Synth Saturday: Constellations Chapters 31-40 by UnwelcomeStorm

This week for Synth Saturday I’m back with the fourth set of chapters in Taylor and Sunny’s antics. It’s Constellations Chapters 31-40 by UnwelcomeStorm!

Plot: This set of chapters continues the past arc’s set of shenanigans and while it doesn’t top the Hot Springs incident it still has it’s hilarious moments. Though my favorite is probably Danny’s reaction to intruders. Still it has it’s serious moments, but overall it’s just some lighthearted fun, which is why I’m covering this Fic. We could all use some light heartedness at the moment I think.

Characters: We don’t get to meet many new faces, but Legend does show up albeit off screen mostly. I think it’s a missed oppurtunity to see him do spit takes at Sunny’s antics, but I guess Storm wanted to wait for the full Triumvirate for that.

Overall: A fun set of chapters, though not as great as the previous set it still lightens your mood considerably.

Retro Game Friday: BattleTanx

This week for Retro Game Friday I’m covering a game that I have been meaning to cover for a long time. It’s BattleTanx!

Plot: The plot of BattleTanx is pretty much nonsense, a plague kills 99.99 of all the women in the world and the rest are held up as feudal ladies that are the leaders of all the various gangs that come after the world went to crap. If you are looking for a really deep story, this isn’t going to satisify you.

Gameplay: Thankfully that wasn’t the point, and the gameplay was. The gameplay is purely Tank vs Tank combat in various locales across the US, such as Chicago, and New York. It was pretty fast paced and fun to play, especially with a friend or two. This also included destructible enviroments, though you could say that took up much of the power that was used in the game. Still it was fun to play as a kid, even if it was a bit violent. Still what kid doesn’t like explosions?

Art: The art has aged incredibly poorly since it was first released, but given that this was released in 1998 for the Nintendo 64 that isn’t too surprising.

Music: I honestly don’t remember much of it. I was too busy talking with my friends while we played.

Overall: A fun game, and if you get the chance to play it with a friend or two it’ll entertain you for a bit, but not too long since games have improved greatly since this was released.

For those who like: Tanks, Explosions, Action, Drama.

Not for those who don’t like: Any of the above.

TNT: Saint’s Power Volume 01 by Tachibana Yuka

Hey all this week I’m back with another Isekai series for Translation Necessary Thursday. It’s Saint’s Power Volume 01 by Tachibana Yuka!

Plot: The plot is pretty slow paced for an Isekai though considering it’s mainly a Shoujo series that isn’t too surprising as it’s not aimed at males that tend to prefer action and adventure. I enjoyed this first volume quite a bit.

Characters: Sei is our main character and is pretty interesting, she doesn’t go out adventuring or anything like that she just goes and works in the Medicinal Plants division, which is kind of hilarious compared to most Isekai. The rest of the cast is interesting as well, though Sei being a bit of an airhead she doesn’t really understand what she’s doing most of the time and it’s kind of hilarious to see the rest of the cast react to her.

Overall: A fun slow paced Isekai series with a female lead.

For those who like: Isekai, Powerful Female Leads, Slow Paced Plots, Interesting Cast of characters.

Not for those who don’t like: Any of the above.

Anime Sunday: BOFURI Episode 01 Impressions

This week for Anime Sunday I’m covering a Winter 2020 Series. It’s my BOFURI Episode 01 Impressions!

Plot: The plot is very relaxed and not all that drama filled. It follows the adventures of a girl named Kaede who really isn’t a gamer, but ends up becoming one as the player Maple and does so in incredibly odd ways. That’s really the best summary of the first episode I could give without being spoilerific and taking all the fun out of watching this. I enjoy the plot of BOFURI quite a bit, it’s something I’ve been watching the past week while I eat lunch alone at home. The time it takes to eat a meal is generally how long it takes for me to watch the episodes and it works out really well, although I’ve had a few close calls with laughing and spewing my lunch everywhere.

Characters: Maple is a delight to watch, and in this first episode we really get to know her. She’s an oddball and a klutz, but is endearing in ways that are just hilarious. The rest of the cast introduced thus far is very small, but quite good.

Art: Silver Link is the animation studio and they did a great job of it. That’s all that need be said, it’s not ufotable quality, but with a series like this it isn’t necessary.

Music: The music fits the series wonderfully, it’s light hearted and upbeat, which is one way to describe the series as a whole.

Overall: This is an adaptation of a delightful Light Novel series that is high on the fluff and low on the drama. If you need a pick me up, and who doesn’t after the year we’ve all been through thus far, BOFURI is easily one of my top recommendations to watch to lift your spirits.

For those who like: Gaming Stories, Comedy, Action, Little Drama, Fluff, Excellent Plot, Great Cast of characters, Awesome Artwork.

Not for those who don’t like: Any of the above, but how can you hate all that?

Bookish Wednesday: Magic to the Bone by Devon Monk

This week I’m back with the first book in an Urban Fantasy series that looking back on it wasn’t that great. It’s Magic to the Bone, Allie Beckstrom Book 01, by Devon Monk!

Plot: The story is much too slow and I want to say unconnected, but perhaps disjointed is a better word. It’s just a confusing mix of world building, drama and interpersonal relationships that really don’t mesh well together. I think the only reason I enjoyed this series was because it’s set in Portland, Oregon which is pretty much my hometown (I live in the suburbs so it’s not technically it, but it’s close enough). The urban fantasy plot feels somewhat generic as well, and the romance is mediocre.

Characters: Allie is our main character and she’s really not that compelling, she’s written to be a tough no nonsense character, but she takes crap from her love interest being cryptic instead of just demanding he answer her. Yes magic and oaths are involved, but if you are at all knowledgeable about the mythos behind magic oaths and what not, you know there is almost always a loophole that can be used to get stuff across without being cryptic or nonsensical. Zavyion is really bland as the love interest, and reminds me of early Buffy episodes where Angel just comes in to save the day than flits off to brood somewhere.

Overall: Not that great a book, but if you are desperate for something to read like I was when I read this you might get some enjoyment out of it.

For those who like: Urban Fantasy, The Pacific Northwest, Drama.

Not for those who don’t like: Any of the above.