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Sword Art Online and Unnecessary Hate

Everyone has something that they hate. Live long enough and you’re bound to find something that you just can’t stand. However, it’s not often that people universally agree on something being bad. In those instances it is usually because that something has so many faults that people can’t help but criticize it. At the same time though, there are cases where the hate for something just seems to be much greater than the source deserves. And in the anime community, Sword Art Online is the perfect example of this.

On paper, SAO doesn’t seem like an anime that should get as much hate as it does. The main plot is about people trapped inside a video game who are struggling to survive and hopefully escape it. Throughout the series we see their lives and how they’re managing in the game. This is a plot that many shows have had since SAO, and yet they have never gotten the kind of criticism that it has. So what makes SAO different from these shows?

Some of the main criticisms that SAO faces is the fact that people feel that the protagonist of the show, Kirirto, just has girls falling in love with him for no reason. They feel that he is a bland character and doesn’t deserve the attention that he is given. However, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. For one thing, the characters who fall in love with him actually spend time and bond with him. This naturally evolves into them falling in love with him rather than seemingly coming out of nowhere.

Kirito himself is also far less bland than people give him credit for. He is not the most exciting character, however, he is still fairly complex. Throughout the series we see his struggle to survive and achieve his goals as well as how the events of the show have impacted him. At one point, he actually breaks down due to him seeing members of his party die in front of him. We even see how because of his experiences in the game he feels more comfortable in that world than he does in the real world. When people call him bland they’re often looking at the surface instead of actually looking at him as a whole. This still brings us to the main question: why all of the hate? Well, it’s really very simple; people hate the shift in tone. While it is true that SAO as a whole is hated, when these same people are asked what their favorite part is, they’ll usually say that it was the first half of season 1. To them this part of SAO packed full of action was the best and everything after was bad. And I think this is where the trouble lies. People came into SAO prepared to watch a show about surviving in another world where everything they do is life or death. Once that stopped being the case though, people started to lose interest.

To these people they felt almost ‘tricked’ as they were now watching a more slice of life anime than an action anime. This in turn caused them to feel hatred towards what happened and thus have them start nitpicking, despite there being plenty of anime like it. Had it not been for this sudden shift, there is a good chance that SAO wouldn’t receive as much hate as it does. In fact, I can even see people praising it if it were released today. However, it being released when it was in combination with people echoing the sentiment has led to SAO being known as a horrible anime, showing that sometimes people want less.

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The Paradoxical Console

The Nintendo Switch is one of, if not the most popular gaming console in history. Its sales have managed to far surpass many that have come before it and even compete today with the PS5 and Xbox. However, despite this, there have been plenty of criticisms towards it. People have even often called it an outright terrible console. So what is it about this console that makes it so popular even today?

Believe it or not, the Switch is actually 7 years old. For good reason too. What makes the Switch so unique is the fact that it is not only a regular console, but also a portable one. Nintendo is no stranger to portable consoles as they have had many in the past such as the iconic Gameboy and DS. Sony even tried their hands at this with the failed PSP. However, nothing has truly worked well as the Switch.

By offering players the option of either playing in handheld or in console mode, Nintendo is able to reach a much broader player base. Now, they no longer have to choose whether they want to target just their handheld or console audiences and instead can aim for both at once. This also paved the way for people who were always too busy to own a console. Now, they could finally play their favorite console games on their own schedule. However, even with all of these benefits, the Switch still faced its share of issues.

Joycon Drift. If you are a Switch owner, then this phrase should give you shivers. For better or for worse, the Switch has become notorious for its joycons moving on their own while in handheld mode. Because of this players have had difficulty playing games as it will cause unnecessary movement. Although Nintendo offers free repairs for this issue, the fact that it persists has led to criticism.

To make matters worse, the Switch has also become notorious for its performance issues. Despite being a modern console, the hardware on it can at times feel very outdated. A game that you could run perfectly fine on a normal computer will usually see a severe downgrade in quality on the Switch. This could vary from horrible graphics to incredibly long load times. In the worst case scenario, games might be absolutely unplayable if you chose to play on it.

And yet despite these issues, the Switch continues to be a very popular console. This can likely be boiled down to two main reasons: convenience and availability. Even with these issues, the Switch is still a fairly solid console. The fact that you can immediately go from sitting in your house playing on the tv to on the train playing it in your hands makes it so you basically have no reason to stop playing like with a PlayStation or Xbox. Adding to the fact that there still hasn't been a new console from Nintendo and you’ll start to get a clearer picture of what makes the Switch so special. It may not be the best console out there, however its unique features and its benefits it offers makes it truly one of a kind.

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Satirical Diplomacy - Unpacking the Politics in 'Hetalia: Axis Powers

Few anime programs are able to engage fans with such a unique blend of humor, history, and geopolitics as 'Hetalia: Axis Powers.' This unique anime transports viewers to historical moments in which countries are represented as quirky personalities involved in diplomatic conspiracy, alliances, and battles. Beyond its humorous exterior, 'Hetalia' is a complex examination of global power dynamics and political ties. In this post, we dive into the complexities of this beloved series and assess its portrayal of power and politics.

Premise

At first sight, 'Hetalia: Axis Powers' appears to be a carefree trip through history, with a colorful cast of characters representing Italy, Germany, and Japan. However, beneath its whimsical façade exists a brilliant observation on world relations and the shifting balance of power during critical historical moments. By anthropomorphizing countries and reducing complex geopolitical events into funny sketches, the series provides a new perspective on well-known historical accounts, one that even history haters can't help but enjoy.

Power relations

The representation of power relations between states in 'Hetalia' is enticing and captivating. Through allegories and character interactions, the series digs into the details of rivalries and diplomatic maneuvers. For example, the connection between the Axis countries (Germany, Italy, and Japan) provides insight into the dynamics of authoritarian regimes during World War II. Similarly, the interactions of the Allied powers—such as the United States and the United Kingdom—showcase the complexities of wartime alliances and postwar politics.

Furthermore, 'Hetalia' does not tend to shy away from discussing controversial issues either, from imperialism to colonialism. By giving nations individual personalities and unique features, the series humanizes historical events and encourages viewers to consider the broader consequences of power conflicts, but in a more humorous way.

Beyond historical accuracy, 'Hetalia' provides a platform for political satire and social commentary as the show brilliantly parodies prejudices and patriotic tropes, providing a lighthearted commentary on contemporary politics. Whether it's mocking cultural quirks or criticizing international leaders, 'Hetalia' uses humor as a tool for introspection and debate.

Conclusion

Overall, 'Hetalia: Axis Powers' demonstrates how storytelling may effectively explore complicated subjects like power and politics, but from a satirical perspective. By retelling historical events through the eyes of anthropomorphic countries, the series provides an alternate viewpoint on classic stories while provoking discussions about current challenges. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a casual watcher, 'Hetalia' invites you to laugh, ponder, and participate with the ongoing legacy of power and politics around the world.

So, the next time you're in an argument about international relations, turn to 'Hetalia' for a dose of humor and insight into the complex dance of power and politics on the global stage.

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The Next Step of Yu-Gi-Oh: Synchro Summoning

Yu-Gi-Oh is an ever growing and evolving card game. As time went on, it has become something that is almost unrecognizable to those played back when it first came out. Because of this, it can start to look daunting to both new players trying to start playing it and old ones who left but are coming back. So that’s why I’ve decided to try to make it easier for people who want to get into it. So let’s break down Yu-Gi-Oh’s first new summoning method: Synchro Summoning.

So what is Synchro Summoning? Well, at its core it's basically simple math. You must match the levels of your monsters so that they add up to the level of a synchro monster in your extra deck. So, say you were trying to summon a Level 8 monster. It doesn’t matter how many monsters you used as long as their levels together equaled 8 and included a tuner monster. Now, a tuner monster is the most important thing about Synchro Summoning and what makes it possible. The easiest way to think about it is a monster form of Polymerization, a card that is required to summon fusion monsters. You need this specific type of card in order to bring out this specific type of monster. Let’s say you wanted to bring out a Level 6 synchro monster. You could use any combination of levels (1 + 5. 2 + 4, 3 + 3) as long as one of those monsters was a tuner monster.

Finally, we have to look at material requirements. Most synchro monsters have generic materials, meaning that you can use any tuner and non-tuner monster(s) to bring them out. However, in certain cases monsters will also require a specific kind of monster. For example, the synchro monster Junk Warrior requires the tuner monster Junk Synchron and any non-tuner monster(s). This means that it doesn’t matter what non-tuner monster(s) use as long as you also use Junk Synchron. Another example is the card Clear Wing Fast Dragon. This card has the requirement of 1 tuner monster and any non-tuner wind monster(s). This is far less restrictive than Junk Warrior, but still forces you to make sure that any non-tuner monsters are wind attributes. When trying to Synchro Summon, it is important to pay attention to what is required so that you’re not caught off guard.

And that is essentially Synchro Summoning. While there are some more advanced techniques, this is enough to understand the basic premise. With this knowledge, you are now one step closer to being a bonafide player.

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Unleashing Creativity: Exploring the World of Gundam Build Fighters

Who doesn’t love watching giant robots fight each other? Watching as these titans fight each other to see who will come out on top in the end is truly mesmerizing. Gundam knows this, which is why they centered their franchise around this premise. Oftentimes, when fans build their own models (Gunpla), they can’t help but fantasize about using them to battle each other. Wouldn’t it be great if you could use that Gunpla you spent so much time building to fight yourself?

Well, the anime Gundam Build Fighters thought it would. That’s why they decided to center a whole anime around this very premise. Our story follows Iori Sei, an amazing Gunpla builder who loves both building and fighting. Unfortunately, while he loves to fight, he absolutely sucks at it. In comes Reiji, a mysterious boy who is a natural prodigy when it comes to Gunpla battles. The two decide to work together, with Iori acting as the builder and support while Reiji does the battling. Together the two fight many battles in hopes of becoming the very best Gunpla battlers. The premise itself is very basic and nothing groundbreaking. However, that is part of the charm of the anime. So many times when it comes to Gundam and mecha anime in general situations are life-or-death with battles usually never being anything less. Due to this you can often find yourself focusing less on the cool mecha battles and more on whether your favorite character is going to survive. The beauty of Build Fighters is that they take away this dread from the equation. Without the need to worry about if someone will survive or not, you can instead focus on the awesomeness that is mecha fighting each other.

Build Fighters also allows more freedom in the types of battles that you’ll see. Thanks to the fact that these are toys at the end of the day, the writers can get very creative with the types of Gundam that you’ll see. Some that you would never think to find in a normal show can now be seen here with crazy modifications. This leads to limitless possibilities that will even cause you to want to get creative.

So, if you are looking for a fun mecha anime that won’t have you constantly worry about your favorite character dying, look no further than Gundam Build Fighters.

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The Journey Continues: Speculations on 'The Last of Us' Season 2

Fans of the critically acclaimed video game adaptation were ecstatic when the highly anticipated Season 2 of 'The Last of Us' was announced. As filming begins and details slowly emerge, anticipation about the next season swirls everywhere. In this article, let's delve into the universe of 'The Last of Us' and look at potential plotlines, character arcs, and thematic parts that could influence the upcoming season.

The first season of 'The Last of Us' had viewers on the edge of their seats with its captivating story and dynamic characters. Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by fungal epidemic monsters, the series follows Joel and Ellie as they travel challenging environments and meet both friends and foes. With the finale implying a huge departure from the original game's plot, fans are excited to see how Season 2 will develop in this wonderfully conceived world.

Character Development

 One of the most intriguing features of 'The Last of Us' is its diverse and multidimensional characters. Joel and Ellie's relationship is the series' main emotional center, but supporting characters like Tommy, Tess, and Bill bring another level of deep depth and dimension to the story. As Season 2 progresses, fans can and should expect to see more development of these characters, as well as the entrance of new characters that will have a lasting impression on the plot.

Theme Speculation

Thematically, 'The Last of Us dives into profound questions about survival and the human condition. The first season explored heavy themes of grief, redemption, and the lengths people will go to protect those they love. In Season 2, we may see these heavy themes continue to resonate as Joel and Ellie grapple with the consequences of their actions and the harsh realities of the decaying world. Additionally, the series may delve deeper into the moral ambiguity of its characters, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about the nature of humanity.

While 'The Last of Us' is primarily known for its compelling storytelling, the series also heavily incorporates elements of action and survival horror. Season 2 may build upon these gameplay mechanics, offering viewers thrilling sets and intense moments of tension. Whether it's navigating through the hostile fungal environments or engaging in heart-pounding combat encounters with strangers, fans can expect Season 2 to deliver an experience that stays true to the spirit of the original game.

Conclusion

As anticipation rises for Season 2 of 'The Last of Us,' fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Joel and Ellie's journey. With filming underway and details beginning to emerge, speculation is rife about what the new season may hold. From potential character arcs to thematic explorations, the possibilities are endless for this beloved series. So, buckle up and get ready for another thrilling ride through the post-apocalyptic world of 'The Last of Us'.

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Rachel Zane and Beyond - Paralegal Portrayals in 'Suits' and Real Life

As the popular legal drama series 'Suits' makes a comeback to the spotlight, fans are once again immersed in the fast-paced world of high-stakes litigation and corporate intrigue. One of the show's central figures, Rachel Zane, portrayed by Meghan Markle, brought attention to the role of paralegals in law firms. Today, we will explore the portrayal of paralegals in 'Suits' and compare it to the responsibilities of paralegals in real-life legal settings.

The Glamour of 'Suits'

'Suits' captivated audiences with its glamorous portrayal of New York City's top law firm, Pearson Hardman (later Pearson Specter). The character of Rachel Zane, a paralegal with aspirations of becoming a lawyer, added depth to the show's ensemble cast and characters. Meghan Markle's portrayal of Rachel not only showcased her acting talent but also brought attention to the pivotal role of paralegals in the legal profession. In 'Suits,' Rachel Zane is depicted as a highly competent and resourceful paralegal who plays an important and integral role in the firm's success. Her responsibilities include legal research, document preparation, and case management, as well as helping the other lawyers as needed. Rachel's keen attention to detail and ability to think on her feet make her an indispensable asset to the firm's attorneys. As the series progresses, her ambition leads her to pursue law school and eventually become an attorney, highlighting the career trajectory that many paralegals aspire to achieve in the real world.

Real-Life Paralegal Responsibilities

While 'Suits' offers a stylized portrayal of the legal world, it also reflects certain aspects of real-life legal settings. Paralegals play a crucial role in law firms, providing support to attorneys and assisting with various tasks such as drafting legal documents and liaising with clients. Additionally, paralegals may specialize in areas such as litigation, corporate law, or real estate, depending on the firm's focus. Paralegals serve as invaluable members of legal teams, helping to streamline workflow and manage caseloads to ensure that deadlines are met. Their expertise and attention to detail contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of legal proceedings, making them indispensable assets to organizations.

Conclusion

As 'Suits' returns to the spotlight and fans reminisce about Meghan Markle's portrayal of Rachel Zane, it's essential to recognize the significance of paralegals in both fictional and real-life legal settings. While the show may glamorize certain aspects of the legal profession, it also sheds light on the hard work and dedication of paralegals behind the scenes. Whether in the fictional world of Pearson Specter or the real-world law firms, paralegals play a vital role in supporting attorneys and ensuring that justice is served.

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Finding Good in a Bad Situation

The Pokemon franchise suffered various “controversies” in regards to its games. Pokemon Sword and Shield is regarded as the moment the games took a nosedive in quality. The graphics are much worse than you’d expect from a game company, as big as it is, the lack of voice acting can sometimes take you out of scenes, options that were available in previous games were for whatever reason taken out and there are at times game breaking glitches that can ruin your experience. Suffice it to say these are all things that you wouldn’t expect considering how big Gamefreak is and how popular Pokemon as a whole is. While I don’t believe that voice acting is necessary to make a good game, these other complaints are still valid criticisms. So with all of that in mind let’s see how this all affected the newest mainline games Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

I want to start off by mentioning that I was fortunate enough to not experience any of the glitches that are actually in the game. That being said, I have at times seen where they cut some corners. For example, at the very end of the first cutscene of the game if you pay attention you’ll see that all of the characters present go into a t-pose. Even so, these things weren’t game breaking so I won’t go too much into it. From what I've seen, the only times you will likely encounter these glitches is if you play on multiplayer. So a single-player experience will usually be fine unless you’re actively looking for glitches.

In terms of graphics… there really isn’t much to say. The Pokemon designs are cool and the layout of towns is nice, however, the graphics can really take you out of it. The best way I heard them described is as an early PS2 game. This is furthered by the fact that if you go far enough away from an NPC or Pokemon, then it will start moving very slowly until you get closer to it. I would normally give this a bit of a pass since Pokemon isn’t usually open world, however, a game that came before it (Legends: Arceus) was also open world and didn’t suffer from this issue.

But let’s not forget one of the biggest issues: the lack of choice. One thing that Pokemon introduced a while back that I feel is a great addition is the Exp all. This item makes it so all Pokemon in your party will gain EXP and level up together. The issue that some people have though is the fact that it is always on with no option to turn it off. This ties into another issue where previous game options to make battles harder are no longer available, causing a lot of players to feel alienated by the game. With the lack of character customization as well, the player’s lack of choice was evident.

Even with these issues though, I still found myself enjoying the games a lot and even consider them one of the best. The story of the game is hugely improved from the last. Battles, while at times feeling easy, can be very difficult if you let your guard down with the final battle of the game being one of the hardest in the series. Characters are actually likable and have memorable story arcs that you can get invested in. Arven, for example, starts off as a bit stand-offish, but quickly grows to be a fan favorite as you progress his story. Even just traversing the world can be fun as you go around using the new legendary.

Scarlet and Violet are by no means perfect games. However, I can still say with confidence that they are games that you will have a fun time with. And unlike Sword and Shield, the DLC isn’t required to make it feel like a complete game. If I had to give a score, I’d give them a 6.5/10.

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Fashioned Identities - Unveiling the Personalities of Paradise Kiss

Enter the beautiful world of Paradise Kiss, where fashion reigns supreme and dynamic personalities combine in an explosion of creativity. Paradise Kiss, known for its breathtaking sights and fascinating art style, features a vast web of personalities waiting to be discovered. In this post, we'll look at how character and fashion analysis can help us understand the dynamics of the Paradise Kiss ensemble.

Overview of Paradise Kiss

Set in Tokyo's lively fashion scene, Paradise Kiss follows the story of Yukari "Caroline" Hayasaka, a high school girl propelled into the world of fashion by the mysterious members of the Paradise Kiss fashion design group. As Yukari faces the problems of self-discovery and identity, she finds herself drawn into a world of creativity and passion, where fashion is a strong form of expression.

Meet the Paradise Kiss Cast

Yukari "Caroline" Hayasaka is at the center of Paradise Kiss and her journey from a reluctant model to embracing her passion for fashion serves as the series' beating heart. Initially coming into the world of Paradise Kiss by chance, Yukari's transformation is very important in the series' exploration of self-discovery and personal growth. As she navigates the complexities of her relationships with the other characters, Yukari undergoes a profound journey of self-discovery, shedding societal expectations to embrace her true aspirations. Through her changing interactions with the members of Paradise Kiss, Yukari finds the courage to pursue her dreams and carve out her own path in the fashion world, ultimately emerging as a confident and self-assured individual. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative nature of following one's passions.

As the charismatic frontman of Paradise Kiss, George Koizumu exudes an irresistible charm and allure that captivates everyone in his orbit. His role as the group's designer not only showcases his distinctive approach to fashion but also serves as a reflection of his innovative creativity. Under his pretty exterior lies a complex personality, adding depth and dimension to the ensemble dynamics of Paradise Kiss. George's enigmatic presence sparks intrigue and fascination among his peers, making him a central figure in the group's dynamic and the series as a whole.

Despite his rugged demeanor, Arashi Nagase's character has a profound depth that belies his outward appearance. Wrestling with his own motivations for pursuing fashion, Arashi's journey is a testament to the complexities of personal identity. His relationship with Miwako also adds an intriguing dimension to the group dynamic, highlighting the intricate interplay between love and artistic expression within Paradise Kiss. As Arashi grapples with his inner turmoil, his interactions with the rest of the cast provide insight into the delicate balance between passion and vulnerability in the pursuit of creative fulfillment.

Isabella "Yasuko" Yamamoto's importance in Paradise Kiss goes beyond her function as a very skilled seamstress. As a transgender character, Isabella's presence serves as a poignant statement on the importance of self-acceptance and authenticity within the fashion industry. Her character challenges societal norms and celebrates the beauty of diversity, offering a powerful message of inclusion to viewers. Isabella's journey of self-discovery and acceptance resonates deeply with the other characters and viewers, highlighting the transformative power of embracing one's true identity in a world that often demands conformity.

Fashion and Visual Aesthetics

The fashion designs and visual aesthetics showcased in Paradise Kiss serve as more than just eye candy—they are integral to the storytelling process. From dazzling runway displays to intricate costume designs, the anime's visual style adds layers of depth to the characters and their environment. Each fashion choice serves as a reflection of the character's personalities and motivations, contributing to the overall narrative and enhancing the viewing experience of the anime. Through its stunning visuals, Paradise Kiss demonstrates the profound impact of fashion as a form of artistic expression and a vehicle for storytelling, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in its vibrant world of creativity.

Conclusion

As we explore the different natures of the Paradise Kiss cast, we discover a world of characters and motivations that bring depth and richness to the show. We encourage our readers to explore Paradise Kiss and admire its unique blend of fashion and character-driven storytelling. Join us on a journey into the lively world of Tokyo's fashion scene, where fashion serves as a canvas for personal expression. So, embrace your inner fashionista and embark on a stylish adventure with Paradise Kiss.

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The Start of a Journey

Anime has slowly become more mainstream in the West with it now becoming a big part of our entertainment. While 10 years ago if you asked someone if they heard of Demon Slayer they’d make fun of you, now those same people will say that it’s the best anime to ever exist. And while it is a great anime, I can’t help but feel that praising it like that ignores the long history of great anime out there. This is the issue with anime mainstream though as doing so means that the old greats will usually be overlooked. So that’s why I’ve decided to talk about one of the anime that is considered to be a part of “the Big 4”. Bleach Part 1: Substitute Shinigami Arc.

Our story follows Kurosaki Ichigo, a normal Japanese high school boy. He lives with his father who owns a small clinic and his two sisters. What makes him unique though is the fact that he’s able to see spirits of the dead. For most of his life, he lives occasionally helping spirits while continuing to be a highschool student. This all changes one day when he meets the Shinigami (Soul Reaper) Kuchiki Rukia. After an intense battle with a spirit monster known as a Hollow, Rukia’s back is against the wall with Ichigo coming in to save her.

Seeing no other choice, Rukia decides to give him her powers so that he can fight Hollows in her place. With this Ichigo becomes a Substitute Soul Reaper with the power to fight back against these monsters.

From here on, we follow Ichigo as he learns more about what it means to be a Soul Reaper while also protecting his town in place of its previous protector, Rukia. As the battles rage on, we are also introduced to another character and faction: Ishida Uryu, the Quincy. While similar to Soul Reapers in that both fight Hollows, he still starts off hostile towards Ichigo as Soul Reapers and Quincys are considered mortal enemies mostly due to the way the two fight against Hollows. As time goes on, though, some of this animosity starts to vanish with the two even working together at times to fight against Hollows.

However, just when Ichigo has finally started to get the hang of being a Soul Reaper, things take a sudden turn when more Soul Reapers come from the home souls, Soul Society, to have Rukia executed. While Ichigo does his best to try and fight back and protect Rukia, in the end, their skills and experience far outmatch his own, resulting in him even losing his sword. With no way to continue fighting, all he can do is watch as Rukia is taken away right in front of him. Thus ends the first arc of Bleach.

Bleach is considered one of the Big 4 of anime for a variety of reasons, standing together with the likes of Dragon Ball, One Piece and Naruto. The biggest reason why, though, is because of its influence on anime as a whole after its debut. While I can understand why people would like modern anime like Demon Slayer, I can’t help but feel that just saying it's ‘the greatest anime ever’ without even watching the greats that came before it ignores so much of what makes anime great. So that’s why I hope these series will help open your eyes to what is out there and even get you to watch the show for yourself one day.