New Yo-Kai Watch Project Teased for 2024+ Level-5 Game Delays.

As they say, the more things change; the more they stay the same. Yesterday, a Level-5 Vision presentation which had a number of announcements streamed online. While one is going to have more announced come this April; the rest have all been delayed out of this year. Let’s get to them all.

Let’s address what’s arguably the most notable one first- the next Yo-Kai Watch game. While it’s still not clear whether or not this game is a spinoff or a fifth main title, a new yokai variant is shown off with more news coming at the next presentation in 2024… which should make a good transition to the next point of this post.

While I was open to the company returning to Western markets; it hasn’t exactly gone as planned. As I type this, every single title they announced has been delayed to 2024 and beyond. Let’s rundown the list, going by new release date to keep things as objective as I can. I also cannot say if any of these delays correspond to new console hardware; so let’s begin.

Starting with the newest IP, let’s talk about DECA Police. After a brief period of confusion, this detective game will now see release in 2024. As this game has a lot of potential; I am actually glad they’re taking more time with it; which is my feelings toward all but one game discussed here.

Next, we have a delay that was already confirmed before the presentation: Fantasy Life- The Girl Who Steals Time. Originally slated for this holiday season, the game is now slated for mid-2024. Given the banner season this year has had; I don’t blame them.

In a more clear release date, Megaton Musashi (under the Wired subtitle) will finally see release outside Japan on April 25 of next year. I have been keeping an eye on this one, as I think there’s a market for it after the success and acclaim of Armored Core VI.

Next, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam has been pushed to 2025; which suggests that they need the extra year (and that it happens to mark the 20th anniversary of the franchise even).

Lastly, is the game I’m most concerned about: Inazuma Eleven- Victory Road. This game was first announced in 2016 for release in 2018; meaning that its new 2024 release date will mean eight years of development hell. Let’s hope the lengthy development is the only thing it ends up sharing with Duke Nukem Forever. Honestly not a huge fan of the franchise (or sports anime as a whole), but at this point; I half expect a placeholder date of “when it’s done.” That will be all for now, and I will see you in December. Take care.

Peter Spellos dies at age 69.

It is with great sadness I report the death of voice actor Peter Spellos, who succumbed to pancreatic cancer earlier this month at age 69. He had been in hospice for some time prior; but this nonetheless comes as a somber note. The news was announced online by his friend Fred Olen.

Spellos had a variety of anime roles in his life; including fan favorites such as Whamon on Digimon Adventure, Gilliam on Outlaw Star and Sky Byte on the 2001 version of Transformers: Robots in Disguise.

As his family plans a memorial for him, I wish the best for his colleagues and loved ones at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.

Scott Pilgrim Takes Off (2023) First Viewing Thoughts- A Netflix Anime That Gets It Together.

Hey everyone- I know it’s been a bit since I last posted anything big; but Thanksgiving hit me harder than expected. Rest assured, even if I have to bump stuff further; I will post stuff I have queued up when it’s done. In the meantime, I might as well talk about an anime that I have seen and been fascinated by this month. Here are my first viewing thoughts on Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.

Courtesy: Netflix/Science Saru

As a longtime fan of the graphic novels and their previous adaptations (chiefly the 2010 film by Edgar Wright and the video game from the same year); I can say that this is an excellent adaptation of the material that also serves as a sort of remix. Not only did the cast and creatives behind the previous material return; but given how much influence anime and manga had in said material; this was a natural move. Science Saru captured the energy of the source perfectly; and although those in charge have denied rumors of a second season, I am open to the idea.

I did find amusement in many of the jokes and smaller pragmatic changes. Notably, rather than delivering for Amazon.ca like in the comic and movie; Ramona delivers DVD rentals for Netflix (amusing as the two are rivals, and a bit wistful as they shipped out their last DVDs earlier this year). The little odd quirks of this anime and the source never feel that way after all this time. Rather, they’re intrinsic to the plot.

If you aren’t familiar with Scott Pilgrim, now is a good time to start. If you are like I am, then this will be a wild ride. Just thought I would get you all something to let you all know I’m not just watching One Piece and playing the new Super Mario RPG (which is also true). That’s all for now, take care.

#PokémonScarletViolet #TheIndigoDisk Coming December 14 and More.

I would have liked to post this sooner, but there have been intermittent connection problems on my end. Rest assured, here is a small update in between bigger projects I’m working on.

Let’s start with the most notable piece of information I’m addressing. After much speculation, the second chapter of the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero expansion to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will go live on December 14: The Indigo Disk. The DLC will focus on Terapagos and the neighboring Blueberry Academy in Unova. I intend to complete the Teal Mask chapter before it goes live. A full review will follow once both chapters are cleared.

I have also picked up Detective Pikachu Returns, which I have been playing and enjoying since its release on October 6 of this year. The game builds on what was established in the first title on 3DS and the hit 2019 film adaptation. On top of focusing more on humor and puzzle-solving than the battles of the main series; there’s also new gameplay features such as stealth sections and getting help from other Pokémon to solve cases. Need to track a scent? Have Growlithe sniff it out. Need to see through a wall? Have Luxray use its sonar.

Lastly, let’s address things on the anime front. Though a US airdate remains elusive for Pokémon Horizons (understandable, given the circumstances); the series will begin its run in the UK via the CBBC feed of the BBC iPlayer on December 1. I still have no formal plans to address the anime before an official release stateside.

I will say that I have enjoyed two relatively recent pieces of web animation. These include a CGI short based on Detective Pikachu: “Mystery of the Missing Flan,” which is from Polygon Pictures (“Sonic Prime,” “Transformers Prime,” “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”) and the second part of the OVA “Paldean Winds.” Entitled “Breathe In,” the short focuses on Aliquis facing a crisis of confidence in his battles with Nemona; and whether or not he should keep his Meowscarada as a partner. I honestly consider it to be more interesting than Horizons; and I am looking forward to the third and final segment later this year. That will be all for now, and I will see you all again soon, take care.

How The Promised Neverland Season 2 Went Wrong (And How It Could Be Fixed).

All right: let's get to it. You may recall that I had an interest in The Promised Neverland, and was looking forward to its second season among many others. Then the season actually aired, and with it came less of a sophomore slump and more careening down an abandoned quarry. There are few promising anime that cratered this fast; with most reception pointing out how the second season created a litany of its own issues while also exacerbating ones from the manga. As someone who has read said manga in preparation for this; I think it's finally time for me to do a deep dive into this; and maybe see how it can be fixed. That is going to be your only spoiler warning to click away. This is how The Promised Neverland Season 2 went wrong.

Episode 1

The season opens roughly where the first left off; with the escaped children running from a beast in the forest and Emma forging the path. While not a bad idea in theory, we're admittedly already not off to a good start. This is only further compounded by Emma's exchanges with Ray during a quieter scene; in which they decide to find someone named "William Minerva." We will come back to this later; as it relates to another issue faced by this season: the changes from the source material. 

Episode 2

Case in point- this episode jumps ahead not just a handful of chapters, but volumes as well. I can understand if a scene sometimes has to be cut for pacing; but this leaves out numerous characters and story arcs; a problem that's only going to get worse from here. I know the big one people will be asking about; and we will cross that bridge when we come to it.

Episode 3

Three episodes in, and it's already becoming quite clear that this approach to the material was a mistake. The presence of the demons Sonju and Mujika alone in this episode and the last is going to be part of my final reasons on why this second season got it so wrong. Let's keep this journey going.

Episode 4

Emma and the others make contact with Minerva, and the pacing continues its accelerated rate. I am not against making changes in adaptation; but they really need to be changes that make sense. In a way, it's like attempting to condense an entire volume of A Song of Ice and Fire into a half-hour; and it only gets worse from here.

Episode 5

Here is where the idea of adhering so closely to the structure of the first season truly becomes a mistake; even before the more egregious cuts are revealed. While the manga had enough breathing room to build the atmosphere; this borders on the 2017 Death Note in terms of cramming too much material into a single space. That's not a comparison you want made, count on that. (Side note: Certainly hope the Duffer brothers do a better job with the next attempt, big fan of Stranger Things.) Bottom line- the only real events of consequence are trying to stay out of sight from the demons and eluding capture with help from. unlikely allies.

Episode 6

Here is where it all goes officially pear-shaped: while the creator of the manga reportedly wanted a different ending for the anime; the result was viewed as an overcorrection even among those who had issues with the manga's conclusion. Norman's escape in particular raises a lot more issues; as does the fact that Minerva is dead. The focus on the Grace Field group at the expense of the Goldy Pond arc and the removal of Yugo are particular sticking points. I'm not even saying an anime of this sort can't do a satisfying action sequence- both on and off this blog; I am known to appreciate a good bit of gunplay as much as anyone (I was contemplating at least two other works; but ultimately decided to delay them for now). The Lambda 7214 plot also has much greater weight in the source material, as does the character of Smee (no relation to the Peter Pan character, I'm afraid). Bottom line- there is a cure for the condition plaguing the world and its enemies; and this point carries into the next episode.

Episode 7 

The debate about whether or not to break the promise and use the cure (as well as a gateway to a world without demons) is not only more engaging in the manga to me; but the contrast between Emma wanting a peaceful solution and Norman wanting to take action just makes me want to shut this off and rewatch Nausicaa again instead. Yet, I've come this far; so I might as well continue.

Episode 8

Now comes the part where we find out the details of Norman's escape from Grace Field; and his subsequent falling in with the backers of Lambda 7214; including their late primary financier Peter Ratri. All things considered, both the character and this plotline should be enough to carry an engaging story... except most of the circumstances of his escape are condensed into a single episode. Moreover, the impact of the character's face turn is effectively nullified by compressing the adaptation like this. The manga built up the impact of the drugs Norman was given and the decision to not go through with the eradication of the demons properly. Here though, this turn makes no sense. That is a feeling that will continue through the remainder of this season.

Episode 9

Case in point- How easily Norman decides against his plan to retaliate against the demons. I have seen people compare the anime rendition of this turnaround unfavorably to the infamous "save Martha" exchange;  and I can understand why. Let's just say that his rendition of "I want to live" doesn't hold a candle to Nico Robin at all.

Episode 10

Here, upon returning to Grace Field; Emma, having learned the sickening truth; decides to confront Peter. If the story had actually been given the time it needed to flesh out on screen as it did on the page; perhaps this could have been serviceable. Instead, it seems needlessly and carelessly thrown together. That includes Isabella and her role in these last couple episodes; which recalls the "somehow, Palpatine has returned" meme. I that bit find amusing even as someone who likes The Rise of Skywalker. What I do not find amusing is the massive downgrade in animation this episode and the finale have. Condensing the bulk of the action into a bunch of still shots may not be the only side effect of the pandemic (finally got my booster as I type this), but it's one of the more egregious casualties of that season.

Episode 11

Now, the conclusion has come. Peter reveals his role in Minerva's death; and his attempts to justify his actions are among the worst faux philosophy psychobabble I've dealt with since finishing my look at Code Geass R2 five years ago. A significant chunk of the episode is also done as a glorified slideshow. That includes Ratri's backstory; which he divulges before refusing Emma's offer for peace and cutting his throat. On that subject, while I didn't have as much an issue with the children "adopting" Isabella as others in the manga; the shortening of events is once again the fatal flaw in this anime. No joke- the entirety of the final minutes are a slideshow condensing the Grace Field children venturing to the real world and Emma brokering peace with the demons; save the very last scene of Emma reuniting with Phil. It certainly isn't impossible to tell an engaging and coherent story in less than a dozen episodes; but this isn't the way to go about it.

Here is the crown jewel of mismanagement- this season attempted to compress the equivalent of 144 chapters of the manga into a single 11-episode season. For context, the first season only adapted 37 chapters into its 12-episode run. On top of the aforementioned pacing and cuts issues, there was enough material for several seasons of content and a more faithful adaptation. In the pantheon of failed YA stories with wasted potential, the second season ranks among the adaptations of Eragon and Percy Jackson as one of the most mishandled adaptations in any medium. The later volumes of the manga may have been contentious in their own right (with the ending in particular being divisive), but nothing compared to this.

So, with that in mind; if this story were to be adapted again, it's clear a reboot would be the only way to correct the mistakes made by the second season. Instead of cramming multiple volumes into one season, the content can be parceled out over the course of several. Even bigger IPs like Dragon Ball and One Piece still have to make changes, but they're typically changes that make sense. Being produced during the pandemic didn't help matters either; but when other series managed to make more sound changes (totally get why season 5 of MHA quite literally flipped the script on the main arcs it adapted), it's particularly baffling and disheartening.

Bottom line- few series this promising have cratered this fast. The second season of The Promised Neverland is a textbook example of how not to adapt a story into another medium. This may not be a conventional Halloween or milestone celebration (this marks my 700th post); but I am glad to finally have this done. No joke-  I started drafting this in my head the moment the second season concluded two years ago; and it has taken me precisely that long to dissect its failures. Rest assured, there will be other subjects to address that I will enjoy discussing much more. Thank you everyone; and Happy Halloween.

Pokémon- Distant Blue Sky (EN) Review- How to Master Emotion

Welcome to my full review of Pokémon- Distant Blue Sky. The English dub of this special marks the end of an era for the series; and in my honest view; a good one to go out on. Let’s open this up and get started.

A few things before we begin: the character Ren is called Len, because another character already used the former name. While Soh keeps his name from the JP dub; Sae is called Susan; and their son Haruto is called Sunny. As I go through this review, you’re going to find out why.

Courtesy- ShoPro/TV Tokyo/The Pokémon Company

The special opens on Ash swimming with water Pokémon; and having an encounter with Gyarados! Putting on his outfit, he has a battle with Len and his Machamp. There’s even a nice little moment of Pikachu bonding with other Pikachu by doing a “High Tail” with them.

At a nearby Pokémon Center, Ash takes a call from his mother Delia; who tells him is father will be visiting tomorrow! This special takes place in the I Choose You timeline, and I would not object to seeing more stories in this timeline if possible.

As a familiar looking group tails them, he and Pikachu spend the night in a hollowed tree stump near Gengar shrines. He gets woken up the next morning by a Lickitung, and notices his partner is missing!

Ash meets Sunny, who leads him to where Pikachu was taken! He’s being held by Team Rocket in a glass jar; and though they only have a single cracker to celebrate; more to come is promised. Ash dives down to rescue his partner, simply unlocking the jar with the key while they say their motto.

Sunny and Ash are introduced, and the way he doesn’t reach to take Ash’s hand is an early tell about who Sunny really is. Hijinks ensue as Ash tries to explain how touching a Pokémon feels, including a scene of them having to outrun some Beedrill.

Sunny is familiar with the area, and leads Ash and Pikachu to a garden of Oran Berries. Inside the house, Soh is painting the distant blue sky as Sunny and Ash bond over his favorite painting. Susan gives Ash some of the berries and two loaves of freshly baked bread. Ash offers Sunny a piece, but he lets him and Pikachu have it.

After Ash and Pikachu eat, Sunny asks them a favor. He had a hat taken from him by a group of Mankey, and asks for help to reclaim it. Ash agrees, saying that happened to him before. This also implies Primeape Goes Bananas is canon to the “I Choose You” timeline as well.

Pikachu wants to bring the thunder, but Ash suggests a different approach. He tries asking for it first, which causes the Mankey to throw things at them in response. Ash then proposes an exchange- his own hat; which also explains why he has different ones in the Mewtwo Strikes Back remake and Secrets of the Jungle.

Ash returns to Soh and Susan’s cottage, and Soh asks Ash about the hat. It’s then revealed that Sunny wanted to be a Pokémon trainer like Ash did. He was Soh and Susan’s son; who loved the distant blue sky that Soh has been painting. Sadly, he was also very ill, and he died a year before the events of this special. Moreover, the dub doesn’t try to hide this fact; and adds another factor I appreciate- like many projects that have seen release in recent memory; it’s helped me come to terms with my own brother’s passing.

This scene of their shadows on the painting is also a subtle indicator that I’ve wondered ever since I first saw this- though it’s not outright stated, the implication is clear: Soh is Ash’s father; and we get another hint that I will address in the denouement.

Soh vows to continue his art, painting even more landscapes and Pokémon his son loved as Ash bids him and Susan goodbye. I especially like this line from Susan- “things we assumed would always be around are now something to be grateful for.”

Before Ash leaves, he’s able to bond with Sunny’s essence using his aura; suggesting he has the power to sense aura in this timeline as well. If the opportunity comes, I would love to see more of the I Choose You timeline.

That night, Ash is given his original hat by his father; and as he sits down to a dinner of his favorite croquettes, I can now say I was right about what I suggested when I addressed the JP dub of this special. I am very grateful for the time I have spent with this series indeed.

There’s even an end of an era from a metafictional perspective-  this is the last project that James Carter Cathcart completed work on for the series; making him the longest-serving voice actor for the EN dub before retiring due to throat cancer. Not just from the series; but from voice acting as a whole.

The next morning, Ash is given breakfast from Delia as he heads out to find Entei with Pikachu in tow; closing out this special and this era of the anime on a very positive note.

As for what I plan to do next with this anime- I will continue to cover the last quarter-century of legacy content in some capacity. Haven’t quite worked out how I want to approach Horizons yet, but I do have plans for the video games lined up: past, present; and future.With that in mind, “Distant Blue Sky” is an ideal anime to close the book on this chapter of the franchise. 

Though I may not know what to expect going forward, I will always be glad to have spent time with this story and sharing my thoughts with you all. Thank you, treasured friends.

Trigun Stampede (2023)- A Conflicted Second Look.

Now that its initial run has ended, it's finally time. Some people have come around to this anime- I have not. I don't hate it; but I also don't think it's necessary either. Here is my conflicted second look at Trigun Stampede.

Courtesy: Crunchyroll/ORANGE

In order to explain my thoughts, it will be necessary to look at the whole first course of the anime (talk persists of more, but we'll see how that goes). I've already spoken my piece about the first few episodes, so let's go from there.

Now, on with episode 4, which actually starts off all right with some bandits eating insect meat and expressing interest in trying plant-based food. This is actually one of the few pure 2D sequences, and one of the few that actually captures the spirit of the manga (would have preferred if they focused on the cattle punk and desert punk aspects of the source material rather than the more overt science fiction parts). The episode; entitled "Hungry," doesn't take long to drift downward; with Wolfwood's entrance being an early mark at the end of the cold open. I could believe his counterpart in the manga and original anime was a scruffy, world-weary preacher. Here, he looks like a male model on his way to a GQ photoshoot. Kind of telling he looks more convincing after getting clipped by their caravan.

Episode 5 features an out-of-place "needle noggin" comment which makes no sense because of the way they redesigned Vash (it would be like calling the live-action Drax "green" when the GOTG movies made him blue instead), and is entitled "Child of Blessing." This was around the time I tapped out and decided to wait for the whole series to come online; though it admittedly wasn't the worst thing ever (stock storyline aside). From here on out, it will include my thoughts on the show as I view it.

On to episode 6, "Once Upon a Time in Hopeland." Don't let the title fool you- this episode has more in common with Call of Duty than Sergio Leone. Not even the sand steamer and a few decent gunfights could bring the experience above average for me. Even a hint at character backstory done in the style of old silent films just makes me wish the show had more visual inventiveness to go around.

Next up is episode 7, which has some 2D sequences with Wolfwood's adoptive brother Livio that I would have preferred the rest of the anime looked like. Yet, that's not enough to make up for the rest of the issues I had with it. In particular,  the Bad Lads' redesigns were not what I was looking for. Given how much I liked the original gang, I was not onboard for faceless goons that look like Borderlands cosplayers. Its name is "Wolfwood," which doesn't show up till the episode is almost over. Neglecting the previously mentioned sand steamer; I seriously don't understand the "Punisher" nickname for his character. He's honestly more like the Preacher; and I seriously think they should have leaned into the influence of Mignola and McFarlane more.

On with episode 8, and it's one I haven't been looking forward to addressing- the retelling of Vash and Knives' backstory. The original anime and manga took the time needed to build up to this storyline. Here, it just feels so rushed that the emotional impact feels forced as all get-out. It's called "Our Home," and they definitely walked into this one.

Episode 9 is known as "Millions Knives," and I honestly prefer the ninth episode of the Skywalker Saga. I am not among those who were onboard with the changes to Knives' character. Granted, I know the original anime took some as well; but at least they were built up properly over the course of the entire series. That, and the manga wasn't finished at the time of the original airing. Here- I do not feel that the depiction of Knives as the threat he's depicted as is earned; and his history with Vash feels forced this time around. I reiterate it is possible to show the contrast between their characters without effectively turning Knives into A-Train.

"Humanity" is an ironic title for episode 10; because the original source material and classic anime made me feel like humanity was worth saving. Here, however- seeing Ju-Lai depicted as a Great Value Midgar would have me rooting for the Worms... had they not been rendered like they came from PS2 shovelware. That, and they got Meryl's character completely wrong- she wouldn't be apologizing over and over for her actions; she'd be telling her partner to shut up and run before they got skewered. That, and Elandra turning against her creators feels less engaging than when even Mewtwo did it. Lastly, Roberto's death and giving Meryl her derringer doesn't feel earned to me; since nothing really changed in their relationship to justify this. He wasn't "unlucky" as he claimed- he was a boozing, chain-smoking cynic who never changed even with his blood in an elevator.

The final stretch begins with episode 11, which reveals Knives' true role in the story's events and a myriad of changes that completely shatter suspension of disbelief in their new context. The title, "To a New World" isn't revealed until the end; and though there are brief moments that actually show fidelity to the source material, I can't shake the feeling of "too little, too late" in my head. I'm doing my best to be fair, but it's one of those times where I can't really compliment anything without bringing up clear caveats.

The finale enters its second part in episode 12, in which Vash finally starts resembling his counterpart from the manga and classic anime in both looks and personality. Yet, it still has the aforementioned "too little, too late" feeling. The animation also has the quality I expect from ORANGE after they completed Land of the Lustrous and BEASTARS. The gunfight between Vash and Knives ironically makes me have even more conflicted feelings towards this anime, because it has me wishing the rest of the series was more like that. This is still contrasted by everything else looking like someone tried to make a Devil May Cry machinima in Unity. Also, the subtlety that was in Knives' previous portrayal officially goes out the window once he cuts a group of militia from Julai in half. Honestly astonished they tripled down on turning him into A-Train. Even worse, the final moments; which involves the two being launched into space (it happens) and crashing back down to the planet's surface smashes into the title, "High Noon at July." This caused me to ask the same twofold question I asked myself when I found out about this anime. If you're going to adapt this, why not do a more faithful adaptation of the manga or Maximum? If you're going to make all these changes, why not make your own story and not call it Trigun? This is a trap a lot of material falls into; where instead of making a complete story, they make a glorified teaser for one that we might never see happen. I fail to see how sending Meryl to the Insurance Society is a threat when that's what I wanted to begin with. It's like trying to punish me by serving me chocolate mousse and wild Alaskan Salmon. They also went the amnesia route to wipe Vash and Knives' memories, and justify their bounties in the main story. Smooth.

I reaffirm this isn’t the worst CGI anime ever (the 2016 Berserk exists, after all), but it's just not what I'm looking for. Honestly, I among many that would have preferred a direct adaptation of the manga and/or Maximum. I still would like that over a second course. I'll just deal with FLCL Grunge and Shoegaze as they come.

I would understand the creative decisions if this was made people that were unfamiliar with the source material, but no- this was apparently overseen by none other than the series creator himself; with the changes approved over drinks. There is talk about reintroducing familiar elements in the second course (especially fan favorite character Milly Thompson); but it's going to be quite the challenge either way. 

At this point; might be more feasible to just give this anime a "de-boot:" put this version in an alternate continuity, then do a direct adaptation of the original manga and Maximum with little to no CGI. Overall, while I don't think Trigun Stampede is a the worst thing I've ever seen; I also wouldn't put it on the same pedestal as I do the original. Though I am interested in the reprints of the manga; I am not as convinced about this being the blueprint for the franchise's future as others. That is all for now, and keep chasing love and peace.