Chuck's Anime Shrine: Member News

X edge

2010-05-25T17:27:00.003-04:00

Cross Edge is a very unique game, I bought it about four months ago, tried playing it and after giving up on the controls I set it aside for the four moths I had it.

Not to long ago however (three days ago), while at a LAN party I decided to give this game and myself a second chance. So with a bit more understanding of the controls I was able to move forward in the game, quite a lot more then my 20 minutes spend the very first time I tried it.

It is a turn base RPG, that demands constant thinking and planning on your part to be able and survive the battles. Better yet you get to change your characters while in battle as long as you have enough AP to spend.

In all reality your moves, healing, shifting, and changes are all part of your AP without enough AP you can't do much of anything and have to end your turn. It is a very fun game, though I've only played enough to enter the second world it becomes quite addicting. You have your main characters York and Miku, and quite a variety of others from different RPGs like Etna and Dood from Disgaea.

The game story is also quite fun, Miku and York got sucked into a strange world in which souls are trapped. A small girl ask for their help (and other characters) to save the souls, so that she can send them back to their own world. Through the game as you save souls you'll receive forms for your characters, this 'forms' are actually different outfits that you can use to change the appearance of the females in the game.

The game is only for the PS3, so if you do have gone I suggest you get the demo or find a copy of the game. That is if you enjoy RPGs as much as I do. Either way this game is one of the few that have made it to my top list when it comes to games on the PS3 defiantly worth the try.

Those old manga from years on back

2010-05-08T15:19:00.000-04:00

Have you ever found yourself sitting in your study (or wherever you prefer to sit down an read) gazing at shelf upon shelf of manga from your early childhood? Have you ever paid any attention to the stacks and piles of graphic novels since you've put them back on the shelf after reading them? Do you pick them up once in a while to give them a quick read?

I know of conventions that now have a manga trading workshop. Would you part with a piece of your prized collection for some new reading material? Or perhaps a coveted rare find? Are you looking more to collect? Or are you looking for some entertainment?

With a single book reaching up to fourteen dollars in some cases, its nearly impossible for me to regularly buy manga the way I once used to. (No shame here, mommy and daddy bought it for me) This leaves me with the only option of selling my manga, or trading, to obtain new novels. The local library helps out once in a while, but the racks there are not that impressive for a hardcore otaku.

For me, manga was always a source of entertainment. I enjoy it more so than anime. Not having to devote yourself to watching a whole episode. I can meerly read chapter by chapter or the whole damn thing, whether for leisure, passing time, or when on the royal throne.

A lot of times I wish that manga would cost as much as it does in the land of the rising sun. A few bucks could net you the latest and greatest read. But this is just a broke otaku's dream.

Wii sensor bar? Just use Candles!

2010-04-21T23:11:00.002-04:00

Well, I just pulled out my old Wii. -snicker- Wii jokes never get old. Well, I was shocked to find that my sensor bar was missing. Well, I was desperate, and I came up with an ingenious solution. Candles! No, it is not a myth. Yes, it does work.

You see, the Wii sensor bar is not a sensor at all. It is an array of infrared LEDs. You know what else gives off infrared light? FIRE! Your Wiimote actually picks up the radiation, that is all the wiimote is!

So have fun with this little fact, you can use cheap fifty cent candles from Walmart in place of the Wii sensor bar. Just remember to use two, and place them about a foot apart from each other.

Not to mention, it makes game time very romantic for you gamers in love :3

Manga on the iPad?

2010-04-21T19:39:00.001-04:00

One of the iPad's revolutionary new features is its ebook reader and respective store. But as an Otaku, I began thinking, "this iPad is about the perfect size for comic book or manga reading!". Well, it seems that major publishers of graphic novels in Japan and stateside have agreed with me.

With Apple's new ipad combined with the new ibook store, this allows for a much easier sale and distribution of product worldwide. Not to mention its green! Think of all the paper we could be saving by reading manga on an iPad!

"The potential of the iPad is huge. We feel the comic-reading experience is going to be truly awesome."
- Marco Pavia, Associate Publisher; Tokyopop

Iron Wok Jan! For the kitchen otaku out there

2010-04-21T16:50:00.000-04:00

Lately, I've been dusting off my old manga collection and reading some of the better novels from my youth. One series has stood out to me the most as of recent, Iron Wok Jan.

Iron Wok Jan, I can remember from my early years in Otakudom was one of my more favorite reads. At the time there we're so many different shounen manga available at the time, but none of them held much of my interest until I came across this gem. The sheer idea of a shounen manga based on competitive cooking was laughable, however I purchased the novel simply out of my own love for cooking. As I delved deeper into the strange theme of culinary shounen, I developed a craving for more. Like a potato chip, I could not have just one. I started buying each one as Borders released it.

As I read every volume, my connection and love for the characters grew with such intensity. It was like reading DBZ combined with Iron Chef and Professional Wrestling. Oh the drama! Oh the delicious tension!

But then there came a time when Borders just stopped selling this precious manga all together, and that is unfortunately where my journey ended with Iron Wok Jan. After re-reading all of the past adventured, I am highly considering picking up this creative culinary shounen manga.

Surprice!

2010-03-12T14:39:00.003-05:00

My husband and I took a nice little trip to a town that is two hours away from ours. During the trip we did quite a few fun things and one of this was to go into an Anime store. They had some anime figures, there were books, mangas and movies as well as games. So I decided that I wanted to try my luck at one of the surprise boxes. I had not that long ago began to drool over Vocaliods and well I decided to get that box.

So with my fingers crossed I stared at the box for a little while, I really liked the Kagamine twins, and of course I was hopping nearly begging that I would get one of the twins (Len preferably) So I finally got my hands on the box and began to open it as slowly as I could, still hoping that I would get one of the Kagamine twins.

And of course as luck will have it, I didn't win but I still very much liked what I received. It was the cutest little Chibi Miku (ok, so there are plenty of cute Chibi Mikus out there but still) So she was slowly taken out of the box and with much care placed together.

Once she was placed together she was introduced to all the other figures, her room was next to Kureha, but I don't think Kureha was happy with little Miku being added to the family. Miku is still struggling with getting Kureha to like her, some progress has been made since then. Kureha is opening up more to Miku.

how do you save money for anime?

2010-02-24T19:05:00.004-05:00

You may find this question a little strange.but I personally think its a darn good question How Do You Save Money For Anime?

I personally don't save my money to buy anime I just wait till it goes on sale and then I purchase it then or I go and find it at a different store used by a trust worthy seller.

the only anime items I currently have though is a few anime box sets as well as a naruto tin piggy bank and dragon ball z cards.

but I was wondering how you all save money for anime do you put it in your dresser in a anime wallet or do you put your stash in a anime piggy bank and once full do you take it to the bank to draw interest or do you spend it rite away?

I think it would be great to find out how everyone saves there money for anime spending...

let me know by replying back to this post...

if you would like a couple good tips check out this post here Anime Savings!.

Anime room decor

2010-02-22T15:48:00.007-05:00

Just a quick little post asking you your advice on "anime room decor".What I want to know is do you believe that every anime room needs a lot of anime items such as anime wall murals?and if you do why after all isn't a anime room in its self meaningful heck to tell you the truth I would be happy with just a few anime posters or wall scrolls to start my walls off rite.dose everyone need all the anime goodies for just a anime room or is just having anime enough to call it a anime room.

I would be willing to place a few shelfs in my room for my anime collection as well as a few anime model kits or ever figures.

I have heard of all these anime fans going out to cosplay and having all of the figures and busts as well as swords.

but truthfully if you had to choose over anime tiles or all the stuff that comes with it what would you really choose.

please comment back to let me know what you would do...

if you would like to see my anime blog check it out at AnimeRevolt.

Gurren Lagann: solution to self-esteem problems?

2010-02-21T17:22:00.005-05:00

I am sure that many of you have seen the anime Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, created by Studio Gainax. Aside from it being badass, amazing, heart-rending, and hilarious at times. I feel that the show can motivate self-pitying or lazy people into people with a seemingly unending determination. Does anyone agree? I felt that message firsthand because it spoke to me since I was lazy and perhaps a little self-pitying. I would also like to introduce myself into this awesome blogging community because this is my first post. Please contact me at evangreif@yahoo.com if you are interested in discussing anything anime, video games, and Japan related! P.S. I thought this was cute and funny http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8OY9GEjYvI&feature=related

I"s

2010-02-15T14:28:00.002-05:00

I"s a romantic comedy unlike any other. Most of us are used to having the girls thoughts be the ones that are displayed more when it comes to this kinds of Manga's, here however the males mind is described into depth. From the things that they worry about to what they wish they could do. Our hero's name is Ichitaka, he is in love with the high school soon to be teen idol Iori.

Ichitaka's love life however becomes more difficult after his best friend Itsuki returns from America. His best friend is a very optimistic happy girl who makes sure to play many tricks on Ichitaka, of course that is to be expected of any best friend when it comes to the anime world. She has helped him through a lot but she also makes his life miserable.

There are a few more problems that arise throughout the Manga. The emotions that this Manga can bring to the reader are incredible, from making you cry and extremely angry to smiling brightly. The artwork is amazing and the story line is just awesome.

Oppai for All!

2010-01-24T03:43:00.001-05:00

Ayaka got me a nice little mouse pad for xmas from where else but Chucks kickin anime shop. Lets see what it looks like up close, shall we?
As we can see here, Yuuhi is very shy of her "exposed" stature.
*sigh* Still nothing, she is very camera shy...
After persuading her with a few strips of bacon, I got her to show her cute face. ^-^
As you can see her "pillows" make for a very comfy palm rest.
Here you can see the thickness of this little girl. She is very soft all around, and well constructed. She would be a nice addition to any otaku's desktop, even for girls. Ayaka loves this little mouse pad and says that it is very cute.

Holic

2010-01-21T16:55:00.004-05:00

I began watching this lovely piece of art just after Christmas. @Zero6699 bought me the first copy and right after I was hooked. Some Anime just do that to me and recently I've been watching enough that are worth the talking.

xxxHolic a very dark yet wholehearted anime. It revolves around the inevitable and that which we cannot explain, everything comes from what we wish and Yuko is more then willing to grant your wish for a price; no matter what you wish for. This anime has ghost, and protective spirits as well as things like superstitions. Truly a wonderful anime and a very good source of old believes and the world of the unexplained.

The Return

2010-01-20T12:17:00.003-05:00

With Final Fantasy XIII making it's way up in every RPGers mouth there is also another Final Fantasy that it's claiming up in all fans around the world and that is Final Fantasy XIV.

Like in every Final Fantasy the stories are well thought of and the adventures that it undergoes can leave the player breathless and sometimes broken at the ends, attaching ourselves to the story and always praising the ones that really got to our hearts from the very first Fantasy to the ones to come.

In Final Fantasy XIV there are two stories which embattled the game, although on it's beta form the descriptions and music played on it's official website, it can bring up emotions that only a Final F antsy game can. The reason why the tittle of this blog is The Return is because in this game the crystals have been brought back once again, this crystals are the miniature strings of hope that are given to the adventures of the new Final Fantasy World.

Though like mention before the MMO is still on it's beta form and there is much room for change and improvement, although by the looks, the music and the story I'm already hooked. The races are I do believe the same that were used on Final Fantasy XI, the difference is the detail that they have been given. The monsters however did evolve into cutter and really creepy creatures. There is also plenty of information in the website for the game play, from what I've read it is bound to take the player into a deeper relationship with their characters and the level ups are going to be your skills.

Anime Body Pillows mainstream in US (sort of)

2010-01-15T11:06:00.002-05:00

Well it finally happened, anime body pillows are now mainstream in the US, well sort of.

In last night's episode of 30 rock on NBC, James Franco gues starred, playing himself. See, James Franco is in love and married to a body pillow named Kimiko-Tan, and to stop the public from finding out, his manager set up a fake relationship with another celebrity.

But dont worry if you missed the episode, you can watch it on Hulu, below.

Final Fantasy XIII International Trailer

2010-01-14T15:13:00.002-05:00

Square Enix released the new International Trailer for the highly anticipated, Final Fantasy XIII. In the trailer we get an idea on the story(somewhat), some battle gameplay, and the theme song sung by Leona Lewis.

Video Games Final Fantasy XIII International Trailer

XBox 360 Playstation 3 Nintendo Wii

The battles look so cinematic and cool! I can't wait to this comes out, I'm thinking about using a vacay day at work when it comes out. I still have to reserve it though, I'm waiting to see if there will be a special edition version of the game. Do you have it reserved yet?

Yoko is just jealous...

2010-01-12T14:58:00.005-05:00

Working from home today and a bit bored. So its time for some nendoroid fun! Yui and Mio are so happy with their new guitar and bass guitar! They wanted to pose for some pics. But Yoko couldnt afford to get a new guitar, so she was jealous and a bit pissed!

But in the end, Yoko apologized and gave back their instruments. Since Yui and Mio are good people, they forgave her and asked her to join the band!

The Mobs

2010-01-09T14:29:00.002-05:00

This anime is incredibly awesome, action moved, a true tear jerker at times and extremely bloody. I bought the fourth DVD at one of the stores in town and figured why not I might be a bit into the story, but at least I will have a taste of it. Well I was given more then a taste I was giving a rather unbelievable story that now I can't wait to go out and just have a bigger taste of. Really I could say many good things about this anime but it would take me a long time. The story; well to tell you true, I went in a bit into it so I wasn't able to catch much. The basics are there is a fight between mobsters and other official figures, there are immortals and mortals and a few other factors which are better explained in their official website where the first episode also makes its home. Give it a go, I'm sure you'll be hooked. ^ - ^

New Year Ghost

2010-01-02T16:07:00.004-05:00

The year has barely started and I was hooked on a new anime, it didn't take me long to finish it either. My husband and I stayed at home on Saturday and finished the 26 episodes of Ghost Hunt. This anime had me screaming for more, sadly my call was not answered.

There is only 26 episodes all together like I mention before, it still kills me that there is not more of it. I almost wish that they would have done what is going on with Case Closed and just keep on building up the episodes.

The anime is about Ghost Hunters, just like the tittle states. Mai our protagonist gets a job with a Ghost Hunter nicked named Naru by her. In the first episode you get to meet most of the characters from the anime, rather the ones that will be engraved in your head. The characters that are going to make you laugh, cry and scream with happiness. There is a Monk nicked name Monk, a Catholic Priest named John Brown, a Maiden Ayako, Naru's assistant Len and a Medium named Hara. (might have missed spelled some of the names so i'm sorry >_<)

This anime is on my top list now, and as soon as I may I will be buying the light novel =D A must watch ^ - ^

Otaku's Home

2009-12-26T23:03:00.005-05:00

Currently Zero and I are making our home at my parental's house. We have a small room to which we are slaves to, at least for now anyway. Once I've gotten my bachelors we are planning on moving out, that is if money allows it =D

Do to this we had to place most of our collections of Anime, Manga and Games up in boxes. -tear- Either way we try to keep our Otaku pride alive. One of the many ways to attempt to is by keeping our desk decorated with a few Anime Figures (and our wedding pictures also <3)

Zero and myself have a nice assortment of Anime DVD's and Manga that we have yet to read or watched. We also own a few games to which we are addicts to but have close to little time to play them. In our assortment of Anime and Games that we have yet to get our hands into and we own are:

Zegapain

Flag

ExelSaga

Disgaea 1

Disgaea 2

Disgaea 3

Amongst many more, I did start playing Disgaea 3 but got distracted by other games as well as by Vocaloids as you can see on our MacMini I was watching one of many Miku's World is Mine videos. So for now we are limited on our space to display and organize our Otakus supply. In time however we hope that we are able to display everything we own and we keep collecting with each passion moment.

Should Square Really Re-Make FFVII?!?

2009-12-23T18:57:00.000-05:00

Should Square Really Re-Make FFVII?!?

This subject is still going on and on with dead-hard, Final Fantasy VII Fans dying for seeing the game remastered. Although, is that really a good idea? Could they truly remake this game to the "T" and bring out the old feelings we've gotten back when we first the game?

Not saying the game would get sold out in a blink of an eye if they ever do this . However, what would be the fans reaction be if it doesn't come out the way, we were hoping or dreaming it would?! I have to say I'm a little worried of the out come of it...If they ever take on this remake idea. Also, I really love the game as it is. Why fix something that isn't broken, guys?

Though for the time being, Square should really, REALLY resale the game. There are a lot of new fans that never played the game but wonder about it or are dying to get their hands on it since Advent Children come out. From what I've seen most reactions were, "Where can I get this game". Oh, and what about the older gamers that lost the game or it broken...? <

I'm sure they would love to buy a new one! Before fans scream out 'ReMake'! Lets give the new gamers to get a hold of the game that made us go crazy in the first place.

Just saying

So you want a mac?

2009-12-13T18:18:00.004-05:00

Just about everyone has thought of getting a mac at one time or another. Sometimes we get a sudden urge to get one, but we are put off by the price. I look at a mac like a car, not everyone has the money to buy a new one but a used one most of the time is just what the doctor ordered. Watch the video below.

Please post any questions or comments below, I would be more than happy to help you out. ^.^

Sing With Beauty

2009-12-10T23:26:00.004-05:00

Hello!

Today I'm going to take time to review a game I have not yet finished but I've liked well enough. So far the story line is incredible, I've not yet played the first game but the second one is full of color and a rather funny story (Though it can get pretty serious at times). This game can have you liking a character and hating it the next moment, it's really a lot of fun. You guys should try it on for size, of course if possible get the first one.

The game does synchronized time battles which is a bit different from what I've seen before it almost reminded me of The Legend of Dragoon. The Synchronize battling enables you to do more song magic, which really it's just awesome! It has a VirtualDive World which allows you to help your Reyvateils unlock more song magic making the battles easier later on :). The virtual DiveWorld is kind of like a mixture between the matrix and a datingsim, get the question wrong and you have to go back in. The more you interact with the characters the more song magic you get, which like I mention before is just awesome =D.

"The 'Sea of Death' covers the planet and the vast sky around it.
There was a tower amongst the clouds.
On the top it, there was a flat, artificial land that the people lived upon.
It was a small world facing a crisis of structural collapse.
The people dreamed of a legendary utopia, a fertile and beautiful land, created by singing a
Song in the Hymnos language, called Metafalica. They tried to sing this Song several times,
but every time they did so, the Goddess hampered their attempt.
The world was under the control of the goddess.
The people were forced to live hopeless lives.
One day, however, a new political organization called the Grand Bell brought the people a new hope.
Chancellor Alfman, the leader of this new government, agitated the people into declaration of war against the Goddess and promised the people that they would create the utopia,
Metafalica, by their own hands.
The Goddess or the humans.
Who will be the next ruler of the world?
And, Can the humans achive their dream of creating a paradise, the green utopia Metafalica?"

Bloody Manga

2009-12-08T14:21:00.003-05:00

Hello there,
Today I'm going to give you a little incite into a manga I began reading not to long ago. This lovely read goes by the name of "Bloody Kiss" the art work and story were done by Kazuko Furumiya. It is, as far as I've read (which has only been the first book) a great Romantic Comedy.

Kiyo which is our main character inherits a home from her Grandmother, what she didn't know is that inside her home there are two rather attractive vampires who have lived there with her Grandmother and still make the place their home. Their names are Kuroboshi and his servant Alshu. Then things start getting a bit out of hand when Kuroboshi decides to make Kiyo his 'Bride' meaning that he is only able to suck blood from her.

This is a great source for laughter and quite a bit of D'awwwing. From what I understand is that the manga has been completed. To be completely honest I can't wait till I have the money to go buy the next book (I know reading manga online is easier and such but I'm a true heart Otaku who will go to the worlds end to buy the stuff~ eventually >_<;;).

Genshiken Review

2009-11-10T22:53:00.007-05:00

Hi all I am Samuel Chaboya (aka. Zero), the ruler of DesertAnime, and I would like to say hello and to thank Chuck for letting me be a guest blogger on his site. Now on to a quick little review.

The anime that I am putting under the microscope is Genshiken!! OMG, NO WAY....

<

It has a reminds me of Comic Party. The main character Sasahara Kanji just started collage, and is in search of a club to join. He likes anime and video games but thinks he would not fit in with Genshiken (a club is devoted to society for the study of modern visual culture). He gets dragged into the club room by Kosaka Makoto and after a little while he ends up joining the club. The show goes on showing Sasahara what it is to be a true otaku.

To top it off there is a anime inside of this anime ^-^ called Kujibiki Unblanance which is a very cute, silly, and it appears to me to have a relatively accelerated storyline. To me it appeared that a lot of things got going very quickly and a lot of info was dumped into just one episode. That did not stop me from enjoying this bonus episode and I personally would recommend watching Kujibiki Unblanance before watching the Genshiken so that you can get all the inside jokes. ^.^
All in all I really enjoyed this anime and would say that anyone who likes to just chat with fellow otaku should definitely pick this up.

Once again I would like to thank Chuck for this chance to post on his blog, maybe I could get more users at my site too. DesertAnime is a site dedicated to role playing and coop fictional story building. We have profiles, forums, and photo galleries for posting your pictures of your characters. Go ahead and take a look, you may like it. ^.^

Member Rules

2009-05-28T19:48:00.005-04:00

The purpose of the member blog is to continue to aid the anime blogosphere by adding news from more than one anime fan to the already growing Chuck's Anime Shrine blog and keep readers engaged in what we like; anime, video games and Japan. Many blog posts from CAS get well placed in search engines like Google and Yahoo. Giving you, the select readers of CAS, the ability to blog about what you want to report is my way of saying thank you and to hopefully add some exposure to your blog as well....but as with any user -driven media there are rules to follow.

What's in it for you?

Drive some traffic to your anime/otaku blog: Chuck's Anime Shrine is continuing to gain more and more traffic over time. As of this post, my alexa traffic rank is around 170,000 with 3000+ visitors to the whole site daily and around 1000 unique visitors daily to the blog alone. I'm at work to continue to increase the traffic to the site by adding more features and making this a site worthy of visits from my fellow anime fans.
Chances to participate in future contests: For some time now I've not done contests but when I do I'll be sure to give away anime products from my anime store. Being a part of the member's blog will be another way for you to be noticed and hopefully get you some cool stuff and further promote your own sites ^_^

Rules:

Absolutely no hentai, loli, porn, offensive, extremely religious, or racist material.
No links to any sites with the items in rule #1, but if it's hentai..just warn members of the link
Anime figures and manga mentions can be posted but no hentai or loli. Cast off figures must not show naked parts.
Material in the blog posts must be related to: anime, manga, Japan, video games or anything that anime fans would deem interesting.
No spamming. Google and blogger automatically create links on your user name when you post that should bring people to your site the natural way. You can link to your blog in the post or if you have more material to show in a related blog post, but NO topics with the blatant crazy advertising of your blog or a non-related blog i.e ("Click here for money tips.", etc). Other members won't care to click and it's distasteful -_-
If possible, try to have one related picture per post that acts as a header to your blog post and reflects the topic shown (kind of how this post is done). This makes the post look nice and will create even more traffic to your post.
Try to keep post titles small and to the point. Smaller titles yield better search results and make your posts look better.
Any violations will mark an instant removal from the blog and from the Google Friend Connect member list of this site.
We at Chuck's Anime Shrine have the right at any time to remove a blog post and member, so please follow the rules.

How to get involved:

(optional) Join the growing list of members of Chuck's Anime Shrine by clicking the "join this site" button in the Google Friend Connect part of this page..or just have a google account.
Email me asking to be an author for Chuck's Anime Shrine
If approved (which is most likely), I will invite you to be an author on the site.
Follow the link to blogger.com to accept the invitation and from there you can start blogging ^_^

Questions, Concerns:

Email me for any questions about the rules or how to get involved. As the site's popularity continues to grow...some emails might go through the cracks but I'll work as best I can to answer any questions. I set times that I go through my massive inbox of emails and I'm only human so immediate answers might not happen always.

Image above from Negima. Negima is copyright Ken Akamatsu, FUNimation, Del Rey Manga and any other licenses.