is a timed kill fest and Soul attack is similar except the point is to rack up a major combo so you can obtain more soul points.

The game is good. but it could have been better. The visuals and sound effects were great but that doesn’t make up for the lack of replay value. I probably should have waited for a used copy but I'm still glad I got it when it first came out.

As for the voices I'm sure the English voices are mostly the same. I haven’t tried playing as everyone using English voices but its quite the opposite for the Japanese voices. I have played the entire game with Japanese voices but I have no idea what everyone is supposed to sound like. I am sure almost everyone sounds how they should

Rating: 3/5 Vintage: 20011 Reviewer: Shikioneenshingen

OVA – Open Versatile Anime – Game Review

Posted: 25 Nov 2014 02:04 PM PST

OVA review

By Miki

This can be a fun table top game but requires a little finesse and creativity on the GM's (Game master) part. We start out with creating a character. In my game we started with 6 attributes with 2 or 3 of these as negative traits. We decide on looks and weapons next then a lot points to the attributes.

Example character : Akui

Attributes:

Abilities Weaknesses

Intimidate 2 Short temper 2

Lucky 1 Hatred 2

Combat skills 2

Will power 1

Health 40 Endurance 40 Weapons: Knife n Mr. Stinky doll

He has red short spiky hair green eyes and pierced nose ear and lip. He's short and angry with a sneer upon his face. He laces his dialogue with sarcasm and his cynical views color his hatred for the world and everything in it. When Akui was 5 yrs old his mother died of an overdose and his father left him on the streets. In order to survive he joined a gang but due to his shortness and red hair he was bullied. So he soon took on his I don't care I hate u all attitude. He learned to be meaner and more aggressive than everyone else and now runs rampant committing all sorts of crimes.

The story starts with a Castle appearing one day in the sky. A large full moon then shows up during the day transforming into a mirror that shows us the villain inside the castle. He then tells us that players have been selected to participate in his war games. They will be transported to the game site and given a Negai which is a magical weapon. Then the games will begin and it's may the best creature survive.

The first day was individual battles this wasn't as much fun as when we fight all together it also took up lots of time but thought made better footage to show how different battles could be.

Battle 1 Round 1: A cute cat girl is beat up by a cyborg. He hits her pretty hard she pulls a flying squirrel out of hammerspace and throws it at him. This creates laughter in the audience. He removes most of her life but then taunts her causing her to girl rage twice. The 1^st she pounds on him n crys "u big meany" but the 2^nd she jump round kicks him in the face giving a great panty shot to all her devoted fans. Now that he's angry gets serious and rapidly hits her until she falls unconscious.

Battle 1 Round 2: Gibly and Zaimoku fight. Gibly takes the lead when she uses her striping snake technique. Zaimoku being the perv he is gets distracted by pleasure. The battle changes though as he tangles her in vines and proceeds to fondle and caress her. He also uses his power attack but hits a bone and hurts himself. She uses her snakes tickle power but it's no match this time for his pelvic thrust attack which proceeds to knock her unconscious.

Battle 1 Round 3: Kalvin vs. Akui. Kalvin uses his mecha cannon causing Akui to retaliate by carving loser on his mecha. Mecha flips over causing Kalvin to get out of mecha which causes battle to heat up. We now have a small dagger vs. a ball of yarn. This is funny and getting us nowhere so Kalvin proceeds to climb back in his mecha and crush Akui.

Battle 2 is on a different day and its 2 vs. 2 bad guys ahead. Then Battle 3 is 4 vs.4 Good guys won. These battles were quicker so notes not taken as well. The Hero's then went to castle to get their prize only to find the castle had vanished and they were back home in their beds thinking was this all just some crazy dream.

This was lots of fun but took some getting used to since we all play DnD (Dungeons and Dragons) it was weird not having hit points or AC (armor class). We roll against each other which kept the dice rolling.

Overall it was a very fun productive day of gaming.

If OVA sounds like a fun game to you and you wanna check it out, there is a quick start download available for free here and OVA can be ordered here for $15.