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06-27-2021, 08:52 AM | #16671 |
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Kamen Rider Gaim watch
The Overlord Saga Episode 32: The Strongest Power! Kiwami Arms Written by: Gen Urobuchi, Directed by: Hidenori Ishida Knuckle and Baron joins Marika and Kurokage Troopers' battle against Demushu. Knuckle uses Au Lait finisher which got shrugged off by Demushu, who rains fireball on the Riders. The Riders keep dodging Demushu's fireball spam, and it's actually a worked strategy for the Riders, as Demushu is enraged and the Riders notice that he's weakened, with Knuckle and Baron getting upper hand. This is a triumphant moment for both Riders, especially noteworthy for Zack, who uses standard Sengoku Driver, and that neither Riders are injured. The Yggdrasill uses this chance to distract both Riders using Dandeliner, but this instead gives Demushu a chance to escape, blowing everyone away with a huge fireball. Duke is enraged at his missing chance. In Helheim Forest, Roshuo and Redyue are talking, probably about Demushu invading the human world. Takatora arrives, giving Sid's hat to Redyue, as she walks away. Roshuo informs Takatora that "he" attacks his world, likely refering to Demushu, to Takatora's surprise. As Micchy receives Sid's hat, Micchy notes that Sid's finished, and Redyue claims that she knows Sid can't get past Roshuo, and that they should use different tactic. Redyue sees others as tools, and the only remaining part of Sid being his hat is the equivalent of broken machine that leaves only the metal scrap for Redyue. As Mai nurses Kouta on bed, Chucky and Peko visits the garage, reporting the situation that the monster has retreated with Zack and Baron looking for him, but notes that there's a lot of damage and that the Overlords are different Inves. They still lament about the shut down communication, as there are no signals, or nets, or calling ambulance for Kouta. Yggdrasill sends several Kurokage Troopers in streets to take care of the existing Inves, as a bystander in a building refers them as Yggdrasill thugs. Kaito and Zack, who also watches, had Zack being happy that the Beat Riders will finally have their names cleared. However, Kaito starts taking the commanding role here, telling Zack to focus on the bigger picture, especially regarding how Demushu likely possesses the same biology as Inves, which means... Demushu also can eat Helheim fruit to power up, which he does in sewers. Kouta wakes up, who Mai tries to keep him on the bed due to injuries. As Kouta throws questions, Mai reports the same thing as Chucky and Peko did above, with Mai clarifying that it's an Overlord. Remembering Demushu's omnicidal thoughts, Kouta got frustrated about the fact that he's only full of hatred and causing fights. Sagara pops in, repeating Demushu's reason of envy against humans as their race went extinct without turning back (which is, as Kouta pointed out, Demushu's fault). Micchy asks Redyue about her motivation to want Fruit of Knowledge, which she answers tp gain king's power, and also wants to not only rule, but also something to toy, as she deems wasteland like Helheim Forest as pointless. Redyue had taken interest of humans as Roshuo changed Femushinmu to the way they're now, but humans instead develop the Drivers, which is a different, 'safer' path. She also remarks that Demushu's brute force approach is detrimental as he enters human world without thinking. Redyue too, had longed to see the human world, but she puts more thought in it to wait for an excuse to Roshuo, and she got 1 now, while being able to sense her servant on Earth. Redyue reopens the artificial crack on Yggdrasill's lab. Kouta questions Sagara about Overlord's cruelty, as he nonchalantly answers that Demushu's only the beginning, comparatively a kitten. The miscommunication is cleared up here, in a similar manner as Takatora's "evil without reason" to Kouta before, as Kouta thought Sagara lied to claim that Overlords can help saving the world, as Sagara pointed out that he only stated that Overlords are the ruler of the forest and Kouta jumped into conclusions. Kouta feels he has no option left, and asks what he should do, but Sagara claims he got the hints now. As Kouta views Sagara as a troll now, Sagara heals Kouta's wounds, and clarifies that, he meant that Overlord level of power is needed to save the world, not that he can ask for help to the current Overlords. Which means, the only solution is Kouta has to become an Overlord himself, by passing the forest's trials and claim the golden fruit, which can only be obtained by 1, thus he had to beat everyone who also aims for the fruit. This practically lumps Kouta together with the other, more depraved characters, like Ryoma. But this takes Bando's view of power into account that power itself has no morality, it depends on the people who uses it. Mai doesn't take this news well, as she notes that Sagara doesn't tell him everything, thus he's untrustworthy. Sagara agrees that it's in his best interest to do this, as he presents the Kiwami Lockseed, while he freezes both Kouta and Mai. Redyue commences her plan, that her way to visit the human world is more thoughtful than Demushu's, by spreading the Helheim's plants throughout the whole Yggdrasill Tower, to Duke's disbelief, with one of the workers calling out Duke in panic. Zack and Kaito witness Yggdrasill Tower's transformation from being merely tree-shaped, into an actual tree, and the Inves army spreads in bigger scale than anything seen before. The Yggdrasill gets a taste of their own medicine as the members can't communicate just like how Master Intelligent System shuts down everyone's communication. But Duke instead acts cowardly, in a similar manner as Micchy, by leaving Marika and everyone else to their fates as he evacuates via a rocket. Marika did claim that Duke will betray everyone for power... but she's the one getting the treatment now. Knuckle and Baron joins the fight, but other than that, a much improved Jonouchi appears, being able to Rider Kick an Inves in his human mode, boasting about his pâtissier training, before he henshins into Gridon. Due to that, his Rider stint is improved enough that he can take on Lion Inves and cause actual damage with his hammer. Oren arrives too by Rider Kicking another Inves, telling Marika to not only watch over, as she wonders why he helps. Oren retains his view of amateur that he declares the kids as such for fighting only to not lose, considering those as stubbornness, but due to likely knowing now that the Beat Riders are not the root of the Inves, he'd watch over those kids instead as he henshins into Bravo. This means that Oren can be convinced, but he needs a super clear and elaborate evidences. Baron continues his commanding role, telling the Riders to not use unnecessary movements and wasting energy, stay calm, watch each other, and holding line. This even earns him compliment from Gridon and Bravo, with Marika notes that Baron has united them all. Baron is a charismatic individual, and this trait of his has caused friction in Beat Riders team before in his Team Baron, but here, it's finally utilized to unite fighters against common threat. As Duke had abandoned her, Marika completely switched into Baron's side, not that it's not implemented before. The evolved Demushu suddenly arrives, with added horns on his body. Mai questions Sagara's motive of using Kouta, which again, answered with how he wants to prolong the game of fighting for Forbidden Fruit, and what he does to keep it interesting is giving potent powers to the wild cards. Kouta fights through Sagara's freeze to reach the Kiwami Lockseed, despite Mai's protests. Kouta knows that Kaito and others are fighting outside and that without extra power, nothing would change, and thus it's his obligation to help them and desire more power by taking the Kiwami Lockseed. As this would be putting himself into danger without much thoughts for himself, Mai would object to this, warning Kouta that he did more enough, but Kouta embraces his hero complex here, he reaffirms that due to the serious situation now, his deeds will never be enough for him. If Mai wants to prevent Kouta to pick that or going out, what'd she want then as a solution for Kaito and others? As Mai would be concerned for Kaito, Zack, etc. too. I'd like to see more of Mai's counterarguments against Sagara there, like the Kaito's conversations for example. As Kouta picks up the Kiwami Lockseed, they're released from Sagara's hold as he disappears. Kouta falls in a cabinet of playing cards, this would be a reference of Blade, compounded with the claim for Kouta to become Overlord, like Blade where Kenzaki eventually becomes the Joker Undead. I know this can feel like cheat or unfair advantage in Kouta's behalf for him getting power ups, but meta-wise, this can be that as Kouta is someone who embodies the Kamen Rider virtue the most, he's gifted with the much needed powers that would work with his traits to overcome his.. no, everyone's odds. Evolved Demushu fights against all the Riders there at once, Baron, Knuckle, Marika, Bravo, and Gridon. The Riders each use their finisher attacks, but evolved Demushu shows off its upgraded power by absorbing all the attack force, and sends them back at each Riders. He then uses fireball, that with evolved form, can spread out to each Riders coming from 1 ball. Baron notes that they haven't even scratched evolved Demushu yet. Kouta arrives, and voiws to follow his promise to Yuuya to move forward as he henshins into Kachidoki Arms. As evolved Demushu launches a fireball at Kachidoki, Gaim simply tanks the fireball to prepare his Kiwami Lockseed, which turns the fireball into a visual metaphor of strong fighters emitting a fiery battle aura. Gaim summons all the Rider Armor Parts, which are attacking evovled Demushu, as Gaim turns his Rider Indicator into Senyo Joint to put the Kiwami Lockseed there along with Kachidoki Lockseed. All of the Rider Armor Parts circle around Gaim, and merges with him, turning him into Kiwami Arms, with the fruits (Armor Parts) being placed on its chest as fruit basket and Kachidoki Armor ejected. This resembles Kabuto Riders' Cast Off, I wish the Kachidoki's pieces hurt the opponent too like Kabuto. The phrase for activating Kiwami is also Lock Open instead of Lock On, as Kiwami is the strongest form, opening the lock holding him back to it, compared to the lesser form's unlocking potential. Kiwami Arms' power is summoning any Rider weapons, as he first uses Daidaimaru. Not only that, the weapon's powers are greatly increased when compared to the ones used by usual Armored and New Generation Riders, shown in Kiwami Arms harming evolved Demushu with a weapon for Gaim's base form. He can use the weapons as throwing attack too, shown in him summoning Duri Noko as ranged projectile, to Bravo's surprise. As evovled Demushu tries to shoot an electric beam, Kiwami Arms protects himself using Melon Defender (Zangetsu's shield), and then uses Budou Ryuhou to shoot evolved Demushu. Kiwami finishes the fight with Banaspear, using it to ensnare Demushu with Spear Victory, then summons DJ Gun, combining it with Musou Sword, killing evolved Demushu with Hinawa Daidai Musou Zan, slashing evolved Demushu with image projection of multiple fruits. Demushu's demise marks the end of Overlord Saga, moving on to the Forbidden Fruit Saga. While Kachidoki's debut before can be more flashy and tension-packed, I'd say Kiwami's debut is better way of showing off the power of the new form, as he's pitted against evolved Demushu, who elevates his already fearsome Overlord power before, instead of the expendable Kurokage Troopers. Though still, Kiwami makes good use of the weapon spam here, even if his variation is less than some final forms that combines every existing power, but as I've proposed in my thread about improving finishers, I wish that Kiwami's finisher would employ actually fruit basket theme, firstly by creating a giant fruit basket to trap enemy, then he throws most/all of his weapons 1 each that turns into huge fruit projection according to their fruit themes (like Pine Iron -> giant pineapple) and lands inside the fruit basket squashing the enemy, then Gaim finishes it off by attacking the fruit projections along with the enemy. The fruit projections in the basket can be popped with any manner, either with DJ Gun Taiken Mode or shooting it off, but I'd like for the use of Sojinto Mode (combining Musou Saber with DJ Gun and Daidaimaru) as well.
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The most complete non-wiki encyclopedias for Kamen Rider series (currently only found Ryuki and OOO's). Last edited by DreadBringer; 06-27-2021 at 10:28 AM.. |
06-28-2021, 12:01 AM | #16672 |
Alias: ZeroEnchiladas
Join Date: Aug 2015
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So it's a bit late but let's do this, but...
Kamen Rider Saber Episode's 33 to 36: Not too much to say on this set other than it's basic purpose is to set the stage for Solomon to appear and debut. Bahato reappearing is nice because we do get some development and depth out of him, and he's not done despite Omniforce being created, which is good since we'll be getting a bit more with him. Durandel continues to be... fairly basic. But I appreciate how hard he tries to still be dutiful while obviously becoming a traitor. He goes through so many hoops in trying to be like "Oh I'm betraying you but not really because you're not Master Logos, we only serve Master Logos. Therefore it's not betrayal." and I can't help but love how far he tries to twist himself in that regard. Reika is... there's some questionable direction going on that makes me raise an eyebrow. But like, I'm not sure if I saw it differently from others but I sorta saw it as she's losing faith in Master Logos, she's just irrationally and unhealthily replacing it with her respect for her brother to justify what she's doing. That's just my take anyway. Kento's starting to waver but again he's so stubborn that even Touma calls him out on it. Ren is... Ren, even Desast is like, "Bro what are you even doing at this point?". Also having Desast tag along with Ren during these episodes honestly makes him a lot more bearable. Master Logos, or Isaac rather... I sort of enjoyed how much of an unhinged child he is. He's rotten to the core by doing this all for some sick enjoyment, it's rather... nice. There is no like real reason for him to do this, he just wants to do this because he was in a position to gain a lot of power, and so he chose to gain that power so he could use it however he pleased. It's very simple and I appreciate that. Also I want to specifically call out Episode 35 which was great for a number of reasons. Mostly the fact that 10 minutes in, and only taking 5 minutes in total, we lose a grand total of five Riders in those 5 minutes and I was grinning at that breakneck pace. Oh and also the Green Screen Run of Memery is always great to see no matter the context or usage. Will say though, it's nice to see them setting up several things very blatantly or just reminding us of stuff. The legend that Daishinji's grandfather told him back in Episode 21 which is a lot of setup for the incoming Episode 38. Just Storious choosing to bide his time while Isaac loudly proclaims how he will become a God. Those little touches just tell you "Oh yeah this is where we're heading", and I like that. While the pacing is fairly odd in Saber, I do say they sorta do their set up fairly well, even if there's a lot of lull periods between the start and end of it. Come tomorrow I might end up fully catching up on Saber. |
06-29-2021, 03:35 PM | #16673 |
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Kamen Rider Gaim watch
The Forbidden Fruit Saga Episode 33: Beat Riders' Great Gathering Written by: Gen Urobuchi/Norimitsu Kaiho, Directed by: Hidenori Ishida Kouta finds a note from Akira that claims she evacuates, urging him to take care of himself. While on her way to the evacuation site, a passerby tells her that they have to evacuate by themselves, no help's coming there. After that, suddenly, a child clings to Akira, looking for his mom. That's not a bright move right there kid, clinging into strangers without much thought, it can be dangerous. Of course the child is lucky that the one he clings is Akira, showing that the tree isn't far from where the apple fell, like Kouta's first scene, Akira decides to help the kid find his mom. This can be likely an indication that Akira tries to set an example for Kouta while raising him, with Kouta taking up from her for his noble traits. This part is also done right after a passerby talks about people not wanting to help (evacuators there), despite that there's unpleasant truth in the world, doesn't mean people should succumb into it, but rather keep doing good things to others, trying to improve the surroundings bit by bit. As there's an Inves nearby, Akira runs away taking the kid with her... but leaving her luggage? Then the scene cuts into 3 officials, each of different nationality (Chinese, France, and American) discuss about Kureshima's failure and the inactivity of the SDF. They plan to censor the Japanese HQ, but with questionable agreement for the plan to take control. Ryoma appears, and gloats about finding ways for godhood, monologuing about the forbidden fruit as a key for evolution, feels that he doesn't need to hide anymore. The officials deem this as petty and irresponsible. Ryoma is disappointed that they turn down a chance to reach higher. One of the officials threaten to investigate him, as Ryoma claims to be scared with straight expression, showing sarcasm side, and an extension of his escalating arrogance. Ryoma also goes so far to reveal the true nature of Project Ark to the world. The officials object again at the loss for their chance to save humanity (still though the officials are Machiavellians to agree with Project Ark...), with Ryoma boasting that his research is far more valuable. I'd usually think that revealing their true nature would be stupid for villains that rely on good reputation to keep going, but Project Ark was purely Takatora's plan, which Ryoma was never into, so I'd take his move here as a spite to Takatora (and potentially to his vow to not reveal the secret as it can only make people cower in fear). Aside, though my TV's dub would have all of the officials use my local language, for the original, each of them use their native language... and can perfectly understand each other! Bilingual dialogue is applied on several Japanese media... and Gaim is no exception. In the garage, everyone is watching a news in TV about Yggdrasill's terrorism plans, exposing that their plan would claim most of humanity's life, including several major leaders or police, with the Cabinet resigning. Mai switches the TV channel, revealing similar news in various place about London in panic, New York's stock exchange being shut down, inevitable global economic collapse, but there are no Zawame news which was what she's looking for. So I guess Mai's goal to reveal the truth has been taken care of (and a testament to Micchy's irony about how people will find out the truth on their own despite his secret keeping), or probably she looks for Zawame news to make sure people there know this? As likely they don't for Peko noting there's no phone signal yet, and Mai being unable to contact Micchy. Yoko assumes that Micchy probably has escaped, which Mai objects about that, being someone who's longtime friend who has only seen 1 OOC moment of him. Kouta comes to the garage, reporting that the town is filled with Inves. Jonouchi remarks that there are people who hides in their home and can't escape, with Oren continuing that there are no proper evacuation order. Mai shows concern regarding them and is uneasy about it, but Zack assures that the police or SDF will come soon with Peko agreeing.... due to likely the consequence of Zawame's communication being shut down, as Yoko informs that Yggdrasill takes care of Zawame and SDF will instead contain it from the outside. As Kouta objects to this, Kaito points out to the map of Zawame... which is copied from Gotham, albeit fixed in the home video release. He explains about few exits Zawame has, thus locking it is simple. Others noted that Yggdrasill purposely built Zawame this way, which further enrages Kouta. Yoko remarks that the government and Yggdrasill are trapped, with Oren claiming that SDF is tasked to confine the Inves in the city. As Kaito mocks Kouta's 'blaming people' trait and invite others to get the job done, Yoko hands everyone communicators to work together, while Mai invites everyone to evacuate people in the city to a safe place by themselves, as SDF won't be any help. Redyue talks with Micchy about Demushu's death, dismissing him as a fool. This'd show that the Overlords aren't in good terms with each other. As Micchy remarks Redyue takes over Yggdrasill tower in no time to be used as the Overlord lair, Redyue seems offended that she's compared with Demushu that she'd be fool, but Micchy admits that Redyue is different, an intelligent one. Redyue moves her focus to the Fruit of Knowledge, offering Micchy's help. As Redyue tries to adapt into human technology, Micchy remarks that she won't destroy humanity, which Redyue explains as it's boring ruling a ruin, therefore the partnership between them is Micchy as controller and Redyue as player. Micchy offers to eliminate their greatest threat Kouta, while Redyue offers Duduonshu, another Overlord, but MOTW-type, whose name translates to Suzaku, one of the four gods, to assist Micchy, though Micchy deems him as merely watcher and thus annoying. I guess Micchy's the one that successfully makes a deal with Overlord, and that's due to him being practically a monster in human's body. Although already depraved before, Micchy making a deal with genocidal creatures marks himself descending further to the darkness. Baron is fighting Inves with Lemon Energy Arms, and after that, he reports to Mai that the area he's in is secured, which she marked on the G̶o̶t̶h̶a̶m̶ Zawame map. Mai has taken a role of the mission control here, coordinating the Riders who patrol the city via long-distance communication. After reporting the area's emptiness, Kaito had a concern about Mai who is silent, she says that she thought Zawame can change, but it won't happen, but her bigger concern now is that it won't be a city anymore if it's empty, instead it's a.. ruin; already one before Helheim takes over (only Yggdrasill tower). Kaito offers genuine encouragement for her, reminding her that he's still there, along with the rest of the group, suggesting her to treat it as freedom. In inverse to their interaction before, Mai actually views herself as not that strong. However, Kaito encourages her to dance, as it's her strength, complete with Kaito "standing" in front of her in garage. Mai points out that there are no one to see her now, but Kaito points out that others can come back. As Mai hopes for that, Kaito points out if they do, it's a sign of Mai's strength, the ability to gather people around her, her efforts to make others happy means it's moral center and keeps the team from falling apart. However, Mai also credits the ensemble to Kaito, who is the cause of Team Gaim, Baron, and even Yggdrasill fighting together for now. This is the irony of Kaito's character, where despite that Kaito's character is a shonen rival-type, he's a charismatic type that can draw people around him to gather for similar cause, as usually rivals are loners (and Kaito does have that trait sometimes). Otherwise, this is a clear evolution of their bond, with Mai finally breaking through Kaito's cold shell, and Kaito acknowledging Mai's traits as strength, and as Kaito treats the strong ones better, his demeanor to Mai is softened too here. However their conversation is cut short as a crack appears, and Kouta arrives at the garage. Mai treats Kouta into Drupers, as she assumes he's hungry. I don't know if this is abandoning their mission, or that this is also part of the mission to check on the people on the city, as Kouta asks if Bando doesn't evacuate. Though despite current condition, Bando vows to keep his restaurant open, partly to keep Kouta and Mai's jobs. He also argues that he supplies food for them while they save the city. As Mai is concerned about Zawame City's state, Kouta brings up Fruit of Knowledge again as his solution, but for now he vows to protect with the help of another Armored Riders. But Kouta didn't finish his dish, arguing that he's full using his belt (should refuse Mai's request before then). Other than that, Kouta thinks Bando's food is bland now, to Bando's disbelief. I guess they're still on mission then as Mai answers Yoko's call, reporting that she met a weird Inves, which Kouta assumes as Overlord, thus he leaves to go on that site. As Kouta meets up with Yoko, he asks why she betrays Yggdrasill, but Kouta claims that he's glad that she's on their side, albeit not trustworthy without knowing the reasons. She explains that they left her to die, so she returned the favor. But despite Yoko being on their side, she had ulterior motives for doing so, as the reason she didn't escape is due to Kaito staying in the city, declaring her interest to him to Kouta, watching how far he goes. Micchy spies on them, revealing that Duduonshu is used to bait them both there, and directs Duduonshu to take down Yoko and lure Kouta. As Duduonshu doubts with Kouta being Micchy's ally, Micchy has completely sworn him off, declaring that his allies are those who obey him. Kouta notes that Yoko only cares about someone being powerful or not, but she also explains that she wants for them to use their powers right, and turns the question into Kouta about how he uses power. Kouta claims that it's to protect everyone, but Yoko asks after their battle is done, which puts Kouta at loss of words. This is Kouta's problem that he never figures his own personal happiness, despite trying to make others happy. By this Yoko mocks Kouta as lacking guts, as words are easy to say, and thus he'll lose to Kaito. As Kouta objects to the idea of fighting him, Yoko chastises him as naive, reminding him that there's only 1 Fruit of Knowledge. Meta wise, this also emphasizes the start of Forbidden Fruit Saga. So Yoko cares less about saving the city, but more about seeing what happens when someone gets the Forbidden Fruit, which makes her an unpleasant person who happens to tag along with the new Rider alliance, opposite of Takatora compared to his Yggdrasill peers who is sole better person (and he's still anti-villainous that time). Like Kaito, Yoko's a social darwinist who puts power above morality. Duduonshu appears before them, with Yoko fighting him a bit in human form using her heels, before both henshin into Gaim Jimber Lemon Arms and Marika. Duduonshu can catch arrows fired by both Riders using his sword, spiraling them back at the Riders. The Overlord then knocks Marika out of her transformation, but submits to Micchy's plan to bait Gaim, as he instead jumps on a nearby building. Yoko urges Gaim to chase after Overlord, practically setting Micchy's plan into motion. Duduonshu then uses another ability to sink Gaim into ground with vines, petrifying him. I guess not all Overlords are in bad terms, Duduonshu's motive is to avenge Demushu, uncaring about human's lives as Gaim pointed out he tried to destroy their city. Gaim changes to Kachidoki Arms, but Zangetsu Shin appears, with Gaim pleading for Takatora to not fight him. As Zangetsu Shin beats Gaim up, Bravo arrives. And his crush to Zangetsu is finally used for something plot relevant, Bravo knows that this Zangetsu (Micchy) is fake, based on his lack of elegance in his fighting style. Bravo's soldier expertise proves to be important with him as an ally, that's likely how he can observe Rider's fighting styles, deducing that Takatora isn't using Zangetsu now. Realizing that the Zangetsu is fake, Gaim finally breaks loose, switches to Kiwami Arms, to Micchy's outrage, kicking the ass of both Zangetsu Shin and Duduonshu, using Mango Punisher, Kagematsu, and Sonic Arrow. Then this one's especially flashy, he summons Melon Defender to shield him from Duduonshu's fireball, then summons Donkachi as Kiwami Arms kicked the weapon to the Overlord, knocking him flat. Kiwami Arms then finishes Zangetsu Shin off with a slash from Naginata Daidaimaru, and using DJ Gun's Ichigo Charge, which shoots an energy ball, but with projection of multiple (small) fruits. My wish for fruit basket finisher before can be applied to the shooting part of DJ Gun too. However Zangetsu Shin uses the Overlord as Inves Shield, getting away from the attack. Zangetsu Shin reverts into Micchy after getting away, trying to keep his confidence that although Kouta has grown stronger, his stupidity still remains, confident that he can strike back, while laughing maniacally. This time, Micchy has a laugh of a madman, those who's utterly drunk on his own power, continuing from his descend before to let humanity be enslaved simply because of his feelings towards one girl, while also treating his former best friend as his worst enemy for now.
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The most complete non-wiki encyclopedias for Kamen Rider series (currently only found Ryuki and OOO's). |
06-29-2021, 03:46 PM | #16674 |
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Join Date: May 2019
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In case anyone’s confused about the screenshots of the different maps, one of them is the original broadcast version, which recycles a map of Gotham City from a Batman adaptation (I have no idea which, but it’s likely the Nolan films). The second is from reruns and DVDs, where the map was changed, presumably for copyright reasons.
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06-29-2021, 09:42 PM | #16675 |
Alias: ZeroEnchiladas
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 2,570
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Oh right, so I ended up finishing my Saber Catch Up.
Sword of Logos Saga: Uh, not much to really say on this one. I mean while I appreciate that they want to flesh out the past cast a bit. And while it's nice to see the prior Kenzan and Espada, it's kind of pathetic to see the two go out like that. Like yes Desast killed them but they literally only last 15 seconds against Desast. They transformed, killed him, he revived, and then he killed them. Also I got to say, it was a bit weird and creepy seeing Ogami's actor try and go for a more excitable younger attitude and direction. If only because like, dude physically looks fairly old, so seeing him act more naive and chipper felt so weird. My main takeaway though, mostly because of the Hayato and Master Logos scenes, the start of this special reminds me of Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith. Kamen Rider Saber Episodes 37 to 40: Admittedly not much to say on this since really this is all mostly set up and debut for the Final Form. Also just the fact that this is closing up our current Arc. In terms of characters the most I'll talk about is Kento in that I genuinely smiled when I saw Kento go back to his old self. His talk with his father was also a very good scene and I love how he's mixing his outfit styles now for the final leg of the series. Isaac is another guy I want to commend, mostly because he's a fairly entertaining stop gap before our real main villain shows up. The dude gets more and more unhinged despite trying to remain as composed as possible. Also doesn't help that he gets beat down and foiled by Xross Saber at every single turn. I will say I'm glad he just went "Yeah no I'm bored, ancestral duty sucks, I have power so why not use it instead of sticking to some boring rules". It's a very simplistic motivation, but it works. Speaking of Xross Saber though... I love how long they've been building this up. Even before Daishinji's grandfather's story was told, gathering the power of the swords was always some kind of end game since the early days. So to see it pay off after Touma duels damn near everybody is great. I also love how before it's formation we get a line about the weight of swords and how Isaac's has no weight behind it. While Isaac does hold great power, it's hollow compared to the power that Touma worked hard for. And that's not getting into how great Xross Saber is in general. I absolutely love how the form functions in design, in it's gimmick, and the fact that it has so many different combinations (Featuring Saber is so good). While Elemental was a good culmination of Touma being a writer, Xross is a real good culmination of Touma growing as a Swordsman. Also that insert song is rad. But with those episodes done with, I'm fully caught up. Well I'm missing one episode but I figured I'd post in the main episode thread when it came to that. All in all, excited to see how this endgame pans out. |
07-01-2021, 11:34 PM | #16676 |
Some guy. I'm alright.
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"All women are motivated by hatred and thus cannot be allowed power."
Those were the exact words spoken by a friend of mine who watched Hibiki at the start of the year, when I asked him what his thoughts on the second half were. And now that my Binge Bud and I have passed the (in)famous Akira arc of the second half, I can definitely see why my friend came to that conclusion; With the only two female Oni in the show having their motivations reduced to vengeance. Now, I don't like to discuss gender politics, or any politics for that matter, so I'm not going to! All I will say is that I cannot blame anyone for taking either interpretation; whether it be an unfortunate happenstance or actual sexism. I really can see the six episode arc being viewed either way. There's still plenty of other issues with it though! First and foremost, the Shuki two parter is filled to the absolute brim with retcons. Suddenly, Zanki has a chest wound that was never mentioned up until now. As well, despite Zanki outright stating that his mentor was the previous Zanki as per tradition, apparently not. Apparently it's someone we've never heard of before named Shuki. Also, now suddenly past shikigami are made out of fire despite having been shown to be made out of paper beforehand. Akira's' character development and portrayal also got entirely reversed. Akira had shown many, many times that she was dedicated to helping others(like when she helped the pregnant woman); she just didn't put up with people's' crap. Now suddenly though, she's fueled by nothing but hatred and scorn. There's also the various issues of the writing with Asumu and Kiriya, but I'll save that for when we reach the end of Hibiki as a whole. Here's another fun fact too. For four out of those six episodes, guess how many lines Akira actually gets? Because we counted: One. She gets a single word in the entire debacle. Simply saying Ibuki's' name. For the majority of the arc, the perspective is not of Akira, who by all account should have alot of emotions going through her head after recent events, but rather of everyone else, gossiping about her. Man, remember in the first half of the show when characters other than Hibiki and Asumu were allowed to have focus? Not anymore. And at the end of all of this, what is the reason Akira decides to end up quitting? Is it because she botched her first transformation and feels humiliated? Is it because of the trauma of seeing someone die infront of her? Is it because she feels she's shamed the Oni for her(alleged) behavior? Heck, could it even just be a case of finding something else in her life she finds important, and trusts everyone else in Takeshi to be able to handle things while she sorts herself out? Nope! The reason is that... there is no reason. No, seriously. We're never actually given a definitive reason about why she quits. She just does. In other words, much like this entire second half has been, the majority of the Akira Quits Arc is a complete waste of time that serves to only further flanderize more of the cast and introduce incredibly annoying "drama." Absolutely fantastic Toei, thanks.
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07-02-2021, 02:14 AM | #16677 |
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Regardless, I find this post (not in Tokunation) to be a nice read and insight for "All women are motivated by hatred and thus cannot be allowed power.". Regarding Akira gaining traits like hatred and scorn is also a wrong notion that people take in their obsession to make characters 'flawed' (more like adding unpleasant character traits) so that they can be 'complex', 'relatable, 'complicated', 'realistic' etc. due to the hate for 'perfect' character as they can be 'boring'. First, flaws don't have to be only toxic stuff, and there's double standard in this as well like if characters have ordinary flaws like fearful or inflexibility, they can get hate instead for exactly same reason ("because they're relatable"). Second, not having toxic flaws (Akira had one before though for lashing out at Asumu but that's getting fixed) doesn't mean it's a perfect character.
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The most complete non-wiki encyclopedias for Kamen Rider series (currently only found Ryuki and OOO's). Last edited by DreadBringer; 07-02-2021 at 02:22 AM.. |
07-02-2021, 02:18 AM | #16678 |
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Last edited by tomos; 07-02-2021 at 02:21 AM.. |
07-02-2021, 03:21 AM | #16679 |
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In case anyone’s confused about the screenshots of the different maps, one of them is the original broadcast version, which recycles a map of Gotham City from a Batman adaptation (I have no idea which, but it’s likely the Nolan films). The second is from reruns and DVDs, where the map was changed, presumably for copyright reasons.
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07-02-2021, 04:13 PM | #16680 |
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Kamen Rider Gaim watch
The Forbidden Fruit Saga Episode 34: The King's Power and the Queen's Resurrection Written by: Gen Urobuchi/Jin Haganeya, Directed by: Satoshi Morota In the garage, the Beat Riders discuss with Oren about Zangetsu Shin's identity, but although Oren has been a part of the new alliance after knowing what happened, he's still hot-tempered to yell when others question his assumption that Zangetsu isn't Takatora now, still deeming them as amateurs, and had to be restrained. It makes sense as even if someone changes, it can be difficult for people to break away from old habits or turn away from bad behavior. Kouta now wonders who is Zangetsu now if it's not Takatora. As Yoko attempts to assume Micchy, said person comes to the garage, to the joy of Kouta, Mai, and Chucky, while Yoko and Kaito (who also exchanges looks with Yoko before) reacts less favorably. In front of his friends, he acts helpful to inform them that the Yggdrasill Tower is taken over by Overlords. As Kouta invites everyone to work together, Jonouchi claims he only helps due to Oren... but he got flustered claiming that, which means he's in denial and thus... acting tsundere, which even Oren noticed and pushed him. Kaito approaches Micchy as someone who knows his true nature, with threatening aura to question his feelings. Then Kaito leads Yoko outside, telling her that everyone there trusts Micchy completely, will always turn everything in his favor no matter what they say. Micchy is absolutely despicable, but I guess, this is the power of something that Kaito deems cowardly, which is Micchy's skills at deception and manipulation, and in some way, can be more deadly than the type of power Kaito seeks, which is pure physical. Kaito leaves, as Micchy approaches Yoko, questioning the reason she's in garage. Yoko turns back a question to Micchy that he pretends to be Takatora, asking his game. Micchy admits that he helps Overlord for time being. Micchy continues that the reason is due to them possessing the Fruit of Knowledge, persuading Yoko to help him so that she can have a chance to steal it. Yoko deduces that he's trying to use her to destroy Kouta, and claims that Micchy can't influence others there anymore. As Micchy is stunned that Yoko isn't interested, Yoko claims that she's not like Sid, she'd rather be a kingmaker. Yoko's servitude aside, this proves Sid being wrong to claim no one can refuse the fruit. Yoko also uses this to mock Micchy that he's uninteresting, not cut to be a king, mocking him as yes-man. That's ironic and.. hypocritical, Yoko herself wants to be the lackey for the strongest dudes. Micchy cracks and kicks Yoko out, treating her as intruder in his home. But Yoko still makes a comeback that Micchy doesn't actually have a home, due to his lies, alienating everyone to be at home with Micchy. Continuing from Mai's slap, now Micchy got chewing from another woman in Yoko. Like Kaito, Yoko's social darwinist nature also makes her despise cowardice, who Micchy is all about. She also seems to have good grasp of human psychology, allowing her to make logical deductions of Micchy here, that makes him lose his cool as he denies those. Redyue examines Yggdrasill technology, and she finds something impressive about humans that she no longer deems them as simple apes, due to their technology far more advanced than what Femushinmu had. After that, Redyue returns to Helheim, making a presentation about what she obtained from the technologies, in their language. Roshuo calls Grinsha, another MOTW Overlord, to help Redyue, as both of them leave. Takatora asks Roshuo about what happened, and Roshuo explains that she plans to use human technology to revive Roshuo's Queen, so that he'll no longer have use of Fruit of Knowledge. Takatora worries that Roshuo will give the fruit to Redyue, but Roshuo claims that his only wish is to revive his love, that nothing matters to him anymore afterwards. Redyue visits Micchy in Yggdrasill Tower, who makes sure that Redyue fulfills his promise that he'll manage the humanity after she rules them. Redyue is ok with this as she only wants something to toy, letting Micchy do what he wants afterwards. Micchy wonders why Roshuo doesn't use the fruit, with Redyue explaining that he doesn't know how to feed his Queen, as she's dead. Micchy notes that he won't use the fruit if there's other way for reviving Queen, and like to Yoko, still wonders why he'd refuse the vast power. Redyue explains that Roshuo is now an empty shell, miserable due to the despair he suffered, had lost everything with nothing worth caring anymore except his love, which Redyue thinks the plan will work, and Micchy hoping so. Akira stays on the evacuation zone, with the child she helped before as one of the people there too, hearing further news about the current condition about the blocked exits. Akira comforts the scared child and insists the other people there to take care of him while she called for help, in contrast to the news that claims there are no aid for the city. Though damn she walked on the carpet still with her shoes on by doing that... the others have their footwears placed outside of it. Akira goes outside, and comes across an Inves, which she escapes by knocking a row of bike. Kouta visits Drupers, and asks for a meal that Kaito eats. Kouta discusses about golden fruit, who informs that from Sagara, he needs to take the fruit and become a ruler. Kaito mocks Kouta worrying about 'petty' things, which is just shittalking as this is something that gets everyone coming after it, and it fulfills Kaito's power hungry aspect as well, he himself claims not long after that he'll seize it and fights anyone in his way for that. But Kouta claims that he'd let Kaito claim the golden fruit, claiming that all that matters is that the world is saved with the power. I know that Kouta can see Kaito's softer side beneath his cold exterior... but this is taking it too far to put absolute faith into someone who won't care about the weak (outside words still should be taken into account despite inner side)... and this disgusts Kaito that he claims Kouta's naivete wouldn't give him golden fruit at the first place. This can be either Kouta trying to lessen the fighting that he'd let someone who, in his eyes, can benefit the world, which sadly someone that wouldn't join a fight can be called cowardly (which Kaito hates) when it takes resilience to be a pacifist, or that Kouta doesn't have full conviction in what he wants like Yoko (Kaito's alike, still cowardly in his eyes) stated that to him, hindering him in a desperate situation. As their food arrives, Redyue makes use of the human technology, taking over the TV to broadcast, announcing that the world will end in 1 year instead with their control over Helheim, offering humanity to surrender as her toys. In the garage, Zack, as one of the most heroic fighters now, rushes headfirst into battle, getting Peko to trip, which Oren hypocritically thinks Zack acts before thinking, and he and Jonouchi chase after him. Kouta laments about Overlord's cruelty, but Bando thinks the world can send Zawame help if they know about this. As optimistic as Kouta is, he knows that they won't, and thus they can't sit around. Akira comes to Drupers to announce the survivors who need help. I guess she should get the meaning of Kouta's talk about 'end of the world' before now right.. Micchy confronts Redyue in the Yggdrasill lab, claiming her as crazy to start an all-out war. This is probably disadvantageous for Micchy to have him complain, but dunno the reasons. Redyue however claims that she has completed a machine to revive Roshuo's Queen, showing Redyue's vast intelligence to master human technology only in matter of days, in addition for quickly learning most of human language. The intelligence here is shown in usual scientific creation from Redyue then, but still, tokusatsu scientists are as influental as the fighters, and she'd have both now. She claims the machine would need fuel, and instructs Grinsha to assist Micchy. Grinsha obeys without second thought, showing that he has blind obedience even if it's suicide mission for him. Similarly it happens in the alliance, Zack rushes to the tower, but Oren tries to stop him, using his soldier expertise to warn that storming without a plan is a suicide tactic. Again for heroism, Zack suddenly stops, with Oren and Jonouchi crashing to him, pointing out about a swarm of Inves that kidnaps civilians. The three henshin into their Rider forms to fight them off and ait the civilians into safety. As the swarm is getting worse, Knuckle instructs Gridon to use Suika Arms. A logical comedy ensues as Gridon never knew that type of Lockseed, which had him scared shitless of Suika Arms' size, before he got squashed by the armor. Bravo teaches Gridon again that, using a weapon without testing it isn't professional. As Gridon can't move, Bravo resorts into swinging the huge piece of armor as wrecking ball (the Riders can do that?), also rolling and bouncing it to kill swarm of Inves. The Suika Arms eventually breaks, with Gridon all dizzy. The Inves swarm breaks into the evacuation site, kidnapping the people aside too. Kouta, Akira, and Kaito arrive, revealing the children's name as Sato. Both males henshin into their Rider form to fight the Inves off, with Grinsha joining the fight. One of them gets a hold of Sato, and Akira gets an awesome moment of stepping in, smacking the Inves with a nearby iron pipe, releasing Sato, but put her on the hold instead. Gaim runs after her, but Akira insists Gaim taking care of Sato. This is another showing of why Micchy failed to blackmail Kouta even when bringing up Mai's well-being as blackmail tactic, Gaim doesn't only care about friends or family, but the civilians too. Friend/family or not, they're people who deserve protection from something they can't fight against. And this is also shared among the family, probably taught to Gaim, with Akira helping the child who suddenly clinged to her, even would prefer herself getting captured than Sato. Gaim changes into Kachidoki Arms to gain more upper hand against Gurinsha, then further upgrades into Kiwami Arms. Using 2 weapons in Budou Ryuhou and Mango Punisher, Grinsha manages to gain brief upper hand with him ramming Kiwami Arms into wall, cracking it and pinning him. Baron joins their fight, but Grinsha still manages to push them back a bit. So Grinsha's stronger than evolved Demushu to put more fight into Kiwami Arms. Both resorted to their finishers with Baron being the one to trap Grinsha in banana projection for Kiwami's Hinawa Daidai Musou Zan instead of Kiwami doing it with Bana Spear. Redyue arrives, noticing Kiwami's power that destroyed Demushu, asking for them to not interfere with her collecting the fuel, which is the humans, who the Inves kidnapped. As Kouta is enraged, Redyue points out that humanity is ready to sacrifice 6 billion of them too, pointing their own faults to excuse her deeds. Other than that, Redyue also points out that as she declared the war on world, the humanity resorted to this one action. Takatora and Roshuo arrive at real world, at the former's surprise that Yggdrasill is filled with plants now. Roshuo explains that Femushinmu has taken over their city, and the humans' action is actually sending weapons, launching missiles towards Japan, again Redyue pointing out about human's worst side to kill their own for their goals. Both Riders can't give a proper argument against that, but Roshuo acts against the missiles, showing off his power as the Overlord King further, he freezes all the missiles on their tracks. Despite the similar in portrayal... it's not a time stop as Redyue then explains this is Roshuo's power. Roshuo then disintegrates all the missiles... somehow without causing an explosion. Micchy, who also watches this in Yggdrasill Tower, laughs again, knowing that he made the right choice of allying with the Overlords. Despite the laughs, this is Micchy sinking into despair too as he knows the humanity won't stand a chance. However he knows that he can create whatever he wants after it, and he doesn't care if humanity, except people like Mai, got reduced to nothing, as long as he survives by being spared by Overlords in their deal. The irony that despite their earlier portrayal, Takatora's the more moral between the brothers, as Micchy is also ok with the humanity dying as long as he can remake it with likely the fruit power, showing end justifies the means mindset, but used for selfish purposes to keep himself and everything "his" safe.
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