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DVD Collection

2004-04-24
A Little More
More info is on The Group Syndicate homepage's temporary home.  If you are a member of the syndicate, please review the content and submit any comments, questions, corrections, or further information!

2004-04-22
A Placeholder
Nothing here yet, but I hope to start getting information in about The Group Syndicate!

2004-03-07
.hack//SIGN v6
I just finished watching the final volume of .hack//SIGN (though I still need to watch the bonus episodes).  The entire .hack series (games, OVA, tv, manga) has worked really well for me.  In fact, at the end of the final //SIGN episode, there is a really, really, really sweet tie-in with the video game.  It also helps to answer where the tv show fits in the game timeline (it happens just before the games, although you can play the games without having seen the full series ... in fact, I think it is better to play at least the first game through before watching all the //SIGN episodes, as it adds to the impact of what happens to Sora...)

風邪が引いた　(kaze ga hiita)
Caught myself a cold :(  First time I have been sick in over  a year and a half ... ah well, better to get it now so I can get it out of my system before my trip to Japan.

They were able to get enough people for the tour to go ahead, so everything is on schedule!  I am very excited, though I am trying to hold most of my excitement in check so it doesn't make the wait any longer than it is, heheh.

We Can Be Heroes
Plans are well on the way for playing City of Heroes.  I am really excited about this game.  I really hope that this game turns out to be as casual gamer friendly as it is promising to be.  I really do enjoy MMORPGs, but there really isn't one on the market that is supportive of the casual gamer.  I don't have 20+ hours a week to spend playing a game; unfortunately most MMORPGs require this after a certain amount of time if you want to advance any further.  It will be interesting to see what CoH is like towards the upper levels.  I think it will make a huge difference being able to play with a bunch of friends.

2004-03-01
More than 2
Page 11 is finally up, though it took longer than it should have for me to scan it in and put it together.

2004-03-01
Flipping the Calendars
March means I get to flip my Japanese calendars, yay! Japanese calendars are essentially a series of posters (typically poster-sized, too), and have 2 months per page.  Thus flipping them is a bi-monthly occurrence.  Yea, a silly thing to get excited, about, but when you do documentation all day, you take what you can get ^_^.  My two calendars are Ai Yori Aoshi and Ayumi Hamasaki.

Raising Rei
Now that I have an imported PS2, it has opened up so many possibilities.  The latest game I got is "Evangelion Ayanami Ikusei Keikaku" ... well, the full title is even longer.  Much like CivIII, which I recently started playing again, this game is an addictive "one more turn" sort of game.  It falls in a genre that has never really came to the US (though some aspects can be seen in games such as Pokemon).  That genre is raising simulations.  Basically, you are responsible for an individual, and depending on what activities you have them do, what you buy them, etc. determines how they grow up.  There are typically dozens of possible endings, and part of the fun comes in trying to get different endings.

As the title suggests, in this game, you are put in charge of Rei Ayanami, from Evangelion.  The interesting twist is that the game takes place during the events of the series, so whenever an angel attacks, Rei is called away from whatever is planned for her.  It gives an unique and sometimes humorous perspective on some of the events that occur.  I am having a lot of fun with this game, I am curious to see what the first ending I get will be, hopefully not too bad for her =^_^=  Oh, and the game also includes the ability to play with Asuka instead of Rei, but I haven't unlocked that yet. 

One more thing, I am happy with how much of it I can understand ... I still have a looooong way to go in my study of the Japanese language, but it is nice to see some tangible benefit.

Otaku No Video
With an incredible discount price (thanks RightStuf!), I finally picked up this OVA that I had been meaning to get for a while.  This anime pokes fun at geekdom and even the history of the studio that made it, with a wink and a nod.  Being Japanese, it tackles mainly Japanese geekdom - anime, manga, sci-fi, video games, h-games, gun-nuts, etc.  Featuring fake live-action interviews with confessed "otaku" (essentially the Japanese word for geek, although it has been adapted by people outside of Japan to mean anime geek), the show is very strange and very humorous.  A lot of the humor, though, are in-jokes for people involved in the hobbies they describe, so it probably wouldn't appeal to anyone who's only exposure to anime is Pokemon.

Chobits v5
Trying to catch up on another series, I watched Chobits volume 5 this weekend.  Chobits is a unique series in that it is the first anime where I have read the manga prior to seeing it.  So, it is interesting watching knowing the story, and being able to compare against the original.  But, the most important thing is Chii was done well and is extremely kawaii, so what else matters? ^_^

2004-02-23
たくさん漫画だよ！(Lots of manga!)
I decided to add a little sidebar of the games I am actively playing, along with the anime in manga in my backlog.  I am doing pretty good keeping on top of my anime backlog (the two discs listed are ones that I still need to get preceding disks for, so they don't really count ^_^).  But manga ... man, I gotta start reading!

Actually, I did some reading this weekend and finished up Kodocha ... what a great series. Kawaii~ Now to wait for the Daichi directed anime version to get released here!

Haibane Renmei v3 & 4
I watched volume three of Haibane Renmei this weekend, and immediately went out and picked up the 4th and final volume to watch.  Another series involving ABe (Lain, NieA_7)  , another excellent piece of work.  It seems whenever he is involved, either as character designer or story concept, it produces a series that leaves you a lot to discuss and divides people into "love it" or "hate it" groups.  I seem to always fall in the former ^_^

I think the subtitle for these last two discs could have been "Sad Angels in Snow."  There are a lot of sad, depressing, and dark situations and themes dealt with.  Especially as you realize the implication of what the Sin-Bound, and Haibane in general, are (and this is something that could lead to coffeehouse discussions =P) Episode 13 wraps the series up with a powerful, emotional, and very satisfying end.  The series also transforms so that, while Rakka is the main character, you realize the story is really Reki's.  I am anxious to rewatch with this in mind.

Ultimately, Haibane Renmei exceeded my expectations.  It is slow-paced and does not exaggerate emotions or dwell on melodrama.  It is, in a way, slice-of-life drama in a fantastic, yet strangely down-to-earth setting.  For these reasons, many people won't like it - not enough action, villainy or suspense for them.  But, it also makes it a good show for people to see who are convinced all Japanese animation is like Dragon Ball or Pokemon ... whether they enjoy it or not, it shows not all anime falls into the same conventions and stereotypes =^_^=

2004-02-22
Galaxy Angel 1 LE w/box
I am going to try to do something new here, just for shits and giggles.   After finishing a DVD, I'll post some quick impressions.  Why? Because I care. Er, or is it because I can?

Yesterday, the USPS man came to the door with a surprising delivery: my copy of LE disc 1 of Galaxy Angel.  The release date is officially March 16th .. go RightStuf!

First, the contents.  GA is, in my opinion, one of the better LE boxsets, as it is very similar to what the Japanese get in their releases.  In addition to a nice sturdy art box, the LE box set includes 2 clear pencil boards, a mini-fan book, and the best of all: 5 pvc character figures. Yay! It seems every frickin' series in Japan gets figures with 'em, so it is nice to see that start to happen in the US.

The show itself is a lot of fun.  It is a Broccoli show, which means it is overflowing with cuteness. The basic story follows the missions of the Angel Brigade, a group (of cute girls, in typical fashion) charged with finding Lost Technology across the galaxy.  However, no one knows what it looks like or where it is, so they end up taking many odd-and-end jobs to make money.  Such as protecting a baron, who is a cat, from assassination. Not a super-intelligent or talking cat, just a normal cat. The premise of each episode ranges from the silly to the bizarre, with a cast to fit.  This is a good thing and makes the show a riot to watch.

Galaxy Angel is another in a series of shows that use the 15 minute episode format.  For a show like GA that is fast past, comedic, and irreverent, this format fits perfectly.  Of course, if the show gets dark and serious (as Steel Angel Kurumi did near the end), you do occasionally start wishing each episode was full length.  But, I guess that is one advantage of having them on DVD and not having to watch one episode a week.

Overall, GA works for me.  It had me laughing out loud several times at the craziness.  Of course, I had watched the 3rd disc of Haibane Renmei earlier in the day, after which I think it isn't too hard to find something to make you laugh ^_^;;

2004-02-18
Fuck
Fuck fuck fuck.

Hump Day, teehee
Another week halfway through, eh?  Work has been unbearably slow this week.  Of course, I am also already starting to get excited for my next trip to Japan, so that doesn't help when I have to sit in front of a computer doing documentation all day.

Page 10 is up. I would have had it up last night, but the layout took longer than I thought and I was getting pretty fucking tired ^_^;;

2004-02-14
Just Like Honey
I spent part of my VD eve watching the excellent film, "Lost In Translation."  A good film to watch when you are single and alone on Valentine's day ... it it is a love story but then, it isn't.  It is simply very unique in the direction it goes with the two characters it centers around.  And, it makes me nostalgic for Tokyo ^_^

EQ for One
In addition to the new Benami games I got, I have also purchased Champions of Norrath : Realms of Everquest.  It is a Gauntlet/Diablo style action RPG set in the world of Everquest.  Made by the same group that did the first Baulder's Gate : Dark Alliance, it is considered by many to be the true sequel to that game.  Up to four can play at once, but even single player is fun. And difficult, heheh.

I also picked up Metroid:Zero Mission. If you don't know, this game is a retelling of the original Metroid.  It is simply incredible, and a must have for any Metroid fan.  If you don't have a GBA, either get one or plunk down the $50 for the Gameboy Player for the Gamecube. Trust me, it is worth it.  (Plus then you can get Metroid Fusion as well).  Oh, and the original Metroid is unlockable on it as well.

2004-02-12
...And Boy Are My Arms Tired.
My finally ended its long journey from Japan to my apartment today. A pristine white GT4 special edition PS2, ready to meet all my import and R2 needs.  Currently I have 3 games for it. GT4 prologue came with it, and is a fun little bit of Gran Turismo goodness.

The second game, and main reason I got the PS2 is an import DDR, DDR Party Collection. It is essentially a "Best Of" mix of songs from the first 4 or 5 mixes, which are out-of-print.  It has many songs that never made it to these shores, some especially good ones.

Finally the 3rd game I got is another Benami (rhythm game, like DDR), called Para Para Paradise. Instead of your feet, you use your arms (para para is a style of dance in Japan that uses primarily arm movements, and is set to fast euro techno/dance). It is a hell of a lot of fun, though I think my arms will be sore tomorrow ^_^

2004-02-10
Better Late Than Never, Ne?
Page 9 has finally been finished and uploaded.

Something Smells Funny ...
Check out DeadHookerStorage.com ... you know you want to.  I am impressed that the domain name was available for so long.

Engrish, Gatta Rub Itsu
Trans: Japanese (mis)use of English, gotta love it.
From the cover of an import PS2 Bemani (rhythm) game that arrived today:

"For wild guys and cutie gals!! Get into the eurobeat ecstacy & fire the hi-tension vibe!! Super bass sound will make you the prisoner of dance!!"

I particularly like the use of double exclamation points at the end of each sentence. I guess one doesn't convey enough excitement, but three is just ridiculous ^_^

2004-02-09 25
25 years, eh? I feel like writting a long introspective rant, but then I don't know if I want to bore you all with that. But then I am allowed to be selfish on my own site, ne?

Overall, I am happy where I am some aspects of my life, and not so satisfied with others. I've been able to stick to a workout program and shed most of the lbs I put on in college and the first 1.5 years here in Syracuse. On the whole, I have been eating healthier and getting in better shape. I have (slowly) progressed in my self study of the Japanese language; I still have a long way to go, but I am making progress bit-by-bit. Even with my recent slacking, I have been drawing again, something I always enjoyed. They may not be great, and I may be the only one that enjoys them, but again I get to indulge my own fancy on my website ^_^

Of course there are things I am not so happy with. As anyone can probably guess, number one is being single. I haven't dated someone since college, which sucks. It doesn't help that I am not of the personality type that can easily go out and readily meet someone at a bar, etc. And my standard routine is not giving me many chances to meet the ladies. T_T Ah well, I won't bore anyone with anymore self-pitying ranting.

Sigh, the incredible shrinking dollar!!! I should have started all of my international travel a couple years ago, when the dollar was strong. Instead, I have to travel during an election year where the economy is just barely starting a recovery. Nevermind the long-term negative effects of a weak dollar, as long as it brings immediate results to us instant gratification Americans, we don't mind. Ah well, hopefully it stays above 100 yen to the dollar, at least until I return from Japan.

So you ask yourself, what made you decide to get it? Was it the lure of RPGs that never make it overseas? Was it to play anime based games? Or did you want to try interactive story games, a genre that has never made it over here?

Nope. It was DDR ^_^;;
Many of the songs in the Japanese versions never make it here (mostly due to licensing issues), so there are a whole sea of new songs to play to.  Since DDR gets the most overall playtime from me, I think it is a worthwhile purchase.

Of course there is the added bonus of being able to play my R2 DVDs without having to use DVD Region-X, and the fact that it has progressive output, should I ever get a TV capable of progressive display.

2004-01-29 Oh Boy, More Snow II
This is the winter that never ends. It goes on and on my friend. Some clouds started snowing some time ago. They'll keep right on snowing because, this is the winter that never ends. It goes on and on my friend. Some clouds started snowing...

The next page is about 80% drawn. So, it should be up before long. I still have a long way to go in my drawings, but I think I can see some improvement as I go along, and maybe I will start to suck less ^_^

I read something last night that helps explain a phrase I've never really been logically comfortable with, "The exception that proves the rule." "Prove" used to refer to what we think of as "test." But, its meaning has changed many times, as words often do. So, the original intent of the phrase was saying an exception was found to test and find a rule lacking. Which is quite different than our current tendency to quote the phrase instead of trying to explain unexpected excptions.

Civ III

Metroid: Zero Mission (GBA)

FFX-2 (PS2)

Champions of Norrath (PS2)

DDR: Party Collection (JPS2)

Para Para Paradise (JPS2)

Anime Backlog
Someday's Dreamers v3

.hack//SIGN v6

Last Exile v2

Witch Hunter Robin v3

Neo Ranga v6

Risky Safety v3

Manga Backlog
 

Excel Saga v4

Fruits Basket v1

Suki v1

Love Hina v4-6

Full Metal Panic v2

Naruto v2

Marmalade Boy v4-6

Onegai Teacher v2

DiGi Charat v3

Cardcaptor Sakura v 1-3

Copyright © 2003 Kevin Andersen