final impressions

The iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls – Final Review

December 3, 2015 by Chikorita157 3 Comments

Back in 2011, Namco Bandai decided to make an anime of a popular idol video game called The Idolmaster. It is basically an idol raising game where the player manages and produce idols for a talent agency named 765 Productions. The show was well received although it had some flaws.

Since then, Namco has been expanding the franchise by expanding in the mobile space with Cinderella Girls and the other being Million Live, which has yet to receive an adaptation. Cinderella Girls features a new and growing cast of idols with a small percentage of those receiving voices from idol elections. When an anime adaptation has been announced, it makes me wonder how they will make a show with such a huge cast aside from the thirteen girls in the main group. Let’s find out.
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Category: The iDOLM@STERTag: A1 Pictures, final impressions, idol, music

Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon – Final Review

November 13, 2015 by Chikorita157 Leave a Comment

I have to admit that the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon spinoffs are very enjoyable to play. While they are Pokémon themed versions of Spike Chunsoft’s Mysterious Dungeon games, which is a roguelike roleplaying game that consists of randomly generated dungeons, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon is the most known franchise out of the various licensed Mystery Dungeon games given how popular it is. The main basis of the game is that the player plays as a human who turned into a Pokémon with his/her memories lost and go on an adventure with a partner Pokémon.

While Blue and Red Rescue Team and Explorers of Time are geared to a young audience, it does not mean that the games are watered down. As you progress, the dungeons get progressively difficult, especially in the end game. Not to mention, there is a lot of nightmare fuel since the stories are a bit darker compared to the main series.

As mentioned in 2013, I find Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Gates to Infinity a very disappointing game. Not only they limited the amount of Pokémon that are in the games, but they made the game too easy while removing some things like hunger, personality test and genders along with adding DLC, which some fans are against. Given the backlash they received, Spike Chunsoft has listened and made Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon (ポケモン超不思議のダンジョン), a new installment to the series which contains all the Pokémon while mostly going back to the original formula with some changes and new additions. Does this game live up to the title? Let’s find out as I review the Japanese version.
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Category: ReviewsTag: final impressions, Nintendo 3DS, pokemon, Spike Chunsoft, Video Games

Charlotte – Final Review

October 26, 2015 by Chikorita157 8 Comments

Back in 2010, Maeda Jun decided to create an original production by partnering up with PA Works titled Angel Beats. This show focused on a group of students in an after life fighting against god. While it was an interesting premise, it never reached full expectations because there were so many flaws that held the show back. Some viewers were disappointed that they declare it one of the worst shows PA Works made, until Glasslip (which is the worst show from PA Works thus far) came along.

Five years later, he decided to do another project again with PA Works and Aniplex called Charlotte. While I will not share my thoughts on whether or not Jun learned his lesson since I covered it in a separate opinion piece, I will share my overall thoughts about the show.
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Category: Charlotte, ReviewsTag: final impressions, key, PA Works, supernatural

The iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls – Episode 25 (END) – The Ball that Makes Dreams Become True

October 16, 2015 by Chikorita157 3 Comments

The time has finally come as the girls have their dream become come true at the Cinderella Ball.
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Category: The iDOLM@STERTag: A-1 Pictures, final impressions, idol, music

Fate/Kaleid Liner Prisma Illya 2wei Herz – Final Review

October 5, 2015 by Chikorita157 2 Comments

I have to admit that Illya from Prisma Illya is more enjoyable than the one in Fate/stay night. While I enjoyed the first season despite having a few flaws, I like how they made this spinoff into a magical girl show with the usual clichés as Illya and a mysterious girl named Miyu uses magical sticks to transform into magical girls to collect Class Cards.

The 2^nd season eventually introduced Chloe, which is basically a darker skin version of Illya from Fate/stay night. While most of the second season was focused on her, there were many enjoyable moments, especially the fight at the end with Bazett. With that, will the second part of 2wei, 2wei Herz live up to the prequel? Somewhat.
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Category: Fate/Kaleid Liner Prisma Illya, ReviewsTag: action, comedy, final impressions, mahou shoujo

Charlotte – Episode 13 (END) – The Final Mission

September 27, 2015 by Chikorita157 2 Comments

Yuu is certainly having a power trip against these terrorists.

Now that Yuu decided to plunder all the abilities, will the mission that looks impossible be a success?
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Category: CharlotteTag: final impressions, key, PA Works, supernatural

Fate/Kaleid Liner Prisma Illya 2wei Herz – Episode 9 & 10 (END) – Sweet Revenge

September 26, 2015 by Chikorita157 3 Comments

Gil is back, except 2 times more adorable.

The 8^th card is finally revealed and yes, it’s time for Illya to give Gil the justice he deserves for what he did to her in Unlimited Blade Works.
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Category: Fate/Kaleid Liner Prisma IllyaTag: action, comedy, final impressions, mahou shoujo

Fate Stay/Night Unlimited Blade Works – Final Review

August 19, 2015 by Chikorita157 2 Comments

I have to admit that I never finished Studio Deen’s adaptation of Fate/stay night, namely the Fate arc. It is not because I was side tracked, but Fate/zero instantly wowed me, which is the prequel of that said visual novel. Despite not writing a review for that said show, I was very impressed with Ufotable’s production values since Deen’s in comparison were questionable at best.

Since Ufotable have done Fate/zero, it is expected that Fate/stay night will get the same treatment and it did. While the Fate arc did not get a do over, they decided to make an anime adaptation of Unlimited Blade Works arc in addition to making a movie for the Heaven’s Feel arc possibly next year. With that, it is time to share my overall thoughts on their version of Unlimited Blade Works.
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Category: Fate Stay/Night, ReviewsTag: action, final impressions, Ufotable

Nisekoi: (Second Season) – Final Review

August 12, 2015 by Chikorita157 2 Comments

Since Nisekoi became very popular, it is expected that a second season will eventually be made, especially since three original video animations got released since then. With that, does the sequel lives up to the original? Somewhat.
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Category: Nisekoi, ReviewsTag: comedy, final impressions, romance, shaft

The Idolm@ster Gravure For You (Main and Cinderella Girls) – Final Impressions

August 4, 2015 by Chikorita157 3 Comments

Unless you are a big Idolmaster fan, which I am, most people probably have not heard about Gravure For You. This is a bonus mini game that comes bundled with the Blu-ray packs that allows you to take pictures of idols wearing different outfits with different poses. There are nine different volumes for the main series and Cinderella Girls. With that, I will share my overall thoughts on these mini games, mainly focusing more on the Cinderella Girls Gravure For You, which introduces more features.
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Category: Project iM@S, Reviews, The iDOLM@STERTag: final impressions, idols, Playstation 3, Video Games

Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka – Final Review

July 29, 2015 by Chikorita157 5 Comments

Initially, I did not plan to watch Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka (ダンジョンに出会いを求めるのは間違っているだろうか, lit. Is it Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?) until pictures of a main heroine, Hestia exploded on my Twitter timeline. Does it live up to the hype and the title? Not quite.
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Category: DanMachi, ReviewsTag: action, adventure, final impressions, JC Staff

Hibike! Euphonium – Final Review

July 21, 2015 by Chikorita157 3 Comments

Since I have played the piano and clarinet during my childhood up until my senior year of high school, Hibike! Euphonium instantly caught my eye when I saw it was a story of a high school concert band working with a new advisor in order to competing in nationals. Since it is Kyoto Animation, does it live up to expectations? Lets find out.
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Category: Hibike! Euphonium, ReviewsTag: drama, final impressions, kyoani, music

Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha A’s – Final and Movie Review

July 16, 2015 by Chikorita157 Leave a Comment

For a long time, I have been a fan of magical girl shows since I enjoy seeing young girls beat up villains with magical powers. Lyrical Nanoha is somewhat different compared to other magical girl shows like Cardcaptor Sakura since it caters the older male demographic while introducing some elements from mecha anime. In fact, some people described Nanoha’s magical girl outfit as a schoolgirl outfit and a Gundam. In other words, there is a lot of action packed battles. Nanoha A’s pretty much improves on the prequel by adding another heroine to the mix and anti-villains.

While it took awhile since the DVDs were out of print due to Geneon going out of business, I finally got the chance to finish it. In addition, I’ll be covering some thoughts on the movie.
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Category: Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha, Movies, ReviewsTag: final impressions, mahou shoujo, Seven Arcs

Gochuumon wa Usagi desu ka? – Final Review

July 15, 2015 by Chikorita157 2 Comments

When it comes to slice of life shows, I really enjoy Iyashikei shows involving cute girls. To me, they are a nice way to make to relieve the stress from a hard day of work. Gochuumon wa Usagi desu ka（ご注文はうさぎですか, lit: Is the order a rabbit?) is one of those shows that has cute girls, but working at a café.
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Category: Gochuumon wa Usagi desu ka?, ReviewsTag: final impressions, iyasashikei, moe

The Idolmaster Movie – Movie Review

July 8, 2015 by Chikorita157 2 Comments

Since Cinderella Girls resumes airing next week and I want to commemorate the 10^th anniversary of Idolmaster, it’s time to review the feature-length movie that showed last year.
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Category: Movies, Reviews, The iDOLM@STERTag: A-1 Pictures, drama, final impressions, idol, movie, music

Hibike! Euphonium – Episode 13 (END) – A Goal of Competing in Nationals Becoming a Reality

June 30, 2015 by Chikorita157 5 Comments

It's clear that Natsuki is doing it on purpose now. ;) — It’s clear that Natsuki is doing it on purpose now. 😉

The big day has finally come. Will the Kitauji High School concert band advance beyond preliminaries?
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Category: Hibike! EuphoniumTag: final impressions, kyoani, music

Fate/stay night Unlimited Blade Works – Episode 25 (END) – Deciding on the Future Path

June 28, 2015 by Chikorita157 9 Comments

Guess who? It's Luvia! — Guess who? It’s Luvia!

With the Grail War finally over, what path does Rin and Shirou take?
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Category: Fate Stay/NightTag: action, final impressions, Ufotable

Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka – Episode 12 & 13 (END) – A New Hero in the Making

June 27, 2015 by Chikorita157 4 Comments

Bell shows his annoying side once again as he becomes flustered over the sight of girls at a hot spring.

It seems that Bell can’t help but to run away from cute girls. This is getting annoying, but at least he improves in the finale.
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Category: DanMachiTag: action, adventure, final impressions, JC Staff

Nisekoi Second Season – Episode 12 (END) – More Cute Chitoge Moments

June 26, 2015 by Chikorita157 2 Comments

It's sad to see Chitoge this down when she doesn't have her trademark hair ribbon. — It’s sad to see Chitoge this down when she doesn’t have her trademark hair ribbon.

As expected, a Chitoge episode is definitely a nice way to end the second season of Nisekoi.
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Category: NisekoiTag: comedy, final impressions, romance, shaft

Kantai Collection ~KanColle~ (Anime) – Final Review

June 25, 2015 by Chikorita157 3 Comments

Back in 2013, Kadokawa Games decided to create a game called Kantai Collection (艦隊これくしょん, lit: Fleet Collection), which is a free to play browser game. It is basically a card battle game that involves war ships personified as cute girls.

While the game aimed to appeal to war ship otakus, the franchise’s popularity sprung up because of the fandom and the voice actresses who are involved with the project. The rest was history. The game was so popular that Kadokawa and DMM (who hosts the game) had to put in place a lottery in place in order to play the game, besides the geographical restriction.

Given how popular Kantai Collection is, eventually they announced an anime production for this franchise. While there are some viewers that complained about some aspects of the show, especially since most of the western viewers could not play the game without jumping through several hoops, what are my thoughts on the show? That is what I’m set out to do.
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Category: Kantai Collection, ReviewsTag: action, Diomedea, drama, final impressions, moe, ships

Dog Days Double Dash – Final Review

June 18, 2015 by Chikorita157 2 Comments

It has been a little over two years since the second season of Dog Days have aired. I have to admit that the sequel improved every aspect of the first season. Instead of focusing on melodrama that felt out-of-place, it introduced another kingdom into the war games while bringing Nanami and Rebecca into the mix. To me, the second season was an improvement since it had a lot of enjoyable moments.

Although Seven Arcs announced a third season, we didn’t hear much about it until last year when they announced that it would air in 2015 during winter. With that, did it live up to the two-year wait?
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Category: Dog Days, ReviewsTag: action, fantasy, final impressions, Kemonomimi, moe, Seven Arcs

Atelier Shallie – Alchemists of the Twilight Sea – Final Review

May 7, 2015 by Chikorita157 Leave a Comment

Since the start of the Dusk/Twilight trilogy, Gust has experimented with gameplay elements while having a somewhat darker story with the Earth in decline. In the last game, Escha and Logy allowed all 6 members (three active) to participate in battle while improving the alchemy gameplay by allowing you to choose the traits again. Also, you can see what tasks you need to get done along with what rewards you will get if you get a line up. Of course, the biggest addition is that there are now two protagonists you can play as, which has not been in the game since Mana Khemia 2.

The third and possibly last entry in the Dusk/Twilight trilogy is Atelier Shallie, which of course not only have dual protagonists (both female), but it also bring backs some game mechanics from Mana Khemia 2 such as getting rid of the time limit, variable strike and the burst gauge while introducing some new features and improvements. Since I have beaten the game at least once, its time to share my thoughts.
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Category: Atelier Escha and Logy, ReviewsTag: final impressions, Gust, Playstation 3, Video Games

Shirobako – Final Review

April 23, 2015 by Chikorita157 Leave a Comment

After PA Works finish producing a failure known as Glasslip, they have to come up with something that no studio has done before to make up for it. With that, they decided to make a show about anime production called Shirobako （白箱, lit white box), which focus on five girls trying to make it in an industry that is hard to get into.

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Category: Reviews, ShirobakoTag: anime industry, final impressions, PA Works

Glasslip – A Metaphorical Final Review

April 16, 2015 by Chikorita157 7 Comments

Just last summer, I shared my thoughts on why Glasslip was a complete failure. Since I already explained why it was so bad, I may as well make a final review mocking the whole show.
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Category: Glasslip, ReviewsTag: final impressions, PA Works, strawberry sundaes