Romeo Is a Dead Man is one of the wildest action games in recent memory. In this video, we break down the full experience including story, combat mechanics, graphics, soundtrack, and replay value. From its multiverse chaos and over the top sci fi narrative to its brutal melee and gunplay combat system
Read MoreBy Justin D Williams
Romance anime only works if the emotions actually move somewhere. The Dangers in My Heart earned fans by taking its time—letting its characters stumble, mess up, and grow, all while telling a middle school love story that felt way more real than most. So when they announced a movie, everyone expected more. More drama, maybe, or at least something that’d push Kyotaro and Anna’s story further. Something bigger. Unfortunately, what we got is something closer to a trip down memory lane rather than a new chapter. That doesn’t make the film bad at all, don’t get me wrong, but disappointed would be the word I would use.
The Dangers in My Heart The Movie centers around a concert by Primary Color led by Kana Ichikawa. She is performing a new song titled “To Be Continued,” which is written by her brother Kyotaro and is inspired by his relationship with Anna Yamada. The song centers around Kyotaro’s inner feelings, which were once dark and chaotic but are now polished into lyrics that can be performed on stage. The movie is perfect for anyone who has never read the manga or watched the anime series. The film is a retelling of the major beats of the anime series. We see how Kyotaro is socially withdrawn, a dramatic loner whose imagination runs wild into morbid fantasy. Anna, on the other hand, is bright and emotionally open, and she slowly chipped away at his guard. Key moments from the show are present but the problem with this condensed version is that it doesn’t feel earned. A show that you have time to connect with the characters throughout two seasons. The film is 1 hour and 43 minutes, which isn’t enough time to really connect. Quality is not the issue, but familiarity is. If you watched the anime, then rewatching the scenes without an alternate perspective, thematic lens, or deep exploration will keep you at home. Newcomers can watch this and then go home and watch the series in full to get a better appreciation of the show.
As far as animation and voice acting goes it is still solid as the anime series. The expressive character work, facial expressions, and Kyotaro's awkwardness are a pleasure to see. The concert sequences stand out the most with the lighting, the stage presence, and the timing of the music, which feels more cinematic than the show. Those are the segments where you get movie quality and breathe life into the film.
As far as pacing goes, this is where the film struggles. In episodic format, the slow progression and moments are earned, arcs and characters have a chance to breathe. However, when it’s at a rapid pace like the film, with jumping from key moment to key moment, it feels like a highlight reel. Newcomers, this will be a good introduction for you to get into the world. Fans of the show, this will be nothing more to you than a highlight reel.
Listings for the Film Below
*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
Sotaro Amata is popular in the office where he works, but in his off hours, he dresses up in Lolita fashion in beautiful lace and ruffles. Akira Hanku is less popular in the office, but in her off hours, she’s a punk girl in leather and spikes. They may butt heads at work, but when they run into each other off hours without recognizing each other, their relationship is entirely different.
This first volume is just setting up the vast differences between our main leads and getting them to meet up. They seem like two people who have been lonely, keeping up this mask at work, but can enjoy each other’s company once those masks are gone. In fact, Akira outright dislikes Sotaro at work but is smitten with him when he’s in the Lolita clothes. I made it a point to link to what I mean here since Lolita has an entirely different context in this case. I do wonder if this will get super dramatic and angsty once Akira finds out who she’s hanging out with, but I really hope it stays light and fun. 4 out of 5.
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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
Satoru’s father works at a factory and when he hears from his dad that there will be a new robot there, he can’t help but what to investigate, learning how to use it and even adding some instructions of his own.
Until Satoru gets into tinkering with Marilyn (the name of the robot) he’s absolutely insufferable. I was concerned I would have to deal with this brat the entire volume but once he’s into programming and has something to focus on, he’s so much better. It’s interesting and a bit foreboding that the story infers this is the machine reflecting on past events; which makes me wonder what will happen once it becomes known that Satoru is messing with the machine. 3 out of 5.
Aegis Force: The Scorian War comes into the spotlight with such a level of assurance that is only characteristic of a team who has got their concept perfectly figured out. The trial version does not delay in establishing the style: a devastated earth divided into the magical and the technological camps, a hundred-years-long conflict without known origin, and a cast of youngsters-soldiers who are forced to find their way out of the aftermath. I
Read MoreBy Justin D Williams
When Arc System Works announced Double Dragon Revive I won’t lie I was skeptical. I had mixed feelings about a classic franchise being touched yet again. However all that went away when I finally got my hands on Double Dragon Revive. Following the catastrophic nuclear war by 15 years, Double Dragon Revive is about the struggle of living through such times and is not very optimistic. The story tells how the world was torn apart, how the colonies seek to recover, and how the gangs took over. The coastal colony city is one of the places where the Shadow Warriors, a mob group, are the absolute rulers. Going against the law at will and using their henchmen, they maintain their power by terror, corruption, and hurt.
The Lee brothers Billy and Jimmy with their Sosetsu-ken trained martial arts are the ones standing against the Shadow Warriors. Together with their friend Marian, they operate a modest dojo a place where one can still find discipline and hope. When the Shadow Warriors threaten the dojo, the brothers find themselves caught up in a conflict much bigger than them. The Lee brothers search for missing people in the slums, see the rich getting richer while the poor become poorer, and are overwhelmed by the rule of gangs. They decide to risk their lives to protect not only their neighborhood, but also the spirit of the community that has supported them.
Gameplay: The gameplay of Double Dragon Revive is the perfect equilibrium of a classic game and a deep modern game. In essence, players still have to walk along the streets in a scrolling arcade and fight the thugs who come in hordes but with the addition of layers by Arc System Works, there are now mechanisms with which one can have real strategies in action. While players can execute the usual combos and throws, they can also make use of Dragon Orb Gauge which is a meter that increases as the fight goes and if it is used for the finishing move, it causes great damage. This device is giving the reward to the player who is aggressive but at the same time skillful and thus the fight acquires the sense of the change from the low to the high, of the continuation and escalation of the movement.
Weaponize the new skill, Critical Assault to the max to flip the fight in your favor. It involves synchronization of the player’s and game’s time as well as the correct spot and this is just the opposite of a button-masher game you might have thought it to be. The newly added interaction between the stage and the player provides even more options: a player may equip himself with a bat or a dagger, throw a foe at another, or even use stage objects as improvised tools of destruction, making sure that no encounter can be foretold. To sum up the changes in movement, the dodges are quicker than before, the parries can be performed almost instantly, and the player character can be more smoothly positioned for a follow-up move; thus, the player can escape the danger in a sort of dance or weaving manner.
Still, co-op play, which is both local and online, is the main attraction of the game; the two brothers working together for the delivery of the synchronized punishment is not only cool but also effective. Besides that, the game has an Extra Mode featuring more than fifty missions, challenges for different characters, and extra stuff apart from the main story.
The Double Dragon Revive game is structured in such a way as to have the player go from one enemy to the next, clear the stage, and then fight a boss enemy. Besides the refinements to mechanics, pace, and interactivity, the game has a satisfying rhythm that rewards mastering it and keeps the battles alive. So, you can say this game is a genre rewrite, albeit not of the rules, but it meaningfully evolves them, thus, the combat system that it has is one which speaks of the arcade roots of the series while still accepting the demands of modern players.
Graphics: The pixel sprites of the ’80s are no longer with us. Instead, there are 3D character models and environments that try to mix modern fidelity with nostalgic spirit. The lighting effects, detailed stages, and smoother animations provide the game with a refined look, which is still an arcade-style presentation.
However, the graphics could split the audience. A few of them embrace the crisp, high-def glossy, whereas others think the art style is too standard for a comparison of the series’ tough, pixelated roots.
Sound: The soundtrack reworks the familiar themes while adding new tracks to match the post-apocalyptic world. Each fist, foot, and weapon hit is very loud and clear, and background city sounds are there to make the world more real.
Though the trailers haven’t revealed much about the sound, the fans believe that the combination of nostalgic references and contemporary production will be a delight. For a beat-’em-up, sound is less about subtlety and more about energy, and Double Dragon Revive seems set to deliver.
Final Grade B+ - Double Dragon Revive feels like a heartfelt return to the glory days of the legendary series. Although it lacks a genre revitalization of beat-’em-up, it achieves its intended purpose, which is to acquaint the players with the characters of the first time namely Billy and Jimmy Lee. So far, it looks like a proper new installment of the classic series, thanks to its dark post-war environment, flowing gameplay, and good co-op experience.
*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is suggested for mature readers.
Private detective Minky is hired by Aleister Crowley to help him dispel murder accusations. Her investigation spirals into not just murder but family secrets, conspiracy, dark mysticism, and covert military operations.
While I love me some pulp crime goodness with sex and murder, this felt like there were parts missing as if things had to be cut to stay within the page count. Understandable, plenty of good comics I read feel like that but the pace left me with the feeling of too many ideas and plot threads were thrown at me and breezed through before I could really enjoy them. I love Minky, a classic, clever femme fatale who knows what she wants and gets things done. If the overall story was smoother I'd rate it higher but I had fun reading this despite its flaws. It's exciting, trippy, and quick-witted! 3.5 out of 5.
For the first time in New York City, Toei Animation and Mercer Labs present ONE PIECE x MERCER LABS — a groundbreaking immersive exhibition celebrating one of the most beloved anime franchises of all time. Step into the world of Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Crew as they embark on one of their most dramatic adventures in the Land of Wano arc.
Read MoreSet 500 years before the rise of Iyanu, The Age of Wonders transports viewers to Yorubaland at the height of its magical civilization. When Meje — the embodiment of the seven deadly sins — emerges, young warriors Dara and Ishe must stop the coming Age of Darkness. Their only hope lies with the Divine Ones, legendary beings who once walked the earth and upheld the balance between light and shadow.
Read More15 yr shelf life for alkaline AA while their lithiums last 25yrs and weigh ~35% less
Read MoreThe hoverboard from Back to the Future II, Spiderman tarantula art and Swarovsky crystal Storm trooper helmet
Read MoreJustin sits down with actress Emma Hunton and writer Michael Shaw Fisher about the off-Broadway play Exorcistic: The Rock Musical. Written by Michael Shaw Fisher, who serves as the book writer, composer, and lyricist, Exorcistic: The Rock Musical features the talented Emma Hunton, known for her role in Freeform’s Good Trouble. The musical is a self-aware parody that creates a chaotic, over-the-top rock musical. This original work promises to deliver a thrilling combination of horror and hilarity, accompanied by some of the most powerhouse rock tunes.
Read MoreThey have wings and fashionable clothes.
Read MoreThey're magical markers that don't bleed through paper
Read MoreOn the new episode of Imaginative Visions Journeys. Justin sits down with actor and writer Rishi Varma about his new off-Broadway play Sulfur Bottom, currently playing at The Theater Center in New York. We discuss Rishi's writing journey, the play, and some tips for hopefuls who want to start their own play.
Read MoreUse it as edible glue to make gingerbread houses, vehicles and more!
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I had the pleasure of attending Flame Con this year and while I have been before this year was just delightful! The panels I attended were very interesting if a bit depressing as I was most interested in “Rebellions are Built on Hope: Organizing Andor Fans to Fight for Freedom from Fascism” and “The Transgender Archive: Preserving Queer Lit & History Under Fascism” since I’m a librarian and saving materials from censorship is important to me and my literal job. Recording was not allowed, which is a shame because there was some great information but I can understand why.
They even had a little free library! I’ll have to remember to bring some books next year. I have TONS I can add.
As always, cons come with swag. There were so many amazing artists and writers, but my wallet could only take so much. These were the ones that really stood out to me (and I completed my set of Starfighter - all signed!) and if anyone’s interested, I’d review them for you guys.
The best part of this con is just how welcoming, accepting, and accommodating the entire experience is. There was an area for people to chill if (more like when) all the noise and people were too much, there was free water on site, clearly labeled wheelchair access, and just a general vibe of positivity despite the current climate. I left feeling inspired to consume and create more diverse stories and I hope I can go again next year! Maybe I’d even cosplay!
Disney Crystal Surprise figures (series 2), Crystal flowers for crafters, 7 new slime varieties +more!
Read MoreFrom Formula-1 to Lord of the Rings, there's a Lego playset for people of all ages!
Read MoreWe sat down with writer and director Kristen Gerweck Diaz about her new short film "Milk Baby." We talk the process of making the film, a certain scene and hint about the theme with no spoilers.
Read MoreBanner images provided by Classic Sailing or GollyGforce, for demo purposes only. Powered by Squarespace
