Recap: Guardian of the Disks

Before I get started, I’d like to ask a question: Who reading this, besides me remembers Monster Rancher?

It’s really kind of funny that I’m just now getting around to covering this. I’ve been wanting to for a while; and not just to illustrate how in all likelihood; Yo-Kai Watch will probably remembered the same way in another 16 years. 

Based on the video game of the same name by Tecmo (Ninja Gaiden, Dead or Alive); it’s essentially what Pokémon would be like if the metagame aspects were brought to the forefront. As such, it’s a shame it got snuffed out when the DS rolled around; since I think it could benefit with the competitive circuit in Pokémon now being more prominent.

As for the anime; it’s time to see how this is easily the most ‘90s of the ‘90s gaming anime. It was essentially, for the uninitiated; that generation’s Sword Art Online. Let’s open up “Guardian of the Disks” and find out why. 

The intro is easily the most ‘90s thing you will see in a long time. It’s filled with monsters battling; fantastic imagery, kids playing video games while dressed in baggy clothes and backward hats; all set to this strange alt-rock/techno fusion track. I’m posting a link of it for you to see for yourself.

We open on our female lead; Holly, scoping out where the next Mystery Disk they need is; while Genki (in his words from the pilot, “means ‘energy’”); Suezo and Mochi look on.

After she determines the direction on her Mystery Stone; Genki pulls on his boots and emphatically declares nothing will stop them! Yep, looks like we have another all-loving hero on our hands. 

So, they set off on their way; with Mochi lamenting the fact that he’s hungry, Suezo even taking the opportunity to chastise him for the fact. He even outright asks “when are you ever NOT hungry?”

They come to a fork in the road, and try to determine which way to go.

They take the left path; and an old farmer warns them of a frightening enigma that lives down that path. While the others are not sure; Genki isn’t scared in the slightest.  Of course not. A man playing the game he got sucked into (long story, won’t get into it right now) would feel that way!

Even though there are bits of reused animation here and there; and the voice acting may not be as good as its contemporaries in that time (Pokémon, Digimon, Dragon Ball Z, et al.), the story is actually surprisingly creative in a manner that sets it apart from the usual “gamer insertion” shows of that time. Yeah, I'm talking to you, Captain N!

The other characters are understandably confused by Genki’s reaction.

After going through the woods; they determine they’re lost. Genki; undeterred, continues to tease his friends about the “enigma!” 

At that point, Genki then has to ponder what an Enigma is.

Enigma: noun. Oxford English definition: a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.

Sounds like you fellas are on a roll. Why not set up camp?

They come across a large castle; and they of course have to search it based on the reading from the Mystery Stone. This should be interesting.

Bathed in flashes of lightning, the Enigma has arrived in the form of Golem! No, not the Stage 2 form of Geodude: this one is kind of like a mix between The Iron Giant and the Rockbiter from The Never-ending Story; and I’m going to tell you why in a little bit.

The Golem leads everyone to a small glen where the disks are held; and stops Genki from stepping on a flower. I must say that the gentle giant has to be one of my favorite character types. Even if he must fight; it’s to protect the ones he cares for. Being someone who’s 6’2”, 215 pounds as of this writing; I love the idea behind a creature or person of large stature and even larger heart.

As everyone goes to bed, I must point out this little ditty that points out the monsters one can unlock; and in true 90s fashion, in rap no less. While not as memorable as the Pokérap, it does have a solid amount of 90s cheese to the whole thing. It’s a key reason why this anime is a bit underrated in my opinion; at least among gaming anime.

The next morning, we see Golem getting water for the flowers as a small bird lands on his shoulder. I would make a Team Four Star Android 16 joke; but I feel this scene is a key example of Golem’s character. That’s why I feel that even though there are many elements that would become fixtures of “mons” anime; this has an edge over Yo-Kai Watch for how it slowly draws you into the world it’s built rather than hammer you into submission. 

Golem then shows everyone the way out of the forest; but declines to join them on their journey for the Mystery Disk. You probably know where this is headed, but let’s keep going anyway.

Then, a group of strange blue shapeshifter arise as their captain (marked by his helmet) points out there are many mystery disks in the area.

The captain even laments that even if his minions are “worthless pieces of blue slime, they’re all he has to work with.” Dry humor, ha!

So, even though they are dismayed Golem would not join them; everyone continues on their journey. 

Then Genki steps in a puddle of monster seeking the disks; then decides to settle for them all. Then, in the scuffle; the monster accidentally crushes himself under a rock. No wonder the captain is disappointed in him. 

The Blue Slimes have found out the garden; and prepare to attack Golem! What are you preparing? You're always preparing! Just go!

I must say, their attacks are highly ineffective. While I can understand not being able to adapt the complexity of the games; the Slimes dog piling him aren’t even making him flinch.

Then, when the Captain launches his jewel at Golem, he’s tied down with the roots of his own garden as the Slimes loot the disks.

Just then, Genki comes rollerblading in to confront the Slimes! Oh, 90s cheese, don’t ever change.

He even reams out the Slimes for their actions even before he battles them! Atta boy! You may not have the synergy Ash or Goku do; but you do share their willingness to do the right thing, no matter the cost! 

At the sight of his friends’ struggles, this is the moment that finally causes Golem to spring into action; and here is the Iron Giant comparison I drew earlier: while normally friendly, this is what happens when Golem or those close to him are in high duress. This is why he’s reluctant to fight unless he absolutely has to. 

With one punch, he returns Captain Slime and his minions to disk form in the garden they were ironically trying to pillage! Yet, Genki stops him from eliminating the last guard from before!

Golem then realizes what he has done; and finally decides to join Genki on his quest.

Also, much like a phoenix, his tears have healing powers. In fact, the disk they’re seeking is even called the Phoenix Disk. What do you know?

With a kind shake of his finger; Golem officially decides to join everyone on their quest to restore peace to the land!

“Guardian of the Disks” is a solid entry in Monster Rancher; one of the lesser-known “mons” anime today despite its popularity in the midst of Pokémon fever. With decent animation and a surprisingly good story; I can imagine Yo-Kai Watch will be remembered similarly in another 16 years or so. Sorry it took so long to post this; but I’m going on vacation and I hope you’ll enjoy reading this as much as I did writing it. See you in December!