Nothing much happens this week, just the usual routine tat I always did. Some interesting happenings…

1.) Final Fantasy XIII is going to be coming out on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. That’s right. PC. That’s not confirmed nor denied by Square Enix.

2.) Most number of computer/console games of the year. 2008. Remember that.

3.) School Rumble S3 OVA is out. It focuses on the remaining chapters leading to the finale. I gave up on School Rumble ever since the mangaka keep dragging the story on and on. The last Vol. will be 22 I think.

4.) Open Sesame, a romance manga drawn by Kaoru Kawakata, has ended serialization. It’s a great manga really, but I just wonder why this title isn’t animated…

5.) It seems Mediacorp has collaborated with ODEX to bring a brand new Video-On-Demand service on MOBTV called Animetrix. It features titles like Yamato Nadeshiko, Seto no Hanayome, D. Grey Man, Neo Angelique Abyss, Domo and Tokyo Majin. Prices start from $9/mth(minimum subscription is 3mths) for all titles. Smart move ODEX…

I agree with him though. They might hatching a new plot to stop new Singaporeans from downloading fansub animes. They can hide but they will never give up.

But I really appreciate their effort in bringing us “Same Week As Japan” telecast of animes. Regardless, we should be thankful that we have free animes to watch in Singapore (and not wasting time on E City’s disgusting Chinese dubs and Animax’s old titles; which are not free fyi).

I only support Arts Central. Not ODEX.

Nothing much worth to blog over at the anime universe.

During the weekends, I was shopping for a new game console. I found out that it was difficult to choose because these days, most games are all multi-platform. The Xbox 360 was just $100 cheaper than the PS3. All the more harder for me to choose.

What I am looking out for:

• Role-playing. Whichever games have the more RPG titles will certainly woo me over. Xbox 360 wins flat down in terms of RPG titles. With Square Enix joining forces with Microsoft, Xbox 360 is clearly the winner.
• Casual gaming. Actually Wii wins this section, but since I’m only considering PS3 and Xbox 360, the winner goes to Xbox 360. With games like Uno, it’s no wonder it’s family friendly that PS3.
• Price. For now, Xbox 360 wins with a $100 cheaper than PS3. However, the PS3 will be dropping price coming late August. Should I wait? (Not forgetting that the Xbox 360 games are cheaper than PS3 too)
• Multiplayer. Both wins but PS3 has the more advantage because it’s multiplayer is free of charge, whereas Xbox 360 has a LIVE system in which you need to pay money per month in order to play.
• Future Investment. Looking down for the next 2 years, which console will be better value for money. PS3 is the clear winner. The blue-ray simply won hands down.

Final score: Xbox 360 3 – PS3 2

I’ll just wait for the price drop to happen since it’s really a close fight. Argh..I just can’t decide…

1.) The video is almost like DVD-quality. However, most of the other shows airing in Arts Central are almost DVD-like, so it shouldn’t be a problem. Audio is okay.

2.) Subtitles are normal, just like what you get in a DVD boxset. I don’t think they will take the time to watch the fansub verison of ZnT and copied it completely right? (Considering it airs 4 days after the Japan airdate)

3.) Grammar and vocabulary is good. They got it right most of the time. No spelling mistakes either.

4.) They cut off the next episode preview part. I don’t know if this is Arts Central’s idea or ODEX’s, but that certainly didn’t bother me.

5.) There’s a part where Louise fondles with Tiffania’s breasts. The same black fog and blurred out picture remains. I guess that’s the reason why ZnT can be aired in national TV. This is also another conspriacy to buy R2 DVDs. Grr…

Overall, it’s almost like watching DVD. Apart from no translations of OP/ED, commercial breaks, it still derserves a good thumbs up from me. If you’re a fan of ZnT in Singapore, and don’t have a grudge with ODEX, try it.

At least you don’t need to download or stream it anymore…:)

The original banner should look like this below. Two items are missing. One, I edited the banner to remove the Welcome to My Profile because it’s not relevant. Two, the signature that’s supposed to be there is missing. That’s because wordpress crop off some of it. Sorry about that PinkJelly.

Tried to go Woodlands Center today. I got a job posting there which requires me to remove the printers and reinstall new ones. Blame myself for not seeing the bus service correctly, I ended up in a place where I shouldn’t be(Woodlands Checkpoint; wiki if you don’t know what I mean). I ended up sitting in the ICA (again wiki if you don’t know) for half an hour, and ending up late for work.

Morale of story: Service 170 Sucks.

It’s showing in Arts Central! Wait…is it ODEX again?

I might give it a try. I’ll tell you what I think next Friday.

Sekirei

Summary: Join Sahashi Minato as he discovers his true destiny when he mysteriously becomes a Ashikabi(Master) out of nowhere by a Sekirei(cute big breasts girls) and has to battle out the 108 others.

Thoughts: Breasts! Breasts! Breasts! I’m serious. The manga is completely aimed at entertaining young guys who needs a pervert rush all the time. Expect lots of fanservice, ‘boing boing’ and the finale, blood spurting! Other than that, don’t expect some major story plot happenings…(laughs)

Mahou Tsukai ni Taisetsu na Koto: Natsu no Sora

Summary: The protagonist, Sora, aims to be a licensed mage so that she can use her magic to help people legally. Her wish came true when one day, the Bureau of Magic accepts her application and she need to go to Tokyo to train. Her journey begins there.

Thoughts: Based on a spinoff of the same title, the English translation for this anime is actually ‘Someday Dreamers’. In fact, back in 2003, a TV anime was produced for this title of the same name, only different story. The storyline is a little like Aria, slow, calm and peaceful. But based on my research, there’s supposed to be a big romance story in it, which I don’t know if it’ll happen. Oh, let me add that you got to watch this in HQ, because the scenery is heavy in CG, making the environment look ‘real’.

Hidamari sketch x 365

Summary: Hidamari sketch is back for the second season! Join them as they have lots of fun learning art and life at the same time.

Thoughts: Stay away from this title if you are impatient, action seeker and need some fanservice. This anime has zero of it. However, if you are an Aria lover and/or had watched Hidamari Sketch for the first season, I see no reason why you shouldn’t try. Production and cast are the same as the previous season.

Zero no Tsukaima: Princess no Rondo

Summary: Louise and Saito are closer to each other more ever since the last fight ended. But fate seems to be playing with them again as Saito’s rune mysteriously disappeared. This means that Saito is no longer Louise’s familar (pet) and is a free man.

Thoughts: I don’t really understand how the story continues as I never read the novel before. Based on the trailer and research, I guess it’s something to do with the awaking of Saito’s true power and the answers to Void power. This season also introduces a new character, the elf. (which has big breasts as usual)

Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu

Summary: Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu is set at the private high school Hakujō Academy in Japan and centers around the male protagonist Yūto Ayase and his classmate Haruka Nogizaka. While Yūto is rather ordinary, Haruka is very attractive, intelligent, and rich. Due to this, she is the school’s most unattainable girl and is so idolized that her classmates give her the French nicknames “Nuit Étoile” (The Silver Star of the Night) and “Lumière du Clavier” (The Shining Princess on the Piano). One day, Yūto’s good friend Nobunaga Asakura asks him to return a book to the school library, and when he goes to return it, Yūto stumbles across Haruka and her darkest secret — she is a diehard fan of anime, manga, and the otaku culture. Yūto promises to keep her secret hidden and in return he becomes her confidante of sorts as he accompanies her to Akihabara, and visits her home often.

Thoughts: Unfortunately, I don’t really understand much from the first episode, so I can’t really comment on it. But based on the first episode, it seems like a pretty hyped up and fun anime title to watch. I’ll based on this to motivate me to continue watching.

I’ll cover the remaining OVAs (School Rumble, Negima) at a later date when I get to see the videos. What anime titles you guys are watching? Leave some comments to share with me!

Till then.

Let me start off by saying, “Wow! It feels so good to be back!”. After 4 months of hiatus, I decided that I should make myself heard again. It’s never late than ever.

For starters, I’ll try to have a daily blog about anime in particular (that’s because it’s my number 1 hobby if you are wondering). I’ll also try to reveal some of my daily life for some nosy people who are interested (yes, you). All of these in sweet simple English! (if my English is too atrocious, there’s the feedback button…)

Have fun!

P.S: I realised my box.net widget is still active. Haha…