Sword Art Online - The Adult Friend Finder of Videogames

The world of online gaming has evolved. Its evolution was predetermined from the day it captured the hearts and imaginations of its public. These consumers had always had that one true wish: to immerse themselves in the alternate reality worlds they had come to call home.

Immersion. Virtual. One conclusion comes to mind.

Virtual reality in its best designed state, full immersion at its most capable. Through the use of a headset with goggles, the VR device used with their systems, they perform actions as if almost in reality. The headset stems the path between the brain and the spine, intercepting synapses that may cause you to clench a fist in reality to instead clench your fists in the gameworld. The ability to trap and enhance our dreams while revealing whole worlds makes this medium the most realistic way to see even our deepest imaginings become "reality".

Your worries are also true. There is the ability to get caught up, to get so lost in this alternate reality that you neglect your real world. Even then, however, there is always the ability to leave for those that need or want to. At least........ there was.

You see, there's a catch. This new game, fresh out of its beta testing, called Sword Art Online, has entrapped all of its participants with a little problem: the inability to logout of the game world. Furthermore, any attempts from the outside world to free a player will result in the player having their VR devices end their lives from electrical charges sent directly into the nervous system causing a fatal shutdown of bodily functions.

It is up to the participants, nay, the residents of this virtual world to win the game. Easier said than done. There are 100 floors, each with different challenges and obstacles, each with enormously strengthened bosses that require more than just attack power and intelligence to overcome. And despite the overwhelming requirement of it for survival, teamwork is still hard to come by. So many people see futility in resistance that they become the antagonist themselves. Through these dark times, leaders of light come up through perseverance, dedication, and the loyalty of their peers and subordinates to hold reign and allegiance of collectives known as guilds. They wield amazing power because they are able to gather forces instead of watching the masses in chaos. This seems like the only hope for vindication in these desperate times of escape.

Our hero. He wears no mantle. He claims no large and colossal power. He carries with him only the determination to see things in himself that he has forgotten. His only goal is to be a warrior from the shadows, with no name and no allegiance. He doesn't want fame. This game, though, has other plans. And it will do what it can to take everything from you. Even your humility and self-worth.

There is a breath of hope among these chills of uncertainty and despair. Unlikely crossings and seemingly fated interventions. Love that blossoms in the icy depths of death-laden dungeons. The warmth of companionship can truly lessen your burdens. Tread softly though. Do not forget your goal. To beat......

Sword Art Online.

Soul Eater - Watch it… or I'll take your soul.

Humans are granted extraordinary power. That isn't new.

They are imbued with the power to transform their bodies. That isn't new either.

By changing their bodies, they become weapons for their chosen partners to wield in a union whose strength depends upon the ability of the wielder and wielded's souls to perform in harmony. Wow. That is a new and somewhat confusing concept. This is Soul Eater.

It's pacing almost feels a little rushed, without really mentioning the progress that is undone by their hastiness, Maka and Soul almost seem too powerful from the very beginning. All it takes for me to get confused is to make me feel left out real early. So... about some basics.

Maka is a human girl in the Death Weapon Meister Academy. She is a Meister and Soul is her partner and her weapon. Soul has the ability to change his body into the graceful frame of a large-wielded scythe. Different from the scythes used in fieldwork, he is perfectly designed for the simple task of destroying their opponents and for the coup de gras, he dines on their souls. Perfectly normal behavior at the academy however, seeing as a weapon needs 99 souls and the soul of one witch to become the strongest type of weapon: The Deathscythe.

This anime has a ton of integrity. It's a little into the dark, much like D.Gray-Man, but it does its own premise great justice, lightening the characters with seldom overused humor and more original styles(like making OCD funny!). There was a sense of togetherness you don't get in a lot of other shows. There's no solo act, or at least, very few. You are a team. You must act accordingly. Fight or flight, lives are the balance in Soul Eater. You take for granted your power for one second and realism sets in… someone is trying to take your life, your power, your sanity. Dark, funny, actiony, and entertaining, Soul Eater really does a good job making a point and driving it home. Pay attention of course, some concepts are a little difficult to get at first but overall, a thoroughly enjoyed series.

Bleach Part 2 - The Good, The Bad, and The Bankai.

There's a world beyond our own some might say. In this other world, there are forces at odds that control the world of humans ultimate destiny. These protagonists and foes follow set guidelines and are easily distinguishable, holding the vanquish of their foes as their highest priority… right?

Actually, in the world of Bleach… although Black and White exists, there exists more shades of Grey than anything else. The war that is waged with the very lives of humans as the cost is actually fought on our very streets, in our backyards, in our schools and hospitals; so near to us that a victim might only be a breath away from their expiration. The foe, the dastardly apparitions responsible for these egregious crimes against all of humanity… they are unseen by most and, in the case of their victims, the only knowledge of their existence is probably in the execution of their crimes. Our saviors… are not cut from the cloth saints but everyday pioneers of vision. Although they hail from the Soul Society, the land of the afterlife, and although they are charged with the protection of Earth's people, they are the colloquial equivalent to spiritual policeman and come complete with their own distinctions. Each member belongs to a squad, each member has his own Zanpakto(samurai-style sword which has only one bearer), and each member has his own inherent flaws. That's right, our apparitional guardians are imperfect but willing to fight against vicious evils for our benefits. As they are imperfect, however, there are also some among their ranks that have questionable motives. If this is true, the opposite is as well and there exists, among those that are born of the ultimate evil, some with virtue and honor. This ultimate evil is summarized as the lost spirits, the ones without a single virtue left because their existence has become rage, and in the circumstance of zombie-like plagues, lost human souls that are devoured by this same darkness… they are the Hollows. Souls that have become so lost and so dark that destruction is their lust and it must be sated with unquestionable resolve.

This is the struggle. Humans die. In the defense of their soul's right to a pleasant eternity, Soul Reapers(Shinigami) will fight against Hollows and preserve the balance. 

One man, seemingly aware of this second world's presence, becomes entangled in this other worldly operation and, due to his prowess and unexplainable talent to handle these situations, finds himself becoming further and further involved in the other world's operations and very existence.

Code Geass Part (R)2 - Now Hiring Backstabbers and Psychotic Nuclear Scientists. No Really.

What would you do for power?

This power… will give you just what you need to accomplish your goals.
There's just a simple drawback.
Despair.
That is putting it simply. Mind you, power is not simple to earn so therefore, your cost for such power will also not be simple.
Misery. Suffering. Loneliness. Depression. Self-doubt. Loss of motivation. All these things and more. And you're immense desire for power… wasn't even a selfish one.
You would give all and your life to bestow happiness to everyone of the world and, most importantly, your sister.
What will come of this?
Will people love you for it? No.
Will you be remembered for your sacrifices? No.
Will the people you loved be spared of sadness and bloodshed and loss of their own lives? No.
Will your memory be akin to that of the devil himself? Yes.
Will even those closest to you come to loathe you for all of their days? Yes.
Will the empire you built, full of good intention, rejoice in your demise? Yes.
You knew all this and more and yet you held onto your determination. Your scheme. Your dark plans for bright futures.
You are a martyr of unknown peace. Of collateral repair. Of redeemed hearts and ignorant bliss.
If anyone knew to what end you would save the very people that would come to despise you, they would fall into tears immediately.
You are a hero… and yet, you wear your mask well.





Although it isn't the happiest anime, it shares with us out deepest fears and pains. Betrayal and disgust and things we never wish to experience.
Racism of a different vision, elevens are bastardized by the Brittanians, crying out for their heritage to be restored. Eleven years prior to the events of R2, Brittania invaded Japan and colonized it as Area Eleven. They cry out collectively for delivery. Delivery from the tyranny they experience everyday as prejudice and segregation desperate everyone and everything. Their hero is an unlikely one, especially considering he's a prince in line to the Brittanian throne who resorts to terrorism. Even so, victories are achieved and power gained in this struggle. Everything is not so simple though, as even this master is wits has his fair share of ill fortunes. Defeat, disgrace, and the blood of innocents stain his hands and yet… before this is all done out hero will come to know such pain… as should never be endured by anyone ever.

Will you follow Zero?

Code Geass Part 1 - Do What I Say? Pretty Please.

Season 1 done. Let’s see what I got for Code Geass.

Plot Synopsis: An alternate timeline would see the Japanese taken over by a new West.

A rebellion. A surprise victory. The impending reaction that justifies barbaric means.

The undoubtable “good” hero model is unquestionably broken apart as even a demon himself might blush at the actions of Lelouch. He is the detached and cool student that fellow students wish they were or wish they could have. His dark side might be something they cannot grasp for their world,as an upper class student, is small and secluded, cut off from the truths of their own societal actions by the media and governments combined power to stymie the growth of collaborative thought.

It is regrettable to inform them, however….. that their worst fears have already been realized from the day Lelouch’s goal of vengeance was promised.

The worst enemy, will always be one from within. And the only thing you don’t want in battle or otherwise, is an enemy that is more prepared than you.

Lelouch is a strategic mastermind who gains new powers that enable him with the ability to gain a following more rapidly than he imagined,more potent then he dreamed, and all within his framework toward justice.

This anime is well balanced on all ends. Schoolmates,Comrades, Converts, Neutralists, Antagonists….. Rivals. Lelouch is just a building block whilst each and every episodes, each and every skirmish and conflict,builds to his name, builds to his powers, builds to his numbers and reputation.

In the end…. what leader would choose to fight against a  Lelouch-empowered rebellion of their own free will. Pride, Arrogance, Orders……are the only things that stand between Lelouch and his goal.

Total obliteration of the Bittanian world.

Review: Without spoilers, to say that Lelouch is an easy protagonist would be false. He is a dark hero. So much, so very much tragedy takes place in this anime, in so very little time, it easily garnered emotional reactions without a lot of intentional involvement. That has to be a plus for this anime, the fact that it entangles the viewer without a lot of effort.

Also, the use of strategy in this anime is a welcome change to brute force overcoming brute force. It’s similar to the fact that wits battle wits in almost the same respect, but what would you expect when it comes to military operations? There has to be forethought. There has to be motive and planning. Execution and collaboration. Victories are most thoroughly enjoyed when they are won long before the fighting through preparation and strategy.

Characters in this anime are not of the “typical” variety,except in small cases(Here’s looking at you Shirley). Sudden evolution of personality is seen in a few characters and it is a welcome surprise when you take into account how these characters interact(Euphemia is a prime example,with how directional she seemed to begin with and how open minded she ended up being in such a short time).

Few minor flaws. The relation of characters to each other can be kind of confusing. The intelligence levels of some characters do come into question from time to time. The plot progression speed seems too quickly paced at times only to be followed immediately by a slower feel which almost puts the viewer on edge. It’s kind of funny how involved the viewer feels from time to time. I think the show is pretty awesome so far, starting the next season now. Anyways, this is Part 1, come back in a bit and the final synopsis will be available. Ciao.

Bleach Part 1 - "I eat pieces of Reishi like you for breakfast."

Bleach Seasons 1 - 10
Bleach the Movie(1) - Memories of Nobody


This is a broad topic and very, very ranging. I started watching Bleach long before I took to blogging anything of interest. As summaries go, though, this will be right along the definition.

Bleach. Not just a cleaning agent these days.

Like One Piece, I had seen episodes sparsely before I had any real interest in taking the show onto my work load. Also like One Piece, I didn't like the art right away so I only left my attention to shows that won me over. Dragon Ball Z and other Funimation dubs had captured me long in advance and subsequently gained my revenue for a long, long time. Maybe this was my mistake.

Bleach right out of the gate was messy and confusing but interesting. Once I got over how mainstream it felt to sit down and watch it, I saw it for the raw experience it was. It was clever and imaginative, taking things we already have beliefs built about, like life and death, and changing them to be less supernatural and more superheroic. It still gets confusing from time to time but it makes sense the more and more I watch it.

The first arc bewildered me because of the amount of new information. Ichigo is an abrasive hardheaded hero type and Rukia, calm and collected, strategic type. Kind of straight forward. The characters they added all had relative depth, only discussing an amount of their story that gave them life to the viewer and made them seem less like a stranger. That's not to say that Bleach didn't have a lot of superfluous back story here and there(flashbacks are cliche, lol) but no anime is perfect. What I really enjoyed was the internal conflict between the protagonists. It wasn't black and white like Goku and Vegeta. It was gritty and vague. You sometimes wondered why they were friends or enemies or rivals, etc. That's depth I can really get behind.

The story made surprising cuts and curves and let me tell you about the filler. There is a lot of it. Main story doesn't feel as filled up but some of it is there. Also, the filler seasons are totally skippable. That being said, they're a good watch nonetheless: almost like a drawn out movie(Bleach the Movie?!?). Anyways, when you got back to the heart of the anime, it almost seemed like a straight line had been maintained. Like you hadn't gone anywhere and the story was right there waiting for you. Cap note: the main story is pretty awesome.

On a power note to add to the story note which adds to the character note… none of the protagonists ever seem like they should win. You may have bad struggle with your earlier animes but Bleach takes that concept to a new level. It was hard to watch sometimes, just knowing the characters are having the snot beat out of them and bones broken. Then, as out of miracles, dawn breaks and the heroes survive on to get stronger. I guess if the heroes always had flawless victories with little difficulty, who the heck would watch?

What I've mentioned before is very light. I have seen 10 seasons of Bleach: The first 10 and in order. You could skip the Bount and New Captain arcs and not miss much. They have characters introduced in those arcs that make reprising roles but I doubt it would cause too much confusion. Big thing is, is that this series has been quite enjoyable so far. I took long periods of time off between seasons and still got along pretty well. The story is reasonably easy to understand and the characters and powers are relatable and amazing respectively.

If you aren't watching Bleach because of the reason I wasn't, "everyone watches Bleach and says they love anime when they have no idea what they're talking about and blah blah blah hipsterness", stop yourself right now. Just watch it or miss out. This series would have really brought down my credibility as an otaku to not have seen it.

Bleach the Movie - Memories of Nobody

A little blurb about this movie. I read about how a lot of people are let down by Bleach movies having little relation to the story arc(DBZ anyone?). I have to say that for the experience, I couldn't care when it took place, it was a fantastic watch. A few little discrepancies but, again, no anime is perfect. Watch it because its a memorable experience in the Bleach universe. It has my vote.

Lucky ☆ Star

I am moved.

There exists an anime that actually seems realistic but with the familiar anime vibe you're accustomed to. Slice of life, shojo, and comical, it kind of emulates other anime through it to make you forget how realistic it can be. Sometimes spastic, the story is able to convey growth and depth as well as a connection and a sense of familiarity to its viewers.

Lucky Star is all that and a bag of chips. It's not without its flaws, however. It obviously has a source audience, the crowd the inspiration for the show is drawn from, and that obviously isn't American teenage life. Unfortunately(and yet fortunately) the show draws from Japanese teenage life, particularly high school age and high school life. This may be the only(read: one of many but it kinda depends on you) difference you find with the show and your life but it is probably the most dramatic. Japanese customs are very different from our own and when the way we were brought up is compared, we tend to be critical or judgmental.

In this respect, I can safely say this anime is for most audiences with a grain of salt taken to each. If you are a comedy fan, there are plenty of comedic sequences. If you are a moe fan, then this is packed full of moe awesomeness. If you are a shojo fan, then you won't be surprised by any of the events in the show but more so the presentation and delivery which, by the way, they are awesome at.

However, if you aren't an otaku by trade, or comedy isn't your thing(don't act like these people don't exist), or moe/shojo seems overdone or overused to you, don't burden yourself with laboring through this anime because it doesn't attempt to overcoat any of this with something else. It is what it is. Moe, shojo, slice of life, and comedy. That being said, if you are able to watch things because you are open minded of an anime lover in general, then little things like these wont bother you and you can enjoy this anime for what it's worth.

This is, in my opinion, another "if you already like anime like this then you'll like this one too" kind of anime. I know, I know some plot points, story lines, and character designs/archetypes are overused but I implore you to discover something original anywhere in your life. Someone or something has come before and someone or something will come after. It is inevitable and pointless to argue or discuss. In fact, you waste your time thinking of counter arguments instead of just enjoying these things for their own sake.

Back-story is a little lacking and that is evident, but you know the types; They are friends, they are in high school, they are preparing for the rest of their lives - Comedy ensues. A very Robot Chicken aspect is the scene hopping, but they do it without TV static and with more continuity. You almost feel like you're skipping through their lives but in a sense that almost without your knowledge(because events and actions are so similar to real life[or real life if you were Japanese]) that these characters become more human and more lovable. Even some of the comedy in the show directly emulates situations you can find yourself in.

I don't do this type of thing to convince anyone to watch anything, but I also don't do it to berate the anime or their direction artistically or canonically. I think this is another anime that was well conceived(or converted, although I don't know if there was a manga or if it follows it), well produced, dubbed well, and presented to the audience well. If we could only judge an anime on its value as an entertainment tool we could rate this one highly without question. Even so, I'll leave the final call to you guys. I only hope this blog entry let you know what you might find yourself in before jumping into it.