Lowcountry Anime and Gaming

Special Occasion Review- Cherry Tree High Comedy Club

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 20:15:00 +0000

This is a Special Occasion Review. The game discussed below will be available for release on Friday, April 27th. I, as a representative of Lowcountry Anime and Gaming, was given the honor of playing a review copy. Please consider supporting the release by purchasing the game for $7.99 at http://cherrytreehigh.com/.

Developed by 773 (Nanami)

Produced by Hizume

Published jointly by Capcom USA and Nyu Media

In Cherry Tree High Comedy Club, the player assumes the persona of Miley Verisse, a high school student with big dreams. Miley desires to start a comedy club at her school, but has to recruit more members. Time managment and a careful attention to detail will help you meet your objective.

The dialogue is well written, with allusions to pop culture that will make gamers smile. Non-linear gameplay also frees players to go about completeing the game in any way they want. This, and the chance to get to know whichever characters the player chooses, makes for high replayability. In my personal time with the game, a playthrough in one sitting, I failed to meet the objective but came very close. I plan to replay the game to get a better ending. In my speculation, there may be more than one "good" ending. I can't wait to find out if I am correct.

The only small complaint I have is this: controls are not explained in the exposition of the game. The Enter button serves as the OK button, and the Escape key serves as the Cancel button. Move the character left or right by pushing the respective arrow key. Hold down the Enter button while moving to make Miley run. The graphics, as far as a two dimensional side-scroller is concerned, are vivid and the character design is very well done.

There are also two great lines, "quoteables", if you will, my favorite one of which I will share and the other I will leave you to find--"Laughter is a privilege that only humans have. Giving up on laughing is like giving up on being human." An unexpectedly deep quote from a lighthearted, enjoyable adventure that will please gamers of all ages. If you are looking for a game of unique type, a sort of mix of puzzle and strategy, look no further. Cherry Tree High Comedy Club will have you laughing and thinking; occasionally, at the same time. I'd recommend this title to any gamer that wants a laugh and a challenge.

The Classics Part IV- Kiki's Delivery Service

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 20:00:00 +0000

Original Story by Eiko Kadono

Screenplay by Hayao Miyazaki

Music by Joe Hisaishi

Produced and Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

This movie, in classic Miyazaki fashion, presents gorgeous visuals and wonderful story telling. A young witch named Kiki decides to leave home, as she has come of age. The story explores her new life, with friendship ringing true as a theme. The story seems almost "calmer" when compared to that of "Spirited Away", but has faster pacing than the recent Studio Ghibli film "The Secret World of Arriety". The occasional laugh from one character provides comic relief, a nice addition to the story. I recommend Kiki's Delivery Service for all ages; anyone, even those who don't consider themselves otaku, will enjoy the this unique feature.

Review-Azumanga Daioh: The Animation, Volume One

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Based on the manga by Kiyohiku Azuma

Directed by Hiroshi Nishikiori

Animation Production by J.C. Staff

Music by Masaki Kurihara

Azumanga Daioh: The Animation is a hilarious anime, maybe best suited for younger viewers. The first volume consists of episodes one through five. Friendships between students and teachers are highlighted, and different aspects of high school are shown. I personally enjoyed this title, though I must admit that I was previously acquainted with the manga. Given the choice between the two, I would pick the manga, simply because reading and laughing out loud seems, at least to me personally, a more memorable experience. The similarities between the manga and the anime are readily apparent, with a few minor exceptions, such as an explanation of one character's nickname, found in the anime but not the manga. Those who enjoy Happy Lesson, another anime set mainly at a school, will enjoy Azumanga Daioh: The Animation. The only otaku who would possibly not enjoy this title might be hardcore action fans. I recommend Azumanga Daioh: The Animation Volume One for any otaku looking for a laugh-out-loud, well done anime.

Subbed or Dubbed: Review of April's Anime of the Month

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:50:00 +0000

This month's anime is Chobits, the first four episodes.

Manga written by CLAMP

Directed by Morio Asaka

This anime contains brief adult content.

In this anime, we meet Hideki Motosua, a young man moving into the city of Tokyo from the country. Born and raised on a farm, he is a little uncomfortable in the city when the series begins.

I will not talk more about the plot out of fear of ruining a good series for those who haven't seen it. I would reccommend this series for those who enjoy titles like Happy Lesson, Trouble Chocolate, or maybe even Azumanga Daioh. While Chobits is obviously not an action title, the humor and the intriguing question that is basically the issue of the series will keep most, if not all, audiences entertained. I certainly enjoyed watching this title.

Subbed or Dubbed: Review of March's Anime of the Month

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 02:20:00 +0000

This month's featured selection is the first four episodes of the anime Fairy Tail.

Directed by: Shinji Ishihara

Written by: Masashi Sogo

Music by: Yasaharu Takanashi

This month's selection, in my opinion, was the most enjoyable anime shown by Lowcountry Anime and Gaming since I began attending the Funimation Night at the Movies. Fairy Tail is a fresh, original twist on classic subject matter: magic and wizardry. Being previously familiar with this title, in all fairness, may make my opinion a little bit biased, but seeing the second, third and fourth episodes honestly was a "first time treat". The humor of the series is great, adding a tasteful touch and making the anime that much more enjoyable. Fairy Tail is unique in every sense of the word, an anime that should be a staple for any otaku. Do not miss the chance to see this one.

Subbed or Dubbed: Review of February's Anime of the Month

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:55:00 +0000

This month's movie is YuYu Hakusho: Ghost Files.

Directed by: Noriyuki Abe

Produced by: Ken Hagino

Script written by: Yukiyoshi Ohashi

Music by: Yusuke Honma

Distributed by: Studio Pierrot, Anime Works, and Funimation Entertainment

I thoroughly enjoyed this month's anime movie. YuYu Hakusho: Ghost Files opens with a dynamic fight scene, introducing the others with a bang. For those familiar with the series, Yusuke and Kuwabara are called again to right a wrong in the underworld. This title features plenty of action, with a bit of a twist at the end. Otaku who appreciate Dragon Ball Z will enjoy this selection. The final battle does not dissapoint, with great action and attention to detail. A cute scene featuring chibis near the end of the movie is adorable and memorable. The only complaint that I would have concerning this movie is that, while it is of sufficient length to fit the story, I would like a longer YuYu Hakusho movie. If you have the chance to watch this title, you will not be dissapointed, but will find an action-packed, humorous movie that you might like to watch again.

Hotel Review- Megacon 2012

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:25:00 +0000

This year for Megacon we stayed at the La Quinta Inn and Suites In Orlando FL. I have never been disappointed by this hotel, this time was no different. As always the room was really nice and clean and the location was great. Only a mile and a half from the con, we could of walked and been ok. This year we took the trolly which was right down from the hotel, so it saved us money on parking and the walk down. The staff at this hotel was great and so was the breakfast, bannana nut muffins nuff said, lol. The only thing I will say that put a bad mark on this hotel review is that I will never be able to walk the stairs there and not think about being scared out my head. I give this hotel 9 Pocky out of 10! If you are staying in Orlando by the convention center and want a nice hotel for a good price, this is the hotel for you. Till next time- Have a great time at your next convention!

Subbed or Dubbed: Review of January's Anime of the Month

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:40:00 +0000

This month's movie is Dragon Ball Z: Cooler's Revenge.

Directed by Mitsuo Hashimoto

Produced by Chiaki Imada and Rikizo Kayano

Story Written by Akira Toriyama

Screenplay Written by Takao Koyama

Music by Shunsuke Kikuchi

In watching this movie, I was pleased to remember different scenes and came to the realization that I had indeed watched it before. I, however, was not bored or turned off but was glad to watch it again. Anyone familiar with the iconic series would be pleased with the plot of this story, as it directly connects with the end of the Freiza saga. Further, the opening lends to important background scenes, explaining previous history. The opening is also later connected to the ending of the movie, making for a satisfying conclusion and also a good way to keep the viewer's attention down to the last moment. The visuals, in classic Toriyama style, are unique and well done. All of the regular main characters, with the exception of Vegeta, are featured in this film. The climax of the movie is a battle between the title character and Goku, showing how powerful both really are (without creating spoilers). While I thoroughly enjoyed watching this one, those who do not consider themsleves otaku or first timers to the series might have a harder time getting into this production.

The Classics Part III- Magic Knight Rayearth

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:40:00 +0000

Story and Art by CLAMP (Satsuki Igarashi, Mokona, Tsubaki Nekoi, and Nanase Ohkawa)

Having previously read this title, and seen a few episodes of the anime, I was enthusiastic to revisit this story. I was in the target audience (shojo, females aged about eight to fifteen) the first time I read this manga, and came to love the characters. In my opinion, the three elements that make or break a manga are: characters, story, and art. The characters each have different personalities, making the dialogue unique and sometimes leading to humorous exchanges. The story is a parallel universe fantasy, structurally sound and well-paced. The artwork is exquisite, with detail and a freshness that is rarely seen. I would never forgive myself if I spoiled the ending of this first volume--I will not even describe it generally. The only negative comment I have to make is some readers may find certain parts too "sugary"; this can be seen at the end of some of the bigger battles. This title may not be a favorite with the hardcore action-type fans, but if you grew up in the nineties, appreciate all things sorcery and swords, or are looking for a good crossover title, I'd suggest Magic Knight Rayearth Volume One wholeheartedly.

Review- Appleseed Ex Machina

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:15:00 +0000

Rated PG-13 for Action/Violence and Brief Strong Language (beware, an f bomb is dropped)

Produced by John Woo

Original Comic Author Shiro Masamune (Seishinsha)

Directed by Shinji Aramaki

Original Score by Tetsuya Takahashi

I was not familiar with this anime before watching this movie. The long and short of it is that I would now like to be. Stunning three dimesional visuals and good pacing, mixed with a healthy dose of action, make this movie more than just entertaining, but also touching and memorable. There are a few scenes that will touch the viewer's heart; more than guns and armor make this movie fantastic. The cheeky humor between battle scenes will also make you smile. A solid story with good plot development and a satisfying ending make this a staple for any true otaku. Watch this movie if you ever get the chance; it is not to be missed.