- Part 5

Haa~ It’s already the end of September.

Kurisu is still the one of the best. — Kurisu is still one of the best.

Heyos Everyones!!

What an incredibly busy and odd summer! This was the first summer I’ve had where things weren’t really all set in stone, and I can’t say I’m necessarily a fan of that feeling. This summer was full of crazy and wacky shenanigans, and I’m honestly shocked I was able to get through this summer alive. Of course, I apologize about my lack of updates and what not, but I just haven’t had any time to discuss the crazy events that have been going on, and no anime or game has stuck out enough for me to write about the lasting impression. Perhaps that will change this season as it will be the first season of anime that I will be able to follow along as it airs! After the events of the past few years, I’ve been neglecting new anime and this is going to be a nice change a pace, so maybe I’ll be able to write up some opinions on these shows!

As for Dowase Entertainment and the various panels and conventions we’ve been to, there haven’t been too many events to talk about. Of course, Anime Expo 2014 was pretty interesting, but there were a lot of disappointing and lackluster events going on, and I really wasn’t too interested in a lot that was happening. While AX was my first anime convention back in 2010, I can’t say if I will be returning in 2015. There has to be a fantastic musical guest for me to return. Saboten Con 2014 was another event, and we held two panels for the convention. Both panels were fantastic, and I hope that everyone had a great time! The next convention planned is Kikori Con in Flagstaff, so I am really looking forward to that. Next year is going to be another wonderful year, so let’s see how much fun can be had in the coming conventions!!

Personally, I’ve been working my best to catch up on shows that I’ve missed this past year and a half. Watamote, Wizard Barristers, Engaged to the Unidentified, Love Live, and High School DxD NEW are among the series I’ve recently caught up on, and I’m really looking forward to series such as Psycho Pass, Black Bullet, and Hamatora S2. In terms of gaming, I had to put a pause on my gaming backlog because my anime backlog was just too massive. Of course, I do plan on playing Tales of Hearts R when it’s released and I’m looking forward to the new Smash! Other than that, the rest can wait until January, where I am to be caught up with series.

Well, that’s pretty much all that’s important, wrapped up in a nutshell. I anticipate writing more for this blog in the coming months, especially with school in session and whatnot. I’ve more a drive for it when I’m busy. So, look forward to the future!!
-Ace

Gaming Impressions : Phoenix Wright Trilogy

(This review may contain spoilers for the following series. If you have not seen the series before, please exercise caution before viewing this post. You have been warned.)

Continue reading Gaming Impressions : Phoenix Wright Trilogy

Holy Smokes! What an Eventful Week!

Flynn! It's time for you final breath, ehehehehe~ — Flynn! It’s time for you final breath, ehehehehe~

Heyos Everyones!!

I hope everyone enjoyed the little preview as to what’s to come with new content for the blog! Ideally, I’m hoping to stick to a solid Tuesday, Thursday schedule for Impressions posts (Initial or Lasting) and I have a few surprises up my sleeve. I’m happy to return to this schedule, and I’m hoping nothing unexpected happens like last time. (I’m keeping my guard up! I won’t succumb to that terrible plague again!)

Regardless, this week has been downright awesome for me. All this pleasant Tales of Xillia and Tales of Hearts news, and I’m super hyped for this summer with all the awesome releases. I can say that this summer is looking to be one of the best summers in recent time, and I’m super hyped for what’s in store.

In addition to the release of awesome games like Tales of Xillia 2, my convention schedule is looking quite nice as well. In June, Dowase will be attending Phoenix Comicon 2014. In July, we will also be attending Anime Expo 2014, but that appearance will not be as Dowase Entertainment, as we will not be presenting any panels or programming for that convention. In early September, we should be attending Saboten Con 2014. In short, this summer is definitely booked for the convention scene!!

As I sit here finishing up my semester of school, I’m happy to say that this year is turning out amazing! Of course, it’s too early to say that this year was an overwhelming success, but I really aim to make this year really stand out in the grand scheme of things, and I hope that this year will be the stepping stone for years to come!!

Until Next Time,
Ace

Lasting Impressions : D-Frag (2014)

(This review may contain spoilers for the following series. If you have not seen the series before, please exercise caution before viewing this post. You have been warned.)

Continue reading Lasting Impressions : D-Frag (2014)

Lasting Impressions : Log Horizon (2013)

(This review may contain spoilers for the following series. If you have not seen the series before, please exercise caution before viewing this post. You have been warned.)

Continue reading Lasting Impressions : Log Horizon (2013)

Time and Time Again

This blog is now dedicated to the shrine of Milla. Surrender now, or prepare to fight.

Heyos Everyones!!

I’m honestly baffled at how little I’ve done this year. It’s been a real hectic year, and I feel like I’ve missed multiple opportunities to buff up the site or buff up my programs / games. I’ve learned a lot this year, and I’m sure I’ll continue to learn as the year progresses, but damn, I need to get the ball rolling on quite a number of things.

I’ve wanted to start up my lasting impressions segment again after a long hiatus. I’ve been cleaning up my backlog and I’ve got a number of opinions, it’s just a matter of sitting down and putting them all down on paper. I know it’ll start up soon, it’s just a matter of when I actually get my thoughts down. It’ll happen, hopefully sooner rather than later.

In addition to that, I’ve been learning a lot about structure and problem solving in my code. This is going to help me structure things and hopefully create new content for this site and my panels. Speaking of panels, many people were asking about my Name that Anime Tune program that I use for conventions here in the Arizona scene. The program, or rather, an earlier build is now up on the main page for others to use and enjoy. This version, of course, is outdated and doesn’t provide many of the additions I provided later on in the program’s life cycle, but I do assure you the program works and is easily edited for anyone to use.

As for the gaming scene, I’ve been playing the Phoenix Wright games before heading back to the Tales games again. I love the humor and the stories behind these games, and I’m having an awesome time. Perhaps I’ll put an impressions or review of the games later in the month…

This was a real quick update, but I assure you, I will be coming back with more content shortly. The school year is close to an end, and I’m damn well ready to rest from these classes for a good summer. Until next time,
-Ace

Aselia Con 2014 Wrap Up

Heyos Everyones!!

This year has been a doozy, and I’m really happy with the opportunities that have arisen, as well as the awesome memories I’ve gained this past few months. Just recently was Aselia Con, located in Ft. Worth, TX. The convention’s all about the Tales of… series, and man it’s always a pleasure to go. Whilst I run the programming there, I really enjoy meeting and seeing everyone have a good time and enjoy themselves socialize with others who have played the Tales games as well. Meeting fans of the series is not that easy, and when you do you’re finally happy to meet those with the same interest as you. Not to mention there were a million and a half awesome cosplays, and I’ve honestly gotten it in my head that I can cosplay too. It’s going to take some time, but the cosplay’s will come soon enough!!

Aselia Con 2014 was amazing. I was given the opportunity to see so many people, whether they were people I’d met prior or people I’ve never met. The whole staff of Aselia is amazing, and really, the attendees are awesome as well. I’ve never been to a nice convention where everyone is there to have fun and nobody condescends anyone there. We’re all there to have a good time, and that’s why it’s spectacular. Karaoke was phenomenal, the fan programming was wonderful, and David Vincent was just the icing on the cake. When you have a small con like that, with people coming all over the world to visit, it’s just a beauty so indescribable that it puts one at a loss for words. I love everyone there, and I can’t wait until next year.

This weekend is Con-Nichiwa, and Dowase Entertainment will be there holding two panels, Name that Anime Tune! and Sig. of Anime OP/ED. Both are awesome panels and require some work to be done, but I can guarantee that I will do my best to make sure they sing. Come on down to Tucson if you’ve the time, and I greatly look forward to meeting you all there!

Lasting Impressions will be starting up again with the new shows. I know it’s been some time, but I haven’t been watching anime for the longest time. Just this year I’ve been catching up, and now that I’m finishing some series, I can start writing my final impressions on them again. I can also close the Initial Impressions posts I’ve started as I finish those series, and start new ones up again. I’m really happy to have the time and dedication to write these again, so please feel free to look forward to those in the future.

Thanks again for all your dedication and patience, and look forward to future content!!

Retail Experience is a Must for Everyone

I’ll be honest, working in retail has taught me a lot. I’ve seen the measures people go through to get what they want. I’ve a great company falter in its goal to give the customer a fighting shot, either by miscommunication or management striving to make due with what corporate wants, which isn’t for the benefit of the customer.

I was lucky enough to start with a company that was stable, and I never feared about losing my job over petty things. If a customer was nice to me, I tried to be nice to them. If it was a mistake on our end, I would try to fix it. Of course, I wasn’t the best cashier. Hell, I wouldn’t even consider myself a GOOD cashier. I would come into work some days with a negative attitude, and I would struggle to make it through the day.

Point is, I’m happy that throughout my years in this retail job, I was able to gain the knowledge and experience I wouldn’t had learned otherwise. Essentially, be nice to the person serving you, whether it be cashier, waiter, retail assistant, manager, or other sales or customer service position. They will be more inclined to help you in the future, mainly because you made their day easier, better, or just less of a nightmare.

For customers out there, as a former cashier at a retail grocery chain in the United States, I’ve a few words for you all.

1) Please feel free to use coupons. I’ve nothing against them, nor do many cashiers. However, please learn the coupon policy for your store and be understanding. I’m not the one trying to stop you from using your coupons, but I’m the one who has to talk to my manager or store head because I let you through with too many coupons or overrode too many coupons. When I inform you of the situation, please be understanding. Next time I may be more willing because I recognize you and I know what may or may not slide with my managers.

2)Fraudulent coupons are growing more and more frequent. Please understand that I cannot take a coupon that I understand is fraudulent. I understand you probably aren’t the one who created the coupon, but if a deal is too good to be true, it probably is. In fact, a better way to make money is to provide stores and companies with information regarding the creator or origin of the coupon. Many stores nowadays are offering rewards for that information.

3)As you shop, you may notice dates on a tag. If you see that the date is overdue, please feel free to bring that tag to the front so we can give you the proper price. Many stores will give you the tagged price if we left a tag up as it was our fault and we need to give you the posted price. This does NOT mean that if you put an 8 pack of Paper Towels on a 4 pack stand and say it was just placed there that we need to give you the price. We are not responsible for customers placing loose items on an empty rack. Fighting over issues like this is only going to make me less likely to go beyond for you in the future.

These are a few of the issues I want to bring to light as my final day approaches. Retail is a tough job, and it’s not fun, but if you are being courteous to the employee, generally we will go out of our way to help you. If we don’t, we may be having a bad day, but please be assured your kindness does help and we do remember it.

Next time, more anime and gaming news!!
-Ace

2013: Year in Review

Heyos Everyones!!

This has been one crazy year, and while there have been a lot of good and bad encounters these past 12 months, it’s time to pack those memories into storage and start the new year with a bang!!

But before that, it’s time to reflect on the good, and bad, memories that have occurred during this wonderful year.

Starting off the year, I had begun attending classes per usual at GCC and making blog posts containing my impressions and reviews of certain anime series and games. This was short lived, as my personal life had begun to flourish and I found myself with many responsibilities that I hadn’t considered before. This caused my posts to decline and ultimately cease with the occasional post every now and again. This was something I didn’t have too much control over, and I was dealing with new situations that I never could have imagined before. I’m happy to have experienced these encounters, but I wish I could have controlled my posting a little more.

This also leads to my falling out with current anime and video games this year. This was the first year in which I didn’t watch series pro-actively or as they aired in Japan. I used to follow series to the day they were released, and I just lost all interest in these new series as they were released in Japan. With my loss of my precious free time, I had to really consider what series I took my time watching and what series I needed to drop immediately. I took to watching series that had been on my backlog rather than watching new shows. Regardless, my time for anime and games was severely reduced, and that impacted my impressions and reviews as I had nothing to review or think about.

Fortunately, I still followed through with my travels to various anime conventions, including Aselia Con in Texas and Anime Expo in Los Angeles, both of which resulted in costly travel expenses for myself. However, my experiences at these conventions really gave me the break I needed from real life and time to find out what was going on in the world I had almost forgotten. It was my foot still in the door, and I couldn’t be crazy enough to fully step outside of this familiar world to the strange beyond I know nothing of. I made tons of great friends and these experiences have definitely salvaged my mind multiple times during stressful events or occurrences.

In my personal life, things were new and great, but it was all different and something I had never experienced before. I had never thought that I would go through such tough times, nor had I foreseen myself going through such wonderful times. It truly was a roller coaster, but it was a ride I definitely would take again and I wouldn’t trade my experience or memories for anything in the world. Sure, it wasn’t all good, and I did many things wrong, but it was a great experience.

Of course, the whole year couldn’t end on a successful note. Towards the end of the year, the world started crumbling and I had to step back through the door my foot had planted itself through. However, even that world was unfamiliar and crumbling. My wonder time had finally come to an end, and now things really need to change and I don’t have a world to return to anymore. Someone pushed me out into this new, undiscovered world, and now I have to either piece the old world back together, or walk until I can find a world worth living in. Granted, I’m not alone. I’ve still got my experiences and those that come with them, and I’ve also got the memories that I will never forget. But I can no longer return to that wonderful paradise that I had once considered would be there forever. Perhaps I was a fool to think that things would forever be in my favor, but I can’t say that this little stretch of misfortune will cause this year to be considered ‘bad.’

2013 was an amazing year. There were events in the end that were full of misfortune, but the memories and experiences during the majority of the year were irreplaceable and I have become a better person because of it. Thanks to everyone who is a part of my life, either directly or indirectly. Get ready for 2014!!

-Ace

Conventions, Persona, Tales, and Adventure!

Lyndis — Lyn from Fire Emblem. The BEST girl in the FE Universe, hands down.

Heyos Everyones!!

Damn, it’s been a long time!! How has the time flown by so quickly!? Regardless, it’s already November, moving into December, and I’ve yet to post anything in the last few months. My apologies for that, but I assure you, I’ve not been slacking!!

First off, I’ve watched quite a few new shows this time around. Most of the shows are from my backlog, as fewer shows interest me in new seasons. But among those I’ve finished are Free! and Attack on Titan, and I must say, I really enjoyed watching both of those. I’ve also worked on Future Diary and Baccano!, and I’ve got tons more to catch up on. I’ll consider getting my impressions posts back, but in the mean time, I have to catch up with real life and the holidays. Don’t worry, things will be kickin’ in gear soon enough!!

Convention-wise, this year is officially over!! Both Saboten-Con and Kikori-Con went smooth as butter, and I must say I’m extremely pleased with the progress Dowase Entertainment has made this year. We’ll be kicking things off at Taiyou-Con 2014, so if you happen to be in the area I’d be more than happy to meet you or have you attend one of our awesome panels!! Details about our panels can always be found at our homepage, so feel free to check it out!!

The gaming scene is quite a ruckus with Persona news coming around, and I must say, I’m rather excited. I’m really hoping not to get anything extreme with Persona 4, as I feel that the game needs to close and we need a new chapter in the Persona universe. Not to say I don’t like Persona 4, but I’ve played it more than I need to for now. In regards to the Tales of… series, some may know that I am the Programming Director for Aselia Con in Irving, Texas. On that note, I’d like to point out that Aselia Con is having its second year and we’ve got tons of awesome reasons for you to come out and meet others who love the Tales franchise and have loads of fun!! David Vincent, VA for Richard in Tales of Graces will be in attendence and with a successful year we’ll have even more goodies in the following years, so help out by attending or donating at http://aseliacon.com !!

While I’m making a post now, I’ve not officially returned to blogging. I’m currently in the transition to a new university, and I won’t have as much free time until I get everything sorted out. I’m extremely happy to say that life is moving on and I can move with it, rather than get stuck in the dust wondering why I’m in the same spot as before. So for now, I’m happy to say that things are turning out awesome, and I hope to post more as the year rolls around!

-Anthony ‘Ace’
Dowase Entertainment Administrator