Ranked #1341

Ginga e Kickoff!!

Esta review también está en español.

Football Chronicles, Chapter 3: Ginga e Kickoff!!
Note: some football animes will be named in this review for the sake of comparison. This is, mostly, to see how the game is faced in each series. Of course, no spoilers.
Also, football as the real, english one (aka soccer), not the American one.

Ginga e Kickoff!! (GeK!) is the latest football bet offered in 2012. Gek! was a really pleasant surprise, not only for the release itself, but because there was already another football anime airing at the time: Area no Kishi (technically three, with Inazuma Eleven Go 2... but IE is... special). Maybe the Japanese are starting to realize why people call it the "beautiful game"...
Now, let's see what this new product has to offer...

GeK! story focuses on Shou Oota, a sixth-grade kid that loves football with a passion only possible in protagonists of sports anime. Sadly, he's in the same situation of Mamoru Endo in the beginning of Inazuma Eleven: the team lacks people. Actually, the situation is so serious that the team disintegrates, leaving Shou alone... Yet, far from giving up, he starts looking for players to resurrect the team and enter in the regional tournament. His first target is Erika Takato, a transfer student from Osaka. Erika has great skills and speed, but she's not very thrilled with Shou's offer... He's a nice guy, and has a noble dream and all, but he's terrible at football. Still, with willpower, determination, self humiliation and various negotiations, Shou manages to recruit not only her, but various other remarkable players... and that way, the Momoyama Predators are back. Their objective is not being the best of the city, nor the country or the world, no: they aim to be the best in the whole galaxy! (really).

So, who are the Momoyama Predators? As I mentioned, Shou is the soul of the team. Cheerful, loud, persistent and optimistic, Shou loves football, even if football doesn't love him. Unlike other famous protagonist such as Tsubasa (Captain Tsubasa), which basically was the earthly personification of the Football God, or Kyosuke (Hungry Heart), Toshihiko (Aoki Densetsu Shoot!) and Kakeru (Area no Kishi), which had issues, but from the very start you just knew that they were prodigies, Shou has no abilities. However, talent has many forms, and although he's not a great player with his feet, he has a great vision and understanding of the game, and is able to order the whole team from his position (number 2, or last defender if you prefer). Basically, the team works through him. Of course, with hard work, his going to polish his skills to become a respectable player, and not only an organizer.
The next one is Erika. Cheerful, nice, direct, and strong, she take's shit from nobody, especially those that underestimate her cause she's a girl (maybe nobody take her seriously for her K-On! look...). She has an excellent ball control, and a great speed, which make her a very effective forward. Oh, she's also a Cristiano Ronaldo fangirl (really).
The following are the main power of the team. The Furuya triplets (aka the triplet demons) are the personification of force and skills: powerful, athletic and talented, they're the key to victory. Despite having a somewhat rebellious nature, they're quite reasonable and pleasant (when they want to), and are always willing to help their teammates whenever they can. They can play in any line, that's how good they are.
The last player that worth mentioning is Reika Saionji. She's Erika best friend since she came to town, and is thanks to her that she discovers football. She start playing as a form of dieting (even if the Furuyas's feel offended by her motive, she really needs to lose some weight), and to help the team to complete the number of players. Of course, she will love the game, and play it even if her family oppose (cause, apparently, is way too dangerous...). Although her technical and physical limitations are huge, she tries her very best to be somewhat useful in the last line.

Visually, GeK! is excellent (especially when compared with his contemporary buddy, Area no Kishi). The animation is fluid, showing fast and dynamic games, and portraying very well the beautiful game. The character design is very nice, varied, and are pretty detailed. Everything is colorful and pretty, which goes in hand with the cheerful and relaxed atmosphere of the series n_n.

Sound is on par with the animation. All the seiyuus put a lot of effort, and pull great performances. Yuu Kobayashi is Shou (and Kyousuke Tsurugi in Inazuma Eleven Go 2, Setsuna Sakurazaki in Mahou Sensei Negima and Kanon in Umineko no Naku Koro Ni), Shinnosuke Tachibana is Ryuuji Furuya (Tachimukai in Inazuma Eleven, Soma in Kuroshitsuji), Kenn is Kota Furuya (Jil in Druaga no Tou: The Aegis of Uruk, Judai Yuki in Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters GX and Phinks in Hunter x Hunter 2011). This series is also one of the first works of Mariko Nakatsu (Erika), and the official debut of Riiko Takazawa (Reika), both showing great skills and a promising future. As for the music... is amazing. The background music is good and all, but both opening and ending are beyond. Both songs have... how should I put it... the spirit of football (the ending even has actual pictures of real kids playing, in the same vein of Captain Tsubasa J). Very impressive.

And as I usually do in my football reviews, I leave the most important thing for the (almost) end: how's the game in Ginga e Kickoff!!? Is close to Captain Tsubasa, with endless fields and shots that can destroy nets/fences/walls? It's like Inazuma Eleven, where super powers, time space manipulation and theme fields are the norm? Is like Giant Killing, where everything is hyper-realist, not only the game, but the people and the results too? In GeK! they play football, that's for sure. There are no such thing like super powers, special techniques or ridiculous shoots, the field used by elementary kids is quite crude (no beautiful green grass that looks like a carpet), and the stands are pretty empty (except for some family and friends). Some shoots are visually exaggerated, but the outcome is pretty normal (I mean, there can be wind or dust, but the goalkeeper is not going to die trying to grab the ball). So, this is like Giant Killing? God, no (can you imagine a GK with sixth-graders? It would be insanely boring! xD). While there's nothing "supernatural", you don't need to be a genius to figure out that skills are vastly exaggerated (although, technically, physically possible). In GeK! we see children who train hitting the ball on the crossbar with 100% effectiveness (the character that do it admits that is based on a training method by Maradona!), others are able to lower the rival moral kicking the ball with enough effect, that it hit a player and the rebound will be an own goal, feints and dodges worthy of professionals (or legends)… well, this kids can play ;). Everything for the sake of the show. Nevertheless, the games pass consistently and fairly attached to reality (and sometimes, remembering that they're kids, they play "dango football", an ugly and unorganized mess, pretty common in normal children games). Another factor that I think deserves mention is that the ridiculous and disproportionate honor presented in sport animes is not present here. I'm not saying that GeK! encourages dirty playing or cheating, but if you can lower the morale of an opponent by playing clean (not very ethical, though)... why not? This last thing was a very pleasant surprise, especially since this is a children program (and dumb aesops are pretty common).

As a closure, Ginga e Kickoff!! is a great series. Interesting and dynamic matches, lovable and charismatic characters, a very relaxed and cheerful mood (with, of course, doses of problems and emotions) and an impressive audiovisual level make GeK! a highly recommended option for football fans, and also a good anime for those who want to see a sports series with children and no silly drama.
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Crónicas futbolísticas, capitulo 3: Ginga e Kickoff!!
Nota: varios animes de futbol van a ser nombrados en esta review, para comparar varias cosas. Más que nada, es para ver como encara el juego cada una. No hay ningún tipo de spoilers, y de paso aprenden un poco sobre otras series n_n.

Ginga e Kickoff!! (GeK!) Es la más reciente apuesta futbolística que nos ofrece el 2012. GeK! Fue una de las sorpresas más gratas, dado que en paralelo se está emitiendo otro anime de futbol: Area no Kishi. Sera que los japoneses se están empezando a dar cuenta de por qué llaman al futbol el “más hermoso de los deportes” o “el deporte rey”? Que es lo que tiene este nuevo producto para ofrecer? Veamos…

La historia de GeK! se enfoca en Shou Oota, un chico de sexto grado que ama el futbol con una pasión solo posible en un protagonista de shonens deportivos. Por desgracia, está en la misma situación de Mamoru Endo en Inazuma Eleven: a su equipo le falta gente. De hecho, por la falta absoluta de miembros, el equipo se desintegro… Lejos de darse por vencido, Shou empieza a buscar gente para rearmar al plantel y poder anotarse en el torneo anual. Su primer objetivo es Erika Takato, una chica recientemente llegada a la ciudad, que cuenta con una gran habilidad y velocidad. Al principio no está muy convencida de unirse a la cruzada de Shou, dado que, a pesar de ser un chico agradable con muy buenas intenciones, juega terriblemente mal. Así y todo, con fuerza de voluntad, empeño y negociaciones, los Depredadores de Momoyama reviven, y sus flamantes miembros se ponen como meta no ser los mejores del distrito, del país o del mundo: su objetivo es ser los mejores de la galaxia (a la mierrrrda!).

Entonces, quienes son los Depredadores de Momoyama? Como ya mencione, Shou es el alma del equipo. Alegre, perseverante y optimista, Shou ama el futbol, aunque el futbol no lo ama a él. A diferencia de otros protagonistas famosos, como Tsubasa (Captain Tsubasa), que básicamente era la personificación terrenal del Dios del futbol, o Kyosuke (Hungry Heart), Toshihiko (Aoki Densetsu Shoot!) y Kakeru (Area no Kishi), que si bien arrancaron de abajo, desde el momento cero se notaba que eran prodigios, Shou no cuenta con una habilidad que lo haga resaltar. Sin embargo, el talento tiene muchas formas, y aunque no sea un gran jugador con los pies, posee un gran entendimiento del juego, y es capaz de ordenar a todo su equipo desde su posición de último hombre. Básicamente, el equipo funciona a través de él. Por supuesto que no se va a conformar solo con el papel de organizador, sino que a fuerza de entrenamiento, va a pulir sus habilidades hasta convertirse en alguien respetable.
La siguiente es Erika. Oriunda de Osaka, es una chica alegre y bastante bien llevada, pero con un carácter bastante fuerte, y que no acepta mierda de nadie, siendo lo que más la irrita que la subestimen por ser mujer (tal vez no la toman en serio por su look K-On!...). Posee un control del balón excelente, y una gran velocidad, lo que la convierte en una delantera muy eficaz. Ah, también es una gran fan de Cristiano Ronaldo (en serio).
Los que siguen son el principal poder del equipo. Los trillizos Furuya son la fuerza en sí misma. Potentes, talentosos, hábiles, los Furuya son la clave de la victoria. A pesar de tener un carácter un tanto rebelde (y una fama nefasta), son muy razonables y agradables, y están dispuestos a ayudar a sus compañeros siempre que puedan… y que no afecte su estilo. Pueden pararse en cualquier línea, así de buenos son.
La ultima jugadora digna de mención (por que los otros son relleno… son buenos chicos, llenos de espíritu y buenas intenciones, pero relleno al fin xD) es Reika Saionji. Es la mejor amiga de Erika desde que llego a la ciudad, y es por ella que descubre el futbol. Empieza a jugar primero como una forma de hacer dieta (cosa que no le causa gracia a los Furuya… aunque es obvio que necesita una dieta, porque es muuuuy gorda) y para ayudar al equipo a completar el número de jugadores, para luego ir tomándole cariño al más hermoso de los deportes. Aunque sus limitaciones técnicas y físicas son más que obvias, le mete ganas y mucho empeño.

A nivel visual, GeK! es excelente (especialmente cuando se lo compara con su contemporáneo, Area no Kishi). La animación es fluida, mostrando jugadas rápidas, y retratando muy bien al deporte rey (algo que, increíblemente, no se ve muy bien en la presentación, donde los protagonistas se mueven de forma bastante extraña…). El diseño de personajes es muy variado, y todos son detallados y diferentes. Todo es colorido y muy bonito, lo que va de la mano con la atmosfera alegre y relajada de la serie n_n.

El sonido esta en el mismo nivel que la animación. Todos los seiyuus le meten una ganas barbarás y hacen un trabajo notable. Yuu Kobayashi es Shou (y Kyousuke Tsurugi en Inazuma Eleven Go 2, Setsuna Sakurazaki en Mahou Sensei Negima y Kanon en Umineko, entre otros), Shinnosuke Tachibana es Ryuuji Furuya (Tachimukai en Inazuma Eleven, Soma en Kuroshitsuji), Kenn es Kota Furuya (también es Jil en Druaga no Tou: The Aegis of Uruk, Judai Yuki en Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters GX y Phinks en Hunter x Hunter 2011). Esta serie también es uno de los primeros trabajos de Mariko Nakatsu (Erika), y el debut de
Riiko Takazawa (Reika), ambas demostrando grandes aptitudes y un futuro prometedor. En cuanto a la música… es increíble. La música de fondo es buena y todo eso, pero tanto opening como ending están mas allá. Realmente… tienen el espíritu del futbol (el ending hasta tiene imágenes reales de chicos jugando y tribunas, al mejor estilo Captain Tsubasa J). Todo un lujo.

Y como suelo hacer en mis reviews futbolísticas, deje lo más importante para él (casi) final. Como es el futbol en Ginga e Kickoff!? Es cercano a Captain Tsubasa, con sus canchas interminables y sus tiros destructores de redes/alambrados/paredes? Se parece a Inazuma Eleven, donde lisa y llanamente hay súper poderes, manipulación tiempo espacio y canchas temáticas? Es como Giant Killing, donde todo es híper real? En GeK se juega al futbol, de eso no hay dudas. Acá no hay súper poderes, ni tiros dementes o técnicas ridículas, las canchas donde juegan los chicos de primaria son, la verdad, una porquería (nada de pasto que parece una alfombra), y las tribunas están bastante vacías (excepto por algunos familiares y amigos). Algunos tiros están exagerados a nivel visual, pero no son descabellados en su resultado (o sea, podrá salir humo, polvo, o lo que sea, pero el arquero no va a salir volando por intentar agarrar la pelota). Entonces, esto es como Giant Killing? Por Dios, no (o sea, se imaginan un GK con chicos de sexto grado? Sería un bodrio! xD). Si bien no hay nada “sobrenatural”, no hay que ser un genio para imaginar que las habilidades están exageradas hasta el extremo (aunque, técnicamente, físicamente posible). En GeK! vemos a niños que entrenan estrellando la pelota en el palo con un 100% de efectividad (el mismo personaje que lo hace admite que se basa en un método de entrenamiento realizado por Maradona!), otros que son capaces de bajar la moral pateando con un efecto suficiente como para que rebote en un rival y sea gol en contra, hay fintas y regates dignos de profesionales… en fin, estos chicos sí que juegan. Todo sea en nombre del espectáculo. Así y todo, los partidos transcurren de forma coherente y bastante apegada a la realidad. Otro factor que me parece que merece mención es que se rompe un poco con ese honor desproporcionado que abunda en los animes de deportes. No digo que en GeK se aliente al juego sucio, pero si se tiene la capacidad de bajar la moral de un rival mediante el juego limpio (aunque no muy ético)… ¿Por qué no hacerlo? Esto último fue una sorpresa muy agradable.

Entonces, a modo de cierre, Ginga e Kickoff! es una gran opción dentro del género deportivo. Partidos interesantes y muy dinámicos, personajes muy queribles y carismáticos, un ambiente muy relajado y alegre, pero con su dosis de emociones y pequeños problemas, y un nivel audiovisual superlativo convierten a GeK! en un anime muy recomendable para los fans del futbol, y también una buena opción para los que quieran ver un anime deportivo con chicos y sin drama. read more

Sa hajimeyou ka?:P

So,today my review is about a under-rated anime which actually does not deserve that less of attention from people since it is a great anime.The few people who have watched it only happen to dislike it.The truth is opposite of it as it is one of the best football/soccer anime I have seen so far.It is just a little bit difficult to start watching since the art looks childish but once you get the hang of it,it become very interesting & entertaining.

The main complaint which people have against this series is about its story which is centered around elementary school soccer & children playing pro-like soccer.It is a bit weird at first to see children playing professionally but once you get used to it then I don't think so that anything can prevent you from falling in love with this series.

Story:-(8/10)

A boy running around to gather teammates due to his team being disbanded,now where have I heard about this kind of plot before?Oh,now I get it it is just like inazuma eleven's plot with a few changes.That's what I thought when I watched the first episode of this anime but it proved me wrong..

There is no supernatural things in it as there wre in inazuma eleven but some real passes,footwork & balance which CAN happen.Now there are some people who will think that what is the purpose of watching non-supernatural soccer-like anime when you can just watch real soccer matches.What I like about this series which is also the answer of the previous sentence is its simplicity.This show has taken a simple plot & transformed it to something enjoyable,something which you can watch without expecting any complexity & still be entertained.

Art:-(9/10)

Nothing bad here.The art is colorful,fluid & vibrant.The characters designs of main characters are lovable.The backgrounds are also explained nicely.The thing which I love in the art section is the occasional use of silly faces which the characters make from time to time.

Sound:-(9/10)

I love the music of this anime.The opening song is very catchy & makes you want to sing along with it while the ending song is equally amusing & just by listening you start remembering the scene of a clear sky just after a long rain.It is so good & just by listening it,you start humming it in your mouth.The bgms are also nice & enhance this series' beauty & attraction.

Characters:-(9/10)

Actually the thing that made me fall in love with this series is the wide array of interesting characters.A loud-mouthed boy checked ,a kansai-dialect speaking girl checked ,a trio of GENIUS triplets checked,sort of reminds me of Sket Dance but equally lovable.

The triplets actually make the things much more interesting by occasionally making people guess who is who.The triplets also develop from harsh & rude to kind & honest...well at least to some extent:P

Erika is from Osaka & so speaks Kansai dialect & is one of the only girls in the club.She is against the wrong action of adults which give more rights to boys than to the girls..

Shou is the main character who speaks LOUDLY...& you are like "When is this guy going to shut up."but this is also part of the fun.He is occasionally made fun of because he can not play soccer as well as other but he has great sight & loud voice which he uses for his advantages,a thing that makes him a great captain.

Reika is a fat girl who has good soccer sense,& wants to play soccer but needs to lose weight to do so she still does not give up & tries her best regardless of the difficulties that come in her way.

The character development is another thing which I like about this series.In short,this series could not be the same without its interesting characters.

Enjoyment:-(9/10)

Simply lovable.The characters,the music & the art helps it in differing it from all sports anime out there making it very enjoyable & delightful.The jokes also make you laugh out loud & can be easily understood.The light atmosphere makes the series easy to watch.

Overall:-(9/10)

Overall,a great anime.I recommend it for those people who like nice art,good character designs,good characters,comedy & sports anime particularly soccer.It has everything that a good anime can have & I don't see any reasons not to watch it,so why not give it a try,:P.If you do so then I am pretty sure that you love it since it is such a good anime. read more