Shoujo-tachi wa Kouya wo Mezasu Anime Review

Shoujo-tachi wa Kouya wo Mezasu 
Information:
Other Names: "Girls Beyond the Wasteland", "The girls who aim for the wildlands", "Girls beyond the youth KOYA" & " 少女たちは荒野を目指す".
Studio: Project No.9
Writer: Yuniko Ayana
Director: Takuya Satō
Music: Tsuyoshi Watanabe, GoKoY
Type:TV Series, Visual Novel Adaptation
Length: 24 min per episode approx. 12 Episodes
Genres: School
Rating: PG - 13
Air Dates: 7th January 2016 - 24th March 2016
Alternate Recommendations: "D-Frag" & "Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata".

Synopsis:
Buntarou Hojo is a high school student who has a talent for writing, but no real direction in life or any plans for the future. His classmate, Sayuki Kuroda notices his talent, decides to help him find a way to use it properly by enlisting him in her bishoujo game development group.

When Buntarou is cornered in the men's bathroom at school by Sayuki, he is surprised when he is asked out on what he thinks is a date, and even further surprised when he finds out that it's not a date, but a job interview. Reluctantly agreeing, the two start recruiting other members for their team but will they learn more about game creation, or life itself along the way?
(Source: MAL(myanimelist.com)).


Review:

How hard is it too make a game? It a relaxing time or tedious chore? Does Shoujo Tachi produce and show this well to its audience. Yes sometimes but it leans more towards a harem series than anything.

I found that as this show plot slowly unfolded that it became closer to a harem series, rather than I show to do with creating games or even the romance show it tries to set itself up as (that goes no-where by the way). This was mainly due to the way the show is set up, with the show’s run time being broken down into separate arcs that focus on each character’s problems (even though the characters chosen are girls) being fixed by the main character (MC) Buntarou, a high-school script writer. This type of writing I felt could have fit the show well, as it focuses on each character stress regarding making their game and could have shown realistic ways solutions for them, however this does not happen, instead we get our MC going up to each girl, and telling them loosely “it’ll be alright” which then works and the show continues with no changes except they now have feelings for the MC. I feel like this could have been avoided had this not been a high-school setting or based on a visual novel, as it will eventually fall to troupes used in each media listed before, bringing down the show as a whole and running its potential.

But I felt what really let this show down was its characters as they are the main driving force behind this series but for the wrong reasons, as their personalities as a whole can be dumbed down to simple troupes and clichés present in many other shows, and add nothing new to set them apart. First there are only two male main characters: Buntarou, Houjou our main character is nothing but a boring template of most staple main characters in many anime, with no redeeming quirks at all, being totally forgetful. The other way is character is Atomu, Kai the “comic relief?”, well at least I think that what he is supposed to be, I’m not really sure. If he is that really bad comic relief as his comedy is based around the amount of times he’s been dumped and his then hate of relationships/love, which fell flat if those were jokes.  

As for the girls there are four in total composing the main cast, with Kuroda being only one I can remember by name but that because she is main female character as well as the “one with no emotions”.  The others I barely remember, which says a lot for its character designs doesn't it, but they can be summed up as “the hyper one, the quiet one and the one who like BL (Boy’s Love)” in a nut shell. As they have no development that helped me define them as character aside from liking the main character for no reason, which doesn't count.

The only redeeming factors I found about the show where it’s satisfactory but okay ending. And entertaining opening song and animation, that I felt was the only reason I kept coming back which cannot be said of its ending song that felt highly bland and its animation and art that felt average at best, just likes it soundtrack that added nothing to the scenes as well. Plus there also Hosokawa the best character this show has to offer having a fun personality and it overall entertaining the watch. 

In conclusion, I can’t recommend to anyone really as it’s not even entertaining, even to those who want something dumb to watch, it can’t even provide this. So my only conclusion is that you said stay away from this one, unless you have nothing else to watch. 

Final Scores: 

Story/Setting: 6.1

Characters: 5.4

Art/Animation: 5.3

Sound: 5.2

Final Verdict: 5.4/10 (Average)

Phantasy Star Online 2 The Animation Anime Review

Phantasy Star Online 2 The Animation
Information:
Other Names: PSO2 The Animation, ファンタシースターオンライン２　ジ　アニメーション.
Studio: Telecom Animation Film
Writer: Mitsutaka Hirota
Director: Keiichiro Kawaguchi
Music: Takashi Ohmama
Type: TV Series, Game Adaptation 
Length: 12 Episodes, 24 min per episode approx
Genres: Sci-Fi
Rating: PG-13
Air Dates: 8th January 2016 - 25th March 2016 
Alternate Recommendations: "Netoge no Yome wa Onnanoko ja Nai to Omotta?" & "Gunslinger Stratos: The Animation". 
(Source: MAL & Wikipedia)

Synopsis:
TV anime adaptation of the online RPG game Phantasy Star Online 2. It will feature an original story that takes place on Earth in the near future. (Source: MAL)

Review:

What usually happens when games are given anime adaptations? Most get set in the world that the game takes place and will try to turn that game’s story into the anime’s plot. Phantasy Star Online 2 (PSO2) does not do this instead it goes for a Slice of Life approach, where characters play a game, that game being PSO2 and then try to link the two worlds together. But does this work? Yes and no.

The first thing that will probably interest you with this anime is its story & setting which take an interesting turn from the usual way this adaptations are handled. The setting is primarily set in high school, because you know if it’s not set in a fantasy world where else could it possibly be set, and follows the story of Itsuki Tachibana a teenage high schooler who is forced into the student council in order to play PSO2 for them, to promote that it doesn't cause bad behaviour/grades. For the reasons he is chosen, it is never explained but moving on eventually he becomes okay at the game after too many episodes, gets better at the game and gains a friend. 

Later he meets a Aika Suzuki the mysterious transfer student who takes PSO2 too seriously and behaves as if it was real. From here onwards the “real” story begins, with an interesting idea but overall becomes a generic Shounen action series that could have become much more than it was, feeling more like an advertisement for the game, rather than a TV series. Not to mention the ending sequence which was just boring, similar to the romance sub-plot element within the plot, that ultimately goes nowhere after twelve episodes of build-up.

But wait it doesn't end there because you know what important in any Television Series: Characters. Guess what, it doesn't really have any characters, well at least not any good ones save for a handful. Starting with the main cast, there is main character Itsuki, mentioned above, our generic male lead who is both dense and really good at the game PSO2, despite being a beginner, sound familiar it should do. Next is the two female leads, first Rina the main love interest and student council president-senpai, and then finally there is Suzuki, the mystery student for exhibits very little emotion, yes you have seen this all before.

The supporting characters are more promising, have a greater range of personalities though some exceed more than others, even going through some development that the main cast surely lacked. As for designs of the characters, there real world appearances were nothing special, having a very boring look to them, however their designs that set in the game are much appreciated with a wide range of looks and designs that make them all look more unique, with exception of Itsuki who still looks as boring in the game as he does in real life.

Following on from this the art is nothing to outstanding being very plain and simple, while the animation is decent is fight scenes and normal interactions, however the monsters (darkers) are done in 3D and oh man, do they look bad like really bad, to the point where it gets distracting as the  show progresses.

On a final note the soundtrack is nothing special, and is too be expected of the type of show it is with no tracks that stood out to me, which can also be said for the opening. However I found ending song to be catchy and fun to watch, especially with the fun animation that goes alongside it.

In conclusion, this was a decent attempt on a different type of game adaptation but it still fell flat on its back with all the rest. I can only recommend this too people who want a decent little show that can be fun if you switch off your brain.

Final Scores:
Setting/Story: 6.5
Characters: 6.3
Art/Animation: 5.2
Sound: 6.2

Final Verdict: 5.9/10 (Average)

Tabi Machi Late Show Anime Review

Tabi Machi Late Show
Information:
Other Names: 旅街レイトショー
Studio: CoMix Wave Films
Writer: Yuu Numata
Director: Yuu Numata
Music: Shingo Nishimura
Type: Short TV Series, Original
Length: 4 Episodes, 7 minities per episodes approx.
Genres: Drama
Rating: PG
Air Dates: 8th January 2016 - 29th January 2016
Alternate Recommendations:"Byousoku 5 Centimeter" & "Hotarubi no Mori e"

Synopsis:
Tabi Machi Late Show will have a theme of "goodbyes and journeys."

Review:

Is letting go of someone really that hard or is it an agonizing situation that can tear about your relationships? Well thanks to the series we find out, it’s neither; just a heart-warming emotional ride that tugs at your heart strings.

One of the first things you’ll notice just after you load up the first episode is the, art style which uses a simpler appearance that feels not, only refreshing but also has a more realistic look in the features department like normal shaped eyes and body proportions, which I felt allowed me to connect with characters more effectively, making the overall tone of the anime have a greater effect on myself, plus some amazing looking background art as well.

However, the animation is also something you’ll notice right off the bat as it can look a little unwelcoming being very simple with very little moment, which will I know it’s on purpose it can throw a lot of people off as looking poor in quality.

Though I felt that this can be forgiven thanks to the rest of the show’s overbearing positives, with one such point being the amazing soundtrack used through-out the series, as it really makes each episode feel just right, cool smooth ambience, making myself feel warmer as I watched; not to mention a great opening song that gets you ready for the touching show. Not only that but as said before, this series very heart-warming with each episode containing loveable stories that handle the series’ theme of “Letting Go” incredibly well, with just the good amount of variety in each episode, making each story feel unique and original.  

Take this and some well wrote characters with realistic but fun designs and you’ll get a show that I felt was really worth watching, even if it a little on the short side. I recommend you watch this if you’re looking for a quick relaxing series, that easy and fun to watch. 

Final Scores:
Setting/Story: 7.4
Characters: 7.2
Art/Animation : 6.9
Soundtrack: 7.8

Final Verdict: 7.4/10

Sushi Police Anime Review

Sushi Police
Information:
Other Names: SUSHI POLICE（スシポリス）
Studio: KOO-KI
Writer: ?
Director: Tatsushi Momen
Music: ?
Type: Short TV Series, Orginal
Length: 3 min per episode approx.
Genres: Comedy, Police
Rating: PG-13
Air Dates: 7th January 2016 - 31st March 2016
Recommendations: "Ninja Slayer From Animation" &  "Ojisan to Marshmallow".

Synopsis:
With the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games around the corner, there's also a worldwide sushi boom!
But what to do with all the bastardized sushi out there?
The Japanese government's urgent response is to team up with other ruling powers around the world to establish the World Food-culture Conservation Organization (WFCO) to protect and promote authentic local cuisine. And so the WFCO deploys its 9th Division to oversee Japanese cuisine abroad. The 9th Division, a.k.a. Sushi Police, is notorious for their aggressive conduct and they hassle anyone serving unauthentic Japanese food in the U.S., Russia, France, China, etc. They will resort to any means necessary to eliminate bad sushi. Soon they are despised by restaurant proprietors around the world. (Source: MAL)

Review:

Sushi police can only be described as a mistake?
Why because it shows how you take any interesting premise and then butcher it over and over again until nothing is left but a poor excuse for a short television series.

The premise being that the world has taken a great interest in Japanese sushi, deciding to take it into their own cultures and make it their own, unfortunately though the sushi police are quick to find them out for breaking away from traditional Japanese sushi and subsequently shut down the restaurant they investigate and shoot everyone with wasbi guns; sounds simple and funny right. The show would have been fine if it was just this, but instead KOO-KI studio decided it would be best to add a story into the show and over complicate it turning it into a very cheesy, boring and cringy series, full of attempted character development, terrible sushi related puns/jokes and rushed pacing that is all over the place; that ultimately ends on a poor ending that doesn't even end probably nor satisfactory.

Though one of its saving graces is its character design, in particular the main characters, who look like very typical Japanese even to a stereotypical degree which I found made them memorable in their own way; which I felt lacking from the rest of the cast who while looking unique where easily forgettable, though none of their personalities I found memorable being easily described as boring. The art itself however was a nice change, having a very quirky style that made it less totureless to watch, which cannot be said for the animation; because this was 3D animation, not a very popular style in anime viewers eyes, though I did find it okay, maybe just about decent but not any better.

Finally on a side note the soundtrack was nothing to get up in arms about, it was decent at best, with opening following a similar suit and the ending song being only a little better but not by much.

In conclusion, don’t watch this. It’s not worth it, there are better things out there you can watch. 

Final Scores:
Story/Setting: 4.3
Characters: 4.6
Art/Animation: 5.4
Sound: 5.1

Final Verdict: 4.7/10 (Bad)

Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut Anime Review

Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut
Information:
Other Names: Undefeated Bahamut Chronicle, 最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》. 
Studio: Lerche
Writer: Yuuko Kakihara
Director: Masaomi Ando
Music: Akito Matsuda
Type: TV Series, Light Novel Adaptation
Length: 12 Episodes, 24 min per episode approx. 
Genres: Action, Ecchi, Fantasy, Harem, Romance, School, Supernatural
Rating: PG-13
Air Dates: 11th January 2016 - 28th March 2016 
Alternate Recommendations: "IS: Infinite Stratos" & "Gakusen Toshi Asterisk".

Synopsis:
Lux, a former prince of an empire named Arcadia that was overthrown via a rebellion five years earlier. Lux accidentally trespasses in a female dormitory's bathing area, sees the kingdom's new princess Lisesharte naked, and incurs her wrath. Lisesharte then challenges Lux to a Drag-Ride duel. Drag-Rides are ancient armored mechanical weapons that have been excavated from ruins all around the world. Lux used to be called the strongest Drag-Knight, but now he's known as the "undefeated weakest" Drag-Knight because he will absolutely not attack in battle. After his duel with Lisesharte, Lux ends up attending the female-only academy that trains royals to be Drag-Knights. (Source: MAL)

Review:

Have you ever seen Infinite Stratos before? This is just like that but with a fantasy setting and worse, though even if you haven’t seen it, this show is still bad.

Let’s just start off with me saying this is one of the most cliché shows I have ever seen, since it has an extremely predictable storyline that doesn't even conclude, flat two dimensional characters and a unoriginal setting, like it just feels like tweaked versions of similar harem-ecchi shows. Starting with the setting as said before it’s just like Infinite Stratos, with the main character going to an all-girls high-school making him the only guy in town and resident harem king, though he can’t just be this as he truly overpowered winning ever fight he gets himself into, without any reason how except that “he is the main character” typical Shounen stuff and they fight using mecha exoskeletons in order to defeat the bad guys and monsters known as Abyss while exploring hidden dungeons around the world left by ancient civilization. (Steals from Magi as well)

If you haven’t seen at least some of those set ups, then good for you-you might actually enjoy this but for anyone else prepared to be bored  and disappointed though if you looked at the genres/tags you won’t have expected much to begin with. As said before the storyline is fairly predictable as it jumps though various arcs surrounding each main girl of the harem before reaching a final arc where the main villain is defeated and a harem ending, though as for the main villain there motive is never known as well as who they are, I wasn't even sure it was a women, it could have been a man as nothing is told about and they don’t really have a proper name that hints at their identity aside looking similar to the main character.

Speaking of characters, each designs looks like it was ripped out of every other anime, with main character Lux looking just like Bell (Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru noha Machigatteiru darouka) and all the girls looking like they were pulled from just about any harem anime made with their troupes to boot. Their personalities in general are poor with the main character being the “helper of all while not noticing the girls feeling with a dark past” and the harem cast being summed up as “the posh girl who never interacted with men, the mysterious one, the childhood friend, and the first one he met that will obviously be chosen if that conclusion was ever met” though there is no development what so ever during the show so this will never happen and if you count falling in love, for no reason by the way as development, well that just says it all. Not forgetting the random support characters and his little sister who have virtually no role aside from to add exposition because there totally not talking to you the viewer, no everyone else is just stupid.

The animation is no better as it is bland and boring to look at, with poor animation during fight, mediocre animations during normal scenes and terrible CGI (monsters and mechs) that made fight scenes boring and unexciting to watch. Which is not helped by the soundtrack, since it sounds boring with no interesting pieces to listen becoming overall forgettable by the end of the series. The only saving grace the show has is its opening song which is catchy, though the animation played during it is pointless, since it tells you nothing about the show except it’s a harem and there’s mechs in it. The ending on the other hand is nothing much to listen to and features no fun animations, just concept art with the credits slapped on next to it.

In conclusion just don’t watch it, there nothing here of value and it should just be swept under the rug and forgotten about. What, Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut never heard of it. 

Final scores: 

Story/Setting: 4.1

Characters: 3.9
Animation/Art: 4.6
Sound: 5.3

Final Verdict: 4.3/10 (Bad)

Ooyasan wa Shishunki! Anime Review

Ooyasan wa Shishunki!
Information:
Other Names: Ooya-san wa Shishunki!, Landlord is in Puberty!, 大家さんは思春期!
Studio: Seven Arcs Pictures
Writer: 
Director: Yuki Ogawa
Music: Arte Refact
Type: TV Series, Short Series, Manga ( 4 - Koma) Adaptation
Length: 3 minuties per episode approx.
Genres: Comedy, Slice of Life
Rating: PG-13
Air Dates: 10th January 2016 - 27th March 2016
Alternate Recommendations:  "Komori-san wa Kotowarenai!"

Synopsis:
The story follows a boy who has gained an independent life. After moving into his rented apartment, he meets his landlord. The landlord has the physique of a little girl, and she does the cooking and housework while attending middle school with her friends. (Source: MAL)

Likes: funny comedy, east to watch, fun characters

Dislikes: nothing happens, ok style and animation, ok soundtrack, the setting is forgotten quickly, no satisfying conclusion.

Super Short Review:

Have you ever wanted a middle school student as your landlord?
Well Maeda a young adult never wanted this but didn't regret it afterwards thanks to the fun shenanigans he gets into with his landlord (Chie) and neighbour Reiko, though when I say “shenanigans” it mainly revolves Chie growing up as a person while also recovering her childhood, since because of her work she can’t experience events children her age would do.  

The series as a whole is very light-hearted with some interesting themes, mentioned above, that well within each episode despite them being only 2 minutes long each. There is very little development due to this but there is some which came off as a surprise considering the nature of the show, though even with these themes the series is easy to watch and can be funny at times although this depends on your sense of humour.

However this is all the series has going for it, since absolutely nothing happens by the end of the series, with no ending that I felt was satisfactory and no second season in production, while the setting is completely forgotten. Plus even though characters are fun to watch, there design is poor and bland as they are easily forgettable; not to mention even the art style is quite boring despite have a cute look and animation is of average quality, though the soundtrack is okay with it mixing well into the scenes that take place, which also applies to the show’s opening as well.

In conclusion if you’re looking for a quick watch that doesn't require much though, this show is a great way to spend a good 20 minutes, however if your longing for something longer this show is not for you. 

Final Scores:

Setting/Story: 6.2

Characters: 5.2

Art/Animation: 5.1
Sound: 5.9

Final Verdict: 5.6/10 (Average)

Ojisan to Marshmallow Anime Review

Ojisan to Marshmallow
Information:
Other Names: おじさんとマシュマロ,  Oji-san to Marshmellow. 
Studio: Creators in Pack
Writer: Atsushi Oka
Director: Noriyoshi Sasaki
Music: Shusei
Type: Short TV Series, Manga Adaptation
Length: 5 min per episode approx.
Genres: Comedy, Slice of Life
Rating: PG-13
Air Dates: 8th January 2016 - 
Alternate Recommendations: "Sushi Police" & "Danna ga Nani wo Itteiru ka Wakaranai Ken".
Source: Wikipedia & MAL. 

Synopsis:
Never underestimate the power of marshmallows. Especially when it comes to igniting a passionate office romance with an older man! Ojisan to Marshmallow follows the efforts of office lady Iori Wakabayashi and her consistent efforts to lure her much older colleague Habahiro Hige into a romantic relationship. At 24, Wakabayashi is young and beautiful... and attracted to an old, overweight man? Her friends don't understand her preferences.

Hige's strong addiction to marshmallows is well known, and Wakabayashi does not hesitate to use them to her advantage, getting her and Hige into many compromising positions and situations. Unfortunately for Wakabayashi, Hige never seems to notice her many attempts at seduction. When will Hige finally notice her strong desire for romance? (Source: MAL)

Short Review:

Have you ever wondered if love can sprout between man & marshmallow? Yes you have, don’t lie! Well let me tell that dreams can come true, well at least for Hige (Main character) a middle aged man who just loves his marshmallows almost as if he worships their very existence.

Through this innocent and sweet story, you will learn to love marshmallows as well, almost as much as Wakana (main Heroine) loves Hige while laughing at the amusing situations that take place though are mainly due to misunderstanding which can get a bit repetitive if this was a full length series, however 3 – 4 minutes per episode, the show mangers to say light hearted all the way to its conclusion with a good soundtrack mixed in to scenes well however it sadly ends in a cliff-hanger with nothing resolved, although the ending song was nice touch which helps you wind-down after each episode.

Although I must praise the series on its characters as they are fun to watch and feel very human, mainly thanks to the age chosen for them. Yes, no annoying teenagers in high-school just some funny adults that feel like real people due to well wrote dialogue and great character design that mixes well with its different art style, setting it apart from other anime, though the animation is nothing to get excited about.

In conclusion watch this if you want something different or want a light-hearted show that’s fun to watch. Plus if you really like marshmallows watch this.

Final Scores:
Story/Setting: 6.8
Characters: 7.0
Art/Animation: 6.8
Sound: 7.2

Final Verdict: 7.0/10 (Good)