Video Game Review: Super Mario Galaxy 2

Super Mario Galaxy 2

Nintendo

Rated E

It’s not hard to imagine that when a franchise has been around as long as Mario has, the amount of hype and anticipation that can be generated by the release of a new game in the series. Following hot on the heels of the critically acclaimed New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Super Mario Galaxy 2 once again pits the heroic plumber against his nemesis Bowser, still supersized from the last game, this time taking their feud to the deepest reaches of space.

When one thinks of Mario, a couple things come to mind. First is the commitment on display by Nintendo to put out the best possible game they can for their proverbial star. The other would have to be the amount of creativity and variety packed into every grand adventure. By now it’s a given that Mario is the king of console games.

Last year’s New Super Mario Bros. Wii was a prime example of what a Mario game should be; a fun throwback to what makes video games so enjoyable. However, to many hardcore gamers, that was all it amounted to, a throwback. While the game increased focus was on the use of the wii-mote, aside from the updated graphics, many could say that they had been there, done that. For their next installment, Nintendo decided to go about a different route, instead giving gamers a sequel to the vastly different Super Mario Galaxy.

Super Mario Galaxy was a departure from the typical Mario game in that, it revamped the entire franchise from the ground up. Gone was the side scrolling adventure, as the familiar confines of the Mushroom Kingdom gave way to an entire Galaxy for Mario to explore. Gamers were treated to free-roaming 3D environments that still retained the distinct style that made Mario unique. Needless to say, even the most jaded of gamers was forced to stand up and take notice.

The game opens with Mushroom Kingdom once again under siege by Bowser, who also once again, kidnaps the Princess. From there, players are blasted into the galaxy, where they are introduced to the new control scheme, using the wii-mote and the nunchuk to guide Mario through each level. The controls are vastly different from those in New Super Mario Bros. Wii and are most likely going to catch a few people by surprise. While they’re easy enough to master, one can’t help but prefer the former’s controls.

Visually, it should come as no surprise that this game is stunning. The landscapes are picturesque and a wonder to behold. The 3D landscape is certainly a step above the usual 2D world Mario has been known to inhabit. At the very least, one can say this is the best looking Mario game in the series storied history.

The inclusion of Yoshi also brings new powers that can take a minute to get used to. Mario himself also receives new power-ups to assist him on his quest. Naturally, these are reflected by the environment to which he is exploring. Of course, Yoshi retains his usual abilities to hover in the air and tongue lash opponents, though this time the player must aim the wii-mote at his target. Levels requiring Yoshi are scattered throughout but for the most part, Mario takes on certain galaxies unassisted.

For players struggling to complete levels, there are a number a number of aids available. If you find yourself dying too many times, Rosalina, a character introduced in the original Super Mario Galaxy, will offer to play through the level for you. The downside is that the star you are required to collect is downgraded from gold to bronze. Players can also invite their friends to join in as Luigi if co-op makes for a more enjoyable experience.

Ultimately, Super Mario Galaxy 2 stands as a testament to what makes the franchise great. Every year, more and more titles are released, challenging Mario for the crown of gaming, and Nintendo manages to step up to the challenge every time. Super Mario Galaxy 2 exceeds all expectations, flawlessly incorporating the new controls of the wii with fantastic environments that will wow even the most experienced of gamers. The Mario franchise is the most well known and universally recognized. There is so much to explore that gamers will find themselves losing track of time for weeks on end. Consider this title among the franchise’s best.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 - A

DVD Review: Kenichi: the Mightiest Disciple season 2 part 2

Kenichi: the Mightiest Disciple Season 2 Part 2

(Funimation, 290 minutes)

http://www.funimation.com/kenichi/

Kenichi: the Mightiest Disciple isn’t a show that will wow audiences with its animation, nor will it stand out above the rest for having a deep involving story. Even so, what the series lacks in depth, it more than makes up for in fun martial arts combat.

Kenichi: the Mightiest Disciple first landed on the scene as a manga in 2002 spawning 38 volumes and counting. The series eventually made the leap into animation where it enjoyed a run of 50 episodes. Since then, the series about a young man wanting to learn martial arts to protect the girl he loves has arrived here in the States courtesy of Funimation, with two seasons and four releases under its belt.

The show stars the title character, Kenichi Shirahama, who wants to become a master of the martial arts to protect his crush Miu, who is a formidable fighter in her own right. The lengths Kenichi is willing to go to get the girl are pretty hysterical and usually result in him taking a beating.

Over the course of the series, Kenichi has evolved from a wimp to a more than descent martial arts master, learning skills and tackling other elite masters. Eventually, he landed himself in the sights of the rival group known as Ragnarok, presenting new and deadly challenges for the young disciple. Pretty soon the action began dominating the plot, and continues to do so in this final release. Of course, as with the bulk of the series, there is plenty of training left to do and plenty of rivals still to conquer.

The primary arc flowing through the set is Kenichi’s upcoming showdown with his ultimate foe Ryuto, who was at one point his childhood friend. Ryuto is leader of Ragnarok and a powerful warrior in his own right. Over the years, he has grown into a darker person, developing a vendetta against Kenichi. When Kenichi engages him in final battle, he does so hoping to save his former friend.

The animation in Kenichi: the Mightiest Disciple isn’t anything to write home about. There isn’t anything wrong with it; it can only be considered average. The final release comes in a pair of slim disc cases with full frame aspect ratio. Each disc houses 6 episodes a piece, leaving little room for extras.

All in all, viewers who have stuck with Kenichi through the finale of his journey, this set is a must have. If you’re new to the series, this is definitely not where you want to begin. Though there is little plot development to be found, the abundance of action coupled with the emotional final battle is sure to provide solid entertainment.
Kenichi: the Mightiest Disciple season 2 part 2 - B

DVD Review: Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood part 1

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood part 1

(Funimation, 325 minutes)

http://www.fullmetalalchemist.com/

If you’re an anime fan, chances are you’ve already seen, read, or at the very least heard of Fullmetal Alchemist. Originally published as a manga written and drawn by Hiromu Arakawa, Fullmetal Alchemist tells the story of Edward and Alphonse Elric, two young alchemists who lost everything the night they decided to commit the greatest taboo in alchemy, bringing someone back to life. The series was adapted into back in 2003 and met with critical success for its deeply moving character drama and overly dark story. The only problem was that it strayed away from the original manga’s story, developing a new one in its place leaving purists calling foul.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is Studio Bones answer to those wanting to see an anime that more closely reflected the source material. Not to be mistaken for a sequel, Brotherhood instead retells the series from the beginning, adhering to much tighter story that leaves little room for divergence from what Arakawa originally intended.

Unfortunately, this means that the early episodes of the first series were bound to get reanimated. To some this will probably feel like an unnecessary rehash. Others, i.e. those who are new to the franchise won’t mind considering everything is new to them.

Set during an earlier time period in a world similar to our own, Alchemy is the leading form of science, allowing the military to win wars and create new inventions to further the progress of the state. Edward and Alphonse are two gifted young alchemists who committed the ultimate forbidden act in alchemic practice when they attempted to bring their mother back from the dead. Because alchemy was founded on the principle that everything is based on equivalent exchange, Ed lost is arm and leg while Al was stripped of his body, binding his soul to a suit of armor.

Flash forward a few years later and the two now work for the military, with Edward as a state alchemist and Alphonse following him around central. Due to Ed’s young age, he is looked at as something of a prodigy, gaining him the respect of other state alchemists. Together the two use the resources granted to them by the state to hunt for the legendary Philosopher’s Stone, the key to restoring their bodies. As the show carries on, the two encounter a host of villains wanting to use the stone and the alchemists hunting it for their own purposes, namely the Homunculi.

Knowing the importance and anticipation behind this series, Funimation really stepped up to the plate to make this a worthwhile release. Rather than releasing the series in single disc format like the company did with the 2003 original, fans are treated to 13 episodes housed on two discs. In comparison to the previous release, that’s three times the amount of episodes. In addition, two audio commentaries featuring various members of the English voice cast can be found, one on each disc. Both are lively and somewhat informative as those new to the cast explain their takes on the role that was previously acted by someone else. Also included is the standard textless opening and closing as well as trailers for upcoming releases.

From top to bottom, the presentation of the show is superb. Studio Bones really went out of their way to make sure this was the definitive take on Fullmetal Alchemist. Not only does the animation show signs of improvement, the series received a stunning widescreen transfer that also helps put it a notch above it’s predecessor.

If there is one flaw to this set, it’s that it is basically a repeat of what has come before. While its almost guaranteed that the rest of the series will be different, those who have seen the original will come out of this with a sense of déjà vu. It also doesn’t help that because the animators knew they would have to animate the same story again, they opted to move through it as quickly as possible, creating pacing issues, though as stated before, new comers will be hard pressed to notice.

Fullmetal Alchemist is a gem of a series and truth be told, Brotherhood is as well. While there are minor gripes to be found, the quality of the set more than makes up for them. Regardless of whether you enjoyed the previous series or are a staunch supporter of the source material, this is the definitive Fullmetal Alchemist that everyone has been waiting for.

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood part 1 - A-

Fruits Basket Banquet

Fruits Basket: Banquet

Story and Art:Natsuki Takaya

Rating: Teen

Created by Natsuki Takaya, Fruits Basket has since gone on to become one of the most popular manga titles in the world, running for 23 volumes before making the transition to anime. In America alone, the series has enjoyed success as the #1 selling shojo title. For fans who are unfamiliar with the series seeking to find out the reasons behind its popularity, Banquet provides an excellent primer.

Fruits Baskets is the story of Tohru Honda, a recently orphaned high school student who lives with the Sohma family in exchange cooking, cleaning, and general housekeeping. Over time she develops a friendship with her landlords and discovers that they are not what they appear. As it turns out, the Sohmas are possessed by the animal spirits of the zodiac, cursed to transform into said animal when hugged by a member of the opposite sex.

Fruits Basket: Banquet is akin to a supplemental book, featuring extra content that no fan would want to be without. Included are full color illustrations, interviews, commentaries, and games. There is much more content to be found between the covers that is sure to please fans though to detail it all would be exhaustive.

Casual fans will probably find minimal value in Banquet, diehards on the other hand, who can’t get enough of Takaya’s unique world and are still hungry for more are sure to find themselves attracted to this release.

Fruits Basket Banquet - B

DVD Review: Dragon Ball Season 4

Dragon Ball Season 4

(Funimation, 720 minutes)

http://www.funimation.com/dragonball/

When people think of anime, three series usually come to mind; Pokemon, Sailor Moon, and Dragon Ball, the latter of which being considered the most iconic. The series has achieved an unparalleled level of popularity that it has become standard viewing for anime fans, casual and hardcore alike. The series has certainly left its imprint on the US with countless releases that span from the original Dragon Ball to its predecessor Dragon Ball Z to the controversial and ill liked Dragon Ball GT. Twenty years later and the show about a little alien boy named Goku, originally sent to conquer the Earth only to become its greatest protector, is only now being released in complete season sets.

The previous box set gave us a the final moments of Goku’s struggle against the “Red Ribbon Army”, a militaristic organization bent on global conquest, as well as his battles against numerous supernatural foes as per the challenge of a fortune teller named Baba. From there, Goku and company once again entered into the “World Martial Arts Tournament” where they discovered new and powerful foes waiting to challenge them. Season 4 picks up in the middle of the tournament as Goku is forced to confront his toughest opponent yet, the three-eyed Tien shinhan.

When the two finally meet in the center of the stage, an explosive battle erupts that over shadows everything that has come before, as both combatants try out new techniques and out maneuver one another to gain the advantage. While one of the fighters comes up short, the tournament leads directly into the next arc where the story really starts to get going.

When the others discover Krillin murdered, they are shocked to find out that it was at the hands of King Piccolo, a demon king that ravaged the Earth several years prior, having now been freed once more. His goal is to collect the Dragon Balls in order to regain his youth, sending his demon minions after the strongest martial artists who might one day challenge him. Of course this puts him in direct conflict with Goku, setting the stage for several battles with his followers.

From a quality standpoint, the fourth season is far and away the superior grouping of episodes. From the story to the action, everything screams epic. It also helps that Funimation has gone back and digitally restored the series, supplying fans with a pleasing transfer.

Extras are once again minimal, sporting a marathon play feature that allows the viewer to watch the entire series as a whole, eliminating opening and closing credits. There is also a nifty booklet that gives us character bios and episode summaries.

If you’re already a fan of Dragon Ball then you know this set is essential viewing. At over thirty episodes a set, Funimation is really giving the fans a bargain, making it easier than ever to discover the magic of Akira Toriyama’s classic series.

Dragon Ball Season 4 - A