Anime Music Tournament Picks

The folks over at Anime Instrumentality are bringing together a contest pitting the great anime songs of all times against each other. You can see more details on the project’s main site – Anime Music Tourney.

The more the merrier, I say, so I thought I would use this opportunity to post my nomination picks and discuss some of my favorite anime OPs, EDs and inserts. With the theme of the tournament in mind, I paid little attention to the visual side of things this time around. That said, the reasons each song got on the list are still quite varied, as you will no doubt see below.

(Click on the titles for youtube links to the songs.)

1. AKB0048 – Kibou ni Tsuite

There is no song in recent memory that had to carry as much a burden as Kibou ni Tsuite. It is still easy to write songs on freedom, artistic passion, adolescent dreams or the vast expanse of a future interplanetary civilization. What is difficult is twining all those themes together in a single musical feat of world-building and keeping the emotional flavor and balance of it all. Kibou ni Tsuite takes voice talent rooted in AKB48 and brings them out of their comfort zone into new and exciting territory. A make or break OP that brought it off perfectly.

2. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni – Higurashi no Naku Koro ni

Were I to make a list of the best opening sequences, Higurashi would be a strong contender for the top spot. How much less would the show have been if burdened by a piece more generic than this gateway to a land horror and beauty. Leave your sanity on the doorstep, for this is a different world.

3. Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica – Magia

Used to its utmost potential an ED or an OP is a sword, cutting deep and leaving scars that remain forever. And Magia was unleashed mercilessly, cleaving through the falsehood of its show only to reveal yet greater despair to come. Haunting and beautiful, yes, but cruel in its beauty – a proud representative of Yuki Kajiura on this list.

4. K-On!! – U&I

If you ask me for the best songs K-On has to offer, I would point you to No, Thank You, followed by Singing!. In short, Mio (Hikasa Youko) songs.

But then, U&I is less a song than a confession. It does things only an insert song can do. It takes Yui, the eternal airhead, and puts her face to face with her shortcomings. It fills me with pride for Yui, happiness for Ui. A piece that earns its greatness by being a integral part of a story, supporting it and finding supported in turn.

5. Shakugan no Shana – Yoake Umare Kuru Shoujo

It was a long time before I gave the Shana franchise a fair chance. This was one of the things that convinced me.

6. Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha – Innocent Starter

The track I will forever remember as my introduction to Nana Mizuki. Not unlike the track above, this opening convinced me to give Nanoha a chance, and I regret nothing. Innocent Starter is also a beautiful reminder that even as there are beamspam battles and inhuman genetic experiments going on in the background, the first season of Nanoha is about a girl reaching out her hand to help another.

7. Katanagatari – Gettouka

(www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJk6D11xKe0&hd=1)

The “you’ve-made-Nanami-mad-now-pay-the-price” background music from Katanagatari. Of course, it was played in other scenes too, but that Ep. 7 clash remains forever imprinted in my mind.

The background choir gives this track a classic theater feel. One of the advantages of theater over recorded media is how it brings you close to the events playing out, sucking you in. But there is a terrifying element to that, as no matter how close up you are, you can only watch the events unfold, powerless to prevent the inevitable resolution…

8. Yuru Yuri – Yuri Yura-ra-ra-ra Yuru Yuri Daijiken

(www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfYHX7lwmwg&hd=1)

Rather than a favorite song, this is a hats-off to the entire musical side of the Yuru Yuri franchise – songs so thoroughly vapid as to become art. Even the typographical details of the lyrics were made with sugar-high schoolgirls in mind. But it is because of stuff like that that your defense is down by the time My Sweet Memory rolls around.

9. Girls und Panzer – Katyusha

(www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehhitnnB22k&hd=1)

Come on, it’s Katyusha. How many anime insert songs can you name that made half as much of a buzz as this one did? And it is an old classic outside the anime world, too.

10. Ojamajo Doremi – Ojamajo Carnival

(www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NLwkQ6gYg8&hd=1)

There was one karaoke outing with my non-otaku Japanese friends where somebody felt like risking their dignity and chose a somewhat embarrassing song to perform. Before long, things started escalating with ever weirder song picks until things ended with half the room singing the above. Oh the memories xD.

11. Yosuga no Sora – Hiyoku no Hane

(www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiIu9GIMAbY&hd=1)

If you thought great openings necessarily go along with great anime, think again.

12. Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu – God Knows

(www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kA4tGu60mo&hd=1)

Does this require any introduction? 2006 was the year when I first started watching up to date anime fansubs. Haruhi turned out to be a very, very good place to start with.

13. Tamayura – Okaerinasai

(www.youtube.com/watch?v=shti_u9dZ6w&hd=1)

When you knew all good things,

all beautiful colors in the world,

yet knew nothing of the world.

Welcome back, to that time.

May I glomp the lyrics?

14. Idolm@ster – Yakusoku (TV ver.)

(www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwvMN5Yl3NE&hd=1)

The full length TV version – people who have seen the show will know how that every detail of “how” this was sung is important – the overly long intro, the vocal switch etc. Every time you listen to this, you remember the goose-bumps of one of the best scenes in the anime.

15. Shinryaku Ika Musume – Shinryaku no Susume

(www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FdjNIihAGU&hd=1)

There is some territory popular music will not dare tread upon, but anisongs are too wacko to care. (But it is a beautiful song about peace and understanding each other!) Had to pick between this and Happy New Nyaa.

X. Soul Eater – Strength

(www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8-zdFCpRmA&hd=1)

You know how you are always bound to forget at least one favorite when nominating a lot of things? This fits the bill for me in terms of this tournament. By far one of my favorite ED themes. Where many EDs fail to contribute much to the series they represent, Strength spins a completely new, unnerving story. It shows a possible dark future where the main characters have failed in their quest, serving as a perfect balance for the more light-hearted elements of the show. Even without the anime connection, though, Strength is a really powerful piece.

Of course, there are many great tracks that I could not fit into my ballot. Which is why you should go and cast your vote for them. Have a fun tourney~.

Precious Memories Project – K-On! Part 1 Set

The very first set of the Precious Memories TCG now joins the sets available for the Precious Memories Lackey plugin. And it’s huge as hell >_<.

Starting with this set, the Activation Timing part of the effect for Event cards has been separated from the rest of the card effect text, making it possible to look for Event cards with the Timing filter. We will gladly accept help with updating the previous sets for this change, so drop a line below if you happen to have some free time on your hands. 

Update Only / Lite ver.

If you’re updating from the Kokoro Connect release. Update contains only K-On! Part 1 cards.

1. Download the update files here.
2. Place the .txt files in your “LackeyCCG\plugins\purememo\sets” folder (Overwrite the old .txt files when prompted.)
3. Place the .jpg files in your “LackeyCCG\plugins\purememo\sets\setimages\general” folder 

Full version

Contains everything released so far.

1. Download the files here.
2. (If you have downloaded the plugin before.) Replace your “purememo” plugin folder with the new version above. Make sure to make a copy of any decks you have already made before overwriting the old folder. (Decks are stored in the purememo/decks folder.)
3. (If this is your first time downloading.) Install Lackey and unpack the plugin into the plugin folder.

Contents

Current plugin contains card images and translations for:

• Girls und Panzer set
• Yuru Yuri set (+Promos)
• Puella Magi Madoka Magica set (+SP, +Promos)
• Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate (+Promos)
• Kokoro Connect (+Promos)
• K-On! Part1 (+Promos)

If you are only interested in the translation/card data, download and unpack the plugin, and look for the .txt files in the “purememo/sets” folder. Drag-and-drop the files into your Microsoft Excel (or equivalent) for easy access.

Girls und Panzer, Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate, K-On Part 1 sets and assorted Promos translated by Cytrus (me).

Puella Magi Madoka Magica and PMMM Special Pack card translations by Marlin-sama at Approach Phase.

Yuru Yuri set card translations based on the work by Bakkin Translations.

Kokoro Connect translated by Liang Shi Yi at Pineapple Mania.

Contact

Comments and corrections are welcome in the comments below or at preciousmemoriesplugin@gmail.com We will gladly accept help with text editing for future sets, so drop a line if you are interested in helping out. You can also request sets you would like to see out first.

Precious Memories Project – Kokoro Connect Set

Kokoro Connect now joins the card sets available for the Precious Memories Lackey plugin.

Credit for the translation goes to Liang Shi Yi. Much of the database work for this release was handled by Ivan Lim.

Update Only / Lite ver.

If you’re updating from the KoiChoco release. Update contains only Kokoro Connect cards.

1. Download the update files here.
2. Place the .txt files in your “LackeyCCG\plugins\purememo\sets” folder (Overwrite the old .txt files when prompted.)
3. Place the .jpg files in your “LackeyCCG\plugins\purememo\sets\setimages\general” folder 

Full version

Contains everything released so far.

1. Download the files here.
2. (If you have downloaded the plugin before.) Replace your “purememo” plugin folder with the new version above. Make sure to make a copy of any decks you have already made before overwriting the old folder. (Decks are stored in the purememo/decks folder.)
3. (If this is your first time downloading.) Install Lackey and unpack the plugin into the plugin folder.

Contents

Current plugin contains card images and translations for:

• Girls und Panzer set
• Yuru Yuri set (+Promos)
• Puella Magi Madoka Magica set (+SP, +Promos)
• Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate (+Promos)
• Kokoro Connect (+Promos)

If you are only interested in the translation/card data, download and unpack the plugin, and look for the .txt files in the “purememo/sets” folder. Drag-and-drop the files into your Microsoft Excel (or equivalent) for easy access.

Girls und Panzer, Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate sets and assorted Promos translated by Cytrus (me).

Puella Magi Madoka Magica and PMMM Special Pack card translations by Marlin-sama at Approach Phase.

Yuru Yuri set card translations based on the work by Bakkin Translations.

Kokoro Connect translated by Liang Shi Yi.

Contact

Comments and corrections are welcome in the comments below or at preciousmemoriesplugin@gmail.com We will gladly accept help with text editing for future sets, so drop a line if you are interested in helping out. You can also request sets you would like to see out first.

Precious Memories Project – Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate Set

As a surprise release, the Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate set has been readied for the Precious Memories Lackey plugin.

Update Only / Lite ver.

If you’re updating from the Madoka release. Update contains only KoiChoco cards.

1. Download the update files here.
2. Place the .txt files in your “LackeyCCG\plugins\purememo\sets” folder (Overwrite the old .txt files when prompted.)
3. Place the .jpg files in your “LackeyCCG\plugins\purememo\sets\setimages\general” folder 

Full version

Contains everything released so far.

1. Download the files here.
2. (If you have downloaded the plugin before.) Replace your “purememo” plugin folder with the new version above. Make sure to make a copy of any decks you have already made before overwriting the old folder. (Decks are stored in the purememo/decks folder.)
3. (If this is your first time downloading.) Install Lackey and unpack the plugin into the plugin folder.

Contents

Current plugin contains card images and translations for:

• Girls und Panzer set
• Yuru Yuri set (+Promos)
• Puella Magi Madoka Magica set (+SP, +Promos)
• Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate (+Promos)

If you are only interested in the translation/card data, download and unpack the plugin, and look for the .txt files in the “purememo/sets” folder. Drag-and-drop the files into your Microsoft Excel (or equivalent) for easy access.

Girls und Panzer, Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate sets translated by Cytrus (me).

Puella Magi Madoka Magica and PMMM Special Pack card translations by Marlin-sama at Approach Phase.

Yuru Yuri set card translations based on the work by Bakkin Translations.

Contact

Comments and corrections are welcome in the comments below or at preciousmemoriesplugin@gmail.com We will gladly accept help with text editing for future sets, so drop a line if you are interested in helping out. You can also request sets you would like to see out first.

Precious Memories Project – Madoka Magica Set

The Madoka Magica card sets (Base + SP + Promotional Cards displayed at the official site) are all ready for your Precious Memories Lackey plugin. You can download them here (or the Mediafire mirror).

If you’re updating, replace your “purememo” plugin folder with the new version above – just make sure to make a copy of any decks you have already made before overwriting the old folder. (Decks are stored in the purememo/decks folder.)

If this is your first time downloading, just install Lackey and unpack the plugin into the plugin folder.

Current plugin contains card images and translations for:

• Girls und Panzer set
• Yuru Yuri set (+Promos)
• Puella Magi Madoka Magica set (+SP, +Promos)

If you are only interested in the translation/card data, download and unpack the plugin, and look for the .txt files in the “purememo/sets” folder. Drag-and-drop the files into your Microsoft Excel (or equivalent) for easy access.

Credit for the Puella Magi Madoka Magica and PMMM Special Pack card translations goes to Marlin-sama at Approach Phase.

Yuru Yuri set card translations based on the work by Bakkin Translations.

Comments and corrections are welcome in the comments below or at preciousmemoriesplugin@gmail.com We will gladly accept help with text editing for future sets, so drop a line if you are interested in helping out. You can also request sets you would like to see out before others.

Achiga 16–No Bad Deed Goes Unrewarded

You know I have my gripes with Shiraitodai as a team. Their team creation method that insists on gathering players of a single type is downright ridiculous, making it completely possible that half of the school’s top 10 players end up warming the bench while amateurs (coughSeikocough) that got lucky to team up with Teru somehow go on to represent the school. The result is obviously an incredibly unbalanced team almost entirely reliant on Teru, and even lacking the flexibility to at least try and protect the huge leads Teru gains.

But honestly, Awai takes the cake.

 

Shiraitodai in last place. Needs a baiman from Achiga or Shindouji (8 han, 16,000 pts), or a haneman from Senriyama or own draw (6 han, 12,000 pts) to advance to the finals.

Make no mistake, this is bad.

Luckily enough, Awai manages to turn her hand into a haneman-capable shape. It is still a difficult situation, as she basically has no choice but to go out on a self-drawn six of bamboo if she wants to move on to the finals (or call riichi and add the possibility of going out on Ryuuka’s discards). Still, Awai is determined to see things through to the end.

Only, all her self-restraint and reason seem to be blown away the moment she draws the tile necessary for her kan. She ignores what she sees as a opportunity for a 24,000 point victory from Shindouji just because “it wouldn’t get her first place”. There’s no benefit to getting first place here, except for bragging rights, so I cannot see it as anything but Awai putting her personal pride before the good of the team.

The result we all know: Awai just barely manages second place anyway. The real kicker is, had she followed her erroneous assumption that she will get four kan dora and did the reasonable thing (winning from Shindouji), Awai would have won a 7 han baiman hand… and lost to Senriyama, making Shiraitodai drop out of the finals!

This really makes me question what Ritz wanted to convey here. Awai wins only because she was selfish AND cocky? That’s a broken Aesop if I have ever seen one.

Either way, I cannot see Shiraitodai as a serious team anymore, and I am looking forward to seeing them get their assess kicked in the finals. I am sure Ritz will make them look stronger in the main story than here, but Shiraitodai will always be the least team-like team out there, and it is a shame teams like Senriyama and Shindouji had to make place for those “returning champions”.    

Bringing the Precious Memories CCG Online

I crawl out from deep underground with a new project in tow.

Many of you have probably already heard about Precious Memories, a collectible card game similar to Magic the Gathering or Yugioh, except with more moe girls than powerful spells and terrifying monsters.

  Of course, knowing about the game and attempting to play it are completely different matters. Playing PureMemo requires you:

• know Japanese
• live somewhere where you can get the cards
• find playing partners

…which is not exactly easy. But it is also about to become easier. I present to you the Precious Memories plugin for the Lackey card game simulator:

Armed with the Precious Memories plugin, Lackey offers the following features:

• card translations you can easily toggle on and off
• a card database allowing you to look up any card within seconds, even when offline
• a convenient deck builder tool
• the ability to test out your new deck idea for initial draws etc. as many times as you like before you invest your hard-earned money into the cards you’re missing
• the ability to connect with other Lackey users to play a game online

The plugin project starts out with the 126 cards making up the Girls und Panzer set, but the aim is to quickly expand to other sets, starting with those that have fan translations already available. (Update: Yuru Yuri, Madoka Magica sets added)

Getting started

To install and run the Lackey plugin:

1. Go to the official Lackey webpage and download the file matching your operating system. Install Lackey.
2. Download the latest plugin version here. (Mediafire mirror)
3. Unpack the plugin to the “plugins” folder in your Lackey directory.
4. Run Lackey and go to the Preferences tab. Click on “Browse installed plugins to load one” and select Purememo from the menu.

Beginner tips

Right click on a player name and choose an item from “Load recent deck” to load a deck. But first, go to the deck editor to construct and save your own decks.

Right click anywhere on the playing field and choose “Draw X” to draw a specific number of cards at once, otherwise use the “Draw” button on the field.

Play cards by dragging them from your hand and onto the playing field, or right-click –> Play.

Discard card by right-click –> Send to Top of –> Discard Pile, or temporarily drag them to the playing field, change the card zone to the discard pile and drag the card there.

Double click a card to ready or rest it. You can also right-click and use the appropriate options.

Send the top card of the deck to the point pile by right-clicking the deck button and choosing Move/Top/1/To top of/Point Pile.

Deck manipulation effects can be carried out by right-clicking the deck-button and choosing Reveal to Owner/Top/X

Lackey will not enforce any rules or card effects. All actions you take are recorded and shown to the opponent in the log box at the bottom of the screen, and it is up to you and your opponent that you play the game in accordance with the original rules.

Precious Memories CCG Rules and Resources

The rules of the CCG have been explained in English by HeartNana here.

A facebook page plugin users can use for coordination purposes was set up here.

The official website of the game (Japanese only) can be found here.

Marlin-sama provides card reviews and translations at his blog here.

A facebook group for PM fans here.

More card translations here, here, here, and other places, probably.

Basic Lingo

Precious Memories-specific terms used in the translation:

Arrival – a character card arrives when you play it from your hand by paying its cost (even if the cost was 0). A character that is placed on the field by the effect of other cards is not considered to have arrived.

Approach/Block – Equivalent to attacking and defending respectively.

Retreat – a character retreats if it is sent from the field to the discard pile as a direct result of participating in an Approach or Block. Characters leaving the field by the effect of other cards are not considered to have retreated.

Score a point – Whenever a character’s Approach is not Blocked, the character scores a point and the topmost card of the opponent’s deck is moved to their point pile. Scoring seven points is the basic win condition of the game.

Contact, Questions & Support

For any questions, corrections, suggestions and the like, you can comment here or drop a line at preciousmemoriesplugin@gmail.com

Other than translating the card effects, expanding the plugin to include new sets requires some simple, but time-consuming data processing. If you have Microsoft Excel (or just Notepad) and would like to contribute a few hours of your time to quicken the release of your favorite set, contact me at the mail address above. Translators interested in the project are also welcome to lend us their support.

That’s all folks, go have fun with the game!

—

Disclaimer: LackeyCCG is the property of its developer, Trevor Agnitti. The Precious Memories CCG is the copyright of MOVIC & ensky. All related images and text is used for promotional purposes only and will be removed at the request of the copyright holder.