Month: October 2016

SnapThirty Crowns Most Spiritually-Talented Youngster In Anime and Manga

Published by Frank Inglese

  For years, pop culture fanatics have been at war with each other. Countless relationships have been ruined over talks of who is best this and who is best that. For example: While some of us tend to think Persona 4’s Chie is Best Girl, others may believe it is Sword Art Online’s Asuna. The problem with this ongoing debate is that it is one fought entirely on a biased foundation, meaning that there can never be a proper resolution. This conflict is one that seems as though it is never going to end, but us here at SnapThirty want you all to know that we will be the ones to bring peace back into the pop culture world…one character at a time. On episode 43 of the SnapThirty podcast, the boys decided that they were going to run a series of tournament brackets to decide once and for all who from Japanese pop culture truly are the best of the best. While Best Girl is indeed the most sought after title in all of …

Yo-Kai Watch 2: Bony Spirits and Fleshy Souls – Review

Published by Frank Inglese

Think back to your Primary School days; it was a time in each of our lives wherein which making friends was as easy as sharing the same lunchbox contents. Perhaps you and your pal at the time had the same flavour of juice box which, for a pair of seven year olds, was more than enough to start what could grow to become a life-long friendship. One of my oldest friends and I have a relationship built upon what class we happened to be assigned to, and what desk it was that we were told to sit at. There was no preconceived notion of one-another’s character, there was no prejudice based on personal beliefs, it didn’t even matter that we came from vastly different home lives, all that mattered was our physical placement in the classroom and an inexplainable need for friendship. As a twenty-two year old, making friends is…much harder. Between my somewhat cynical outlook on life, and my constant quest for an easily-maintainable lifestyle, making friends as an adult doesn’t come easy. Now, …

Makoto Shinkai’s ‘Your Name’ Set To Hit Cinemas Across Australia, We Are Happy About This

Published by Luke Halliday

After breaking countless records at the box office in Japan, Australia will finally get to see what all the fuss is about with Makoto Shinkai’s latest film ‘Your Name’ slated to hit cinemas on November 24th thanks to Madman Entertainment. The film is set for a massive release across Australia with many prime locations locked in already for screenings. Madman have opened an official website for the film with more specific details here. ‘Your Name’ follows two people whose lives become unexpectedly connected despite having never met and the great distance between them. It is classic Shinkai stuff and if what the Japanese audiences are saying is true, this may very well be his film yet. Check out the trailer below to get a glimpse at what’s in store with ‘Your Name’ before it hits cinemas across Australia on November 24th. -30-

New Pokemon Sun and Moon Trailer Officially Reveals Starter Final Evolutions

Published by Frank Inglese

Overnight, the Pokemon Company International released a brand-new trailer for Game Freak’s upcoming Pokemon Sun and Moon that just so happen to ultimately reveal the final evolutions for this generation’s starters which, despite having been leaked quite some time ago, people continuously hope for with the release of any new Pokemon Sun and Moon information. As it turns out, once again, the famous “Chinese Leaks” are almost entirely correct, the only thing missing at this point in time is the Water-Type Arcanine featured in said leaks, but seeing as all other information has been correct up until this point in time, I have high hopes. Decidueye, the final evolution of Rowlet, is based on an Archer and is a combination of Grass and Ghost-Type. It has the ability Overgrow, and it’s signature move is Spirit Shackle which disables the enemy from leaving battle. Incineroar, the final evolution of Litten, is based on a Professional Wrestler and is a combination of Fire and Dark-Type. It has the ability Blaze, and it’s signature move is Darkest Lariat which …

Berserk: Complete Series (Limited Edition) – Review

Published by Frank Inglese

Time, being an unforgiving element of existence, eventually swallows all. This is a strange yet indisputable law that goes unspoken yet is known to all. Human kind can retain knowledge of the past in various forms, but eventually time comes to take it all. In one way or another the past will be devoured, forgotten to many, altered to some, helplessly held onto by all. Thus is one burden of life, a component of reality that cannot be overcome, and so we learn to live alongside it. Kentaro Miura’s Berserk tells a story that, for all intents and purposes, should have been taken by the passage of time long ago, lost to modern minds, left only in the memories of those that once experienced it…but the tale woven throughout the cult-classic is one that defies what it is I’ve just detailed: Some things, though very much of this Earthly realm, remain even against the ruinous nature of time. While some memories fade, scars do not, and when the brand you bear is a constant reminder of the …

Dragon Quest Builders – Review

Published by Kane Bugeja

Since the dawn of time, mankind has utilised one technique to propel themselves throughout history; building. Well, there’s probably two or three other techniques, but they don’t relate to what I’m talking about, so I won’t talk about them. From the humble wheel, to the ultimately pointless iterations of the Rube Goldberg machine, people have endeavoured to create, innovate and make their lives easier…or cooler, that also governs a lot of decisions made throughout time. How else do you explain video games? Venture, if you would, into the long spanning franchise of Dragon Quest, filled to the brim with characters and creatures designed by Akira Toriyama, one specific example of which being dragons, though you probably gather that from the title. However, before you make your way into the heart of the series, pivot slightly and walk a different path, a voxel based path. That’s right friends, similar to the Minecraft your mind will immediately compare it to, Dragon quest Builders takes place in a cubular environment that just begs to be shattered by Giant Hammers …

Rare and Expensive Nintendo Gems on the Virtual Console

Published by Jahanzeb Khan

It’s easy to take video games for granted when they’re on shelves and easily available, but next thing you know that once $10 copy of No More Heroes in the Wii bargain bins is no more! And finding a used copy $40 or so on a random Sunday trip to the mall is considered to be a lucky day. Same goes for video games available for purchase on digital outlets, sure the price never hikes and you can download any given time, but digital games do get delisted (I had no idea that Tetris of all games had been delisted from the eShop due to licensing issues!). Right now you can find some of the rarest and most expensive Nintendo games right at your fingertips on the Virtual Console. In the past you’d have to fork out hundreds, if not close to a thousand, dollars on these games, but thanks to the eShop you can download them right now for mere pocket change. Digital distribution has its blessings for sure. If you’re not fussy about owning …

Switch Us Off – Lost in Mistranslation Episode 86

Published by Kane Bugeja

And thus the NX is the NX no more, rechristened and revealed to the world in all its hybrid splendour. It even manages to keep the guys talking about current news in a semi-professional manner, which is no small feat. Then time rears its inevitable head and conversation slowly drifts into the same rambling nonsense you all know and love…you’ve been warned. -30-

Humble Beginnings – A Look Back At Naruto: Ninja Council

Published by Frank Inglese

There is something to be said about the evolution of Naruto video games overtime. They sure have come a very long way, developing into the unrivalled spectacle they now are today, with every iteration playing host to crisper graphics and the ability to experience some of the more outrageous events of Naruto’s fictional history. There is something that modern Naruto video games lack though; arguably, they have lost what was once most important to the series these games were based on…heart. While flashy graphics and cinematic battles work wonders to immerse players in the world of Naruto and it’s follow-up series Naruto Shippuuden, it seems as though these games have had to sacrifice their charming nature to do so. That’s not to say the newer Naruto titles aren’t worth the money you pay or the time put into developing them, this is simply what time and exponential curve in popularity does to a series, and it is during periods such as this that I like to reminisce upon the past, thinking back on the days wherein which a …

Nintendo Switch – Switching Up The Future of Gaming

Published by Luke Halliday

Snap Discussion is the weekly round table discussion on a topic relating to Japanese pop culture as selected by the almighty Snapodile. Each week the SnapThirty team will weigh in with their thoughts on that week’s topic all with the hopes of providing some interesting and perhaps even conflicting view points on the matter at hand. This week’s topic is Nintendo Switch – Switching Up The Future of Gaming. For this topic we all gave our immediate thoughts on the landmark announcement Nintendo dropped overnight of their upcoming console the Nintendo Switch. Without further adieu, strap yourself in and get ready for our collected thoughts on the future of gaming. Luke Halliday: Here I am 25 years old writing this as I wipe tears from my eyes, because Nintendo have done what they have always done better than anyone: make history. My first console was the Super Nintendo and soon after I got a Game Boy. I plowed hundreds of hours into games like Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Pokemon Blue. …

Home and Away – The NX is Now the Nintendo Switch

Published by Kane Bugeja

It’s been quite the wait, hasn’t it folks. From rumours, to hints, to secrets, mysteries and all manner of speculation, people the gaming world over have pondered what the letters NX will bring to the console realm. Well, now we have our answer; portability. Yes, rumours regarding this specific feature have been on the forefront of speculatory news for a manner of months now, but we have confirmation now, which makes all the difference. Trust me. The Nintendo Switch (nee NX) will centre around the concept of alternating between a home console and handheld gaming device. With the “console” seeming to comprise of a charging dock and relay point, the heart of this machine is a portable screen larger than (but still comparable to) the Wii U GamePad. It is this screen that seemingly holds the inner workings of the Switch, as the trailer showed brief focus on the insertion of a cartridge, which is the confirmd manner in which physical games will be presented. Digital versions of games are still said to be another …

Shin Godzilla – Review

Published by Jahanzeb Khan

In the same way it takes an organised team of politicians, generals, and scientists to take on the behemoth that is Godzilla, we at SnapThirty felt that the task of reviewing a brand new Godzilla film simply could not be done by one person. Jahanzeb Khan, Frank Inglese, and Luke Halliday had the opportunity to witness the historic event that is the international release of Japan’s reboot of the historic monster franchise, appropriately titled Shin Godzilla to signify a new beginning and the most definitive, truthful, and memorable depiction of the movie icon himself. Shin Godzilla is every bit of a historic landmark release as the original 1954 Godzilla film. Shin Godzilla had a lot of high expectations to live up to, and the limited international release means not everyone will have a chance to witness it. Thankfully, Madman has taken the mantle to distribute the film all over Australia in major cities. It was initially meant to be a one night screening only on 13 October 2016, but thankfully more dates have been added …

Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV – Review

Published by Kane Bugeja

For as long as there has been more than one kingdom, there have been tales of war. Not trying to be glib, just stating the facts. Small disagreements, minute clashes that escalate as populations boon, swirling into a chaos of misunderstandings, conflicts of ideals and simple greed. Now, this is not to say that peace is an impossibility, but that it is a possibility hidden in the depths of the future, one that must be purposefully reached. Additionally, in the world of fiction, war makes for a far more compelling story than peace, especially when said war involves lightning, gods and really, really cool daggers. XV. Those two letters representing two numbers representing over a decade of waiting, a waiting which is still being enacted. No, my friends, this is not the game you are looking for, but a movie based within its world. A prequel of sorts delving into the story of a protagonist unseen thus far. Rather than add to the tale of Noctis Lucis Caelum (as Brotherhood Final fantasy XV does), Kingsglaive …

Alola! Welcome to the Island – A Look at the Pokemon Sun & Moon Demo

Published by Kane Bugeja

Though the ever awaited release date of November 18th lies on the horizon still, this Halloween month has provided us all with the chance to briefly visit the brand new world of Pokemon. With a stealthy companion by our sides and a ukulele tune in our ears, let us all explore a fraction of the Alola region. That being said, given the nature of a demo, I’ll throw down a TLDR for all those who want the meat, without having to tolerate me chewing the fat. The city featured is known as Hau’oli City A Trial is tasked at Ten Carat Hill, in which you must photograph two Jangmo-o and two Hakmo-o (one of whom is a Totem Pokemon) Z-Move strength changes based upon its utilised move – Gigavolt Havoc is shown to posses a power of 175 (Thunderbolt), 160 (Electro Ball) and 100 (Nuzzle) – as does its position as Physical or Special Z-Crystals may be given to multiple compatible Pokemon at once Battle Bond is also increases the power of Water Shuriken (which is now …

Pokemon Sun and Moon – International Trailer Reveals Even More Unseen Evolutions

Published by Frank Inglese

It was only but a few days ago that the world was blessed with the much-anticipated monthly leaks of Japan’s CoroCoro magazine. This latest issue gave us a look at Type:Null and Jangmo-o evolutions, as well as a quick glance at an Alolan Grimer, but The Pokemon Company international have just released an English trailer that shows us all that and much, much more! Silvadi’s English name is Silvally, and it’s ability was changed from “AR System” to “RKS System“, inching closer to speculation that it has something to do with the God Pokemon Arceus. Jangmo-o’s evolutionary chain also got a name change; it’s middle form is now Hakamo-o, and it’s final is Kommo-o. There is also now a vibrantly-coloured Alolan Muk! In regards to new Pokemon; evolutions for Cutiefly and Bounsweet were also revealed. Cutiefly will evolve into Ribombee, and Bouncesweet will feature two evolutions that go by the names Steenee and Tsareena. The latter will learn a move unique to it called “Trop Kick“; this technique lowers the opponents attack whilst also dealing …

Pokemon Sun and Moon – CoroCoro Leaks Reveal Type:Null and Jangmo-o Evolutions

Published by Frank Inglese

Type:Null is, arguably, the most intriguing Pokemon since Mewtwo, and that is perhaps because of their similar backstories. While Mewtwo wasn’t necessarily created to destroy Legendary Pokemon, it WAS cloned with ultimate power as the basis. Type:Null, upon reveal, quickly rose to the top as favorite among fans anticipating the new game. Speculation developed regarding just what this creature is under that intense mask, and with the new CoroCoro magazine leaks, well…we finally find out! Yes, it’s that time of the month wherein which the news that is supposed to be broken with the physical release of Japan’s own CoroCoro magazine is instead leaked online thanks to an unknown citizen of the internet with early access to the new issue. This month’s is quite exciting considering it has not only revealed a new Alolan form, a Poison/Dark-Type Grimer, but the aforementioned Type:Null Evolution, Shiruvadi, and the entire Evolutionary chain of possible Pseudo-Legendary Jangmo-o: It’s middle Evolution is named Jarango, and it’s final is named Jararanga. The two latter Pokemon will be a mix between Dragon-Type …

Superdimension Neptune VS Sega Hard Girls – Review

Published by Kane Bugeja

As time continues to spiral forth on its merry way, certain facts become clouded. Sure, history can help record certain facets of information, but it is not always accurate, something about it being written by the victors. Yet, despite this knowledge regarding the ironic lack thereof, there is little one without a sentient time travelling motorcycle can do. Sure is a shame nobody like that exists in a preposterously prefixed dimension prone to whimsy and wonder. Truly, a shame… Psych! Or, you know, it would be if you didn’t read the title of this review, or avert your gaze slightly to the right and witness the cover art of this particular game(although I applaud your adventurous spirit if you didn’t). But, suppositions aside, let us delve into yet another wacky, personified adventure of the Neptunia franchise, specifically the one known as Superdimension Neptune VS Sega Hard Girls. First things first; Why does the title say Neptune instead of the usual Neptunia? Good question…I have no idea. There is nothing within the game itself that references …

Digimon Universe: Appli Monsters Heading To The West Courtesy Of Toei Animation

Published by Frank Inglese

Ever since I was a child, stretching up to this very day, I have been in love with Bandai’s Digimon. The Anime series, the video games, the Virtual Pets, and even it’s Trading Card Game, it seems as though Digimon is just one of the few franchises that will stick with me for the rest of my life. Reading that alone, you can see why the next step into the Digital World, known as Digimon Universe: Appli Monsters, is so exciting to me, and people like myself, who simply cannot get enough of what the franchise has to offer. Until today, I was convinced that the new Anime series, accompanied by the Video Game and merchandise related to it, would never make it outside of Japan, but it is thanks to Toei Animations news that I’m able to toss those thoughts out the window, replacing them with some more positive than the last: Perhaps you’ve never heard of this, but there is a yearly convention called “MIPCON” which is, in basic terms, a tradeshow that …

A Second Trailer Has Been Released For Upcoming Digimon Universe: Appli Monsters Game

Published by Frank Inglese

While many Digimon fans from across the globe are busy attacking and defending the new multimedia project Digimon Universe: Appli Monsters, many of us are just glad that such an addition to the long-running series exists. Scroll through any comment section of any given article regarding the new Video Game or Anime and you will understand just how divisive Digimon Universe: Appli Monsters is. There’s a clear three-way split in the fandom; a third of which will attack it for either been too different or not different enough, another that will defend it tooth and nail regardless of the facts, and a final that is simply happy that the franchise has yet to perish in the shadow of more popular franchises like Pokemon and Yo-Kai Watch. This particular piece of news goes out to the latter of the fanbase specifically: Bandai Namco Entertainment have released a brand-new full-length trailer for the upcoming Nintendo 3DS game, aptly titled Digimon Universe: Appli Monsters, that showcases many of it’s features, most of which have never been seen in previous …

What We Are Watching: Fall 2016 Anime Season

Published by Luke Halliday

Snap Discussion is the weekly round table discussion on a topic relating to Japanese pop culture as selected by the almighty Snapodile. Each week the SnapThirty team will weigh in with their thoughts on that week’s topic all with the hopes of providing some interesting and perhaps even conflicting view points on the matter at hand. This week’s topic is What We Are Watching: Fall 2016 Anime Season. For this topic we each took a long hard look at the upcoming anime season and discuss our thoughts on what we are interested in watching and provide some of our ‘expert’ recommendations. Without further adieu, strap yourself in and get ready for our collected thoughts on the Fall 2016 anime season. Luke Halliday: Tell me I’m not the only one. Tell me that it isn’t just me. Tell me that it is getting mighty hard to keep up with all the fast paced goings ons in the anime world on a seasonal basis. I mean I still have shows from last season and the season before …

Making a Morning Impact – CardFight!! Vanguard G to Air on Toasted TV

Published by Kane Bugeja

Do you like Cardfight!! Vanguard? Are you currently living in Australia? If you answered no to either of these questions, then this article probably isn’t for you (though you are more than free to keep reading). If, however, you answered yes to both questions, then you’ll be happy to know that there is now an avenue through which Vanguard can be enjoyed; Toasted TV. I’m sure you’ve heard of it; morning show, plays anime and cartoons, bunch of stuff happens in between. Well, starting October 28th, Cardfight!! Vanguard will be filling in the 7am slot, the opener. The time in which series such as Digimon, Pokemon, possibly Duel Masters and definitely a rotating cast of Italian animated non-anime have lived in. Here’s to hoping that Cardfight!! sticks around for a while and similarly that its presence will inspire a future full of animated card games that are far more dramatic than what we have here in reality…last time I checked at least. If you know where to find some holographic, otherwordly card games, let me …

Pokemon Sun and Moon – Middle Starter Evolutions Finally Revealed

Published by Frank Inglese

This is a crucial time in any Pokemon Trainer’s life; it’s the period prior to a new Pokemon video game being released, and it’s a point in each of our lives wherein which we live in a constant state of anticipation as we wait for more Pokemon to be revealed, periodically adding new ones to our, so far, fictitious team of six. Now, no matter how many Pokemon Game Freak reveals between the first trailer of the new game and it’s release, none will be more important than that of the starts and their evolutions. The starters were introduced to the Pokemon-loving world quite some time ago, which makes the reveal of their Evolutions as a part of this new trailer all the more sweeter. Yes, Game Freak and Nintendo have, overnight, released a new trailer for Pokemon Sun and Moon that finally reveals the middle evolutions of the starter Pokemon Rowlet, Litten, and Poplio. Their named are Dartrix, Torracat, and Brionne, and their designs somewhat match up with the final evolutions depicted in the …

Was It All Worth It? – 91 Days Episode Eleven and Twelve – Season’s Writings

Published by Frank Inglese

This week-to-week rollercoaster ride has finally come to an end. Just on time, as well. Some series’ tend to stretch on for longer than they should, ruining the experience as a result, 91 Days ended when it should have, though perhaps five minutes longer than necessary, but in the grand scheme of things…that’s a blessing. It’s been quite a while since the ending to an Anime has sent me into a whirlwind of confusion and doubt, but the culprit seems to only ever be an ending as vague as 91 Days. For the most part, the final two episodes of this heart-pounding series played out exactly as you would have imagined: After Corteo’s death at the hands of Angelo, our “hero” begins his descent into madness and chaos as he throws away all humanity in a last-ditch effort to complete what had become his life-long mission. This all goes…wonderfully, actually. Making it out of what can only be called a “slaughter” with nothing more than a stab wound to the right shoulder and a voice …

Crowd Control – Lost in Mistranslation Episode 83

Published by Kane Bugeja

What happens when you gather seven people, fed them hotdogs, place them around a single microphone and let them be themselves? This episode, apparently. With regulars, guests and newcomers galore, you’ll wonder to yourself, “How is it that this podcast just keeps getting better?” Of course, you’ll immediately realise that it doesn’t, but it’ll be a nice thought while it lasts. -30-

Blue Exorcist Season Two Storyline Revealed, To Premiere In January

Published by Frank Inglese

To those of us out there who’ve read Kazue Kato’s Blue Exorcist Manga series, the idea that it would be adapted into an Anime series excited is greatly, but unfortunately the writing staff of said series took certain liberties with the story that attempted to give the series an ending, unfortunately it was butchered, and what it left audiences with was little more than a bad taste in their mouths. You see, reader, the Manga continued past the point of the Anime and lead into an Arc that, I believe, serves to this day as the series’ most extraordinary. While Shonen Jump greats like Naruto and Bleach have their Chunin Exam Arc and Rescue Rukia Arc respectively, it is Blue Exorcist’s Kyoto Impure King Arc that stands with the aforementioned on common ground. It was announced some time ago that the Anime adaptation would be receiving a second season, which delighted some, but confused most because of the odd story shift towards the end of the first season. As it turns out, though, the writing …

Virtual Worlds Collide – Accel World VS Sword Art Online: Millennium Twilight Revealed

Published by Frank Inglese

Avid readers of this site will know that I’m a sucker for crossover video game titles. Heck, crossover Anime, crossover Manga, crossover anything! So long as it has characters from different series’, different worlds, different realms, and different stories, I’m sold. Simple. Now, those same readers will also know that I’m not a fan of Sword Art Online, BUT that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a good combination like this: Bandai Namco Entertainment today released a teaser trailer for their upcoming game Accel World VS Sword Art Online: Millennium Twilight, a game that will bring together the virtual realms of Reki Kawahara’s two most popular Light Novel series’. In the past, these two stories have crossed over, several times actually, but never on a scale like this. The game is set for a PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita release sometime next year, that date has yet to have been released, and it’s genre is still yet to be outlined. Despite the fact that the two series’ are quite similar, they’re based on different video game …