Basquash! Amazing, yet subtle

I am loving Basquash! a lot right now. It’s actually one of my top Spring anime that I’m legitimately following closely. Despite the obvious Nike advertising, similar to Code Geass’s less-than-subtle Pizza Hut advertising/sponsoring, Basquash does it in a way that doesn’t make you say “Oh it’s a walking Nike ad”. Personally, the integration doesn’t seem nearly as awkward as C.C. having a string of cheese connecting her mouth to the pizza.

Seriously though, if you aren’t watching Basquash! you are missing out on some of the better carefully scripted plotlines and character development that have hit the scene within 2009. This compliments the series perfectly for an anime about basketball-wielding, hoop-de mechs playing a most uncouth (but highly entertaining), anything-goes mixture of dodgeball and rugby with a basketball hoop. Most certainly one of the more shockingly quality 2D/3D animated series that probably isn’t getting much attention from the fandom, but should be.

For the record, I don’t even follow sports.

FFVII Remake: Killing Us Softly?

Chances are, you’ve either seen, heard, or experienced the epic adventure that is Final Fantasy VII. And those of you who have probably also heard about the FFVII PS3 graphics engine demo test that quickly sparked a desire in all of us (yes, even you) for a FFVII remake on the PS3. However, the dreams of such an occurrence were dashed…until I read Kotaku’s recent article about FFVII’s director pondering a FFVII remake. Kotaku closes this article with a good point:

With the remake-happy way Square Enix is going these days, you can bet there’s eventually going to be a FFVII. Reassuring to know that Kitase wants to do it in-house with the original team.

We’ve already seen a few old-school FF remakes, and Square Enix seems to be enjoying their Kingdom Hearts high. Why do you think this is? Because we are now seeing a similar trend that I brought up in my New Slayers Season: Should We Care? article. What we now have are loads of old-school gamers wanting an FF remake, while new-school tweens are pining for more Kingdom Hearts. What I love to see is that not all old-school gamers see the need for a “timeless” classic to be stripped of its vintage value as expressed by a user comment made in Kotaku’s article:

…Why do people want or need a remake so bad? Final Fantasy VII was an excellent JRPG, which is now timeless enough to still be played and enjoyed today even by younger audiences who’ve never even been old enough to play FFVII back in 1997. The game’s popularity is already beyond question, yet people still aren’t satisfied? I’m sorry, but I’ll take some new titles over something I’ve played ten years ago with prettier graphics. The World Ends With you is a beginning sign of Square-Enix trying to be the creative Squaresoft of old again; let’s not take another step backwards.

Am I the only one seeing a slighted contradiction between the last two sentences? Here’s a prime example of a conflicting issue that might reside in many old-school players who long for the Squaresoft days, and yet see no need for the past to be reborn. My [hard] question to you is this:

Do you think Square Enix would become a crowd-pleaser by creating a FFVII remake, or would they really be regressing by remaking an already groundbreaking game?

I look forward to at least one constructive reply, though that might be asking a tad too much. ^_^

Warui Review: Motteke! Sailor Fuku Re-mix 001

Single by: Aya Hirano, Emiri Katou, Kaori Fukuhara, and Aya Endo
Released: August 8, 2007
Format: Maxi
Genre: Single
Label: Lantis

Track listing

1. “Motteke! Sailor Fuku” [Chōshi Koite Gyokusai Mix] (もってけ！セーラーふく【調子こいて玉砕ミックス】, Motteke! Sērā Fuku [Chōshi Koite Gyokusai Mikkusu])

2. “Motteke! Sailor Fuku” [Metabo Taisaku Mix] (もってけ！セーラーふく【メタボ対策Mix】, Motteke! Sērā Fuku [Metabo Taisaku Mix])

3. “Motteke! Sailor Fuku” [Nako no Hito on the floor mix] (もってけ！セーラーふく【中の人on the floor mix】, Motteke! Sērā Fuku [Naka no Hito on the floor mix])

4. “Motteke! Sailor Fuku” [-Undakada~Kyō no Yabō-] (もってけ！セーラーふく【-うんだかだ～教の野望-】, Motteke! Sērā Fuku [-Undakada~Kyō no Yabō-])

5. “Motteke! Sailor Fuku” [Glucosa Mix] (もってけ！セーラーふく【グルコサミっくす】, Motteke! Sērā Fuku [Gurukosa Mikkusu])

6. “Motteke! Sailor Fuku” [Matsuri Mix!] (もってけ！セーラーふく【祭みっくす！】, Motteke! Sērā Fuku [Matsuri Mikkusu!])

7. “Motteke! Sailor Fuku” [Seishun orz Mix] (もってけ！セーラーふく【青春orzミックス】, Motteke! Sērā Fuku [Seishun orz Mikkusu])

This one has been out for a while, but this is a single that was long overdue for a sampling. The CD comes with seven unique remixes for almost every style of dance, electronica, video game music that has distinct appeal for music lovers and potentially those who just appreciate awesome remixes that get. And let me tell you, these remixes are made of pure win. Not to mention, the cover design begs to be given a listen. Those who were raving about the Lucky☆Star OP when the first episode was aired will WANT to add this CD to their collection.

The only drawback from purchasing a single like this is that you REALLY have to like the Lucky☆Star OP as is. Without that appreciation for high-pitched seiyuu-driven songs, casual listeners, no matter how much they like J-pop, are sure to threaten to slit your throat if you don’t turn it off. Also, Minoru Shiraishi makes another appearance that adds a bit of extra fun to an already upbeat song that’s sure to make you smile. If you don’t like him, then just stay away from it. It’s still good. Personally, if I were into making step charts for DDR/ITG simulators, I would make them immediately for most, if not all, of the songs on this single. Perfect for any anime dance party when not played back-to-back, this is a Lucky☆Star fan’s music dream that is worth the investment.

For a sample (and my favorite of the songs), see the linked song in the track listing. It made me laugh out loud for being such an unexpected, yet sweet remix.

Rating (of 5): ☆☆☆☆

Thanks to Wikipedia for track listing.