Upcoming December 2013 Releases From Section 23 Films

Home video distributor Section23 Films today announced its December slate of releases; including the highly anticipated release of Girls und Panzer TV Complete Collection. Available on both DVD & BLU-RAY.
 
 
Coming December 2013
Title: GIRLS UND PANZER TV COLLECTION
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 300 min.
Street Date: 12/3/2013
Format: DVD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $59.98
SYNOPSIS: You may have heard of kung fu, but the girls at Oarai Academy practice gun-fu - really, really BIG gun-fu, in fact. It's called Tankery, and it's the martial art of operating armored tanks! And even though the Tankery program at Oarai has been defunct for years, the student council has taken a sudden interest in the art and no one they set their sights on is safe. Which is how Miho Nishizumi, who transferred to Oarai specifically to stay out of tanks, gets drafted to join the newly revived Tankery divison. But it's not all bad, because joining her in Team Anglerfish are her new found friends Saori, the highly receptive radio operator; Hana, a flower arranger turned gunner; Mako, their brilliant, but chronically sleepy driver; and combustible tank fangirl and loader Yukari. They may not be on the half-track to fame and fortune, and maybe some of them would rather shop for tank tops than become tops in tanks, but once their focus is locked and loaded, they're absolutely driven. It's mad, it's metal and mayhem is guaranteed! It's GIRLS UND PANZER!

Title: GIRLS UND PANZER TV COLLECTION BLU-RAY
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 300 min.
Street Date: 12/3/2013
Format: BD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $69.98
SYNOPSIS: You may have heard of kung fu, but the girls at Oarai Academy practice gun-fu - really, really BIG gun-fu, in fact. It's called Tankery, and it's the martial art of operating armored tanks! And even though the Tankery program at Oarai has been defunct for years, the student council has taken a sudden interest in the art and no one they set their sights on is safe. Which is how Miho Nishizumi, who transferred to Oarai specifically to stay out of tanks, gets drafted to join the newly revived Tankery divison. But it's not all bad, because joining her in Team Anglerfish are her new found friends Saori, the highly receptive radio operator; Hana, a flower arranger turned gunner; Mako, their brilliant, but chronically sleepy driver; and combustible tank fangirl and loader Yukari. They may not be on the half-track to fame and fortune, and maybe some of them would rather shop for tank tops than become tops in tanks, but once their focus is locked and loaded, they're absolutely driven. It's mad, it's metal and mayhem is guaranteed! It's GIRLS UND PANZER!

Title: MAGICAL PLAY COMPLETE
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 150 min.
Street Date: 12/3/2013
Format: DVD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $29.98
SYNOPSIS: Becoming a Magical Girl isn't easy, but Padudu thinks she has most of the bases covered. She even has a magical pet and a magical cloak! Granted, her pet's a talking fish that she wears as the cloak (and occasionally snacks on,) but now all she SHOULD have to do is wander the countryside, fight in official Magical Battles and collect enough Hanamaru stamps to become an official Magical Girl. But life isn't always that simple, and when Padudu accidentally breaks a law, she ends up on the run and traveling with some really odd companions: There's MyuMyu, who wears a pair of cats as a bikini, Pipin, who dresses like a rabbit and wears HER magical pet bunny as a back pack, and the nefarious criminal Nonononn, who also wanted to be a Magical Girl, and has both a Hammerhead Shark and mysterious ties to the Queen (who's nowhere near as nice as her PR would have you believe.) So what happens when the strangest set of strangers ever set forth in an even stranger land? The one thing you can count on is that it's going to get REALLY weird in MAGICAL PLAY!

Title: BIG, BAD MAMA-SAN
Published by: Switchblade Pictures
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 75 min.
Street Date: 12/10/2013
Format: DVD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $19.98
SYNOPSIS: She's been ridden long and she's been ridden hard, but when that old truck is the only thing your father left you besides a pile of bills, how else is a girl going to make a living? That's how Nami became the hottest thing on wheels, taking any load offered up the back roads of Japan and delivering whatever's been ordered, no questions asked, C.O.D., A.S.A.P. Unfortunately, Nami's drive to become debt free is full of speed bumps like obsessive cops and cheating rival truckers, major detours like old acquaintances who want to be more than "just friends," and one big pot hole in the form of Momoko, an eager beaver truck stop hooker with a heart of gold, a brain of tofu and a desperate yen to become Nami's partner. And all that's just a warm up for what happens when a package belonging to a gang of dim but ruthless gangsters somehow ends up in Nami's back end! Get ready for hijackings, high balling and the most crazed hijinks to ever hit the highways and byways of Japan as everyone tries to worm their way into Nami's flatbed in BIG, BAD MAMA-SAN - DEKOTORA 1!

Title: BTOOOM! COMPLETE
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 300 min.
Street Date: 12/10/2013
Format: DVD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $59.98
SYNOPSIS: In the blink of the mind's eye, Ryuta Sakamoto suddenly finds himself transported from playing the hit BTOOOM! video game to being stranded on a mysterious island. He's equipped with a day's worth of provisions, a bag of bombs, a strange crystal embedded in his left hand and a huge gaping hole in his memory. But it doesn't take long to figure out what's going on, especially after the first person Ryuta meets tries to kill him. Someone is attempting to recreate the ultra-violent BTOOOM! game in real life, and the island has been filled with an army of other unwilling players, each armed with one of the multiple variants of explosive weapons called BIM. Fortunately, Ryuta's an ace BTOOOM! player, but this insane version of the game has no reset switch or second lives, and there's only one way off the island: kill seven other people before they can kill you! Can Ryuta repurpose his game-based skills fast enough to survive this ultimate battle royale? The action is ultra-violent, ultra-graphic and ultra-lethal as the ultimate blood sport is unleashed in BTOOOM!

Title: BTOOOM! COMPLETE BLU-RAY
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 300 min.
Street Date: 12/10/2013
Format: BD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $69.98
SYNOPSIS: In the blink of the mind's eye, Ryuta Sakamoto suddenly finds himself transported from playing the hit BTOOOM! video game to being stranded on a mysterious island. He's equipped with a day's worth of provisions, a bag of bombs, a strange crystal embedded in his left hand and a huge gaping hole in his memory. But it doesn't take long to figure out what's going on, especially after the first person Ryuta meets tries to kill him. Someone is attempting to recreate the ultra-violent BTOOOM! game in real life, and the island has been filled with an army of other unwilling players, each armed with one of the multiple variants of explosive weapons called BIM. Fortunately, Ryuta's an ace BTOOOM! player, but this insane version of the game has no reset switch or second lives, and there's only one way off the island: kill seven other people before they can kill you! Can Ryuta repurpose his game-based skills fast enough to survive this ultimate battle royale? The action is ultra-violent, ultra-graphic and ultra-lethal as the ultimate blood sport is unleashed in BTOOOM!

Title: KOKORO CONNECT OVA COMPLETE
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 100 min.
Street Date: 12/10/2013
Format: DVD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $29.98
SYNOPSIS: They’ve already had their bodies swapped like musical chairs, had their ages changed at random and experienced their deepest desires taking control of them without warning, but if you thought Heartseed was finished with Taichi, Iori, Himeko, Yoshifumi and Yui, you’ve got another think coming! Now there’s a new affliction going around, and the name of this peculiar bug is emotion sickness. As in, suddenly your emotions jump out of your body and sic someone else! Needless to say, that’s more than simply awkward if you’ve got a deep rooted phobia like a fear of men or repressed emotions that you’ve been trying to keep hidden, but in some situations it can literally be deadly! What is Heartseed up to this time, and why is he making our heroes involuntarily share their innermost dirty laundry? Get ready for another trip through the emotional wringer in Kokoro Connect ~ The OVAs!

Title: KOKORO CONNECT OVA COMPLETE BLU-RAY
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 100 min.
Street Date: 12/10/2013
Format: BD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $39.98
SYNOPSIS: They’ve already had their bodies swapped like musical chairs, had their ages changed at random and experienced their deepest desires taking control of them without warning, but if you thought Heartseed was finished with Taichi, Iori, Himeko, Yoshifumi and Yui, you’ve got another think coming! Now there’s a new affliction going around, and the name of this peculiar bug is emotion sickness. As in, suddenly your emotions jump out of your body and sic someone else! Needless to say, that’s more than simply awkward if you’ve got a deep rooted phobia like a fear of men or repressed emotions that you’ve been trying to keep hidden, but in some situations it can literally be deadly! What is Heartseed up to this time, and why is he making our heroes involuntarily share their innermost dirty laundry? Get ready for another trip through the emotional wringer in Kokoro Connect ~ The OVAs!

Title: DI GI CHARAT OVA SERIES
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 194 min.
Street Date: 12/17/2013
Format: DVD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $24.98
SYNOPSIS: You never know when the chance for a new adventure is suddenly going to pop up, and even if you were born here, our world can be a pretty strange and unusual place. However, when you’re an alien princess like Dejiko, who came to Earth to break into the music industry, it’s almost impossible to go out walking without it becoming the start of something wild and wonderful. Whether Deji’s just hanging out, going on a Christmas Cruise or being kidnapped by her new arch rival Pyocola Analogue III (just call her Piyoko,) you never know what might happen next. The one thing you can bet on, however, is that Dejiko’s stalwart companions Genma and Puchiko will be right alongside her… and usually in trouble up to the tips of Puchiko’s cat ears! The deliriously wacky escapades of the globetrotting princess of Planet Di Gi Charat continue in another interplanetary collection of out of this world silliness in Di Gi Charat Specials!



Title: THE PET GIRL OF SAKURASOU 1
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 300 min.
Street Date: 12/17/2013
Format: DVD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $49.98
SYNOPSIS: Banished from normal housing for the crime of adopting stray cats, Sorata Kanda's life has gone to the dogs and now he's been impounded in Room 101 of Sakura Hall, a notorious den of troublemakers, geniuses and weirdos. Meanwhile, Mashiro Shiina in Room 202 is the cat's meow of the art world. However, she's so unfocused and dysfunctional that she needs a full-time keeper to survive day-to-day life while she puts her career as a famous artist on hold and studies to be a manga creator. That's too big a task for Chihiro, Mashiro's cousin who lives in the same dorm and also happens to be Sorata's teacher. But given Sorata's weakness for taking in small, cute but sometimes not completely loveable creatures, could he be the one destined to take over Mashiro's grooming, feeding and general, er… domestication? Well, if he's not, too bad, 'cause no one else is stepping up and he's stuck with it and her! Heavy petting gets redefined, the dorm's the only thing likely to get housebroken and hopefully no one will get neutered as who's on whose leash becomes anybodies' guess in The Pet Girl of Sakurasou Collection 1!
Title: THE PET GIRL OF SAKURASOU 1 BLU-RAY
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 300 min.
Street Date: 12/17/2013
Format: BD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $59.98
SYNOPSIS: Banished from normal housing for the crime of adopting stray cats, Sorata Kanda's life has gone to the dogs and now he's been impounded in Room 101 of Sakura Hall, a notorious den of troublemakers, geniuses and weirdos. Meanwhile, Mashiro Shiina in Room 202 is the cat's meow of the art world. However, she's so unfocused and dysfunctional that she needs a full-time keeper to survive day-to-day life while she puts her career as a famous artist on hold and studies to be a manga creator. That's too big a task for Chihiro, Mashiro's cousin who lives in the same dorm and also happens to be Sorata's teacher. But given Sorata's weakness for taking in small, cute but sometimes not completely loveable creatures, could he be the one destined to take over Mashiro's grooming, feeding and general, er… domestication? Well, if he's not, too bad, 'cause no one else is stepping up and he's stuck with it and her! Heavy petting gets redefined, the dorm's the only thing likely to get housebroken and hopefully no one will get neutered as who's on whose leash becomes anybodies' guess in The Pet Girl of Sakurasou Collection 1!
Title: HUMANITY HAS DECLINED COMPLETE
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 300 min.
Street Date: 12/24/2013
Format: DVD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $49.98
SYNOPSIS: For years, declining birth rates have forced what's left of the human race to cede more and more territory to other beings who have appeared to take advantage of the emptying ecological niche. Now, only a handful of humans remain among the remnants of civilization and Earth is dominated by faeries - tiny, ten-inch tall creatures of surprising intelligence. But humanity's importance isn't over quite yet, as young Watashi learns as she makes the decision to return to her hometown and assume her grandfather's position as an arbitrator between the races. Unfortunately, the job isn't going to be anywhere near as simple as she expected, and it's going to take wisdom far beyond her years to achieve her most important mission. Because it's not about how often you fall and fail, it's about how often you get back up and try again, and the human race still has a lot left to accomplish in HUMANITY HAS DECLINED.
Title: HUMANITY HAS DECLINED COMPLETE BLU-RAY
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 300 min.
Street Date: 12/24/2013
Format: BD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $59.98
SYNOPSIS: For years, declining birth rates have forced what's left of the human race to cede more and more territory to other beings who have appeared to take advantage of the emptying ecological niche. Now, only a handful of humans remain among the remnants of civilization and Earth is dominated by faeries - tiny, ten-inch tall creatures of surprising intelligence. But humanity's importance isn't over quite yet, as young Watashi learns as she makes the decision to return to her hometown and assume her grandfather's position as an arbitrator between the races. Unfortunately, the job isn't going to be anywhere near as simple as she expected, and it's going to take wisdom far beyond her years to achieve her most important mission. Because it's not about how often you fall and fail, it's about how often you get back up and try again, and the human race still has a lot left to accomplish in HUMANITY HAS DECLINED.
Title: SAY, "I LOVE YOU" COMPLETE
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 325 min.
Street Date: 12/24/2013
Format: DVD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $59.98
SYNOPSIS: Friends suck, and trusting someone is just setting yourself up. That's the lesson Mei Tachibana learned after her heart was ripped out and only a shell was left where a girl used to be. But unlike so many, she found an easy solution: she'll never make another friend. Ever. Okay, maybe that's not as easy as it sounds, but it's worked for Mei. Or at least it did. Until handsome, charming and annoyingly popular Yamato Kurosawa came along. Because for some freakish reason, he seems to like Mei. He even gave her his phone number! As if she would ever call him. Except she did. But only because she needed help. Still, he came. He actually came. And now things are getting way too complicated. Mei's no princess in a tower. She's not waiting for a knight in shining armor to rescue her. So why did he have to kiss her and confuse everything? And why are those three little words so hard to say? Between heartbeats, behind trembling lips, and unspoken with every breath, the specter of betrayals past, future and present now haunt them both in SAY "I LOVE YOU."
Title: SAY, "I LOVE YOU" COMPLETE BLU-RAY
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 325 min.
Street Date: 12/24/2013
Format: BD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $69.98
SYNOPSIS: Friends suck, and trusting someone is just setting yourself up. That's the lesson Mei Tachibana learned after her heart was ripped out and only a shell was left where a girl used to be. But unlike so many, she found an easy solution: she'll never make another friend. Ever. Okay, maybe that's not as easy as it sounds, but it's worked for Mei. Or at least it did. Until handsome, charming and annoyingly popular Yamato Kurosawa came along. Because for some freakish reason, he seems to like Mei. He even gave her his phone number! As if she would ever call him. Except she did. But only because she needed help. Still, he came. He actually came. And now things are getting way too complicated. Mei's no princess in a tower. She's not waiting for a knight in shining armor to rescue her. So why did he have to kiss her and confuse everything? And why are those three little words so hard to say? Between heartbeats, behind trembling lips, and unspoken with every breath, the specter of betrayals past, future and present now haunt them both in SAY "I LOVE YOU."
Title: NYAN KOI! COMPLETE
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 300 min.
Street Date: 12/31/2013
Format: DVD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $59.98
SYNOPSIS: Saying that Junpei Kosaka's allergic to cats is something of an understatement, just thinking about cats can make him sneeze. A fact that seems to be lost on his mother and sister, who both ADORE cats. And if that wasn't bad enough, when Junpei inadvertently damages a statue of a cat deity, he becomes cursed with the ability to understand felines. Now Junpei must perform one hundred great favors for cat-kind or face the fate of being turned into a cat himself! Life quickly becomes a purrfect hell as every cat in the neighborhood starts sending Junpei their list of "requests." But it's not just the cats: the local Yakuza's daughter is playing cat and mouse; the monk's daughters are acting catty; Junpei's childhood best friend is ready to use him as a scratching post; and the girl he has a secret crush on is as cat crazy as the rest! Get ready for the ultimate catfight on the road to purrdition in this cataclysmic complete collection of Nyan Koi!

Title: NYAN KOI! COMPLETE BLU-RAY
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 300 min.
Street Date: 12/31/2013
Format: BD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $69.98

SYNOPSIS: Saying that Junpei Kosaka's allergic to cats is something of an understatement, just thinking about cats can make him sneeze. A fact that seems to be lost on his mother and sister, who both ADORE cats. And if that wasn't bad enough, when Junpei inadvertently damages a statue of a cat deity, he becomes cursed with the ability to understand felines. Now Junpei must perform one hundred great favors for cat-kind or face the fate of being turned into a cat himself! Life quickly becomes a purrfect hell as every cat in the neighborhood starts sending Junpei their list of "requests." But it's not just the cats: the local Yakuza's daughter is playing cat and mouse; the monk's daughters are acting catty; Junpei's childhood best friend is ready to use him as a scratching post; and the girl he has a secret crush on is as cat crazy as the rest! Get ready for the ultimate catfight on the road to purrdition in this cataclysmic complete collection of Nyan Koi!

Title: SO, I CAN'T PLAY H COMPLETE
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 300 min.
Street Date: 12/31/2013
Format: DVD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $49.98

SYNOPSIS: Never make a deal with a wet goddess you've only just met. That's a lesson Ryosuke Kaga learns the hard way when he foolishly agrees to let Lisara Restole use some of his "essence" to stay in this world. Because despite her smoking hot appearance, Lisara's actually a Shinigami, a Goddess of Death. However, she doesn't steal years off his life like any decent Shinigami would do. Oh no, instead she sucks off his lecherous spirit, draining his ability to enjoy… well, the things that teenage boys normally spend most of their time thinking about! And now the poor degenerate's only hope of getting his licentiousness renewed is to join the Lisara on her quest, since when she leaves our mortal plane he regains his normal immorality! But Shinigami can be really harsh mistresses and it's going to be anything but easy to go back to being sleazy in So I Can't Play H!

Title: SO, I CAN'T PLAY H COMPLETE BLU-RAY
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 300 min.
Street Date: 12/31/2013
Format: BD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $59.98

SYNOPSIS: Never make a deal with a wet goddess you've only just met. That's a lesson Ryosuke Kaga learns the hard way when he foolishly agrees to let Lisara Restole use some of his "essence" to stay in this world. Because despite her smoking hot appearance, Lisara's actually a Shinigami, a Goddess of Death. However, she doesn't steal years off his life like any decent Shinigami would do. Oh no, instead she sucks off his lecherous spirit, draining his ability to enjoy… well, the things that teenage boys normally spend most of their time thinking about! And now the poor degenerate's only hope of getting his licentiousness renewed is to join the Lisara on her quest, since when she leaves our mortal plane he regains his normal immorality! But Shinigami can be really harsh mistresses and it's going to be anything but easy to go back to being sleazy in So I Can't Play H!

 

New On Nick.com SpongeBob SquarePants Marble Bash

SpongeBob fans can take a dive into the deep blue sea with SpongeBob SquarePants Marble Bash, now available on Nick.com. Players are tasked with matching marbles featuring SpongeBob and his friends in this fun and fast-paced game, while enjoying some Bikini Bottom tunes. Users must quickly connect the line to find all the matches before the clock ends. The game includes three modes of play and 40 levels that just might keep players hooked until the game is over.
In addition, SpongeBob SquarePants Marble Bash is available on the Emmy-award winning Nick App, as well as Nickelodeon’s new HTML5 mobile games hub at m.nick.com/games.

 

Shattered Planet Showing At Boston FIG

As some of you might know the Otakus & Geeks game will be attending this year's Boston Festivial Of Indie Games. This convention showcases the indie developers of the state of Boston. One of the developers that will be there is the group called Kitfox Games. Kitfox will have a demo of their RPG game entitled "Shattered Planet." Shattered Planet is a survival-strategy RPG with randomised planets and dozens of crazy items at your disposal. As the Blight devours all light and life in the Universe, you are tasked with finding the only cure: the Amulet of Yendor, left behind aeons ago on the war-shattered human homeworld. Venture ever deeper into Old Earth's wilderness and try to survive as long as you can! The game will be released on PC and Tablets early next year. Here are some screenshots of the game and  more coverage of "Shattered Planet" when we hit Boston FIG.

Screenshots





Otakus & Geeks: Netflix Picks Of The Week #1

Welcome to a new editorial at Otakus & Geeks called Netflix Picks Of The Week. Each Sunday I will give you a few recommendations of shows and movies for you to check out on Netflix. There is no specific order of this list just a choice of five shows or movies I found entertaining.

Pick Number 1
Genre - Romantic Comedy
Title - My Awkward Sexual Adventure





















Synopsis - To win back his ex-girlfriend, a conservative accountant enlists the help of an exotic dancer to guide him on a quest for sexual experience, leading him into a world of strip clubs, sensual massage parlors, cross-dressing and S & M.

Trailer


Why You Should Watch: The movie is funny, the story is good and the chemistry between the two main leads are enjoyable to watch. This film lives up to the title with tons of awkward moments that can rival some of your favorite sex comedy's like American Pie, Superbad etc. The opening scene alone will have you laughing and does a great way of pacing the rest of the film.

Pick Number 2
Genre - Foreign Action Comedy
Title - Quick






















Synopsis - Gi-soo, Myeong-sik and Ah-rom were members of the same notorious motorcycle gang. They enjoyed their days roaming the streets recklessly on the motorcycles. Now, Gi-soo works as a motorcycle delivery man, Myeong-sik is a motorcycle cop and Ah-rom is a pop idol singer. One day, Gi-soo has Ah-rom riding on the back of his motorcycle as he makes a delivery. To his surprise the delivery package explodes. Gi-soo's cellphone rings and he hears a voice telling him that their is another bomb planted in his helmet which Ah-rom is wearing. Gi-soo is ordered to take another delivery. If the delivery is late or he attempts to run away the helmet will explode.


Trailer


Why You Should Watch: This movie really defines the saying this can only happen in the movies. The action is over top and suspended disbelief, but I found it entertaining as hell. The acting is enjoyable with over the top with facial expressions, the plot is decent but not great. However it's the performances and the funny characters that will keep you watching. It's not great but if you want a fun film give this one a shot.


Pick Number 3
Genre - Foreign TV Show
Title - Killer K





















Synopsis - Cha Yeon Jin is a high school girl whose outwardly normal existence and reticent character masks her true identity: she is a professional assassin who is seeking vengeance for her mother after watching her killed in front of her eyes. She infiltrates SS1, the secret organization that her mother was connected to, by becoming one of their killers, all the while trying to track down her mother's murderer.


Trailer:


Why You Should Watch: I didn't expect this to be a character driven, emotional ride from the trailers. However "Killer K" doesn't miss a beat in the story, action, music and direction. This is a must watch mini series. What makes this really great is the character's progression and development over the course of six episode. I won't spoil anymore just put this in your instant queue.

Pick Number 4
Genre - TV Show Kids
Title - Tron Uprising 





















Synopsis -   Beck is a young program who becomes the skillful leader of a revolution inside the computer world of the Grid. His mission is to free his home and friends from the reign of the villainous Clu and his henchman General Tesler. Beck will be trained by Tron, the greatest warrior the Grid has ever known. Tron will not only teach Beck the fighting and light cycle skills he needs to challenge this brutal military occupation, but he will be a guide and mentor to him as he grows beyond his youthful, impulsive nature into a courageous, powerful, strong leader. Destined to become "the next Tron", Beck adopts Tron's persona and becomes the arch enemy of General Tesler and his oppressive forces.


Trailer

Why You Should Watch: This series bridges the gap between TRON and TRON Legacy. It also has great voice acting from Elijah Wood, Bruce Boxleitner, Tricia Helfer and Paul Rebuens. The animation is not bad and the story and it's characters are great. This was truly one of the best shows on Disney XD.

Pick Number 5
Genre - Netflix Original Series
Title - Orange Is The New Black





















Synopsis - Piper Chapman’s wild past comes back to haunt her, resulting in her arrest and detention in a federal penitentiary. To pay her debt to society, Piper trades her comfortable New York life for an orange prison jumpsuit and finds unexpected conflict and camaraderie amidst an eccentric group of inmates.

Trailer

Why You Should Watch: This series has a great balance of comedy and drama. The story is based on true story and has a lot of social commentary on the prison system. The characters are all flushed out well and it does a great job pacing the story. 

New Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix Trailer

Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5. remix has a new trailer out. This trailer focuses on Kingdom Hearts Chain Of Memories and Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days. The trailer features the unique card-based battle system from KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories. Originally released as a Nintendo Gameboy Advance game, players will now be able to enjoy the high-definition graphics that make the action more exciting and enchanting than ever before. The trailer also shows the transformation of the cinematic story scenes from the Nintendo DS title, KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days. Players will now be able to view roughly three hours of the fascinating story scenes of KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days in gorgeous high-definition.



YOUKA NITTA’s "EMBRACING LOVE" As A Special 2-IN-1 EDITON

VIZ Media and Japan’s Animate, Ltd. (Animate), offers a sizzling summer release with a 2-in-1 manga edition of EMBRACING LOVE, by acclaimed yaoi creator Youka Nitta. This new edition is available now and is rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers, carrying an MSRP of $16.99 U.S. / $19.99 CAN.

EMBRACING LOVE introduces readers to Iwaki Kyousuke and Katou Yoji, two hugely popular adult film stars looking for a way out of the industry. Their chance arrives when they’re both invited to audition for a new erotic film. Imagine their surprise when the director decides the only way for him to choose who will get the coveted lead role is for them to perform one of the film’s love scenes on the spot – with each other! Things get even crazier when Katou decides to take drastic measures to ensure he can continue seeing Iwaki after film production wraps. How will Iwaki respond to Katou’s impulsive act?

Youka Nitta made her publishing debut with GROUPIE in 1995, and since then has become one of the most prolific and popular yaoi creators worldwide. Her most well-known series, Embracing Love, has been adapted into both a drama CD as well as an anime series. Nitta’s other popular manga series, STARTING WITH A KISS, is also published in North America by SuBLime. More information about Youka Nitta is available on her English-language website at: http://nittayouka.com.

For up-to-date news and release information, please visit the SuBLime website at www.SuBLimeManga.com, or follow SuBLime on Twitter at @SuBLimeManga and Facebook at facebook.com/SuBLimeManga.


Nintendo Announces 2DS & Zelda Wii U Bundle

Today Nintendo had three announcements. The first announcement was that Wii U will get a price drop. Wii U deluxe set will drop fifty dollars now costing $299.99 starting on September 20th. In addition a new limited-edition Wii U bundle featuring The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD launches on Sept. 20 at a suggested retail price of $299.99. The bundle includes a black Deluxe Wii U console; a GamePad controller adorned with gold lettering, a gold Hyrule crest and gold symbols from the game; a download code for the digital version of Hyrule Historia, a book that details the chronology, history and artwork of The Legend of Zelda series; and a code that can be used to download The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD from the Nintendo eShop immediately at no additional cost. The digital version of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD will also launch on Sept. 20, while the packaged version launches Oct. 4 with distinctive gold-foil packaging, both at a suggested retail price of $49.99. GameStop is also offering an exclusive Ganondorf figurine bundled with the packaged game at a suggested retail price of $54.99.














The most shocking news is the announcement of the Nintendo 2DS. Nintendo 2DS is designed specifically for anyone looking for a more affordable entry point into the world of Nintendo hand-held video games. Nintendo 2DS will be available in Red or Blue on Oct. 12 at a suggested retail price of $129.99. Think DS 2.0 without the 3D. You can view the trailer below.








5 Villains We Would Like To See Ben Affleck's Batman Face In The New DC Film Universe

Since Warner Bros is rebooting Batman with Ben Affleck. I think this is the perfect opportunity to see some new faces for Batman to face. As much as I love villains like The Joker, Two-Face, The Riddler and The Penguin I feel that it's time to see some of the more underrated villains for Batman to face. Here is five villains we would like to see get the live action treatment in the next Batman incarnation.

1. Hush

Hush is one villain I think should be the first one to get the live action treatment. I think it will be a great conflict to have someone from Bruce Wayne's childhood resurface. Thomas Elliot aka Hush will be a great villain because he not only holds keys to Bruce Wayne's past, he also will challenge Batman on the intellectual level. In the graphic novel "Hush" Thomas Elliot was always one step ahead of Batman. Everything Hush done was well thought out and carefully executed. It will be interesting to see how filmmakers will be able to use him if he was a villain in the future franchise.

2. Black Mask

Black Mask is a character I really would love to see as well. His backstory of coming from a rich family that neglected him as a child is enough for his character to have a lot of psychological analysis in the movie. His resentment to the Wayne family and Bruce Wayne makes for a great story, add his control of Gotham's mob into the mix and you have one action packed crime drama.

3. Mad Hatter

I know for some fans the Mad Hatter might be a little campy for the realistic tone DC is going for. However I think if done correctly with the right script and actor the Mad Hatter can be creepy. His psychological profile of obsessive compulsive behavior is enough to scare audiences. If they ground the character a little bit and make his obsession a little more realistic this Batman film could be a real thriller. In addition the mind control aspect that the Mad Hatter uses as a weapon is very intriguing to play with story wise. Imagine if he controls Batman and have him do something he vows not to do like kill somebody it will make for one epic showdown.

4. Harley Quinn

I know this is probably not going to happen because in order to have Harley Quinn you need The Joker. Since Heath Ledger performance as The Joker has set the bar high for Joker performances it's unlikely we will see Joker for a while. However I would love to see Harley get her shine and if filmmakers follow the story of "Mad Love" it will really put a smile one my face. Harley fall from good girl to bad girl is interesting to see and I would love to see her love for the Joker explored deeper. 

5. Red Hood

If Robin is going to show up in this new universe I would like to see Jason Todd. Mainly because the tragic story that follows him. Unlike other Robin's Jason has some serious demons and anger issues. He's one of the Robin's that went rogue and his death affected Bruce the most. Even though we saw this story in the amazing "Under The Red Hood" animated movie I would love to see it done in live action.

Who would you like to see Batman face in the new film universe leave a comment below and tell us.







Photoshop World 2013 Expo In Las Vegas On September 4th - September 6th

On September 4th - the 6th Abode will hold the Photoshop World 2013 expo at Mandalay Bay convention center in Las Vegas. At Photoshop World, (PSW) a fun three-day event, enthusiasts and professionals will have access to the worlds most experienced experts and the latest technologies in Photography and Photoshop. This year, expanded PSW corporate partnerships aim to grow the attendee experience.
  • Adobe will be providing a Free 1 year subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud to all full conference registrants
  • The Adobe Photoshop team will be on hand for a live Code-a-thon where developers will be taking suggestions and working on changes for a future release of Photoshop.
  • Adobe will also be providing a sneak peek of new technologies
  • The Wacom team will be on hand to demo the new Cintiq Companion line plus Wacom will be announcing a new product live at the Keynote Session
  • Canon will be providing 200 Canon users with a Free Camera Sensor Cleaning
  • Wescott will host live photo shoot training from the expo floor, featuring elaborate sets, professional models and world class instructors
  • Industry Vendor Expo features over 50 exhibitors and live training,
    • The expo floor is open to those who purchase Photoshop World Conference passes on the 4th, and is free to the general public September 5th and 6th.  
    • A complete conference schedule is provided at photoshopworld.com.

Yoshiki Of X Japan New Album Yoshiki Classical Is Now Available

The anticipated new album from Yoshiki entitled Yoshiki Classical is now available in North America.

Yoshiki Classical, released digitally today August 27th, sees one of Asia's most influential musical artists collaborating with legendary Beatles producer Sir George Martin, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Tokyo City Philharmonic Symphony and the Quartet San Francisco.

Fans can purchase Yoshiki Classical at iTunes, Amazon and other digital retailers.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/yoshiki-classical/id688431015

Due to the controversial nature of its overseas skeleton album art, Yoshiki Classical's worldwide digital release has been delayed to September 24th, the same day as its North American physical release.

With Yoshiki Classical, Yoshiki is bringing and illuminating the beauty in classical music to rock and pop audiences around the world. With songs like "Miracle" and "The Golden Globes Theme" what Yoshiki created is a beautiful symphonic collection driven by soaring strings, smart piano pieces and the melodic style of his earlier work with bands X Japan and Violet UK.

Yoshiki has made an impressive mark within the rock and classical genres. X Japan has sold 30 million singles and albums combined, and completed several sold-out world tours. Yoshiki's double album "Yoshiki Presents Eternal Melody" remains one of Japan's top-selling classical albums.

Yoshiki made his debut solo performance in Los Angeles yesterday with a sold-out show at The GRAMMY Museum. An Evening with Yoshiki is part of the highly regarded series at the Museum, which has seen performances by Lady Gaga, Brian Wilson, Muse, Ringo Starr with Ben Harper, and Natalie Maines.

Listen to Yoshiki's stunning Golden Globes ® theme song, set to Hollywood's best moments here: http://www.goldenglobes.org/2013/02/yoshiki-video/           

Listen to "Miracle" here: https://soundcloud.com/yoshiki/miracle-yoshiki-classical
 
Watch the Yoshiki Classical teaser:www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTXATRHX8f0


http://www.yoshikiclassical.com
http://www.yoshiki.net
www.twitter.com/yoshikiofficial 
www.facebook.com/YoshikiOfficial


Yu-Gi-OH Season 1 and 2 Coming to DVD

Yu-Gi-OH fans can rejoice! Today it was announced that the popular anime series season 1 and 2 will be released this fall. Season 1 will be released on September 10th followed by Season 2. The series is being released by Cinedigm (NASDAQ: CIDM)and 4K Media Inc. In addition to the season 1 and 2 collection volumes of both seasons will be released on the same day. The DVD episodes follow the adventures of a boy named Yugi and his friends, who are obsessed with the newest card game that is sweeping the nation. But the adventures really begin when Yugi solves an old Egyptian puzzle that infuses him with the energy of an ancient spirit.



DVD Product Information

YU-GI-OH! SEASON 1, VOLUME 1 AND SEASON 1, VOLUME 2

Language: English (dubbed)        Color/ B&W: Color
Audio Format: Stereo                    Widescreen: No
Length: 8 hours, 16 mins. / 8 hours, 39 mins
Year:  Various                                    Genre:Anime

Format: DVD 3-PK Swing
Packaging: 3 Pack Swing + O-Card
SRP:  U.S. $24.95 , CAN $29.95


YU-GI-OH! CLASSIC SEASON 2

Language: English (dubbed)        Color/ B&W: Color
Audio Format: Stereo                    Widescreen: No
Length: 16 hrs. 32 mins.                 Units Per Carton: TK      
Year:  Various                                    Genre: Anime

Format: DVD 6-PK Set
Packaging: 2xTriple Swing Amarays in Slipcase
SRP: U.S. $44.95, CAN $52.95


DVD Product Information

YU-GI-OH! SEASON 2, VOLUME 1 AND SEASON 2, VOLUME 2

Language: English (dubbed)        Color/ B&W: Color
Audio Format: Stereo                    Widescreen: No
Length: 8 hrs. 16 mins./8 hrs. 16 mins.                   
Year:  Various                               Genre:Anime

Format: DVD 3-PK Set
Packaging: Triple Swing Amaray
SRP: U.S. $24.95 , CAN $29.95

LIVE VIEWING JAPAN ANNOUNCES L.A. & NYC THEATRES FOR HATSUNE MIKE CONCERT FILM ON 8/31

Live Viewing Japan, a distribution company focused on bringing Japanese entertainment media to an international audience, has announced the New York City and Los Angeles theatre locations that will screen the East and West Coast premieres of the Hatsune Miku MAGICAL MIRAI 2013 Concert on August 31st.
 
This special film celebrates the 6th birthday of the world’s renowned virtual idol, Hatsune Miku, by capturing a special commemorative live concert scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 30th at the Yokohama Area in Yokohama, Japan. The film will presented to U.S. fans and J-Pop lovers the next day in this special delayed broadcast film premiere.
 
New York City
 
Anthology Film Archives
32 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10003
(212) 505-5181
 
Date: August 31st, 2013
Time: 2:00PM - 4:00PM
Tickets: $20

Los Angeles
 
The Downtown Independent
251 S. Main St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 617-1033
 
Date: August 31st, 2013
Time: 11:00AM - 1:00PM
Tickets: $20



Interview With William Watterson (Voice Of Jim Peyton From Lost Planet 3)

We had a chat with William Watterson. William plays Jim Peyton the lead role in the upcoming Lost Planet 3 game and also did the motion capture work for the character. We chat about the process of filming motion capture, the character itself and voice acting.

OtakusandGeeks.com: How long have you been acting and when did you catch the acting bug?

William Watterson: It’s funny, I remember doing puppet shows for the family and going to drama camp as a kid and all the usual stuff, and loving it, and then it went away. Eventually I started performing again when I found rock ‘n’ roll in high school, and I stuck with that for years, until finally moving to LA. I didn’t even move here to act—I just missed performing, and wasn’t going to walk down the band road any more. I’d say I’ve been acting with a genuine professional focus for 7 years, but being in rock bands went a long way to helping me find my voice, my confidence, and whatever presence I have as a performer.




OtakusandGeeks.com: You also sing and play the instruments, what instrument do you play?

William Watterson: I blow bass, like Floyd in Dr. Teeth & The Electric Mayhem. I also play some clawhammer banjo. Why not?

OtakusandGeeks.com: Your recent project is the anticipated Lost Planet 3. Can you tell us about the audition process and how you landed the job to play Jim Peyton?

William Watterson: There are a few websites where actors can submit themselves for consideration on (usually) smaller projects, and I put my hat in the ring for what was then just a demo for a game. I recorded myself doing an early version of the Jim monologue that started off the original E3 demo. I didn’t know it was Lost Planet, I didn’t know the scope of the project—it was all under a pseudonym. Spark hit the demo out of the park, and Capcom hired them to make the game, and eventually, after they did their due diligence looking at other guys for the lead, I got re-hired to reprise Peyton. So, a lot of luck and a lot of faith from the developers got me here. There was actually a time when the characters had much more of an anime vibe, some very cool designs, but they shifted their focus to photo realism, and fortunately for me, I looked somewhat similar to the character designs, so I got to keep the gig.


OtakusandGeeks.com: What can you tell us about the motion capture process of playing Jim Peyton? How was it like the first time you put on the suit?

William Watterson: I had worn the suit for literally months during the production of LA Noire, so it wasn’t new to me. The helmet cameras and the recording of live sound were new elements, but ultimately, it’s just another costume. A really weird costume that can be quite revealing, I’ll grant you that, but still just a costume. Anytime you put on gear that isn’t yours, it’s easy to convince yourself you aren’t you.


OtakusandGeeks.com: How long were you in the motion capture suit in terms of hours and months?

William Watterson: A typical day was between 10 and 12 hours, but that includes getting in the suit and having the dots painted on your face and getting synced up in the computer and all that. We broke it up a lot, it was usually 2 days here, 2 days a month later, 2 days a few weeks after that. I don’t know if that’s because the writing was changing as the game developed and we had to wait for the later chapters to come to life, or if it’s because everyone got sick of seeing my butt in the spandex pants.





OtakusandGeeks.com: How was the motion capture acting different from other forms of acting that you have done?

William Watterson: Once you get over the gear, it really wasn’t. It was very similar to green screen work or black box theater, where you have to rely on your imagination for the environment and set. We played out entire scenes with all the actors present, and had to get all our dialogue and blocking right because we were recording live sound and capturing each scene in its entirety. So really, it was more akin to theater, albeit with second and third chances to get it all perfect. In film and TV, scenes tend to be broken up a lot more and shot in pieces for an editor to assemble, and if you get each little piece right, you can move on, you don’t have to get the whole scene in each go. But we had to get through the entire scene for the guys and gals to manipulate after the fact. Which was always nerve-wracking if you had the very last line in the scene, because you couldn’t help thinking “man, I could totally blow this perfect take we’ve got going if I screw that up!”


OtakusandGeeks.com: What attracted you to Jim’s character and is there anything you can tell us about Jim’s character and what he will bring to Lost Planet 3?

William Watterson: Jim’s no action hero. He’s a working man who always tries to do right. His priorities are his family, providing for his family, and getting to see his family again. That’s it. When those priorities are threatened or challenged by the unusual discoveries he makes on E.D.N. III, that’s when you really find out what kind of man he is, what he’s capable of. That’s why the stakes are so high—he’s a family man thrust into the role of warrior and leader. And that creates a conflict within Jim that I’m not sure ever gets resolved. No spoilers, but on some level, there’s something profoundly tragic and heartbreaking about Jim’s story. Or maybe I’m just getting emotional because my journey with the game is finally coming to a close…

OtakusandGeeks.com: You are also the voice of Jim Peyton as well as his motion capture actor. Did you find it easier for you in the booth to perform the voice knowing the physicality you perform for the motion capture?




William Watterson: For sure. We found the relationships between the characters together on the stage, and we could take that with us into the booth. I knew what Jim looked like, how he walked, how he moved, what kind of swagger he had, what he thought of everybody, how everybody made him feel. It made the booth a much less lonely and clinical place.

OtakusandGeeks.com: How did you approach your voice performance Jim? Did you decide on which voice you will use?

William Watterson: It’s all in the writing—there was a line or two in the original audition piece that lent itself to a western twang, a folksy cynicism, and that’s where all the rest came from. Throw in a Han Solo shrug here, a Mal Reynolds cowboy barb there, and an Indiana Jones eye roll for good measure, and you’re on your way.


OtakusandGeeks.com: Since your latest project is a videogame. We have to ask do you play any videogames and if so what is your favorite genre?

William Watterson: I’m just getting into it now, mainly for the storytelling. The actual gameplay is still a challenge for me, I came up with the Atari (which I still own and play), and I’ve been left in the dust a bit since. But I love the idea of inhabiting a world and getting invested in its characters. And any chance to go on an adventure is a chance I’ll take. Uncharted 3 is first up. Then Last of Us or Bioshock Infinite, not sure which will come first. And I still have some LA Noire to play, even though I know what happens. It’ll be like hanging out with old friends, a little digital reunion.


OtakusandGeeks.com: Is there any gadgets or weapons in Lost Planet 3 that you would love to try out?

William Watterson: In real life? I could sure use me a grappling hook. I live in Downtown LA and I could swing from roof top pool to roof top barbeque to roof top pool all summer long.


Yoko Kanno Piano Me (Otakon 2013 Set List & Photos)

On Sunday August 11th 2013 anime composer Yoko Kanno performed for fans at Otakon. Fans packed in to witness one of the greatest composer we seen in anime performed. Here is a couple pictures and set list from the event. Also a special thank you from Yoko Kanno herself.

Japanese Version: 「私をステージの上で一人にしないでくれてありがとう。 一緒に音楽できてうれしかった。 待っていてくれた方、この機会をくださった方、 piano meを通じて出会えたすべての皆さんに感謝します。」 

English translation: Thank you for not leaving me by myself on the stage. I was very happy we could make music together. To the people who were waiting for me, to the people who gave me this opportunity, to everyone I met through "piano me", Thank you!- YOKO KANNO

Photos







Set List

Yoko Kanno piano me
2013.8.11@Otakon, Baltimore

Tank!
Nomad Soul
Katarina
Innocent Green
Resonance of the earth
Gravity ~Baltimore special medley

Fanelia
Monochrome
Apollon Blue
Rakuen
Power of the Light

-encore-
Someday My Prince Will Come
The Real Folk Blues
Wo Qui Non Coin

- encore-
Star Spangled Banner

- encore-
Tank! (reprise)


Tales Of Xillia Review



Tales Of Xillia was released two years ago in Japan. Thanks to popular 
demand the game has made its way over to the United States. Was this next installment in the Tales series worth the wait? 

Story – The story takes place in a world called Rieze Maxia a world where humans are able to manifest the power of spirits and mana into a power source called the Spyrix. Due to the power and technology the Spyrix possess it drains the mana and kills the spirits. The great Spirit Maxwell that isolated this type of power source ages ago, returns in human as Milla Maxwell to put a stop to a new weapon called “The Lance Of Kresnik.” 

Unlike many other Tales games Xillia is told through the perspective of two characters Jude and Milla. The games core story is unchanged but how the story is viewed is depending on which character you choose. This makes the storytelling a little more personal for each character as you see certain cutscenes and certain side quest will be only exclusive to that character. The story is not the best out of the Tales franchise but it’s one of the most addictive ones to playthrough. The characters of Jude and Milla work well for this universe, Milla being a spirit and human form trying to save the world and coming to terms what it means to be human, and Jude being a young man trying to find his identity and place into the world. Playing these two characters and watching them learn and grow from each other is a pleasure. However this wouldn’t be an RPG game without the supporting cast and Xillia has some pretty outstanding supporting cast. The supporting cast member that stands out the most is Alvin played by Matt Mercer. Alvin is a character that we have seen before in movies, anime and other forms of entertainment. However in Xillia he is the most unpredictable mercenary and character. His motives are unknown, he lives by his own rules and while playing the game you question whether he can be trusted or not. While playing this game I can tell you that I love this feeling on whether I can trust certain characters or not. Overall Xillia delivers the goods and a little more and if you want the full course meal you have to play it twice. 

Gameplay – Xillia doesn’t stray away too far from the usual formula of hack and slash and magic artes. However Xillia takes what we are used too and expands onto it. Xillia uses a link system between two characters out of the four on the field. This link system adds strategic elements during battle. For example if Jude and Milla are link together one will find a weak spot on the enemy. Alvin will break the enemies barriers and etc. Depending on which character you will link with will depend on what give advantage you get on the enemy. Different characters work better or worst with an certain enemy type. Another great addition to the link system is the double team moves. When you are prompted or if your battle meter rises to the top. You can perform devastating double team attack with the character you are link with. The moves can be a single strike or a continuous hit if you press your buttons quick enough. The double team moves are essential during boss battles as the battles range from medium to very hard. The battles sometimes can be frustrating as the enemies will be able to cast multiple arts back to back which leaves an unfair advantage. That is on the only complaint about the battle system I had with the game. Overall the battle system is solid and the link system is a great addition. 




The link system is not the only new addition to the Tales franchise. Xillia uses a different way to level up characters and have them learn they skills. Xillia introduces a system known as the Lilium Orb fans of Final Fantasy XIII will be familiar with this grid system. The Lilium Orb is a grid where you spend the points you earned after you level up to upgrade your strength, hp, tp, learn new attacks and many more. It’s a more strategic way to level up your characters as you will have to decide which abilities or attributes work best for your character. The Lilium Orb is a welcome addition to the franchise and I hope to see it in future installments of Tales games. Finally the game brings one more upgrade feature to the table. Xillia requires you to upgrade shops in order to get better supplies and weapons. This will be a hit or miss with some fans as you will usually sacrifice items picked up from battles or spend  money you earned from battles to upgrade them. The more you upgrade the shops the better materials, weapons and armor your characters will have. It’s another great element to the game that brings the already great upgrade system into much more depth.

Graphics – Xillia was released two years ago in Japan. The graphics by today’s standards will appear to be a little dated. However Tales Of Xillia looks great minus a few flaws of textures and some background hiccups the graphics hold up well. Even though the graphics aren't outstanding as Tales Of Vesperia or Graces it does hold up pretty well.




Sound – Xillia music is wonderful. Gone are the usually midi sounds that the franchise is known and in is the orchestrated compositions that is music to your ears. The voice acting is also well done. The show stealer is Matt Mercer (Leon from Resident Evil 6) his performance makes you wish that Alvin was the main character in the game.

Replay Value - Tales of Xillia offers tons of replay value from sidequest to another go a round seeing the game from the perspective of the character that you didn’t choose. The game will take you up to 30 hours without sidequest and with sidequest and hidden bosses maybe 20 more. This is an RPG that will occupy your time for a while.

Final Grade 8.5/B+: Tales Of Xillia does a lot right and brings new elements to the franchise. The story is solid with some compelling characters and a really great theme which I won’t spoil for you. The gameplay is great as it’s ever been and the addition of the Lilium Orb and upgrade shops is a welcome addition. This is an RPG that you must pick up and experience for yourself. 

The Lolita of Otakon 2013

Remember we did a simple chat on our Girl's Night In podcast? One of the questions was what happens in Lolita communities. While I was able to answer the question, the Lolita activities that happened at Otakon are an even better example. Since the con is currently local to the Baltimore area, members of the local community (Charm City) was able to host a few meet-ups an panels.

Anime conventions are the best excuse ever for lolitas to commune, especially since life happens and everyone's not a lifestyle (or daily) lolita. Among things hosted near Otakon were a swap meet, meet & greet meet-up and a Lolita rush at a candy shop ... It's SUGAR!





Getting down to business, the community hosted two Lolita panels. With two of the community's more active lolitas, Lolita 101- beginner, explained the basics and ABC's of Lolita. Lolita 102- intermediate got down to the science of shopping for Lolita.

  

  

You can see more from Otakon, Lolita coords, and community life via Charmed Metro Lolitas Tumblr.

NAILED IT Nerd-inspired Nail Art

A rather brilliant selection of nerd-inspired nail art from Espionage Cosmetics, be sure to check out, and support, this brand's Kickstarter Project!

If you need me to spell it out for you, these are the top three reasons to indulge:

  • You can contribute and show them some love for as little as $1. Remember, every little bit counts! But, if you can afford to show more love, I am quite sure they'd appreciate it. PLUS they have goodies and the world loves goodies!
  • It's the perfect mix of nerdy and sparkly things. What nerd girl wouldn't love having the best of both worlds?!
  • "We find your lack of nail art disturbing" tagline. Whoever gets this reference should automatically be in love!





Otakon 2013 Overview

 
 So, we were able to make it to Otakon 2013! This was a first for Otakus and Geeks and boy was it AWESOME! The con, for it to be smaller than New York Comicon and some others, did prove to be more than a two person job. Registering, we were really excited to hear that we have been hooked up with some simple con swag to help make our jobs a tad bit easier! And I do mean ... only a TAD! 

If you are not familiar with the anime and comic book conventions in the Baltimore area, let's share what Otakon is all about. 

Otakon is the convention of the otaku generation
Ever since 1999, we've taken over a sizable chunk of Baltimore's Inner Harbor for a 3-day festival celebrating the pop culture that's brought us everything fromAstroboy to Yu-Gi-Oh, from Seven Samurai to Spirited Away.
Join thousands of your fellow fans as we descend on Baltimore to celebrate music, anime, manga, and all other facets of Asian pop culture!


OVERALL
Overall, the con was pretty a enjoyable experience. Though this experience is not the fullest that Otakon has provided. The con-goers made this year's Otakon into a great festival with a lot of beautiful cosplay and J-fashion. The staffers did an awesome job making you feel welcomed and answering any questions that you may have. Navigation through the convention was a little tricky sometimes, but that is due to venue's set-up, not the convention's. Aside from that, it was easy-peasy smooth sailing.

AN INTERACTIVE CON
Thursday, to open the con, was an Anime Matsuri, in which you could come in your best J-fashion or cosplay and commune with others before being swept away by a full weekend of photo-shoots, panels, and shopping. Some special touches to Otakon that set it apart from other cons were fan produced video screenings and the Ota-museum. These among other things, make the con more interactive with its fans and followers. 

The fan-produced video screenings gave fans a chance to have their voices heard and creativity seen, on a larger scale. Imagine having your fan film screened by over 34,000 people! That's way better than being Tumblr famous, in my opinion. If you missed out this year but interested, there is always 2014. Be sure to check out their submission guidelines from this year to give you a running start.

The Ota-Museum is a nice and personal touch to the convention. It is a great crash course of the history of Otakon over the years. I would definitely recommend this as a "must see" for first time con-goers, especially first time Otakon con-goers. There was even a Newbies Guide available with tips to surviving Otakon. 

RATING
All-in-all, I would give this Otakon 2013 presentation a solid 3.5 (out of 5) since programming and guest selection could have been a bit better. However, Otakon is in a major transition- adding Otakon Las Vegas and soon relocating from Baltimore to DC- so it is forgiveable. If you have never been and willing to travel or local to the Baltimore area, Otakon is a highly suggested con to attend. There is definitely something for everyone!

**Be sure to check out The Cosplay of Otakon of 2013 here on O&G!**




Legend Of Korra: Republic City Hustle

Nickelodeon has released the first of three video shorts, which give fans a glimpse at Mako and Bolin’s childhood. The Legend of Korra: “Republic City Hustle”, a three-part webisode series, takes place three years before the events of Book 1 of The Legend of Korra and follows Mako and Bolin’s backstory, including how the duo resorts to small time hustling and working with the Triple Threat Triads to place bets for Pro-Bending matches to make ends meet; how Bolin finds Pabu; and how the pair go from a potential life of crime to having an opportunity to train with Pro-Bending legend, Toza. During the first webisode, The Legend of Korra: "Republic City Hustle Part 1 (Hustle or Get Hustled),” Mako and Bolin enter the crime-ridden underworld of Republic City where you either hustle, or get hustled. The duo set-up a fake robbery of an older woman's purse to attempt to get a reward from her.

Watch Part 1 here
http://www.nick.com/videos/clip/legend-of-korra-republic-city-hustle-episode-1-cd3.html


Citizen Jia Li Review



Citizen Jia Li is an independent film written and directed by Sky Crompton. The story centers around a girl named Jia Li an Asian girl trying to make it in Australia. Does this drama hit the mark or should you give this citizen a pass? 

Story - When Jia loses both her job and home in the one day, nothing is what she expected as a new citizen. Over three days she will struggle against fears and enemies to find her true identity, supported by Daisy a half Chinese half Japanese Harajuku girl, who is coming to terms with her own mixed parentage. Pursued meanwhile by Kong Jia's triad ex, who searches Melbourne to force her back, to save face with the triad, and maybe for love. The story overall is pretty decent. The story can be viewed as a fish out of water type of story. Jia is an Asian girl living in a country away from her culture, her family and is trying to adapt to the world that is Australia. She is working there to try to raise money to get her family to move there to live with her. However is she fired from her job as a hairdresser, she is put in a situation on how she is going to survive. This premise for the most part works as we see Jia struggle with unemployment and trying to find a job to make ends meet. When the story is focused on Jia it works very well. Her character was interesting to watch as you can connect and get emotionally invested with her situation. However while the central story of Jia works well, the stories of the supporting cast don’t really hold up to great. During her struggle Jia is being pursued by an ex boyfriend and member of the triad’s Kong who wants Jia back in his life. His backstory, the relationship with Jia is not really explored or flushed out completely for you to care about him. He just comes off as a creepy stalker with no real motives, or reason on why he wants Jia Li back. There are a few scenes that give you a little backstory on the relationship however it’s not enough for you to be invested in them. 

Another character that wasn’t flushed out completely is Jia’s former co-worker Daisy. Daisy is probably the most interested character that you will wish had more screen time. Daisy is coming to terms with her being mixed with Chinese and Japanese and the confusion of her identity. She is also a Harajuku girl which a unique taste of fashion but none of these issues are raised or explored. Overall the story has its hits and misses. The story of Jia Li and her struggles of being a fish out of water works. Jia Li is a character the audience will connect with and related too. However the character’s of Daisy and Kong are not explored enough to tie into the overall story completely. 

Acting – The acting is enjoyable to watch. Chun Kee Claudia Teh is good as Jia Li her performance is believable and brings the struggles of Jia Li to life. Chris Pang as Jia Li’s ex boyfriend Kong does a solid job the screen time he had to work with. However the real show stealer is Susanna Qian who plays Daisy. Qian has the most challenging role to play since Daisy has no real dialogue and her emotions have to show through body language and facial expression. Qian does a great job playing Daisy and watching her makes you wanted you to know more about her. 

Music & Film-making -The film looks great. Sky Crompton chooses his locations very well. It’s nice to see Australia viewed in the everyday life. The music has some mix of J-pop and classical and it works well for the film and the characters. Overall the film looks great. 

Final Thoughts - Citizen Jia Li is an entertaining film that has a lot of potential but could’ve made its mark if the film was longer. Besides Jia you won’t really connect to the characters plights. The film looks great however and the music fits well with the characters and the world.