Thursday Again...

Anyone know what that means? Anyone? Well, it basically means that the line up for today is...

Blade & Soul 4
Nanana's Buried Treasure 3

Episode Breakdown:

Blade & Soul continues right where 3 left off... Alka injured and the Pleasure Gang 90% demolished. The owned of the main Inn saved the leader and a couple members of the gang and when Alka was shot she fell off the cliff into the water. A couple kids found her and shes been asleep 3 days. 

The boy takes Alka's sword and starts attacking and killing people to steal things and food for him and his sister. All the while Alka is having a dream about her master and lessons she must understand. She eventually wakes up but has a problem and can't see. 

The boy rips off the wrong people and they come back to recover the stolen goods. He ends up paying with his life but Alka finally gets her sight back and kills the two men to came. His poor little sister is left alone... and ends up working for the Inn/Bar Owner. It's a lil rough but thats the gist of the ep... Would however suggest watching on your own.

Nanana's Buried Treasure sees our gang finding a ruin for one of the collection. Juugo, Tensai and the Prez go in to try and retrieve it. Tensai figures out the trick to the puzzle and Juugo and the prez carry out the plan to get it. However, HUGE BACKSTAB!! Prez incapacitates them and steals the treasure for himself. 

Tensai and Juugo manage to live by sitting on the chest hugging... Things get a lil hot and heavy... Tensai kinda starts falling for Juugo (kinda figured it'd happen). The police come to save them and Juugo volunteers to tell the cops everything while Tensai and her lil maid friend go free to find out the activities of the Prez.

----------End of the Breakdown----------

Both eps are worth their watching and do what they can to move the story along. Hopefully more action from both of them next week... 

Tonight I Watched Some Shows... And Read Some Things.

Let's see here...

No Game No Life episode 3 was pretty good. Not as good IMO as the first 2 but its moving the story along. Sadly it ended without a conclusion to the game but its fine i think. You already know they don't lose if its a game so they will become King/Queen of Imanity more or less. 

Kanojo Ga Flag Wo Oraretara episode 3 was fine as far as the episodes go... I know its still early in the series but again i think the first 2 left more of an impact. They did, however, introduce another girl for Souta's harem... Another childhood friend. This time it's a tomboy girl who is now a man-hating battle girl. I'm sure she'll soften up and show some nice Tsun-dere moments. I look forward to them.

Here's a new one... From out of the blue actually. Picked it up on a complete and utter whim....

<Drumroll>

Captain Earth!

What no applause? So i wasn't sold on the idea... I only read the synopsis like once but was trying to find something to waste about 45 minutes on before bed tonight and gave it a shot. I have to say... Impressed! Enough actually to watch all 3 eps that are available. Wasn't really blown away, the story isn't really that original, but the way they are going about pulling it off is pretty novel and i enjoy the animation. Character designs are good without being overly generic. 3 1/2 or 4 outta 5 I'd say. Good show. If you haven't watched any of this... take a peak, you might be surprised. 

Thats all for now... Well, just one more thing actually... Have you ever had a manga that you just couldnt put down? I'm not perfect, I like to buy the volumes if i can but i DO read most of my stuff online. Usually because they don't sell it in my area in my language... For the life of me i cannot seem to put down Baby Steps. Just completely enthralled with that series. Was glad to see it get animated but im anxious to see how far they take it with a limited number of episodes... Plus the manga has time skips... sometimes months at a time. Going to be interesting going forward. 

-Blackhawksnip3r

Nisekoi

Have you been keeping up with this one? Things are coming to a head right now with them having introduced the 3rd girl, Tachibana Marika. She has solid

proof that she was there ten years ago in the form of a picture and she also has a key...

Thats right, Raku was a pimp ten years ago but a total chicken shit now. All three girls now know about each other as well as the fact that they all have a key. Luckily they are smart and suggested to find out who's key actually works but have to wait till the locket comes back from being fixed. This show is so good... I really hope they renew it for a second season because there is so much great content in the manga that really does deserve the light of day. Well, it deserves to be animated. 

I envy him with his situation but at the same time it would be really hard to have to choose which girl to take and the other two end up hurt but i guess so is the way with every harem that has to make a choice. The question is, will he ever do it? Most harems the MC is too fickle to actually pick and has no resolve so it just stays screwed up.

Baby Steps

This show is starting to peak my interest and at the same time pull me back into wanting to read the manga... I think there's like over 200 chapters out now. I just started over from scratch and I think im back into the 50s now.

I think i mentioned it before, but in case I didn't its kinda the classic setup for a shounen manga. MC is quirky and kind of aloof and gets introduced to something and becomes awesome at it in a short amount of time. That part I'm ok with because you kind of expect it to a small extent... but, its Tennis. Yea, thats right, tennis. They also throw in the object of his desire, the cutest girl in school who also happens to play tennis. Now they have something in common. The romance is subtle but nice.. like they arent emphasizing it but you kinda get the feeling they will get around to it. Anyway, hes a brainiac so to speak and a perfectionist... OCD if you ask me which is fine cuz i can sympathize. 

He's just kinda going through life no really enjoying things but hes super smart and gets all A's in school. He decides he needs to get some exercise and goes to check out STC (a tennis club) for a free trial and Natsu is a member there and shes aiming to be a Pro. He decides to join and ends up jumping feet first into the world of tennis. Also discovers he has a super power so to speak with his eyes... Doesn't every MC need a super power?

I looks like its gonna run for 25 eps so we'll have to see how far along in the manga they're going to take it because the manga actually progresses really fast. Wonder if they're going to have filler? I doubt it but who knows. 

Nanana's Buried Treasure

So I've read some reviews about this... and for some reason people are downing on this. I have no idea why because its a good show. I can see what they were talking about, because the story is pretty involved but not really developed.

Like the MC wanted to leave home but we dont know why. He comes to live in a dorm room that's haunted by a beautiful girl who has the ability to make contact with the living world. Uhh.. what?! Shes a ghost and can make herself transparent and solid when she wants. Its too convenient if you ask me. But I'll put that aside because its basically a minor detail.

Nanana was kind of a big deal... Like, the founder of the island they live on big deal and the land lady was her best friend. Poor Juugo is just swept up into this situation. You also run into the lil blonde girl and her maid... She's apparently a self proclaimed 'Master Detective' with a maid side kick. Oh and yea, the maid is also a trap. God forbid you don't know what a trap is... look it up(here).

Slight shift in consumption

So I've been a member of Crunchroll now for a few years but never actually used the site like it was supposed to be used. Only, recently have i subscribed to the pay service to get the extra stuff that comes with it... Which actually isn't a lot now that i think about it. Simulcasts are pretty cool and gaining access to the large library is pretty nice. I'm still not sure how much of it is worth the money that i pay. Granted its only $7 a month and hell, i spend more on that for lunch at work on an average. I think i may put up a poll... See how other people consume their anime...

But back on topic... I have shifted my focus from downloading fansubs to watching streaming wherever possible. I think this is going to considerably make my life easier considering my hard drive space is starting to get a lil low and i dont see any chance in the near future of purchasing a spare or another external for that matter.

There is also other streaming sites... like VIZ and funimation but no subs to those websites... maybe there are free trials... we shall see.

Kanojo ga Flag wo Oraretara

Simple and effective. This show puts a fun lil twist on what you'd imagine being a dating sim premise. 

So the MC can see 'flags'. Flags we all know more or less are like events usually in dating sim games but they appear above peoples heads. Not just good but also bad flags... like death flags. He also knows how to break them which he does and saves a man from dying at an intersection from an out of control truck. A girl in his class sees what happens and gets suspicious and calls him out to the roof. Confronts him claiming that she's going to get to the bottom of the mystery and he spills the beans about being able to see flags... The hijinx just continues from there. 

Good mixture of Harem and comedy in this one. Not sure who the romance is going to be just yet but you know its in there. I think its the girl from his class that likes mysteries but who knows... Too early to tell, plus all the girls kinda have a 'thing' for him.. thats typical harem fashion anyway. 

They also introduce some more characters in episode 2. An 'onee-chan' childhood friend character and a gender bending boy who is too 'kawaii' for his own good. The older sister is kinda funny too, shes always carrying around like a soup ladel... Kind of reminds me of Chuunibyou Rikka's older sister. She was a chef but still.. Always having one is kind of funny. She even has one when they go into the bath together with everyone.

The gender bending Megu-chan... Yea, I'm keeping the female reference because in my head... its a she and not a he. Super funny tho when she tries to be a boy and man like. She tries to make the MC look into the bath while the girls are bathing. Even gets a lil 'man' flag over her head. For some reason this show feels a lot like NuoCome... Its not as funny but has the same feeling as that show did. Also, when Souta recognizes it as a man the friendship flags fire out like streamers at some used car sales lot. 

No Game No Life!!!

This show... Is the Best! Absolutely the best. I know its only 2 episodes in

but man... I havent been this excited about an anime in such a long time. The premise is awesome and so far the comedy is great. Plus there is just enough fan service to satisfy the masses.

http://myanimelist.net/anime/19815/No_Game_No_Life

Its about a pair of siblings who don't go to school and only play games day in and day out. And when i say play games i mean PLAY games. The opening sequence is them playing 4 accounts at once in an MMO and beating everyone. Its crazy to think that anyone could do that... We know its impossible but still funny to see. Anyway, they are fed up with the game of life and wish for something better. They get an email that leads them to a whole new world where everything is decided by playing games. Needless to say, with their know how and intuition with games they are destined to rule this land... And the story takes off from there... 

Afterthoughts: So far the story is very interesting and the characters are pretty fun. Sora and Shiro are really close and looks like they have a complex. Can't be away from each other or else they start spazzing out. Add to the mix the grand daughter of the late king who's now in love with the MC. Classic setup but new way of doing it. This show just shot up to #1 on my radar for this season and i cant wait to see the rest, only sad part is that its only slated for a 12 episode run.

Nisekoi 14

Holy Shit... Marie makes her appearance! Finally! But really... why the hell did they wait so long to do that. Even after they announced it would be extended to 20 episodes... Theres only 6 left and shes a pretty important part just like the other 2... Wonder how things are going to play out...

Quick Synopsis...

Transfer student... Tachibana Marie. Shes Raku's fiancé from 10 years ago. Also the daughter of the Police Commissioner. She's come to meet and marry Raku but he dont know her. However she knows all about the past that they had and about the promise that he made to a certain girl from ten years ago. 

Chitoge is none too happy to say the least and lets Raku have it.. Pretty epic punch, even for Chitoge. Marie asks Raku on a date and he reluctantly agrees after being blackmailed more or less. 

Of course the gangs following them... Megumi looks completely different that they dont even notice that its her. Funny stuff, she gets all pissed and starts stomping the ground. They sit down on a bench and are talking about the past when they discover Chitoge she defends her position as the current girlfriend

Of she whacks Raku for something thats said and stormed off. Then Marie leaves her purse behind and Raku brings it to her, to over hear that she is pushing herself too hard and needs to rest. He returns the bag and tells her that he dont know her and still cant remember her. She spazzes.

She has a complete breakdown and turns out he does remember her... but only because of her accent. She changed her appearance and lost her accent that he remember from 10 years ago and she changed his herself for him.

After spazzing she comes to her senses and realizes that the cats out of the bag with who she is. He remembers her.

Impressions

So week 1 of the new season is under our belts... A lot of new shows popping up and even one I didn't see myself watching. So here goes a first impression, tell me what you think...

Date A Live S2 - Picked right back up where it left off. Love it.

Hitsugi no Chaika - Awkward wizard meets Merc siblings... some comedy, some super power and maybe a lil romance. 

Blade and Soul - Ninja clans and samurai... Vengeance and lil bit of aloof comedy. MUST WATCH this season.

No Game No Life - Ultimate NEET gamer getaway... This lil guy is also a must watch this season. No show like it at the moment and very addicting.

Black Bullet - Jury still out on this one but interesting enough for me to watch at least a couple more episodes. However, knowing my nature I'll probably watch it on principal considering I've already started it.

Kenzen Robo Daimidaler - This show is hilarious... Very ecchi with a funny plot. 

Kanojo ga Flag wo Oraretara - I thought from the title that this was going to be a dating sim rip and probably a cookie cutter crap anime. Boy was i wrong... There is some romance, so far its just the right amount, but the comedy is also interesting. I'll be keeping my eyes on this.

Baby Steps - Watching this for the simple fact that i started reading the manga and for a time it interested me. Odd for me to watch a sports related one but the story seems good enough.

Gokukoku no Brynhildr - Watch it... Its good. I'm not spilling anything about this, only that its a mystery.

Bokura wa Minna Kawaisou - This show has the funny slice of life thing going for it. Plus there is also the hint of romance... The comedy is a lil more ecchi than some others, and i typically like that. Personal preference.

Soredemo Sekai wa Utsukushii - This is a nice show with good comedy going for it. I like how it looks for now and this is gonna stay on my radar for the moment.

Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei - This show I was really looking forward to but its moving slow. Thinking back to the manga though its kinda the way its supposed to be. So, Ill let this one slide for now but im hoping they make it real interesting. 

Seikoku no Dragonar - Really like the outlook on this show and if it continues then this has the potential to be at the forefront this season.

These are the only shows really on my radar.. I know that there are more and people's preferences will vary but every one on this list is more or less a 'need to watch' priority.

*Special Note: Akuma No Riddle - Let me make this clear... I don't watch Yuri or Shojo Ai and although I dont care one way or the other about gays or stories of the such... This show is really good. 

Blade and Soul 1

So I've got no expectations for this anime... i think i mentioned before that the art drew me in. After watching one anime, its still not solidified I'm gonna go the distance with this, but the animation is great. 

So this ninja-like chic is being chased. They have guns and still lose... All stabbed in the throat. Turns out she's on the run as someone who has killed their master... Her name is Alka and she gets hired by this small village as a Merc. When the enemy soldiers come theres a slaughter of the innocent and she kills one of the main attackers.

The Chief's daughter, running the whole place alone by the way, feels responsible for the destruction and death. Anyway... this show is pretty good and worth a look... I like it... Hell, i watched episode 2 like yesterday. 

The Lull is Over... Nagi no Asukara 26

Nagi no Asukara is over. I have been watching this from the beginning and wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy it. Very cute story about relationships and people growing up. Kinda reminded me of Kokoro Connect. 

Sadly they never really addressed the Hikari x Manaka relationship. Things just kinda stay the way they are.. kinda. Like after the credits they're taking a stroll and the address what she was supposed to tell him something after the Ojoshi-san ceremony. Chisaki and Tsumugu are kind of a thing and Kaname and Sayu are also talking about things together. 

Alot of feelings... hehe, guess i should have expected that. Almost too much for me. I usually like to watch light hearted comedy stuff or romance... This just seemed more drama than anything. I'd still say watch it, I think its worth it just wish it had more development or absolution. Most anime is like that tho. They dont know how to end things... or leave things fuzzy or unresolved. 

And then... just drift off into the horizon.. more or less.