New Flavors: Queen's Blade ~Rurou no Senshi~

Every four years the competition that will decide who the next Queen shall commence. The strongest warrior will continue to rule the country according to tradition and expand it. They need not be human, intelligent or even of that country. The rules for the tournament are simple: murder is allowed. Any weapon can be chosen. The winner is decided when one of the participants flees or can't move anymore. Such event is broadcasted trough a crystal sphere by the court's magic teacher to all population to see and enjoy.

Quoted from: Anime News Network

If you look at the anime poster long enough, you might notice that there may be some fanservice involved. Well, you're right. Queen's Blade ~Rurou no Senshi~ is based from a fantasy book game by Hobby Japan. It's ecchi, so those who are not fans of fan service and loads of oppai should steer clear from this one. I've only discovered about the series because of the awesome figures that have been posted by Danny Choo -- which made me look into the series.

The setting is in some medieval kingdom -- which is a staple for this kind of plot. But the demons here are... let's just say more or less unique. But then again, this is an ecchi anime we are talking about.

Animation-wise, it's very good, and the plot can actually be great if worked on, and they have decked in star-studded seiyuus, including Hirano Aya, Tanaka Rie and Kitamura Eri to name a few. Although I must say that lacking a dolphin makes me not appreciate the excessive oppai, I'm willing to see a couple more episodes before deciding if I should drop it completely or not.

Queen's Blade ~Rurou no Senshi~ has started airing in Japan last April 02, 2009 and lasts for 12 episodes. I might post a review if I do decide to give the series a chance.

Special Parfait of the Week: The World Ends with You

Quoted from Wikipedia's The World Ends with You article:

The World Ends with You, released in Japan as It's a Wonderful World (すばらしきこのせかい Subarashiki Kono Sekai, literally "This Wonderful World"), is an action role-playing game developed by Square Enix's Kingdom Hearts team and Jupiter for the Nintendo DS handheld console. Set in the modern-day Shibuya shopping district of Tokyo, The World Ends with You features a distinctive art style inspired by Shibuya and its youth culture. Development was inspired by elements of Jupiter's previous game, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories. It was released in Japan in July 2007, and in PAL regions and North America in April 2008.

In the game, Neku Sakuraba and his allies are forced to participate in a game that will determine their fate. The battle system uses many of the unique features of the Nintendo DS, including combat that takes place on both screens, and attacks performed by certain motions on the touchscreen or by shouting into the microphone. Elements of Japanese youth culture, such as fashion, food, and cell phones, are key aspects of the missions.

The World Ends with You, a.k.a., TWEWY, is one of the most beloved games of Nintendo DS owners who follow Square-Enix games. It was very surprising that Square-Enix actually stepped out of their setting comfort zone where they usually have the setting in a fictional land, into a real location -- Japan's fashion and shopping district: Shibuya. As much as people poke fun at some of the elements in the game (i.e.: Emo lead character with gravity-defying hair, anal-retentive item customizations), Square-Enix and Jupiter pulled all the stops in story and gameplay which makes the game a gem in one's DS game collection.

The game fully utilizes the control of the touch screen, by letting players control Neku either by stylus or control pad (or the A,B,X,Y buttons for lefties). Battle happens in both screens, which can be confusing -- especially if you incorporate all of the battle elements in, but this makes the game most challenging.

Also, one feature I like most in the game is the Shutdown PP mode, where players can actually level up their pins when they turn off the game for a while -- this actually encourages players to rest from gaming -- something that is more often than not is forgotten by avid gamers.

Aside from the exceptional gameplay, the story, art and even music are just fantastic, and the incorporation of Shibuya landmarks and lifestyle is definitely a plus.

So, to Nintendo DS gamers who haven't bought this game yet, I absolutely recommend that you buy this game -- it's a very worthy addition to your NDS game collection.

Valkyria Chronicles - Episode 8

Indeed a Faldio-centric episode!!! Lots of Faldio moments! <3

I wouldn't mind being trapped if I am with Faldio!!!! Hahahahaha. I swear. Alone time with him is something that I would really really really really really have!!! I enjoyed watching this episode because I get to see different emotions of Faldio - happy, worried, hurt and smiling and all of the are all so cute!!!
Ok so moving on.....
Welkin is a really reliable guy. He may be shallow and kinda stupid at times but he has the intellect and the wisdom when things are in a pinch. He never gave up in saving Faldio and Alicia. His calm nature enabled him to think properly and not panic and caused more trouble and more problems for them.
I also admire the friendship of Faldio and Welkin. They are really the best of friends. Even if they have different personalities, they still click with each other. They complement each others' characters. Haayz, they are the perfect friends!!!
Next episode seems to have a plot transition. More Selveria and Maximillian? I only look forward to hearing Maximillian voice because it reminds me Zero. Haha.

Faldio Bonus!!!!!



It's a young Faldio!! Weeee~~ He looks so cute even before!!!! I so love him! :)

House Special of the Week: Golden Week

Koinobori or Carp streamers that Japanese hang up during the Children's Day, a holiday that falls during the Golden Week.

Hey all! It's my turn to post the house special of the week and I chose to feature the longest holiday in Japan, the Golden Week! Golden Week is special for me since May 5 is my birthday and coincidentally, it's also the Children's Day in Japan. Weee~~ I hope that someday I can visit Japan and celebrate my birthday there.

The Golden Week, also known as Ougata renkyuu or Ougon shuukan, refers to the long set of holidays people in Japan celebrate. It's like a long weekend here in the Philippines so Japanese are in a festive mood once Golden Week arrives. Many close their stores for around 10 days to around a week and many travel to different places, locally and abroad so tourist attractions are so hot during these special days. Also, airports and train stations in Japan are overflowing with people. It is hard to get reservations for accommodations and transportation during Golden Week.

So what are the holidays celebrated in the Golden Week?

• April 29 - this is the birthday of the former emperor Shouwa. This day is commonly referred to as Shouwa no Hi.
• May 3- Constitution Memorial Day or Kenpou Kinen Bi, to commemorate the day when their constitution took effect in the country last May 3, 1948.
  
• May 4- Greenery Day or Midori no Hi. A day meant to appreciate and love our mother nature.
  
• May 5- Children's Day or Kodomo no Hi. On this day, we pray for the healthy growth of children. Children's Day is also called tangono-sekku. It's Japanese boy's festival and is traditionally the day to celebrate and pray for the health of boys. Japanese families with boys hang up carp streamers or koinobori outside because carps are believed to symbolize successes in children's lives. Also, samurai dolls called gogatsu ningyo are displayed in their houses.

They say that if you plan to visit Japan as a tourist, then Golden Week is the right day to do that. And since the Golden Week for 2009 already passed, you can always visit Japan next year. Japan-guide.com already has a schedule for the 2010 celebration of the Golden Week:

In 2010, the Golden Week will consist of an isolated public holiday (April 29) and a 5-day weekend (May 1-5). Travel activity is anticipated to peak on May 1 with people leaving the large urban centers and on May 5 in the opposite direction. Heavy traffic can also be expected on April 29 and May 4.

Sources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Week_(Japan)
http://gojapan.about.com/cs/japaneseholidays/a/goldenweek.htm
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2282.html

Detective Conan - Episode 533

The Scar that Invokes the Past

With time almost running out we found her first love!
A scar case with surprise transition!

Picking up where episode 532 left, Ran, Conan and Mouri are inside their room talking about the butler also having a small scar on his back, which is around 15cm long. So having seen that the butler has a scar too, he is also suspected of being the serial killer that Superintendent Matsumoto injured a long time ago. Speaking of the serial killer, Mouri mentioned that the serial killer is a cautious person. Right after he was cut, he drove away in a vehicle. The police found the car but found no traces of blood or fingerprint, except that the front seat's cover was removed. Luminol tests also proove the point that there are no blood traces found in the car. Then, Shoudo-san entered the room inviting them for a midnight snack. Conan suddenly blurted out that their snack is sushi, which surprised Shoudo-san. Conan whispered something into Shoudo-san and that left Ran and Mouri puzzeled.
So on the dining room, everybody's eating their sushi and Conan invited the butler to eat with them. The butler sat down and started eating together with Ryuuhei-san and Banba-san. As Ryuuhei and Banba are arguing about the ingredients used in the sushi, Conan took this chance to shoot his tranquiler and he then started his deductions. Conan style this time was a psychological attack to identify the real boy in Shoudo-san's memory. And who was it?

It's the butler, Taisuke Houya!

Why? Here's reason why, according to Conan's deduction:

• The scar on his back is 15cm long. Scars don't grow as you grow too. As a young boy, he got a small body so he can only have scar that is small.
  
• Gari-kun is his nickname because of his love for ginger. Remember that his favorite foods are sushi and yakisoba with pickled ginger on top.
  
• When he was invited by Conan to eat, he didn't eat the sushi first, but went for the ginger first.
  
• Being an honest person, he would not take the prize money for himself.
  

It turns out, Shoudo-san already knew his real identity and only did the announcement on TV so that he will be forced to reveal himself. The sushi snack, washing Mouri's back and hiding the story about his love for ginger - all are clues so that Mouri (or Conan) can solve the mystery. Well, the case ended with Houya-san telling Shoudo his real identity.

Meanwhile.....

The police busted in so that they can capture the serial killer that they are looking for. After having a text message from Mouri (it was Conan for real) giving hint that the serial killer's wound is at the back based on these reason that:

• When somebody is injured, normally, he/she would cover it by hand.
  
• There are no blood traces on the car based on the luminiol test, suggesting that the blood stain is on the seat cover.

the police went inside to arrest Kusumoto Ryuuhei, the one with a scar on his back. But apparently, he only imitated the scar from the guy he met at the spa. The guy said that the scar is his act of courage against a police officer a long time ago. So having proove his innocence, Ryuuhei is now removed in the suspect list.
This serial killer has killed three people in the past. They are:

2o years ago
Tsuguharo Boukawa (50)
Doctor
Weapon: Sword from Boukawa residence


2 days later
Atsunori Mukita(42)
Touto University Associate Professor
Weapon: Japanese Sword

15 years ago
Susumu Nabei (34)
Lawyer
Weapon: Kitchen Knife

Aside from these three victims, the serial killer also killed a police officer, the one who taught Inspector Megure the basics of policemen. He was Superintendent Morimura. When he was about to die, he left the clue to Superintendent Matsumoto that the serial killer is whistling something - a song that's famous 20 years ago. Even up to now, Superintendent Matsumoto can't understand the meaning of those words.

The next day, Conan and the Shounen Tantei are on the way to school when they bumped into Takagi and Sato who are going lovey-dovey on the spa that they are investigating. Sato said that when they captured the serial killer, they will have a date on the spa!!! Then, the criminal psychologist Douji Hiramune (41) challenged the serial killer to kill him on a TV interview. Ayumi then said that this Hiramune lives in the same apartment as she is and that made the Shounen Tantei decide to play on Ayumi's house where they will meet a suspicious person whistling a melody.
What the song is and will be Hiramune be killed? Found out next episode! 534 will be posted real real real soon. :)

Naruto - Chapter 450

Chapter 450: The Joyful Village

A heartfelt reunion of Naruto and his friends. Meanwhile, Danzo as the next....???

"It was Jiraiya's apprentice that destroyed Konoha! The betrayal of our ally the sand, Orochimaru's attempt to destroy Konoha, and on top of it all, Uchiha Sasuke as a Nukenin - All of it is the result of the Third Hokage's naive views!" - Danzou

Naruto arrived back in Konoha and everybody else welcomed him with open arms. Meanwhile, Tsunade is still in a coma after over using her powers to protect Konoha, so the council of elders convened to decide who will take care of Konoha since Tsunade is now uncapable of fulfilling her role. Surprisingly, Danzo was declared as the 6th Hokage of Konoha and his plan will now move one step forward.

So after a very excruciating plot regarding Pain, a new plot is being introduced. Konoha is still in the midst of recovering from the destruction brought about by Pain and here comes Danzo, trying to take advantage of the opportunity in front of him. And who are the three guys who talks about falling in love with somebody in Konoha???!! They seem to be new characters....is this another plot or are they related to Danzo??? Hopefully, the next chapter will make things clearer.

Gaming Icon of the month: Hironobu Sakaguchi

Gaming icon of the Month:

Hironobu Sakaguchi

Our Gaming icon of the month is the great Hironobu Sakaguchi (坂口 博信 Sakaguchi Hironobu), creator of the famed Final Fantasy series by Square-Enix (previously Squaresoft).

Sakaguchi was born in Hitachi, Ibaraki, Japan. He went on to study electrical engineering after graduating high school, but dropped out mid-course in 1983.

After leaving the university, he became a part-time employee of Square, which was then just a newly formed branch of Denyusha Electric Company. When Square became an indepentdent company, he became a full time employee. Unfortunately, in the beginning the games that were produced by Square were unsuccessful. Sakaguchi then decided to create his final work in the game industry, with Square's remaining funds, and named it Final Fantasy. The game was released on December 1987 and became successful across Japan. This was the beginning of the great Final Fantasy franchise that gamers have known and loved until today.

After the success of the first Final Fantasy, more games were produced under Sakaguchi's supervision. In 1991, he was given the position of Executive Vice President. By 1995, he became President at Square USA, Inc.

In 2003, Sakaguchi resigned from Square -- which reduced Square's financial capital, and led to the merging of Square and Enix Corporation, which led to the creation of Square Enix. He then founded Mistwalker -- a game development studio, with the financial support of Microsoft Game Studios.

Here are some of the games that Sakaguchi has been credited with:

• Final Fantasy Series (From the first until FF X-2; Tactics; Tactics Advance)
• Parasite Eve (1 and 2)
• Chrono Trigger
• Xenogears
• Chocobo's Dungeon 2
• Kingdom Hearts

I am still amazed at how the origin of Final Fantasy was -- it was something that literally saved Square from its downfall, and right now it is the biggest franchise that Square-Enix has up to date. I think that Sakaguchi has been a great contributor to the gaming industry because of what he has started. I don't think that any final notes to Final Fantasy will be coming soon.

Credits:

Wikipedia

Celebrity of the Month: Horikita Maki

CELEBRITY OF THE MONTH:
Horikita Maki

Horikita Maki (Maki-maki, Homaki, Makinpo, Horikitty, Pori-chan) is a Japanese Actress born in Kiyose, Tokyo at October 6, 1988. She's working under Sweet Power agency and has received numerous awards in different fields.


She starred in various TV Shows like Atashinchi no Danshi, Innocent Love, Hanazakari no Kimitachi e SP, Hanazakari no Kimitachi e, Nobuta wo Produce, Kurosagi, Atsu Hime etc. She has also done movies like the Japan-South Korea Collaboration movie, One Missed Call with Kuroki Meisa and Jang Geun-suk, Tokyo Shounen, Kurosagi, Always - 3chome no Yuhi, Keitai Deka The Movie etc.

Currently, she has been chosen to be the female protagonist for the Hollywood-Japan collaboration film directed by Hans Canosa, an international director and a Japanese culture fanatic. Together with Kenichi Matsuyama (Death Note, L: Change the World, Nana, 1 Liter of Tears and Gokusen) and Yuya Tegoshi of the Jpop group NEWS, it will premier on Fall 2009.

For more information about her, check out her wikipedia pages (1)(2).

I really like her as an actress plus she's very very pretty. I knew her from One Missed Call but never really paid attention to her role that time. I started to know things about her when I saw her in HanaKimi. She's very talented and has pursued studies in Chuo University which is very admirable for a busy person like her. Her personality is something that you really can't hate. Check out her future projects and I'm sure you'll love her~! XD

Fullmetal Alchemist - Episode 9

Extreme Brotherly Love!!!

There are some things in life that will only be understood through words.

This is the episode where Ed and Al had their sibling fight, but even so, this episode is a as crack as it was before. Hahaha. There would always be moments where you will laugh because of random things that characters would do or would say. So for today's episode, laughing moments are courtesy of Hughes, Maria Ross and Havoc, who all had their own share of crack moments in the episode.

Brotherly love is extremely evident between Ed and Al. It's the fault of Barry the Chopper for suggesting such ideas to Al's young mind. But because Winry is there (to fix Ed's automail) to mend the damaged bond between the two of them, they were able to make up and recognize the love and relationship that they both share - with or without their own original bodies.

So now that our protagonists have already made up with each other, the next episode is one of my hatest episodes in the FMA storyline - Hughes' death! Nooooo x(