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Jul 26, 2023
I randomly discovered this through a YouTube suggestion, after looking into videos about high-fantasy anime movies or ovas from the mid-90s to earlier. I think the story is short and simple mostly due to the fact it feels based on someone's campaign in D&D like Record of Lodoss creator, rather than being an adaptation of a PC game franchise. Honestly, before doing more research on Wizardry as I watched it, I never even knew the series ever existed. However, what I came to enjoy about this adaptation was mostly its visuals, and how the subs contained footnotes to explain the games. Like the fansub group
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really knew the franchise, and thought to explain some of its rules or terminology. So, it's a fun watch for people who enjoy the PC games, tabletop rpgs, and high fantasy. Nevertheless, I'd like to see more anime series based on these games to learn more about it, since not enough people seem to openly discuss the franchise.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jul 21, 2021
I stumbled upon this film while surfing through Crunchyroll. I was simply trying to watch any vintage anime titles before 1980, specifically anything that resembled Toei's "The Boy Sarutobi Sasuke" or "Journey to the West." Eventually, I stumbled onto Ringing Bell, read its description and immediately hit play. I found its story simple but very compelling and relatable. Also, I was taken back at how it depicts life, and revenge through animals. I loved how the film goes from being a cheery family friendly animate feature then mixes in radical shonen art styles and storytelling. Chirin's design for when he finally become an adult and
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vicious fighter is simply amazing; as an Aries it vibes with me way too much.
Ultimately, I do not think I have a preference as to how the film should be watched, both its subbed and dub options are great. I have shown this short to others in either formats, and it is naturally draws in viewers. I think it catches people off guard with its animation style and story which has allowed it to become a cult classic. I recommend people seeing this at least once in their lives.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Jul 21, 2021
Now, as I mentioned in my review on the Dancougar series page, I had trouble enjoying the show. The series drags at times, and can sometimes feel more repetitive than it really is. Most of my issues for the show do seem to come from overhype and expectations. However, I am starting to believe most of the hype is due to the OVAs, and SRW appearances.
Also, like in my review for the series, this OVA is a good starting point for viewers having trouble watching the show. This OVA tries to nicely condense 38-episodes into an hour then give longtime fans the closure they
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deserved in the final 30 minutes. Yet, since the new footage is nearly 30 minutes, it makes me question why there could not have been 39-episodes.
Anyway, the new footage goes to embrace its Super Robot roots by busting out a sword and letting Obari show off! Also, the Emperor dies like a vintage Super Sentai villain, as he is super strong but gets killed easily. In addition, there is a neat hidden message during the final explosion on alien homeworld that reads "Thank You for Buying the Video!" Finally, the ending is still a cliffhanger, but it feels more rewarding than questioning on if the CBF won like the show did.
Overall, I enjoyed this OVA more than the series. I actually look forward to watching the other OVAs sometime soon. I hear the next ones range from typical "heroes return" side-story to awesome wrap-up epilogue. So, I am hoping it will wash the bad taste out of mouth.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Jul 21, 2021
Dancouga is mostly hyped up by its OVAs, merchandise, and appearances in the SRW series. So, my expectations for the series were raised pretty high. However, once I jumped into the show I had a slog to complete it. I found the series to drag mostly in the 17 episode build up to our titular mecha. Another detouring factor was the show often won't fully embrace its Super Robot elements. Also, the main characters are had to latch onto, with Ryo and the Black Knight being the standouts. At times the series is often similar to Chojin Sentai Jetman, as the CBF Pilots are often
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found at odds with each other. Yet, the CBF rarely shows growth towards becoming a functioning team, to the extent it feels repetitive.
Whereas, the villains have cool designs, but are lacking in character. Shapiro is the most prominent of the villains since he is traitor to the Earth. For the most part the show tries playing around with the idea that Shapiro simply went mad for power. Unfortunately, most of the early flashbacks of him with Sara depict him as a sociopath with a god complex. Then later flashbacks make him have more sympathy for Sara and society. Also, the finale works hard to make Shapiro out to be a tragic character who fell from grace.
While I do aggressively dislike the show, it is mostly thanks to being highly disappointed. I do think people should see this series if they are interested in Dancouga though. However, be cautious that it may not live up to expectations. Heck, if people have tried to sit through the series and cannot then jump ahead to the OVAs. Starting with the first OVA is good because it is mostly a recap, but also features 30-minutes of new footage completing the main series. So, if people do decide to latch onto Dancouga via the OVAs or SRWs, please at least watch episode 23 "Revenge for Murder!" It is the most amazing SUPER ROBOT nonsense ever! It is Terminator meets Mad Max meets Mecha!
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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