Anime Review - Mai-HiME

Mai-HiME

Anime Review
By Le Chupacabra

Sunrise
26 episodes
Age Rating: 15+

Tokiha Mai and her younger brother have just been offered scholarships at the prestigious Fuuka Academy. It’s a good thing for the orphaned children now that they can enjoy a quality education without financial woes. However, money is the least of their worries when they’re caught in the crossfire of a vicious battle between two teenage girls armed with strange weapons. Things start getting heated once Mai discovers the secret links between Fuuka Academy and these female warriors called ‘HiME’ (Highly-advanced Materialising Equipment).

While almost flawless, Mai-HiME still lacks what makes anime like FullMetal Alchemist and Monster peerless… but as far as sheer entertainment is concerned, it ranks as one of the finest!

Mai-HiME starts off conforming to staples set by many shounen (for teenage boys, essentially) anime. In fact, early on it’s quite easy to write this one off as unspectacular and cliché. It’s a good thing that it doesn’t take too long to obliterate such impressions!

Mai-HiME wonderfully mixes together action, comedy and drama into a hearty concoction that leaves you unusually satisfied.

The story strikes a perfect balance between familiarity and freshness. Then it goes one step further and rewards viewers with a bevy of tantalizing plot twists that will have you glued to the screen. The pacing is slightly off however; the first half progresses quite reluctantly as characters are introduced and the audience is immersed into the world of Mai-HiME. The latter portion flies along at a breakneck pace with unexpected revelations at every corner. The transition is rather sudden, however it doesn’t harm what is otherwise a rather enjoyable yarn.

It seems that new characters are consistently brought into the limelight for the first half of Mai-HiME and as a result, it has quite an extensive roster. While this is typically disastrous for an anime of standard length (26 episodes), Mai-HiME pulls it off with aplomb. Without delving too much into each personality, Mai-HiME is still able to develop its characters through a skilful mixture of dialogue and interactions. As a result, these guys and gals are quite genuine people and you definitely feel for them.

Mai-HiME has a very clean and rather beautiful art style that should sate most palates. It’s also nice to see a consistency being maintained in that there is no drop in quality for the full run of the anime. The designs are quite brilliant, particularly those of the Orphans (the monsters that the HiME fight) and Children (the creatures that choose to help HiME in their battles). The characters themselves have a lot of personality in terms of looks alone. The animation for the battles is great stuff and combined with some fine choreography, it makes for quality viewing.

Something I personally love about Mai-HiME is the music. The opening song is an energetic J-pop track that you’ll find hard to skip while watching. The closing theme does a fantastic job of segueing with the ending portions much like ‘Tobira no Mukou he’ did in FullMetal Alchemist. The music within the anime itself really shines and the battle themes are brilliant.

Finding problems with Mai-HiME will really boil down to personal preference. Some initial episodes are somewhat hackneyed in that they’re evocative of the ‘Monster of the Week’ formula. Overall, the anime also lacks any aspirations to be superlative like the ones I have mentioned. In a sense, Mai-HiME tends to be solid in every aspect without excelling particularly in any. The ending may also bring about a smidgen of stupor in that it outdoes a Disney film for being too good to be true. Otherwise, I have nothing else to complain about.

Just because I think Mai-HiME is ideal in many ways, it’s still not one to be compared with the likes of FMA or other truly peerless anime. On the other hand, Mai-HiME knows exactly what it wants to achieve and it does so with conviction. As a result, it’s a ridiculously entertaining anime that you really must watch.

PS2 Game Reviews - Disgaea: Hour of Darkness

Disgaea: Hour of Darkness

A PS2 Game Review By
Le Chupacabra

The ‘RPG’ genre has a tendency to remain aloof of most ‘deshi gamers with the odd exception of the suitably famous Final Fantasy series. However, there’s a staggering variety of pureblood RPGs (most games contain RPG elements nowadays) that both lack the Final Fantasy moniker yet also happen to be rather excellent; it’s just that us Muggles often fail to notice them.

Disgaea is one such gem.

If you enter this game expecting poignant (read: whiny) protagonists and epic storylines you’ll be better off looking elsewhere. Disgaea places you in the curly-toed shoes of the egotistical Prince Laharl. Rudely awaken from a two-year nap, this heir to the Netherworld finds his father, the nigh-unpronounceable King Krichevskoy, murdered; meanwhile, various demons of noble (and otherwise) blood have been vying for the throne. There is only one way a self-respecting demon can achieve supreme glory – kill off the competition.

The story is charming in its own way, mind you. There are a few predictable twists, but it’s eventually the quirky humour that wins it all. Since it’s set in a rather juvenile version of the Netherworld, sardonic attitudes, witty (read: corny) remarks and much Narcissism is the order of the day. These aren’t the most remarkable characters in the world, but they will offer oodles of amusement at their expense. It’s worth plugging away through the game just to get to the next bit of story where the characters interact. Better yet, the game gets even funnier as it goes on despite how bad a situation our motley crew of loveable demons ends up in!

The graphics are unique to say the least; if you’re looking for a visual tour de force… for the SNES… then you’ve found your game. Disgaea is comprised of 2D hand-drawn sprites superimposed on what appear to be ‘3D’ arenas. Underneath these seemingly ancient graphics lie some incredible anime-style character designs and a lot of personality that is lacking in games with superior visuals. The sound effects are quaint while the music has this silly, carnival-like atmosphere to it. You’ll be surprised at how the voices give a whole new level of personality and charm to the characters! Perfectly over-the-top and over-acted at the right situations, this is truly entertaining stuff.

The true star of the show, however, is the gameplay. Yes, this game is guilty of having a turn-based battle system set on a rigid grid (think Final Fantasy Tactics). However, (like Tactics) it’s also guilty of endless customisation options, unfathomable depth and intriguing strategy.

In combat you have to position all your characters in suitable locations and then order them to do their actions – be it attacking, defending, casting magic, et al. Once prepared, you choose to initiate your stratagems and tactics. After your turn is up, the enemy will begin… and the cycle goes on. This affords you a level of freedom and calculated planning that few RPGs can boast of. As you control your troops to victory (and higher levels), you get a great sense of satisfaction and achievement – this is one of the reasons why this game is so addictive. You can name each character making everyone quite personal to you.

You can also pick and throw people all across the map. In this way, it’s possible set up special attacks or reach greater heights. If you throw enemies into each other they fuse into a more powerful character with a greater level. Then there are Team Attacks. If a character has allies adjacent to him/her/it while performing an attack there is a possibility that they will execute team attacks. Geo Stones and Panels are also distinctive additions. Each coloured Geo panel may or may not give some distinct advantage or disadvantage to you or your enemies. If the corresponding Geo Stones are strategically destroyed you can achieve long chain combos that may help obliterate your enemies in one fell swoop or do insane damage at the very least. Then there’s the fact that each character class has dozens of specific attributes and aptitudes to take into account. A character is also able to have pupils (try not to think about it too much); these pupils benefit their master with unique skills as they level up. Then there’s all the weapons and item customisation and how each and every article can have a domino effect on your characters. Basically this game offers a multitude of ways to earn Experience for and customise your characters. And you know what? These features are barely the tip of the proverbial iceberg!

A really cool aspect that deserves special mention is the Dark Assembly. These are senators of the underworld that have the power to allow or deny your requests (in the form of bills). Requests range from improved abilities to controlling prices at the Item Shop. This is determined by their status towards you which range from Love to a Leaning Yes to Loathe. But it doesn’t stop there. Senators don’t like you? Simply bribe them. They denied your bill? “Persuade” them by force. Remember that higher level senators have more influence than lower ones. This very Bangladeshi-Parliament feature adds more depth to an already fun game and you can spend hours chasing after particular bills, and in making and breaking alliances.

Despite all these complex features, this game is surprisingly easy to get into and once you’ve begun, you will be addicted. However, this is still geared towards RPG and strategy fans and it does require quite a bit of patience and perseverance for reaping the rewards.

If you’ve ever chastised the PS2 for the lack of an RTS, you may want to check the unique brand of RPG-strategy only console games can offer with Disgaea: Hour of Darkness.

Anime Review - Azumanga Daioh

Azumanga Daioh

Anime Review
By Le Chupacabra

GENCO
26 episodes
Ages 8+

Chiyo is just a ten-year old kid but she also happens to be a genius who’s been promoted… all the way to high school! There she meets her new classmates and peers: a wacky bunch of colourful personalities. There’s the hyperactive Tomo (think of a female version of Adnan Fakir who’s just been injected with Tang) and her best friend, the calm and collected Yomi. Sakaki is the athlete of the class whereas Osaka always gets lost in her bizarre daydreams. And then there’s Chiyo herself who’s just absolutely adorable. High school will never be the same again for this bunch!

It’s pretty unconceivable that an anime with no plot whatsoever can be so entertaining… but here lies indisputable proof of that: Azumanga Daioh is easily one of the cutest, quirkiest yet cleanest comedies you’ll find!

Unlike other school anime (like School Rumble or Kare Kano), Azumanga doesn’t rely on an ongoing story or complex character relationships to drive itself. Rather it does something unorthodox by chronicling mundane school events like exams and lunch breaks… and then injecting a large dose of hilarity into the proceedings. It’s quite possible to relate with a fair few of these anecdotes! Each episode is split into five small vignettes that are somewhat independent of each other. It’s a weird format, but it really helps in keeping events contained and in retaining a crispy freshness to the anime.

The comedy in Azumanga is quite brilliant as well! It’s a winning combination of absolute randomness and perfect timing with the jokes. The dialogue is also really funny and humour that’s derived at the expense of the characters is even more so. Regardless of the fact that these jokes are reused throughout the run of the anime, they somehow never get stale; rather they seem funnier the second time around! Another feature I appreciate is that Azumanga has very little in the way of toilet humour or crude jokes making it suitable for younger viewers as well.

The characters play a crucial role here since all the wackiness is credit to them. Particularly brilliant is Yukari-sensei; I’ve yet to see a teacher so utterly selfish, arrogant and immature! Then there’s Kimura-sensei who’ll make you smile even if he just stares blankly into open space. (NB – he’s always staring… you’ll get the point once you’ve started watching). The constant sparring between the characters is really entertaining and isn’t too far removed from real life. With that said, their interactions, thoughts and dreams are all quite believable and despite a lack of characterisation, they come across as real people. In fact, it’s possible to see many of your own classmates among this group!

There’s also this discreet, almost latent genius to the events and people in Azumanga and that’s something that hit me after some time. I can’t explain it but whatever magic is woven makes Azumanga feel remarkably genuine and closer to the heart. That’s probably why – beyond the comedy – this anime is truly wonderful.

The last episode of Azumanga Daioh is a beautiful testament to school life everywhere around the world! When it (school and this anime) ends, it does so with emotion. If you’ve graduated school, you’ll really be able to empathise with the characters and there’s this strong sense of lump-throated, teary-eyed nostalgia that the ending of Azumanga will evoke.

The intro song “Goodbye Sadness!” is really catchy and does well in setting the tone for the anime. Equally brilliant is the voice acting, particularly Chiyo’s – she sounds every bit as utterly lovable as she looks!

Despite such a wonderful premise, Azumanga isn’t for everyone. The jokes are of a pretty unique nature and they will not segue with some people. If you don’t find yourself laughing early on… you will fall asleep during the later episodes, trust me! Some portions also rely on knowledge of the Japanese school culture but it’s still possible to enjoy the rest of it.

Azumanga Daioh is a pretty niche comedy with its unique brand of humour and unusual format. However, it manages to be effortlessly entertaining and it’s one anime that you can watch over and over again!

Anime Review - FullMetal Alchemist

FullMetal Alchemist

Anime Review
By Le Chupacabra

Studio BONES/Square-Enix
51 Episodes
Age Rating: 10+

FullMetal Alchemist is the shocking, emotional journey of the two Elric brothers who broke forbidden ground when attempting to revive their dead mother through the powers of Alchemy. As a result, Ed loses his arm and his leg, while Al's soul is bound to a suit of armour. Now the brothers begin their search for the Legendary Philosopher's Stone whose power will allow them to set things right…

Now, I know Lancer has already reviewed this but since they’re showing it on Animax, I thought I’d leave my review as a tribute to anime fans all over Bangladesh before I fly off abroad.

I started watching FMA without knowing what I was getting into – no hype, no rants, no recommendation, nothing. And I was suitably blown away…

The true beauty of FMA lies in its character cast. Each individual is utterly compelling and truly gives off an aura of being; they’re such real people. It’s quite easy to connect to them on an emotional level and relate to their thoughts, comments and aspirations. Their interactions are genuine in the way they confide in, spar with and avoid each other in the appropriate situations. In fact, these characters are no different from you or me: they can be selfish; they live for their dreams and stop at nothing to achieve them. All of them are developed beautifully and in the end, you will feel like you were travelling alongside the Elric brothers on their journey of retribution.

The story itself is deep, poignant and dark; it’s a poetic tale of loss, consequence, and life. FMA truly appreciates the melding of the blacks and whites of the world into numerous shades of grey. There are no heroes or villains here – only real people. There are subtle messages in every facet and mesmeric twists that’ll leave you spellbound. FMA gains momentum with every chapter and the last ten episodes will leave you breathless due to the brutal rapidity with which the events unfold; it’s simply brilliance incarnate. Alchemy itself is portrayed in a way that gives it depth and character. And lastly, FMA is a fantastic perspective of life from the eyes of two children.

The dialogue is extremely well-written and there is nary a plot-hole in sight. Everything is explained beautifully within the limits of the world that FMA has created and that only heightens the sense of realism. The comedy is also good stuff that warms the heart. Even the few fight scenes are great because of the way they are presented.

The artwork is a beautiful thing to behold; the use of bright, vibrant imagery contrasts marvellously with the darker scenarios. The animation flows lusciously, making FMA a true visual treat. CGI is used with every subtlety and enhances the scenarios without making one realise it’s being used at all.

The voice acting in FMA is quality stuff, both the English and Japanese versions. The respective voice actors really give life to their characters and the way they play off each other is amusing to watch (or hear). The music is truly memorable. It’s soul stirring and sombre yet light-hearted and flippant when it needs to be. The intro themes (four of them) are fantastically catchy J-pop themes whose exclusion in the English version is a severe oversight on Animax’s part. The outro songs are also great. Truly unforgettable is the way that the second one (‘Tobira no Mukou he’) segues from the ending scene into the song itself. In my opinion, it’s the definitive ending theme!

There are things that people will nitpick about, but I am not they. For the sake of parity, the story can threaten to confuse casual viewers and some comedic moments don’t gel. That’s all, folks.

In the end, I love FMA. It’s definitely my favourite anime and you could accuse me of bias because of that. However, put your scepticism aside and you’ll find an unforgettable, engrossing and emotional viewing experience like no other.

PS2 Game Review - Kingdom Hearts II

Kingdom Hearts II

A PS2 Game Review
By Le Chupacabra

Kingdom Hearts started as a chance collaboration between the Japanese offices of SquareSoft (now Square-Enix) and Disney. Flitting between various ideas, Square finally handed the reins to a concept artist named Tetsuya Nomura. It was an unusual choice for a game director and it was certainly an unusual premise: the cutesy, iconic world of Disney colliding with the sombre realms of the Final Fantasy series. However, the game went beyond expectation: it was an imaginative, epic adventure that was a whole lot more than the sum of its parts.

Kingdom Hearts II continues a year after the ending of the original and directly after the Gameboy Advance title, Chain of Memories. Since it does so, it is strongly advised that you peruse www.gamefaqs.com and check out the game script for Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories. Otherwise, many interesting plot points will be lost on you.

One of the first things this game does as a sequel is break away from the confines of the first game and take steps into its own unique territory. As a result, we have a far more original narrative that happens to be more immersive than the first; it’s a little darker, a little more mature and it’s all very good stuff. There’s an initial MGS2-esque character twist (it’s the other way around here) that builds up the story from a different yet equally entertaining perspective. One key flaw of the plot is that after the first bit you’re essentially revisiting Disney worlds to play out their tales and their tales only. As a result, questions regarding the fierce Nobodies and enigmatic Organisation XIII are put on hold for a very long (read: around 10-12 hours!) time; as a result one’s desire to keep going starts dwindling after a while. However, once you plough through the plot-drought you are rewarded with a tale that’s quite brilliant.

Like its predecessor, Kingdom Hearts II boasts a voice-cast that rivals most Hollywood feature films. A now-matured Haley Joel Osmont reprises his role as the plucky Sora while all the classic Disney actors are back in full force. A particularly inspired addition was having Christopher Lee (you know, the guy who plays Count Dooku and Saruman… not at once, mind you) lend his authoritative tones to the enigmatic DiZ. The Organisation members get some brilliant actors too, each one matching their avatars personality quite faithfully. Axel is definitely my fave. Besides a few awkward moments, the dialogue is polished and well-written and the actors do it supreme justice.

The music is equally an aural treat with memorable tunes and an epic score that lives up to the grandeur of the game’s premise. If you’ve played the first game, you’ll recognize many of the remixed Disney tracks. There are also fresh tunes for the newly added ‘worlds’ in this game. I also liked the battle theme in this game better than in the first; it’s got a lot more tempo and it’s quite catchy! In this game, the world of the Little Mermaid - Atlantica - becomes a rhythm-based level. The first song is grating and the latter few uninspired. However it’s the second one that’s just bloody brilliant; it’s a cute remix of Under the Sea and the writers did a great job with changing the lyrics but maintaining the nostalgia this one evokes!

Visually, Kingdom Hearts II is quite pleasing. Some locations come off as rather unimaginative while others are truly awe-inspiring. Fortunately the latter holds true more often. The variety of the Heartless has been downgraded but on the other hand the individual designs surpass the artistry of the original. There are plenty of little touches that add to the immersion wonderfully. In the Pride Lands, you take the guise of a lion and have to hold the KeyBlade between your jaws! At the Timeless River, all the characters move with exaggerated motions reminiscent of the black-and-white Mickey Mouse ‘toons of old. The Pirates of the Caribbean themed world (Port Royal) looks stunning with realistic characters and animation that captures the drunken swagger and mannerisms of the Captain Jack Sparrow perfectly. And the world of Tron? Just jaw-dropping.

The gameplay is in many ways hugely improved over its predecessor while some previously great parts have been unnecessarily tinkered with; “ten steps forward and two steps backward” to quote my friend. The fighting is fast and frenetic and the combination of the fantastic graphics leads to some visually mesmerising sequences. New additions include Drive forms that let you merge with various characters, thus imbuing you with enhanced fighting prowess or magical dexterity. The forms not only look awesome but the power they afford you is amazing - you become a badass warrior of the highest degree. Reaction attacks form yet another portion of your repertoire of moves. When prompted, you have to tap Triangle and this initiates a real-time action sequence that would be otherwise impossible with standard attacks. Whether it’s slick dodge-counterattack combo or a an entire chain of flamboyant maneuvers, these scenes look fantastic. Think of God of War’s killing mini-games minus the brutality. Another addition is the Limit Break, with which Final Fantasy fans should be familiar.

However, much of the exploration that gave the first game an adventure-esque feel has been undermined to criminally disappointing proportions. The levels are more linear than Kingdom Hearts (which was also linear, but had some neat bits that rewarded curious players) and the worlds are somewhat smaller. The gameplay is also much easier mainly due to the use of the Reaction commands and Drive forms. Fortunately, playing on the ‘hard’ (called Proud) difficulty setting makes up in spades with the gratifyingly increased challenge. While Drive forms are optional, the way in which the Reaction attacks are presented seems to suggest that you should use them rather than as a possible attack variation. Minor grievances, but they tend to add up.

One thing that really deserves special mention is the Gummi Ship mode. From being a slow, headache-inducing chore (in the first game), it’s become a fast-paced, frantic shooter mini-game that’s actually fun to play. The last Gummi Ship level has a great Star Wars-esque feel and many portions of that segment recall the famous Death Star trench run from the films.

While no longer as novel as the first, Kingdom Hearts II remains a wonderfully charming experience that not only tells a beautiful story but is also chockfull of luscious graphics, evocative music and entertaining gameplay. If you have a PS2, you have no excuse to pass up such an adventure! So go get your copy and make sure you pick up the original Kingdom Hearts if you haven’t already!

Anime Review - School Rumble

School Rumble

Anime Review By
Le Chupacabra

Studio Comet
26 Episodes
Ages 15+

Harima Kenji, former delinquent and all-round street thug, returns to resume his education at school. Why the sudden change of heart? You just named the reason: his heart. Smitten by Tsukamoto Tenma after having saved her from muggers once before, Harima rejoins school so he can try to win Tenma's (incredibly short-spanned) attention. Tenma on the other hand has her eyes set on the equally oblivious top boy (and resident weirdo), Karasuma Ohto... Let's get ready to rummmbbbble!

School Rumble actually starts off somewhat seriously, making you think for a few moments that it's an intrigueing romance series under the veil of comedy. Kare Kano… eat your heart out!

Okay fine, that's a blatant lie.

It's actually the other way around. Whereas Kare Kano is a more sophisticated, thought-provoking romantic-comedy, School Rumble is its polar opposite. It's all about the laughs in a somewhat asinine, Johnny Bravo kind of way. While the love triangle between Tenma, Harima and Karasuma allows quite a lot of mirth at their expense, the individual characters inevitably steal the show. Class 2-C is comprised of a smorgasbord of (superbly exaggerated) classroom personalities. You have everyone from cup-size comparing perverts to mind readers to ultra-strong female wrestlers and all sorts of other zany characters. It's a great recipe for hilarity with any hint of normalcy being hurled out the window.

Of course, while they're not considering inane schemes to get one to notice the other, Harima and Tenma's day-to-day antics will have you splitting your sides. Harima is uncharacteristically serious about his feelings for Tenma but his IQ (or lack thereof) is what has him falling into awkward situations. His daydreams of getting Tenma's attention away from Karasuma are the highlight of the show with pop culture parodies of everything from The Matrix to DragonBall Z being liberally thrown into the mix. In fact, it's Harima that brings in most of the laughter. He usually ends up getting into trouble with many of the characters and as a result you've got some genuinely funny moments; there's the one where he has a mistaken identity crisis with a guy named Harry McKenzie (which sounds a lot like Harima Kenji in Japanese), gets into a brawl with the resident black belt Hanai (cue lots of obscure Street Fighter references; HariKen Uppercut anyone?) and of course, as a budding manga artist Harima manages to confuse the viewer with an entire episode where he essentially makes Karasuma an alien. Surprisingly, that incident actually makes sense given how peculiar Karasuma is.

So where does the romance part come into play? It takes more of a latent role since it's essentially the Harima-Tenma-Karasuma love triangle that is the catalyst for much of the insanity. There is a particular point where Harima almost gets his feelings across to Tenma but unfortunately, Eri Sawachika (one of Tenma's best friends) ends up with the message… and returns the feelings. It's an awkward beginning that leads to a pretty interesting relationship. However, events like that are somewhat rare. The problem is, once you've stopped chortling and started to follow the plot, you'll realise something: there is no real plot. The characters, save very few, also don't get developed all too well. Basically, there's a nagging lack of substance which the show covers up, sometimes barely, with the comedy.

Another issue with School Rumble is that its best attribute can also become its biggest detriment. While there is a lot of generally brilliant slapstick to go around, many of the gags are of a greatly esoteric nature while others rely on some knowledge about Japanese school culture. In the fight between Harima (as part of one of his daydreams) and Karasuma, Harima's hair turns yellow and they have a 'power' battle. If you haven't watched DragonBall Z, that bit is completely wasted. There are plenty of examples like that and it's not encouraging for casual anime viewers. Lastly, School Rumble ends up reusing many of jokes as the show wears on. What may have seemed funny at first may end up tasteless after multiple times.

However, with all that said, School Rumble was still brilliantly entertaining. It doesn't take itself seriously at all and at its best, it's outrageously funny. It's still with a bit of caution that I recommend this anime. If you don't like some of jokes initially, chances are you won't like the latter ones. Plus, this anime is quite skewed towards male viewers. If you're a casual fan of anime, you can try this out but also know that there are finer romantic-comedy anime out there. If you've been watching anime for quite some time and are willing to try something that doesn't require you to think too much, you'll certainly enjoy this one at the very least.

Anime and Bangladesh: The 90's Connection

Bangladesh and Anime:

The 90s’ Connection

By Le Chupacabra

A quick glance at the wall clock shows the time as 5:30pm. Outside, the summer Sun has sunk low and casts cool shadows all over the place. The sky is a bluish-purple and the clouds are still white and fluffy; the chance of rainfall is quite slim. Ah, perfect conditions.

It's time to prepare yourself then. Call your cousin (or heck, cousins) over and ring up your friends…

… Robotech is about to begin on Star Plus.

What, you were expecting, cricket or something? Well, not for me.

During the mid-1990's, my (and certainly many others') evenings were characterised by half-an-hour of blistering fast fighter jets that miraculously (I was six) transformed into sleek robots armed with all manner of laser rifles, mounted machine guns and of course, an infinite stock of missiles with wonderfully ceaseless smoke trails. Robotech was its name and despite being a pretty old anime series already, it was rather brilliant. Granted, most of the story and characterisations zoomed over my head, but what bits I caught could be deemed 'ultra cool' for me. And even if all the plot pouting lost me, there was still some very awesome fighting as the consolation prize. Watching the Veritech jet fighters pirouette through barrages of gunfire to emerge unscathed from the smoke and then slickly transforming into the Guardian mode and unleashing their own salvo of heat-seeking missiles - the warhead count numbering in quadruple figures, it seemed - that was entertainment like no other. Back then, the now-ancient artwork was considered incredible and how could one not like it with all those superb robot designs? I'd wager that even now Robotech could hold its own - heck, if Victory Gundam can do it, why not? But best of all was the music; call it outdated, call it pointless… but the music was (and still is, in my opinion) the very definition of memorable. A decade on from the ending, and I still recall some of the tunes. A particularly unforgettable moment for me was when the story arc made the huge leap over to the bit with the Cyclotrons and the alien Invid. I simply didn't understand how or why back then, and I was so disappointed that the Veritech fighter parts were over that I decided never to watch Robotech again. Fortunately, curiosity got the better of me and the good times rolled again - the last arc of Robotech was still brilliant.

Within the next few years, Star Plus started degenerating into yet another pointless Hindi channel. At first, the shows were dubbed in the language (Small Wonder, we will never forget) but later they were completely replaced with the forerunners of today's never-ending serials beginning with the letter 'K'. Anime, it seemed, was being snubbed rather badly. Even early morning showings of Sabre Rider and the Star Sheriffs slowly vanished. However, it was replaced by G.I. Joe which was much better, so no big loss. However, waking up that early made it a bit tasteless. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ran for a while during the afternoons, but that didn't last too long either. Pity, because that was my favourite cartoon when I was younger. (Okay, so both of those weren't anime, but you know… I'm kinda being washed over with nostalgia while writing this - work with me here!)

Salvation came after three years and two house shifts in the form of a little channel called AXN aka Action TV.

At first, I didn't pay much heed to it - after all, they still showed too many 'reality TV' shows on it. It wasn't until I was really bored that I flicked on to the channel while at my grandmother's house. What a fight scene it was... Himura Kenshin versus Aoshi Shinomori! It was a fantastically tense clash of two great swordsmen and the battle choreography was superb; I was hooked within minutes! After that, I caught every episode of Samurai X (aka Rurouni Kenshin) and I absolutely loved it! The final fight with Shishio was breathtaking but no other scene stayed with me like that one with Aoshi - after all, that was the one that got me interested in Samurai X in the first place! The later episodes spiralled rapidly away from a coherent storyline but back then, it didn't matter; those episodes were entertaining at the very least. The ending song during the Shishio saga (Heart of Sword, FYI) still stands as an all-time favourite. And in 2004, I bought the DVD boxed set of the entire Rurouni Kenshin series - one of the very few anime I have in original DVD form.

Another anime that was shown alongside Samurai X was Flame of Recca. I don't remember too much about it (they are showing it on Animax, so yeah I'm watching it again), but it was a great example of those tournament based anime that keep throwing an endless barrage of increasingly powerful.

Foes. Of course, the hero hovers near the brink of death only to burst forth with hitherto unseen powers galore; a certain Mr Goku can attest to such a formula. However, the fight scenes were still superbly entertaining and it was quite an imaginative show as well. The recent and super-popular anime Naruto owes many of its fight scenes, techniques and what-not to Flame of Recca. Recca Hanabishi, Naruto fans all over the world salute you!

Now, while Samurai X and Robotech retain a certain timeless quality, others faded from my memory. (Kudos to Lancer for the heads up.) One such anime was Ninja Robots. Yes, it of the same fight scene… over and over and over again! And now that I think about it… how did ninja fit into the context anyway? Somewhere in Japan, stealthy masked assassins are taking their own lives. Jokes aside, this has to be said: no matter corny or lame Ninja Robots may seem now, I (and plenty of others…. 'fess up you all) actually, honestly and genuinely liked and enjoyed the show. Besides the blatant copy-pasting of the aforementioned fight scenes, some of them were quite entertaining. The story wasn't too bad (or maybe that has to do with the fact that I reached an age where I could understand 'plotlines' - sorry, Robotech) and the artwork was quite decent. Let's not forget the, bless it, 'catchy' theme song - courtesy of the whole Americanisation process. Still, no matter how many times the Princess ended up being kidnapped (once you realise you can't count off your fingers, it was no longer funny), when Joe, Michael and Jenny (and later, Damien) strapped up into their robots to rescue her, you were rooting them on to victory. Cybertroooooooooooooooooon!

And, you cannot talk about anime in the 1990s without mention (unfortunately, that's all this one gets) of the one, the only… Speed Racer! *cue large-eyed, lopsided-mouth gasps of 'Oh!' ala Speed himself* What can you say about Speed Racer? (Preferably avoiding expletives). Nothing much. Of course, you could do some of those character expressions - they're a great hit when you and a bunch of friends go all nostalgic regarding TV shows. Speed Racer was embarrassingly corny and the constant exclamations made you roll your eyes, but hey, it was somewhat entertaining. Also without that Volcano Mountain race with the whole Snake (or was it Viper?) racing team, you wouldn't get that brilliantly hilarious parody episode of Dexter's Laboratory. Speaking of which, Dexter was at its satirical zenith during that time - the newer version lacks much of what made the old Dexter so bloody brilliant. Sad.

Lastly, and on a more serious tone, was the Anime Fest on Animax during the end of 1999. As a fitting end to that decade (and this article), that week highlighted some great anime films, particularly the subliminal Ghost in the Shell. That was the time when they also released The Matrix (the first, and brilliant, one) which shared much in common with Mamoru Oshii's animated opus; it was a doubly sweet dose of sci-fi centric philosophical musings. More importantly, it was also an indication of the burgeoning International audience for anime. And within a few weeks, we celebrated the New Year… the year 2000.

That golden decade ended on a fantastic note and was a forerunner of things to come. Cartoon Network picked up the slack with the loveable DragonBall Z and rather fun Cardcaptor Sakura. Unfortunately, it also started showing the inexplicably popular Pokemon, Digimon and Beyblade, and so on. One Piece is due to air soon (avoid the English dub, read the manga - bloody brilliant stuff!) The anime channel Animax commenced a few months back and we got access to anime like Gundam, Cowboy Bebop, GetBackers, Inu Yasha, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Ranma 1/2, Samurai X, Escaflowne and other wonderful shows. The sublime FullMetal Alchemist and entertaining Great Teacher Onizuka are due soon. Whoever's writing this piece in 2010 will need all of RS for that article then!

Anime Review - Last EXILE

Last EXILE

Anime Review
By Le Chupacabra

GONZO
26 Episodes
Ages 8+

In the world of Prester, two mighty nations, Anatore and Dusis are at war with each other. The whole conflict is overseen by the mysterious Guild – a seemingly neutral entity armed with strange and powerful technology. Of course, all this means nothing to Vanship riders Klaus Valca and Lavie Head. Their job is to deliver messages – and they’ll take any risks necessary to complete their mission. However, their lives are turned upside down when they encounter a severely damaged Vanship; with his last breath the messenger pilot asks Klaus and Lavie to escort a young girl named Alvis Hamilton to the notorious battleship Sylvana. Thus begins a whirlwind adventure of epic proportions – and one that looks to change the fate of Prester forever!

First and foremost, Last EXILE is an all-out visual and aural assault on the senses. By perfectly segueing together CGI and hand-drawn animation, GONZO have produced a truly artistic masterpiece that will never fail to astonish the viewer. While the colours are purposely subdued and the palette is rather dull, this gives the show a rather dated look which adds to the steampunk-esque world it tries to convey. Combined with some stunning lighting effects, Last EXILE creates a brilliantly evocative and somewhat nostalgic atmosphere.

A lot of attention went towards the fight scenes in this anime. Whether it’s a group of Vanships tearing through the air during the dangerous high-speed races or the giant warships of Anatore and Dusis battling it out for supremacy of skies, these scenes will have you awestruck. The ships are peppered with delicate and distinctive mechanical detail while the fights themselves are choreographed beautifully with moments that will leave you breathless. If you’re a lover of flight, then this anime does a wonderful job of romanticising the feeling of soaring through the heavens themselves.

The music in Last EXILE is simply brilliant. The soundtrack makes brilliant use of wind instruments to create some fast-paced, catchy medleys that are evocative of Irish folk music. The music is strangely uplifting and just goes perfectly with the airship escapades and glorious air battles that are liberally spread throughout the anime. The slower tunes may often go unnoticed but those are used subtly during the darker scenes to create the fantastic atmosphere of Last EXILE.

It’s a creative, fresh new world of adventure to explore here and GONZO have pulled this off with aplomb. From the onset, you are presented with a surprisingly persistent and accomplished world that seems very believable.

The story is actually rather interesting; Last EXILE isn’t about looks only! Instead of deeply exploring the nuances of the world it has created, the focus is on the journey of the three protagonists. Although, it wouldn’t have to hurt to give some back-story to some things; it’s such a rich, intrigueing world that it becomes somewhat of an injustice not to realise its full potential.

From a simple lifestyle of Vanship messengers to being thrust into an journey that will probably change everyone’s lives – Klaus and Lavie are at the heart of it all. Their actions and morals become the catalysts that lead to the consequences and events that unfold. The way one affair leads to another is intrigueing indeed and the journey itself is just a whirlwind adventure of people, places and experiences. It’s definitely epic stuff but in its own subtle way (however weird that may sound). This is yet another aspect of Last EXILE that makes it so enjoyable.

Initially, it seems that when it comes to characterisation, Last EXILE falls a bit short. However, that isn’t so. Through their interactions with each other, the subtle side-stories and their somewhat intertwined relationships, you come to know a lot more about the personalities of Last EXILE than you realise. Some seem cliché, others fairly unique - but in terms of the complete picture, Last EXILE has a character cast you’ll come to know and love.

Last EXILE, in short, is a great anime. The art and sound are of immensely high calibre and the story and characters will definitely hold your interest for the whole ride. But what I loved about Last EXILE was the beautifully evocative atmosphere painted by the amalgamation of all the various facets of this anime.

Anime Review - Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex

GHOST ^{IN THE} SHELL

Stand Alone Complex

Anime Review
By Le Chupacabra

Production IG
26 episodes
Age rating: 16+

Stand Alone Complex is set some time before the events of the critically acclaimed film. In a future where man and machine have become seamlessly intertwined, its upto Public Peace Section 9 to resolve complex cases involving homicide, hostage situations and of course, cyber hacking. However, the re-emergence of a 6-year old case involving the enigmatic master hacker and industrial terrorist simply known as ‘The Laughing Man’ brings to light the disturbing depth of the corruption that runs rampant through the very bureaucracy that has employed them.

With the series being based on such a celebrated cult phenomenon, GITS SAC had a lot to live up to. The original movie was one of the few that pushed the whole anime extravaganza further into the limelight - does its episodic counterpart do the same?

Well, for me, not entirely. However, it’s still one of the best cyberpunk thrillers I’ve watched since the film itself.

For starters, there’s the plot. It can be occasionally confusing but that’s the point. I liken the whole thing to a puppet-master controlling a complex marionette; in order for the whole show to proceed almost all the strings must be used, but it has to be done a few or one at a time with each movement setting up subsequent ones, for now or for later. That’s exactly how the plot ‘strings’ here work and that’s exactly what makes the show gripping. Allusions are made, theories are surmised and seeds are planted and then left untended to for quite some time. Just when your curiosity reaches a peak, the next tier of revelations commence. The dialogue here is rather interesting since much like the animated iteration there are intriguing discussions particularly regarding the human ‘soul’ and its place in the mysterious opera of ‘life’. The show won’t express anything as a definite or certainty, instead it allows the viewer to ponder the points by himself/herself and then come to his/her own conclusions. Suffice to say if you’re a fan of intricately orchestrated plotlines peppered with a healthy dose of philosophical musings, you’ll find a lot to love here.

‘Character development’ is a phrase that’s thrown around in reviews all the time. In terms of anime, many believe that without it, the characters lack personality or appeal and especially so if we haven’t thoroughly explored each and every nanometre of their past. Those reviewers must hate GITS SAC for that! However, I see that as a strength. Since we see only the briefest of snippets of their previous accomplishments we are left to concentrate on what they’re doing now: their current thoughts, their current actions, et al. It gives them a sense of spontaneity and leaves us piecing together their personalities from our own perspectives.

The animated movie was also popular for its incredible artwork and while Stand Alone Complex doesn’t quite reach those lofty standards, it’s still simply breathtaking in its own right. The animation is fluid, everything is lushly detailed and there’s a pretty atmospheric use of lighting that gives it a brilliant sense of mood. While a lot of the more gratuitous scenes from the film have been removed, SAC still stands a visual masterpiece. The music is masterfully composed by none other than the great Kanno Yoko. The beauty of it was that I didn’t notice the music until it was no longer present in some scenes. It goes to show how seamlessly and perfectly it segues with the action and drama. I particularly enjoyed the haunting intro song which was vocalised in Russian I believe.

The second season of Stand Alone Complex (called “The 2nd GIG”) has already begun, so hurry up and watch the brilliant first season before you start on that one!

Anime Review - FLCL

FLCL

An Anime Review By
Le Chupacabra

Gainax Entertainment
6 OVAs/Episodes
Age Rating 15+

Naota is your average adolescent with his fair share of the odd trials and tribulations that are juxtaposed with the experience of growing up. Of course things don’t truly get wacky till the day a crazy woman on a scooter crashes into him and then to complete the deal, wallops him on the head with her guitar. Then something strange begins to grow out from poor Naota’s cranium…

“What. The. ?” was the first thing that came out of my mouth after I finished the 6 OVAs that constitute FLCL (aka Furi Kuri). Watching FLCL was like having gone into a non-stop head-banging seizure at a heavy metal concert, having your face slapped silly, gasping for breath while drowning and also taking a trip through the minds of Dali, Picasso and other avant-garde artists. Not in that order mind you. But that’s what FLCL is… avant-garde in every sense of the world. It’s a pure assault on all of your senses; FLCL is craziness incarnate.

But is it any good? And what is it really about?

To be honest it’s nigh on impossible answering both those questions. FLCL is definitely entertaining – it certainly takes that word to unimaginable limits. An eclectic concoction of brilliantly performed rock music (by The Pillows… no, I’ve never heard of them either) and some truly memorable artwork, FLCL leaves your head reeling for hours. Images flash by at light speed and often need you to rewind and take in what you missed. But you should definitely not pass up any part of it. Rife with sight gags and subtle (and not-so subtle) cultural references, FLCL is what can be called true art.

Now the striking thing about the story of FLCL is that there seems to be nothing solid about it. It’s infinitely subliminal – it’s full of messages seemingly about everything. The beauty of it all is that each viewer will find his or her own interpretation of it. Adults will look at it from their perspective while kids will look at it from theirs. I’d like to believe that each one’s impressions will be unique. FLCL is symbolic, it’s insanely incoherent and you know what, you’ll probably never even make any sense of it even after hundreds of viewings. That is what FLCL is about, I think.

If it’s anything, FLCL is truly a work of genius and unbounded creativity that’s as profound as it is mystifying. It will shatter the limits of your imagination and perspective. And it’s definitely guaranteed to bring about some temporary insanity as well. You’ve been warned!

BeyBlade: The New Obsession

BeyBlade: The new Obsession

By Le Chupacabra

No, I’m not here to sing praises in the honour of the latest and greatest (?!) fad that has the kids of the nation gripped. In fact, this is a, shall we say, rant against the absurdity that is BeyBlade.

Okay, the whole fiasco began with Pokémon. They showed the anime on Cartoon Network, kids loved and soon they were after the merchandise, as it is with most things of the same nature. Stores went ballistic with selling thousands of Pokémon Trading Cards. In fact, people are still buying them! Gotta catch ‘em all, right?

Then Toonami India bagged another pathetic anime license (I mean what gives? Where’s FMA, Naruto, Cowboy Bebop… the good stuff?). This time they got yet another tournament-based one by the name of BeyBlade. Now, if you thought Pokémon was grating and annoying, then don’t ruin your day with this one. I mean, seriously, what if the “Blade Breakers” are faced with a dire situation of horrific proportions: a puppy is in distress and must be rescued! *cue dramatic music* Now since they’re all “beybladers” it would be utter sacrilege if they tried to save the mutt by conventional methods. So what would they do? They’d “let it riiiiipp!!!” with their beyblades. Ah yes, the many uses of a spinning top know no bounds. This should give you an idea on how even the most mundane problems on the show are impossible to overcome unless they bust out their “blades”. The fights are the typical “But-haha!-I’ve-yet-to-reveal-my-true-power!” style slugfests. It doesn’t get more “been there, done that” than this. The characters are also the epitome of stereotypical-ness. Coupled with the whole “Americanization” process (more on that another day), a rather lacklustre show was made even lamer. God, don’t even mention the “new and improved” music…

BUT defying all logic, this show is a huge hit with younger public. Smelling the green once again our ‘deshi’ stores have been bringing in the goods on a near-constant basis. Unlike Pokémon, where the games and cards were the nearest you could get to the experience, with Beyblade, they’ve stepped it one notch further. That’s right kids! You can now buy your very own beyblades and tournament rings right here! All your “favourite” beyblade avatars are available in toy-stores across the nation. Just go into any of them and ask for “Beb-let” and you’ll be presented with a dusty collection of little spinning tops that can be launched into battle! Why not even form a little group and give yourself some silly name while you’re at it! The thoughts are sickening…

While waiting for my car one day, I decided to check out Metro Plaza to pass the hours. It was scary to say the least. Large paper signs proclaiming “Beblet! Beblet! Beblet! Come to our store to buy! Yadda Yadda…” were almost everywhere to be seen on the first floor. What was even scarier were the hordes of little kids dragging their moms and dads into stores to buy them a beyblade so they too can be part of the “in” crowd! I went into one of these stores, looked around to make sure no other customer was there and mumbled “Beyblade ache?” The shopkeeper’s eyes lit up, he gave me a large yellow-toothed smile and yelled to his assistant to bring out all the beyblades, sorry “beb-lets”, they had. A very dusty pile of crushed and otherwise, severely abused, plastic toy cases were dumped in front of me. The packaging was faded and the toys themselves looked like they’d been brought here in a leaky old freighter which was on its last propeller. There was kanji all over the packaging proclaiming god knows what and a bunch of “blade” stats at the back. The tops were pitifully small and the paint-work was horrible. Some looked like one small bump would shatter them. Out of curiosity, I asked for the price. I was expecting maybe 100 to 250 at the most since they did come with launchers. I WAS NOT expecting a number like 600. And those were the cheap ones! He also brought out slightly bigger beyblades (in better condition, thankfully) with absurd features like metallic rims and specifications like “low grip rolling” and “semi-flat turning” and what-not. I didn’t dare ask the prices of those ones. Then to finish it off he brought out the créme of his collection, a boxed beyblade set with two large beyblades and a tournament arena (which is just a nicer word for “large metallic bowl”). The price was astronomical. I know people’s spending habits can be odd, but why the hell would you spend so much on that rather cheap, trashy looking stuff? Weren’t wooden tops and string good enough?

A few weeks back my kid brother was invited to a birthday party. It wasn’t a normal party either! On the invitation card was written in big bold letters (with pictures) “BeyBlade Tournament”! I almost fell over. The stories I heard after he got back only confirmed it all: the kids have simply gone mad thanks to “beb-let”.

I only shudder to think what’s next in this line of anime fads…

Anime Review - Trigun

Trigun

An Anime Review By
Le Chupacabra

Shonen Gaho-sha/Victor Company
26 episodes
15+

Spiky blonde hair, a red coat and a trail of destruction... It can only mean one man - Vash the Stampede (how aptly named...)! Yet how could this clumsy, donut-loving fool be the legendary outlaw dubbed "The Humanoid Typhoon"? Regardless, it's upto insurance agents Meryl Stryfe and Milly Thompson to make sure he doesn't destroy what's left of the sandy, barren planet they live on…


It's not the best, but Trigun is definitely solid stuff. It wonderfully segues together action, drama and of course, comedy. By the end, you'll have gone on an enjoyable experience that'll leave you extremely satisfied and appreciative of the medium known as 'anime'.

Trigun is a deep foray into the mindset of one Vash the Stampede. He's the star of the show, and each of the 26 episodes is there to reinforce him as a character to remember. Vash is quite a wierd one, too. For someone possessing such brilliant shooting skills and having been known as a legendary outlaw, most of the time he hardly seems the part. Vash is a complete pacifist who always looks to resolve a situation without anyone dying. He has one of those "saving-people-things" you read about in books (by books, I mean Harry Potter). Sometimes an emotional wreck bursting into tears, Vash will have you scratching your head for quite some time as you try figure out why he does what he does.

That leads us to the story itself. Trigun is set in what is probably a perfectly alternate 'Spaghetti Western universe'. Before you scream "Cowboy Bebop", you should know that Trigun shares very little with Shinichiro Watanabe's opus. Saloon brawls, quick draw duels and Mexican standoffs are all juxtaposed with advanced "lost" technology and a world born of creativity and freshness. The series is chockful of classic action scenarios and plenty of hilarious moments. These only complement the deeply philosophical tones that are omnipresent. Yet despite the constant issues of moral ethics and questions about the concept of 'life', none of it becomes overbearing or preachy. This makes the Trigun experience extremely easy to get into and enjoy, regardless of your way of thinking.

Trigun has an interesting art style that goes with the whole "western in outer space" theme very well indeed. While I think Naruto has the best character designs, Trigun maintains a stylish look that you won't forget easily. The music usually takes a backseat to the drama and everything, but somehow its faint presence makes all the difference and really helps create a great atmosphere.

If there's anything wrong with Trigun, it's just that they concentrate too much on the main character. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but given such an interesting world, it feels like a missed opportunity. Most characters are just simple and somewhat two-dimensional. They're likeable, but there's nothing, you know, extraordinary about them. It's true that Nicholas D. Wolfwood gets some good screentime as does Vash's brother, Knives, but it's still nothing compared to the Humanoid Typhoon. There are quite a few filler episodes that often deviate from the main story and train of thought.

In the end, Trigun is a a great introduction to the world of anime. A great mixture of action, drama, comedy and philosophy, Trigun is definitely quality entertainment.

PS2 Game Review - Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner

ZONE OF THE ENDERS

THE 2ND RUNNER

A PS2 Game Review By
Le Chupacabra

Loved mecha anime but was saddened by the fact that god-knows-how-many-feet-tall-robots-of-mass-destruction don't exist? Don't worry. Help is only a phone call and a strait-jacket away. However, if you insist on wanting to control a mech armed with all manner of energy swords, searing laser beams and giant phallic missiles, then say hello to Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner.

A sequel to the technically brilliant yet flawed Z.O.E. (let's just call it that for short, eh…typing out the full thing is a pain), The 2nd Runner is everything the first game should have been…and more!

You play as Dingo Egret, an ice miner on the moon of Callisto. A routine cleaning operation goes awry as the militaristic BAHRAM faction attack the peaceful community of Callisto and in a twist of fate, you find yourself in control of Jehuty an Orbital Frame of great power. Soon, Earth and all its space colonies are under threat of annihilation as the BAHRAM leader, Nohman, puts aside any and all political pretense and declares open war. So it's up to you stop him (isn't it always?).

The wonderfully paced story is greatly complemented by a mixture of hand-drawn anime cutscenes and in-game cinematics. This isn't your average hero-saves-the-world-and-beds-damsel story either! It's full of unexpected twists and surprising revelations and awesome characters that will have you completely engrossed. As anime, Z.O.E. 2 is simply brilliant in its own right! The voice acting is so good that this is one of the few times you won't miss the Japanese dubs at all! The banter between Dingo and the female runner Ken Marinaris presents some equally funny and serious moments and are some of the many highlights of this game.

The music is just purely and simply incredible. The main theme song 'Beyond the Bounds' is such a great track that's it worth downloading and making it a mainstay in your mp3 playlist. From the majestic intro theme of Nohman's Orbital Frame, Anubis to the techno beats of the airship battle; the soundtrack perfectly integrates itself into the whole playing experience and really makes the game superbly enjoyable.

Z.O.E. 2 manages to look even better than it sounds and man, does it look awesome! It's worth buying this for the graphics alone! At any given instant your screen will be filled with a plethora of special effects ranging from searing hot lasers to plumes of black smoke to hundreds of flashing lights to awe-inspiring explosions and more! Jehuty seamlessly switches from energy-sword combos to its multi-laser attacks in a way that can only be described as pure poetry in motion. The mechs are luxuriously detailed and there's a certain sleekness to them that sets the style of Z.O.E apart from other games and anime. Some of the levels look so amazing that you may get caught up in just staring at the awesome design and munificent details. The Orbital Frames have these energy lines that flow throughout the body and those really give them a remarkably distinct look. The colour of these energy lines even indicates the health level of the Frame! There are a lot of little touches like this that really make the world of Z.O.E. come alive.

Z.O.E. 2 is one of the few games that manage full 3D freedom with aplomb. You can dash about in any direction with Jehuty as you deliver death by laser to your foes. Your energy sword combos can be mixed with dash attacks, downward slams, rising slashes and burst attacks. When dashing, you can aim for multiple enemies and then let loose with a barrage of homing lasers. The combination of these moves and Jehuty's super fast motion results in your screen exploding with adrenaline-pumped scenes of utter destruction. Each battle gives you this genuine rush that'll have you yearning for more. You can even use Sub-Weapons that have various effects and really spice up your fighting style. The Grab move is extremely useful as you will soon find out! Geyser lets you immobilize an enemy while the insanely powerful Vector Cannon can eradicate anything. The fourteen sub-weapons you get throughout the game also allow the judicious use of strategy, and trust me, you'll need to at times! The boss fights are pretty darn incredible. Each one is completely unique and really presents challenges that you'll thoroughly relish. The game kept throwing these bosses in my direction with relentless regularity and I loved that.

Z.O.E 2: The 2nd Runner is one of the most superbly thrilling action titles to come along in quite a while. If you like anime and videogames, then this game is truly a gift from Heaven! Even if you don't, it's still bloody enjoyable!