Blog 16: The Devil

Name: Atelier Meruru Artwork
Type: Upcoming video game
Artist: Mel Kishida
Studio: Gust

I came across this artwork from a friend of mine who is a big fan of the AT series. ATM is the newest entry in the series, to be released sometime this year.

I have yet to play a game in the Atelier series, but from what I have seen, Ive been very impressed with the art style and the quality of the work. Just looking at it, you can tell it will provide a mesmerizing fantasy experience. Meruru is a bit more lighthearted, leaning towards a more magical-girl themed game. Using vibrant colours with a more Classical/Victorian art style provides a very interesting combination

 This "storybook" like setting is unlike anything Ive seen before in a game. Its also a bit of a cut-and-paste type of world, the environments look like paintings out of a storybook.

 

 The Atelier series is a series Ive always wanted to play for its music and its art direction, it seems that it will provide a very different fantasy experience from other JRPG's including "anime-style" ones.

Ill be looking to get into the series as soon as I can, this is one experience I don't want to miss.

Blog 15: The Temperance

Project Diva 2.5 Article


Name:Hatsune Miku: Project Diva 2.5
Type:Video Game
System:PSP
Developer:SEGA

A new installment in the popular Project Diva rhythm game series. Project Diva takes the virtual idol Hatsune Miku and the other Vocaloids and puts them into their own game.

Despite the mass popularity of Vocaloid, the amount of official media is small, possibly due to complications with the "Free license" The Project Diva series, by SEGA gives fans their favourite Vocaloids whilst providing entertainment in the form of a rhythm game. Since it is developed for the PSP, portability and accessibility has contributed to the series success, being able to play to your favourite songs on the go is very appealing to fans.

This new entry into the series, can be considered as a side-expansion of sorts, in preperation for the next full game. The games sell very well, and have fans overseas (United States, Canada etc) as well. The appeal of being able to play a game involving your favourite "idol, or musician" even if it is virtual is what the fans want. And a game like Project Diva provides that. Its a good way to provide a gaming experience to the player, whilst satisfying their Vocaloid craving. Overall it results in a very satisfying experience.

2.5 will add new songs, costumes and modules, essentially the finished version of Project Diva 2, fans are glad to hear SEGA will continue to provide them with games staring their own virtual idol.

Blog 14: The Death

Name: ISML-International SaiMoe League
Type: Online Event

http://www.internationalsaimoe.com/

The ISML is a fully organized and popular internet popularity contest...for anime characters.

What makes ISML so interesting are the use of rules, and the complexity and organization that goes into such a tournament. In fact, ISML is so popular participants worldwide vote in order to see their favourite character win.

Set up in brackets, scheduled events, tournament days and more, ISML is well structured and its clear its taken more seriously than people may think. The community has alot of fun voting for their favourite characters in frequent matchups in order to see who is the greatest one of all.

ISML is a creative way of getting the community involved as one, voting for their favourite character they can find people to relate to and just have a good time during the events.

Blog 13: The Hanged Man

Name: Hyperdimension Neptunia
Type: Video game
Developer: NIS, GUST/IF

Last year, NIS creators of the Disgaea series announced a new title, tentaively called "Neptune" this new game would create persona's of the major consoles all in one game. NIS would transform the Xbox 360, PS3 and the Wii into anime girls. The premise of the game is that you play as the Persona of a console, each girl has a goddess form and a human form, you play as "Purple Heart" aka Neptune and you recruit the goddesses in order to combat a mystery enemy. (A personification of R4's, DS emulator chips)

Its certainly like nothing ever done before. Taking the "console war" and heated debates of fans and making a parody out of them using anime characters.

The game is full of video game references and has achieved considerable commercial success.

Its parody in its greatest sense, personfiying the consoles and transforming them into anime girls that bicker and argue, its comical, and enjoyable to watch, a new spin on console wars.

With Neptune mk-II announced, and the involvement of other Japanese developers Neptune keeps getting better and better. Combining cutsey anime characters with the flame wars of consoles.

Blog 12: The Strength

Name: E3 2010, Konami Press Conference
Type: Annual Gaming Convention

WIth E3 2011 fast approaching, I thought it'd be best to reflect on one of the more "interesting" conferences from last years Conference.

Konami Press Conference

A notorious example of a "poor" conference at E3. Companies seem to have a habit of imploding during their conferences, Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony are all guilty of this one way or the other.

But Tak Fujii provides us with one of the most comical conferences people will ever see.

Its not just the fact that he may not have perfect english, its his enthusiasm combined with the language barrier that made this conference so famous. The video speaks for itself. Although, gamers still enjoyed watching it, no matter how bad it may have seemed, thanks to Mr. Fujii.

The rest of Konami's press conference was similarly comical, a dance game demonstration and a gag of a developer losing his head.

Naoki Maeda's...dance performance, is just as entertaining.

Its an attempt to become closer to the press and to be more friendly and open, but the conference itself seemed poorly planned and it backfired on them.

Material like this, makes up for as Kevin Butler calls it "Circus of French Acrobats" Microsoft had to promote Kinect. Events like these summed up a very poor E3. E3 2011 however, looks to be a major improvement. With Nintendo announcing their new console, and promoting the 3DS, Sony with details on NGP, and a plethora of new games and announcements, gamers around the world are eagerly anticipating the conference in May.

Blog 11: The Fortune

Name: Final Fantasy XIII
Type: Video Game
System: Xbox 360/PS3
Developer: Square Enix

Final Fantasy XIII is another installment in the world famous RPG series, Final Fantasy.

One of the most debated and argued games of the year, Square-Enix's entry onto "next-gen" platforms has resulted in their current decline.

The debate surrounding Final Fantasy XIII was not just to do with the game itself, but the direction that Square-Enix is pushing the series in. Striving to make the series more "Western" SE have angered and stirred up fans all over the world. The debacle that was the online game Final Fantasy XIV (that did so poorly, Square Enix were forced to make the game free to play) has further contributed to their "downfall"

Now this trend does not just apply to SE, Capcom are another example (the new Devil May Cry) that raises the issue of Japanese developers striving to become "Western." Western meaning, appealing and aiming their game towards the average American gamer.

Does making a game western equal to success? clearly not, but its the thought of being able to access a much larger market that drives major japanese publishers such as Square Enix and Capcom to become more Western. This thought process is not wrong, but its also possible to innovate and reach out to audiences without changing your development practices/styles.Catherine is one example of a different type of game that generates interest in all markets.

Its this divide that has displeased the western community. If they wished to play more Western games, they would simply buy games developed in or near their respective countries. Its the fact that the fans like the types of games Japanese developers make that have created such large fanbases for them. (Nintendo is a special case, Nintendo has evolved to become something much more in gaming culture) Nintendo and Konami (Metal Gear Solid) have successfully integrated their games to become part of mainstream gaming. Something Final Fantasy will be hard pressed to do.

The confusion surrounding the direction, supposed "decline" and uncertaintity around JRPG's is what impacts the niche community.However, 2011 looks to be an excellent year for JRPG's, so even with the future of the genre in doubt, it remains very much alive and well.

Blog 10: The Hermit

Name: Today is a Beautiful Day
Type: Music Album
Artist: supercell (feat. nagi)
Label: Sony Music Records
Release Date:

Today is a Beautiful Day is the first full album from music group supercell.

supercell is an 11-piece doujin group, made up of one main composer (ryo) artists (Huke, redjuice) and support staff. ryo has already gained noteriety for his compositions with Hatsune Miku  (the popular: Melt and World is Mine). Huke is the creator of Black Rock Shooter, and artist for several visual novels. So supercell isn't lacking in niconico (the japanese youtube) starpower. It all comes together with the services of nagi(gazelle) who is supercell's primary singer.

Notable works from supercell include: Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari (ending for Bakemonogatari) LOVE & ROLL and BGM (for Cencoroll) and Black Rock Shooter

Still relatively unknown in the international community (even among Vocaloid enthusiasts) supercell began to make a name for themselves by getting opportunities to showcase their work in anime and popular media. Fans eagerly anticipated their first full album: Today is a Beautiful Day.

4.   Perfect Day (Official PV)

Interpretation:
ryo himself said that he feels very melancholy during spring, the time of graduation for japanese high school students, and time for a new beginning. Fittingly enough, the album released only days after the terrible earthquake that devistated Japan. A compilation of all his previous works, plus several new tracks. Today is a beautiful day is strangely appropriate for Japan's current circumstances.

If you analyze the popularity of supercell you realize, the leader, ryo is notorious and known in Japan as "The Master Composer" For Vocaloid, Nagi also has her fans on NicoNico, along with artists Huke and Redjuice. These artists have all made a name for themselves and have a "cult following" indirectly this also shows the powers and possibilities of such communities. They are an "Indie" group but not exactly in the way you may think. Supercell is a result of pop culture in Japan, they are another example of a "rag-tag" group gaining noteriety and becoming internet stars.

Their involvement in this facet of culture in Japan represents one of the possibilities and powers of such groups. (ZUN, the creator of Touhou being another example). Supercell's youth can only benefit this industry and they can open the door for other artists to contribute to the indsutry that they know and love.

Blog 9: The Justice

Sport: eSports (Starcraft: Brood War)
Location: South Korea
Matchup:
Link:

Starcraft: Brood War Part II: Dream on,an analysis on the cultural impact of Brood War on the world. (Modern Examples)

Part 2 will dicuss the impact Starcraft has had on Korean culture and its people.


Starcraft Documentary

An excellent, short 2007 documentary done by CBC about the nature of Starcraft in South Korea.

The video follows KTF Magic'N's (now KT Rolster) and their (former) ace Kang Min (Nal_Ra)

Its clear how deeply ingrained Starcraft has become in South Korean culture. Back in its golden age (the mid 2000's) they were akin to movie stars. SlayerS'Boxer (Lim Yo-Hwan) the most famous progamer was at one point, one of the most popular people in South Korea (moreso than celebrities).

With the fastest internet in the world, and PC cafe's on every corner, the infrastructure of S.Korea was perfect for Brood War, and its exploded. Academies, schools, courses are offered, and clans and amateur leagues flourish in this digital country.

Korean Air OSL Commercial

(turn on CC)

Exagerated? yes, but not as far from the truth as you may think. The most recent example being "Baby" a player who debuted at 13 years of age, and was inspired by watching his heroes play Starcraft as a kid (well, he still is)

Did anyone expect Starcraft to do this well? not at all, back in 1995 (The original Starcraft) when the game launched it was a stroke of luck that caused this global phenomenom that is the envy of eSports everywhere. Blizzard, attempting to emulate Starcraft's success in Korea, based their recent hit, Starcraft 2 of the original 1998 game. (The expansion, known as Brood War, the game hereafter)

Starcraft is unique in the way it has become a part of mainstream culure. Other games like Counter-Strike and World of Warcraft, have large followings but not quite the same success as Starcraft has had. Every eSport game dreams of establishing a similar structure in their own respective countries. Can it be done? The Starcraft phenomenom is truly unique, and to emulate this in another country would be very difficult, particularly with "The West's" perception of video games and culture. The people who work to change these views are optimistic, and dream of being able to accept video games as not just a hobby, but a true "sport"

While eSports is very much a work in progress, Starcraft has proven that video games, and the geeky teenagers that play them, can be something more than just a hobby.

Blog 8: The Chariot

Name: PDPop MSL 2010 Finals (Munhwa Bank Starleague)
Sport: eSports (Starcraft: Brood War)
Location: South Korea
Matchup: Hydra (Hite Entus) vs great (Samsung KHAN) (ID's, Teams)
Link:PDPop MSL Finals: Hydra vs great set 1, part 1 (not necessary to watch the game, opening minute showcases the hype and excitment surrounding the game)

Starcraft: Brood War Part I: Innovate and Imagine,an analysis on the cultural impact of Brood War on the world. (Modern Examples)

Professional starcraft in South Korea has become the most successful example of eSports in the world. Ever since the games release in 1998, Starcraft: Brood War has created a phenomenom and cultural craze over a video game. Whenever you think of Starcraft, you think of Korea, they are one and the same.

With the release of Starcraft II and legal disputes between Blizzard entertainment and KeSPA (Korean eSports Association) many predicted the downfall of this 13 year old video game. On the contrary, Brood War has taken a hit, but continues to thrive.

Players sign for professional teams and compete in leagues broadcasted on two tv channels. One of the latest tournaments to happen was the MSL (an individual 1v1 tournament)

 Hydra (left) and great (right)

There was much hype surrounding the finals, the two are not the best, or the most famous players. But great declared that he would show a brand new strategy to make the game entertaining again. As a result, many people eagerly awaited this new style of gameplay.

One of the reasons why Starcraft has lasted so long is this constant innovation, new strategies are discovered and the way the game plays changes entirely. Its this innovation that keeps the game fresh and exciting.

The effects of the Korean professional seen sweep across the international community as well. Foreign fans try to copy and adapt to Korean strategies. Some terms have even become common meme's on forums (ex: Zerg Rush)

great showed us amazing gameplay in set 1, showing new hope for innovation in the game. Although he lost 4 games in a row right after, losing the championship, he still showed us an exciting game. As for Hydra, solid fundamentals and standard play allowed him to crush great. The foreign reception to the overall finals was negative, but everyone agreed that the innovation in the first set was amazing to watch.

 

A very happy Hydra-lisk

Blog 7: The Lovers

Name: Minecraft
Company: Mojang Studios
Type: Sandbox Video Game
Date: BETA as of December 20th 2010

Minecraft is the internet sandbox sensation that has taken the digital world by storm.

Created by Swedish game developer Markus Perrson (Notch), Minecraft has quickly become one of the most popular games in the world. As of January 2011, the game has sold over a million copies. Still in Beta, Minecraft has become a sleeper hit and taken the game industry by storm.

Minecraft is an open world sandbox game where the player collects blocks and crafts items in order to create their own world.

Interpretation

A few months ago, I had heard of minecraft, but thought it was just another silly gimmick. Then a friend of mine showed it to me in person and let me play. My perspective of it changed entirely. It may sound and appear silly, but in reality once you start playing it, its alot of fun.

Its clear from the amount of sales and internet coverage the true level of popularity minecraft has had. Easily moddable, custom additions further enhance peoples experience of the game, and the game is still very much unfinished.

I believe that something like minecraft is excellent for the gaming industry, proving that an indie developer can be wildly successful, and that gamers can be attracted by gameplay and expressing their creativity, rather than graphics or violence. Im not an anti-mainstream or anti-violence gamer (quite the contrary) I enjoy many genres, but its suprising to know something so fun, and family friendly can be such a hit. Its games like these which will change the negativity surroudning video games to the public.

Blog 6: The Hierophant

Name:K-ON!!
Studio:Kyoto Animation
Release:
Type: 4-Koma (Original), Slice of Life, Comedy (Anime)
Adaption: K-ON! (Kakifly)

Background:

Love it, or hate it, the anime phenomenon known as K-ON!! has taken the anime world by storm. With unprecendented popularity, Kyoto Animation may have found the one thing that could beat their previous giants Haruhi and Lucky Star.

Interpretation:

The impact of K-ON!! on the anime community is astounding

List
           -Music shops nationwide are marketing K-ON!! to atract more customers
           -Character goods making appearances in the show (cellphones,
             bags, instruments, clothes)
           -High popularity on Japan's Oricon Charts
           -Aired on 28 TV stations nationwide
           -Mascots for political elections, reenactments, concerts
           -Legions of devoted fans
         
Personally, my enjoyment of K-ON!! dissapeared midway through the second season, this cultural phenomenom, added with the fact that the direction of the show had changed didn't appeal to me as much as season 1 did. In the latest "era" of anime, K-ON! has sparked something known as the "moe boom" essentially portraying cute characters to appeal to the audience rather than a set story. Kyoto Animation's techniques make the girls appear more "bubbly" and bright than their other works.

Kyoto Animation have shown that they excel in "Slice of Life" (everyday life) shows, which is what made K-ON! so appealing to me in the first place. With the uproar over the second season, it made me think whether or not I was watching it for the "Slice of Life" element, or was caught up in the "moe boom"

Its fascinating to think that a single show can change the outlook and future of an entire "dying" industry. There's no denying that this has sparked sales and provided a "solution" for the struggling animation industry. But the results of such a movement have "taken serious shows" away from other fans. Is "moe" the only way to make money in the industry nowadays? Previously, the major animation companies may not have paid much attention to K-ON! but they may be aiming for similar results in this new "market" (ex. Hanamaru Youchien, an anime about kindergarteners from the creators of Evangelion) The fear is that they are focused on appealing to the masses rather than their own fans and ideals. A problem which I think persists for the Japanese gaming industry as well (Square Enix & Westernization)

Now, I enjoy all kinds of anime, "moe" included. But the cultural uproar over K-ON!! was a bit too much for me to wrap my head around. Because of that, I soon lost interest.

Although, truth be told, I may just be frustrated at having to wait for Fullmetal Panic! 3.

Blog 5: The Emperor

Name: BlazBlue: Continuum Shift
Developer: ArcSystem Works
Release: July 1st 2010 (JP, Console: Xbox 360/Ps3)
Type: 2D Fighting Game

Background: BlazBlue is a Japanese 2D fighting game series developed by ASW. With an "anime" like look and fast, flashy action, BB has become one of the most popular new fighters on the market today.

Interpretation:

The reason why I got interested in JRPG's and games rom Japan was simply because I liked anime. So anything with an "anime aesthetic" or style appealed to me. BlazBlue entered the market and gained popularity for its originality. With completely handdrawn sprites, this 2D fighting game looks beautiful, the combination of these sprites with sharp, 3D backgrounds make it a different visual experience for fighting game enthusiasts.

The term "style over substance" doesen't apply for BlazBlue, with a relatively small roster it still provides a refreshing combat sytem (Drive) with a concrete storyline. Flashy? yes, but there is depth behind that flash.

Its this "anime" art direction and style combined with the flashy visuals that made me very interested in the first game: Calamity Trigger. I decided to wait for the sequel, and I was not dissapointed. For casuals, it still provides a very entertaining experience despite the high learning curve.

While it may never reach the popularity of Street Fighter or MvC, the BlazBlue series has established itself in the gaming market as a solid, original fighting game series.

Blog 4: The Empress

Name: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Developer: Bethesda Softworks
Release: 11.11.11
Type: RPG, for Xbox 360/Ps3/PC

Trailer: click to watch trailer

Background: TES V:Skyrim is the 5th installment in the popular RPG series The Elder Scrolls. TES IV: Oblivion is the entry that gave the series widespread recognition, while Morrowind recieved much critical acclaim.

What sets TES apart from other RPG's is the sheer scale of the game. I was personally introduced to the series through TES III: Morrowind (2002 Xbox), and I was blown away, for such a dated game the world is massive, there are dozens of towns and cities, vast landscapes, and hundreds of dungeons and landmarks to see. The downfall to Morrowind was that the game was TOO large, yet it lacked interactive content (the world changing), but it still was a revolutionary step for RPG's.

Interpretation: Modern RPG's are plagued by a constant debate of what IS an RPG, with the focus being more and more on graphics and action, rather than RPG elements, the genre remains muddled. (Western vs Japanese, Role playing vs Action/Adventure) Adding "fanboy elitism" to the debate only makes things worse. As a neutral who just enjoys the games, Ive seen the best, and the worst of RPG gamers. Being part of the minority is never easy. Although I enjoy all classification of "RPG" (Condemnation for playing JRPG's on an Xbox 360, like its sacrilege)

TES series, remains loyal to its traditional roots of true Role-Playing and vast open worlds. Skyrim is being described as a more "realistic" (mythology wise) yet still fantastical RPG. The TES series had taken a bit of a step backward in a sense with Oblivion, adding detail but taking away the magic of Morrowind. Skyrim looks to combine the two elements into this last installment. Bethesda are doing what few others are attemping, to create a true Role Playing experience combined with the graphics and gameplay that gamers are obsessed about. Skyrim will show that a truly open world game is the real Role Playing experience.

The community reaction remains mixed, fans of the series are ecstatic, while fans of other franchises look negatively on it. Hopefully Skyrim will show game developers, and gamers what role playing truly is.

You should have acted.
They're already here.
The Elder Scrolls told of their return.
Their defeat was merely delay
Til the time after Oblivion opened,
When the sons of Skyrim would spill their own blood.
But no-one wanted to believe.
Believe they even existed.
And when the truth finally dawns:
It dawns in fire.
But,
There's one they fear.
In their tongue, he's Dovahkiin:
Dragon Born!
11.11.11. 

Blog 3: The Priestess

Artist: Shigenori Soejima
Notable Works: Art Director/Character Designer for: Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2/3/4, Trauma Center series, Catherine

2004-2010 Artbook

The Megami Tensei style

Shin Megami Tensei is a RPG series created by ATLUS (now a subsidary of Index Holdings co.) It is the 3rd most beloved RPG series in Japan, next to Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest.

The theme of the series is the world is on the brink of an apocolypse, through an invasion by "demons" The Protagonist and his/her friends must band together and "capture" demons and use them against each other to save the world.

The Persona series (Soejima's main series) puts a whole different twist on the Megami Tensei series through modernization. Especially Persona 3 and 4, which incorporate high school students as the protagonists.

Original Work - Artbook

Interpretation

As a fan of the SMT series, Soejima's works are iconic for fans of the "ps2 era" of SMT games. The most interesting aspect of his work is how he can capture the tradition of the SMT series, and make it distinctly his own style. The gothic, dark atmosphere of the SMT series combined with the mythology of the demons (Japanese, Chinese, Greek/Roman, European, Norse etc) creates the setting for these "apocolyptic" games, and Soejima excels at this mix.

Original Work - Artbook

Characters

Soejima's characters are the most interesting part about these "modern" SMT games. Soejima's character designs appear youthful, stylized, slim and attractive and show this energy/depth (particularly due to the eyes)

Impact on Society

What appeals to me most about Soejima's artworks and the SMT series is the atmosphere. With Persona 3/4 the gamer feels like they can experience the ideal Japanese highschool life. You play as an appealing, likeable silent protagonist surrounded by a cast of interesting friends. By day your living out your ideal life, going shopping with your friends, attending school and exploring the city. By night your fighting off "Demons" in a dark world and preventing the apocolypse. Its this portrayal of an ideal, interesting teenagers life that some people wish they had, which is why the more modern Persona 3 and 4 have been the most successful games in the SMT series. Soejima's stylish, youthfull and attractive character designs help portray this "life of a hero" in all his works, that we often wish was a reality.

Blog 2: The Magician

Artist: Yusuke Nakamura
Artwork: General
Notable Works: Yojou-han Shinwa Taikei, AKFG Covers

"Blue"

»› Who is Nakamura Yusuke?

中村佑介 is a artist and musician from Japan. His artwork is frequently featured on album covers of bands such as ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION and can be found on other sources such as in advertisements and in videogames such as Guitar Freaks.

中村佑介's art can be described as something that gives a nostalgic feeling. In general, Nakamura-san's art is rather imaginative and detailed in such a way that whenever you look at one of his works you can spot another detail you missed the first time you see it.

Description taken from: http://flora-fleur.net/nakamura/


Interpretation


Yusuke Nakamura is one of my favourite artists. I first saw his artwork through AKFG album covers, but I thought his work was strange, but somewhat interesting at the time. Once I began to look more closely at some of his other works I was amazed.

His style is his own, a mix between traditional Japanese painting and manga, his characters are very defined. The fact that they are so "white" gives off the image that they're pure characters. Their expressions are usually very mellow, dazed or reserved, but they give of an interesting message.

 

Yojou-han Shinwa Taikei

What truly makes his work fascinating is his variations of using these "clear" characters in a very vibrant, fantastic, abstract background and using them in clear backdrops. At first they look strange, but once you more closely you can interpret his message. The daydream like image his work gives off is inspiring.

His work is a different way of showing young people in modern society. His subjects are usually young men and mostly women. It shows them as "innocent" in this daydream like abstract state. A nice change from advertising sexuality or violence in some media today. It shows youth in a different perspective, one that doesen't have to be childish to show "purity"

He also inspires me to try to learn from his style of using colourful "vectors" and shapes, giving of this fantastical daydream-like image.

A Clear File

Blog 1: The Fool

Song Name: Magic Disk - lyrics (translated)
Artist: Asian Kung-Fu Generation
Label: Ki/oon records
Illustration: Yusuke Nakamura

Link: AKFG - Magic Disk

Description

"Magic Disk" is the title track to AKFG's 6th studio album under the same name. Released on June 23rd 2010, the album also includes the title track to the movie "Solanin" and "Maigoinu to Ame no Beat" which is the Opening to the anime: Yojou-han Shinwa Takei.

Described as an indie band that mixes different genres, AKFG remains popular despite being Indie, but is still unknown by many people around the world, despite creating anime openings for: Bleach (After Dark-OP 7), Naruto (Haruka Kanata-OP 2), and FullMetal Alchemist (Rewrite-OP 3). A mainstay in the Oricon charts, AKFG has enjoyed considerable success in Japan and Asia.

Their newest album is considerably different from past albums, deciding to experiment with a different style of music while remaining "AKFG".

The Message

The story of the music video is about a girl who buys this cd, she eagerly goes home to try it out and discovers that this "Magic Disk" brings her closer to the band, things begin to turn strange when she sees these illustrations of steam and birds appearing out of nowhere, and she gets sucked into this dreamworld, a world where the band is right in front of her eyes with all these elements of nature surrounding them.

She realizes she's viewing the world with a different perspective because of this "Magic Disk" because of the music everything that seemed ordinairy and boring, seems different, new and exciting.

Eventually more people begin to use this "Magic Disk" to see the world in this new way. The video ends with the girl waking up from her dream.

Interpretation

I think that the director is trying to communicate the message of the power of music, as cheesy as that may sound, its something that is overlooked in todays world. Being able to view the world in a different perspective and to be inspired by music, changes everyday life. The message that the musician tries to communicate to you gets interpreted in different ways. But what makes music, and music videos so interesting is that everyone has their own different view of the message that is trying to be conveyed, based on experiences from their own lives and their own thought processes. Once you get past music just sounding nice, and think of the meaning, you have a whole different perspective of it, something that I can relate too, I view things in a completely different way, and get inspired because of music. The themes of modern "western" music in my opinion are often distorted by the culture of the 21st century, (drugs, violence etc.) But its nice to know their are still bands that can escape this trend and create more "honest" music, escaping the negativity of society.

-----
p.s. The titles of my blogs are another reference to P3:FES, the game uses Tarot cards, so Ill be naming my blogs after each "Arcana" in the game.