Ranked #2655

Bus Gamer

How many of us would do whatever we can to win a crapload of cash with only one question asked? And it doesn't really matter what answer we give--just as long as we say what we truly want that money for, we have a shot of attaining riches.

This is the fuse that sets off three young men, Mishiba Toki, Nakajyo Nobuto and Saitou Kazuo, into participating in something known in the underground as the 'Bus Game'.

The story of Bus Gamer is fairly interesting. It shows us just how far these three guys would go to have a shot at getting dirty, quick cash: they participate in grueling near-death matches in various locations across the city all for the entertainment of business fat cats in suits. I thought it was cool, the whole idea of capitalism. Men who so rich (that they're bored) now have a much funner thing to do than bet on horses and boxing matches; they bet on human beings who fight to literally save their lives. Interesting story, as I said, however, what is presented to us is far from anything that is potentially good. The anime was bogged down with so many pointless scenes and leaves the plot so terribly undeveloped that it was hard to enjoy the episodes as they progressed.

The art and animation could have been so much better. The art style is pretty unique, and it is the type that needs care and detail put into it to really make it shine. Sadly, it seems attention was not paid. The animation was another mediocre show; the fights that called for panoramic views, better camera angles and just good general direction were severely lacking. How unfortunate for the anime, as its action and the action scenes weren't animated well and it depended on those scenes.

Oh boy, the characters. Let's see, we had the stereotype, and the other stereotype. And who could forget the youngest stereotype! Honestly, the characters were poor. They all lacked personality, and what they did have was all uninspired and archetypal. We have the cold, aloof, womanising, tough guy whose eyes we never see, the stoic, quiet, kung fu guy and the annoyingly chipper annoying boy. It's like they dipped their hands in a hat of random character types and just pulled them out.

I didn't really have the best of times watching Bus Gamer. It's three episodes too long, if you ask me. However, with a potentially interesting storyline and brevity, I didn't have enough time for the anime to totally sour me against it. It isn't the best action anime. It isn't even a good anime--just something so painfully average that I wouldn't recommend you to waste your time on it. read more

Well its a good idea for an anime since i've seen it done in American movies like 20 times (Smokin Aces and any other B-movie involving a mysterious company to fund human death matches) Unfortunately this anime isn't a very good example.

The story, standing at a whopping 3 episodes it's surprising to see how much action the managed to fit in. The side story apart from all the action is very poor at best. I couldn't tell if it was emphasizing more on seriousness or comedy. Regardless, the idea of an unlikely team to survive human death matches didn't translate so well. (Mediocre)

The characters are pretty ridiculous in my opinion. It's almost comical when the viewer tries to tell them apart. "No-eyes, one-eye, and two-eyes" is probably the best way to tell them apart. And their personalities go from 'hard-boiled, to less-boiled, to comic relief. Nothing real impressive it might have been cooler if they replaced the comic relief for a cooler type. (Decent)

The art is of average quality, think of Saiyuki as a decent reference in terms of art and animation quality. It's made in 2008, but looks like its from 2001. Lots of pointy hair and poor color quality. (Poor)

Sound is pretty non-existent. The fight scenes are just alot of thuds and thumps and swipes and such. Although the girls might like all the grunting and groaning thats in the show. And the background music is pretty forgettable. What is even worse is the rock and roll op and ed. For future reference, organs and rock music don't mix (ref: OP theme). (Poor)

Overall its an unimpressive anime but the pain watching it isn't so bad since it's so short. Maybe (thats a big MAYBE) if it was longer it could be decent. Personally I think another production studio should try this untapped style of storytelling. read more