Diabolik Lovers Versus 3 - Kanato VS Reiji

I don't seem to be able to write short reviews for this... Well I could, if I would summarize most of it as "bloodsucking". Which would be accurate but a bit too short.

DIABOLIK LOVERS ドS吸血CD VERSUS 3 カナトVSレイジ 

Company: Rejet
Based on: Original
Released: 2012.10.24
Official site: http://rejetweb.jp/dialover/versus.html


Diabolik Lovers is a series that leaves you at the mercy of sadistic vampires. The project features drama CD's, radio broadcasts on NicoNico Live, and a PSP game by Otomate. The drama CD's are the first to be released together with the radio broadcasts. Originally there were just 6 drama CDs announced, but Rejet managed to squeeze in 3 more CD releases before the game: Diabolik Lovers Versus, where you are left in the hands of two vampires at the same time.

In the third and final Versus CD we have Kanato (CV: Kaji Yuuki) and Reiji (CV: Konishi Katsuyuki). As those of you who have listened to the rest of the series probably realize, that means they paired the character with the most composed personality, and the one with the most unstable personality of all together. I was still scared of Kanato after his CD, so this was going to be one hell of an adventure.

The story starts with Reiji looking for you. He apparently sent you to find him a book in the school library a few hours ago and you still haven't returned. When he finds you, you are still looking for the book. Someone broke the computer that can be used to search for a book, so you've been trying to find it on your own. Because it can't be helped Reiji says he'll search for it as well.

Which is when you hear a crying voice. You get scared, and Reiji makes this even worse by telling you that a female student once committed suicide in the library, and that her cries can still be heard today. It turns out that it is actually Kanato who is crying, and the first thing he does is yell at you that he isn't a girl...

It turns out that it was Kanato who broke the PC, because he couldn't find a certain book. The book he was looking for is full of black magic, he wants it to turn his Teddy into a puppet (more specifically, one that can move by itself). Reiji tells him that such a book won't be on loan to normal students, but that he knows where it is. You end up following both to where the book is.

Reiji shows Kanato the book, but it is written in a strange language and Kanato can't read it. To force Reiji to read it for him he attacks you in front of him. He whispers to you that this is all Reiji his fault and loses no time sucking your blood. To my surprise Reiji just watches while Kanato bites and cuts you to drink your blood.

After a while though Reiji finally has enough of it, grabs you and destroys the stairs so that Kanato can't follow you. While he acts kind towards you, the fact that you are covered in blood eventually leads to him also starting to drink your blood, despite first saying that he doesn't want to. But in the end he decides that he'll give in to his desires and forcefully drinks your blood.

Kanato finally catches up, going completely hysterical because "you let Reiji drink your blood". He throws an entire bookshelf of top of Reiji (I have no idea how you are spared from the same fate while you were at his side). Still angry at you, Kanato starts drinking your blood again, this time pulling out a silver knife and cutting you with it. Since you are bleeding pretty badly, Kanato decides to cover his Teddy in your blood as well...

Because Kanato is taking his sweet time Reiji manages to get up from under the shelf, and paralyse Kanato with one of his precious poisons from his collection. You were almost unconscious from what Kanato did to you, and Reiji wakes you up by kissing you. He nearly loses control again, and tells you to run while he can still restrain himself. But you stay by his side and tell him that you'll give him your blood. Of course Reiji continues with drinking your blood after that.

When Kanato regains his movement, he simply clings on to you, so in the end both of them drink your blood. As if this wasn't bad enough Kanato also involves the now moving Teddy in this. And this is where the CD fades out... (probably because you've fainted by now).

Compared to the earlier Versus CDs, this one was a lot less eroi. While Ayato and Raito were doing all kinds of things to you, this time they are really only sucking your blood (and in Kanato his case chewing on your fingers). This is also the only one in which they really seem to be fighting over you, at one point actually throwing a few punches.

Throughout the entire CD I was once again scared of Kanato. He switches from concerned to sweet to angry to hysterical within seconds, and once again I have to say that Kaji Yuuki his voice acting here is absolutely amazing.

Kanato his hysterical mood swings almost make Reiji look like a saint and a gentleman, until he loses control of course. Like other people have mentioned before me, Reiji his bloodsucking is far from eroi. It really sounds like he has lost all control and is nearly going insane by drinking your blood. What I find especially interesting though, is that the heroine seems to be hoping for Reiji to save her to some extend, and is noticeably hurt when he tells her he doesn't care about her, only about her blood. But maybe this is just my bias making me interpret things that way.

While I haven't played the game, I have been reading summaries and reviews, and knowing some of the backgrounds adds a lot more painful feelings when listening to this. Kanato his attachment to his Teddy is scary on his own, but when you know what Teddy actually is (or is stuffed with) the fact that he wants it to be able to move even more terrifying. Same goes for the fact that both of them realize that your blood is special, but not why (although I am not entirely sure how much Reiji realizes). When Kanato mentions that he wants to drink blood from your heart, things possibly get even more complicated. If you don't mind spoilers, scroll down to the end of this post to see what I am talking about specifically.

The one thing that really bothered me (ignoring all the weird things that are normal for this series) is that Teddy became able to move by being soaked in your magical blood. I mean, that is simply stretching things. And then Kanato had to go and involve him in the end as well. That was simply too much.




Conclusion:
As always, this is an exhausting CD to listen to. The beginning left me wondering how they were going to switch from the story to bloodsucking, but after that it is still a full hour of being abused attacked by Kanato and Reiji. For those who haven't listened to this series yet, if you want to listen to it please start with the solo CDs first, and probably listen to this one last. You'll need to build up some resistance before you can stomach this, trust me.

Sorry for this incredibly long review (^-^;;)






-SPOILER WARNING-
I know that the heroine in the CDs isn't necessarily Yui (the heroine from the games), but in the games:

- Kanato had a huge mother complex, and Teddy is stuffed with her ashes.
- Before he could burn her body though, her hart was transferred to the heroine. The reason that her blood is special is because she has a vampire heart. The heart of a rather powerful vampire too.
- Reiji mentions that he "considered his mother dead long ago". He is actually the one who hired a vampire hunter to kill her.

Diabolik Lovers Vol.5 Reiji

DIABOLIK LOVERS ドS吸血CD Vol.5 逆巻レイジ

Company: Rejet
Based on: Original
Released: 2012.04.25
Official site: http://rejetweb.jp/dialover/index.html


Diabolik Lovers is a series that leaves you at the mercy of sadistic vampires. The project features drama CD's, radio broadcasts on NicoNico Live, and a PSP game by Otomate. The drama CD's are the first to be released together with the radio broadcasts, and this is vol.5 featuring Reiji

 Reiji (CV: Konishi Katsuyuki) is the second oldest brother in the household, and is described as being almost like a butler. He does look the part, but I wouldn't liken him to a butler. He does speak in a polite manner, but the things he actually says are usually very harsh.

The CD begins with you wandering around the house, accidentally meeting Reiji. Apparently you had a nightmare and couldn't sleep. Reiji is busy drinking tea, and admiring the tea cups and the sound the spoon makes while stirring etc, but he immediately notices you entering the room. He orders you to sit on the ground in seiza (probably to reflect on what a stupid idea it was to wander around the house).

You don't manage to sit like that for long, so he allows you to stand up again and drink tea with him (because the sound of you crying prevents him from enjoying his tea). You talk to him about having a nightmare, and he replies that it would be weirder if you didn't have any nightmares, considering the situation you are in. After that he reverts to talking about how wonderful cutlery is, showing you a teacup he especially likes. And then you break it. 

This is were I expected him to snap and do something horrible, but instead he actually shows concern for you because you cut your finger. He kisses you finger, saying that it is 'treatment'. He continues with saying that your blood is really tasty, and that tasty must be why the others always want to drink it. He pretends to be driven mad by it too for a little while, but shows restraint immediately after.

He tells you that if you want to seduce him you'll have to become a more refined woman. After ordering you to clean some tea that he spilled on purpose, he starts complaining about your bad posture. And the fact that you can't dance. And so he decides to teach you how to dance, but not before you've changed into a dress, including a corset. How on earth you got into that corset in such a short time I won't ask.. While dancing he teases you about drinking your blood again and you trip, spraining your ankle.

He carries you off to his room (enter dummy head mic). Interestingly enough, there isn't much blood sucking going on in Reiji his dummy head part. Instead he spends most of it looking down on you, shackling you, and humiliating you. The moment he really starts drinking your blood is when the CD ends. It also ends with the Diabolik Lovers theme music playing (the music from the official site) which never seemed more ominous to me.

They've taken a considerable step back from the course the series was taking, which is a good thing if you ask me. Of course Reiji is still an incredible sadist, but you are in less imminent danger than with say Raito or Kanato and he treats you a bit better. Only a bit though. Either way, the amount of S was getting a bit too much for me, so I am glad to took a little step back.

One of the things I am wondering though is: am I the only one that kept being distracted by the background music? From Beethovens Symphony No.7 right at the beginning, to the Waltz of the Flowers (from the Nutcracker) and finally the Moonlight Sonata during the Dummy Head Mic part, every single time a famous piece was playing in the background I got distracted by it. But that is probably just me. Whether it was distracting or not, it does suit Reiji his image.

This review is getting far too long as it is, but I just wanted to make one more remark: almost the entire CD Reiji tells you that you are not refined enough for his taste. Yet at the very end he does call you 淑女 (shukujo, a lady), making me wonder whether he actually considered you one all along.



Conclusion:
I'm really glad they took a step back instead of making this CD even more S. It might be just my personal preference, but I kind of like Reiji. And despite me complaining about being distracted by it, I loved the classical music as bgm (I just get distracted by the pretty music). I'm also really curious about the last CD, as I've read many interesting stuff about it on tumblr...

Shimekiri CD ~Konya ha Nemurasenai~

〆切CD　今夜は眠らせない

Company: Sherry Topaz
Based on: Original
Released: 2012.03.28
Official site: http://www.sherry-topaz.com/new/2nd/index.html


Shimekiri  is a CD to keep you awake while you have to work an all-nighter to make a deadline. The concept is that there is an bureau called "Midnight Agency" that send people to help you stay awake. Oshikiri Mamoru and Shimeno Susumu are two such agents, and they are here to keep you awake tonight.

The CD is roughly divided into three parts; one part with Mamoru (CV: Okiayu Ryoutarou), on part with Susumu (CV: Konishi Katsuyuki), and the epilogue where both of them try too keep you awake. In each part they are visiting a different client. One of the first things I noticed was the incredibly long tracklist (71 tracks!!) which as it turned out, is due to the CD consisting mostly of very short tracks.

The CD begins with a small prologue, just before both of them start their work day. Susumu is teasing Mamoru a bit about how he is actually very soft (because Mamoru sent a client that had failed her deadline a cake to cheer her up). After that Mamoru his oart starts.

Mamoru begins by explaining his work (helping you in keeping awake and working,) and also explains that during this time making sure you keep the deadline has priority so if necessary he might be very strict. So he also warns you that there is no point in crying xD

Throughout his tracks you really notice that Mamoru tries to be strict, but is actually very sweet. If you do something unexpected he doesn't know how to handle it and generally gives in. One of the cutest moments is when he finds a picture of your pet (I'm assuming a small dog) and he gets all flustered and offers to take care of it next time when you have a deadline. Somewhere near the end he suddenly acts out a power rangers scenario where he defeats the evil sleep-man so that you can continue working.

After Mamoru his part is finished, Susumu his part starts. He is visiting a client where he has been a couple of times. My guess is a managaka or doujinka, and judging from his reaction to your work possibly BL. Susumu is actually quite the opposite of Mamoru, he starts out very sweet, but if you keep refusing to work he becomes very strict. He also gets a parody track, where he becomes Shimekiri Knight, and needs to rescue the princess from the evil King Sleep.

This CD was quite different from what I expected. I somehow thought it would have some sort of a story part. Like on of them coming to your place to keep you awake, and eventually starting to like you, but that is not at all the case. Both of them have a long list of short tracks (34 of them) which are all short scenes or them doing something to keep you awake. None of these tracks are really connected, and some of them are really short (like 10 seconds or so).

In both cases you do notice some progress in the situation though. Both of them start with just watching you, then they comment on small things like leaving your cellphone alone or telling you to focus again, and eventually you really start to fall asleep/ don't want to continue anymore so they turn to more creative ways to keep you awake, and eventually you reach the parody track.

In the epilogue both of them are working on a case together. This is where Susumu really goes all cold on you when you refuse to work and just want to sleep, and Mamoru is almost panicking and trying to get you to work again so that Susumu calms down. It ends with all of you falling asleep together.

My favourite tracks are track 18, where Mamoru finds out about your pet. Track 25, where Mamoru starts singing softly, and then suddenly switches to saying "if you sleep you will die". Track 58, where Susumu tells a weird version of sleeping beauty. Track 59, where Susumu goes Bancho Sarayashiki on you. And the parody tracks (34 and 66)

The freetalk is done by Okiayu-san and Konishi-san together. Konishi-san begins by explaining his character his name, because the way it is written is apparently unusual (I really wouldn't know). Both of them talk a bit about whether people really have that many deadlines, because at first they can only think of people like mangaka or writers when it comes to deadlines.

After that they talk a bit about the theatrical group Konoshi-san is with, and how they used to practice until really really late (or all night). And how Seki Tomokazu would sometimes look really really pale when working night after night on a script. After that the conversation changes to gaming, and while they are talking about that they run out of time, so they hope that there will be another CD so that they can continue the talk xD


Conclusion:
This CD was different from what I expected, but still a lot of fun to listen to. If you are going to use it to actually stay awake, I'd recommended ripping it and mixing the tracks with a playlist of other things, because listening to all of them at once might be a bit much.

Shinigamihime no Saikon

死神姫の再婚 Vol.1

Company: Frontierworks
Based on: Light novel
Released: 2009.11.26
Official Site: http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/bslog/bslogbunko/shinigamihime_cd/


Shinigamihime no Saikon is a drama CD based on the light novel series of the same name. The story is about the rather eccentric Alicia who is bought by the duke Kashuvan to be his wife. Alicia doesn't seem to mind however, as that is what saved her own family from bankruptcy.

*the names are once again my best guess. Why can't they think of names that are easier to decipher?

The story begins when Alicia (CV: Kobayashi Yuu)  arrives at Kashuvan (CV: Sugita Tomokazu) his castle. At that moment it is completely shrouded in mist, making her excited because she loves all kinds of ghost stories. She is completely aware that she was only 'bought' because of her family name, and doesn't seem to mind at all (She is actually happy about it). Thus suits Kashuvan, as she really is just a political tool to him.

As soon as Alicia arrives they are wed (or, well, they say their vows) but they are interrupted by Tiernald Reiden (CV: Fukuyama Jun) and his servant Yuuran (CV: Seki Toshihiko). Tiernald wants to stop Kashuvan from expanding his influence and calls him a tyrant, while Yuuran sort of tries to stop him. Being a servant of the church ("the prayer of the wings"), Yuuran tends to comment that things are not going according to the laws of the church.

Other characters that add to the rather colourful cast are Nora (CV: Koshimizu Ami), a maid who declared herself Kashuvan his lover. Treize (CV: Konishi Katsuyuki), who used to work as a butler at the castle but has quit when his sister died. And Ruark (CV: Kishio Daisuke), the assassin who killed Alicia her former husband and is now hired to kill Kashuvan.

Of course, nothing in this story goes they way you think it would. Alicia being an incredible airhead does help a lot, and of course Kashuvan isn't half as bad as people say he is. Yuuran secretly pulling a few strings here and there also helps.

With Alicia being free to go anywhere except for the rose garden, this story immediately reminded me of Bluebeard for some reason.. The story partly mirrors that, although luckily not entirely. And of course it adds a rather strange assassin and a semi-corrupt church to the mix. There is also a serious amount of double-and/or-triple backstabbing going on near the end (maybe a bit too much).

The free talk starts quite interesting, with Kobayashi Yuu introducing the theme ("strange hobbies") still in-character as Alicia, after that it switches to a normal cast talk.


Conclusion:
While there is actually a lot of drama going on, the humorous response the characters give makes this a fun story to listen to. While there are 14 novels (the last one was published just a few days ago on 2012.02.15) there is only one drama CD. Which is a bit of a pity but can't be helped.

Tales of Symphonia: Rodeo Ride Tour vol.2

テイルズ オブ シンフォニア 〜ロデオライド・ツアー〜  下巻

Company: Frontierworks
Based on: Game
Released: 2005.06.24



Rodeo Ride Tour is a story that takes place after the events of Tales of Symphonia, and centres on Sheena (CV: Okamura Akemi) and Zelos (CV: Onosaka Masaya). Due to Zelos his life possibly being in danger because he has become the taget of a terrorist organisation, the two of them travel around the world to avoid danger and possibly draw out the attackers.

Due to this story taking place after the events of Tales of Symphonia, it is of course best if you know the entire story before listening to this. There are also a few scenes from near the ending of the game (making me remember all of it and feel nostalgic).

This time the tracks are more related than in the first CD. The first track is about Zelos and Sheena saving a few girls that were about to be abducted and traded off (I forgot that Tales of isn't afraid of using themes like that) but the rest of the tracks are all related.

In the second and third track Zelos and Sheena visit Lloyd (CV: Konishi Katsuyuki) in Iselia. He is living there for a while with Colette (CV: Mizuki Nana) before they continue on their journey to collect exspheres, Colette is away for a few days though. The two spend the night at Lloyd his house, and Zelos teasingly reminds Sheena of the fact that she used to like Lloyd. When Sheena intends to stay a little longer however Zelos gets angry because they agreed to never stay longer than one night, and takes off on his own. Despite wanting to stay longer, Sheena does however follow him.

In the next three tracks Orochi tracks the two of them down to report thatthe terrorist organisation that was after Zelos his life has been dismantled and that there is no more need to travel around any more. Neither of them seems to be truly happy with the news though. However the story doesn't end there.

After Zelos has gone on ahead, Orochi tells Sheena that before being dismantled, a few members of the terrorist organisation escaped and kidnapped Seles, Zelos his younger sister. They threatened to kill her unless he would come alone to a specific place, and thus Zelos has gone after them. Zelos didn't want Sheena to know this, but now that she does know she of course goes after him.

The scenes with Lloyd were very interesting. It the game it is never explicitly said that Sheena likes Lloyd (though there are enough hints) so this was the first time that I really heard it confirmed. I liked the way they handled it though. It is clear that Sheena still likes Lloyd a bit but has already given up on the idea.

Zelos gets his moments in the spotlights when he goes to save Seles. Somehow he always gets a few good lines somewhere near the end. Although Sheena was the one to save the day. The end was very good as well, the final track starts exactly the same as when Zelos came to Mizuho in the first CD. However, this time when Sheena asks what he came to do he simply answers "I came to see you face". It looks like he became a little more honest ;)

The bonus track has Konishi-san hosting the radio show 'Tales Ring' one more time (they revived it for one more episode) with Onosaka-san and Okamura-san as guests. They tease him a bit about the fact that he wasn't in the first CD, to which he replies that 'he doesn't care because he got his part in the second half of the story'. They all together joke about Lloyd being mean because he is so nice to Sheena, not knowing how she felt xD


Conclusion:
Just like before this is a Sheena x Zelos festival, so only listen if you like/tolerate the pairing. I liked this CD a bit more than the first one, probably because the story was a bit more coherent. The scene with Sheena and Zelos in the rain from the first CD is still my favourite scene from this story though.

Warumono (warai) series: Wataru Sekai wa Oni Darake

わるもの（笑）シリーズ　渡る世間は鬼だらけ

Company: Frontierworks
Based on: Japanese folklore
Released: 2011.09.22
Official Site: http://www.fwinc.co.jp/www/

After the Oujisama (warai) and Meisaku Bungaku (warai) series we now also have the Warumono (warai) series. This time the so called 'bad guys' are in the spotlight, and this first vol. starts with the Oni (demons) from various stories.

The Aka-Oni (from Momotarou, CV: Fujiwara Keiji), Ki-Oni (from Issun Boushi, CV: Okiayu Ryoutarou) and Ao-Oni (CV: Konishi Katsuyuki) are meeting at a karaoke bar to hang out. Apparently the've booked some kind of special arrangement where they can play the handheld game "Momotarou Quest 2" for some time (instead of actually doing Karaoke xD)

The Aka-Oni thinks it is absurd that they are playing a game in which they have to try and beat themselves, but the others seem fine with it. From here on the story switches between one of the demons telling his story about how it actually happened (as opposed to the legend) and the three of them sitting in the karaoke bar, sometimes joined by one of the employees (CV: Sakurai Takahiro, who also voices all of the heroes btw).

The Aka-Oni his story is that they never took any gold, and that the village was simply enjoying slow-life when Momotarou came barging in and demanding gold, the Ki-Oni his story is that he and Issun Boushi were actually friends who fell in love with the same girl, the Ao-Oni tells how his attempt to convince people that Oni don't eat children backfired.

The original folklore stories are twisted brilliantly, as expected from the series. Like Fujiwara-san explains in the cast talk, the aim is not to make you cry with laughter, but to make you smile every few minutes, so don't expect any extremely funny moments but in overall it is very amusing. Some of the things I loved were the reference to Urusei Yatsura and when they are talking about how Oni are different from humans (as they look almost the same) and that they conclude that Oni are simply extremely weak.

Another nice touch is the final track, where the employee returns to the staff room and is talking with a colleague. As it turns out he might not be just a normal employee...

The cast talk was pretty funny. Sakurai and Fujiwara-san their part is semi-serious, but Konishi-san and Okiayu-san mostly go on about how they want "Momotarou Quest" to become an actual game xD Interestingly enough, they mention that there might be another with all of the Oni. But no details on whether that are just speculations or that there are actually plans for more entries to the warumono (warai) series...


Conclusion:
Another nice work by the people behind the warai series. Like I said, no laughing out loud, but it is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. That is all there is to say really (^-^;;)

Tales of Symphonia: A Long Time Ago Vol.3

テイルズ オブ シンフォニア - A long time ago 第3巻

Company: Frontierworks
Based on: Game
Released: 2004.08.25


In total there are 3 volumes for A Long Time Ago, and each CD has two stories that deal with the past of a character.This final volumes is somewhat different however, in that it also brings together what everyone was doing in the present.

In fact, it mainly focuses on the story in the present, and Zelos and Kratos their past is stuffed somewhere in between.

The story begins with an announcer in Meltokio proclaiming that Zelos (CV: Onosaka Masaya) is dead. Lloyd (CV: Konishi Katsuyuki) and Collette (CV: Mizuki Nana) who happen to be there don't want to believe it. While drinking something in a pub later they meet a woman called Kyrie who was working together with Zelos. Apparently Zelos found evidence of some sort of conspiracy just before he was killed, however he already gave to evidence to "the person he trusts most". Wanting to avenge Zelos, the three of them set of to find the evidence.

Kratos is only present in the story through his conversations with Yuan. What they tell of his past is already explained in game; what happened when Anna her exsphere was removed. I don't think there were any more details than in already mentioned in the game.

This drama CD had a completely different set-up, and I'm not entirely sure I'm happy about that. Zelos and Kratos are my favorite characters, so I was looking forward to seeing (hearing?) them in the spotlight. Instead, I think Lloyd and Collete actually featured more. Zelos does get a bit of action and a really cool line near the end though.

The cast comment however, was a lot better this time! This time four of the seiyuu made a comment, and they also interacted with each other making it a lot more lively. Especially Onosaka Masaya is really fun to listen to.


Conclusion:
I'm a bit sad that it doesn't center on Zelos and Kratos, but hearing a little bit of the future, of the problems that arise after the end of the game was nice too. That all three CD's are tied together with this was a nice touch too. I'll just turn my hopes towards the Rodeo Ride Tour CDs for more Zelos~

ps: all three covers together form one large image:

Tales of Symphonia: A Long Time Ago Vol.2

テイルズ オブ シンフォニア - A long time ago 第2巻

Company: Frontierworks
Based on: Game
Released: 2004.08.25


In total there are 3 volumes for A Long Time Ago, and each CD has two stories that deal with the past of a character. The second CD has stories for Raine + Genis and Presea Combatir. The stories are told as flashbacks, so while the drama CD's are chronologically after the game, the stories themselves are from before the game starts. Am I still making sense?

This time I'll start with the one sentence summary:

This CD tells the story from Raine and Genis their travels before Iselia, and how Presea got her exsphere.

Like the first CD the prologue has nothing to do with the rest, but is a short scene with Lloyd (CV: Konishi Katsuyuki) and Collette (CV: Mizuki Nana) instead. Both of them wonder how everyone in Iselia is doing, and talk about going to visit sometime.

For Raine and Genis that first summary isn't entirely true though. Their story is both about their travels before Iselia and their living there. The story starts when Raine (CV: Touma Yumi) and Genis (CV: Orikasa Ai) take shelter from the rain underneath a large tree. Both of them remember that it was always raining whenever they traveled, and start a little reminiscence.

Presea (CV: Kuwashima Houko) is working as a representative of Lezareno Company (Regal his company). While working on destroying the exsphere mines she remembers how she got her own exsphere. We get to hear quite a bit of a Presea that we've never seen before in the games.

This time there is a lot more new background information. (The fact that Lloyd and Dike are living outside of the village because both Lloyd and Dike both hit the mayor during an argument was new to me at least). Both stories are kind of sad, but both stories end with a really positive mindset of the respective characters.

Especially Presea her story was really emotional for me. In the game her backstory is explained, and even then it was already a sad story. But if you actually hear it is even worse. Combined with the beautiful piano music it was enough to make me cry rivers.

The bonustrack still isn't very special though. The three main seiyuu give a short message and that's it. It is cute though.


Conclusion
I liked this one a lot better than the first, mostly because there is quite some new info. Presea has never been one of my favorite characters, but her story is simply beautiful. I.... I don't know anything else to say, I'm sorry (^-^;;)

Tales of Symphonia: A Long Time Ago Vol.1

テイルズ オブ シンフォニア - A long time ago 第1巻

Company: Frontierworks 
Based on: Game
Released: 2004.07.23


Tales of Symphonia is one of my favorite games of all time, and I've been meaning to listen to the drama CD's for ages now. And here it is! The review for the first vol!

In total there are 3 volumes for A Long Time Ago, and each CD has two stories that deal with the past of a character. The first CD has stories for Regal Bryan and Fujibayashi Sheena. The stories are told as flashbacks, so while the drama CD's are chronologically after the game, the stories themselves are from before the game starts. Am I still making sense?

Interestingly enough, the prologue has nothing to do with the two stories. In the prologue we hear how Lloyd (CV: Konishi Katsuyuki) and Collette (CV: Mizuki Nana), are traveling to find all remaining exspheres. While the entire party from the game may now be split up, everyone is working towards the same goal in their own way (due to spoiler reasons, I'll refrain from any details ;)

Switch to Regal his story. While riding a coach to somewhere Regal (Ootsuka Akio) remembers a scene from his childhood with his father. Regal his father is a rather cold-hearted man who thinks only of their family company. Unintended Regal follows in his footsteps. However all of this begins to change when one of the maids one day puts a single white flower on display in his room.

Interested in the flower Regal asks her what the name of is the day after, and so she begins to bring a new one everyday. Through this they slowly become acquainted, and Regal begins to act much less cold in every aspect of life. However his butler George sees the growing love between a Noble, not to mention the president of a large company and a simple maid as unfit, and tears the two apart...

The second story is about Sheena (CV: Okimura Akemi), who receives a job offer from Zelos (CV: Onosaka Masaya). Due to it being a job with many responsibilities she initially want to refuse it. Involuntarily, this makes her think of when she was still working at the Elemental Research Lab in Meltokio.

During her time there she one day meets a man made elemental spirit named Corrinne. Feeling sorry for Corrinne because it is used in all kinds of experiments, she decides to set it free. Corrinne however stays with Sheena, and becomes a sort of moral support to her.

In short, these are the stories of how Regal met Alicia and how Sheena met Corrinne. If you've played the game, there is no really new information in this drama CD. It just gives further details to a past that we already knew. That doesn't make it any less interesting though. Especially in Regal his case, because I always had the feeling that he just missed a lot of screentime in the actual game (because he is the last person to join your party).

(I just realized I could have written a summary of only one sentence, doh)

In the bonustrack both Ootsuka Akio and Okamura Akemi give a short comment about their story. Maybe due to being so short it felt rather... lacking though. I really hoped for a cast comment with everyone involved, but alas.


Conclusion:
Because these CDs technically take place after the game, and therefore assume you know about every spoiler there is, it is probably best to listen to this only if you've (almost) finished the game. For those who are interested in the backstories of the characters this drama CD  is the right thing. Even if it is just a more detailed version of a story we already know.

O.To.Na Gentei Kanbyou CD Karte 1

オ・ト・ナ限定 看病CD Karte 1

Company: Nihon Colombia
Based on: Original
Released: 2011.06.29
Official Site: http://columbia.jp/otonagentei/


Otono Gentei Kanbyou is a CD in which two different types of characters tend to you in various situations where you are sick/tired. Each CD has two (entirely) different types of characters, and each one has 5 situations. Everything is recorded with the dummy head microphone, so at times it sounds like they are whispering in your ear. This first CD has a toshi-shita (younger) and toshi-ue (older) character.

This first 5 tracks feature our Kawashou Takuto, a toshi-shita character (CV: Kishio Daisuke). In order the situations are:a cold, lack of sleep, stomachache, feeling down, headache. Instead of really helping you with things he is more of a moral support (he almost sets your kitchen on fire while trying to cook something). I guess this is a typical case of "it is the feeling that counts", because you can't help but smile at someone who acts so cute.

The last 5 tracks feature Fujisawa Nozomu, a toshiue character (CV: Konishi Katsuyuki). In his case the situations are a cold, overwork, toothache, feeling down, dizziness. Completely opposite to Takuto he knows exactly what to do in every situation and gives you kind advice.

Even though the CD is called Otona Gentei (aldults only) there is really nothing in it that really is adult only. I expected there would be so I was extremely cautious for the first part, but it became clear that it is all cuteness soon enough.


Conclusion:
I doubt it really helps when you are sick, but at least it'll be something nice to listen to when you have to stay in bed or on the couch. It is mostly cute, with nothing  'adult only'. Whether that is a plus or a minus I'll let you decide for yourself ;)

ボクたちオトコの娘 ～アイドルデビュー編～

Bokutachi Otoko no Ko



Company: Frontierworks

Based on: Original

Release date: 2011.04.27

Official Site: http://www.fwinc.co.jp/otokonoko/

Last month I mentioned that this drama CD caught my eye, and I found it so that means review time!!

But first, a short recap on the story: Sakurai Seri (CV: Shimono Hiro), Mitsuya Ren (CV: Ishida Akira) and Aoyagi Tama (CV: Yonaga Tsubasa) are three boys that debut as a female idol group. And thus their days of listening to the impossible demands of the company president (CV: Konishi Katsuyuki ) or being chased around by their manager (CV: Maeno Tomoaki ) begin.

The story begins with Seri being scouted by the company president after failing an audition somewhere. Dreaming of becoming an idol one day Seri happily agrees to come to his company (which, btw, is a wordplay on Johhny's production).  A few days later he is calls to the presidents office together with Ren and Tama, and it is announced that they are going to be a female idol group.

Because they are boys this naturally isn't going to be easy, so the three of them receive daily training and start living together to get used to each other. This is basically what the drama is about, their training to become an idol and Seri his doubts about becoming a female idol at that.

I expected more slapstick situations, considering the setting, but the story keeps a good balance between funny situations and Seri his doubts and the obligatory we're-in-this-together moments. Altogether funny and lighthearted but just a sprinkle of being serious.The three main boys of course have very different personalities, with Seri being the 'normal' one, Tama acting incredibly cute, and Ren being more of a cold tsundere personality.

The free talk and bonus track on the other hand are incredibly funny. Apparently the recording was a lot of fun, because everyone is very genki while doing the free-talk. Yonaga-san remarks that those hearing him for the first time might think that he is a woman but that he really is a guy (>▽<). The bonus track is called "the toilet issues of being an otoko no ko" which speaks for itself.

Conclusion:
 I expected more slapstick but it was funny enough, and I hope that they will continue this with how things go after their debut. Also, am I the only one who expected the roles of Maeno and Konishi to be reversed?

お仕事男子 vol.4 職業 警官

Oshigoto Danshi - Keikan

Company: Broccoli
Based on: Original
Released: 2009.12.29
Official Site: http://www.broccoli.co.jp/cd/sp/oshigoto/


Oshigoto Danshi is a series that centers on the development of the relationship between yourself and a guy with a specific profession. This time the main character is Aizawa Ryuunosuke, who is a police officer. It starts brilliantly, with Aizawa mistaking you for a cross-dresser and arresting you. Understandably you are rather upset, and he he in turn gets incredibly flustered when he finds out you really are a woman.

Other than mistaking you for a cross-dresser he seems to be doing his job pretty well. He has a very kind personality, but he is a bit clumsy with words.

You first meet during your unfortunate arrest, but Aizawa turns out to be Tachibana Yuu's (the idol you are managing and your target for vol.5) older brother, and thus you meet again. As if that isn't enough you meet again when your bag gets stolen (how many chance meetings do you want?
(ﾟ-^ ) . Aizawa gets himself knocked out but manages to gt your bag back. In order to catch the culprit however you offer to help out as bait.

As a diversion tactic for the operation you decide to act as if the two of you are on a date, where Saeki comes to butt in for the usual conversation scene. Aizawa still gets to show his skills in the end when you find your culprit.

The free-talk is cute, Konishi-san remarks that this might just be turned into a game if we support them enough, and gets laughed at by the staff. Still he hopes we will support the series.


Conclusion
I'm seriously doubting between vol.2 and this one, Aizawa his clumsiness is to adoring, you can't help but to smile. (come to think of it, I also liked  Ninomiya because of his becoming flustered, hmmm). Other than that, this is a really cute story to listen to, even though Broccoli was going overboard with the culprit being your personal stalker. That was a bit too much the-world-revolves-around-me for my tastes.

お仕事男子 vol.3 職業 美容師

Oshigoto Danshi - Biyoushi

Company: Broccoli
Based on: Original
Released: 2009.12.29
Official Site: http://www.broccoli.co.jp/cd/sp/oshigoto/

Oshigoto Danshi is a series that centers on the development of a relation between yourself and a guy with a certain profession. This is the third vol. and centers on Saeki Miku (CV: Sugita Tomokazu), a hairdresser.
 
In the first track you are walking somewhere on the street ans Saeki suddenly approaches you to ask whether you want to be a model for a cut show. Not surprisingly you find it rather suspicious and walk off.
 
As fate will have it however you visit the salon where he works a few days later. Turns out one of the idols you manage (Tachibana Yuu - your target for vol.5) recommended this very salon to you. After Saeki cuts your hair he once again asks whether you want to be his model, eventually you accept.
 
Saeki is pretty lighthearted and fun, however he works hard for the upcoming competition. He also tries his best to comfort you when you are nervous before the show,  although he also gets nervous just before you go on stage. He takes you out for dinner after the show, and you get to see a more serious side.
 
Like the first two CDs this one is coupled with second CD. The main character for vol.4, a police officer, visits the salon while you are there, and you get to hear the two of them bickering, which is fun ('-'*)♪
 
In the free-talk Sugita-san first starts to talk about how he is a guy even though his name is Miku (>∇<). Other than that he talks about his own experience at a salon and how he consulted his own hairdresser on how he should act his role.
 
 
Conclusion:
I'm still on the Ninomiya side, but this was interesting two. However when coupled with vol.4 Saeki is completely outshined by Aizawa (or maybe I am just too partial to Konishi Katsuyuki (ﾟ∇^*)

葬儀屋リドル

Sougiya Riddle

Company: Square Enix x Frontierworks

Based on: Manga

Release date: 2011.04.27

Based on the manga of the same name, we're quite literally dropped in the middle of the story in this drama CD. Introduction of the story and characters takes place a little later when Sakura Hayato (CV: Sakurai Takahiro) explains -part of- the situation.

As it turns out he is loved by all things spiritual and ghosts frequently pesters him. One day while he is dealing with two female ghosts (CV:  Murata Tomosa and Takamoto Megumi) the 'undertaker' Riddle (CV: Yusa Kouji) suddenly appears before him. Riddle frees Hayato from the ghosts and offers him a contract but Hayato refuses. Only later when Hayato has been attacked by a vengeful spirit and is on the verge of death he reluctantly agrees. Thus Hayato now has to work as Riddle his assistant. This introduction of the story is very faithfull to the first chapter of the manga, almost word for word. The only difference is that Hayato tells it in a flashback here.

Continueing the story the two of them travel to the palace of the King of the afterworld, Faust (CV: Itou Mika) for a meeting. While there we meet the rest of the rather quirky cast. the accountant Blood (CV: Okiayu Ryoutarou) fellow undertakers Ruka and Ansem (CV: Paku Romi and Hirakawa Daisuke) Sharu and Jullian (CV: Fukuen Misato and Saiga Mitsuki) and Dante and Hiren (CV: Toriumi Kousuke and Konishi Katsuyuki). While everyone is going about being their quirky self Hayato accidentaly unleashes a chamber full of spirits that were waiting for their trial (whether to go to heaven or to hell) and thus everyone needs to find and capture them.

Despite having the word 'undertaker' in the title this is a very lighthearted and like I said quirky drama CD. Especially the characters with their weird habits and traits make this fun to listen to. No real knowledge of the manga is necessary, although a lot of characters are introduced in a rapid pace, and though there is little danger of not being able to tell them apart you can't help but to wonder what background stories you are missing.

The cast free talk is funny as well, everyone (even Murata-san who only did 'girl 1' xD) introduces themselves and says a few things. Apparently many people kept calling Riddle 'doriru' xD  Toriumi introduces himself as 'Dante Toriumi', Majima gets told off for not pronouncing his name clearly, Yonaga is accused of stripping, and Sakurai mixes his own name with that of his character. He also mentions that you an hear Yonaga-san his footsteps, I missed them but it is a nice listening challenge. If anyone hears them please tell me :)

Conclusion:

I really liked this one. I've never read the manga but this sparked an interest. There are a lot of famous seiyuu in this CD (Itou Miki even mentioned being nervous because of that, even though she has been in the field the longest of them all xD) so that should have enough people interested. I'm just here to tell you that it won't disappoint. Also, this is completely unrelated, but I liked the background music.

News: ボクたちオトコの娘

I found this while looking around the Frontier Works site and it caught my attention.

Later this month the first volume of 'Bokutachi Otoko no Ko' will be released. Apparently the story is about a new idol group. The catch? These three are actually boys.

Sakurai Seri (CV: Shimono Hiro), Mitsuya Ren (CV: Ishida Akira) and Aoyagi Tama (CV: Yonaga Tsubasa) are three boys that debut as a female idol group. And thus their days of listening to the impossible demands of the company president (CV: Konishi Katsuyuki ) or being chased by their own manager (CV: Maeno Tomoaki ) begin.

To be honest, I have no idea what kind of work this is, or what the target audience is. I just can't figure it out. BUT the cast is interesting enough to give it a try. Here is the official site, and Animate has some sample tracks up over here.