30/11/2012

Shinsengumi Mokuhiroku Wasurenagusa Vol.5 Hijikata Toshizou

First off: thanks to ohfourohnine for hooking me up with a download this fast! Many thanks to you!

新撰組黙秘録 勿忘草 第伍巻 土方歲三

Company: Rejet
Based on: Original
Released: 2012.11.28
Official site: http://rejetweb.jp/wasurenagusa/


Shinsengumi Mokuhiroku Wasurenagusa (after this simply 'wasurenagusa') is a series based on several historically famous people within the shinsengumi. The concept of the CDs is "what if I could have been there (and fall in love with one of them)". So while they are based on historical people, the rest is all fiction. The series uses the dummy head mic for several scenes. The fifth CD features Hijikata Toshizou (CV: Hosoya Yoshimasa)


As always we start with an introduction and the raid on Ikedaya. From Hijikata his talk and actions it is obvious that he is a strict leader and down to business type of person. Back at headquarters after the raid Hijikata hears that someone brought in a wounded girl who got caught up in everything. He first wants them to throw you out, but goes to see you anyway. When you don't wake up he orders that your room and the hallway will be guarded, not excluding the possibility that you are a spy.

You go look for him yourself to ask whether you can work at the shinsengumi headquarters. You find him training the other shinsengumi members, but he flat out refuses to let you stay. However he agrees to it in the end (because Heisuke asked him). After which he continues with yelling at you that you shouldn't take the work here to lightly and that he doesn't trust you yet.

Some time afterwards Hijikata orders you to bring him tea, and you end up accidentally spilling the tea on him because you are nervous. And thus Hijikata orders you to take of his kimono for him. This is also where he starts calling you a "dog". His dog to be specific. Surprisingly he lets you off with just a kiss.

When it is reported that you might be working with the enemy he immediately has you brought to him and he starts to question you. Or rather, intimidate you. He gets really angry and even draws his sword to kill you, but because you start crying so hard he gives up (because if you really were a spy you wouldn't act this way). You didn't really betray the shinsengumi but your actions did lead to someone getting injured, and in a rare act of kindness he even accompanies you when you go to Kondo apologise for your mistakes.

He does appear to have a kinder side as well though. When you bring him water and a towel during his training he has a remarkably normal conversation with you. And when you see him secretly eating some of Kondo his sweets during Kondo his absence he even acts kind of cute. Hijikata sees Kondo as the ideal leader, and thus considers it his task to be the strict one.

When Hijikata is feeling vexed by Sannan (Yamanami Keisuke) leaving the shinsengumi,  you for some reason feel brave enough to actually speak up, which obviously annoys Hijikata and he starts to lecture you by tying up your hands, putting a collar on you and chaining you to a pillar before proceeding to undress you. The main ero scene comes a little bit later though. After Hijikata mistakenly thought you were running away (you were actually running an errand for Souji) he first actually apologises for his actions, but the end result is that he continues where he left off last time.

However in the middle of this he breaks down into tears. Saying that if the shinsengumi ever disbanded or Kondo and Souji would ever go away he would be all alone and wouldn't know what to do. He only calms down when you promise to stay by his side forever.

In his epilogue he is kinder again. While he does say that the shinsengumi is what comes first, he also says that you are the second most important thing, even before his own life. Not to mention that he straight out tells you that he loves you. Hearing those words after everything was just so worth it.

Hijikata is 1. Scary 2. Incredibly sexy, and 3. Surprisingly 'human'. The CD really introduces him as the 鬼副長 (demon vice captain) but gradually shows more and more of his human side. To the point where he eventually breaks down and opens up to you. At that moment I just wanted to hug him. The scene where he is secretly eating those sweets was also adorable.

After reading about the 'spilled tea scene' in the official outline of the CD I expected that to be the start of the main ero scene so I was surprised when it came so early. I'm still not sure whether you actually undressed him (or to what extend) though.

Hijikata calling you a dog an tying you up might be a bit more extreme that previous CDs, but I've lived through several Yandere Heaven and Dialovers CDs and no longer mind this at all (*´ω`*) Besides, Hosoya his voice. THAT VOICE. *cough* I mean, he did a very good job on this. He makes Hijikata sound incredibly intimidating, but also caring when needed. And at the part where he was crying his voice just broke my heart.

But the free talk is the main reason I am now only an inch away from adding Hosoya to my bias list. The free talk is pretty long (12min) and he spend most of it talking pretty seriously but in a way that is fun to listen. What really got me though is when he mentioned the lines that made the strongest impression on him: "こちを向け" ("Look here", or possibly "look at me"). The reason is that he would never be able to say that himself and it would be more like "would you please look here" or "I'd be happy if you were willing to look this way" and when he said that he sounded SO INCREDIBLY CUTE. Don't worry Hosoyan!! I'll look at you!!


Conclusion:
If you ask me this was by far the best CD in the series yet. And the most intense one. I personally have little to no problems with the fact that you are tied up, but maybe my senses have gone a bit numb thanks to other series. I'm less in favour of being called "a dog" but if it is in a sexy voice like this I don't mind, hohoho.

29/11/2012

Ai no Poem tsuki Kotoba-seme Vol.3

Tiara 愛のポエム付き言葉攻めCD Vol. 3

Company: Lantis
Based on: Original
Released: 2009.05.27

The Ai no Poem tsuki Kotoba-seme series is pretty much what it says on the tin: A CD that 'attacks' you with words, which also has a poem about love included. And by attacking I mean aiming directly at your heart and making you go dokidoki in a lot of ways. Vol.3 is voiced by Hirakawa Daisuke.

The story begins with with the heroine (you- the listener) entering a cafe. You were lost and entered the cafe to shelter from the rain, but purely by coincidence it happens to be run by a senpai who you know from the literary club at high school. While talking with him you suddenly confess that you always liked him, and he asks you whether you have a boyfriend now. You start crying because you were just dumped, and to cheer you up he reads you a story that you wrote for his farewell album at high school.

Which is where we switch to a different story: that of the 'kisoku tantei Cranberry no oshioki jikenbo". In other words "Aristocrat Detective Cranberry his Punishment Case Files". I tried my best not to laugh at the title but I failed. This title amuses me so much.

But back to the story. Detective Cranberry apprehends a girl who he thinks is the thief 'Kurogitsune' (the black fox), but it turns out she is just a normal girl. In fact, she was just on her way to his house because she was sent there by a family member to learn proper manners. Cranberry takes her home, apologising that they will be spending the night alone because he sent everyone away after receiving a note from Kurogitsune saying that she will steal one of his prized jewels.

Once in the house his politeness quickly turns into flirting, he even tells you that he is planning to take all night to make you fall for him. After you return from taking a bath and pour him some tea he turns his words into actions. He first orders you to lick his feet, but when you refuse because "you don't know how" he simply shows you how by doing it to you. He continues by saying that he is "not only good with his mouth", but it soon turns out that he only meant that he is good at dancing.

While dancing he confesses that while he said that he would make you fall for him, he has actually fallen for you and kisses you. Soon after however he collapses because you actually are Kurogitsune, and you drugged his tea.

When he wakes up he is bound in chains are you are whipping him. I seriously thought my fangirl heart would not be able to handle this part. Hirakawa-san playing a do-S character that was bound in chains and still unbelievably sexy. I... I can't....*cough* but back to the story. While chained he convinces you that he loves you, and asks you to release him so that you can marry. When you do this you are rewarded for this by being chained by him instead. And some very very nice kissing. And they lived happily ever after...?

Back in the cafe your senpai teases you when you say that the story you wrote wasn't that eroi. Then he accidentally makes you remember that you were dumped and you start crying again. Which is when he can't hold back anymore and kisses you, saying that he always liked you too. And so we get to hear some more lovely smooching and you live happily ever after as a happy couple (for real this time).

This CD caught me completely by surprise. Yes of course it is titled 'kotoba-seme' but I didn't think it would be this...this... sexy. In the cafe parts Hirakawa-san is voicing a super sweet senpai, while he uses a much lower voice as Cranberry. Their personalities are also the complete opposite. The senpai character is super sweet and almost hetare, while the other is a do-S aristocrat (and my preference is once again worrisome). And some of the things he says. You'd think I would be able to handle more after listening to certain other series, but this CD had me burying my head in my pillow to suppress all the giggles and fangirl screams.

I'm less positive about the poem. It sort of feels...random. Maybe if I try really hard I would be able to link it to the story in some way, but for now I am failing. Then again, I never have been good at understanding poems, so maybe I am the one at fault here.


Conclusion:
For some reason I didn't really expect much of this CD but it proved me wrong in every way. I've listened to two of the other CDs in the series and I can say that this was by far the most effective one, although that might have something to do with my bias for Hirakawa-san.

26/11/2012

Kuroko no Basuke Sound Theater 2nd Games

黒子のバスケ DRAMA THEATER 2nd GAMES それがボクたちのバスケです

Company: Lantis
Based on: Manga -> Novel
Released: 2012.11.14


Kuroko no Basuke is a basketball manga serialized in the Weekly Shounen Jump, and follows Kuroko Tetsuya and his team mates at Seirin High. During middle school Kuroko was part of the "generation of miracles", 6 extremely talented regulars on the Teito Gakuen basketball team. All of these players went to different high schools, and of course Seirin will have to face them one by one. This CD has little to do with all of that though. Instead, it features a story about the Teito Gakuen school festival, when everyone was still in attending there.
 

The story starts with Kise (CV: Kimura Ruouhei) helping Momoi (CV: Orikasa Fumiko ) carrying some bags full of provisions for the Toou baseball club. To thank him she offers to buy him a drink somewhere, and they run into Kuroko (CV: Ono Kenshou) inside the shop. Momose accidentally drops a picture of all of them that was taken at the school festival, and so they start to reminisce about that time.

I could give an endless summary but in short: Momoi hears a rumour that if a couple wins the stamp rally that is held by the quiz club that they will stay together forever, so she wants to join together with Kuroko, who wants the figure that is the first prize so he agrees to join. Aomine (CV: Suwabe Junichi) wants the figure as well, and he ends up pairing up with Kise (who was looking for a partner, because there were so many girls that wanted to be his partner that they stated fighting amongst each other).

The stamp rally itself features some rather strange things as well, they have to cross the sports ground which has been rigged with pitfalls, and the things they need to collect as one of tasks are rather vague. Aomine and Kise have "hero sanjou!", so Kise starts to impersonate all kinds of hero's, Kuroko and Momoi have "kai wo kaigaeshiku kaesu" (to give back a seashell to someone who wants it, but the point here is obviously the pun), so they steal Midorima (CV: Ono Daisuke) his lucky item of the day and he chases them through the entire school.

Before all of this we also get to hear Kuroko being a butler (because his class is doing a butler cafe) and Murasakibara (CV: Suzumura Kenichi ) impersonating Marie-Antoinette, to hilarious results. And while everything is going on, Akashi (CV: Kamiya Hiroshi) is winning every single board game there is and collecting an enormous amount of prizes.

I really love this story. It shows how everyone was while they were at Teikou and they just seem to be having so much fun. It makes me wish for more material about that time, while also making my heart ache seeing them as they are now.

For some reason I found Akashi his parts especially hilarious. While everyone else is running around in chaos he is calmly winning board games, and every time he does it the sketch follows the exact same pattern and the prizes get more and more luxurious (one year long free food tickets etc etc).

While most of the story is complete crack, it does have some more serious moments near the end. The whole reason Kuroko wanted the figure was to give it to Aomine, to thank him for encouraging him to keep playing when Kuroko was thinking of stopping. 

The surround sound effect from last CD is still there, but I didn't notice it as much this time.

In the freetalk Ono Kensho says he was very nervous being surrounded by senpai seiyuu. Kimura Ryouhei once again does his freetalk as "Kise Ryouta". During the entire freetalk everyone calls each other by a nickname, usually the first part of their character name+"chin" (Kuro-chin, Mido-chin, Mura-chin), even thinking of nicknames for the members that only voiced a few lines on the spot xD


Conclusion:
This made me want to see more of the Kiseki no Sedai era!! Everyone just seems so happy together it just breaks my heart to see them as they are now (but I love Seirin as well so I want to see more of them as well). I hope that they will continue releasing drama CDs like this. Meanwhile, I think I'll try to locate some of the short dramas that came with the limited editions of the DVDs.

25/11/2012

Weekly News Post


Shinsengumi Mokuhiroku Wasurenagusa
The much awaited third voice sample is up. Hijikata seems to be calmly enjoying himself, while no doubt doing a lot of things to you. Only a few more days until the release, hohoho.


Mikkai
Details about the second CD are up on the site. Mizuki Keita (CV: Ono Yuuki) works as an idol. He is a kind person who can't leave people in trouble to their own, but because he acts like a cool type on stage everyone around him and his fans think that is his actual personality. The CD is planned for a 2013.01.25 release. I really love the main visual btw. 


Sasayaki Micchaku
The series continues with vol.5 養護教諭・近杉泰助の保健日誌 (yougokyouyu chikasugi taisuke no hoken nikki, Health Teacher Chikadugi Taisuke (?) his Health Journal). I am completely uncertain about how to read his name because this series has rather original readings at times, but up to now all the names were puns and 'Chikasugi' could also mean "too close" which fits the pattern of the names up to now.

Either way, he is voiced by Hosoya Yoshimasa, and the setting is that he is the school nurse at the school you are going to. While you visit him he tells you all sorts of stories, and one day your relationship might even change from teacher-student to something more...?! The CD is planned for a 2013.03.27 release.

23/11/2012

Shinsengumi Mokuhiroku Wasurenagusa Vol.4 Toudou Heisuke

新撰組黙秘録 勿忘草 第四巻 藤堂平助


Company: Rejet
Based on: Original
Released: 2012.10.31
Official site: http://rejetweb.jp/wasurenagusa/


Shinsengumi Mokuhiroku Wasurenagusa (after this simply 'wasurenagusa') is a series based on several historically famous people within the shinsengumi. The concept of the CDs is "what if I could have been there (and fall in love with one of them)". So while they are based on historical people, the rest is all fiction. The series uses the dummy head mic for several scenes. The fourth CD features Toudou Heisuke (CV: Shimono Hiro)

This is the longest CD in the series as of yet: 108min.

As always the first track is an introduction track. Heisuke talks about how he hates those who claim to do things in the emperor his name (sono-joi) but in fact just do as they please. And as always we start with the Ikedaya Incident: Heisuke was among those who attacked the inn, and we hear how he gets the injury on his forehead.

After things have calmed down he is told to rest a little longer. Wanting to do something he is ordered to take care of you for a little while. Heisuke is sitting beside you when you wake up. I love how he pretends that his wound is nothing when you asks about it, going all "it is not like I was careless or anything". He continues to talk about how you witnessed your parents being killed, and that he can understand that feeling. While saying that he just wants to cheer you up he is actually fully trying to seduce you.

But in the middle of it you shove him away (even hit him xD). He tells you you should think about where you will go now. The next time you see him you've apparently asked Hijikata whether you can stay at the shinsengumi headquarters, but he refused to let you stay. Heisuke tells you that you should try again. This works: the second time you asked Hijikata agreed - apparently Heisuke asked him to let you stay.

Heisuke has to leave to Edo to recruit more members, and before he leaves he asks you to come with the group going to Edo. You agree and so you join them on their mission. While in Edo no one really has the time to take care of you, but Heisuke promises that he will take you to see the city after he is finished. Teasing you the entire time that you are out on your little 'date'.

When you are out one night you run into Heisuke, who has just killed a couple of enemies. He is obviously shaken, and eventually admits that he doesn't like killing people. When you try to cheer him up he first freaks out yelling at you not to touch him because he thinks of himself as "filthy". When you refuse to let go he at first tries to scare you off by kissing you, but hen you don't resist he eventually apologises. BUT, we don't switch into sexy time just yet. It sounds like things return to normal for a while.

Before you return to Kyoto however, he asks you to come to his room at night. Initially you are just drinking tea, but he starts kissing you and tells you that he loves you. There are still some vague descriptions in the ero parts, but one thing is very clear: he is rather skilled at guiding your hand. That actually makes this the first CD where you are actually being pro-active in some sort of way.

In the final track you have returned to Kyoto. He talks about how the shinsengumi has become larger and how their ideals have changed. He is starting to wonder whether the shinsengumi is the right place for him to be, even though he swore to serve the shinsengumi. After you leave to fix dinner he still talks to himself for a bit: that he is happy that he met you. But he also wonders about when he will die.

When he suddenly started seducing you in the second track I was seriously wondering whether the tracks somehow got mixed up. I was just about to check this when you hit him and the story returned to its normal pattern.

Heisuke is actually really sweet though. After that first time he doesn't try anything anymore and encourages you to ask Hijikata to let you work at headquarters again, even talking to Hijikata about this. The reason why he asked you to come with him to Edo is also because he thinks it would be a nice change of scenery. During your time in Edo he teases you a little bit again, but out of all the CDs so far this is the first one where you act a bit like an actual couple, which was kind of cute.

Heisuke his obsession with death was a little annoying. Understandable, but annoying. Sex and talking about death do not mix. But oh well. Also the kissing sounds... slightly rushed?. Even though I knew that he more or less makes you give a handjob from reviews by other people, I was still squirming like an idiot when I reached that point in the CD. Usually in CDs with these kind of ero scenes the heroine/listener is completely passive, so this was a rather unexpected change.

I don't know why, but I more or less expected this CD to end with Heisuke leaving the shinsengumi. Instead, this almost feels like a (semi) happy ending, with Heisuke saying that he will have to treasure every second together.

Shimono-san begins the free talk in a high-tension mode. He says that has never used the dummy head mic for this long. I had to laugh when he mentioned that he might be a bit like Heisuke in that he also likes to play pranks. Apparently he also played an (out of character) Hijikata in a stage play once? I'm kind of curious what kind of play that was. The final question a "message to the otomes listening to this CD", and because of the word 'otome' he starts to worry about what to say xD



Conclusion:
I feel like these summaries/reviews are getting longer and longer (^-^;;). Well the CDs are long as well so it can't be helped <- -  That is what I keep telling myself. Heisuke his story was very cute. His personal problems don't show until the very late in the story, making the rest even cuter. It was also a nice change that you actually leave the shinsengumi headquarters this time. Hijikata was mentioned a couple of times in this CD, makes me more and more curious about him. Luckily, the wait is almost over.

19/11/2012

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.



18/11/2012

Weekly News Post


Two weeks of news this time~

Also: there is another interesting tumblr which has updates on drama CD reviews and news (often with more elaborate translations than I do), so please support it as well~



Oujisama (warai) series
The first two preview tracks for the second Oujisama (warai) Date CD are up at the Animate TV site. The first track has Aladdin (CV: Miyano Mamoru) being extremely sweet, and the Emperor (CV: Okiayu Ryoutarou) and Genji (CV: Yoshino Hiroyuki) commenting on what he is doing. The second track has the Emperor writing a poem for you, and of course the other two feel the need to comment on this.

On 21st two more preview tracks will be uploaded: a preview of your date with Genji, and a preview of the Zadankai track.


Miracle Train
Lately the official site has been releasing info on new characters. 麻布十番 双葉  (Azajuuban Futaba) will be voiced by Shimono Hiro, 赤羽橋 弐人 (Akabaneshi Nihito) will be voiced by Hosoya Tadamasa. .I can't find any info on new CDs or other products being released soon, but this secretly makes me hope that there will be more escort CDs (even though I still haven't listened to any of them).


16/11/2012

Navikare! ~Watashi wo Mukae ni kite~

ナビカレ! ~わたしをむかえにきて~


Company: Pony Canyon
Based on: Original
Released: 2009.01.21
Official site: http://otome.ponycanyon.co.jp/navikare/index.html


In Navikare your boyfriend comes to pick you up and you go home together by train. On the way back you talk a bit together about random things and the sights outside. In this CD both boyfriends are voiced by Hirakawa Daisuke, and you go home after an event in Odaiba *cough*Comiket*cough* taking the Yurikamome line to Shinbashi.

(side note: I didn't know that the different stations had famous voice actors doing the announcements. Next time I am in Tokyo I am definitely riding this just because of that.)

The first boyfriend is very sweet. He is all excited about going back together, happily chatting away about all the things you see outside. He says he wants to go to odaiba on a date some time, and is almost planning out the entire date on the spot. The best moment in his part is when he mentions that he went to look around a bit on the event site and bought a manga from a series that you loved. You ask him whether he actually looked at the content he starts to read, and judging by his reactions it is BL xD

The second boyfriend is more tsundere, and this time you are to one who wants to go on an odaiba date, and he reluctantly agrees to going to several places. He constantly hints that he wants to be with you forever, but then covers it up by saying it was nothing when you didn't hear him (d'awww). This time references to the event are made again as well. You are talking a bit about cosplay, and he first says that he doesn't want you to do that ("because other guys will look at you as well") but starts to give in when you say you might do a maid character xD

You are on a train, and the background sounds perfectly reflect that. On each station an announcer (CV: Kawakami Takafumi (male) Futami Chiori (female), says which station you are at, and the standard talk that the doors open and close etc, just like in real life. If you aren't used to this it might be distracting at first, but you'll get used to it soon enough. You also hear people get on and off the train and hear them talking in the background, although one of the sound effect (a woman sounding surprised) is used a bit too often and it gets a bit annoying.

The tracks are divided by station, but you don't notice when they switch and story continues seamlessly. Most of the time the only background noise are the sounds of the train, the announcer, and the other people, but on a few special moments a BGM suddenly starts playing - creating an in-their-own-world-atmosphere.

Several (if not all) of odaiba's famous landmarks are referenced in this CD: The Ferris wheel, Rainbow Bridge, Oedo Onsen, the Statue of Liberty replica, and so on and so forth. It would be interesting to listen to this while actually riding the Yurikamome, just to see whether it is accurate in terms of how long it takes to get to the next station and what you see.

I have the event version of the CD, although the only difference with the retail version is the freetalk if I'm not mistaken. The freetalk for the event version starts with Hirakawa-san acting too cute. Honestly, why is this man so adorable.


Conclusion:
This was very cute and fun to listen to. Both boyfriends are very different, and personally I prefer the second one, but they both have their charm points. I really really really want to ride the Yurikamome while listening to this just to see whether it is accurate. That, and I want to hear the announcements at the different stations - I think I might start acting strange when I hear announcements done by Shimono Hiro or Toriumi Kousuke though.

14/11/2012

Ketsueikigata Danshi Character Drama CD A Type


血液型男子 キャラクタードラマCD 「A型」


Company: Frontier Works
Based on: Original
Released: 2009.08.26
Official site: http://danshi.me/blood/index.html


In Ketsuekigata Danshi several High School students are thrown into a dormitory because of an experiment by the school principal. All of them have a different blood type, which is exactly why the principal chose them, but what exactly he hopes to achieve with this experiment is unclear. Either way, they will have to deal with their new lives from now on.

The A Type CD puts the focus on Souma Aichirou (CV: Sakurai Takahiro) who is of course an A Type (mainly meaning that he is very serious). The CD starts with Aichirou complaining about the fact that he couldn't study because he had to move to his new house (where he is living together with the other characters). After that he overhears his housemates Akabane Hibiki (B Type, CV: Nakamura Yuichi) and Shirakawa Rio (O Type, CV: Suzuki Tatsuhisa) talking to each other on how they got bad grades and have to take a resit. When it turns out Kurosaki Miyabi (AB Type, CV: Kakihara Tetsuya) has to take a resit as well Aichirou flips and tells them that they will be studying at home for the weekend.

The next day Aichirou wakes them up rather forcefully (only Miyabi is already awake) and forces them to study. None of them want to because they already have plans, but they end up being forced to study anyway. He locks every door and window on the first floor so that they can't escape either. When they finally manage to distract him by asking him for drinks they try to escape through a second floor window. Kurosaki nearly falls of the balcony in his escape attempt and is saved by Aichirou, after which he still runs off anyway.

In the end, Aichirou ends up cleaning the house while the others go out and play. All of them return early because they are feeling guilty though. It turns out Aichirou saw that he was in the wrong as well, and he prepared dinner for everyone. Although... when they mention that they will properly study he switches back into his normal attitude xD

After the main story there is a situation part where you are studying together with Aichirou, who is being adorably clumsy.

The interaction between all the characters was fun to listen to. Of course they are all archetypes for each blood type, which results in hilarious chaos. The principal (CV: Yusa Kouji) also adds to said chaos by being a hilarious eccentric. Kurosaki is arguably the weirdest of them all, thanks to always being spaced out and talking in a really slow manner, but all of them are quirky and fun.

Aichirou is strict and serious, like a proper A Type. His entire family has names with "A" btw, his brother is Aijirou, and his sister Aiko. (The pronunciation of their names is closer to "Ei" if you'd write it in Japanese, but this way the link to A Type is made. All of the guys have the letter(s) for their blood type in their name). Aichirou is also very family orientated, as is shown in his phone call with his family, where he is instantly worried about whether they are eating properly etc.

The freetalk starts in character, after which is switches to normal. Everyone talks a bit about their blood type and whether there are times when they think that they are actually a different blood type (in Japan blood types are used as a horoscope, so every blood type is believed to have several character traits). When Kakihara Testuya does his talk everyone keeps inserting references to Germany (German AB-Type, questions about sausages and beer xD). The end of the free talk is once again in character.

A short -and chaotic- preview for the B Type CD is also included, in which Hibiki gives a short introduction to his story.


Conclusion:
Somehow I had pictured are more situation CD type scenario, but this is mostly about the boys their interaction with each other. Which is brilliant, so no complaints there. Looking at Miyabi his character description it seems like he is two-faced, so I sort of hoped that they would show that a tiny bit as well, but I guess I'll have to listen to his own CD for that.

12/11/2012

Diabolik Lovers Versus 2 - Subaru VS Raito

DIABOLIK LOVERS ドS吸血CD VERSUS 2 ライトVSスバル


Company: Rejet
Based on: Original
Released: 2012.09.26
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.

The second CD has Subaru (CV: Kondo Takashi) and Raito (CV: Hirakawa Daisuke). The CD starts with Raito chasing the heroine/listener, who is finally cornered in the torture chamber (why does the Sakamaki household even have such a thing). You decide to give up, but just as Raito intends to have his way with you it turns out that you are sitting on top of a coffin - and that Subaru was sleeping in said coffin. Annoyed by Raito his provocation Subaru opens the coffin (and launches you into the air). After some more provocations Subaru hits the wall, causing the entrance to collapse, leaving the three of you locked inside.

Raito decides that you should make the best of the situation, and fully intends to continue with what he was doing. He invites Subaru to join him, but Subaru refuses. Not that it really matters to Raito, he just starts 'playing' with you anyway. He finds some chains with a collar attached to them nearby and puts those around your neck. As you don't immediately do what he wants he starts to choke you with them, while biting you in several places.

This has his intended effect on Subaru: he manages to provoke Subaru into showing him how he handles you. While Subaru finds the chains annoying, he doesn't immediately remove them. Instead he 'cleans' your body first by biting everywhere Raito bit you before.

Of course all of this excites Raito even more (looks like watching or being watched is his thing...) and he takes over again, pinning you down on top of Subaru and continuing things there, Although his turn ends fairly quickly to give Subaru a second chance, after which they simply decide to have 3P anyway. The CD fades out with them saying that it might take a while before you will be rescued, obviously hinting at the fact that they will continue what they are doing until you are.

Compared to the first Versus CD this was much more subdued; I actually managed to fall asleep while listening to this (twice). Neither the first nor the third CD allowed me to fall asleep. I believe that the juxtaposition here is Raito only being interested in you because of lust, and Subaru actually showing romantic interest as well. (Ok, there is very little romance, but compared to any of the other brothers Subaru actually does show some romantic interest, which is tons more than any of the others do).

This might be my imagination, but Subaru sounds a lot more aggressive than in his own CD. Raito also didn't get this excited in his own CD, although I am not really complaining there.

After what Ayato did to you in the first CD I expected Raito to go completely over the top with the ero, but not at all. Yes he still does some rather... perverted stuff to you, but he's being less verbal about in than Ayato was. The choking in the beginning aside, both of them are being surprisingly gentle with you. Subaru from the start, and Raito is making a point out of it the second time.


Conclusion:
Out of the three Versus CDs this was the most tame one. There is still a lot going on, but the characters act and talk much calmer, and seem to be hurting you a lot less as well (aside from the choking incident). I never expected this, I'd have thought that Subaru would nearly break down the house and that Raito would be even more straight forward ero instead of getting his kicks out of being watched. Can't decide whether the direction they took instead is a good or bad thing though.

09/11/2012

Chou Sekkingata Sasayaki Micchaku CD 3 ~Bartender Kutsuki Mitsuru no Cocktail Recipe

 超接近型♥ささやき密着CD 3 ~バーテンダー・九津木ミツルのカクテルレシピ~


Company: Marine Entertainment
Based on: Original
Released: 2012.08.22
Official site: http://www.marine-e.net/sp/mitchaku3/

Sasayaki Micchiaku is a series based on stories of being really close to someone (physically). In the third CD the bartender Kutsuki Mitsuru (CV: Hirakawa Daisuke) tells you different stories every time you visit his bar. These stories are recorded with the dummy head mic to really give an impression of 'being close'.


The story begins with Mitsuru just about to open the bar. He sees you looking around with a little map in your hands and offers to help you. Turns out you were looking for the place where he works. Once inside there is a little confusion, because you actually wanted to visit the place during the day, when it is a normal cafe. As an apology Mitsuru offers to make you a non-alcoholic cocktail (because you don't drink any alcohol) and tells you a story about a regular customer. After this you become a regular customer as well, and each time you visit Mitsuru tells you a story.

The first one is about a pair of childhood friends. The girl needs her picture taken for her CV, and her childhood friend just happens to be a professional photographer. He teases her a lot about how she used to cry when she was little and that she is a bit of a tomboy. After fixing her make-up for the picture he realizes that she really is cute though, saying that "if she doesn't find anyone he'll look after her forever". After they started dating she apparently took him to the bar to introduce him to Mitsuru, which is how he knows the story.

The second story is about a couple that just got married, and how they started to date. In high school they were both in the library committee, and one day they need to finish putting back some books together after school time. About every single cliché that you can think of in this setting is used, but I liked that the guy -who originally acts very cool- ends up being completely flustered.

The third time you visit it is raining cats and dogs, so Mitsuru is very surprised that you came. This time the story Mitsuru tells you is from the sengoku period. A princess that is about to be engaged to a warlord is taking one last horseback ride together with a soldier that she is close with. The two of them obviously have feelings for each other, yet they decide to do the right thing and she marries just as planned. Out of all the stories in the series, this is the only one that doesn't have a happy ending.

This story gets you down, and because it doesn't look like anyone else is coming you decide to drink together. At the end of the evening Mitsuru brings you to the station, sharing an umbrella. Somewhere halfway you trip and the heel of one of your shoes breaks off, so he ends up carrying you to the station. On the way he tells you about how his previous girlfriend left him. (Ok, so technically he went to America and didn't contact her, and when he came back she had married his best friend). At the end he confesses that you are more than just a customer and that he likes you.

To begin with Mitsuru is voiced by Hirakawa-san so I was fangirling through most of this. That said, I think they could have made slightly better use of his voice range. He uses neither his 100% hetare voice nor his really deep voice, while this CD would have been an excellent excuse to make him do as many different types as possible.

Just like Vol.2 this is more of a love story on it's own, with several different stories told in between. I'm not sure which format I prefer, although that might also have to do with the fact that the DJ personality from the first CD was really funny.

Hirakawa-san his free talk is somehow really cute. Apparently he starts the freetalk sitting if front of the mic on a chair, after that he starts moving around. He talks a bit about how he had a chance to experience what it is like to be a bartender, and that it is really hard work. When ask what he wants to cling to (micchaku suru) he answers that he wants to bury his face in a pillow and sleep. As for a 'micchaku' experience: just a few days before the recording he wanted to heat up some rice for dinner in the microwave, but somehow messed up so the rice was all sticky and squashed together and he couldn't eat it (this part was really too adorable). Hirakawa-san is the only one who doesn't answer that he would make something eroi if he were to produce a 'micchaku' drama: He wants to make something either with animals or that you are a piece of clothing being worn by someone xD

In the secret track Mitsuru wants you to test a new cocktail that he made. He secretly put in some alcohol, hoping that he could get you used to alcohol so that he could make you even better cocktails. Interesting enough, you seem to have some sort of a might-be-dating might-not-be-dating situation going on. Although Mitsuru is very straightforward about his own feelings.


Conclusion:
I am biased towards Hirakawa-san so of course I liked this. Yet somehow Vol.1 was still the most interesting one. I don't think anyone will ever be able to top Chakumitsu his personality. I'm curious about what kind of stories they will use next time though, because I can only think of so many situations to use...

06/11/2012

Katekyo@ Cool-kei Eigo Kyoushi

 
かてきょ@クール系英語教師


Label: Natalis
Based on: Original
Released: 2009.08.27


Ketekyo@ is all about... a home tutor? There is really no other way to put it. Of course the personalities of both the teacher and student are weird enough to make this interesting. To avoid confusion: this has nothing to do with the Katekyo BL manga series.


In this CD we have Murou Yoshinari (CV: Ono Daisuke) as the teacher, and Asano Kouta (CV: Ichiki Mitsuru) as the student. Yoshinori is your typical everything-under-control perfect type college student. Kouta on the other hand is a brat who is more interested in girls, having fun, and is always typing mails on his phone.

Like I said, Yoshinari seems like the everything-under-control and strict type, but when Kouta starts to talk about girls and asks him whether he has a girlfriend he pushes some sort of switch and Yoshinari loses his cool. And his dialect starts showing (Tossa dialect, which is Ono-san his actual dialect btw).

After Yoshinari loses his cool he keeps on ranting in dialect about how Kouta his future will be bleak if he doesn't start to think about what he wants to do later, how love isn't important and that a student should focus on studying alone. Meanwhile, it is obvious how Kouta is only interested in dating girls and having fun.

Just as Kouta really pisses Yoshinari his chihuahua comes walking into the room, and Yoshinari his mood instantly changes. Turns out he really loves dogs, and he starts talking about the dog at home and his family situation (which sucks to be honest). In the end Kouta decides to properly study just to calm down Yoshinari, who keeps on ranting none the less.

Of course, Yoshinari is an English teacher, so he has to show some skill in talking. Ono-san his "there is no use crying over spilt milk" is pretty hilarious, especially because the way he uses it seems off xD. In the end through all of his ranting Kouta actually feels like studying - which seems to be exactly as Yoshinari planned it (so it was all an act and he is a cool type after all?).

As soon Yoshinara his Tossa-ben started showing I was all (*´Д`*). Dialect!! I think I love dialects more than I realize (gap moe?!). Anyway. Yoshinari seems far from cool, but his rants are hilarious and Kouta his attempts to keep up always fail or he makes a remark that makes Yoshinari rant even more. This time there doesn't seem to be a 'several years later' track, which is a pity because I would have loved to hear that.

The free talk is nearly as long as the entire story. It is fun to hear them talk together. Ichiki-san apparently researched Ono-san (on yahoo) before the recording and starts to recount an entire profile xD They end up talking a bit about dialects, and apparently Ichiki-san was born in Kyuushuu but doesn't speak the dialect.Near the end they start to plan another CD with a pretty girl as a home tutor, and they hope that one day something like that will be released as well.

(After listening to this free talk I keep wanting to say Ichiki-kun because Ono-san calls him that, but he is still several years older than I am xD)


Conclusion:
Midorikawa-san his otome character in the other CD was brilliant as well, but Ono-san his character wins thanks to the dialect (this is actually the first CD, so I'm glad that I listened to them in the wrong order). I need to find more things with dialects...

05/11/2012

Weekly News Post (part 2)

Joshuseki Kareshi
vol. for the series has been anounced. This time you fall in love with your driving instructor (CV: Hatano Wataru). I love the catchphrase for this CD: アクセル全開な、禁断の恋のライセンス。あなたも取得しませんか?"a full gas license for a forbidden love. Won't you try to attain it as well?". My fangirl heart is also loudly cheering because of their choice of Hatano Wataru for this. The release is planned for 2012.12.25


Toki wo Tsumugu Mono Tachi
Actually the full title for this is 速水奨プロデュースCD Shuffle ~ときを紡ぐ勇者(もの)たち 高校生タイムトラベラー (hayami shou produce CD shuffle ~toki wo tsumugu mono tachi koukousei taimu trabera-~, which translates into Hayami Shou Produce CD Shuffle ~Those who Spin Time High School Time Traveler) While the reading is 'mono', the way it is written (勇者, yuusha) actually means "heroes".

A normal high school student is somehow transported in time, and ends up right in the middle of famous historical moments. The Honnouji Incident, Ikedaya Incident, and attack on Pearl Harbour are mentioned as examples. A guest seiyuu will feature in each story, and so far Hatano Wataru and Ono Yuuki are listed as cast (I am guessing Hayami Shou will voice one or multiple characters as well).

If I am understanding the description correctly, a total of 5 volumes is planned. With the first one being released on 2013.01.24. (whether that is 5 volumes of time travelling, or 5 volumes that 'shuffle' something is still a bit unclear to me).


Sokubaku Series
This new series will feature characters that love you so much that they feel the need to have you for themselves. 束縛 (sokubaku) means to restrain, but can also mean to shackle someone. Which one this will be (or maybe both) we will see when the first CD is released.

Each CD will feature a character with a different occupation, the first one being the doctor Sou Kazuaki (? CV: Hirakawa Daisuke). Seems like you are an incredible klutz and hurt yourself or sprain something so often that you are regularly visiting the hospital where he works. He puts you in a special suite, but this is not just for your safety but to express his feelings as well. The release is planned for 2013.01.24

This is published by the same company as Issho ni Cooking and Joshuseki Kareshi so I don't know how extreme this will be, but to me this sounds like another potential yandere-ish series. And I love it. Also: Hirakawa Daisuke voicing a doctor who loves you a bit too much? Sounds familiar.


Akogare no Situation Series
Time for details about the next Akogare no Situation CD! This time the title is 愛されたいっ (aisaretai, I want to be loved). You are on your first date in a while with your boyfriend Kou (? CV: Namikawa Daisuke). While watching a movie at the theatre together the viewing suddenly stops right before the final scene. Wondering how it ends, the two of you decide to rent the movie to watch the end at home. And inspired by the last scene, Kou decides to propose to you... The release is planned for 2012.11.25

Weekly News Post (part 1)

Once again, this news post is late because I was in London for the weekend. The main reason was to see the Final Fantasy Anniversary Concert, which was amazing! But I've also seen lots of the pretty architecture all over town, and went to see Top Hat on Saturday as well (I have a weakness for old movies and musicals). But on to the news, yes.



Oujisama (warai)
The cover for the third CD has been revealed on the official site. They will start releasing previews of the scenario somewhere later this month as well.






Otoko no Ko
The Otoko no Ko series is getting a manga adaption. It will be published at the Comic Zero Sum Online  site starting 2012.12.10 and will be illustrated bu Nerisuke. Hopefully the comic will raise some more popularity so that we will get another drama CD as well (^-^)


03/11/2012

London Calling

News post will be late because I am in Londen for the weekend.

I went to see the Final Fantasy Anniversary Concert, and it was amazing! I might use this as an excuse to travel again sometime ♪( ´▽`)


02/11/2012

Chou Sekkingata Sasayaki Micchaku CD 2 ~Biyoushi Michael no Biyou Karte~

超接近型 ささやき密着CD 2~美容師・MICHAELの美容カルテ~


Company: Marine Entertainment
Based on: Original
Released: 2012.04.25
Official site: http://www.marine-e.net/sp/mitchaku2/

Sasayaki Micchiaku is a series based on stories of being really close to someone (physically). This time the setting is that you are visiting your hairdresser, Michael (CV: Toriumi Kousuke). While he is cutting and colouring your hair you are reading a magazine special about 'micchaku' (getting really close to someone/something) experiences. These stories are re-enacted with the dummy head mic.

Michael welcomes you into the shop at the beginning of the CD. He is a bit of a hetare and sounds really cute. Apparently he one part German, which is why he occasionally uses words in the wrong way and talks with a slightly odd intonation. When he asks you how you want your hair cut you tell him that you "want a hairstyle that makes you want to fall in love". Apparently you have been listening to the micchaku special on Chakumitsu his radio show, and now you want to fall in love as well.

You talk a bit with Michael, and from the conversation it is pretty obvious that you both like each other, but don't realise that it is mutual. You talk a bit about creating chances, and Michael tells you about a friend of his who works in the kitchen at an Izakaya. One day when things were very hectic a girl who used to only work serving customers also came to help in the kitchen, and in order for her to be able to help more often he teaches her how to cook properly. This is of course all re-enacted with the dummy head mic.

By the end of this story Michael has finished washing your hair, so next up is colouring and cutting. During this time you are reading a magazine that just happens to have a micchaku special as well. Two stories from the magazine are re-enacted: One about a couple from an acting club at university practising together. (n case it is unclear, they are trying to practice 二人羽織 (nininbaori) - which literally means two people wearing one haori (coat). The person in the front doesn't use his hands, instead the person in the back sort of acts as the arms and hands of the front person. It is really funny to make people eat stuff this way (because it usually fails). There is youtube user who does this with his dog).

The other story is about a pair of high school students who get trapped in a blizzard during a ski trip and have to spend the night in a small mountain cabin. Michael tells the final story while he is massaging your head (in Japan you usually get a short head/shoulder massage when you are at a hair salon). This story is about his grandmother and how she was escorted by a body guard one night while attending a ball in Germany. I like this story the most. Sue me, but I just like the whole stoic bodyguard with a soft side setting. As you can guess, his grandmother eventually married her bodyguard.

When Michael has finished it looks like he is just going to send you off and wait for you to come back for your next appointment in two months. Luckily he does decide to chase after you in the end. In the secret track you are successfully dating, although he still has a habit of using keigo (polite speech).

I think this is the first time that I've heard Toriumi-san voicing such a cute and innocent character.  I have to admit that I was a bit surprised by that, I'm used to him voicing more confident characters. But Michael is just too cute and I really wanted to cheer him on. Just like I said last time: I like listening to one person voicing different characters, and Toriumi-san doe a good job with all of them.

The free talk was OK, I guess? Toriumi-san sort of evades all of the questions. Just like Ono-san he says that if he were to produce a micchaku story that it would probably be eroi(^-^;;). Apparently they used several sounds that he made himself as sound effects, like him flicking a lighter or fidgeting with his cellphone.


Conclusion:
I liked the first CD better because Chakumitsu was just hilarious to listen to. Michael is really sweet though, and this CD is more of a love story compared to the last one. And I got to hear a whole different Toriumi-san.