#sonic and transformers have certain voice actors in common

[firebirdtransam68]

Which Work Am I A Bigger Fan Of?  I Cannot Choose!

I have two works that I really like, and they are Transformers and Sonic The Hedgehog.  Both enhanced my creativity, and I grew up with Transformers (the live-action films, anyway; but I got into G1 when I got into the 1980′s); they have extraterrestrials that are allies or enemies with humans (and they have anti-heroes as well (I’m looking at you, Armada Starscream and Shadow The Hedgehog)); and they have English and Japanese versions of their own media (the original Unicron Trilogy and Sonic X are all anime series in which the Japanese versions with English subtitles are better than the English dubs).  I have been fans of both works for a couple years (I saw Transformers first, and then Sonic The Hedgehog).

However, I am debating whether I like one more than the other; I believe I am, but I am going to differentiate between these two works to see for myself.  Here it goes; I am going to start with Transformers, first.

The first Transformers work I saw was the first live-action film directed by Michael Bay.  It looked very realistic, and the graphics were nice.  I saw two more live-action films, and they were okay, but the third film went downhill, especially since they killed off some of my favorite characters from there (especially Ironhide; I really liked that black truck, and Sentinel killed him).  I don’t remember when I saw the 1986 film, but it is one of these factors that got me into the 1980′s (among The Transformers, in which that animated film was based on).  I started to prefer G1 over Bayformers since their styles looked fantastic, and it is also how I got a little into Mecha anime (Golion/Dairugger/Voltron got me even more into Japanese anime).  

I then looked to see if there are any other Mecha shows I would watch, and I remembered fans talking about Transformers Armada, and I searched via Anime News Network; when I saw that Ironhide was in there, as well as Starscream, I got the urge to watch it.  I saw all 52 episodes of the show (called Micron Legend) with English subtitles, and I was hooked into it.  Micron Legend became even more of my favorite Transformers work than even G1 because of many G1 callbacks, certain soundtracks that sounded 1980′s, and many complex characters from both sides.  I then saw another show, in which it is called Energon (actually, it was Superlink), and I got as much hooked as I did with the other show, despite some flaws such as not giving certain characters enough screen time.  I was upset when the characters from Micron Legend got killed off (especially Ironhide/Demolishor), but was amazed at some new characters, especially those that were based off of their G1 counterparts, such as Inferno, Lazerwave (homage to G1 Shockwave), Wheeljack, Springer, and Omega Supreme.  I saw Galaxy Force (original version of Cybertron) once, and lost interest, despite some interesting characters such as Soundwave and Chromia (Thunderblast).  Similarly, Headmasters made me lose interest, since some of the characters were really bland, and they were lacking some character development in some of the Transformers (and even humans).

Since the first Bayformers film was the one I liked a lot, I didn’t want to watch anymore live-action films until 2018, in which the Bumblebee film debuted.  I was skeptical at first, until I got the chance to saw it; it was fantastic; the film was set in 1987, and it had many themes and styles of the 1980′s, and it stayed true to the G1 continuity (besides Micron Legend, Superlink, and Galaxy Force).  And the villains were phenomenal, especially Shatter (ROTF Alice didn’t give me enough excitement for a believably evil Decepticon who is female (or at least feminine), she was too bland, in my opinion).  And don’t forget the music, especially when Stan Bush’s song appeared in one scene where Bumblebee was encouraging his human friend, Charlie Watson, to dive off a cliff (which is safe, and has water).

Now let’s go with Sonic The Hedgehog.  I have noticed some people playing the games, and I never got the hold of it until I noticed that there was an anime show based on the games (especially the Adventure series), and I decided to give it a watch.  The anime was Sonic X, and it was in Japanese with English subtitles.  I was blown away because of Sonic’s tendency to break the fourth wall and throw in English here and there, the graphics which looked similar to Micron Legend in many angles, one original character with his many racing supercars (Sam Speed), contains Mecha (usually by Dr. Eggman), the soundtrack, and, of course, Shadow The Hedgehog (the first time I understood that character was in this show).  Also, the anime had many callbacks from the previous games (1991-2003; 2003 was when Sonic X was first broadcasted); and the Metarex saga gave me a feel from the part where Unicron debuted in Micron Legend.

One of my cousins have many different Sonic games, since he is a huge fan of them.  He had spin-off games as well; one of them was Shadow’s own game.  The first time I took interest was when I heard some fans talk about him using guns; at first, I thought it was a joke, until I saw for myself.  Many die-hard Sonic fans don’t like the 2005 game, but I certainly liked it, especially after I saw Sonic X; it was dark and edgy, yes, but it also gave the main character more depth and characterization, he can use firearms if he chooses to, and drives vehicles such as motorcycles and cars; I even have the option to play it in English or Japanese (of course with English subtitles for both).

I also did some reviews for three Sonic TV shows during the 1990′s.  Adventures Of Sonic The Hedgehog came to mind, especially this one episode, Zoobotnik, in which it featured a villainess, Katella The Huntress, who is the most underrated Sonic character of all time.  I found her costume appealing (including the circlet she wears on her forehead), and I found it amusing to see her with Dr. Robotnik/Eggman (I believe this is the only time I will ship Eggman with anyone else; besides Sera/Sara from the OVA, of course).  The English shows were not as appealing, but at least I got some insight after watching a few episodes.

I think I like both works because they are related in many ways, even though the Transformers originated in the 1980′s, and Sonic The Hedgehog originated in the 1990′s, among many other differences.  I really like extraterrestrial characters, but I also like Mecha robots (especially sentient robots).  Maybe I like Transformers even more than Sonic The Hedgehog.

Another thing these two have in common is their voice actors, who appeared in both works; seiyuu are more prominent.  Here is a list of English voice actors first, and then I will go with the Japanese voices:

English

- Charlie Adler (Silverbolt in The Transformers (1984-1987), and Starscream in the live-action films (2007-2011); Snively in Sonic SatAM)

- Jim Cummings (Afterburner, Rippersnapper, and a Sharkticon in The Transformers (1984-1987); Dr. Robotnik in Sonic SatAM)

- Frank Welker (Megatron, Soundwave, Skywarp, Rumble, Frenzy, Trailbreaker, Wheelie, many other Decepticons in G1 (Megatron is the most well-known in other works); SWATbots in Sonic SatAM)

- Rob Paulson (Haywire, Air Raid, and Slingshot in The Transformers (1984-1987); Antoine Depardieu in Sonic SatAM)

- Cree Summer (Blackarachnia in Transformers: Animated; Dulcy The Dragon in Sonic SatAM)

- Michael Bell (Swoop, Sideswipe, Bombshell, Brainstorm, First Aid, and Scrapper in The Transformers (1984-1987); Naugus in Sonic SatAM)

- Kath Soucie (Professor Princess, and Trisha in Transformers: Animated; Sally Acorn, and NICOLE in Sonic SatAM)

- Jason Marsden (Cade Burns in Transformers: Rescue Bots; Dirk in Sonic SatAM)

- Gary Chalk (Optimus Prime in Beast Wars and Armada; Grounder in AOSTH, Dr. Robotnik in Sonic Underground)

- Ian James Corlett (Cheetor, Maximal/Sentinel, and Sea Clamp in Beast Wars; Coconuts in AOSTH)

- Scott McNeil (Dinobot, Rattrap, Silverbolt, Dinobot II, Waspinator in Beast Wars, Jetfire and Omega Supreme in the Transformers Unicron Trilogy (2002-2006); MacHopper in AOSTH)

- French Tickner (Bulkhead in Transformers: Energon; Dr. Warpnik, Big Griz, and Professor Von Schlemmer in AOSTH)

- Venus Terzo (Blackarachnia in Beast Wars; Breezie in AOSTH)

- Samuel Vincent (Sideswipe in Transformers: Armada; Sonic’s singing voice in Sonic Underground)

- Kathleen Barr (Botanica in Beast Wars; Momma Robotnik, Katella The Huntress, additional voices in AOSTH)

- Brad Swaile (Kicker Jones in Transformers: Energon; additional voices in AOSTH)

- Matt Hill (Carlos Lopez and Ironhide in the Transformers Unicron Trilogy; Max in Sonic Underground)

- Brian Drummond (Jetstorm in Beast Machines, Blurr in Transformers: Armada, Shockblast in Transformers: Energon, Jetfire in Transformers: Cybertron; Knuckles The Echidna in Sonic Underground)

- Terry Klassen (High Wire, Sixshot, Skyblast, Brimstone, Tim Hanson, and Mr. Stanton in the Transformers Unicron Trilogy (2002-2006); Doctor Brandon Quark, additional voices in AOSTH)

- Maurice LeMarche (Six-Gun in The Transformers (1984-1987); Uncle Chuck, Sleet, Oracle Of Delphius, additional voices in Sonic Underground)

- Tabitha St. Germain (Alexis Thi Dang in Transformers: Armada; Sally Acorn in Sonic Christmas Blast (1996) from AOSTH)

- Cathy Weseluck (Boy at carnival in Transformers: Armada; additional voices in AOSTH and Sonic Underground)

- Lacey Chabert (Dani Burns in Transformers: Rescue Bots; Princess Elise III in Sonic The Hedgehog (2006))

- Roger Craig Smith (Jetstorm, Slipstream, Airazor, Blastwave, and Mayor Mayhem in Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2014-2017); Sonic The Hedgehog in the Sonic games (2010-present) and Sonic Boom)

- Kirk Thornton (Dr. Onishi in Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2001-2002), and Shadelock in Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2014-2017); Shadow The Hedgehog and Orbot in the Sonic games (2010-present) and Sonic Boom))

- Travis Willingham (Sideswipe in War For Cybertron, Fall Of Cybertron and Rise Of The Dark Spot, and Motormaster and Menasor in Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2014-2017); Knuckles The Echidna in the Sonic games (2010-present) and Sonic Boom, Storm The Albatross in Sonic Free Riders (2010), and Zavok in Sonic Lost World (2011))

- Colleen O’Shaughnessey (Jenny in Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2001-2002); Miles “Tails” Prower, Zooey, Chumley, and Belinda in Sonic Boom, and Charmy Bee in the Sonic games (2010-present))

- Michael Yurchak (Zorillor in Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2014-2017); Jet The Hawk in the Sonic games (2010-present))

- Keith Silverstein (Rumble and Frenzy in War For Cybertron, and Blast Off in Fall Of Cybertron and Rise Of The Dark Spark; Vector The Crocodile in the Sonic games (2010-present))

- Troy Baker (Jetfire in War For Cybertron, and Kickback in Fall Of Cybertron and Rise Of The Dark Spark; Espio The Chameleon in the Sonic games (2010-present))

- Wally Wingert (Mirage and Side Burn in Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2001-2002); Cubot in the Sonic games (2010-present) and Sonic Boom))

- Sam Riegel (Starscream in War For Cybertron, Fall Of Cybertron, and Rise Of The Dark Spark, and Snarl in Fall Of Cybertron; Zor in Sonic Lost World)

- Liam O’Brien (Underbite and Kickback in Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2014-2017), and Air Raid and Cyclonus in War For Cybertron; Zazz in Sonic Lost World, and Infinite The Jackal in Sonic Forces)

Japanese

- Kappei Yamaguchi (Rattrap in Beast Wars and Transformers: Animated; Sonic The Hedgehog in AOSTH and SatAM)

- Masashi Ebara (Skywarp, Spike Witwicky, Brawl, Ratchet, Teletraan-I, Steeljaw, Long Haul, Smokescreen, Blitzwing, and many others in G1; Erazor Djinn in Sonic And The Secret Rings)

- Ken Yamaguchi (Blurr in G1, Arblus, Rumble, Slag and Sharkticons in The Transformers: The Movie (1986), Blitzwing, Broadside, Dirge, Silverbolt, Golder, Hot Spot, Cloudracker, Lazerbeak, Ratbat, Superion, Rewind and Slugslinger in Transformers: Headmasters (1987-1988), Hydra and Darkwings in Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (1988-1989); Decoe and Nelson Thorndyke in Sonic X)

- Akimitsu Takase (Blowpipe, Fastlane, Hot Rod, Freeway, and Monzo in The Transformers (Rebirth); the President’s aide in Sonic The Hedgehog (OVA))

- Ken Narita (Caliburst, Cerebros, Stylor, Cloudracker, Triggerhappy, and Sureshot in Transformers: Headmasters (1987-1988); Black Narcissus in Sonic X)

- Banjou Ginga (Ultra Magnus in Transformers: Scramble City (1986) and Transformers: Animated (2007-2009), Scorponok/Mega Zarak in Transformers: Headmasters (1987-1988), Black Zarak in Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (1988-1989), one of the Primes in Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen (2009); GUN Commander in Shadow The Hedgehog (2005))

- Masaharu Sato (Alpha Trion, First Aid, Bee Drone, Grotusque, Hook, Grimlock, Scourge, Kaen, Punch/Counterpunch, Skydive, Sureshot and Tantrum in Transformers: Headmasters (1987-1988), Gilmer and Leftfoot in Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (1988-1989), Perceptor, Frank, and Mayor Burns in Transformers: Victory (1989); Dr. Eggman in SegaSonic The Hedgehog (1993))

- Hochu Otsuka (Ultra Magnus, Crosshairs, Wingspan, Big Serow, Freeway, Ratbat and Abel in Transformers: Headmasters (1987-1988), Ranger in Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (1988-1989), and Guyhawk in Transformers: Victory (1989); Red Pine in Sonic X)

- Takeshi Kusao (Clouder in Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (1988-1989); Sonic The Hedgehog in Waku Waku Sonic Patrol Car (1991), SegaSonic Cosmo Fighter Galaxy Patrol (1993), and SegaSonic The Hedgehog(1993))

- Hinako Yoshino (Pipo in Transformers: Victory (1989); Ray The Flying Squirrel in SegaSonic The Hedgehog(1993))

- Chafurin (Cicadacon in Beast Wars, General Bryce in Transformers: Prime (2010-2013), Octopunch in Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2014-2017); Old Man Owl in Sonic The Hedgehog (OVA), Zomom in Sonic Lost World)

- Wataru Takagi (Cheetor in Beast Wars, Glenn Whitmann in Transformers (2007), Jetstorm and Safeguard in Transformers: Animated (2007-2009), Jazz in Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2014-2017); Cubot in the Sonic series (2010-present))

- Nobutoshi Canna (Nightscream and Oracle in Beast Machines, Inferno, Lazerwave and Sixshot in Transformers: Superlink, Swindle in Transformers: Animated (2007-2009); Knuckles The Echidna in the Sonic series (1998-present) and Sonic X)

- Mitsuo Iwata (Silverbolt in Beast Wars, Roadbuster in Transformers: Superlink, Wreck-Gar in Transformers: Animated (2007-2009), Hardshell in Transformers: Prime (2010-2013), Blurr in Transformers: Cyberverse (2018-present); Orbot in the Sonic series (2008-present))

- Toru Okawa (Optimus Prime/Convoy and Scourge in Transformers: Micron Legend, Ratchet and Porter C. Powell in Transformers: Animated (2007-2009), Simacore in Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2014-2017); Pachacamac in Sonic Adventure (1998))

- Koji Yusa (Ironhide and Thrust in Transformers: Micron Legend, Ironhide/Irontread and Wing Dagger/Wing Saber in Transformers: Superlink, Prowl in Transformers: Animated (2007-2009); Shadow The Hedgehog)

- Daisuke Kishio (Kicker Jones in Transformers: Superlink, Bumblebee in Transformers: Animated (2007-2009), Quillfire in Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2014-2017); Jet The Hawk in the Sonic games (2005-present))

- Kenta Miyake (Landmine and Omega Supreme in Transformers: Superlink, Bulkhead, Alpha Trion and Blackout in Transformers: Animated (2007-2009), Shockwave in Transformers: Prime (2010-2013), Razorpaw in Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2014-2017); Vector The Crocodile in the Sonic games (2003-present) and Sonic X)

- Katsuyuki Konishi (Optimus Prime/Grand Convoy and Overdrive in Transformers: Superlink, Angry Archer and Spike Witwicky in Transformers: Animated (2007-2009); Lucas in Sonic X)

- Joji Nakata (Megatron in Transformers: Galaxy Force; E-102 Gamma in Sonic Adventure, Zavok in the Sonic games (2013-present), Dark Oak in Sonic X)

- Kotaro Nakamura (Megatron in the Transformers live-action films (2007-2011); Dr. Eggman in the Sonic games (2015-present))

- Kenji Nomura (Jetfire in Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen (2009), Hardcore Eddie in Transformers: Dark Of The Moon (2011), William Fowler in Transformers: Prime (2010-2013); Storm The Albatross in the Sonic games (2005-present))

- Takashi Nagasako (Issac Sumdac, Snarl and Brawn in Transformers: Animated (2007-2009), Bulkhead in Transformers: Prime (2010-2013); Big The Cat in the Sonic games (2004-present))

- Sanae Kobayashi (Carly Spencer in Transformers: Dark Of The Moon (2011); Chris Thorndyke in Sonic X)

- Yuki Tai (Wheeljack and Makeshift in Transformers: Prime (2010-2013); Zor in Sonic Lost World, Leon in Sonic X)

- Yutaka Aoyama (Dutch in Transformers: Dark Of The Moon (2011), Nightstrike in Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2014-2017); Zazz in Sonic Lost World)

- Ryuzaburo Otomo (Galvatron in Transformers: Age Of Extinction (2014); Black Doom in Shadow The Hedgehog (2005))

- Yutaka Nakano (Harold Attinger in Transformers: Age Of Extinction (2014); the President in Shadow The Hedgehog (2005))

- Aoi Yuki (Windblade in Transformers: Cyberverse, and Shatter in Bumblebee (2018); Sticks The Jungle Badger in Sonic Boom, and the female Avatar in Sonic Forces)

Like I said, Sonic and Transformers have a lot in common, but they are unique in their own ways.  Maybe I like Transformers the most because it was from the 1980′s (which, by the way, is my favorite decade).  I wasn’t too much of a 1990′s fan, but I did like Sonic, which originated in the 1990′s.  So, I suppose Transformers is the winner, and Sonic The Hedgehog is in second place.

Well, that is all I will be saying for now.  I will be posting more soon, but I have other things to do, as well.  Stay tuned for more posts.

This is FirebirdTransAm68 signing out.

[notajinn]

Video Games of 2017 - My Ranking: Top Game of 2017

First, let me quickly go over what my list looks like so far:

9. Animal Crossing Pocket Camp (Mobile)

8. Fire Emblem Heroes (Mobile)

7. Doki Doki Literature Club (PC)

6. Shantae: Half Genie Hero (PS4)

5. Fire Emblem Echoes (3DS)

4. Nier Automata (PS4)

3. Sonic Mania (PS4)

2. Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Wii U)

One trend I noticed this year (besides the incredibly high average quality) is that many of these games chose to try something unique for their franchise.

Breath of the Wild was an entry in the Zelda franchise that had easily the worst dungeons and bosses, which on paper should make it the worst Zelda. But it's ability to excel at what the series otherwise did unremarkable (exploration) made it one of my favourite Zelda games.

Shanta: Half Genie Hero removed dungeons entirely, which were easily my favourite part of the game. And yet the actual platforming segments were much more refined, and the transformations were really fun after their absence in Pirate's Curse.

Fire Emblem Echoes was based off the bizarre Gaiden on the NES with its dungeons, lack of Weapon Triangle, unusual approach to promotion and magic, and a host of other things. But in many ways it kept the classic Fire Emblem charm and has my favourite characters of the 3DS series.

All these things excelled despite going against the grain. You always hear that innovation is everything.

But I disagree. This world is obsessed with the idea of being unique, but what I believe is much more important is an excellent execution. Many of the series I've come to love (even outside video games) have been great execution more than unique ideas. There's definitely some things I love for their unique aspects (notably The World Ends With You and its dual-screen battle system), but I have a soft spot for something that chooses the less flashy approach by perfecting their execution. Build on what the fans already love.

And that's exactly what my number one game did.

1. Persona 5

Story time: I started Persona as a series really late. Not at Persona 3 like many people. Not even at Persona 4 like most people. I started at Persona 4 Arena. At a friend's party, they took out this relatively recent game for us to check out, and it immediately reminded me of Guilty Gear which I loved back when it was still at the local(?) arcade. I was drawn to Akihiko, but also found Naoto pretty cool. Mostly because Naoto looked very visually similar to a character from the Angel Beats anime I loved at the time.

Since I liked Akihiko, I was recommended to check out Persona 3 since it was on the PSN store. From there, I played through 3 and later 4, falling in love with the series. I even had a brief attempt at playing Persona 2 which I received as a birthday gift, but I didn't end up sticking with it.

From there I have bought every non-Vita spinoff title, and anxiously awaited Persona 5. It would be the first Persona where I wasn't behind everyone else, and could experience it together. And while some people around me were still unable to get it, I did get the experience of talking about my experiences in the game at a similar pace with some friends.

EXPECT FULL SPOILERS BELOW!

Where It Excels

Outside of what the game means to me, it was a clear improvement over the past Persona games in many ways. First of all, the game has real dungeons instead of the RNG Tarturus of Persona 3, or the bland corridors of Persona 4 that may as well be RNG. There's much more to do than just fight enemies and occasionally find treasure. There's a stealth mechanic that is universal to all dungeons, and many dungeon-specific things such as finding switches, entering codes, and even transforming into a mouse to get through certain areas. It feels much more active and enjoyable. It also helps a lot that the design of the Palaces are much more like proper RPG dungeons instead of slightly-themed corridors.

The battle system has minor but welcome changes. More than anything, the ability to change party member mid-battle completely changes the nature of the game. Sure it takes a turn, unlike Tokyo Mirage Sessions, but this makes covering your weaknesses and tackling enemies so much easier and more tactical.

The fact that you can get really game-changing abilities like these from Confidants makes them significantly more worthwhile than Social Link in past games. Before you could ignore Social Links you didn't like with little repercussion, but P5 encourages you to link with everything to build up your skill set. At the same time, it doesn't punish you if you choose not to do this; I love that party-switching is simply a Level 1 skill and not Level 10. The only game-breaking skill you get at a high Confidant level is Kawakimi's ability to remove fatigue after going into a dungeon. There was still a few Confidants I didn't care about both character-wise and skill-wise (like the reporter, or the "Get Smoked" kid), but they can't all be perfect.

The quality of Confidants overall is possibly the best of the series. It didn't have my favourite relationships, but I was happy with most. Meanwhile P3 and P4 seemed to have a larger number of unremarkable ones. I also really appreciate the ability to max out a girl's Confidant without having to date her, which is something I wish P3 had. I don't recall if P4 had this, but if it did I never used it. I'm glad they brought back consequences for cheating, since lacking them really hurt my investment into P4's characters.

The party members are nearly all winners. The only one I wasn't a fan of was Futaba because she seemed much more stereotypically anime than the others, and the ability to romance her somehow felt more wrong than romancing your teacher or the doctor. For the record on the "waifu wars", my choice was Tae. That said, I appreciate that they somehow managed to make Ann the fanservice character while also giving her a good deal of depth. Rather than being considered too much fanservice, it seems her main weakness is that she's just a bit boring compared to the others. Though I appreciate that her Confidant was more about her relationship with Shiho.

The additional of new types of attacks (Gun, Nuclear, Psy) seem minor, but they give a lot of different strengths and weaknesses to demons. Coming in from P3and P4, I remembered the weaknesses of many demons already, but with these new types thing were rearranged so I couldn't cruise off that old knowledge. It helped make sure players didn't get lazy because of past knowledge.

Negotiation is significantly more approachable than Shin Megami Tensei III (the only one I've played), and is a much more fun way of obtaining Persona than P3 and P4. It can still be frustrating, especially early on, but I rarely felt as heavily punished as in SMT3 for failing.

I like the vigilante angle to the story, and the fact you got to build multiple wins. Persona 4 was mostly rescuing people until the big plot, and Persona 3 also waited until the latter half to really give you a story more than "expect a boss at the full moon". You really feel the Phantom Thieves grow as a unit.

I liked that they tried to add different aspects to boss fights. With the exception of the Kamoshida boss, however, I was mostly neutral to them.

The fact that the big twist was not the nature of the villain, but the fact that the Phantom Thieves were in on it was a nice way to subvert expectations of those that played P3 and P4. It's a little hard to believe Ryuji and Ann would have gone with the plan without screwing it up, but I'll believe it for the story. Then they dropped the bomb that Igor was the villain, which was a great use of the voice actor change. The fact the previous VA meant they needed a new VA anyways, so the fact it was so inexplicably menacing was not as obvious a tell as it may have been. I love that Mona was not just a Shadow like Teddie.

The town has a lot of to do without feeling too overwhelming. There's a good balance in activities to build all your skills, and the fact that multiple Confidants require certain level Social Skills kept me on my toes to get them all up.

Mementos was also more fun than Tarturus as a random dungeon.

And of course, the soundtrack is one of my favourite video game soundtracks. Unsurprising, since the same can be said of P3 and P4.

Did I mention the UI? Everything in this game is just so stylish. How they made the menus look so good is beyond me.

Where It Fails

While I liked them thematically, having Gun as a separate command seemed kind of unnecessary. I rarely used them, and the ammo couldn't be replenished without leaving the dungeon.

As I mentioned, Futaba was a clear weak link among an otherwise great party. I just couldn't take her seriously among a party of otherwise well-portrayed characters. How was she the best hacker ever at her age? Even Makoto, the "smart one", was mostly just the one with more common sense instead of being genius-level like Naoto.

That said, kind of disappointed how much common sense the whole pre-Makoto crew lacked. They rag on Ryuji for talking about the Phantom Thieves, but they all choose a hideout as a hallway in a crowded subway station. I'm pretty sure a bunch of people accidentally found out they were the Phantom Thieves just by using the station.

Haru meanwhile does not get enough time to really get incorporated. This is made worse by her Confidant requiring maxed out Proficiency, the stat I put the least time into. So I unfortunately did not get to max her out. She also had a great set up to become a villain, and I'm mixed how I feel about her not going that route. I wish they had incorporated her better, or earlier.

I also feel Sae is far too cruel to get off as easily as she did. She threatened to take Futaba away from Sojiro! How is she considered a good guy?!

Also disappointed we have yet another Confidant locked behind fusing specific Persona. For this reason, I didn't get the Velvet Room relationships in P5 or P4.

Final failure; no route to play Female Joker! Come on man, let me date Ryuji! Or actually, make Ryuji and Ann hook up. They're cute together.

Final Thoughts

Persona 5 was well worth the wait. The developers put a lot of effort into building upon a wonderful series and making it even better. This game will go down as one of my top ten games ever, and is arguably my favourite Persona game.

[firebirdtransam68]

2019: “Both Sonic X And Transformers: Superlink Have A Lot In Common; They Share Similar Themes, And Even Have Some Of The Same Seiyuu!” 2020: “I Am Suspecting That Transformers: Superlink Have A Lot More In Common With Brave Police J-Decker...”

(Exactly this.)

When I first saw Transformers: Superlink (the original version of Transformers: Energon), I did see some similarities with Transformers: Micron Legend, since it IS a sequel.  

In 2019, when I saw it along with Sonic X, I noticed many similarities with the Sonic The Hedgehog anime and Superlink.  Some of the similarities include the Japanese voice actors (seiyuu); so far, there are three seiyuu who did voice work for both Sonic X and Transformers: Superlink:

- Nobutoshi Canna: Inferno, Lazerwave (Shockblast), Sixshot, and Unicron for Superlink; Knuckles The Echidna for Sonic X

- Koji Yusa: Ironhide/Irontread (Demolishor) and Wing Dagger/Wing Saber for Superlink; Shadow The Hedgehog for Sonic X

- Kenta Miyake: Landmine and Omega Supreme for Superlink; Vector The Crocodile for Sonic X

Superlink even had similar themes where it took place in space, much like the Metarex Saga of Sonic X did.  The scene when Knuckles and Shadow fought each other reminded me of when Lazerwave and Wing Saber fought (both Shadow (kind of) and Wing Saber won, and even their voices sound very similar if you pay close attention).  Another thing these two shows have in common is the main human character, who are both despised by English-speaking fans of the dubbed shows (Kicker Jones for Superlink (Energon) and Chris Thorndyke for Sonic X), because the dubs butchered their characters.

Many of these similarities (and many others that I will not list in this post, because there is so many) are why I really like these two shows even more, and why I will watch them again and again (as well as Micron Legend, which also shares many similarities with Sonic X).

And then came 2020.

That was when I finally decided to watch another giant robot anime show that I had not seen before (and am glad I did).  This show is Brave Police J-Decker, which is part of the Brave Saga.

Starting with the first episode, I was expecting a plot where Yuuta Tomonaga and BP-110 (Deckerd) meet for the first time; but when Yuuta mentioned to his sisters that he was about to see Deckerd, it gave me an impression that they ALREADY met before the show even began!  The episode then showed flashbacks of how they met.  Similarly, in the first episode of Superlink, I was given an impression that between Micron Legend and the beginning of the first episode, Kicker Jones already met the Transformers, and the episode showed flashbacks of how he and the Cybertronians met.

Also, the sound effect for when the Brave Police robots shut off their optics is the same sound effect for when the Transformers turn on their optics.  To cap it all off are some of the poses that the Transformers and the Brave robots performed after their transformations in their robots modes or when combined, and many of them are exactly the same!  What crossed my mind after seeing Brave Police J-Decker is that since this anime is a parody show, I wonder if Transformers: Superlink is a parody show, as well (making many references to the Brave Saga, including Brave Police J-Decker, among other Mecha anime shows).  There are also many similar themes of bravery, courage, determination, and declarations of protection in both anime shows, which I find awesomely appealing.

And speaking of seiyuu, I noticed that both Superlink and Brave Police J-Decker have at least three of the same seiyuu, as well; the most prominent example is Rodimus’ and McCrane’s seiyuu, Ryotaro Okiayu.  What is even more mindblowing is that Rodimus and McCrane almost look alike (minus their coloration and alt-modes, of course)!  (And SPEAKING of lookalikes (yes, I am still going on because I was suprised and slightly overwhelmed by these similarities), even Micron Legend Starscream (and, to a lesser extent, Superlink Nightscream) looks almost like Deckerd at many angles (yes, I know...); also, Ironhide looks a little bit like Dumpson at certain angles.  Hell, many Transformers look like the Brave Police if I pay close attention!)  Two other voice actors who shared the same works include Nobuo Tobita (who did Nightscream, Signal Flare, Springer, and Buildron in Superlink; and Nueva Fahrzeug in Brave Police J-Decker) and Jin Yamanoi (who did Shockwave/Shockfleet, Airglide, and Professor Jones in Superlink; and additional voices in Brave Police J-Decker).

I could go on and on, but even this post would be overwhelmed by so much information, many of which are lesser-known or overlooked.  Although, I believe it would be useful for fans of Transformers, Sonic The Hedgehog, and the Brave Saga; or even seiyuu fans who are here for, well, you know...

To summarize, one time I though Sonic X and Transformers: Superlink (and Micron Legend) are very similar (even though I still do, but not as much as I used to, anymore), and then I noticed Transformers: Superlink (and Micron Legend, as well) and Brave Police J-Decker have a lot more in common with each other.

My overall reaction to having noticed these similarities:

Had I not saw Brave Police J-Decker, I would not have realized that Transformers: Superlink and Transformers: Micron Legend have many references with the Brave anime show I now really like a lot; and I would still think Superlink has a lot more in common with Sonic X.

Anyways, I am planning to rewatch Brave Police J-Decker at some point in the future, and watching it side-by-side with Transformers: Superlink, just to verify that they are similar and to catch if I have missed other similarities.  But for now, I will continue browsing for more content that I like.

This is FirebirdTransAm68 signing out.

[firebirdtransam68]

30 Sonic Questions

1. Why did you become interested in Sonic?

2. How did you hear about Sonic?

3. How long have you been a Sonic fan?

4. Favourite male character(s)?

5. Favourite female character(s)?

6. Favourite game(s)?

7. Favourite vocal theme(s)?

8. How much merchandise do you have, if any?

9. How many Sonic games do you own?

10. Got any clothing or apparel?

11. AoSTH, Satam or Sonic X?

12. Archie or Fleetway?

13. Favourite Sonic form? Pick one.

14. Classic, Dreamcast or Modern? Pick one.

15. Favourite Sonic level(s)?

16. Favourite Sonic soundtrack(s)?

17. Favourite Sonic music track(s)?

18. Got any remixes you like?

19. What do you contribute to the fandom? (art, writing, edits, videos)

20. Do you closely follow Sonic related news?

21. Been to Sonic Boom?

22. Been to Summer of Sonic?

23. Got any fan characters?

24. Any artists you admire?

25. Favourite voice actor for Sonic?

26. Favourite official art style?

27. What do you like about the fandom?

28. What do you like about Sonic? (the character)

29. Met any Sonic friends through the fandom?

30. Excited for Sonic's next birthday?

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This ask meme has been reblogged by @xsailormobian, who had the meme in text format (I changed the formatting, but I credited the user who reblogged this post).  And, since I had not found a decent Sonic ask meme as of now, I will take pleasure into answering all 30 questions.

I will answer as much as I can, since I have answered questions relating to Transformers; and since I am a fan of both Transformers and Sonic, I might as well answer this ask meme.  

Here it goes:

1. “Why did you become interested in Sonic?” - Besides the fact the franchise is based on extraterrestrials, have many different characters with many different complex traits, and contain an anti-hero, the Sonic The Hedgehog franchise shares a lot of things in common with the Transformers franchise (extraterrestrials, different characters, voice actors/seiyuu, styles, etc.), despite the former being set in the 1990′s and the latter in the 1980′s.  I took more interest when I realized Sonic X was an anime (characters speaking English, or throwing in English, comes to mind).  I took even more interest when a particular character has the same seiyuu as a few Transformers I really liked (hint: the character is a hedgehog).

2. “How did you hear about Sonic?” - When I was at a movie store a long time ago (I was around 5 or 6), I came across a character with spikey quills and a signature smile with a pose (it was on a wall in a children’s watch room).  I first heard of the name when an elementary school student was talking about it when playing a computer game featuring the blue hedgehog.  I wasn’t too much of a fan until much later.

3. “How long have you been a Sonic fan?” - Almost a year; I recently became a fan after Transformers.

4. “Favourite male character(s)?” - Sonic The Hedgehog, Shadow The Hedgehog, Silver The Hedgehog, Knuckles The Echidna, Jet The Hawk, Scourge The Hedgehog, Team Chaotix, and Mephiles The Dark (but mostly Sonic, Shadow, and Silver).

5. “Favourite female character(s)?” - Amy Rose, Rouge The Bat, Katella The Huntress, Wave The Swallow, and Sally Acorn (to an extent).

6. “Favourite game(s)?” - Shadow The Hedgehog (2005), Sonic The Hedgehog (2006), Sonic The Hedgehog (1991), Sonic Riders (2005), Sonic Adventure 1 and 2, and any fan game where a character and zone can be created (Sonic Forces is influential, even though I never played the game).

7. “Favourite vocal theme(s)?” - Many, but I took interest with Crush 40′s “Live And Learn” from Sonic Adventure 2.

8. “How much merchandise do you have, if any?” - None.  My cousin, on the other hand, has the games, toys, shows, and books (but not all, of course; though, I wish).

9. “How many Sonic games do you own?” - None; my cousin has the games; that is why I come visit his house.

10. “Got any clothing or apparel?” - Nothing related to Sonic; my clothes have regular (non-pop cultural) styles, or are just simply plain.

11. “AoSTH, Satam or Sonic X?” - Sonic X; with English subtitles; unedited.  Animation and some sound effects remind me more of Transformers: Micron Legend.  Also, Sonic’s English was awesome and funny (depending on how he throws in English).

12. “Archie or Fleetway?” - None of the above; not even IDW.  I don’t read comics as much.

13. “Favourite Sonic form? Pick one.” - Many, but since I have to pick one, I will go with Super Sonic.

14. “Classic, Dreamcast or Modern? Pick one.” - As much as I appreciate Classic, I will go with Modern.

15. “Favourite Sonic level(s)?” - Many; I can’t name just one.

16. “Favourite Sonic soundtrack(s)?” - 1991-1997, Adventure 1 and 2, Shadow The Hedgehog (2005), Sonic 06, Sonic X (Yoshihiro Ike, NOT 4Kids), Sonic OVA, and, to some extent, Sonic Forces.

17. “Favourite Sonic music track(s)?” - I don’t have one.

18. “Got any remixes you like?” - Do 1980′s remixes count?

19. “What do you contribute to the fandom? (art, writing, edits, videos)” - All of the above; fan media included.

20. “Do you closely follow Sonic related news?” - Not as much; I am not particularly into new trends; just what I like (whether old, new, or underrated).

21. “Been to Sonic Boom?” - No.  Next question, please.

22. “Been to Summer of Sonic?” - No; I never heard of it until now…

23. “Got any fan characters?” - Many, but not online.  One of them is Stella Stripes (female; Alignment: Good), the other is Silhouette The Hedgehog (female; Alignment: Evil), and I have a couple on DeviantArt (all female).  I also got many male fan characters (including a falcon whose Alignment is Neutral), as well as fan characters with different genders rather than male or female.

24. “Any artists you admire?” - Many, but mostly the official creators; also the creators of Sonic X.

25. “Favourite voice actor for Sonic?” - My favorite Japanese voice actor is Jun’ichi Kanemaru; I really admire the fact that this seiyuu speaks both Japanese and English, since he was also an English teacher at one point, and I really like Sonic’s quirkiness and fun-loving personality.  My favorite English voice actor is Jason Griffith; it was the first English-speaking voice I heard, and he nearly captured Sonic’s personality nicely.  My least favorite is Roger Craig Smith, since to me, he sounded off, and a little too old; and the creators drastically changed Sonic’s personality as a result, just like how they changed Shadow’s personality since 2010 or 2014.

26. “Favourite official art style?” - Sonic X (similar to Transformers: Micron Legend/Armada), Modern CGI renders, the 2005 game versions, Sonic OVA, and the classic styles.

27. “What do you like about the fandom?” - Extraterrestrials, many different characters, many opportunities to ship, has an anime I really like, seiyuu, and had female villains (Katella The Huntress came to mind; Merlina is a little weak, in my opinion); also, the fandom is very open to fan characters and fan media.

28. “What do you like about Sonic? (the character)” - Fast, confident, knows how to fight, is friendly, is quirky, throws in English here and there (Sonic X), and never gives up.

29. “Met any Sonic friends through the fandom?” - Some, but I don’t exactly remember their names.

30. “Excited for Sonic's next birthday?” - I am actually more excited about a crossover with Transformers (which this is hardly talked about), but I acknowledge Sonic had a birthday (although, to me, he will always be 15 years of age).

There should be more ask memes like this.  In fact, I am for adding many different ask memes for many different fandoms, including Sonic, Transformers, and Spore (there should be at least one Spore ask meme, since I cannot find any).

Well, that is all I will be saying for now.  Stay tuned for more posts (I am thinking of doing reviews for certain episodes of Transformers: Micron Legend and/or Superlink when I have the time).

This is FirebirdTransAm68 signing out.