#this was good quality & airships are incredible but I mostly enjoyed this to find out that the pilot who Amundsen spends 100 pages of

[fullcolorfright]

The Airship Norge's Flight Over the Arctic Ocean (1926, cinematography by Paul Berge, Norwegian)

[coderealizeheadcanons]

Code: Realize Episode 1 Review

Hello, everyone, this is Mod Cheshire! So as you know, Mod S and I will be reviewing every episode of the Code: Realize Anime, as a way to stimulate the fandom and, hopefully, interact with our lovely followers! The format will be pretty simple: we’ll talk about our likes and our dislikes for each episode as well as our expectations for the next episode. These reviews will probably be pretty long, so they’ll all have a “Keep reading” break.

That being said, let’s begin!

Mod S

Going into the first episode of this anime, I was quite hesitant. It's common knowledge that Otome game anime are usually not up to par with the source material; I had this same fear with Code: Realize. The difference between C:R and most otome anime that came before is that the story of C:R is incredibly dense and full of important nuances that would be sorely missed if forgotten. Rushing through too much of the story of C:R would not behoove the anime itself. And while we have a while yet to wait and see where this anime will take us, I'm more hopeful than I was going into it. 

The first thing that's worthy of my praise is certainly the animation quality. While it's not the most amazing I've seen (I would have wept tears of joy if A-1 Pictures or ufotable had picked up C:R), it's certainly not bad. It's smooth, there wasn't too many awkward faces or movements, and the character models are mostly to my satisfaction. Particularly Lupin's, Cardia's and Victor's. Also, I think they animators did a great job capturing the unique movements of the characters (Cardia's hesitance, Lupin's grace and Impey's silliness).  So far, I give the animations my seal of approval. 

Naturally, the cast is absolutely on point. While the first episode shows only a few of the characters, I look forward to the gradual introductions as they take place. I have full confidence that the cast will reprise their roles with aplomb. I'd like to particularly praise Yuki Kaji's excellent English pronunciation, Showtaro Morikubo's amazing ability to showcase multiple emotions in 30 seconds, and Saori Hayami's terrific grasp of Cardia's character. Admittedly, I was unsure if Saori Hayami could pull off Cardia, but I am much more confident in her acting chops now. She's also got my seal of approval. 

As for the pacing: this one is hard for me to judge. While my gut instinct is that they were moving far too quickly, I'm not saying this as an outsider looking in. I'm saying it as someone who had previously played C:R and remembered the majority of the scenes they happened. Animating every single scene from the visual novel is just impossible to expect (an otome game anime with that kind of budget? you're more likely to see a live unicorn). Will they have more than 12 or 13 episodes though... 

However, I think that the staff made the right choices picking which scenes were important and which ones could be avoided. Most of the scenes that were cut were not crucial to C:R's plot, just added slightly more depth to the beginning of the game. The scenes that were taken out also were related to the choices that the player could make, which certainly means that the story's main focus does not revolve around them. Overall, I'd say I'd approve of this more than I disapprove. 

Lastly, I'd like to praise the staff for doing something I felt like the game did not adequately do: give us detailed insight into Lupin's character. I'm not saying that Lupin was necessarily a bad character in the game, but the majority of his route is focused on Cardia, Finis and Isaac Beckford. Therefore, Lupin's development is rushed in comparison to the rest of the characters. It makes Lupin feel like kind of a Gary Stu, and even a Manic Pixie Dream Boy at times (which oh my god you NEVER see those). 

Yet the one scene where they subtly show that Lupin identifies with Cardia lets me know exactly how it was Lupin fell for her. He found a kindred spirit. I can only hope the fandisc also goes into that as well. Thank you, Code: Realize anime, for giving Lupin the character development I so desperately wanted him to have in just one scene. I hope that this means that there will be more to come for him. 

Now I’ll focus on my concerns: 

Some of this is my own personal opinion, so take it for what you will. I do love the animation in the anime, but I felt like the opening sequence could have been animated a bit better. The scene where Van is jumping from the bomb in the airship race was a bit awkward, and I was sorely disappointed in the animations for his shotguns. Surely it was to save money so that the best animations could go into the anime itself, but it made me feel a bit scared for what kind of budget cuts we're going to see in the future.

 I'm hoping the actual scene itself is well executed, but I have no idea what's coming from this point onward. Hopefully, the animation will stay on par with today's episode, but anything can happen I suppose. 

So now let's talk about what changed. From between Lupin's rescue of Cardia and Cardia arriving at Saint Germain's mansion, there were major differences. Cardia waking up in the car with both Impey and Lupin instead of in the field with Lupin, not having to sneak into London, how they discovered Victor's wanted poster, Victor's introduction as a whole, and the switching of the scene where Cardia exposed her chest to Lupin. Personally, I think it would have been a little silly to not expect things to change, and most of the scenes they trimmed in the first episode don't bother me much. Some I enjoyed, like having the show open with Finis singing London Bridge instead of Impey. 

With the exception of Victor's introduction. I really would have liked to see him interact with Cardia the same way that he did in the visual novel. I think it would have been a better showcasing of Cardia's poison skin than having her be briefly attacked by wolves. That first scene with Victor was just amazing and I'm disappointed they cut it. 

I'm also wary of how they plan to introduce Saint Germain, but I'm hoping that they'll be able to keep some of the mysteriousness of his first interaction with Cardia. 

The ending sequence made me hopeful for some of the most fantastic moments in the game, such as the airship race and the backstories of the characters actually being discussed. I'm a bit wary because I'm uncertain if they will keep the train heist, Victor's showdown with Queen Victoria and how Finis reveals he is also a homunculus. 

Lastly, the pacing of the episode gives me a sinking feeling that the anime is likely to only be 12 or 13 episodes. This really breaks my heart because Code: Realize has such depth to its plot that I really don't think 12 episodes can't do it justice without some major cuts. They are likely to just expand Lupin's route and go into the character's more there. How they will be able to cram all of Saint Germain, Victor, and Van's backstories into 12 or 13 episodes alongside Lupin's route is beyond me. 

In Conclusion: 

I think that the first episode was actually very well done. They managed to include much of the opening in the game without changing too many significant things, save for Victor's introduction. The animation is quite good in comparison to some otome anime that I have seen. I love that the anime is exploring sides of Lupin's character that we missed out in the visual novel too. As for the cast, they're all terrific; I am much more comfortable with Saori Hayami voicing Cardia than I was before. She's doing terrific. 

Despite this, I'm wary of what kind of animation cuts there will be based on the opening sequence. I'm not really afraid they'll change too much, I'm afraid they are going to cut some stuff that I really liked in the visual novel. Victor's introduction is already an example of that. I'm hoping the things that are cut aren't too major, but if there's only going to be 12 or 13 episodes, I just don't think that'll be enough. I give the first episode my seal of approval; I'm hopeful, but we'll have to see how the next episode goes!

Mod Cheshire

I pretty feel entirely the same as Mod S with a few changes here and there. 

I LOVED that opening scene with Finis singing London Bridge (LIKE HOLY SHIT YUKI KAJI HAS AMAZING ENGLISH). It definitely was a tease for viewers who had played the game to see all the CG’s and several other characters in the background of the turning gears. 

I love the animation so far, though the opening sequence (specifically Van’s parts) seem a bit janky. Hopefully, it’ll be like Mod S says and it’s just to make sure they have a full budget for the actual show itself. So far I really enjoy seeing the characters in their casual outfits! Impey’s still allergic to his left sleeve, Victor’s still Too Pure™, and Lupin likes striped shirts (who knew). 

Speaking of the opening seqeunce, I LOVE the song. It’s amazing and I can’t wait until I find a full version~!

The first episode has also sold me on Lupin entirely. I didn’t really like him in the game. I actually would have preferred Saint-G to have been the golden route, not Lupin. Like Mod S said, they focused way too much on Cardia, Finis, and Isaac during his route, leaving very little room to actually develop the romance between Cardia and Lupin in a believable way. Seeing Lupin so animated pretty much proves a theory I’ve had for a long time: Arsene Lupin is a True Anime Boy™.

I also really enjoy how they trimmed off the fat from the game and condensed to be plot orientated. I actually think it works really well and will allow for them to show off the plot. I actually read a comment that said “I can’t believe they cut out Victor’s intro! Having him already be a part of the group ruins his character!” Well...no. If anything it adds to Lupin and Impey’s character. They willingly brought a “terrorist” into their group to help them out. Plus, taking out Victor’s introduction, again, allows the show to focus on the plot. 

ALSO, THEY TOTALLY SHOW US WHAT ISAAC BECKFORD ACTUALLY LOOKS LIKE AND HOW DARE HE LOOK LIKE AN OLDER VAN. I WANT TO HATE THE MAN NOT BE ATTRACTED TO HIM.

Ahem.

Now, for my dislikes.

Personally, I don’t really enjoy Cardia’s voice actress. I really dislike how Cardia almost sounds like she’s whispering the whole time, and almost sounds like she's a robot. In my head, Cardia definitely sounded insecure but made sure her voice was heard. I just strongly dislike voices that are like “I’m so....shy....and....insecure....”

I also....kinda have an issue with Saint-G’s animation. I’ve only seen concept art (as well as the PV’s) and he just looks really weird to me. I’m hoping that he looks better and not super weird. Van also looks kinda weird too. His animations in the opening are jagged and awkward. Like...why is he on horseback? Why can’t animators draw people riding horses in a way that doesn’t look awkward? Also, why does Impey look so depressed in the opening!? That’s so unlike him!

Anyway, that’s pretty much it. The show looks promising so far, and I’m hoping that they can add in enough from the separate routes while still focusing on the main plot in 12 episodes. I’m also hopeful that Cardia’s voice will go from weak and wistful to strong and confident. 

All in all, I’m really looking forward to the next episode!

[ashvsevilded-blog]

My Time At Portia Review

I last played this game in February of 2018. At that time of the game's development, I had stopped after playing 18 hours because I felt that I had run out of things to do and the game had become boring. So now, three months later, I'm diving back in to see what kind of progress had been made on the game. Now keep in mind, this game is still in Early Access, so some things are not finished and bugs may be present.

I continue my game, loading into Day 6, Month 3, of Year 1. There are four months out of the year, each with its own corresponding season. There are thirty days in each month, though honestly I feel as though there should be more months. Time goes by very quickly in this game, a minute in game is less than a second in real life. I constantly found myself running out of hours in the day, and so much was wasted just running across the map (you can unlock a somewhat fast travel through the use of little bus stations later though, but to be perfectly honest, I hardly use them).

So the premise of the game is that you've inherited your estranged Pa's neglected workshop ala Harvest Moon, and you must return it to its former glory by crafting items you have been commissioned to build.

The first thing I notice is that the clothing has been updated. When I had last played, I was wearing place-holder clothing. The new clothes look very nice and stylish.

Overall, the game is very bright and vibrant with so many interesting things to look at. The lore of the game is also interesting, with old skyscrapers in the background. Visually, the game is gorgeous.

((This is Higgins, the owner of the competing workshop. He’s insufferable. My grandmother had a Persian cat named Higgins, and both are equally bad tempered))

The game is mostly voice acted, though the voice acting, in my opinion, is of low caliber. The sound balancing is off, and some people's voices will be much louder, or more static-y, than others. And then some just don't have voices at all. Also, I noticed that different voice actors pronounce “Portia” differently from each other. That lack of attention to such an important detail like your town's name is off-putting. Other sounds in the game are very... weird. The slashing noise from swinging your sword is just so off and low quality. The game music is good, but it gets repetitive. The battle music I absolutely cannot stand, but that's more of a personal preference than a quality issue.

The character models are all varied, and they do not shy away from old, fat, young, pretty, ugly, and everything in between. You can get married to nearly every single character in the game, regardless of gender, though I personally have not gotten that far. Building relationships with other characters is a huge gift grind. The dialogue in this game is also HUGELY repetitive. You'll be hearing the exact same lines over, and over again.

((My future husbando, eventually... After three months, we’ve become associates, which is just the level above Strangers T_T))

The skill tree in this game is actually a very good addition, and you can really feel the extra benefits each perk gives you. I think that aspect is extremely well done. You can get perks in crafting, battle, or social and I think that helps with however you want to play the game.

There is a barber you can unlock, though right now there really aren't a whole lot of hairstyles. Overall, I was pleased with the character customization when you start the game.

You can also decorate your house with quite a few furniture that you can purchase or find in the dungeons.

Speaking of dungeons, there is one that currently has about 5 levels. You need to go into the dungeons, which are basically the ruins of the old technological society. You have to farm the dungeons to get things like silicon chips, small engines, and other things that you need to craft for commissions. Honestly, I'm not a fan of the dungeons. The combat is really boring, and while some of the floor designs are interesting, they repeat so you're really doing the exact same thing over and over. Its a decent way to make Gol, the money in the game, but I personally do not find it very interesting. There's also ruins that don't have any monsters, where you just dig in the ground to try and find materials, but its less likely that you'll find exactly what you need.

So I'm going to go ahead and wrap this up with my final thoughts.

Pros:

Gorgeous visuals

The lore is absolutely amazing

You can marry almost anyone, so long as they're single, and you are not bound to opposite sex relationships

There are town events (one where airships dropped presents that you had to race against the NPC's to gather, it was very fun and different!)

You can decorate your house and there is good character customization

Crafting is fun and feels very worthwhile

Game is updated regularly, and I feel like the developers really care about their game. There's a passion within the game that just shows you they've really put their love into it.

Cons:

Voice acting is... not good

Combat is incredibly boring and has terrible sound effects

The game in general is pretty boring, you do a lot of progress, but you don't see a lot of results

You're expected to build rather difficult things very quickly in the main quest line, that require ingredients from upgraded crafting stations so there is a pretty steep grind right away

Early Access, so still pretty buggy and unfinished

Became bored after less than 20 hours of gameplay, and at its $19.99 price, its not really worth it in my opinion.

If you're looking for a farming game, this isn't it. While you can farm, its basically worthless, so don't look to this game as a replacement for Stardew Valley or Harvest Moon.

Overall, I give this game a 6/10, where its an okay game but I'd really only recommend it to long-time fans of Harvest Moon, Story of Seasons, Stardew Valley and they want something similar. I'm excited about the future of the game, and how it will continue to evolve. Some updates that are coming in the future are achievements, riding wild animals, and a gun weapon to use, so that there is also ranged combat. I think these are fantastic additions, and I will definitely be back to playing the game when that update rolls out, if only to ride the colored llamas.

If you have any questions, or you'd like me to clarify anything, please feel free to ask! I hope you enjoyed this review!