My Hero Academia continues to impress, and I thought I’d write an article over at Apartment 507 concerning how different characters interpret and emulate All Might. If you have any thoughts on All Might as a character, let me know!
Category Archives: blogging
Mori Summer: Ogiue Maniax Status Update for July 2017
AnimeExpo is over, and the all-new Otakon in DC is on the horizon. Meanwhile, EVO 2017 is less than two weeks away. With a new season of anime upon us again, it’s time to get back into the swing of seeing how the new crop holds up.
I’m happy to see that my Patreon supporters are still with me. A special thank you to…
General:
Johnny Trovato
Ko Ransom
Alex
Diogo Prado
Viga
Yoshitake Rika fans:
Elliot Page
Hato Kenjirou fans:
Elizabeth
Yajima Mirei fans:
Machi-Kurada
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to finish the latest Gattai Girls in June, but I’m getting close! I’m going to make myself get this danged thing out even if it drives me mad. It’s about time I got back around to talking more about giant robots anyway.
Even though a strong season just ended and there are plenty of shows in it that I enjoyed, I’m not sure how many of them I want to write full reviews for. So why not have a poll?
I might end up doing the other ones anyway, but I’d like to see what people would be most keen on.
Here are the monthly blog highlights:
Nerds in the Mist: Katou Megumi and the Role of the Non-Otaku
The “Boring Girlfriend” is anything but. Find out why Megumi is one of the most interesting characters around.
Does the Japanese “Vegeta” Voice Not Translate to English?
This post of mine was the biggest success of the month in terms of views! Read my thoughts on voice acting in Dragon Ball Z!
Magic School Bus Meets Terminator: Cells at Work
I love this manga so much. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted. The human body is a wondrous thing.ß
Patreon-Sponsored
The Fun of Farming Games (Except Farmville)
I never really played farming simulators before. Then I tried Story of Seasons. See my thoughts on the genre and where I think the appeal and satisfaction lies.
Closing
I feel strangely inspired to write some new posts after being in a small rut. I hope that what I bring to the table continues to be enjoyable and thought-provoking!
The Fun of Farming Games (Except Farmville)
Until recently, I never played farming-themed video games. The closest I ever came to it was basically growing berries in Pokemon. Ever since I began to play the 2014 Story of Seasons for the 3DS (previously known as Harvest Moon), however, I think I’ve come to understand the appeal of farming simulators, and to whom they hold the greatest attraction.
The first thing I noticed is how much there is to keep track of. You’re quickly told about different plants, traders arriving on certain dates, certain items being more valuable in different seasons, birthdays, all while trying to make sure you’re watering your crops and feeding your livestock. Thankfully, the game is not based on a real clock and therefore does not require you to perform chores based on time in the real world—something that was a pain in some Pokemon entries. What’s more, balancing the crops you eat to survive vs. the crops you sell seems tricky, and makes me wonder how actual farmers find that sweet spot.
Being as successful as possible requires not only intimate knowledge of the game’s farming mechanics, but also diligence and the ability to plan far in advance. In other words, farming as a game is ideal for people who thrive on creating and maintaining a schedule, and excel in efficiency. While the farming setting is fairly laid back and I’m not sure it’s possible to squeeze every last second for all it’s worth, proper planning is the domain of virtual agriculture.
The topic of farming games brings to mind the deadly specter that is the dubious “king” of the genre, Farmville. As once the most notorious of the Facebook social games out there, Farmville has been criticized harshly for basically exploiting its player base by both getting them addicted to the constant need to pay attention to the game, and for bilking them of their money by making the experience one that relies on negative reinforcement. However, I think that this does not necessarily apply to all farming-themed games, and a comparison to Story of Seasons shows the difference between a game where managing the ins and outs of a farm can be a positive and enriching experience, and one that leads down a long, dark path.
In Story of Seasons, as you get better at the game, you are not only able to do more, but there’s a greater sense of efficiency. By playing as best as you can, you spend the least amount of time necessary on a given task. Alternatively, you spend as much time as is enjoyable for you. In Farmville, however, the main function of the gameplay is to be a “time waster,” not just in the sense that it’s something you do in your free time, but that the game keeps its players glued to the screen for as many hours as possible. One rewards you for playing more by allowing you to do more, the other punishes you for not putting in as many hours as everyone else.
The Farmvilles of the world can go to hell, for they show how the fun of a genre can be corrupted, but perhaps they can lead people back to less exploitative examples. I get the charm of farming games as a kind of stress relief by way of meticulous micromanagement. I feel a simple joy in seeing my turnips fully grown and ready to be picked, and thinking about how to best use them is its own interesting strategy. There are elements that I wish were more automated, but even that brings its own strange catharsis. It’s as if stress and relaxation are balanced on a knife’s edge, a feeling I imagine might also come from a real farm.
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This post was sponsored by Johnny Trovato. If you’re interested in submitting topics for the blog, or just like my writing and want to support Ogiue Maniax, check out my Patreon.
[APT507] Rokudou no Onna-tachi: A Follow-Up Review for the Delinquents-Only Harem Manga!
Some months ago, I wrote a quick review of an interesting new manga, Rokudou no Onna-tachi. Now, I’m back with a follow-up, looking at the direction this odd series (where all the girls are angry delinquents!) has gone, and my latest impressions. Check it out on Apartment 507!
Every Day Young Life: Ogiue Maniax Status Update for June 2017
This month is AnimeNext! I missed last year’s move to Atlantic City, but I’ll be attending this time around. I have at least one panel I’ll be on at the con, but the schedule’s not up yet so I can’t say when. I’ll be making a post to Ogiue Maniax once the schedule is out.
As for my Patreon sponsors for June 2017…
General:
Johnny Trovato
Ko Ransom
Alex
Diogo Prado
Viga
Yoshitake Rika fans:
Elliot Page
Hato Kenjirou fans:
Elizabeth
Yajima Mirei fans:
Machi-Kurada
One of the personal running jokes of this blog for me is the lack of a new entry for Gattai Girls. I have no real excuses, except that it’s been slow going watching the series I plan on writing about next. I really hope I can get it done in the next month, and might even devote most of my free time to it.
Speaking of shows about female robot pilots, I was recently reminded of Stellvia of the Universe after finding out that opening singer angela is going to be at Anime Expo. Most likely, that’ll be the next next entry whenever I get around to it.
Here are the monthly blog highlights:
Tonight was the Night: The End of VGCW, Video Game Championship Wrestling
Last month, I said farewell to a companion that saw me through some rough times: fake real video game wrestling. While not a wholly original idea, VGCW ended up being something special.
Kiryuin Satsuki and the Curse of Power Girl
Power Girl is forever fated to be a cheesecake heroine but Satsuki from Kill la Kill was able to overcome it. Why?
The Revival (?) of Studio Gonzo
A journey through the (in)famous studio’s ups and downs.
Patreon-Sponsored
Aikatsu Stars Season 2 and Notions of Perfection
Aikatsu Stars! makes a big deal out of Perfect Elza. What could this mean for the series?
Return to Genshiken
Volume 3 – Stimulation Simulation
It’s the true beginning of Saki x Mada. ‘Nuff said?
I might sound like a broken record player, but I can’t believe the next anime season is creeping ever closer. It feels like only yesterday when I was watching out for the spring season.
[APT507] Stepping Out of the Shadow: Reasons Why You Should Watch Boruto
I was a Naruto fan who stopped paying attention and then really enjoyed the Boruto movie. Now the new Boruto TV series is out, and I’m actually fairly impressed. Check out my review over at Apartment 507.
[APT507] The Canon of Kanan: Love Live! Sunshine!! Character Controversy
I wrote a followup to my previous Apartment 507 post on Love Live! Sunshine!! character Matsuura Kanan. It goes into the character’s differences across various formats, and my own disconnect from other aspects of Love Live! fandom.
Overhead Kiss: Ogiue Maniax Status Update for May 2017
May’s always been my favorite Guilty Gear character. 6p is Life.
While they might not be able to shoot people out of cannons, my Patreon supporters are just as powerful. Thanks to the following!
General:
Johnny Trovato
Ko Ransom
Alex
Diogo Prado
Viga
Yoshitake Rika fans:
Elliot Page
Hato Kenjirou fans:
Elizabeth
Yajima Mirei fans:
Machi-Kurada
I found April to be a fine time for Ogiue Maniax just because there were so many fine shows coming to an end. Personally, I’ve also been reading a lot of manga I had neglected for a while, and I’m hoping to write my thoughts on them either here or on Apartment 507. Do you have a favorite show thus far? I’d be interested to know.
Starting this month, I’ve decided to change up how I do these posts. Instead of listing almost every post I’ve written over the past month, I’m going to give my three favorites plus any sponsored posts from patrons.
Top 3 Posts
You’ve Finished Kemono Friends! What Next?
This for all you Friends out there who want a little more. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Fight for Survival, Dream for the Future – Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans
I’m a long-time fan of Gundam, but I felt especially impressed by this latest TV series.
Bodies Apart, Souls Together: Your Name
See my take on what might be Shinkai Makoto’s most “complete” movie ever!
Patreon-Sponsored
Yamato vs. 999 and the Makeup of a Journey
This time, I was requested to write about “anime that take you on a journey.” I used that opportunity to analyze what it means for a series to portray a “journey” in the first place.
As always, if you want to not only request a topic for Ogiue Maniax but make me write it as well, you can check out the highest tier on my Patreon.
The month of May will feature the next entry in my Genshiken re-read series, so look out for that! Also, watch out for giant whales.
[APT507] How Love Live! Sunshine!!’s Least Popular Character Rocketed to #1
I wrote a bit about the change in fan opinion over Love Live! Sunshine!! character Matsuura Kanan over at Apartment 507. I know she became one of my favorite characters by the time I finished the anime, but did you find your impressions changing as well?
A New Release: Ogiue Maniax Status Update for April 2017
Did you know that Kinomoto Sakura’s birthday is April 1st?
Upon learning this, I realized that major spoilers for Watanuki in XXXHolic were staring me right in the face all along (his name means “April 1st”).
Do any of my Patreon supporters have an April birthday? Whether they do or not, I’m still just as grateful for their support:
General:
Johnny Trovato
Ko Ransom
Alex
Diogo Prado
Viga
Yoshitake Rika fans:
Elliot Page
Hato Kenjirou fans:
Elizabeth
Yajima Mirei fans:
Machi-Kurada
Here are the post highlights for this month:
Part 2 of my Genshiken re-read is up, and it’s amazing to see how many characters come and go in the second volume.
March also saw the end of the New York International Children’s Film Festival. Here are all the Ogiue Maniax reviews from the event:
Ancien and the Magic Tablet/Napping Princess
The runaway hit of the last season was definitely Kemono Friends. It was such a big deal I had to write about it twice… sort of.
I also got back on track on my chapter reviews of Kimi xxxru Koto Nakare. The series looks like it got delayed for a little while, but I hope it’s coming back. I really do think it’s an excellent series.
Lastly, it was a close call, but I wrote my thoughts on March Comes in like a Lion. I knew I’d like the show, but I’m even more impressed with how well the show makes its protagonist Rei relatable.
April means the end of the winter anime season and the start of some new shows. That means you’re likely going to see a bunch more reviews for anime that concluded this past season. Early on, I saw quite a few people online expressing their opinions that the winter was something of a disappointment. While this has turned around somewhat, thanks to the rising popularity of shows such as Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid and Kemono Friends, I feel like that idea still persists.
As for new shows, I’m looking forward to Love Rice a show about rice-themed idols. It’s as if Hanayo was allowed to make her own anime.
OGIUE MANIAX 