Regarding the Level-5 Vision and Holy Horror Mansion.

It's been quite a stuffed month of anime and video game announcements as well as releases. Though last week, the Sony State of Play and Sonic Central took up the lion's share of attention; one other oft-delayed presentation finally got livestreamed- the Level-5 Vision. This naturally resulted in a myriad of announcements for delays; and one new direction (or concept as they call it) for a franchise now over a decade old that didn't exactly get the reaction they were going for. So, let's get to it.

Though an animated avatar of Akihiro Hino tries to suggest otherwise, I will respectfully decline the use of the "To The World's Children" branding. In my case, it's less a singular inner child and more like a group of them representing different aspects of my personality (think the emotions from the Inside Out 'verse, with Anxiety becoming my spirit animal for this year).

First is that Fantasy Life I: The Girl Who Steals Time has been delayed from October 10 of this year till April of next year. This is actually one delay I can respect; as while this October may not be as stacked as last year's was; it still has more than a few games that are highly anticipated (with my primary target being Sonic X Shadow Generations). Regrettably, this will be the first of many delays announced; not counting Professor Layton and the New World of Steam as that already got bumped to 2025.

DecaPOLICE, the game that arguably has the most potential out of all of these; has now been bumped to 2026 on all its intended platforms (Steam, Switch, PS4, and PS5). The growing length of developmental cycles aside; the delays are already causing concerns in the fandom and I'm not even halfway through this presentation. At least the new events in Megaton Musashi Wired are coming out on time and are well-received.

Now, it's time for Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road, once again. I did try the open beta earlier in the year; and despite openly admitting to not being a fan of the anime or franchisee as a whole, I did my best to keep my feedback respectful. That said, even though it was first announced in 2016 for release in 2018, it is being delayed yet again for June 2025. I've mentioned the previous delays before, so there's a couple major ways of looking at this. If it gets pushed back again, I won't be surprised. If it does keep its release date, it will have June mostly to itself; but it's not likely to stay that way. As for this remake of the first game (which I haven't played and don’t plan to)- we shall see how that goes in 2026. For every one like Resident Evil 2 or FFVII Remake; we get scores of ones like Warcraft III Reforged or the 2020 version of XIII.

Here is the title that arguably had the most eyes on it; and the most scrutiny as well- the latest concept for Yo-Kai Watch. Originally under the working title "Ghost Craft," it is now known as Holy Horror Mansion. The "Ghost Craft" is now how crafting will work in-game.

The aim to be their largest project ever is making me and many others uneasy. I'm noticing many longtime fans of the developers in particular souring on their obsession with multimedia IP and just want them to make interesting games again. I'm having flashbacks to the Dark Universe reading that byline myself. Also like to be blunt that my party pop music I'm fashionably late to is less PIKOTARO and more Post Malone.

Though not without potential, one element in particular cast a dark raincloud over the reveal trailer- the usage of generative AI art. 

I thought there was something off about the cookware in this kitchen.

While it's still early, meaning it can change from here; it definitely seems like an unforced error, and those who are against the idea of AI in games likely are not onboard by design. There's also a sizable chunk of the existing fan base that isn't invested in the new concept at all. In theory, a new direction should have been just the thing to jolt the games. In practice, the first impression on the new game has been decidedly mixed.

Scene depicting a cake in Holy Horror Mansion.

Scene depicting Peach's Cake in Mario Party (1999).

However, this still leaves arguably the greatest risk- once again attempting to appeal to Western markets at the expense of their core audience. As someone who hasn't played every game that Level-5 has made, I'm arguably one of the people they’re trying to reach. Yet, despite other people online attempting to tell me otherwise, trying to nearly jettison the previous audience for a new one has never gone well. It's one thing if existing fans don't take to Holy Horror Mansion; but if the more general audiences they're aiming at don't respond to the game; it's curtains.

Not quite "When it's done," but it's close.

Though the concept admittedly isn't the worst (everything from Luigi's Mansion to Resident Evil to even Fatal Frame have made use out of exploring haunted locales); I do not plan to cover Holy Horror Mansion beyond this point unless Level-5 removes the AI art, real or perceived from the final game. I have much more to talk about in October; including more satisfying topics. That will be all for now, take care.

The Rick and Morty Anime Series is an Absurd Fever Dream (Honest Thoughts)

Well, that is certainly interesting. Much like the parent show it spun off from, the discourse is quite exhausting even as someone who likes it. So, with all the ballyhoo, let's talk about Rick and Morty: The Anime and why I enjoy it in spite and because of being an absurd fever dream.

The anime is helmed by Takashi Sano, who previously did the one-shot where the title characters faced a monster known as the "Genocider." There was also the short where Rick bemoans his lab in Akihabara has been overrun with maid cafés and video game stores (not to mention one spoofing the classic Lone Wolf and Cub); so there is precedent at least for this becoming one of the many timelines the title characters have traversed.

Like a great many episodes of the main show, this anime has gathered something of a love it or hate it reputation; with not much of a middle ground. As you might expect, I fall in the love camp. I'm not one to say no to a pilot where Morty gets a VR game that functions as both an existentialist experience and an over the top combat encounter straight out of a Ryu Ga Gotoku game.

I definitely would not put this on the same pedestal as Scott Pilgrim Takes Off or Terminator Zero; but I can certainly do worse as a lead-in for One Piece and Demon Slayer. Admittedly, it's actually quite interesting to see how it remixes elements from the main show; especially concerning Jerry. His inclusion in this anime sees him identify with the mythical Sisyphus, gain a superhero transformation that resembles the infamous Chargeman Ken; and undergo endurance training that I'm fairly certain would make up at least a tenth of someone's "Kinktober" art prompts. Yes, I am well aware of the Justin situation; and I totally understand why they had to let him go (even the characters' appearances in MultiVersus were recast).

Though I do not know what will happen with this anime going forward (the most recent episode had a lot to take in, and not just because of the story and concepts it contained); it certainly is interesting to think about and give my honest thoughts. Of all that's happened; I'm not one for giving a canned answer to a topic- I'm one that gives you my actual takes; and I do not address something unless there's something I can contribute to the conversation. With that in mind, I have much to celebrate come October; but first, I have unfinished business with a topic I've dealt with before. That's all for now, take care.

My Complicated Relationship With Dragon Ball GT.

Hey everyone- with Dragon Ball Daima set to debut this October; I thought I would take a look back at another anime that I have a rather conflicted view of. So, here is a post on my complicated relationship with Dragon Ball GT.

Courtesy: Toei/Fuji TV

Though I did watch the anime at the time, there ways always something about it that felt off; and not just because of its dubious canonical status even now. Before I get into the story and character aspects; I will go over the aspects I like about it. Though not spectacular, the animation is solid; and while the late, great Akira Toriyama was largely hands-off with writing; the designs he contributed certainly bear his artistic fingerprints. The music is also decent, and I especially like how the voice cast reprised their roles (especially Stephanie Nadolny as young Goku- glad she's coming back for Daima).

Regrettably, it's the story and characters that end up coming up short this time around. Though it's not as rife with issues as, say, Digimon Adventure 02 is personally; it has a similar core problem. Namely, there are lots of ideas recycled from earlier stories; and the new ideas break suspension of disbelief more than the fighter balance in the Final Bout Playstation game. Yes, I played that back in the day (the second printing, not the rarer first printing).

Admittedly, the heroes and antagonists carried over from past incarnations are fine for the most part. It's  additions this anime that don't really stand out, with Lord Luud, Super Baby and the Para Para brothers being among the least memorable. Regarding the last ones, they're apparently named after a dance trend that had already faded by the time the anime got dubbed. Heck, even Dazzler had a better time adapting to changing times.

As for characters we know, a large part of me was excited to see how Pan would grow as a person and fighter after the epilogue of Z. Let's just say that the depiction of her is not what I was hoping for. I do like the outfit at least, but not so much how she's acting more childish than her grandfather; who's reverted to his child self after a wish gone awry. (sighs) 

While I have never had an issue with young Goku outside this anime; I submit it's not merely having him in the story that makes him work- it's how you use him. That's something this anime didn't really understand until it was too late. He is the most obvious example of the character going through the hits like your favorite band playing the fairground circuit; then trying new material that doesn't quite land.

Case in point- The Last Oracle of Luud. This was a particularly tedious experience; and that's not a word I typically associate with this material. Fighting a personified whip is not something that should be this mundane; and that is among the reasons why I decided against reviewing or recapping any episodes in favor of this instead.

Somehow, it creates more arc fatigue than the canon entries ever could. Also find "The Beginning of the End" an ironic title when it comes up at less than halfway through. The visit to sector 2814 does somewhat amuse me; as it makes me joke about the Green Lantern Corps being in the vicinity.

Of course, there's the robotic companion Giru; who honestly ranks quite low in my view of machine characters in the franchise. If the tin can hadn't bonded with the Dragon Radar, there really wouldn't be much reason to exist. Not even his backstory could convince me otherwise. Pan's gambit that follows is also much more "meh" than "WHOO! I'M ABOUT TO MAKE A NAME FOR MYSELF HERE!"

As my rewatch pressed on, characters such as Rilldo and Dr. Myu lacked the memorable qualities even less universally-revered antagonists of the franchise have, especially the latter. He's functionally Gero without the charisma, and we'll come back to his creations in a bit.

Though most of the updated character designs are passable; my least favorite redesign would have to go to my favorite character: Vegeta, who gets saddled with a truly awful mustache that makes him look like infamous adult film star Ron Jeremy. Thankfully, he has the sense to shave it off about a third of the way into the show.

In all honesty, the "Saiyan Hunting" is a larger part of Baby's body surfing between hosts, and it takes up a sizable chunk of his saga. As previously stated, he's a villain who may share the power absorption of Cell; but not his charisma or memorable menace. Him attempting to takeover Trunks and Goten's date isn't quite the same as consuming people whole, skin and all.

While Android 17 and 18 have never been my favorite characters; even I understand why they have fans. Still, I was not pleased with how this anime handled them. Their new designs weren't the worst; but the way they were written was the Achilles' heel as usual. The way this anime turned them into little more than living weapons is far less satisfying than to see 18 be figuratively and literally humanized by Krillin's love; or 17 learning that protecting and giving life can be every bit as gratifying as taking a life.

Though the distant finale may not be as contentious as Digimon 02, it is still easily my least favorite finale to any of the anime adaptations. Original Dragon Ball ends with Goku and Chi Chi getting married. DBZ ends with Goku helping train Uub (the reformed personification of Buu's evil side) as a fighter. Super ends with Goku victorious in the Last Universe Standing and peace being restored to each of the universes. However, even factoring in that it's non-canon; GT ends with Goku and Shenron disappearing for a century, something that is more understandable than TK's novelized account of his friends (though no less disappointing).

So, while this anime might not be the disaster I remembered it to be; it's also the least memorable adaptation of Dragon Ball by far. For all the faults of Evolution, at least that was a spectacularly awful trash fire. This is not only not canon, but the biggest gripe I have beyond that is that it's just average. I am glad that Super managed to more effectively remix ideas from the whole franchise. I also admire it for striking the right balance of the high stakes of Z and the wonder of the original. Though some took issue with this, I always like how it nailed (at least personally) how Goku never lost his sense of adventure with age, nor his sense of humor as shown.

Age 12: "What do I care about seeing your dirty old fanny?"

Age 42: "I wouldn't come here just to see your boobies- they're too saggy now."

I mean, as someone who has ventured into other parts of the author's work even before he passed; him meeting Arale from Dr. Slump is a concept that holds water- a fun breather before things get serious. By contrast, I never knew what mindset to adopt for GT; and watching it again for the first time in ages (going over every episode to make sure I have the details correct); I still don't. Whatever transpires with Dragon Ball Daima, I have more confidence in that as a posthumous parting gift (along with the Sand Land anime and game).

Overall, I cannot go so far to say I outright hate Dragon Ball GT; but I also can't go so far as saying I like it. If I may borrow a line from Schaffrillas, I consider it painfully average. I found it better than Digimon 02, but my relationship is complicated with it all the same. That is all for now, take care.

Thoughts on the Transformers 40th anniversary video by Studio TRIGGER.

Hail- well met, everyone: this weekend, I saw Transformers One and I absolutely loved it. As both a new movie and a reimagining of the franchise's origin story; it is well worth your time and money. So, I thought I would do something else to help celebrate the milestone. Here are my thoughts on the Transformers 40th anniversary video by Studio TRIGGER.

Courtesy: Hasbro/Studio TRIGGER

The video incorporates characters and elements from the entire legacy of the franchise. From the WFC Trilogy on Netflix all the way back to the original entry from the 1980s. Even the live-action films, divisive as they often are (and the butt of jokes from this studio's animators) get represented. I'm noticing more and more willingness to not only embrace adaptations that are well-liked in major franchises; but also to both remix ideas that weren't as well-executed (up to and including self-deprecating gags).It's also backed by the song "Mayday" by Bump of Chicken, and it pairs incredibly well. Overall, a great way of celebrating a vast legacy of capturing the imaginations of children and the young at heart.

I also will apologize in advance for the lateness and brevity of this post; but I've been working on a larger post I've been wanting to do for a long time. For now, go see Transformers One; and I will see you all again soon. Till all are one...

Pokémon Horizons Volume 3 (EN) Thoughts, Volume 4 Coming November 22.

Hey everyone- whether or not Netflix makes good on the plan to delist the JN seasons today (the “leaving soon” message is gone on my profile); I am drafting my full look at the first HZ storyline. With that out of the way, here are my thoughts on Volume 3 of Pokémon Horizons’ English dub.

Courtesy- Netflix/The Pokémon Company

This volume contains the final two episodes of “The Departure of Liko and Roy” storyline, and the first nine of the “Terapagos’ Shine” storyline. I still don’t know why they didn’t just include them in the last volume; but I’m just glad the next volume will contain the rest (at least going by online summaries I could find). Also, the next volume streams November 22. I know that date has plenty of pop culture events already (the new Moana and the Marvel VS Capcom collection being my most anticipated); so let’s focus on this one for now.

Though there still issues carried over from previous volumes, the “Terapagos’ Shine” storyline does have better pacing than “The Departure of Liko and Roy.” The infectious energy of Iono is indeed welcome, as is Liko’s grandmother Diana. They even managed to streamline some dialogues that bugged me in the subtitled episodes.

While I do still wish they would incorporate more material from the games into the story and characters (just reading summaries of the most recent episodes, I can say I am very much not a fan of the anime’s variant of Grusha; who was one of my favorite Paldea gym leaders); the animation is still a highlight. I may have plenty of issues to talk about with these storylines; but at least I can agree that the anime looks great. 

I am roughly 40-50% done with my full review of “The Departure of Liko and Roy,” and once that is done; I will begin outlining all the episodes of “Terapagos’ Shine” once the English dub comes stateside. I still don’t know what will happen after this anime is over; but I’d be fine with “you know who” coming back. Most likely, I could see the next anime directly adapting characters from the games. That will be all for now, take care.

The Boy and the Heron is a Masterpiece (First Viewing Thoughts)

 For my cat,  Amy

2005-2024

I have wanted to address this movie for a very long time, and now that time is upon me. Here are my first viewing thoughts on the award-winning hit anime film from Hayao Miyazaki; "The Boy and the Heron."

Taking place in Japan in the 1940s, the story follows a young man named Mahito Maki. As he tries to adjust to a new living situation and the loss of his loved ones; he is taken on an adventure to the land between living and dead, with an enigmatic heron and a cast of characters that parallel his extended family as his guides. 

Courtesy: Studio Ghibli/GKIDS

In many respects, this movie is the reverse of Spirited Away. Whereas that film was about Chihiro finding herself in maturity by getting caught in parallel world of spirits, this one is about Mahito willingly going into another world of many layers to prove himself. However, there are two major constants between them. The first is that they both show the limitless potential of animated storytelling (with their Best Animated Feature Oscar wins being well-deserved). The second is that the fantastic journey undertaken also serves as a personal one.

The film's Japanese title, "How Do You Live" is a question that comes from an in-story journal left to Mahito by his mother; and one that the movie explores to answer. Though many critical moments in the story were leaked to me online (something I certainly did not appreciate), seeing them for myself is always something I know I need to do to make sure they're true.

With that said, the acclaim and success the film has garnered is well-deserved. Every story moment and piece of character growth is animated in colorfully vivid and striking detail. From a hospital fire that kicks off the plot to the ending moments in the Japanese countryside; it is certainly worthy of being Miyazaki's final film. 

Not only is it a spectacular animated fantasy to cement his vast legacy, it is a well-rounded and nuanced portrayal of grief. The only definitive story and character details I will reveal ahead of a full review (at a later date to be determined) are these- not only does Mahito care deeply for his surviving family despite everything; this is one film I've seen that accurately captures the more subtle and numbing details of grief. The scene where he deliberately hits himself in the head with a rock just to feel something again resonates with me more than you know.

I have every intention to watch this movie again for a full review in the near future, as it has joined the list of my all-time favorite movies (in the process of revising it for 2025). Before I do that, I have unfinished business with an anime nowhere near as good as this. That will be all for now, take care.