BEZOE

[Important Announcement] Will migrating the blog

2014-09-22T20:55:00.000-07:00

Due to unable to change my email address (which I have no idea why it linking to other email that was not my primary), I think it has to do with google account things (which I hate actually).

I think I will stop using this blog and setting up a new one.

I will put the blog name here (I still haven't create the new one yet)

Cheers!

[Anime Review] Fate Zero

2013-12-24T22:28:00.001-08:00

Fate Zero

"At last, a prequel of the Fate/Stay Night that I adored so much" -bezoe

The story of Fate/Zero takes place ten years prior to the events of Fate/stay night, detailing the events of the 4th Holy Grail War in Fuyuki City.^[2] The War of the Holy Grail is a contest in which seven mages summon seven Heroic Spirits to compete to obtain the power of the "Holy Grail," which grants a miracle to each member of the winning duo. After three inconclusive wars for the elusive Holy Grail, the Fourth War commences.

Founded by the Einzbern, Makiri, and Tōsaka families centuries ago, the Einzbern family is determined to achieve success after three consecutive failures, no matter the cost. As a result, they have elected to bring the hated magus killer, Kiritsugu Emiya, into their ranks, despite his methods and reputation as a skilled mercenary and a hitman who employs whatever he can use to accomplish his goals. Though Kiritsugu had once wanted to become a hero who could save everyone, he has long since abandoned this ideal upon realizing that saving one person comes at the cost of another's life. For the sake of humanity, he will ruthlessly destroy anything and anyone who threatens the peace of others.

However, Kiritsugu finds himself deeply torn between the love he has found for his new family - his wife Irisviel and their daughter Illya - and what he must do to obtain the Holy Grail. Meanwhile, Kiritsugu's greatest opponent appears in the form of Kirei Kotomine, a priest who cannot find any sense of fulfillment in his life and sets his sights on Kiritsugu as the possible answer to the emptiness he feels. - wiki

As a prequel (and also newer anime) Fate Zero surpassed the Fate Stay/Night in the animation and effect department. A lot of 3D implementation for the whole course of the anime series, especially the Berserker that I'm sure it's full 3D, fortunately it is not a distraction at all.

In my opinion, beside focusing on the 2 main characters: Kiritsugu Emiya & Kirei Kotomine. I like how they focus not to Saber (because it would become very predictable - even though we got all backstories of all Servants). But surprisingly it actually focus on one particular servant (which I would never thought it's going to be the focus in this series). Character design was splendid as well.

The level of action in the anime will makes the view holding their breath for every episode, and I don't think I got the patience to wait the episode to air each week, I'm glad I got the series when it's already done.

Both OP and ED are very enjoyable that I will look for it and make it as part of my playlist in my car :D

This is one of the best anime around, and It is total Blasphemy to miss it, especially if you already watch Fate Stay/Night. It's gonna be in my Favorite anime for sure.

Overall Rating : A

Favorite Characters:

#1. Rider

#2. Gilgamesh

#3. Saber

#4. Berserker

[Anime Review] Bartender

2010-08-25T04:29:00.000-07:00

BARTENDER

"An interesting anime about Bartender, if you love the manga, you will definately love the anime" -Bezoe

Bartender follows the nightlife of Ryū Sasakura, a bartending prodigy who is said to mix the best cocktails anyone has ever tasted. Sasakura bides his time in a bar named Eden Hall, hidden in a nook of the Ginza district in downtown Tokyo. It is said that normal people cannot simply find and enter Eden Hall, but they must be invited in by the host. Over the course of the anime, various figures of high and low stature, all of who share unusual troubles and heavy burdens, are "invited" into Eden Hall and are treated to Sasakura's fine drinks, which, with guidance from the young bartender, lead the customers to reflect on their lives and decide on a course of action to tackle with their problems. - Wiki

Woohoo! finally I watched anime again! So the anime that I watched this time was called Bartender. I love the manga a lot so I actually looking forward to watch the anime (but I didn't know that they released it quite a while ago).

Manga to anime comparison :
Manga version
+ Deeper storyline
+ Detailed background story of each characters
+ Longer story
Anime version
+ Better presentation
+ Every episodes have a very interesting topic and story (and also can feel the moral of the story)
+ Every ending got "how to" create a drink from the episode.

So which one is better? Manga or Anime? since both have a different approach I recommend to read the manga first, then watch the anime afterwards, because if you start with anime, you won't be able to get into each characters in Bartender.

Graphically and animation wise, Bartender have a very sloppy drawings. I am totally not amazed with it since a lot of angled view to the main character, the face and facial expression was inconsistent. Proportional wise also sometimes inconsistent. A lot of Recyclable drawings and also pan or zoom in into a still image.

Music, I love the ending music, somewhat I felt its appropriate, and also I love the music video in the end, plus they teach us how to make the drinks, which is awesome.

In conclusion, I really recommend this anime, IF you read the manga.

Overall Rating : B++

Placeholder for "My 25+ Years in Gaming"

2010-07-17T04:39:00.000-07:00

So this is a placeholder for my self about Me and Game world for the past 25 years (I'm 27 years old btw). And beside gaming, I will also write something about me and movies, anime and others stuff. I still don't know what I'm going to type yet (as in structural and grammar), so if its looks like unfinished or jumping all over the place, that's because this personal project will takes probably a while to type it all out. I will probably start with the main point and work from there. Feel free to read and comment if you want, but just remember, it is a work in progress.

Living with Technology (Working Title)

Born into the world April 14th 1983, in Jakarta, Indonesia. My father was a 2nd generation Chinese descendant and my mom was 1st Chinese descendant. My father skin tone was light brown, and my mother was white. From the mixture above, my skin color actually pretty dark, it was probably because Jakarta is a pretty hot place to lived. Oh by the way, My name is Suharjo, yes, no last name in my birth certificate because it is pretty common for naming a baby just using a single name. Try to type in Indonesia past President (Suharto and Soekarno, they both have only one name). But I do have a Family name thought, which from my father side, my family name is Fang and my mother is Lee. The reason I don't use Fang as my last name probably because it will sound really weird to combine those two words. Why? because my name is 100% Javanese name, while my Family name is 100% Chinese, it is kind a like mixing Pentium processor with AMD motherboard (Yes, I love computer stuffs a lot, so probably I will use some joke using computer/game/movie related). Other things about me? I'm the only child, so yes, I'm most likely being spoiled a lot.

I. 0-3 years : uh... Can't remember too much

I remembered that I lived pretty close to anything that was electronic (CRT TV, Radio, and Atari). I have a bit of Short Term Memory (STM) so I can't remembered clearly how was my early childhood. I knew my father had a 14 & 21 inches CRT TV and also I remembered a bit that I played some space shooting games which mainly have a green background, and also play couple games with my close cousin. Beside that, I only remembered that I watch old Roger Moore James Bond, Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan movies, because my father own a Betamax (I love Betamax).

II. 3-6 years: Nintendo, Cartoons and Indonesian Movie.

I was so fortunate that my father also interested in game. One day, my father showed me Nintendo out of no where, as a 3 or 4 years old kid, I was curious. My father showed me how to open the cartridge slot, put the cartridge in, plug the controllers, and turn on the machine. Obviously he didn't show me how to hook the RCA cables to the TV.

The first game was Mario Bros, I was so clueless that I don't know how to react and do with the controller, I just stared at the TV. My father then starts to play the game and show me through the first level, until the finish line (which is the "grab the flag"). Of course my father also new to the game so poor Mario died a lot before he managed to make to the end of the level. And then my father asked me to jump to the flag, of course at first I failed miserably. So for a while before I know how to play Mario, I become the flag grabber.

Next game on the list was The Legend of Zelda, my father actually managed to finished the game, while for me, I'm confused navigating the map, at this point I'm probably 4 years old, so I know how to kill enemies, get potions and stuff. But still my lack sense of direction actually starting at a very young age (until now, I still bad with remembering which way should I go). so I played Zelda for quite a while, I remembered even after couple years later I came back to this game and tried to finish it, which I never be able to till now. No not because I'm suck, it just because my father bought so many other NES games that I want to try.

Games like Contra, Solomon's Keys (which instantly become my dad's favorite), Dig Dug, Donkey Kong, and all others NES games that I have in my collection, so I juggling around to play the games. Bad habit of mine (that I have till now) I usually leave the game half way through and start a new one. That's why I have a lot of games, but I finished only like 20% of them.

Cartoons! I grew up with Tom & Jerry, Mickey Mouse of course. I have tons of cartoons in Betamax, including Thunder Cats, Silver Hawk, Tarzans, the original Johnny Quest, Mighty Mouse, Popeye and I also have Danger Mouse. I fall in love with cartoons since the first time I saw it, even thought the language is in English, which I have no idea what the hell they talking about (I understand only Indonesian and Hokkiannese when I'm under 6 years old). Other memorable cartoons such as Space Ghost, which I hope there will be a live action version sometimes in the future.

First time I went to a movie theater probably around 6 years old (when I was on 1st elementary). The movie theater was about 15 minutes walk from my home or 3 minutes using Bajaj (a three-wheeler transportation). Back in the days, Indonesia cinema produced a pretty good movie (not like now days which 80% of it are really BAD). I love to watch local comedy movie in theater. The best comedy movie was anything from "Warkop DKI", which is a very famous trio comedians who made a very silly but entertaining movie. Other movie genre that I watched was, Indonesian horror with the most famous "Queen of Horror" named Suzanna. Most of the movies played by Suzanna will be the equivalent of Meryl Streep in drama genre, that's how high I respect Suzanna. My first Suzanna movie was "Ratu Buaya Putih", which I still remembered really scares me ( I was 6 years old by the way).

III. 7-12 years : 386! , Sega, Super Nintendo, Tamiya, Comics, Hollywood and Chinese Cinemas. And the introduction of Ghibli.

My mother agreed to buy me a computer for a school works, because I need to learn about Lotus 123 and some other program during elementary school. So my mother ask my cousin to help me get one. If I remembered correctly I received my first computer when I was 4th grade (or was it 5th grade?). It was a intel 386 with 80MB HD, 1/2 MB Tseng VGA, Sound Commander, and 14" monitor. and a gray Genius mouse (3 buttons). It was windows 3.1.1 if I'm not mistaken, but later on it got upgrade to win 95. Oh the joy of having a computer was really nice. I remembered that I never be able to understand Lotus 123 or any other school program, because I'm a really lazy person to learn that kind of stuff. However I know that my knowledge of DOS and windows at a pretty decent level... for a 9 years old kid. King Quest, Police Quest, Space Quest, Quest for Glory. Are probably the most memorable game for me. I remember I almost scared to dead when I played Police quest, because the graphic was "too intense". Yes we can buy the game pretty easily because Indonesia don't have a rules about minimum age to purchase restricted games (I could get Larry and Elvira if I want to).

Sega Megadrive, I consider as one of the best video game console in early 1990, why? Because of Sonic the Hedgehog. I'm a super big fan of the first Sonic game, because I love the speed and the excitement of the game. Music and graphic are top notch as well. Thankfully, Sega pretty popular in Indonesia, so I can easily obtain the games. My father barely touch Sega because he said to me that Sega is "too advance", so basically my father just bough me almost all of the Sega new release games. I probably have like 120+ games of individuals Sega cartridges, I might miscounted because I haven't see my Sega storage for ages. Let just say I have tons, from Ghouls and Ghost, Kid Chameleon, GunStar Heroes, Mickey Mouse, all Golden Axes, Bare Knuckles, Hokuto No Ken (Fist of North Star), Techno Cop, Pit Fighter. Seriously, just name all of the Sega games I probably have it with the exception of: Sports game, Vectorman, Earth Worm Jim, and Comix Zone (I believed because I couldn't find one).

One day, I went to a mall and saw, oh wow! a new video game console (which is Super Nintendo Obviously), and I asked my father to get it for me. This is probably only me, but SNES somehow, feels less memorable in comparison to Sega Megadrive (probably because I'm a Sega fan - till now). The best SNES game for me is Mario Kart, Earth Bound, Chrono Trigger, and some Dragonballs game which I don't remember which version.

During that period of time, my father found another new hobby, and that was Tamiya. For those who never heard of it, Tamiya basically a car product for children or adult who hobby in tweaking their battery car for competition (or just for hobby). At first I hate Tamiya, because I don't know how to assemble it together, I always asked my father to do it for me. Of course he gladly assemble for me, and I can start play it on the track. After a year, I started to really hooked on Tamiya because of the anime :Dash Yonkuro, an anime about a kids that fight using Tamiya. That is also the first time I'm consider my self as a collector items. Because I bough almost every line of Dash Yonkuro cars (including Dancing Doll, which a girl character car). I even have a car that had 2 Dynamos or using 3 Battery (Shooting Star). That was a really interesting era, because every weekend me and my father always go to "Toy City" A mall where most of Jakarta Tamiya hobbyist, gather and play together. Every time we played Tamiya, we always bring a tool box, full of battery, screwdriver, tires, lights, and the barrier. It was like we consider Tamiya like a F-1 Racing, and we are the pit stop.

When I'm at 1st elementary grade, I started to get some allowance for buying snack or others stuff. that is the time that I realized that reading comics interest me. Good things that my school have a library that have a comic sections, and Donald Duck is the first comic I ever read. I'm enjoying Donald Duck a lot, then I start considering to buy the comic once every week. That is probably the only comics that I read till 3rd elementary grade, then I started to read thicker pocket sized comics, such as Tekken Chinmi, Doraemon, Dragon Ball, and some Shoujo Manga that I borrowed from my cousin. such as Candy Candy and Popcorn. When I getting older, I read some more Eechi manga such as City Hunter, or a bit gory one like Fist of the North Star.

My love for movies always keep growing. almost every week I go to movie theater with either aunt or cousin to watch some movie. I remember watching some National Lampoon, James Bond, and a lot of Chinese movie. Other good things is, my father always keeps the Betamax collection up to date.

The most memorable Betamax that I watched at elementary school must have be Laputa: Castle in the Sky. It was dub in Japanese with Chinese Subtitle. Even though I didn't understand at all I keep watching it over and over again, because I love the movie so much. If I have to count, probably I watched Laputa for more than 60 times on Betamax and thats for the period from when I was 6 - 12 years, because I stopped watch it again after I go to Junior Highschool. The funny thing about Laputa is, even though I watched it for plenty of times, I still don't understand what Pazu and Sheeta talked about, until I had the DVD back in 2004! And I start watch it again for another 12 times on dvd at least.

IV. 13-17 years: 3DO, Saturn, PlayStation, PSII, MMX, Athlon, DDR, Megamall, Counter Strike

My mom likes to go to Hong Kong and China. The total time I traveled to China was 2 times, with 1 travel consist of around 10 city ( Beijing, Shanghai, Guilin, Shenzhen, HangZhou,GuangZhou, FuZhou, TianJin and other areas that I couldn't remember where). As for Hong Kong trip, it is more than 4 times as far as I remembered, and we didn't use any tour agency as in Hong Kong, my uncle and aunt lived there.

One day in Hong Kong, one of my uncle suggested me to travel to Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok, where I found Panasonic 3DO FZ-10, back in that time, no one in Indonesia ever heard about it except for a few that subscribe some game magazine. So I "negotiate" with my father and mother to buy me the video game console, saying that SNES and Megadrive are already a last gen, and this one have a capacity of playing disc and it is at least twice as powerful as the other (which is true). After a long negotiation, my mother finally allow me to buy 3DO (yay!).

I don't remember what first game that I played on 3DO, but I do remember that I have plenty of "live action video games", if you guys know games such as : "Mad Dog", "Drug Wars", "Crime Patrol" that is the type that I'm talking about. Back in the 1990's games that could show the ability to play a real human was pretty hot thing. Games that I really loved in 3DO (I probably have like 60+ games) is Captain Quazar, which I consider it as the "unofficial mascot"
for 3DO. It was a really fun 3/4 camera angle shooting game, really comical and I believe the opening video was very good in terms of the animation, the graphic and the music, I still can remember the music actually until today. Other great games in 3DO that I have is "D" it was a horror adventure games which really makes me have a hard time playing it alone. plus I was playing on 32" CRT Toshiba that I sit 6 feet away while playing this game. The game that I really enjoy it a lot, must be Wing Commander III: Heart of the Tiger, Mark Hamill was awesome as the main character in that game. Why I love Wing Commander III? to put it simple, Wing Commander III = Mass Effect, the decision that we made might killed your comrade, and also we can decide who is our favorite wing man.

Myst, Virtuoso, Total Eclipse, Theme Park, Syndicate, Strahl, Star Control II, Space Pirates, Space Hulk, Space Ace, Shock Wave, Road Rash, Return Fire, Rise of the Robots (Bad games, very good graphic), Primal Rage, Sailor Moon, Panzer General, Need for Speed, Mega Race, Killing Time, Flashback, Brain Death 13, Ballz and Gex (which really reminds me of Geico nowdays) and some other games that I don't remember.

From the list above games that I enjoyed a lot such as:
- Strahl: the fact that you could get a lot of different endings, makes this game have an ultra replay value (back in 1990's), plus its an interactive anime game (if I may say that)
- Syndicate: I prefer the PC version compare to 3DO because it is easier to navigate using mouse, however, Syndicate is one of the best game by Bullfrog. (plus Syndicate wars ofcourse)
- Star Control II: This is a legendary game, it released on PC during the floppy disk era ( Yes I have the game in PC as well, and I got the galaxy map). However they improve it significantly without dropping any essential parts, it is more like they add it more in the 3DO version, such as the voice dialog, and also better music. If you consider your self a gamer, you might want to check out this game (available for PC, I'm pretty sure now it is become a Freeware)
- MegaRace: It might be an equivalent to "Blur" now days, it was a very fun racing car, and also the "virtual host" in the game was hilarious.
- Flashback: One of the greatest 2d platform (beside the retro prince of persia of course). I recommend anyone who reading it, check the game.
- Return Fire: The game music always stuck in my head. The main objective of this game is simple. Choose your vehicle (jeep, tank, chopper), and capture enemies flag on their base. but it become one of the best game if you play it versus your friend.

Suddenly I read in game magazine that 3DO going to bankrupt and developer are either closing the company, or developing for other console (Saturn & Playstation). I consider 3DO as my favorite console because it was my first 32-bit system, but seems like I need to move on to other consoles.

I read about Sega Saturn and Sony Playstation probably around year 1995, both consoles received a very good reviews from game magazine, but it looks like Saturn was big in Japan, while Playstation was big in USA. It was a really hard decision for me to make, which console should I get first. I like Japanese style game such as Magic Knight Rayearth, and I don't like games such as Crash Bandicoot back in the day. Finally I decide that I'm getting Sega Saturn (white version) after moving from 3DO era.

Game that I received with Saturn was Magic Knight Rayearth and Gotcha. The thing that I love about Sega Saturn console is, they have an internal storage, and also expandable slot on the back. Not only the slot can handle more storage, but actually we could use it to upgrade the RAM for the console (no joke), at the end I have like 3-4 expandable cartridges, it works well for most of the fighting games (which make the animation frame looks smoother, I dare you to try). All of my friends at that time think I'm weird because I choose Saturn over Playstation, because all of them have Playstation, and yes, I'm one of those few who have Saturn.

Games that makes Sega Saturn stands out are: Panzer Dragoon, Nights Into Dream, Dragon Force, Virtual Fighters, Fighting Vipers, Mr. Bones, Sega Rally, Sonic series, Shining Force, Shining of the Holy Ark, Legend of the Oasis, Virtual Cop, Daytona. There were a lot of other good games, but this are the games that I remember, since I have all of the games above (including a lot other games). At the ends I have probably 100+ Sega Saturn games.

[Restaurant] Maneki

2010-04-09T14:44:00.000-07:00

Maneki
304 6th Avenue South
Seattle WA

"Once you visit the place, you will come back for the second time, and third.. and forth.. and so on"

Ah... Maneki, I regret that I found this place pretty late compare to my other friends. The first time I went there like 2008 (which I already lived around Seattle since 2001... -_-)

Now on to the restaurant, the restaurant is only open for dinner (5:30-10:30 PM) and I really suggest that you MUST make a reservation way ahead of time if you want to dine there. Why? cause the place will usually fully booked till 9:30 PM, even on weekdays *wow*.

The restaurant it self is not look that big from the outside and its located not on the heart of the International District like other well known restaurants (Jade Garden, Kaukau, Honey Court, Purple Dot, Hing Loon, Ocean City, Hongkong Bistro).... anyway, not saying that the location is hard to find, but it just a little bit up on the hillside, where there's not too many restaurant around Maneki.

On the the menu, for a Japanese cuisine, the price looks very reasonable. Appetizer around $3-$7. Main menu around $7-14.5 (let say its still under $20 if you don't want to get too detail). After looking on the menu, I decided I want to have some feast tonight, so I ordered a little more that what I usually order. The list that I ordered were:
- Sakana Dinner $14.5 (with Makarel on salt *Recommended*)
- Takoyaki (7 pcs) around $4 or less (I forgot the exact price, cause I can't find it in the menu - I might missed it)
- Yakitori Chicken with Teriyaki sauce $4.5

The Taste
Lets start with the Takoyaki and Yakitori. The Takoyaki is delicious, its soft and the filling inside was generous, plus for the price, 7 Takoyaki is alot! (or at least the same price as the rail-sushi one) *but remember, this is a restaurant*
The Yakitori on the other hand, I don't think I will order it again. I don't say it is bad, but its just not stand out, the meat was pretty tender however the teriyaki sauce.. I think I should stick with salt. (plus probably I prefer Takoyaki), so this might be a personal preference.
Sakana Dinner
This one is super worthed, why? First its a dinner set with miso soup, slice of sashimi (total 6 slices if memory served me right), tempura and also fruit (watermelon) all for $15. The sashimi was really fresh even though I went there like 9 30 PM, tuna sashimi is my favorite. Move to the main entree (Makarel with salt). Good things I researched a bit about Japanese cuisine, so I know that I will love salt better than teriyaki in this case, so even though the food looks simple, but the taste was super delicious, I guarantee you will love it. (I haven't tried the salmon version yet, but my friend tried salmon with teriyaki and he not recommended.) The tempura, its fresh and crunchy, nothing special but its good though. and after my stomach full, there's a slice of watermelon that's conclude my dinner.
Maneki is such a nice place to go for a late dinner , and it is one of my favorite Japanese Restaurant around Seattle.

So overall Rating

Food Taste : A (perfect, if you know what you ordering)
Food Price : A (pretty cheap, and worth it)
Restaurant Atmosphere : A- (nice, simple and looks traditional, I love it)

Conclusion : if you like Japanese food, then I recommend you to try and decide it your self.

Picture will be post later, I need to go :D

10 Stuffed Animal Dolls from Crane Machine XD

2010-03-24T18:04:00.000-07:00

So last weekend (I believed it was Sunday night/early Monday morning) I went to Denny's after a long session of gaming and couple dvd movies with my gf and close friends. We were pretty hungry and also sleepy (it was like 2 AM after all).
So we decided to stop by at Denny's Lynnwood since its open 24/7
Its not the food that I'm going to blog here, but its about the crane machine *you know, the doll crane*. I'm pretty sure it was my first time played it in US (and I had been here for like 7+ years now haha)

So, while waiting for the food, I saw a crane machine full of stuffed dolls, usually I don't care at all, but at that time I had a urge feeling to play it - It most likely because a day before I played Yakuza 2 on PS2 and collecting stuffed animals :D (for the mini games haha). So anyway, I'm just heading to the crane machine, see is there any stuffed dolls that I like to get. Then I was just like.. oh well, I should give it a try to a random doll, just one try, don't care that I got it or not.
So I went back to my car to get 4 quarters (it was $1 machine), then I tried my luck on my one and only try (or that's what I though at first).

Viola! I picked up a blue teddy bear :D. Yeah sure it's not the best stuffed bear, but hey! I picked up on my first try! woohoo!

Anyway,before I went back to my booth and have my meal, I looked at the crane machine again, I saw a red lobster that looked at me. It was like "please pick me" kinda feeling :D
After I'm done with my food, I went to the toilet, and checked my wallet. There were 1 $5 bills left... hm... so I decided to just use it on the crane machine, just to think that after I get the lobster, I'm done with the game.

2 first try was a failure, and third try was a charm!, I picked the lobster with another doll that I don't remembered what . At that point it makes me addicted to pick more and more XD, plus somehow I found a glitch in the machine (like I'm allowed to play more than 5 times, even though I lost my count how many extra tries I've got, cause I don't really care).

And with that $5, I picked another 9 stuffed dolls! muahahaha, one of my tries actually picked up 3 dolls, I was like (damn, am I good or I'm freaking lucky!) :D

So here are all of the dolls that I collected :D and probably it will become my new hobby :P (probably..)

PS: Woohoo! my first post after more than 1/2 years!. And from now on, I probably blog more about other stuffs other than Animes, cause I barely have time to watch it right now (even tho I got tons of it). Things that I probably going to blog is about my self, foods, music, or maybe Manga :D

See you on the next post :)

[Anime Extra] Clannad : Kyou Chapter

2009-07-08T22:44:00.000-07:00

Clannad Another World : Kyou Chapter

It's basically a parallel world where Nagisa not exist. The story only revolved between Tomoyo, Kyou and Ryou. Apparently Ryou had a crush on Tomoyo since beginning, but unfortunately so do Kyou. An act of sisterhood makes Kyou become the one who help her younger sister to pursuit her love one even though it hurts.

This Another world story pretty nice but its pretty much predictable, because even you haven't watch the episode yet, you already know the ending. But nevertheless it was really enjoyable. As usuall, the animation was great and also the illustration.

It was a good stand alone episode in my opinion.

[Anime Review] Kenichi : The Mightiest Diciple

2009-07-08T21:14:00.000-07:00

Kenichi

" Probably one of the best martial arts that I ever watched"-bezoe

Shirahama Kenichi is an average student who has earned the nickname "Weak Legs" from always getting bullied. One day he meets a cute girl named Furinji Miu who helps him build the courage to begin training at a mysterious dojo where she lives. Here Kenichi faces intense training from masters of many different martial arts styles as he attempts to become stronger.

I know this anime like about a year ago when one of my friend introduced me to it. But i realized it was too long to watch it in 1 go (well.. I finished the whole 50 eps within 2 days..). Finally I could find a time that I be able to finish it.

The story line was something that mostly we see from manga ( I haven't read the manga yet, but the anime its feel really comical). At first the fight feels a bit boring because probably there was no point in it, then it gets more interesting when the Eight Fist leaders participate in it. Beside the main story, I wish they show more on Kenichi training side, because most of it feels like just a wrap up.

Character in this anime, I like it, the whole Ryouzanpaku Master especially Appacai Hoppacai :D . Kenichi character feels like a character that we can relate it to for a daily life. I like Niiji character a lot, even he is an irritating creature but! he is an interesting Kenichi's friend as well. The other character that I wish they show her background was Shigure Kosaka, wow I like her a lot.

Animation wise was very good consider they illustrate the fighting scene pretty well without a lot of deformation. The whole drawing feel very consistent.

Illustration quality it feels like 80's anime in my opinion, but I didnt say I don't like it. The character and hair style it seems like something you might see in dragonball or something like it. But atleast it fits the purpose, if its draw like a shonen/shoujou style, I don't think it will be as this powerful.

OP and ED. I like the OP even it won't be my favorite list, and I also like the last ED, pretty calmy.

Bottom line : If you like martial arts, then this one is THE one.

Overall Rating : A

Favorite Characters
#1. Shigure Kosaka (Sexy ninja that I'm sure I will be save every night I go to sleep... lol)

#2. Renka Ma ( Wish she got more role..)

#3. Nanjo Kisara ( Tough girl will indeed enter in my list)

[Anime Review] Zero No Tsukaima Princess No Rondo

2009-07-05T21:31:00.000-07:00

Zero No Tsukaima Princess No Rondo
"A spectacular anime with unspectacular ending"-bezoe

Following Saito's heroic actions in the War with Albion in season two, Saito & Louise return to Tristain, only to have the runes which bind Saito & Louise disappear. Saito & Louise struggle with a relationship no longer defined as Master & Familiar, as they search for an Elf who has the power to restore the dead to life, and may hold the key to understanding Saito's loss of the Gandalfr's power.

This is a big disappointment for me, I mean, the anime actually have a pretty decent storyline and everything, but in the end.. its just freaking plain. I felt like some of the earlier episode they story is getting no where, and they cramped everything near the end.

Characters, I love the new additional Half-Elf Character to the list, she is superb, and also the Transformation of the Sylphid into a girl bring a new refreshment.

Animation part as usual nothing spectacular, its just like the last two season same as the OP and the ED.

Bottom line : I pretty much say the story line was pretty weak and a bit rush in the end. Still no big bos??

Overall Rating : A--

Favorite Characters
#1. Tabitha Orleans

#2. Tiffania Westwood (Oppai....)

#3. Kirche Zerbst

#4. Siesta

[Anime Review]Zero No Tsukaima Futatsuki No Kishi

2009-07-04T23:42:00.000-07:00

zero no tsukaima futatsuki no kishi

"Better than the 1st season, more drama, more action and more..boobs"-bezoe

This sequel is a continuation of the previous season, not long after the war. Louise and Saito seemingly getting along now since she knows that he had given up his only chance to return to Tokyo for her. The story continues as Louise begins to use Void Magic from a mysterious secret book she had recieved from her majesty Henrietta, while a new villain has appeared in town causing trouble.

This will be a pretty short review since im goin to watch 3rd season after this

Story line was surprisingly better than the 1st one, more drama, more background story and we lost some important character in this anime.

Characters, new additional characters such as Louise Sisters and mother was pretty refreshing, plus that Julio guy. I like how they bring back Madamoiselle ( I like that guy.... er... girl... er.. guy?) At start of the season I almost fall in love with Princess but unfortunately her stubbornness really ticks me off. As usual, Tabitha still my favorite even her role's is not that big this season

OP and ED is better than 1st one but still won't be my favorite.

Favorite characters : Still the same as Season 1

Overall Rating : A-

[Anime Review] Zero No Tsukaima

2009-07-04T17:48:00.000-07:00

Zero No Tsukaima

"Fun anime, good theme (its been a while since the last magical theme I watched)"-bezoe

Meet Louise, a budding magician. The students at the Tristein Academy call her "Zero Louise", due to her current record of zero successes with magic. In fact, her magic tends to go spectacularly wrong. Now, as an important test of her aptitude for magic, she must summon a familiar to be her servant. At this critical moment, she summons up all her magic and wishes for a familiar that is "devoted, beautiful and powerful", and gets... Hiraga Saito, an ordinary Japanese boy. It's difficult to say who is more surprised and dismayed, but the rules don't allow for second attempts. Louise is stuck with her strange familiar, and he with her.

Zero No Tsukaima, its a fun magical comedy themed anime. The story line it self actually pretty simple but its pretty enjoyable. Unfortunately the ending I feel it felt short, I hope the second season will be better in the story line (will watch second seasons after reviewing this)

Characters, Tabitha Orleans is my favorite character, the coolnest in this girl is beyond imagination (it reminds me of Yuki Nagato). Guiche Gramont I think also a pretty interesting guy, a 24/7 playboy. As for the main character (Louise) as usual... a irritated-loli girl (same like Toradora)

Animation wise is not awesome, I noticed some of the part they just draw it like they don't care about the quality (one thing that I really noticed is at the last episode where Saito riding a horse, the horse just look terrible)

Graphically, this anime was ok, its not the greatest and also its not the worst. a small things that I still wondering is probably about the water goddess... is it only me or its look like Kos-Mos from Xenosaga?

OP and ED both are so so, actually I prefer some of the bgm during the anime.

Bottomline : I enjoy the anime, its not a boring anime but I still can't find the awesomeness of Zero No Tsukaima yet.

Overall Rating : A--

Favorite Characters
#1. Tabitha Orleans (I found it 100% Yuki Nagato look-a-like)

#2. Siesta (If I have a cosplay maid like this............)

#3. Kirche Zerbst (hot!)

#4. Louise Françoise de la Baume le Blanc de la Vallière (well, she's the main character after all.. so she needs to be on the list.... right?)

[Anime Review] Toradora

2009-07-02T20:34:00.000-07:00

Toradora

"Good anime overall, but feel a bit too plain"-bezoe

Toradora!'s story begins with the male protagonist Ryūji Takasu who is frustrated at trying to look his best as he enters his second year of high school. Despite his gentle personality, his eyes make him look like an intimidating delinquent, so he is utterly hopeless about his chances of getting a girlfriend anytime soon, and does not have many close friends either. After being greeted by his hungover mother in the morning, Ryūji goes to school and is happy to find that he gets to be in the same class with his best friend Yūsaku Kitamura and a girl he has a crush on, Minori Kushieda. However, it is then that he unexpectedly knocks into "the school's most dangerous animal of the highest risk level"—Taiga Aisaka—who just happens to also be in his class, and is a good friend of Minori.

Taiga has a negative attitude towards others and will not hesitate to snap at people. After meeting Ryūji, she takes an instant dislike of him. Taiga comes from a rich family, but she has moved out to live on her own due to family issues. She is coincidentally living in an apartment next to Ryūji's. When Ryūji discovers that Taiga has a crush on Yūsaku, and Taiga finds out about Ryūji's affections towards Minori, Ryūji suggests that they cooperate to win the objects of their affections. Taiga exploits the fact that Ryūji will do anything to get closer to Minori. She makes him her personal servant, getting him to do all her household chores (cooking and cleaning). Taiga spends a lot of her time over at his house, so much that she could almost be considered a member of his family. Since Ryūji spends a lot of time with Taiga, he has opened up to her world and to a side of her that most people do not see. The two also try to help each other improve the way people view them. However people they know from school start to become curious about their strange relationship and rumors begin to spread about them behind their backs.

This is some of the reasons why you want to watch Toradora: 1. Loli 2. Highschool love drama 3. "happy ending" with not a lot of surprising elements

I won't say Toradora is bad, but it just felt like I watching any other anime. The story was pretty plain, the character was ok, the mascot? was horrible (that parrot).

Lets get a bit into depth about the story, basically its about a boy who fall in love with a girl that he admire a lot, but unfortunately he wasn't a type that just say that word to the girl. With the help of his accomplish (Taiga) who also fall in love with the main character's friend. They both reach to an agreement to help each other to have their loves. However what they didn't realized was they actually can't lived without one another....... cliche... cliche....cliche...

Characteristics, is not wild enough for me. Taiga have that childish act (that suites her loli) but I don't dig on this one actually. Ami-chan probably is the strongest characteristic in this anime in my opinion. Minori reminded me of some other airhead character from other anime... and the guy? it was ok... nothing really special

Background illustration was pretty much outdated, I mean after I watch Clannad After Story, this one felt like it can be done 5 years ago (or more).

1st OP and ED music, I don't like it at all, probably too bubblegum pop for me, but that might be my personal taste. The 2nd OP and ED however, its gets a little bit better. I like the Christmast song though :)

Bottomline : Its just a pretty much regular highschool anime, however I did not find it boring. It's just the whole things feels too generic

Overall Rating: B--

Favorite Characters:

#1. Ami Kawashima (yep I love Ami more than Taiga, I know Ami is a type of girl that possesed that evil-angel look type, but atleast she is not childish)

#2. Taiga Aisaka (She is cute and loli, but she is irritating... I mean, if she is real life human, man I probably goin to smack her)

[Anime Review] Clannad After Story

2009-06-19T18:45:00.000-07:00

Clannad After Story

"A very heart-touching anime, that might make you cry"-bezoe

A sequel to the recently wrapped anime based on the Key Clannad franchise. After Story is a path that opens in the original visual novel after all the other paths have been opened.

Life continues on for Tomoya. A few months have passed since he confessed his love to Nagisa. Now entering his graduating year, he continues to meet a variety of different people, expanding his own world in the process. As well, Tomoya and Nagisa's relationship begins to enter a level of intimacy unlike before. Through his relationship with Nagisa, and his various encounters, Tomoya begins to understand the meaning and importance of family. Unfortunately, as Tomoya and Nagisa begin their own family together, they are faced with many hardships and challenges along the way.

Finally I had the chance to watch the second season of this very good anime. In fact this is the first anime series that I reviewed after more than 1/2 years.

I can still remember vividly that the first season of Clannad was really heart touching, and I really looking foward for the 2nd season after I watch Clannad The Movie (which I think I didn't reviewed it yet)

And I will say, the time I spent to watched this anime was worthed! The story line was more focused on Nagisa and Tomoya this time with a little bit sidetrack. There's a lot of cry in this anime, either its a happy one or sad one. Also finally I understand the "girl who lived in the other world" story line in this season.

Visual of Clannad After Story probably is one of the best so far that I ever see in my anime watching life. I know the use a lot of real place reference but the illustration is just damn good, considering this is a tv series. There's a slightly improvement on the character side but not that much because the first season was near perfect.

OP and ED, probably weaker than the first season (damn that Dango song still stucked in my head after I guess a year or less). but I must say the OP song have a pretty catchy rhyme near the end that even that I skipped the music a lot , I still remember the rhyme.

Bottom line : This is a must watch anime, the storyline was interesting and also have a moral of the story in it. And actually make me rethink of my life in the future.

Overall Rating : A

Favorite Characters:

#1.Nagisa Furukawa (cause its all about her, I fall for her this time :) )

#2. Kyou Fujibayashi (she still my #2 fav, because I like her, tough and leader type)

#3. Kotomi Ichinose (her voice... NOT HER VIOLIN... sexy...)

#4. Sanae Furukawa (a hot mom and kind one too)

[Movie Review] Star Trek

2009-05-09T16:06:00.000-07:00

Star Trek (2009)

"Finally, a very good Star Trek movie, after the awfully bad Star Trek Nemesis" -bezoe

The fate of the galaxy rests in the hands of bitter rivals. One, James Kirk, is a delinquent, thrill-seeking Iowa farm boy. The other, Spock, was raised in a logic-based society that rejects all emotion. As fiery instinct clashes with calm reason, their unlikely but powerful partnership is the only thing capable of leading their crew through unimaginable danger, boldly going where no one has gone before. - yahoo

Right from the start, we already saw what we will expecting to see for the rest of the movie. The background of Kirk, what is Spock looks like when he still a child, and who is Dr.Mcoy.

The way J.J Abrams tells the story really pulled me in to know the back story of each characters. Another good thing is , even though most of my friends who watched the movie with me, didn't even know what is Star Trek, still be able to keep up with the story. So even the story moving on the constant pace, but its not confusing which I like, if not then I probably needs to explain the whole Star Trek to my friends during the movie and get rains of pop corn in my head.

Special Effect and CG will heavily be expected by me when I'm going to watch the movie. And indeed the special effects looks awesomely good (Thanks ILM, I'm pretty sure most of the CG works done by you). From the first battle until the last one (plus the *Spoiler : planet drilling -end spoiler* ) all have an awesome visual graphic, while its not distracting too much for us to still follow the story line without got interference from the CG.

The enemy part is the part that I got confused in the beginning, who and where did he from. Good things everything revealed during the end.

The design of the Enterprise really reflect the the design from the old Star Trek TV series (which is good so we know they don't fool around with the ship). Design for the enemy ship (no I won't say who is the enemy for this review, I don't see the trailer too much cause I dont want to see spoiler, so I don't know if theres a spoiler who is the enemy) is pretty interesting, its weird but it got the menacing feels.

Characters, the young version for Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Uhura and Sulu all are played by talented actors/actresess to the impresive level that I never have a though that they can live up the expectation. The enemy leader played by one of the biggest actor in hollywood so no wonder he can potrayed the character with perfect performance.

Star Trek is the movie that you should not miss it at all. Even though you are not or never watch Star Trek in your whole life, you will not get confused with the story line too much. A little knowledge about Star Trek will enhance the experience of this movie. However, after you watch this movie, you might be interested to watch the tv series played by William Shatner.

Bottom line: The movie that will be memorable for all Star Trek fans, the movie that will be enjoy by all races, the movie that will live long and prosper.

Overall Rating : A

[Anime Review] Lucky Star OVA

2009-01-19T16:58:00.000-08:00

Lucky Star OVA

"As good as the series (too bad it was pretty short)"-bezoe

A series of short vignettes starring characters from the Lucky Star series

If you like the series, then you will love this OVA. Nuff said :)
Too bad its only OVA, so its pretty short :(

PS: I love the Miku Hatsune costume (used by Kagami Chan :D~)

Overall Rating : A-

[News] Holiday!

2008-12-19T10:29:00.000-08:00

I'm heading back to Jakarta, Indonesia tonite so there will be no updates for the next 20 days :) have fun you all!
Merry Xmas and Happy Newyear :D

[Music of the Week] Miku Hatsune - Innocence

2008-12-07T23:04:00.000-08:00

Music of the Week
Miku Hatsune - Innocence

OMG... Good things I open my lovely bookmark site after a while, and I found theres a new Miku pv. It is 3D and takes a year to make so kudos to the maker ^_^v (i'm in animator background so I know how hard to make a 4 minutes video) And this one is very good
I like to share to all of the Miku's fan and new fan I hope :)
Enjoy!
uploaded by kaitoyoiko

[Music of the Week] Namie Amuro - Body Feels Exit

2008-12-07T21:55:00.000-08:00

Music of the Week
Namie Amuro - Body Feels Exit

Suddenly, this song popped out in my head out of no where. I remembered I got the Cassette (yep, back when cassette still rocks). A really old song by one of the greatest J-singer Namie Amuro
I really need some energetic music to keep my concentration of doing my hw rite now~
Enjoy
uploaded by pommy408

[WTF] Chiyo-Chan Cooking song

2008-11-30T15:21:00.000-08:00

WTF
Chiyo-Chan Cooking Song

Do I need to even mention the which anime is it from? hohoho
Uploaded by injured2day

[WTF] Gatsby Moving Rubber - Kimura Dance

2008-11-30T15:11:00.001-08:00

WTF
Gatsby CM

It's been a while since I saw the 1st Moving rubber commercial and this one is new to me, I dunno that Kimura can dance like the one on the youtube (I forgot the tag name..., but I'm sure some of you seen it before - the moves)

hehehe (oh dear I should do my HW.. arg!)

Want to see the longer version? (good thing someone complied it)
Either you addicted to it, laugh at it or puke on it.. the choice is yours =D
uploaded by chingfungw

[Music of the Week] Ken Hirai - Pop Star

2008-11-30T15:06:00.000-08:00

Music of the Week
Ken Hirai - Pop Star

Bad me, bad me. I miss 2 weeks of MotW -_-;;
I heard this song pretty long ago when I'm still @ indo, and I love the song~, Ken Hirai got a pretty interesting voice
Enjoy~
uploaded by Markossly

[Anime Review] XXXHolic Kei

2008-11-21T18:16:00.001-08:00

XXXHolic Kei

"Better than the 1st season as I expected" -bezoe

Still working to get his wish complete, Watanuki finds himself into more mess than he can handle when certain facts about his everyday life gets revealed and when he needs to learn the lesson of Yuuko the hard way.

I finally finished watching XXXholic Kei that I've started like 3 weeks ago (too much stuff going on for the past 3 week).
Anyway, I like the story on the Kei better than the 1st season. On the 1st season I feel like the story is too shallow, while on the 2nd season, some of the stuff that still unexplained revealed.

Animation still as good as the 1st season, nothing new really, character design still the same with the 1st season (basically all of the stuff from 1st season, same on the 2nd, except the story part)

Bottom line : its a good anime, but I don't think it will be memorable
Overall Rating : A--

Favorite Characters

1. Yuuko Ichihara

2. Vespal Sprite

3. Himawari Kunogi

[News] No Update on anime review?

2008-11-09T20:08:00.001-08:00

Yep, been pretty busy this past 2 weeks. Got new activity that made me away from starring a monitor watching anime. But nevertheless, I will still reviewing anime (hopefully 1 per week or per 2 weeks?)

Thats all for now, *back to doin HW*

[Music of the Week] Funky Monkey Babys - Lovin' Life

2008-11-09T20:05:00.000-08:00

Music of the Week
Funky Monkey Babys - Lovin' Life

Another songs from FMB, this is the 1st song from FMB that made me like the band. Enjoy
uploaded by blankset

[Music of the Week] Funky Monkey Babys - 泣いて笑って夢を見てた

2008-11-03T11:09:00.000-08:00

Funky Monkey Babys
泣いて笑って夢を見てた

This is one of my fav music from FMB (Funky Monkey Babys) beside Lovin Life (Which probably I will post next week)
uploaded by Hornettetsu
Enjoy