Review by AFK
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Fire Emblem Heroes 5th Anniversary Memorial Box [3CD+DVD]Game MusicToo much luxury
As a collector of game soundtracks, I am very disappoint that this is the only one being offered at the moment. There are too many additional luxury items I don't want...I just want the music soundtrack, and that's all. Besides, all the extra stuff that comes with it just jacks up the price, anyway.
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"Animal Crossing: New Horizons" Original Soundtrack Totakeke Music Collection - InstrumentalGame MusicDoes not include K.K. singing tracks
Although I liked being able to listen to the instrumental arrangements of K.K.'s songs, I would have liked it even more if the album had also included the vocal tracks too.
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Lupin III PART6 Blu-ray Box IAnimationNot Happy About 2 Volume release
As much as I like Lupin III, I do not understand why part 6 must be released in two boxed volumes, rather than one in blu-ray format, even DVD because it implies to mean more materials being consumed to produce the goods. I had the impression that blu-ray discs are capable of holding a lot of data more than DVD, so shouldn't that lead to minimizing the amount of materials being used when producing goods and reducing consumption?
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BRAVELY DEFAULT II Original Soundtrack [Limited Edition]Game MusicNo description of extra disc.
The product description for this says there are 4 disc, as opposed to the 3 discs for the standard edition. However, when I read the description in both English and Japanese, I see no mention of this 4 disc and what it is. I only see mention of the special cover and cards that come with it. If we could please have this information put out it, thank you.
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Nintendo DS Pokemon (Pocket Monsters) Black 2, White 2 Super Music CompleteGame MusicExtension Soundtrack to Black and White
This is not a complete soundtrack of the game. It is merely all of the tracks that were new to Black 2 and White 2 version and does not repeat those that were original to Black and White version. For a complete sound collection of the game(s) you will want both the Nintendo DS Pokemon Black and White Super Music Collection and this one.
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Sekaiichi Hatsukoi - Propose Hen -AnimationEnjoyable but too short
It was great to have Studio Deen and the actors return to the animated series but it would have been a real treat for fans if instead of four short stories it was expanded to four regular length episodes with each one focusing on one the four couples like the TV-anime.
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"Super Mario Odyssey (Game)" Original SoundtrackGame MusicJust Shy Of Complete
I just can't give it five stars because I like complete soundtracks. It is missing the famous jingle that originates from the Mario 64 game when you get a power star, rather than a power moon. Other than that the album is fantastic! The amount of instrumental tracks are prolific. The music covers a wide range of characteristics and is very pleasant or fun to listen to. The vocal tracks are catchy and very singable. It even contains the environmental noise from the desert and forest areas, which was a pleasant surprise.
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The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD Original SoundtrackGame MusicIncomplete and Disappointing
Most of the tracks are great but some of them are not in their entire or complete form or don't include all the variations. For example, Hyrule Field does not include while you are riding Epona or when you are in combat on foot or horseback. On the other hand, some tracks are not present, such as, the preludes to the boss and mid-boss battles. The music is what helps drive the game and when you are listening to the soundtrack you should feel like you are listening to the complete story.
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Departures (Okuribito)Japanese MovieA film that is good for the soul
It was enlightening seeing how Japanese people of a small town honor and grieve the dead. What I found beautiful was the humbling effects of death on the people, and the honor that can be found in the work of occupations that people would normally not think to take on.
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Nagagutsu wo Haita Neko [Priced-down Reissue]AnimationSuch delight and charm
I was able to stumble upon this film while searching for some cartoons of past generations. After some research I settled this film because main character is also the mascot of Toei Animation. I was glad I decided to purchase this because it turned out to be one of the most charming and delightful films I have ever had the pleasure to watch. I feel that you will be charmed by this film too.
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Anju to Zushiomaru [Priced-down Reissue]AnimationA tragic tale with resilient characters
Not all movies can be happy or have happy fairytale endings. After all, life not only emits brightness but also darkness. The strong resilient characters, especially the female characters, keep finding the hope to keep them going for when life gets tough you must keep living. Light and Shadow coexist and there are moments of rays of light piercing through the sad and the sorrow. Such a touching tale that I recommend for people to watch. There were moments when the picture flashed or blacked when I watched it but don't let that stop you. No subtitles, Japanese language only.
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Tobidase Dobutsu No Mori Amiibo + Chokanzen Catalog (Nintendo)Nitendo Dreamq Henshu Bu / HenchoEverthing NEW is here! but that's it.
Be aware! This extension edition includes everything NEW that can be done in the Tobidase! Doubutsu no Mori amiibo+ video game for the Nintendo 3DS. It does not include what could be done from the original edition of this game (that is, Tobidase! Doubutsu no Mori). You will also have buy the companion book to the original game that is also by Nintendo Dream in order have a complete companion guide to the game. Never the less, this edition surprised me and I saw more information then I bargained for. The book even includes an entire listing of the all 400 amiibo cards, 50 amiibo+ cards and the figures that can be used with this game. For a game like Animal Forest(Animal Crossing) you can't go wrong getting the companion guides. Nintendo Dream is a very good one at that so I recommend the name.
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Japanese Language Proficiency Test Official Exercise Book N5Kokusai Koryuu KikinGood practice
This book is modeled after the current format of The Japanese Language Proficiency Exam (JLPT). The practice questions will give a taste of what the test will fell like and what the examinee should expect. The CD that comes along with it is important for the listening comprehension. Very affordable so anyone on almost any budget could probably get one. If you are a beginner (at least one year or more of study) of the language thinking about taking the JLPT for the first. Start with this. It won't set you back.
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[Audio Book CD] Issho Ni Tanoshimu Nihon Mukashi Banashi IchiPublic DomainGood tales but nettlesome sounds
I am an upper beginner to the Japanese language. Since I am not in an Japanese language environment and hardly get to the listen or speak I figure something like this would be a good resource for listening. The stories are geared in a way to make them child friendly and parents are encourage to listen with them since the stories teach life lessons and morals. You also get a little taste of Japanese customs, culture exposure. I suppose that the authors felt that incorporating sound would add a certain kind of taste or depth or experience or make certain airs or atmospheres stand out and make it more enjoyable for children. However, the sounds felt more like a hindrance to me and I was enjoying the story most when it was just the voices and no sounds as if someone was telling me a bedtime story. If I wanted to re-listen to a story then I felt like I was just putting up with the sounds or even competing with them over the voices rather than enjoying them. The stories are good and like having a voice to listen too but the overall product would have worked out better for me without the sounds.
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Tanki Master Text for Japanese Language Proficiency Test N5BonjinshaHelpful drills and extra practice
This was nice practice book to help me prepare for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). This book comes with an abundance of questions that are in the style of the real JLPT N5 (lowest level; meant for beginners). You get questions from all components: characters, vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, listening comprehension. The extra practice I got from this book helped me feel more confident since I study solo. I was able schedule how much of each section to do each day. You even get mock tests so you can practice on the clock. Thumbs up!
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Wanpaku Ouji no Orochi Taiji [Priced-down Reissue]AnimationA culturally relevant film
The main reason why I bought this film was because I thought it would be something that is culturally relevant to Japan. I was glad I followed my gut feeling. The film by itself is great. The animation is good, the style of the characters and scenes are drawn with simple but colorful and lively characteristics. The action sequences (the movements created) are pretty good and the rhythm is an okay pace with scenes of good length. Even some Japanese history is a part of the story. I was astonished by the Kanji lettering for the opening credits. I liked the font a lot. I even saw Kanji words being used that I do not often. I was really excited about that because for me, who is a native English speaker, the Japanese way of using Kanji is important. The reason why I give it four stars and not five is because the menu uses Katakana English words such as "chapter" and "art gallery." This was disappointing. "Anime" is now the popular word in Japan to describe cartoons or animations but I like the Sino-Japanese word "doga" more which is used to describe this film. Still, I highly recommend this movie because it is first and foremost a great film with many qualities, features, characteristics, and such that differentiate it from other movies and are unique to the Japanese way of making animated films.
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Nihongo Kihon Bunpo Jiten: A Dictionary of Basic Japanese GrammarSeiichi Makino, Michio Tsutsui, Japan TimesFor the commited learner
I am fascinated what makes Japanese different from English. The sentence structure, the many conjugations, the use of Kanji to communicate ideas and words instead of strings of roman letters, statements and structures that do not translate well into English, the use and the scope of formality and humility, the literal meanings of statements. Understanding the Japanese language is like understanding the Japanese people and their culture. This dictionary is an incredible resource that has been helping me unravel the mysteries, nuances, and structure of this wonderful, diverse, and challenging language. Using this dictionary meanings putting in the time and the effort. You must read carefully, and rigorously. Perhaps take a pencil and write as you read. There are definitions for different parts of speech and grammatical terms, sections that focus on important characteristics of basic Japanese, entries for important basic grammatical elements and parts of speech, appendixes for references to conjugations, forming compound words, making numbers, and more. This dictionary maybe closing in on 30 years but I think this is still a relevant resource. I fell lucky to have this because it has been very vital for understanding what I and reading, saying, and communicating. As in person who studies Japanese independently I recommend you start by familiarizing yourself with the grammatical terms. Then, start studying the sections labeled Characteristics of Japanese Grammar. Reference the main grammatical entries and appendixes as they are encountered in your studies and practice writing and reading out-loud the sentences you compose using each entry you study.
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Junjo Romantica 3 Vol.6 Limited Edition [Limited Release]AnimationA touch of life challenges
The last two stories of this period had good humor and drama. What I really liked about these stories, and the period, is that they tackled some challenges that people face in life such as finding purpose, trusting others, dealing with change and acceptance. The period ended on a cliff so I hope the series continues for at least one more period.
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Nintendo 3DS Dragon Quest 8 Sora to Umi to Daichi to Norowareshi Himegimi Original Soundtrack TokyoKouichi Sugiyama (conductor) / Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony OrchestraUses musicians
The high point of this music collection was the use musicians instead of just synthesizers. The music itself is plain and bland although the musicians are very good. The tunes are not very memorable. Only the main tune, the Dragon Quest Theme, is the memorable one. The jingles and fanfares are the next best.
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Pokemon Aka Midori (red green) Super Music CollectionAnimation SoundtrackThe classics and more
This music collection has some new and different things that I have never heard on a Pokemon music collection before. Not only does the consumer get all the music including the classic tunes to Red and Green and Fire Red and Leaf Green but some of the tunes include sound effects that you would hear during a Pokemon battle. For the first time the Pokemon Zukan (the illustrated book) can be listened to as an audio book. Now you can hear all 151 entries of the Pokemon Red and Green Zukan. To me, red and green are better sounds than fire red and leaf green.