Si Ling Bianma: Shijie Caozong Zhe

I'm both surprised and unsurprised that there aren't any reviews for this. I watched this series twice but could not figure out what the film producers were trying to do with this animation, exactly.

Despite being 12 episodes long, the entire anime reminds me more of a trailer than anything else. Every episode ends on a note of suspense, and by the end of the last episode viewers are left with many questions and almost no answers. Sure, the concept of a game coming to life is interesting, especially when mysterious criminals with supernatural abilities are also included, but that's pretty much where the show ... ends.

So yeah, I wouldn't exactly recommend thus series, but at the same time, it's not so terrible that I would dissuade everyone from viewing it. I guess it all depends on whether you enjoy watching trailers to movies you'll never get to see...?

Rate a 6
English Subtitled
Reason for rating (R) is because of violence

Story
Did not know at the time but this story is based upon a C.S.I.(American television show) episode. That idea alone blew me away. Now, you might be wondering how could they use a segment from the show in the anime? The segment was not of the characters but a visual equation with the original dialogue from the show to explain. The clip is about a minute long and is mention during review moments. Which makes it fair use.

Anyways, the C.S.I.'s equation provides a futuristic spin to what we know as gaming today. In fact if ... conceived in reality it would be as futuristic as one could get it. Although, it is not that simple. The viewers (you, the audience) are tasked with perplexing mysteries. Some factor in character's goals why others deal with personality and other aspects. A really nice touch to an anime that is focused on being a game genre based. For when one plays a game they get an idea what the goal is but everything else remains unknown.

Feelings from start (episode 1) to ending are mixed. While each episode is short and leaves you at big tense questions; You don't get much in terms of answers in a metaphoric balance of questions. So, knowing whether you care or not about being played as a pretend 'player' of this game is crucial to liking this anime.

Lastly, in terms of the mysteries they are not always simple. Don't expect understanding with one view.

Art
While there are some drawback like in (episode 7, i think) like odd walking animation or mostly fast paced animation. As in this animation plays likes a normal animation if you had accidentally hit the fast forward on the remote. The art still remains in good condition. For there is no problem in brightness, minor lip sync spot or two and no slow animation transition.

Sound
Does sync to the art. Although, like the art it is played slightly fast.

Overall: A game based animation that derived from a popular American television show clip. While the mysteries can be rather deep and animation fast you must consider this is game based. Like in most games there are difficulty levels and more popular restart functions. What good would an anime that is game based be on beginning settings? Huh? Most likely would be ignored for most people enjoy a challenge. Plus, i smile at the thought the director did that as an added bonus to encourage sales. For, if you saw this show where pausing wasn't available your desire to know more would lead you to buy the d.v.d. My only fear is that other directors will use this tactic in their shows.