[Sh Ranger]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreamSword

Episode 26: A Trap for Torga!

Episode 27: The White Power Stone's Will

And just like that previously mentioned two-parter though, the solution kinda just comes fast and easy. It's noted that he can't use the White Power Stone due to not being in tune with it, but then come the very next scene, Torga is able to use it with no real issue. At the very least it does result in a very cool looking suit that ices the monster of the fortnight in a satisfying way. Heck, I think I like the White Tiger more than the Yellow one, actually.

Ice Mode is a much simpler visual difference than Bima-X's form changes, as Torga only changes color without adding any new parts. It looks cool though and I like the teal visor. Not sure if I'd say I prefer it to Thunder, since I think they both look great. I guess the requirement for Dimas synchronizing with Power Stone Putih is raising his confidence and to stop worrying about making mistakes, which Reza helps give him like he did for Ray in Bima.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreamSword

But now we get to the good stuff, and that's Reza. His guidance of Dimas felt like Mikhail days, and I loved how it was made clear in these episodes that Reza is now fully in with every member of the family. His resolve to volunteer on being the one to enter the Parallel World makes sense too since, as he himself explains, he spent years there already, and thus has the best chance of survival.

Yeah, it's cool that Reza gets to reclaim his role as a mentor with inexperienced Dimas here, since of course this is the last time we'll be seeing these two together for a while now that Reza's going on his own solo arc back to Parallel World.

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Originally Posted by DreamSword

Oh but we're not done quite yet, as once again we get two stingers with Iron Mask, and man is BIMA-X doing a great job at slowly unraveling pieces of his backstory. The vision he gets while fighting Torga is a big source of intrigue, and the end of the episode points out something that I myself did when watching BIMA; That we actually never got a fully fleshed out backstory for a character who was so important to the story as a whole. I have a few theories in my head floating about around him, but we'll see if any land properly in the coming episodes.

Topeng Besi is the most iconic villain of the franchise, so I appreciate that his mystery is maintained for such a long time. We already know his beef with Bima-X and Azazel and now we're starting to see something important that connects him to Torga as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreamSword

Episode 28: Reza in Grave Danger!! Rasputin's Revenge

In the end though, it's all about how Reza isn't fully over his actions during the original show, and he very well might never be able to fully forgive himself. But at the end of the day, he has a family now, and he knows full well that every one of them loves and cherishes him just as much as he does them. That shot of Azazel surrounded by his family was great, and really did bring everything together.

Hopefully this has eased your concern that we wouldn't be getting much more Reza. We're totally getting more Reza. Due to his regretful past as a villain, he has a lot of darkness in his heart. However, Azazel is the Satria of Darkness, so he can turn that darkness in to a power for good to protect his loved ones. We can really see the Ishimori Pro influence in Reza.

[DreamSword]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreadBringer

Yeah, I find Rafflesian's kiai grating. Guess it's what Rafflesian got too in-universe in her hearing being attacked by a microphone.

Maybe it was just me, but it definitely seemed like I heard "RAFFLESIA!!" way more than any of the other ticks that the monsters have.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sh Ranger

Hopefully this has eased your concern that we wouldn't be getting much more Reza. We're totally getting more Reza. Due to his regretful past as a villain, he has a lot of darkness in his heart. However, Azazel is the Satria of Darkness, so he can turn that darkness in to a power for good to protect his loved ones. We can really see the Ishimori Pro influence in Reza.

Absolutely. While I won't say his story up to now has been utilized perfectly, I have been pretty happy with it so far.

[DreamSword]

Episode 29: World of the Satria's Secrets

Episode 30: Saving Torga from Dark Limbo

These episodes were some of Riku Sanjo's' best work.

It's hard for me to know where to even start with these. They go alot of places all at once, and every moment hit just the right spot for me.

So I guess I'll start with the basic premise: Dimas wants to get to know Ray more so they can make for a better team. Ray thinks it's unnecessary, but Dimas won't take no for an answer. An attitude that gets him into some trouble.

Now, as the thumbnail I chose will immediately tell you, Zoik reappears in this episode, and while this two-parter is slightly less insane than his first one, it is every bit as funny. But this isn't a straight up comedy, oh no! There's a load of action and drama, and it's all balanced wonderfully.

Let's start with the action. Every fight scene is really well choreographed, and episode 30 starts off with a battle on a CGI stage so bombastic that I could've believe that BIMA-X aired in 2014. Not only is the greenscreen handled really well, but the fight itself is very inventive featuring a constantly changing and looping environment that both fighters utilize to the fullest.

But of course the action wouldn't be nearly as effective if not for the characters and their drama. Enter Iron Mask, who now has the power to enter Limbo. You know, that pocket dimension from the original BIMA that none of the bad guys could touch before? Not only is it expanded into its own world here, but it turns out it has a dark parallel. And the explanation that anyone chosen to be a Satria can get in there does explain how Reza was able to transport there during his Mikhail days.

While Dimas learning about Ray's' past could've maybe been explored a little more, I do feel we got just enough to get the idea across; Especially for anyone who's already seen the first show. And it also helps in emphasizing just how differently Ray and Dimas take the idea of being a Satria in the first place. Add in the return of Bima Legend and it made for a really good time. Sadly not played by Gackt this time, though.

I had a ton of fun during the entirety of these two episodes, and I could easily see them being my favorites by the end. So good from start to finish.

Also, the Tiger Spirit being a floating PNG of a tiger head was hilarious; unintentional or not.

[Enchilada645]

So, my computer of 14 years ended up dying Monday morning. The week was spent on me just living off my scuffed laptop as I look into a replacement. I just got the replacement set up yesterday and of course needed to get my stuff back. This of course meant redoing the Bima-X Torrents I had lost (I've been grabbing them in chunk) which took way too long. Anyway I'm back now and spent the day just playing catch-up so let's get started.

In terms of General Thoughts, I do enjoy having all three Satrias active. It makes for some fun pairings and cool situations where one or two get the spotlight. Torga's a beauty of a suit, and Ice Mode just keeps it up. I also love Dimas' changer. Dimas himself though... he's got his quirks to him but I don't think I'm entirely sold on him. He's a solid ally though, I'll say that for sure.

That said the worst crime of this batch of episodes is the opening switch-up. I'm sorry but starting from the Chorus just kills the entire vibe of the OP, especially with the obvious cuts. It's also a lot shorter so it's a lot more cramped than it should be. Did they ended up having to cut off 20 seconds of the OP for time or something? Cause if so that's a shame. Anyway...

Episodes 22-23: I'd say a solid introduction to Dimas, though continuing from the prior episodes, my focus is more on Iron Mask and his connection to the Power Stones and Satrias. We're really delving into his mystery now and it's got me very excited.

Episodes 24-25: I have to agree on Black Lord just being really off in terms of portrayal. Like even with the excuse of Vudo has only one more chance to grab a Power Stone, his attitude was just weird. Bima-X Magnet is pretty funky in both appearance, powers, and form jingle. It's probably my second favorite of the alt-form changes. There's just something about the purple accents that work better than the blue ones they used for Storm.

Episodes 26-27: It feels like they have ideas for what they want to do with Dimas, but keep getting mixed up on the execution. I will say I do find it interesting how Atlas doesn't change like Helios does with forms, and Torga gets new weapons instead. That said, yet again Iron Mask continues to intrigue me with his connections to the heroes. And I'm excited to see where that leads.

Episode 28: I was not expecting a Reza/Azazel focus Recap Episode, but sure, why not? Honestly it just shocked me they decided to recap a chunk of the original Bima in this episode. Hell I wasn't expecting Rasputin to return, though his face has certainly seen better days, ha ha. We get some good character focus on Reza and his thoughts on his prior actions. Though I hope he isn't gone too long since having seen the next two episodes, he's once again absent. But still, a good focus episode despite it being a recap.

Episode 29-30: Zoik is honestly the most entertaining of the Vudo Monsters this time around, and his scenes were always a delight to witness. Honestly for being the smart one, you'd think Rexor would've avoided reusing Zoik, but oh well lol. Iron Mask continues to get some great stuff, and his three-way fight with Bima-X and Zoik at the start was honestly hilarious to watch. Though of course his fight at the beginning was a stunning one in terms of effects. I don't think I was too sold on the Dimas stuff here either, which is a shame. But I do like the expansion of Limbo, and Bima Legend returning means getting to see more of the OG Bima Suit so like, sign me up!

Overall I had a great time catching up.

[DreamSword]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enchilada645

Dimas himself though... he's got his quirks to him but I don't think I'm entirely sold on him. He's a solid ally though, I'll say that for sure.

That's about where I'm at. I like the overall ideas they've had for him, but when it comes to execution I more often than not feel they fall short.

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Episodes 24-25: I have to agree on Black Lord just being really off in terms of portrayal. Like even with the excuse of Vudo has only one more chance to grab a Power Stone, his attitude was just weird. Bima-X Magnet is pretty funky in both appearance, powers, and form jingle. It's probably my second favorite of the alt-form changes. There's just something about the purple accents that work better than the blue ones they used for Storm.

Agreed. When comes to Storm, some of the lighting of the latest episodes result in the blue being a darker shade, and I think that helps the suit look way better.

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Episode 29-30: Zoik is honestly the most entertaining of the Vudo Monsters this time around, and his scenes were always a delight to witness. Honestly for being the smart one, you'd think Rexor would've avoided reusing Zoik, but oh well lol. Iron Mask continues to get some great stuff, and his three-way fight with Bima-X and Zoik at the start was honestly hilarious to watch. Though of course his fight at the beginning was a stunning one in terms of effects. I don't think I was too sold on the Dimas stuff here either, which is a shame. But I do like the expansion of Limbo, and Bima Legend returning means getting to see more of the OG Bima Suit so like, sign me up!

Overall I had a great time catching up.

Zoik is absolutely the most memorable character when it comes to BIMA-X. They had an absolute winner with him. And that fight at the start of episode 30 was like something right out of GARO!

[DreadBringer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreamSword

Episode 13: Television Star's Secret

Episode 14: Echo! Earth Power Stone

But jarring narrative aside, there was still solid stuff in it. Ati was a likable character who wasn't just the standard Idol Bait you see in alot of other shows, and I was so, so close when it came to Chris' real identity.

This time, the female isn't portrayed by a JKT48 member, but just a selebgram in Abel Chantika. Ironic that JKT48 are the actual idol group for real life, with an actual idol not being portrayed by them. Dunno what'd count as an usual idol bait for this one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreamSword

Episode 14, however, was alot more my speed. Ati and Rena's' friendship gets showcased alot more, and it really worked for me. The stunt work is as good as always, even in terms of the unmorphed fights. And of course, there's the grand debut of Bima-X Earth. Or as I like to call it, Christmas Bima-X

Rena participated in the fight (with a stick) but failed to do so. Felt that the show can't decide to make Rena a fighter or not in her at the finale taking down a Kombatan during the Grand Gator fight with this later happening (though with different mook in Kranion, but not much difference in how Ray deals with them).

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreamSword

Still, minor gripes aside, I did overall like these two episodes. The ways things continued to escalate felt like an action movie, and Earth Mode's' debut IS really cool, featuring highlights like the ground quaking with each step Bima-X makes, Helios transforming into an axe, Bima-X straight up punching a hole through the Armadillo Monster... it was just so cool, all around. Black Lord not punishing Draconer for failure was a shock, too.

Yeah, Bima-X's Earth Mode debut was my favorite among the four, in how his raw power is displayed clearly in his unflinching walk (though this can be him being really slow as an usual weakness for power type forms), him punching a hole through the Armadillo monster, and also him conjuring a weapon that even Draconer cannot lift, but of course he's strong enough to do so. Though the finisher doesn't even directly hit the opponent, only causing a rift on the ground.

[DreamSword]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreadBringer

Yeah, Bima-X's Earth Mode debut was my favorite among the four, in how his raw power is displayed clearly in his unflinching walk (though this can be him being really slow as an usual weakness for power type forms), him punching a hole through the Armadillo monster, and also him conjuring a weapon that even Draconer cannot lift, but of course he's strong enough to do so. Though the finisher doesn't even directly hit the opponent, only causing a rift on the ground.

It's a debut that really goes all in on showing you just what this new form is all about, and I for sure appreciated every detail about it.

[DreamSword]

Episode 31: The Birth of Super Kranion!!

Episode 32: Clenching onto the Promise of Victory

These episodes felt like a callback to the original BIMA.

The biggest part of it being that for the most part, the tone here is alot more dramatic, with the episodes mostly being about the bond between two people.

It's not just that though. The plot having to due with Shadow Crisis by themselves without Iron Mask, the style of directing being alot more moody, and there's even a callback to my favorite episode of BIMA: Where Uncle helps Reza.

What brings this all about is Zacros' plan to go back to basics during their Vudo days, and possess a human who has great physical strength. Thus we meet Niko, a boxer who looks just like Reza and even acts a bit like how Reza did during his possessed days. And it's in this setup that there's also a problem.

Remember how a big part of episodes 22 and 23 were how Bima-X didn't have an attack that could sever monsters from their human hosts? Well nevermind that I guess because now Bima-X once again has his old Blue Storm attack, which then begs the question: If he could do that the whole time, then why was half the plot such a big deal in those earlier episodes?

That one glaring issue aside, however, I did enjoy these episodes for what they were. The overall mood was nice, no one felt out of character, and the boxing match at the end was alot of fun. And while I'm sure someone out there could point out that logically no human should stand a chance against a member of Shadow Crisis, I felt that emotionally, everything worked in the episode's' favor, and I didn't mind any sort of power discrepancy, really.

And speaking of Reza, he shows up during the stinger at the end, so that's something to look forward to!

[Enchilada645]

Honestly enjoyed these episodes more than I thought I would. Especially given the title of the first. I expected one thing but was blindsided by a pretty compelling story of a boxer and his coach being the target of Shadow Crisis.

I'll agree that them just deciding Bima-X has Blue Storm again (which he probably should've had this entire time) is really weird. If there's one thing about Bima-X that's apparent, there's a lot of inconsistency from episode to episode in regards to continuity.

That said, the episode plot by themselves I just enjoyed a lot. The climax being that Zacros watches as Karax gets really into boxing and us ending with an actual boxing match with our guest character being backed up by Bima-X and Torga? Honestly incredible.

Really great time with these two, issues aside.

[DreadBringer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreamSword

Episode 15: Saving the Green Earth

Episode 16: Power Stones' Counterattack

Speaking of which, I was impressed at how the writers immediately addressed something some audience members might be thinking after Earth Mode's' debut: With how powerful the form is, why use the other two at all?

Both episodes almost go out of their way to show the inherent advantages and disadvantages of each form, and having Ray switch between all three when appropriate made for a very fun final fight. And I really hope this sort of thing is kept in mind as we get more Stones going forward.

Those new forms aren't really upgrades, unlike God Helios, just complementary forms with different strength and weakness. Earth is strong in physical stats, but physical stats aren't everything. Storm has longer range than the other forms, for starter.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreamSword

And speaking of that, sad to say that the ending of this kinda annoyed me. Ricca gives Bima-X the White Power Stone, and yet, for whatever reason, he can't transform with it, and he gives it back after the fight with Rexor is over. I get that we don't want too many forms too fast, but given that half the objective of the adventure is to gather all the Stones, it made me groan.

Well it's expected, due to the preview picture I posted earlier. Bima-X is about 4 forms, so Power Stone that isn't red, blue, green, or purple isn't expected to work.