#based on the title the shift can't have been too unexpected

[houkagokappa]

I talked about seasonal anime with my friend and she recommended Yuuki Bakuhatsu Bang Bravern to me, comparing it to Samurai Flamenco, and calling it incredibly homoerotic (are those not synonyms?)

I was intrigued, and picked it up as soon as I got home from the con. The first episode shows us military guys training in mechas, and then aliens attack and they have to fight for real. It was honestly quite boring to me, until the last few minutes when a mysterious and flashy new mecha, Bravern, appears and calls to one of the military guys. They're destined to fight together. What follows is an incredibly cheesy loving parody of a mecha fight, with silly attack names and a song to hype things up!

Forget about the gritty military story, this anime is a comedy. The second episode makes that clear. It's very funny, the contrast between the strict military setting and the absurdity of the anime logic Bravern runs on works really well. The series doesn't take itself seriously at all, and does indeed contain insane amounts of suggestive language, including every word that comes out of Bravern's mouth (come inside me, become one with me etc.). It's an anime original by Cygames so anything could happen with the military, the mechas and the aliens, and there's a lot of interesting set-up. I'd call it the hidden gem of the season, but ever since I binged the first three episodes I keep seeing it around.

The genre shift was fun and well executed, and the goofy characters and the humor does remind me of Samurai Flamenco (which you need to watch if you haven't seen it already). It's my new favourite anime of the season :)

[sayakxmi]

[Magi reread; special edition] Episode 1: Aladdin and Alibaba [Part 3]

Sorry it took me literally two days to finish a single episode, but I was having a very not good health day. And night. Bro, I haven't been this sick in... I don't even remember. 0/10 would not recommend. But anyway.

Ok, but the music in Magi is so fucking good, man.

Ok, they look awesome here. I wish we got more Magi roadtrip, and less becoming more powerful god than the other guy, and then him becoming more powerful god than you, and then you becoming more powerful god than him, and then him-

The whole moment when the desert hyacinth appears actually looks pretty damn cool. Makes me wish a bit we saw more weird fauna-flora-things from the magi universe. ("Is the Final Arc a joke to you?" Yes.)

Did Budel just tell to all these slaves that he'll pay them if they help save the wine?

Also, I think Notre Empire's playing again.

F (she tripped)

Nice catch, Morgiana.

But also. Morgiana. Morgiana. You're a Fanalis. You can literally just. Jump away.

Morgiana. Morgiana. WHAT ARE YOU DOING. JUST JUMP AWAY.

Huh... They didn't say anything about it in the weather forecast...

Also, in the manga Alibaba actually warns everybody what this plant is, at least not yet. It's... honestly, neither bad nor good choice. On the flipside, it certainly adds to how dramatic the entire situation is, and overall shows well how fast everything is happening, too. On the other side, the manga showed better both that Alibaba's pretty knowledgeable, and also that he, honestly, thinks and reacts quickly. But oh well. Both achieve different things.

RIP. But also, man, Morgiana looks pretty here.

MORGIANA, FOR FUCK'S SAKE, JUST TURN AROUND AND JUMP OUT, YOU *CAN* DO THIS.

F

Actually, where tf is Aladdin.

Ok, but also, that's kind of what I was talking about. Like, if you get the impression that I'm overfocusing on Alibaba, which, frankly, I know I tend to do, and also will absolutely keep on doing, then in this specific case it's not simply my horn-shaped lenses. This entire episode is very Alibaba-centric. It's not even subtle, especially since, you know, this is based on his introduction chapter. Aladdin's side is only sprinkled here, and Morgiana's just randomly added to have all three of them present. But this is still centred around "His name is Alibaba", so it's hardly a wonder why he gets so much spotlight. But that does end up giving you the impression that he is the protagonist, even though the title actually belongs to Aladdin. And, frankly, the upcoming Balbadd Arc will certainly not clear that confusion.

Shame I'm not doing gifs, cuz it was such a funny CHOMP moment.

RIP Morgiana and Mina.

Traumatized.

Am I, like, the only person who finds this so hilarious. What's up with the dramatic pose. I wish I could find what it reminds me of, but, sadly, I have no name for it XD

It all ends up being kind of weird when you remember that in the anime they were made slaves. Like, cool of the guy to still value her life, but still very unexpected.

Oh, ok, now it makes sense. Budel's like, don't let her die, cuz I'll have to pay more for it.

It actually makes me wonder if Morgiana could handle a desert hyacinth. Anime tells me she can't, but I don't trust the anime.

Oh, that! That's what I was talking about. Alibaba gets flashbacks here, right before he jumps in to help Morgiana and Mina, which kind of ends up making it look like he's doing it more out of guilt than just... out of wanting to save them, you know?

Oh, THERE you are! Also, this episode does quite some disservice to Aladdin as a character, too, now that I think about it. As in, beyond shifting the focus from him to Alibaba. Like, in the manga he IS trying to help, but there's sand in the flute, and it doesn't work, but here he's just... watching. I actually recall reading some comparison between anime and manga regarding that, but it was looong ago. But in very short, manga!Aladdin was more like the New Testament God, while anime!Aladdin was more like the Old Testament God, as in, in the manga he actively seeks others, while in the anime he's more about wanting others to prove themselves to him. Or something like that. But, yeah, you can get that impression.

But other than that, he just comes off as kind of and ass here? Like, bro, you COULD help. But he's actively choosing not to. Which is in a pretty big contrast with manga Aladdin, who, while still rather passive, is far more willing to get himself involved with others and their troubles. In the anime... he's so insensitive. That's the word I was looking for. Anime Aladdin comes off as far more insensitive than manga Aladdin.

And I'm, once again, connecting it with that focus shifted from Aladdin to Alibaba, because it does feel like it connects itself, no? If Aladdin were to act here, this would've made him an active pariticpant in the events, instead of taking on a more supportive role the anime writers put him into. It would've moved the spotlight back to him.

Anyway. Again. Budel is willing to pay a slave. BUDEL.

Well-earned. Very satisfying. Fuck you, Budel.

Live Aladdin reaction.

Also, again, sounds like Alibaba's more doing it out of guilt, he doesn't want to sit back and regret everything or sth (that's what he's thinking as he's jumping into the hole), while in the manga it was more "somebody has to do this, and since nobody's willing to act, **I** will", and as he jumps he's reassuring the kid, and also more focused on assessing the situation, rather than thinking about how he feels.

Anyway, but I will point out that he jumped to save two slaves here, which at least shows that he doesn't agree with slavery.

Man, wouldn't it be cool if somebody could open it. Somebody with red hair and crazy ass strength. Man.

Like, you won't convince me that Morgiana couldn't move even with all these tentacles holding her back. You just can't.

Thank you for finally doing something, Aladdin! You could've done this the whole time, but nooo.

Ok, but it's pretty af.

-insert Attack on Titan joke here-

Thank you for help, Ugo! But also holy shit, that looks so WEIRD.

RIP loose hair Aladdin, you're dearly missed.

RIP Alibaba

Man, stop being so dramatic about dying.

See? Your soon-to-be bestie's here to save your ass.

Watching Budel's despair is very entertaining.

Sorry not sorry I skipped some Jamil to fit in more Aladdin and Alibaba.

"Will you be my friend?" (A) ;_; And also, that's when we find out that this is what Aladdin asked Ugo for. 10/10 choice. You get a point, anime adaptation.

FRIEMDS ;_____;

Ok, but the sheer hilarity of Budel yelling at them, and Aladdin just turning around like "Let's go Ugo-kun" (flies away).

Hahaha

Ok, now that I see it, it looks like a bit of a parallel to Alibaba and Aladdin sitting in the caravan earlier. Back then they both looked serious/kind of down, but now they're looking forward to the adventure (F).

Honestly, hearing Yubi Bōenkyō play in the bg reminds me, like everything about this arc, how different Magi seemed at the beginning. Man.

[todayimgonnaplay]

Today I'm gonna play Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII

Recently finished FF13-2 which had some nice improvements, but I think I'm in the minority for not liking the sequel hook tragedy ending it has. I don't mind sad endings, as FF has had more than one, but I had mixed feelings about the payoff for going through two entire games. I've sort of come to terms with it as I'm starting to see this trilogy has a pattern of fate going on. And now I'm onto the finale.

Immediately into the game I'm thrust into something I felt like I should've known but didn't even see at all. I'm not sure how effective that kind of storytelling is, but fortunately Lightning and Hope explain events of this game's premise quite extensively. I do like the option of being able to proceed through dialogue during cutscenes as I tend to read quick. I'm also seeing a revamp to Lightning's characterization that reminds me quite a bit of FF 7 Rebirth with Cloud, both characters having a sense of humour and exchanging banter despite being very stoic. It's a surprising but welcome change.

Another unexpected thing I encountered was its battle system. Revamped and unlike the previous two games, or even the series itself, I can see why people are divisive over it. I immediately wanted to hate it and just quit the game, but one of the reasons I started this blog is to give systems I don't like another chance and really get a feel for them. My assumption for this is that this was Square's first real decision to move onto the action genre and away from turn-based combat. I do appreciate their constant experimentation for the genre though. In terms of combat, the idea of eliminating numerous menus for navigation that (J)RPGs are known for, with quick inputs to do what you want to do. And to still keep that turn-based aspect, the ATB gauge still remains a thing for this title so that you can't spam your attacks or go full action mode. It gives you some time to think, but it's still not enough. I noticed throughout this trilogy that I often don't feel like I can rest and actually think how to fight off my enemies effectively. One method I can think of is to give enemies ATB gauges too and display them. It retains that turn-based aspect but also gives you time to heal and strategize. It's good that Libra and signs of weakness by building the Stagger is shown as a sign of what's working and what isn't, but having a pulse motion feels quite hard to decipher with all the action happening as well as the health info hovering above the enemies. FF 13's stagger bar has shown the best way to display this type of info. It was large and clear, and it was still effective in FF13-2 if it was thought that it was intrusively large. One thing to note is that this title has removed the Paradigm shift system, and now uses Schemata, which is like playing dress up on crack. I consider this to be my favourite part of the game, simply because I think dress up and customizing abilities and equipment is fun and freeing. You're not limited to specific pieces and you can mix and match, but I haven't mastered this system enough to see if that's effective or not.

I'm not a fan of the limited items you can carry. I've been in a few situations where I needed potions but ran out, or because I've been used to being able to consume as many as I want in the first two games, I forget to stock and therefore cannot take any. It doesn't help that there's a penalty for escaping from battle which is taking away EP which is used for other useful features, but fortunately I'm playing on easy mode, as the lack of penalties are closer to what the previous two games were like.

In terms of the overworld, I have seen a larger improvement in traversing around areas. The platforming is decent in most areas, and I like that I can finally jump off places to get off faster, which I couldn't do in FF 13-2. Areas are more populated, making it more lifelike and immersive. My biggest gripe is about the game's main feature (and, which is a time limit that's connected to the game's lore about the world ending in 13 days. You are able to traverse around until 6 AM in-game time, until you're automatically transported back to a hub. The only usable reason the hub exists is to confirm completion of an area and move to the next (and also giving some kind of life force to a tree for lore reasons), otherwise moving back automatically has not served its purpose for me, other than interrupt me. It also feels a bit tense to constantly have a clock ticking down, and I'm not really a fan of timit limit games at all, in fact I tend to avoid them. But again, I decided to give it another chance. Turns out it's good at helping me keep more focused to my tasks and making more careful decisions rather than me being reckless. There's also a way to slow down time by using Chronostasis, which replenishes by defeating enemies. You can technically spam that and play all you want.

Music this time is a surprising negative for me, the new tracks haven't impressed me so far, and I hear reuses of the previous titles, which has saved me from thinking more negatively about this, even though the same team has composed for this title too.

Character designs are quite interesting this time around when it comes to Lightning due to the dress up feature. I do like Snow's new look compared to 13-2 and it fits the current personality given to him. But like FF13-2, the rest of the old cast are not given new makeovers which is a huge letdown.

I'm still not sure if I'll continue playing this to the end, but I'll try to power through as much as I can.

Terms used exclusively in the game:

ATB (Active Time Battle) - A consumable gauge with divisions that allow you to do actions in battle

Stagger - A gauge that fills up based on effectiveness which allows you to deal more damage

Libra - A feature that checks enemy weaknesses

Paradigm Shift - A system in FF 13 and 13-2 that used roles with specific abilities

Schemata - A customizable system that allows Lightning to be a unique role based on equipment and abilities

EP (Energy Points) - A limited rechargable currency spent on special features, or items

Chronostasis - An ability that allows you to briefly stop time

[eliasbookshelf]

Elias' Bookshelf Thoughts No. 13: The Bromance Book Club #1 & #2

The title caught my attention first, because it's just so damn catchy. And truth be told, when people talk about book readers, they rarely refer to men. Like, men don't read books or something. Like men who read books are such an abnormality, we're like unicorns. So yes, the title caught my eye because its reference to both men and books.

Flipped the book over, and the synopsis got me immediately. It was an easy decision to pick up the first book. No regrets; I loved it so much I got the second and third book. Didn't pick up the fourth one yet (and apparently there's a Christmas novella I can't find) so that would be a future buy.

** SPOILERS AHEAD **

So, the premise of the first book is simple. Gavin, a famous football player (and super hot, my imagination ran wild) is having a problem with his marriage to Thea. His friends, fellow (hot) football players came to help. Simple, but then it got interesting. The other guys gave him advise based on a romance novel the group is currently reading. (just imagine, super hot straight football guys, reading romance novels, ones which they could have been on the cover, which they consider life guides to understand women better. I guess in a fictional world, that's plausible. I personally never thought of those books that way, but now I'm super curious about them. I may just pick up one some time eheh). He didn't buy that at first, but eventually their marriage troubles were resolved. Thea (i think) gave them the nickname the Bromance Book Club.

That element, the bros reading romance, is definitely a novelty I really liked in this series. It's fresh and unique, I think, since I haven't come across a similar concept in the books I've read (either that or I haven't read that many books yet). I was instantly bought over by the concept, and throughout the book, Gavin too reads the book-within-the-book to get ideas on how to fix his marriage. Along the way, hilarity ensues with their attempt to hide the fact that the guys are reading such novels (or reading in general, I wasn't sure, but it definitely feeds to the stereotype that hot athletic men don't read. Although I don't know any hot athletic men to ask them if they read at all. I don't have many guy friends IRL *sad*) The story is a fun ride, and the few sex scenes are quite hot. Also, thanks to Thea for the really good description of Gavin's sexy body, we love that.

The novelty (heh) of the guys reading got me super interested in the rest of the books in the series, so I picked up book numbers 2 and 3. The second book is Undercover Bromance, and third is Crazy Stupid Bromance.

I've recently finished reading book 2, Undercover Bromance, so let's continue talking about that.

While book 1 focuses on the book club newbie, Gavin, this second book (and it seems the third book as well) shifts the focus on Braden Mack, the only single guy in the book club. A hotshot bar/restaurant owner who always knows how to charm the girls (also the way he's written, he sounds really hot, damn). The story's main plot shifts from the guys to a side character from book 1, Thea's sister Liv. She works at a restaurant, then got fired after uncovering a dirty little secret of the restaurant's owner, then goes on a mission to expose her former boss. Her mission eventually leads her to Mack. There's drama along the way, with Liv's efforts to fall into the trap of Braden Mack's charm.

This book also features the same running gag of the Russian guy, named Vlad (very ... stereotypical?? I don't personally know any Russian so I don't know if it's a super common name) having gastrointestinal problems, with a hilariously-written fart scene (not unexpected, but still hilarious).

The thing about book 2 is that it lacks that unique novelty that's heavily featured in book 1. There's little to no reference to the book, even with the first scene in the book featuring the guys going to a bookstore and Mack picking out a book titled The Protector (foreshadowing his relationship with Liv). The story then prods casually but steadily and switched between Liv and Mack's plotting, Liv's life struggles, Mack's internal conflicts, and both of them resisting each others' charms and not acknowledging the sexual energy forming between them (one they eventually but not surprisingly succumbed to, although I don't blame her. I feel his sexual energy radiating from the pages; either that or I have a very good imagination I never knew I had. Also, they kiss a lot of times though). There was some mention of the book Mack's reading, but we don't get the excerpt-style info like we did with Gavin and his reading of Courting the Countess. It's not a bad thing, but I was expecting something similar. It doesn't devalue the story, though, but that's probably because I was invested with the series and the guys already.

The plot moves along the similar lines as the first one but thematically different, so it's nothing unexpected or particularly surprising. A good read, nonetheless.

Stars: 3.5 Recommended: Yes, but you have to read the first one before going into this or some things don't make much sense without context from book 1.