Utawarerumono Discussion Thread ~Spoilers~

[Shuten]

Utawaremono Info

Discuss the series here.


Sincerely,
Shuten

[thepanda]

I don't know about you guys, but this show gets my vote as best new show of the season. Its easy to follow, has likeable characters, the plot moves forward at a reasonable pace, and each episode so far has left me eager for the next.

Your thoughts?

[Liddo-kun]

*grabs the Panda's tail*

^_^

I'll have something more constructive to say after I watch episode 2-4, which are just sitting on my harddrive unloved.  I will give you that it's interesting so far, but I won't go so far -- yet -- to say that it's the best.

[thepanda]

Honestly, Liddo-kun, it feels like this season is painfully lacking in plot. Ergo Proxy, Utawarerumono, and .hack//roots are the only news shows that I can think of off the top of my head that seem to actually have one. This season has been full of fluff.

[Dracos]

lead checkkered lives?

Okay, that description on animeinfo was about as unhelpful as humanly possible.

Panda, what's this wishy washy stuff about and why should everyone watch it, huh?  Can't go most hyped without some MEAT!

Dracos

[thepanda]

I have completely failed to understand your post, Drac. ^^

But if you are asking why I claim Utawarerumono to be the best of the season I've outlined the basics in my first post.

* Easily followed
* Likable cast
* Visually pleasing
* Reasonably paced
* So far I haven't gotten that "What was the point of that scene?" feeling
* Each episode has left me eager to watch the next. I truely am interested in the pasts and fates of the people on screen.
* Lack of hype. I came into this show  knowing it was based off an H-game, but knowing nothing of the game itself. The odd thing is that if I hadn't known that before hand I would never have guessed it.
* Not held back by novel-length world-building eplainations.

I will admit, there isn't anything in here that will wow you. It isn't that kind of show. Rather, its a show that is (so far) so well put together that the story, artwork, pacing, music, and plot complement and enhance each other. Its the sort of show that makes you want to buy the DVDs just because you know that you'lll want to revisit this place again.

If that makes any sense.

[Ranmilia]

Hey, Higurashi has plot too.  >_>

As to this show... I find it worth noting that the setting, plot, tone, characters, situations, visual style, music and pretty much everything about Utawarerumono are EXTREMELY reminiscent of Breath of Fire 4.  Or identical to, or ripped off from, take your pick - this is seriously Breath of Fire: The Anime, so if you've played that game you know exactly what you're gonna get here.  I loved BoF4, so that's a big plus in my book.  >_>

"Yeah yeah yeah but I haven't played BoF4."  In that case - it's rolicking fantasy done right, set in something vaguely reminiscent of the feudal Japanese countryside with lots of fantasy elements - animal people, giant tiger spirits guarding forests, etc.  The script blends character-based humor and lightheartedness with a serious and present but not terribly dark or complicated plot, and is moving at a nice constant pace, neither too slow nor too fast.  The art is nicely detailed and makes use of a mostly bright, watercolor-ish palette to create an airy atmosphere (except when there's fire and burning going down).  Music's similarly good.  Overall there just aren't many/any flaws I can see to it, unless they start dropping the ball later.

[Shuten]

Not much to say other than I pretty much agree with the sentiments of those who have posted so far that like this series. I especially enjoy the opening theme quite a bit.

Anyways that's it for now.


Sincerely,
Shuten

[Dracos]

Okay.  That was pretty darn neat.

Seen the first 2 eps.  Got to get caught up on the rest.  Overall, I'm liking Breath of Fire the anime... I mean Utawaremono.

Dracos

[Dracos]

I'm sort of cooling on this.  It's okay, but the heroes aura of charisma is being a bit much.  The duel between the enemy warlord/emperor and him, while nice I suppose, felt a little odd happening there.  At least they're not just falling over like the last ones did.

Dracos

[Shuten]

Episode 14's art is bad... I mean really bad. I mean "If the dvd version isn't completely redone someone needs to have acid poured on his/her face." bad.

A sample from the episode. I selected an image that should keep spoilers to a minimum while still giving a good idea of what to expect.

In short prepare to suffer when you watch this episode and hope like hell there isn't another like this pile of worm excrement.


Sincerely,
Shuten

Edit: I should note that the art does improve in the second half of the episode. However it tends to backslide at certain points as well. Overall it isn't a complete loss in terms of the art but it's still one of the worst looking episodes in terms of overall art quality.

[Sunhawk]

My information says that episode 15 goes back to the previous style.  Arc change too.

[Shuten]

Well I just finished watching episode 15 raw and I'm happy to note that the art is back to normal. As for the episode itself... It rocked! Great fights, revelations, and overall a very enjoyable episode. ^^


Sincerely,
Shuten

[thepanda]

Just finished the series.

Episodes 21-end felt really rushed. Though I certainly found the conversation my brother and I had while watching it amusing.

Especially the part where they're surounded by red slimes and Godzilla Kamen just ran off. My brother was like, "But they're surounded! How does he just run off like that?"

And I'm like, "They're Red Slimes." Really, was there any futher explaination needed?

Anyway, for those of you (if any) who played the game, how does the anime stack up?

[Dracos]

Hmm, I've got to finish this series, maybe later this week.