Zalor

Mind pming me them. As I spent a decent amount of time on Google trying to find downloads for it (granted most of them were direct downloads and not torrents), but I still couldn't find the series available anywhere.

When I said "old dogs don't learn new tricks", I was only really referring to myself. Hell, I got to commend you for how adaptable you are. I hate change, and am quite frugal when it comes to my financies. Meaning that if I weren't born into the generation I was, I could easily picture myself still collection VHS tapes. Also I tend to watch anime that is at least several years old (There are some exceptions to this, but this is the general rule), and I never follow currently airing anime. I treat anime like I do to books, I don't often read contemporary fiction, and I like to read/watch at my own pace without having to wait for a new episode to come out. This is actually the main practical reason of mine to prefer streaming. As last week I was trying to download Psycho-Pass (one of the exceptional animes I watched that isn't years old), but because it was licensed I couldn't find a single download for it; this is a problem I don't have with streaming sites. And before you bash me with a moral hammer, I plan on buying the DVDs when the anime is released, but Funimation has not made a dub for the series yet so it won't be for a while when I can finally buy them.

I didn't even know you could have a list that was "too long". That is certainly an accomplishment though. Only a true anime sage could reach such a feat.

I must say, you have me almost completely sold except for one thing; "old dogs don't learn new tricks". I've been streaming anime for three years now and I really don't want to hassle myself with learning which sites to download from, and whether their safe, etc. That, and I feel if I get accustomed to a "higher quality experience" I will be spoiling myself to the point of no return. I don't mind stream quality and notice nothing particularly flawed with it, but If I get used to perpetually watching Blu-Ray quality then I feel I will become as nit-picky as a spoiled aristocratic brat. I don't want to develop such a sharp sense of observation that the smallest things will impede my enjoyment of merely watching a series.

I...I adore you Ryoji. You are the only other person I met who felt the same exact way about Madoka Magica as I do. Because of the hype it received, I managed to successfully predict a lot of plot twists, which thus detracted A LOT from the overall enjoyment of watching the show.

I see where your going with this, and I suppose my logic is flawed. But don't even pretend that Rosario+Vampire's basic premise wouldn't have been way more effective and realistic as a psychological thriller (I mean the guy is stuck in a school where every other creature could brutally mangle, and mutilate him, added to the fact that if his identity is found out the school authorities would be after his head as well.) I certainly wouldn't be flirting with every other girl when I'm concerned about my life; since it's in a constant state of danger. I admit, in order to accommodate my far superior plan for Rosario+Vampire it might require completely re scripting the show, and using a different animation style. But fear not, if I'm ever invested with enough money to buy the rights to the series and to hire an animation crew, I would totally act on my idea and redeem the show. Yeah, sorry to people who enjoy ecchi anime, and liked Rosario+Vampire, but when my imagination is let out of its leash it will deconstruct anything.

Thank you! Another person who streams anime like me. I never could understand why most people prefer to spend the time downloading it, when they could instantly watch it online. Maybe they just don't have as good an internet connection as me? The only pro to downloading against streaming that I know of, is that the visual quality is better; but I honestly have trouble telling the difference between DVD quality and Blu-ray quality so I don't mind the supposed "lower quality" experience. Only on occasion do I notice boxy quality, in which case I just switch to a different site since I'm familiar with plenty. Anyway, while I usually stream anime for my first viewing if I like something enough to rewatch it, then I usually buy the DVDs unless if their unavailable. Sorry to hear about your ill experience with Funimation. I haven't noticed any discrepancies with the quality in the DVDs and Blu-Rays I purchased from them, so I always thought they were great. However, as I mentioned before I am not very scrutinizing with the quality of videos and audio, so things like that could easily fly pass me. As for dubs, I feel as though people will publicly stone me for admitting it, but I generally watch dubs unless if it's absolutely abominable (which for the animes I watched thus far, it has generally been a rare occurrence). Most of the time that I watch an anime subbed is usually because the series doesn't have a dub yet.

Wow... just wow. I wrote a whole paragraph about Rosario+Vampire just to realize that you mentioned it in the topic post. I should really read first posts more thoroughly. Anyway, did you enjoyed Rosario+Vampire? I personally thought that the basic premise of it had a lot of potential, but completely slaughtered any shred of quality due to selling out to fanservice and ecchi. The anime also pretty much completely ignored the initial theme of a human kid stuck in a school surrounded by no other creatures than monsters, along with it being a school rule to execute any humans found on campus. This could have made a great psychological thriller, or horror. But no, its nothing but another harem ecchi anime...

Lol, Funimation practically has a monopoly in the U.S. anime industry now, so that would mean you pretty much never buy anime. I don't at all intend to seem like I'm judging you, I just find it kind of humorous that you avoid the main company that dubs and releases anime in the States now. May I ask what you have against Funimation?

In a debate I once heard someone mentioned that it takes a certain type of mind to appreciate and value the search for deeper meanings, metaphors, allegories, etc. Almost in the same way that it takes a certain type of mind to find meaning in math equations, (I've known some absolutely brilliant kids when it came to math), but I never really understood it or really cared for it. On the other hand I often made friends with my Literature teachers and enjoyed discussing literature with them, as well as discovering the underlying themes of books (and anime as well). I am one of those people who perhaps over analyzes Evangelion, but in my opinion a story only ever holds relevance and meaning if you can find something beyond the surface of the story. I once read a quote that said, "literature is the question minus the anwser". And that applies to any work of fiction, whether it be anime or literature. What is important in a story for me is if it can get me to question things about life. The questions the story raises (and oh dear God does Evangleion raise a lot of questions) is far more important than the answers; which is why Evangelion so rarely answers its own questions. And in all honesty its up to the reader (viewer) to decide if those questions are worth answering or not. I guess what I'm trying to get at is, "to each his own". If you only want to witness a story and don't seek any value in the questions it raises than that's totally a valid way to experience stories. However, it is also just as valid to seek meaning in what you read (watch); and for literary scholars, Critics, and just people like myself, that is how we prefer to extract value from fiction. The answers we come up with may sound completely preposterous to others, but that's because each one of us draws different conclusions form the questions that are asked in fiction. Again, its not the answer that's important but the question. I think Ryoji was at one point recommending Sakurasou, but I could be wrong. At any point it was already on my "anime to watch list" but your additional recommendation of it bumped it up the list again. As for Oregairu, I never heard of it so I'll have to check it out. In any point, thanks for the recommendations.

Normally I'm straight, but I don't run into nearly as many Kaiji fans as the show properly deserves, so I'll make an exception for you this one time. Also, I agree that 26-52 episodes generally is the ideal amount for a series to develop strong characters and a strong story.

Such a great topic! Shame it seems to be dying, but I'll try to jump start it again. Anyway, while I do agree that recent animes (from the past 3 years or so) in general are less impressive or interesting then many earlier ones, I feel this this contemporary trend infested with moe, cliches and marketing will eventually decline. Last week I decided to watch Psycho Pass which was running from fall 2012 to spring 2013, after seeing this video that intrigued me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lkcw5fue9s&list=FLillMlCGgjMxYJgGaKNztIQ&index=10 The video grasped me because I was shocked to see literary references in anime, so I decided to check it out. And to my enjoyment the series was really good. Now I'll be the first to admit I don't think the series quite reached its full potential, but damn did it still do a great job. For instance the main antagonist in the show, (the guy recommending to read Philp K Dick in the video) is an absolutely well written villain and one of my favorite characters. The series gives me hope that there will be other good and thought provoking anime like it in the future. However, what at the same times discourages me is the fact that this show went almost unrecognized; while cliched shit like SAO, and Attack of Titan are getting all the rage. (Okay, I only saw the first two episodes of Attack on Titan but it didn't strike me as a thought provoking, and deep anime like Psycho-Pass or the animes we got in the past). However, then I realized that, the same was kind of true in the past as well. Take Ultimate Gambler Kaiji for example. It is in my opinion one of the most thrilling and at the same time metaphorical and philosophical animes I have ever seen (and takes a spot in my top 5 anime). Yet Kaiji went relatively unnoticed when it was running, and to this day isn't an anime most people are acquainted with. My case in point being that good anime often goes undetected. So to conclude I think while we are in a down trend, I still think works of art will be produced (they'll just be less abundant then they used to be), and you will have to search for them a bit harder.

(Finally a chance to make someone realize how brilliant of a VN Swan Song is) I challenge you to read Swan Song. It took me a week to finish it when I was on break, so if you don't have work/school right now then the challenge is to finish it in a week. If you do have work/school then I'll give you two weeks. Have fun.

1) Cliched characters, situations, and plots bother me. Obviously there are usually some clitches in a VN (like how characters are usually always attending high school), and I can accept those. But when a VN doesn't attempt anything deep or unique in its stories and characters, that is when I am bothered by it. 2) Plot and character holes are like nails on a chalkboard for me. It's what ruined G-Senjou no maou for me. 3) Bad writing is a turn off, not only for VN's but for anything really. That's all I could come up with for now. Also: Eurobeatz, what type of f*cked up VNs did you play that had scat sex? lol. As for regular anal, I don't see anything wrong with that, (I actually think its kind of hot. Probably shouldn't have admitted that.)

Thanks for the direct contribution man. I don't have my copy of Catcher in the Rye on me, so I couldn't find any direct quotes to reference. What I like about that quote is that I could picture both Hisao and Holden thinking that same thought. Which further illustrates my point on how the two are similar.

Yesterday I was speaking to a friend of mine about Catcher in the Rye. We ended up agreeing that what made Catcher in the Rye so great was that it used a casual narration style, while still incorporating plenty of symbolism which made the book both an easy read, and a thoughtful one. Then earlier today I was reading through Katawa Shoujo, (I finished act one 2 years ago, but never got around to playing the full version). Anyway, as I was playing through the second day or so, I realized that Hisao has much of the same problems as Holden Caulfield. Holden condemns nearly everyone in the novel as a "phony" for merely being an adult, or for accepting adulthood. Despite his fear however, Holden himself is becoming an adult whether he wants to admit it or not. Hisao seems to suffer from much of the same problem. Hisao looks at all the other students at his school differently for their disabilities, even though he possesses one as well. He thinks that he is different, and healthier then them, even though he's no better off. When in reality the difference really is that the other students seemed to accept their disability, while he's still in a kind of denial about it. Just like how Holden is in denial about himself making the shift to adulthood. Another smaller similarity are Holden and Hisao's male friends, or acquaintances. Ackley from Catcher in the Rye is a very odd, and obnoxious character, that Holden doesn't always appreciate to have around. Kenji is very similar to this. Kenji's presence doesn't seem to appreciated much either, yet Hisao still tolerates him as well. They both also have unique and defining aspects of their exteriors. Ackley with all the pimples on his face, and Kenji with his gargantuan spectacles. Now I don't really think this next point counts, but I still want to say it anyway. And that is I could also picture Ackely pestering Holden about feminist conspiracies. But since that never actually occurred in the book it doesn't apply. Since its been a while since I read Catcher in the Rye; and the most I ever got through in Katawa Shoujo was act one. My insight is limited to this for now. But please share your thoughts on this comparison. On a Huge side note: (God Damn has it been a while since I last posted here, how is everyone?)

Thanks, :)/> and actually I have. :3 That's why I was so adamant about there being no love interest, since originally it wasn't suppose to be a VN. But, I figured out of all the stories I created in my head but never wrote down, this would be the best suited if put in VN format. That should be fine, since the whole point of a group project is so people can work on what they are strongest in. Everyone is weak at something creatively, but the nice thing about group projects is that you can find capable people to fill in the holes.

Well I have a balls to the wall amazing idea! The story starts at the funeral of his grandfather. His grandfather was a self made Wall-Street man. The MC mentions during the introduction something along the lines of, "He was a tyrant, but isn't every Wall-Street man? He was born from blood as common as dirt, yet Wall-Street adopted him as its heir. If there is one thing I learned from his life, it was that success is a predetermined gift given to you at birth, but in order to maintain the gift you must trade yourself." The MC's father was the first born son of the grandfather. However, due to him marring a women that was disapproved of, and for not following his fathers foot steps as a trader, instead becoming a literary scholar, he was disinherited. The MC is a 25, 26 year old University grad. He graduated from Princeton University. Anyway, the grandfather promised the MC's father that he would give his grandson (the MC) an inheritance if he was given custody. So from the ages of approximately 12-18 the MC lived with the grandfather. Anyway, naturally he was raised to be a proper gentleman and to follow the footsteps as a trader. Okay, back to the funeral, or post funeral. The MC is given ownership to a multi-billion dollar hedgefund (since he was the legitimate heir) as his inheritance. Okay, now that plot stuff is out of the way I would like to discuss what the themes of the story. The Main character is on a search for whether honesty actually exists. Growing up from a prominent trader he learns that lies should only be avoided if they can get you sued, but is basically encouraged to lie to get a head. However, he is constantly turning over advice his father gave him, (lol Great Gatsby reference ) that honesty is the true road for happiness. He himself often lies in inside deals with partners to profit his corporation (after he becomes chairman). And all he sees among his friends, and co-workers are liars (like himself). But what he is always looking for is honesty. He usually is very cynical about honesty but is always searching for it in other people. Another crucial theme is that he has this voice in his head that always encouraged him to take the sociopathic choice, while he is always debating with that voice on whether he should. The voice in his head is essentially the voice of his grandfather. Anyway, the way I see it there can be two endings, the one where he follows his grandfathers path and becomes a sociopathic trader who is obsessed with maintaining the predetermined gift known as success, but as a result gives up on honesty. Or he ends up finding honesty (in an act, in a person, etc), and it persuades him to change his current life style. I will be very firm about one thing considering this story.I don't want a romantic love interest/heroine. In the good ending where the main character does find honesty I would like it to be a bit more subtle, and definitely not something cliched where he finds honesty in love, (that very idea makes me want to throw up). Here is an example where he can find honesty and not fall in love with someone: He somehow ends up befriending a priest after seeing him commit a selfless act on the street. It's not the priests religious words, but his actions and poor life style that might persuade the MC to change his life style. Hell, he could also witness someone save a stranger or something. I don't exactly know how, but I definitely DO NOT want any romance.

Wow, you're views about playing/reading VN's seem to be very similar to mine. I think there are two types of eroge players. Those that treat a VN as a game, and work for the ending they want, and those who treat VNs as books and use walkthroughs so they don't interfere with the story by making a stupid choice. I personally treat VNs more as a book than I do a game. Also, none of the walkthroughs I used for any VN included spoilers.

Thanks, then I'll probably play Steins;Gate after I finish Tsukihime. However, I heard there were issues about JastUSA buying the rights to Steins;Gate or something like that. If we can still play the game with the patch, then how complete is it? On topic: Judging from how good the anime was, I think Steins;Gate would be a really good recommendation for beginner as well. According to vndb.org Stein;Gate is roughly as long as Ever 17 (30-50 hours long).

I finished the Steins;Gate anime and really enjoyed it, would you still recommend for me to play the VN as well? Because I watched Clannad before playing the VN, and the VN felt kind of boring since I experienced a lot of the content through the anime. Considering I watched the anime, do you think I would still enjoy Stiens;Gate as a VN?

It's been a while since I watched Sola, (great anime, unfortunately it doesn't get the attention it deserves) thanks for reminding me about it. The quote you used also sounds exactly like something Spike Speigel from Cowboy Bebop would say.

Okay, I edited my reply, as did you. I basically apologized, but I decided to delete the whole thing anyway.

I can clearly see that reviews are kind of taboo (I wasn't aware of this until very recently so please don't be too upset with me). And as you mentioned people probably won't like it if I edited the video back on my post, so I won't. I still think that PhantomZwei is an excellent reviewer who actually reviews for people interested in playing the game, and not for people who already finished the game. I feel that his videos are nothing but a positive influence on the community, and it bothers me for people to have the misconception that his work is toxic. But seeing as the majority of people are opposed to reviews, I suppose it's the law of democracy for me to just admit I lost, and so I shall.

I understand that while eroge fans are mostly a peaceful species, they will kill if spoiled to something. And I also understand the fear of being spoiled to something. I honestly believe PhantomZwei to be a talented reviewer who can give you the necessarily information about a game without including spoilers, (I just wish he would upload more often). I think his videos do nothing but help the VN community and definitely should not be viewed as toxic. I'm not particularly happy with my link being taken down because it didn't contain spoilers, (unless you count first impression character summaries to be spoilers. Which they are not!). I could understand if it did contain spoilers, but I don't feel I violated any rule that deserved it to be taken down.