Moving Out

I moved my blog page, it will be continue at http://midnight12production.blogspot.com/

Dissidia Final Fantasy

united states release date 2009 august 25th.
per-ordering at gamestop customer will receive a bonus of both cosmos and chaos limited edition cover art.


didn't know whether the material was paper or plastic, i still pre-order a copy a couple of weeks early. when i received my copy, it turned out to be paper... lame.

few days later, i discovered something awesome. dissidia final fantasy limited collector's edition, scheduled to be release 2009 september 4th in europe only.

it contain the following:

• a soundtrack selection mini CD
• hard cover art book
• official mini guide book
• 2 exclusive lithograph prints

this release was way better than the united states release, and the only way i could get myself a copy of this edition was on ebay. i purchased it for $75.68 included shipping, and when i received it from mail. i was very please, there was no damage. i left the seal on as part of my final fantasy collection.

Final Fantasy XIII The Complete Official Guide Collector's Edition

publish by piggyback, and was release on the 2010 march 9th at the same as the video game. apparently, this limited collector's edition guide book is only release in the united states and each copy is sequentially numbered. the book is encased in a hard cover and printed on superior quality art paper. it contain a very accurate walkthrough and also spoiler-free. retail price $34.99

this is the first i have ever purchase a guide book, which i don't normally do because i can get the entire walkthrough off the internet for free!!! but i make this one as an exception, its feature intrigued me to make this part of my final fantasy collection.

Final Fantasy XIII Limited Collector's Edition

was release on the 2010 march 9th, and this limited collector's edition ps3 game was only released in europe.

it contain the following:

• a soundtrack selection CD
  
• an art book
• 3 exclusive art print
• unique 'brand of the i'cie' decal

in order for me to get a copy of this edition was ebay. i pre-order my copy a week early and the price wasn't cheap, it cost me $134.72 included shipping.

the wait was brutal after the release date, it took a week for me to receive my copy from the mail. when i open the package, i was somewhat upset. the cover box sustain some major crush mark due to weak packaging. i paid good money for this game and the guy use a bubble wrap envelope... >_<... thats the risk i take for shopping at ebay. i haven't open the game yet, its still seal. to me, its a collector item and i don't want it to loss anymore of its value. i just hope that nothing is damage on the inside.

My Final Fantasy Collection

for the next few weeks i will be blogging about my collection of final fantasy stuffs. i been wanting to do this and i know im all late about it, since these stuffs have been released a long time ago. i also know it aint much compare to some hardcore fans out there. but still, these are my possession and i think its worth praising.

Pre-order: Dissidia Final Fantasy - with Bonus

apparently if you pre-order the game at gamestop by 2009 august 24, you will receive both cosmos and chaos limited edition cover art.















my question: is the cover just a piece of paper? or is it one of those plastic slip on cover?
because if its just a piece of paper, i think it will be lame. i went to 3 different gamestop and none of them can give me an answer.... ~sigh

either way, i still pre-order a copy of my own since i am a sucker for final fantasy stuff. especially when it is label as "limited edition".

Want Lists of 2009: Final Fantasy Trading Art Mini Figure Volume 4

ever since volume 3 was released back in 2008 december 12, i been eager to find out the next characters that is going to be release for volume 4. yeah... i am somewhat obsess since i am a huge fan. when ever i surf the web, i would google for some news on volume 4, hoping something would come up, and finally some thing did came up. it made my day ^^...

here are the line-up: vivi and Zidane (ff9); yuffie and sephiroth (ff7), and yuna (ff10)
the release date has not been confirm yet.

(click on picture to enlarge for a better view)

Want Lists: Twilight Princess Figures Collection Gashapon

after playing the legend of zelda: twilight princess on the nintendo wii, i have the urge to buy these detailed miniature figure as part of my collection.

this collection gashapon was released in 2007 july 24, a total of 4 figure in a set, and stand around 4.7 inches tall.

the set contains link who is wielding his shield and master sword, princess zelda with her sword, midna riding on top of wolf link, and zant.

back in 2008, i saw these figures on sale at an anime convention. i didn't get it at that time because...

1) it was expense since it was being sold at an anime convention and...

2) it was way beyond my budget, i could only afford to purchase a few figure during my time at the anime convention. it was either final fastasy mini figure or this, so i went with final fanstasy instead since i am more of a fan for that series.

anyways, right now i am having trouble finding twilight princess collection gashapon at my local store.... ~sigh. it seems like my only chance of getting this set is on ebay, which i dont trust.

oh well, this is gonna to be on my "want to get lists".

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

i recently just purchased this wii's game at bestbuy, and currently playing it. the game cost me $49.99... what im trying to say is that after 3 years (since its released in 2006 november 19) you think the price would at least drop down a little.

the cover design looks amazingly artistic. i love the gold color on the disc, it is to be somewhat expected since its the theme color of all zelda title.

action adventure rpg is one of my favorite genre type of games. i believe it is a lot simpler and easier than just rpg because rpg require amount of time to level a character and it's items in order to continue on, and action adventure rpg just require some time on hunting items to boot up the character.

the wii control makes it much more fun-er, and

the game play style remind so much of the nintendo 64 the legend of zelda: ocarina of time. as of now, i am so glue to this game.

Neo Genesis Evangelion: gasphapon figure collections

this is my evangelion collections...

• neo genesis evangelion complete dvd set. this was my first anime dvd set i had ever purchased and it was expensive. it was released in 2002 april 09, containing a total of 26 episode in 8 discs.

• 2 moives: death and rebirth, the end of evangelion.

• 2 movies (uncut version): death and rebirth, the end of evangelion.

• 3 gashapon figure collections. these figures are also known as high grade imagination figures (HGIF).

the neo genesis evangelion complete dvd set does not come with these gasphapon figures you see here. i purchased them separately.

the figures require some minor assembling.

figures review...
(click on picture to enlarge for a better view)
yoshiyuki sadamoto collection gashpon series 4, released in 2005 september 30. there is a total of 6 figures in this set.

i would like to mention that there is an awesome wallpaper similar to the figure you see here.

and yes, i realized i mess up with the setting... =_=


gasphapon figure collection: swim suit edition, released in 2006 september 30. there is a total of 6 figures in this set.

the detail is very well crafted for such a small figure. the design truly shows from hair down to the toes, i especially like the paintwork on the hair. the end part of the hair have like a gel-like glow to it.

the figure isn't prefect, there is some minor error on the paintwork being out of line or off the mark.







yoshiyuki sadamoto collection gashpon (new theater version), released in 2007 october 02. there is a total of 7 figures in this set.

misato katsuragi looks very hot with that can of alcoholic beverage in her hand.

its cute that there is even a figure of pen pen the penguin.

the plug suit on asuka and rei's paintwork is really good, the gloss brings out a nice shine. the bench and the the figure's poser gives it a realistic-feel like they are getting ready to battle.

Ai Yori Aoshi Enishi (the sequel)

title: ai yori aoshi enishi

total episode: 13

release date: 2003 october

summary: in this sequel to the anime series Ai Yori Aoshi, two years have passed since kaoru (male lead) and aoi (female lead) first met. the adventures haven't stopped, even though life at the mansion has settle down. now, taeko's cousin chika has moved in, and kaoru is thrown by her bluntness and sexy demeanor. in this anime series second season, kaoru and tina look forward to completing their college education. while kaoru and aoi are finally ready to take the next step in their relationship, tina seems to be almost dreading her graduation day. as she comes to terms with her feelings for kaoru, she will make one of the most important decisions of her life...

review: a short series that can be both serenely sweet and ridiculously funny at the same time. It doesn’t revolve around just one character development, but six (aoi, chika, mayu, miyabi, taeko, and tina). each episode focus on a certain character providing a touching, bittersweet drama with just enough comedy to keep the mood light. now this is how a romantic comedy should be!

rating: 8 out of 10

to stream this anime (click here)

Ai Yori Aoshi Enishi (the sequel) figures collection

this set you see here was released some time around 2004. truth to be told, school-life romance anime is not my cup of tea and the only reason i purchased this dvd is because it came with these sexy mini figures. there is a total of 5 figure in this set.

the figures require some minor assembling.

figures review...
(click on picture to enlarge for a better view)
aoi sakuraba is the female lead character in this anime. she's usually portrayed wearing a kimono, making her seen as a yamato nadeshiko (traditional japanese beauty). she generally very shy and demure, addressing people with proper manners. she's a very good cook and keeps her house in a very clean state. unlike other female leads in harem anime, she works to control her jealousy and is generally successful.

the pose on this figure really express her character's shyness, which i liked. the head is movable compare to the other figures, and i think its unique because you can tilt her head in any direction you want.

mayu miyuki is a sixteen-year-old brat, who came from a rich family and claims to be from england. she may seems mean on the outside, but she has heavy feelings on the inside. she very cheerful and intelligent.

the design was simple to begin with so no point praising it. i would usually avoid purchasing any figure when a body part is cut-off, but i'll make this one an exception because its part of the scenery and a connector for the rest.

tina foster was born in the united states, texas. majority of her life was spent in japan. she has a habit of greeting females by groping and fondling their breasts from behind. she's loud and outspoken. she is also very fond of drinking and has an enormous capacity for alcohol.




chika minazuki spends most of her time working in a cafe down by the beach. Because of this, she's very tanned except for tan-lines caused by her swimsuit. she has a very energetic personality.

the coloring is great, especially the tan line. it really does "stand-out" from the other figures. the only complain i have on this figure is that the material on her right leg is not giving enough support. as a result, the right leg tends to bend. to solve this problem, i made the figure lean against a wall of some sort to stop it from bending.

taeko minazuki attends the same school with the rest of the house member within the casts. she also work as a housekeeper as her part-time job. her most prominent features are her very large breasts (that never stop growing) and her clumsiness. she had a tendency to break a lot of valuable objects, but she tries to do her best.

i think this figure will be a lot cool-er if her glasses can be removable.


verdict: overall, it is an alright set. the sculpted and design aren't bad at all, its cute and sexy. i think it would be awesome if it comes with a "spa" background to match with the figures. i really wish they would of made a figure of miyabi kagurazaki to go with this set as well. she a pretty eye-catching character too.

I'm Back and Alive

i apologize for the 4 month absent, just like i mention on the title of this blog "i am an amateur otaku". i do have a life...

i been very busy and occupied by my job, school, relationship, friends, events, other activities, and up-keeps.

yes, sometime i find it to be a hassle when i tend to do too much and i do wish there was more of me so i can get things done... =_=

anyways, since i'm on summer vacation i will be resuming this blog starting tomorrow.

in case you ask, im not the artist of this artwork. i got it from google.

Fate/Hollow Ataraxia: figures collection volume 2 set of 6

this picture contain all the characters released in volume 2 which round up to the number of figures to 6. these figures are "trading arts mini", the characters themselves have been chibised turning them into SD characters.

compare to volume 1, i find this set to be much more cuter. each figures seem to be well crafted too. and again, the figures require some minor assembling.

figures review...
(click on picture to enlarge for a better view)
rin tosaka, a model student who is secretly a sorceress. she lacks a formal magic education, but she is extremely powerful in her own right. this figure truly express her perceptive and competitive attitude.

i like the gloss they use on the ribbon to distinguish the different from her hair. by doing so, the shine help it stands out more.

archer is the servant of rin tosaka. he has no memory of his previous life or identity due to an incomplete summon. he is sarcastic and cynical.

in my opinion, i think this is the best figure out of this volume. the design from his hair to his shirt, down to his shorts is neat and smooth. it even came with 3 chibised cats, ^^

issei ryudo is the preident goverment at homura academy and a good friend of shirou. his father is a priest at a temple.

the design was simple to begin with so no point praising "toys planning" the manufacturer for his sculpt. i would like to note that his glasses is removable.

rider is a servant of shinji. she is silent, sultry, and vigilant. to compensate for her weakness, rider employs covert battle tactics and take advantage of the territory around her. bikini wise she is the most seductive which in turn makes her the most eye catching character so far. her glasses is also removable.

sukra mato is a high school student, and the sister of shinji. she has a long standing and obvious crush on shinro emiya. she is outwardly shy and timid, but possesses great inner strength.
i really like her post, it brings out her cuteness and still look so innocent.

there is a minor problem with this figure, its nothing big. its just that the figure doesn't stick to the stand, so if you don't have an even surface, it will slide off. and the beach ball as well.

lancer is balanced warrior who enjoys combating a worthy opponent. he has a playful attitude and takes a very carefree approach to life, but is quick to work himself into a frenzy during a heated battle.

i like the pose on this figure, it reminds me of the "monkey king" from the chinese novel called "journey to the west". the only problem i have is probably the spear, it isn't straight.

verdict: overall, volume 2 is slightly better sculpted and designed compare to the first volume. again, i suggest to place this set above eye level for a good view because its hard to see most of the figure's face when their head is tilted down. i really like these figures, i hope there will be volume 3.

characters i would like to see next volume: caster (female), fujimura taiga, assassin, berserker, bazett fraga mcremitz, and maybe kiritsugu emiya.

Claymore

title: claymore

total episode: 26

release date: 2007 april 04

summary: a world sparsely occupied by small, isolated villages needs someone to defend its people from yoma, devil-like creatures with fearsome strength and hunger for humans. The people are protected by claymore (half-human half-yoma female warriors) with silver hair and eyes and power to match the yoma. clare is one such claymore. after she saves a young boy named raki, whose family is massacred by a yoma, he begins to follow her from mission to mission.

review: the first few episode helps fill in the detail of what this anime is all about. it's just a series of events that happen to each characters during their adventures and are interesting for various reasoning. in a way, i think its great for character development. the fight scene is pretty decent, it does have some blazingly fast sword action. the animation itself is generally good. in my perspective, i say the highlight of this anime came from episode 5-8 arc. it truly deliver a mind-blowing-jaw-dropping twist, that i didn't even see it coming from miles away. i was fill with emotion, i even find myself getting a little bit watery in my eyes. i was rather unsatisfied with the ending tho, because it seems rush as if the creator just wanted to end it.

rating: 8.5 out of 10

Review Service: toyslogic... part 3 (final conclusion)

the policy of toyslogic require e-mail of pictures as evidence to proof that there was an error in their delivery, and i did just that. my complains didn't get a respond right away, so i decided to wait a day or two before i gave them a telephone call. it seems like it was the only way to get them to answer me.

i told them my problems and this is their solution...

for the mis-package in my order of fate/hollow ataraxia figure collection volume 2 set of 6, they apologize for the error and send me the 3 missing figure for free. i also get to keep the 3 duplicate as extra... nice ^^

i now have a complete set... (and a review of this set will be post soon).

as for the mis-package in my order of final fantasy trading art mini figure volume 3 set of 5, they can't get me the missing figure of rikku (from final fantasy x) because they aren't able to get any in stock. all they can do is give me some money back. as a result, this set is incomplete. i hate to say this, but im gonna have to try ebay for the missing figure... -_-

Kite

title: kite

total episode: 2 ova

release date: 1998 february 25

summary: she maybe cute, she maybe young. she may seem innocent and naive, but don't be fooled. she's a cold blooded killer, and if you're on the wrong side of the law, you maybe her next target. after being orphaned at a young age, her parents victims of a brutal double murder, sawa was taken in by the detective assigned to her case. not content to just watch as the imperfect justice system lets more and more criminals go loose every day, he's decided to train her to be his instrument of justice. after all, who'd suspect a pretty student of being a deadly vigilante.

review: any movies or animes that is label "R" rated (contains some adult material, use of language, violence, sex or portray of drug use) with a good story to back it up deserve an "A" in my book, and this anime is a prefect example. kite is best described as "dark" and "intense". it is pack with almost constant action and the action is very bloody. the best part is that you really have no idea what is going to happen next. the subplot involving pedophiles ensures that you will explore some of the darkest of human emotions and desires. so viewers bewarn, you must be 21 and older to watch this. and yes, there is hentai material.

personal note: there is 3 different dvd version release
- kite (20 minutes deleted footage for "PG-13" rated reasons) = for minors enjoyment
- kite: director's cut (2 minutes flashback footage deleted)
- kite's uncut (original 85 minutes long). = i recommend this version for purchase

rating: 9.5 out of 10

BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad

title: BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad

total episode: 26

release date: 2004 october 06

summary: tanaka yukio, known as koyuki, is your typical 14-year old, feeling detached from life and with a liking for western rock music. one ordinary day, after returning from school, he saves a grotesque dog belonging to aspiring young musician minami ryuusuke, who yearns to form a rock band named BECK. from that moment on, koyuki must undergo a journey through his adolescence and struggle for fame and fortune.

review: as far as story goes, the only setback is that it progresses at a slow pace. this however can be seen as a plus-side because that is how daily-life drama is supposed to be. anyways, the drama instilled is very believable and easy to relate to everyday life. koyuki’s transformation from a pathetic loser schoolboy to a awesome band member is highly credible, and the relationship between koyuki and maho made me watch to the very end. the music "moon on the water" is a very catchy song, i think it is a real treat for those who enjoy heavy rock. as for the ending, i think it is a major disappointment. just when the climax is about to be reached, i was presented with a sketchy slide show which seems to have been rushed. it is imperfect, but the series can be and still remain an all-time great.

rating: 8 out 10

Mini Comic: a university's crush

cast:
-professor katie "writing instructor"
-alex (me)
-classmates

setting: classroom

summary:
first, i would like to say that this mini comic is still in a "work-in-progress" and this event is based on a true story. the class started with a light lecture by professor katie and then all of a sudden, she told her entire students that she recently got engaged. at the top right corner is supposed to be a panel that shows a close-up look on her sparkly ring. as expected, we're all happy for her. especially the girls, i guess they found it to be romantic. but deep down, i'm sure this was our true reaction. i mean, come on... we were young male adults and she was a pretty good looking professor, so i'm sure that i am not the only one who felt that way.

anyways, happy chinese new year. hope you guys enjoy the humor from this mini comic.

Review Service: toyslogic... part 2

the final half of my order has arrival on january 23 and again there was an error in my package.

toyslogic continue to disappoint.

two out of three of my order has error. as a customer, i am not satisfy with their service. i am not looking forward doing business with them in the future.

i purchased final fantasy trading art mini figure volume 3 set of 5, even my receipt indicated that i did order a set of 5 and still i receive a set of 4. they mess up my order twice, its ridiculous.

i e-mail them immediately about the situation, and i expect an exchange.

as of now, i am waiting on their reply... until further notice, this blog is to be continue...