[Enchilada645]

And so with this chunk of watches, we pretty much wrap up Kouga's Era. While there's still technically some Zero stuff still here and there, most people like to separate them into their own thing.

But with the end of Makai Senki a new series and a new universe shall be born and visited in due time! While I was excited to see what you thought of various GARO projects before, I'm excited for your return as we finally enter the next distinct universe of GARO, the Ryuga-verse. Because ooh boy... is Yamitera a goddamn doozy I tell you what.

[DreamSword]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enchilada645

But with the end of Makai Senki a new series and a new universe shall be born and visited in due time! While I was excited to see what you thought of various GARO projects before, I'm excited for your return as we finally enter the next distinct universe of GARO, the Ryuga-verse. Because ooh boy... is Yamitera a goddamn doozy I tell you what.

Looking forward to it! Dunno if I'll be able to get to it before the end of the year with some other plans I have, but hey, a little time away can't hurt too much, right?

[GuardianAngel87]

Just out of curiosity, what Toku series that isn’t part of the Big Three you’re planning to tackle next since you are now done with Garo: Makai Senki?

[DreamSword]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuardianAngel87

Just out of curiosity, what Toku series that isn?t part of the Big Three you?re planning to tackle next since you are now done with Garo: Makai Senki?

To be honest I'm not entirely sure. I'm currently debating between three possible titles, and the only hint I'll give is that they're a tad longer than the stuff I normally handle. So uh, we'll see how that turns out.

[DreamSword]

Episode #1: New Game

Surprise! It didn't take a whole year for me to do another GARO show!

So why Versus Road? Well, see, my job tends to get incredibly busy at this time of year.

What that means is that I don't really have alot of spare time for super dedicated projects. So when it comes to closing the year out on these reviews, I need something easy and something short. And at only 12 episodes, GARO VR is here.

Now, I'm aware that not many people like this show, on account of it being a departure from the typical GARO fare, but keep in mind, I came into this franchise via the anime, so I idea of an alternate universe doing its own thing separate from the original is not a foreign concept to me.

The setup here is that of a death game, with the prize being the Golden Armor itself. While the idea in and of itself is nothing new, we've seen a bit if a rise in this genre in recent times due to stuff like Squid Game(which people are upset is more popular than Kamen Rider, apparently). And while the genre itself isn't one I'm super into, I'm going to give this show its fair shake.

Well then, how well does the premiere do? Honestly? I actually liked it. There's alot of aspects from GARO here that I do always enjoy. Namely the intense and dreadful atmosphere, the well shot cinematography, and the fast paced fight scenes. I found the framing device of getting a few snapshot flashbacks of our lead characters during the massacre of the first game to be pretty interesting too. The main character, Kuon, comes across pretty likable as a result.

In terms of aesthetic: The opening theme still takes many a cue from my preferred openers across the GARO franchise too, right down to the ominous chanting towards its climax. Unfortunately it means that the ending theme, which takes after the usual second OPs in the franchise feels a bit out of place, but oh well. I also dug the more cybernetic approach that the designs of the Garo suit and the Horrors take on in this too; Which helps to sell the virtual world/futuristic aspect of the setting.

It's nothing super deep or provocative, but I overall found episode one to be a fun and intriguing start, and I can't wait for everyone to continuously shake their heads in disappointment at me as I continue watching.

[Enchilada645]

Honestly if there was ever a thing to watch out of order when starting GARO, Versus Road would probably be it.

So let's get my main thoughts out of the way first with a simple review of this show in general.

I think Versus Road tells a pretty cool story and does some fun stuff with its new setting and overall it's a solid show I managed to enjoy... however it's not really a GARO show if that makes any sense? Like, it's called GARO and it very much has GARO stuff, but like, it doesn't really give the same vibes as anything before it. Which is probably what people were really hung up on if I recall.

It's been a bit since I've seen the show so I won't comment too heavily episode by episode, but I hope you enjoy it.

[Switchblade]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreamSword

Now, I'm aware that not many people like this show, on account of it being a departure from the typical GARO fare, but keep in mind, I came into this franchise via the anime, so I idea of an alternate universe doing its own thing separate from the original is not a foreign concept to me.

That is not why I don't like it. It doesn't help, but the show did plenty on its own merit to make me dislike it.

[DreamSword]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enchilada645

I think Versus Road tells a pretty cool story and does some fun stuff with its new setting and overall it's a solid show I managed to enjoy... however it's not really a GARO show if that makes any sense? Like, it's called GARO and it very much has GARO stuff, but like, it doesn't really give the same vibes as anything before it. Which is probably what people were really hung up on if I recall.

I could see that. I guess that means you all can use these posts to judge me harshly on if I've fully grasped what makes GARO what it is, haha.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Switchblade

That is not why I don't like it. It doesn't help, but the show did plenty on its own merit to make me dislike it.

Interesting. I look forward to your viewpoint in future episodes.

[DreamSword]

Episode #2: Save

The darkness of people is a running theme in GARO, too.

While a majority of the episode has to do with the white-haired Amo and his beef with the Yakuza, Kuon isn't totally left out.

There's alot of very obvious duality symbolism going on with the two. Amo in white, Kuon in black, and even more blatantly, how they handle the foes that get thrown at them in the climax of the episode.

And while I overall liked the episode, the pacing definitely could've used some work. The opening of the episode is very abrupt to the point that I thought I'd somehow accidentally skipped a scene, and the climax scene I just mentioned drags for a bit too long.

Still, the episode does do a good job at what it sets out to do: Establish the personalities of most of our key players. Kuon is likable and heroic, while Amo is stoic and ruthless. And of course, true to literally every Battle Royale show, there's gotta be a serial killer involved who's in all of this for fun. Though he only briefly shows up in this episode, we'll for sure see more of him soon.

Also, Amo's' fights in this are rather solidly choreographed I must say. I always appreciate whenever someone manages to pull off a suplex.

[Enchilada645]

If there's one thing I'll give this show, it continues GARO's knack for out of suit stunt fights. I feel like they really bring their A-Game here in trying to showcase all these different people and how they fight.

That said, I will highlight one thing about this show. Had to go back and double check but we get one of my favorite toku sets at the end. Which is this pretty cool castle/church room where at the very back of it there's just a tv stand with a bunch of CRT TVs and a chair to watch them in.