ARIA Arietta

ARIA OVA Arietta now has its own webpage. Though no other information except the release date. The OVA is scheduled to be released 21st September 2007.

There'll be a OVA commerative day (La festa di ARIA) on the 2nd of September.

Mission Completed

Oh Yeah.... Complete the PLUS (mission) mode for Gundam SEED Destiny Zaft Vs Alliance Final Plus II.

Last night I finished the last 7 Faith mission. I was hoping for more missions other than the Faith mission. Main Gundams which I have mostly used are Gundam Destiny and Gundam Blast Impulse. I learnt that Blast Impulse is able to charge the blaster (courtesy of Joney_and_cleaver) from animesuki forum. It reallt makes my life a lot easier with the charge shot. I got familiar with Gundam Destiny and use it when I have to attack with speed.

I hate the life pod rescue mission most, especially the one that I had to collect 30 life pods within a certain span of time. The 9th Faith mission is also a pain. You have to destroy Minerva and protect Archangel from nukes at the same time. I tried several strategies and wasted a lot of time in the mission. I finally figured out that I had to approach the nukes, destroying them as soon as possible. Also, make sure you destroy windam, they can release several nukes. Apparently, it was shown on Youtube that Gundam Legend is suitable for this mission. Legend can just stand on top of minerva, activate its dragoon system and use its charge shot. Though I used Blast Impulse.

Another rescue mission which I hated is collecting rescue pods over the towers. I found Justice to be a good choice after trying the others. I observed Justice's speed is faster, resulting the boost gauge depleting slower than the others. One trick is to do it in a clock-wise/anti-clock-wise manner. you'll waste less time that way.

The most enjoying mission was the Faith mission that I need to use Stargazer. When I first played the mission, I released the nuclear flash mine but didn't know how to detonate it. I tried the mission with its other crap attack and failed miserably. Then, I learnt from online that they were flash mines and needed to be detonate. Once, I figured out the detonation button. Man, it was the best game play in PLUS mode. Set the mine anywhere, up on the air or on the ground and KABOOM!!!

I also started the Archade mode and finished 2 routes with Blast Impulse. I learnt a funny trick; "Rise up, charge the gauge and release the charge shot." Apparently it works very well, Blast Impulse shot the enemy and I can sway the blast shot left/right. I found it very amusing as well, like Blast Impulse's having a toilet session (You know what I mean).

The most time wasted: Faith 9th mission (Destroy minerva while protecting from nukes)
The most outstanding Gundam: Blast Impulse (For me)
The most enjoying Gundam: Stargazer (Kaboom!!!!)
The most hated mission: Faith mission (Collecting 30 rescue pods)
The hardest battle: Mission with Strike Freedom and Akatsuki as enemy

Aside:
MG Strike Freedom assembly timeline:
17/05: Head and interior chest completed. [3 hours]
23/05: Exterior chest, right arm + hand + shoulder, left arm (60%) [3 hours]
27/05: Left arm + shoulder + hand, Leg completed. One leg (60%) [2.5 hours]
29/05: Legs, Waist completed. Assembled the main body of Gundam. [3 hours]
What's left: Dragoon system, Wings, Ammunition and stand.

Animage Grand Prix

Some interested results from Animage Grand Prix June edition.
The (*) shows the position in Top 100 Best Character survey.


Favourite Anime:
1. Code Geass
2. Gundam SEED Destiny
3. Suzumiya Haruhi
4. Ouran School Host
13. ARIA The Natural
17. Mai Otome
19. Tsubasa Chronicle II
21. Fate Stay Night
25. Kanon
48. AMG Sorezore no Tsubasa

Favourite Hero:
1. Lelouch [Code Geass] (1)
2. Kira Yamato [GSD] (2)
3. Athrun Zala [GSD] (3)
4. Kyon [Suzumiya Haruuhi] (?)
6. Suzaku [Code Geass] (29)
12 Shin [GSD] (23)
14. Syaoron [Tsubasa Chronicle](50)

Favourite Heroine:
1. Lacus Cylne [GSD] (8)
2. Suzumiya Haruhi [Suzumiya Haruhi] (4)
3. C.C. [Code Geass] (16)
4. Cagalli [GSD] (11)
5. Sakura [Tsubasa Chronicle] (12)
8. Karen [Code Geass] (10)
9. Yuki Nagato [Suzumiya Haruhi] (52)
10. Stellar [GSD] (?)
11. Saber [Fate Stay Night] (70)
15. Mikuru [Suzumiya Haruhi] (48)
18. Akari Mizunashi [ARIA The Animation](70)
19. Shirley [Code Geass] (?)

Not much deviation from the Best 100 Characters survey for the top characters. Lelouch, Kira and Athrun dominate both survey. Lacus, Haruhi and Cagalli are the hot pick in both survey.

Note:
1. Lacus managed to beat Haruhi, Yeah!
2. Kyon didn't make it to Top 100 but he rose and placed 4th in the Grandprix.
3. C.C. popularity continue to rise.
4. Suzaku's rating also improved.
5. I knew Belldandy would be out of Top 20 since AMG Tsubasa failed miserably at 48th place.
6. ARIA Natural surpass Kanon, Mai Otome, Tsubasa Chronicle II, AMG Tsubasa and Fate Stay Night.


P/S: Alafista has scans of the results.

Suzuka 151 Intention

凉风 Suzuka 151 口裏 くちうら

Suzuka and Yamato were in the room looking at travel guides. Yamato remarked that they have to hide the trip from their guardians. So they can't go to far places. Suzuka commented they should then find a place near for a stay-over. Yamato didn't understand and Suzuka suggested Hakone. She has been there and she can lead the tour. Yamato immediately agreed and wanted to choose the accomodation. Suzuka asked if he was fine with such impulsive decision. Yamato replied that they would have a successful trip since Suzuka had been there. Yamato further commented that it doesn't matter where since Suzuka will be together with him. Yamato then asked if an accomodation with onsen is fine. Suzuka called him idiot as the place was so expensive. After some time, Yamato complained that they couldn't decide on a place. Suzuka replied that they have to find a place that's cheap but offered substantial service. She then pointed to a accomodation, saying that it's quite cheap and the meals looked decent. Yamato was fine with it and Suzuka told him to make the reservation. Yamato was surprised but Suzuka told him that he should do the reservation. Yamato asked why he has to do it and told Suzuka to finish what she has started. Suzuka rejected saying that she didn't know how to do a reservation. She asked if he has never done it before when he was the captain of the track team. Yamato answered that he never done it since Miki was the one who handle it everytime. Suzuka pestered Yamato into doing it and he finally made a call to the accomodation. Yamato asked if there was any room for two around the 20th to 24th. He managed to get a reservation on the 22nd for a night. Thenm, both of them were silent for a while. Suzuka asked why Yamato was silent. Yamato said that he felt the realization after making the call, like there's no back out. Suzuka agreed. Yamato told her that it is important that the trip remained a secret.

The next day, Miki and Yasonobu were shocked to hear that Suzuka and Yamato's going to Hakone. Yamato and Suzuka told Miki to reduce her voice. Yasonobu remarked that they would be able to go even if they didnt inform him. Suzuka explained that her father is very strict and he would definitely forbid if he learnt that she's going on a trip with a boy. Yamato also told them that Ayano san rejected the motion as well. Yamato then requested Yasonobu and Miki to help them. Yamato told them his plan. He would be going out with Yasonobu and Suzuka would be out with Miki on that day. Yasonobu asked about the stay-over. Yamato suggested that Suzuka would return to Yokohama after that. Yasonobu asked if Yamato thinking of saying that he'd return to Hiroshima. Yamato replied that hehad thought of that but it'd be a problem if Ayano san called his home. Yamato suggested that Yasonobu would lie that they went skiing and stayed at Yasonobu's relative's chalet. Suzuka said that she felt sorry but they told Miki and Yasonobu that they really need their help. Suzuka asked Miki if it was fine. She told her that she felt a bit envy but she would definitely help them. She wanted Suzuka to pay for the cake as compensation. Yasonobu also agreed saying that it's hard to turn down Suzuka's plead. Yamato was delighted but Yasonobu told Yamato that he had to treat them BBQ with high quality beef.

On the way home. Suzuka remarked that she was happy that Miki and Yasonobu have agreed to help. Yamato commented that he's going to be broke because of them. Yamato then asked Suzuka if it was fine. He commented that he really wanted to go with her on a trip without the need to secretive. He added that Suzuka had to lie with him. Suzuka refereshed Yamato's saying on there's no turning back. She then told him that it was her who brought back all the brochures. She should be blamed instead. yamato told her that it wasn't the case, it was him who proposed the trip idea. Suzuka then teased that they were accomplice.

On the 22nd of December, Miki arrived at Ayano san residence. Ayano san called Suzuka, telling her that Miki has arrived. Suzuka apologized to Miki saying that it's not necessary for her to come. Miki told her that it'll be more convincing if she came. Both of them bid farewell to Yamato. Ayano san turned to Yamato and asked him to get ready for his skiing trip with Yasonobu. Yamato then called out loudly that he's leaving for skiing with Yasonobu.

P/S: Three weeks of waiting. Despite the long wait, I'm happy that it appeared. Hurray to Dream动漫.

Price Inconsistency

I recently came across some price inconsistency in Yesasia products. Most of ARIA fans should know that Kozue Amano has an earlier work called Roman Club. It is available at Yesasia. There are 6 volumes and each costs US$4.99. However, the whole collection (V1-V6) cost US$39.84. The price was originally US$47.79. Any high-school kid should be able to do multiplication of $4.99*6=$29.94. How come the pricing for the whole collection is so absurd??

I wrote an email to Yesasia regarding the matter. Yesasia has friendly customer service but I wasn't pleased with the reply. This is the reply.

"Further to your inquiry regarding the price of the "Roman club", please kindly be informed that the retail price of all items are adjusted at a level which is acceptable for most customers located in different regions. Your kind understanding would be greatly appreciated."

What do they meant by "ACCEPTABLE"??? Is there any idiot who's going to pay $39.84 instead of $29.94 for similar items?

Suzuka 150 Planning

凉风 #150 計画 けいかく

Suzuka and Yamato were walking home together. Yamato complained about the cold. Suzuka replied that it's December after all and it could start snowing at night. Yamato pondered on December and then remembered that the university training would start at the end of the year. Yamato remarked that they can't play like now. Suzuka agreed and said that it felt bit sad. Yamato then asked if Suzuka wanted to do something as an epilogue for memory. Suzuka asked him for example. Yamato replied that he's not sure either. Suzuka then told him to tell her if he thought of something and walked up the stairs. Yamato noticed Ayano san bidding farewell to Saotome and Megumi. Saotome said that she would bring back souvenirs. Ayano san told them not to bother and enjoyed themselves. Yamato then asked Ayano san where they were going. She replied that they were going on a trip to Hawaii with their friends. Yamato was surprised to hear Hawaii and Ayano san told him that she went there before for honey moon. She continued telling Yamato that she lost her passport and searched for it all night. She then asked Yamato to guess where she had left it. However, Yamato was thinking about holiday trip. Ayano san asked if he was listening.

Back in his room, Yamato thought that going on a trip would be the best memory but it required overnight stay. He was worried that Suzuka might not agree with the idea. He really want to go and went to approach Suzuka. In Suzuka's room, Yamato told her about the idea and Suzuka was delighted with it. She commented that winter holiday's comimng and asked where they're going. She added that it has to be a day trip so they wouldn't be able to travel far. Yamato then told her that he was thinking of an overnight trip. He continued that he hasn't decided venue but it would be just one overnight stay. Yamato asked for her opinion and Suzuka embarassingly replied she's fine with it. However, she commented that her dad won't allow her if it was an overnight stay. Suzuka apologized but Yamato told her he was just asking. He said that there's satill time and he'd think of something else.

The holiday has started. Yamato, Miho and Ayano san were having morning tea. Miho remarked that Yamato shouldnt sleep so much even though it's holiday. He asked if Suzuka's still there. Ayano san replied that she had long left. Yamato wondered where she had been. Miho jokingly asked if she went out with another guy since she looked quite eager. Yamato told her not to talk rubbish. Miho then envied Saotome and Megumi who went to Hawaii. Yamato remarked that he shoudl also go on a trip. Miho asked if they could go together. Yamato remarked that it have to be Suzuka not Miho. Ayano heard Yamato saying travelling and asked him. She told him that both their parents placed them in her custody and she wont allow it. Yamato told her not to be angry and mentioned that Suzuka didnt agree as well.

Yamato went outside the building and wondered where they should for their Christmas date. He realized that he had not celebrated Christmas with Suzuka before. Suzuka appeared and asked what's he doing. She greeted him and Yamato asked where she had been. She grabbed Yamato's hand and dragged him away. Back in her room, she showed Yamato several travel guide and brochures. She remarked that she got it from the bookshop. She then happily asked where they should go. Yamato was surprised and told her that he thought she felt inappropriate. She answered that it was too sudden back then but she really wanted to go travelling with Yamato. Yamato then asked if it was fine. Suzuka replied that it's end of the year and they need to reserve in advance. Yamato said that wasn't what he's asking. He asked if her dad would allow it. She replied that she didnt ask her. She added that she was afraid so she didnt ask. Yamato told her that Ayano san forbid it as well. Yamato then asked if they should go secretly. Suzuka agreed and commented that it felt like they are doing something bad. Yamato said it wasn't that bad and he really want to go. Suzuka agreed.


P/S: I wouldn't be surprised with a disapproval from Ayano-san since she is Yamato's aunt as well as his guardian. For Asian culture, it's not appropriate for a couple to travel together by themselves. They have to be at least engaged. the caption on the last page seem to hint that the parents would find out about the trip.

AT-G Alicia Figure

Release note for Good Smile Compaony/AT-G Alicia figure at Good Smile COmpany. More preview at Hobbystock as well.

Available for pre-order at Hobby search and HLJ.

Suzuka V16

The cover for Suzuka volume 16, featuring Saotome and Megumi. Manga scheduled for May 17th release. Wonder what the manga cover art would be....^^

Suzuka 149 SP Quiz

Quiz questions in Suzuka 149 special chapter.

Q1. Miho, Miki, Honoka, Saotome and Ayano san. Who has breast circumference size more than 85cm?

Q2. Suzuka loves which manga series best in shounen magazine?

Q3. What's Yamato best friend, Yasonobu most treasured item?

Q4. What's Yamato favourite food?

Q5. What's Suzuka childhood ambition?

Q6. Who has the largest buttocks in Suzuka manga?


Highlight for answers below:
A1. Suzuka 80cm, Miki 88cm, Honoka 81cm, Saotome 80cm and Ayano san 88cm.

A2. Non. She doesn't read shounen magazine.

A3. The upskirt photos of Yasonobu dated girls.

A4. Not meat but Cola crouquette

A5. Taking care of pet in the ムシゴロウ王国 (Mushigorou) kingdom

A6. Ayano san 90cm. With her breast size, she's the double champion.

Suzuka 149 Special

凉风 #149 Special 美少女 X 湯煙 X 袋トヂ

The chapter happened at night, after hours at Ayano san's public bath house. Yamato was enjoying himself in the sauna room, saying that's the priviledge of the cleaner after hours. Yamato commented that only the female bath house has sauna and he wanted to use it as well. He spent 30 minutes in there and decided to leave, feeling bit dehyrated. Suzuka opened the door and found Yamato in there. Suzuka asked what's he doing in the bathroom, emphasizing it's a girl's bath house.

Yamato explained that it's after hours and he thought there shouldn't be anyone patronizing the bathhouse. She said that he should at least put on the cleaning in progress sign. She scolded him idiot and commanded him to leave. As Yamato was about to leave, he heard Saotome and Megumi outside saying that someone else beaten them to the bathroom. Yamato told Suzuka that Saotome and Megumi were outside the sliding door. Megumi mentioned that Yamato should be cleaning it but Saotome said that she had grabbed hold of Yamato's weakness and she could force him out. Suzuka grabbed Yamato away and went inside the sauna room. The exposed Saotome and Megumi went into th bath area. Suzuk pushed Yamato against the wall, trying to hid him from vision. Saotome noticed the sauna room is closed and asked if there's anyone in there. Suzuka sat on Yamato, covering him from being noticed by Saotome (no within her vision angle) who's looking through the glass door. Saotome asked if she could join her. Suzuka answered that she want to be alone wth some thoughts. Saotome then told her to watch the limit of 10 minutes. Yamato was bit dehydrated from his previous 30 minutes sauna session. He started to lose his consciousness while Suzuka had a peek through the glass.

After 20 minutes, Saotome and Megumi were still outside. Suzuka looked at Yamato and found him lying there unconscious. She slapped his face asking if he was fine. Saotome approached the window and asked how long would she take and if she was fine. To prevent Saotome from discovering Yamato she spread open her bath towel, hiding the lying Yamato from Saotome's vision. (The first time Kouji has Suzuka's quarter nipple exposed) Saotome asked what she doing. Suzuka replied that it was a bit hot. Saotome then told her to come out from the sauna sot that they could use it. Suzuka replied she would leave soon. Yamato started to regain his consciousness but Suzuka stomped her feet on Yamato face, stopping him from looking at her naked body. Saotome asked what's the noise and Suzuka replied she doing some exercise. Later, Saotome and Megumi left, with Saotome saying that Suzuka's acting bit like Yamato. Suzuka was relieved that they had left. Suzuka then found the dehydrated Yamato bleeding due to her blow on his face. Back in Yamato's room, Suzuka fanned Yamato and asked if he was fine. Yamato said that he never thought of fainting and guessed he must be overheated. Suzuka said that she had hard time cleaning the sauna which looked bit like a murder scene. Yamato wondered his nose hurt and asked if he bumped onto something. Suzuka replied who knows. Yamato then commented that he saw two faint round pizza pie when he regain consciousness in the sauna previously. Suzuka was shocked and ordered him to forget about it.

Chapter ended with caption Never to be continued...!? and a colour page of Miho saying Ayano san forbid her to read, so you (the reader) has to read it yourself.

Aside: The chapter actually has quiz on the top with answers at the bottom.

P/S: I find it bit amusing. Fanservice is the word to sum the special chapter.

Suzuka 149 Handmade

凉风 #149 手製 てせい

Yamato was motivated by Tsuyoshi recent competition and he gave his best in his practice. He stopped to grasp a breath and shouted 6 more laps. Suzuka told him to have a rest since he had been running continuously. Yamato replied he's fine. Yamato remarked that there would be more competitive athlete in the university and he need to improve his speed. Suzuka said that she understood but she remarked that it should be fine if he maintained his current practice. She continued that if he kept thinking about the future and hurt himself, it would then create problems later. She told him to be considerate. Yamato was puzzled her her mood.

On the way home, Yamato complained that he's hungry and wondered what's for dinner. Suzuka reminded him that Ayano san was out and would be home late. Yamato was surprised and Suzuka reminded that Ayano san told them to get their own dinner. Yamato then wondered where's Ayano san going once every week. Yamato suggested that they'd get something to eat then. Suzuka had a thought and suddenly told Yamato that she just remembered a task she had to do. She asked him to wait at home. Yamato asked where she's going but Suzuka ran off, telling him she'd be back soon.

Lying on the bed, Yamato complained being hugry and where Suzuka has been. It's 6pm and he decided to call Suzuka. Suddenly someone knocked on the door. It was Suzuka and Yamato asked where she had been for so long. She came in but Yamato thought they were going out. He saw a bag and asked what she's planning. Suzuka put on the apron and told him that she would cook their dinner. Yamato was stunned and Suzuka pinched his face. He asked if she went to buy ingredients before. Suzuka then asked"Wouldn't Yamato like to try his girlfriend hand-cook dinner?" Yamato liked the idea but wondered why she wanted to do that. Suzuka assured him telling him that she would follow the recipe book. Yamato looked at Suzuka and was happy to see her in apron for the first time. Suzuka realized Yamato's noticing her. Yamato asked what she's going to cook and she answered curry which was less likely for failure. Yamato told her not make it too spicy since he couldn't handle spicy food. Suzuka was surprised and stuttered. Yamato saw the habanero, a mexican world hottest chilli. Suzuka panicly told him it was for garnishing only. Yamato complained that she was going to put that in. Suzuka threw two ingredients on Yamato's face and told him to leave so that she can focus. Later, Suzuka finished the curry with rice. She told Yamato to eat first as she need to prepare the salad. Yamato hesistated and checked the curry rice. Suzuka told him that it's rude to sniff here and there. Yamato apologized and Suzuka told him to taste it. Yamato had a try and it tasted very good. He finished his portion and asked for a second serve. Suzuka was so happy. Yamato remarked that she succeed even though it was her first time cooking curry. Suzuka commented that she had been practising and studying over the 3 years time and didnt have much spare time. She continued that she wanted to at least do something that felt like a couple for the day. Yamato apologized and said that he was rushing with his practice because he wanted Suzuka to see his achievement. He added that he would probably spent most of the time on trac pratice when he entered univeristy. Thus it's good that there's time to relax with her like now. Suzuka agreed. Yamato praised Suzuka on her improvement in cooking skill as he tried the salad. He collapsed with a swollen lips after tasting the habanero chilli which Suzuka used as garnish. Yamato asked why she used it and even grind it into powders. Suzuka explained that it looked beter with some red colours.


P/S: Like the chapter even though I hope for more development with other characters. Suzuka put in effort in cooking for Yamato and done well, though her salad disaster prevailed in the end.


Aside:
New wallpaper for Suzuka at Shounen Magazine as well as new screen saver (art similar to the new wallpaper)

Inspiron 6400 Arrived

My new laptop arrived and I pretty much finished migrating all my stuff from the old laptop. There's 3 primary partition and one extended partition. The 3 primary partitions comprise the FAT, FAT32 and the C Drive. I have asked my bro to separate the extended partition into 3 logical drive, comprising Dell Media Direct (??), 50Gb and 45Gb free drive.

The only problem I had was the Mixtex software that I used in conjunction with WinEdit. It did work with well newer gs and gave an error on unable to locate the gsviewer. I used the older version and also copy one mixtex folder to replace the current one instead of debugging the problem.

Now I can store anime and music until I'm ready to burn into DVD, instead of back-up every now and then, wasting DVDs. And I can burn straight from the laptop rather than transfering to an external drive and then to my bro/sis computer. Hurray!

P/S: Anxiously waiting for this week's Suzuka chapter 149

Athena Glory Figure

The last prima undine figure, Athena Glory, has been revealed, scheduled for August release. I would probably not collecting Akira and Athena since they are not particularly attractive and cost a lot more. The figure would probably cost 6631 yen with 1480 yen SAL shipping. I'll remove my Akira pre-order from HLJ.

The other ARIA figure I'm eagerly anticipating is the Goodsmile/AT-G ALicia 1/8 figure due to July release but there's no preview yet not pre-order. Offical release note at AT-G. The 1/8 figure is 18.5cm high and cost around 5500 Yen (US$46 or AUD$55) which is a lot more expensive compared to other 1/8 figures.
Update: Alicia figure release date has been postponed to September.


Release Date:
Akari: October 2006
Aika: November 2006
Alicia: December 2006
Alice: February 2007
Akira: May 2007
Atena: August 2007