The most striking I noticed when I opened the box was how huge Sengoku Basara 4: Official Complete Works is; it dominates the older volumes with its thickness. All of these books should keep me busy for a while.
I also received a small delivery from the folks at Otaku Republic after panicking when I saw that one of my favourite circles had unexpectedly produced a new Toyotomi army book that I hadn't ordered. There's a single Magi. doujinshi tucked in the corner as well, and the Otaku Republic staff kindly included a free Sengoku Basara -The Last Party- clear file as a gift. It's almost as though they know what my favourite series is...
The only Blu-ray in the picture is the Japanese Blu-ray release of the Puella Magi Madoka Magi: Hangyaku No Monogatari (Rebellion) movie. I can't remember why I ordered the Japanese set this time instead of going for Aniplex USA's version with its translated booklet; the exchange rates must have made it significantly cheaper at the time. The finish on the chipboard box and the storybook-style fold-out packaging is stunning; it's probably one of the loveliest digipaks I've seen.
What do you think of SB4 complete works? Since it’s so thick, is there much concept art, or mostly character models/text? I miss the old concept artist. He was a major reason why I bought the previous book in English for SB3 so am not personally sure about this one.
ReplyDeleteHmm, the Complete Works is much less exciting than usual this time because of the art book which came with the game itself. Most of Ookubo's best work was already in there (albeit in a smaller size), so there is a lot of duplication. The new characters share a six page feature with new (to me) concept drawings of early ideas, like Sakon with a mohawk, a wild-looking Yoshiteru and a girlier Naotora. Among the best new materials are the gorgeous stage 'image' sketches and the adorably detailed illustrations showing how the designers wanted the new characters' signature moves to work.
DeleteThe detailed pictures of the CG art are great (and I'm glad to have clarification for a lot of the unsubtitled lines in the game, such as Masamune's unintelligible shouts of things like "Bad. Sacrificial Race!"). However, if you're hoping for pages of glorious concept art like in the older books, however, this might be a disappointment. It's a shame they couldn't commission Tsuchibayashi to paint a few pieces showing the newcomers in his style as a tribute to the earlier games.
Can't agree more on Complete Works. It's a real disappointment Tsuchibayashi didn't make it in in any possible form but overall it's still a good book (but definetely amongst the weak ones along with Utage Complete Works in terms of artwork if you compare it with the rest of series' library). BTW, Yoshiteru with messed hairstyle looks interesting, indeed, lol. And stages section is probably the best part of the book (in my opinion of course). Too bad I don't understand what VA are saying about reprising their roles - it's always a cool read :)
DeleteAh OK. The stages section sounds interesting but I'll skip this one.
Delete"Bad. Sacrificial Race!" - Lol what? Does he really say that, what can that mean? He also says something really weird I can't hear when unleashing his circle attack.
His normal circle attack is "Go to lightning tomorrow!". "Bad. Sacrificial Race!" is what he says when he uses the same attack in Maximum Style (slowdown) mode. I have no idea, either...
DeleteNever change, Masamune :)
That was a quick reply, just as I was reading another post!
DeleteOK mystery solved, at least what he says! Usually he uses good relevant english phrases so this is odd. Although I remember him randomly saying something like "insufficient blood" once. Whut?
Here's mine (from a couple hours ago) - http://content.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/vegaman/_myphoto/i-174.jpg.
ReplyDelete*goes into pleased Hideaki mode*
And thanks a lot ^^
Hahaha, nice! I'm glad that arrived :D
DeleteI didn't realise there were different bookmarks available with The Complete Guide!
Yeah, I thought it would be interesting to mention it (different bookmarks that is) so I put it out of the book on purpose. And it came from CD Japan as well, by the way.
Delete