Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Finished watching Space Dandy


Finished watching Space Dandy (2014, Bones, 26 epi.) on 12/2/2014.

Space Dandy is the dandiest guy in space! But her's not alone! Together with his smart-vacuum, IQ and Meow, a cat-like alien being, the three travel the cosmos to all sort of planets and locations in space bounty hunting for aliens of all sorts. And in the downtime they chill out at BooBies, Dandy's favorite restaurant where scantily-clad waitresses are the main attraction and entertainment.

8/10 – Interesting. Very interesting... Gosh, where should I start. Throughout the series you'll notice Dandy explore various differently themed locations with the two most constant being the Alien Registration Center and BooBies, a high-spirited, space counterpart of Hooters. Each episode's plot however seems to be self-contained giving you the impression that there isn't much of a continuity with the story. However, as you keep watching you begin to notice a subtle strange cliffhanger phenomenon at the end of episodes that leaves you puzzled as to what really happened. The show's art style tends to change a lot on occasion too, almost feeling like a new studio came in and did the episode. I'm guessing this is the show trying to be a little abstract, or as a wise man once put it - artsy-fartsy. This is perhaps to make the show visually interesting. Not that it isn't interesting already, by like, a long shot, due to its art quality already being quite excellent, but seeing those odd episodes give it a different taste which can be either welcomed or disliked... in a good, intriguing kind of way. Perhaps... a dandy kind of way? Ultimately the show can get a little dull and repetitive with its story, but just a little. The nice animation and visuals can really help keep you going. But I really would've welcomed more exposition.

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Finished playing Pokemon Platinum Version


Finished my second playthrough of Pokémon Platinum Version (2007, Gamefreak, Nintendo DS) on 11/25/2014.
Gameplay hours: ~200

Young kids leave their hometown on a long and adventurous journey as they receive their very first Pokémon. Along the way they test their mettle against the region's top Pokémon trainers to prove themselves worthy of the Elite Four challenge and beyond! But sinister enemies known as Team Galactic lurk in the shadows with a plot that transcends time, space and even alternate dimensions...

8.5/10 – This game is not only longer, but also a bit harder than Diamond & Pearl. Wow, did I get frustrated with these people's over-leveled teams. Not that it's a bad thing. The game is certainly challenging, which is good. But if you have a hard time getting yourself a Lucky Egg then you're in for some long hours of grinding. Personally, I'm not a big fan of that. A little grinding is welcome, but at the same time I want to just move on. Buuuut... I guess I should keep in mind that I always go through Pokémon games with a main team of six, equally-leveled Pokémon. Perhaps that only makes it more time-consuming. Aside from that this game has a lot of offer comparing to its basic counterparts, naturally. Even the storyline was a bit extended, and a bit may be an understatement. All in all, great game. Onto the next one.

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Finished watching Dennou Coil


Finished watching Dennou Coil (2007, Madhouse, 26 epi.) on 11/1/2014.

Dennou Coil revolves around a group of kids solving a mystery based on a rumor about a girl who's spirit was trapped in the cybernetic world of the high-tech, augmented reality glasses almost everyone wears. These glasses are the new smart phones with a lot more capabilities and more importantly, augmented reality.

8/10 – The story develops a bit slow and it almost feels like a video game tutorial as they indirectly introduce the various concepts and terms of these smart glasses to the viewer. But soon enough a plot is revealed and the story picks up. Funny things happen. Things get heated. The plot thickens. And it darkens. Without spoiling anything I'll just end by saying that I loved this show. The animation is good and the soundtrack is great too. The characters are very likable as well. It will certainly always have a place in my heart.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Finished watching Nichijou


Finished watching Nichijou (2011, Kyoto Animation, 26 ep.) on 10/10/2014.

Nichijou, as the title suggest, follows the normal everyday lives of the townsfolk of Tokisadame, with main focus on a select few characters such as highschool students Yuko and Mio. However, you may soon find out that their normal standards are a bit off from what you would consider normal.

7.5/10 – This show is strangely hilarious. Like, the things they do are so confusingly funny in a way that sometimes you can even relate to it. And some of the skits were just so absurd that they just leave you wondering "wtf" instead of making you laugh. But still funny in their weird Nichijou way. Along with lots of lulz the art quality and animation of this show is pretty awesome and I love its soft colors. The show also has a bit of heart as it comes with its share of feel-good moments.

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Finished playing Pokemon Pearl Version


Finished my third playthrough of Pokémon Pearl Version (2007, Gamefreak, Nintendo DS) on 9/23/2014.
Gameplay Hours: ~100

Young kids leave their hometown on a long and adventurous journey as they receive their very first Pokémon. Along the way they test their mettle against the region's top Pokémon trainers to prove themselves worthy of the Elite Four challenge and beyond! But sinister enemies known as Team Galactic lurk in the shadows with a plot that transcends time and space...

8/10 – You can really see this series improve with each new generation, and Sinnoh is no different. I remember this was the generation that got me back into the franchise after the Johto games and maybe that's why this is also my favorite generation. I also really enjoy all the new Pokémon - Turtwig, Pachirisu and Chatot being some of my top favorite ones. I always enjoy playing every new generation that comes out and this one just happens to be one of the ones that really stuck with me. The graphics are quite vivid, but not an eyesore. The soundtrack itself even shares that same personality, and I really enjoy it! Plus there's so much more to do after the endgame I clocked at about 100 hours before I really considered myself done with this game.