CLANNAD ~After Story~ Ep 22 *END*

Well, it’s definitely been a long long ride full of emotional ups and downs. I remember I started watching from the original CLANNAD season right when it first began. Man, I just have to say Kyoto Animation has done a masterful job at driving me to the verge of tears in the latest episodes (and in the whole series throughout). The concept of family is so brilliantly represented in this romance/slice-of-life anime, and it does it in a very believable way. All the special moments in the story are nicely highlighted with the animation and the music as well. What I really loved is how it managed to establish a connection with the events, the characters, and oneself, making you truly care about the protagonists and reflecting upon yourself and your life.

*spoilers*

My only complaint would have to be the ending. Personally I thought it could have been much better. It just felt so forced and cheap and it went against all that they had done in such a natural, believable, yet emotional manner. It crushed all the emotional build-up that had led to the final episode and made it feel like it was all for nothing. They shouldn’t have done “that” miracle and instead they should have taken a spiritual approach and climax point, yet ending with a realistic and meaningful resolution. Quoting anon person: “They chose a good ending over a meaningful ending”. And that is what left a slight disappointment inside of me.

*spoilers end*

However, I must recognize that I enjoyed watching the series as a whole and that it was worth it despite the ending. Clannad has touched my heart like no other anime (if you don’t count 5cm/s :P ). I definitely recommend it if you (for some shameful, freakish reason) haven’t watched it.

Also Kyou is awesome. Nuff said.

Buying a New Guitar

Man I need a new guitar. This old starter pack Fender actually sounds nice for the price, but I need more now that I’ve been practicing for almost 2 years.

_

My dream guitar would be the Ibanez RGT6EXFX but jesus, it’s so pricey. It’s got everything I’m looking for. No whammy bar, two humbucker pickups (and EMG to boo, although I’m probably switching them for an Air Norton/Tone Zone combo) and it’s sexy black with neck-thru paint. It’s just perfect.

I’m thinking of maybe subscribing for one of those pay to post sites, like ReviewMe. I’ve heard good things from them, and I’m jobless at the moment. I need the money for my musical luxuries. Oh well.

Yeah, I realize I haven’t blogged in forever, but I decided to get back to it. Cool, huh? :P

5 Centimeters Per Second

First of all, I’d like to add that this movie is one of the most amazing movies I have ever seen in my entire life. Sure, it’s animated, but who cares? The plot and characters are the things that count here, really.

Omitting those awful, deadly spoilers, this movie is about 2 people (a girl, named Akari, and a boy named Takaki), how their friendship develops, how love springs, and how they slowly drift apart. This is just the tip of the iceberg. The movie is incredible, the artwork and animation is like nothing I’ve ever seen in animated movies. The theme is real-life, but it’s so real that it really grabs your attention. I was so melancholic for a while after I finished watching it, and it really made me think about my life and how nothing lasts forever. The music is simple, but beautiful and it fits so well with the movie. The voice actors are good too (very un-cliche if I do say so myself, unlike many actors that sound forced or constipated). The audio for this movie is currently in Japanese, and I saw this movie with subtitles, but it will be available in English soon.

You can truly admire one of the many, many beautiful scenes that appear in this movie. It is really a must-watch for anyone. Here is the japanese trailer with subtitles. It’s pretty good.

What I’m typing in this post is nothing compared to the actual movie itself. This movie will be released in North America on December this year. I can’t wait for it! :D

EDIT: Turns out it wasn’t really released in December. It was just a rumor. It was released a few months later and I went to my local Best Buy to buy it. It was so worth it. A beautiful movie. Even after 2 years (?) after writing this post it is still my favorite movie of all time.

DTXMania

Check out this awesome drum/bass/guitar simulator game. It features real-time sounds and the ability to add songs to it. You can download it here. The UI is pretty cool and whatnot, and you can get some songs on GDAMania.net. You have to create an account before you start downloading though.

“Monster Tree” and “Breakdown” are some popular songs I’ve play and they’re pretty good in my opinion. They feature all three instruments, and you can choose which one you want to play. I’m pretty good at playing this simulator on the keyboard, although I’m nothing wow-worthy. I wish I had those silent session drums to use them as controllers. I might as well buy the real deal though. Or hopelessly look in my nearest local arcade, wondering “WHAT THE HELL DID THEY DO WITH THIS WONDROUS MACHINE WHY DID THEY TAKE IT OUT IT WAS AWESOME”.

Another screenshot:

Get it now. I don’t really play it much anymore, mainly because I forgot about it, but it’s a great, free simulator. Well worth your time if you’re a fan of rhythm games like Stepmania and shiz.