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Welcome to No Game No Life! Where violence is forbidden and you play games with others to decide simple wagers from your pet dog or your crappy bagged lunch to bigger prizes like your life and perhaps the future of humanity!

With a premise like that, it's no wonder why NGNL attracted so many viewers in the 2014 anime year and it truly does not disappoint. With elements of action, ecchi, superb art, brain power, and amazing amounts of lolis. NGNL is one of the shining points of the 2014 crop and I recommend it to those who enjoy a straightforward story of gamers entering ... a world that is not freaking Sword Art Online.

Story: 9, An outstanding story line is presented with a strong parallel to Kamiya's manga adaption. Vivid descriptions of plot and underlying meanings behind all of Sora and Shiro's actions make the series even more enticing. Every character, every motion, every decision has a purpose behind it and a viewer can understand with confidence that an action isn't done just for the screentime but rather for a designated reason. The setting is novel and the premise is simply unlike any other animes which gives the viewer a brand new look and viewpoint.

Art: 10, I'm a big fan of art in anime and many of the highly ranked 2014 animes and even modern animes have adapted to stunning visuals and breathtaking imagery. Details of characters, to background scenes, to even the art on some of the mini games that the MC's play is accentuated to a surprisingly minute detail. Unfortunately, sometimes anime producers will slack on the plot and try to make up for it in the artwork category but this is not the case in NGNL. By coupling art along with a strong story, both categories held to point and a great series is made even greater.

Sound: 8, While interesting in plot and art, sound lacked the extra OOMPH that I would've liked. Sad themes and happier melodies were not brought out in key moments and overall music was stagnant at times. That being said, music was not an overall failure, the OP and ED for NGNL are fantastic and the OP in and of itself is a piano masterpiece that I am still struggling to play today. (seriously though, that piece is hard man ^_^)

Character: 8, Character development is hard to do in 12 episodes and it was somewhat evident in NGNL. While most people won't complain about surface characterizations and ulterior motives, it would have been nice to know about Steph's background and the other races rather than dive right into the action immediately with very little prior description. With this in mind, it is not as if characters were simply skimmed over. We are given in depth looks at their relationships and especially the strong bond between Shiro and Sora throughout multiple events that test their connection as a family.

Enjoyment: 10, hilarious lines like your a "steph"(play on steph's stupidity compared to super-geniuses Sora/Shiro) and Sora's fixation to panties of all kinds make this series exciting and lighthearted when it needs to be. Although I find myself a fan of romance genre, I do like to dip my toes into other genres as well to get the full anime experience. NGNL had a lot of fan-service featuring questionably aged characters but nothing much different than some of the other ecchi animes out there. My only regret was that the season was so short and I hope that there is another one coming out this year or next!

Throw a brotha a like! And game on.

Is it really possible for music and slice of life to mix with romcom and still produce something worth watching? The answer to that question is simply Nodame Cantabile.

Although some may ask, "Kirby, what the heck are you doing watching romcoms? You're losing your manhood in the josei genre!" I have to politely disagree. Being a huge music lover, this series drew me in with promises of classical genius and musicality, and it delivers. Oh, it does! Now here are my categorical reviews

Story: 9- Definitely a refreshing story fit for any gender. Story follows a genius music student with an arrogant outlook ... towards others due to his superiority and musical control. He meets a ditzy piano student in the school and the unthinkable happens! A bit slow in pacing but you get to love the music from each character's viewpoint. Additionally, humor is one of the bright spots in this romcom as well with not too over the top humor but rather comical moments that let you chuckle and laugh out loud at other times.

Art: 7- Art is nice at times but the grave 3-D hands and animations are turn offs. You'll know what I'm referring to when you look at their hand animations. Fortunately, the animators actually took the painstaking effort to animate the piano, violin, and other instruments playing which saved the score. Something rarely seen in other animes. Otherwise, the animations of the characters and buildings etc. were decent but not mind-numbing.

Sound: 10- If you appreciate the music of an anime as much as I do, then you will not be let down. Incredible song selections with diverse instrumentation are some of this animes shining spots. Each song is also done with minute detail to incorporate the animation and conducting along with tempo and beat. Truly masterfully done!

Character: 9- Although put off at first at some character's distant appeal and cold stance, closer into the series, you understand their motives and reasons for acting the way they do. You simply fall in love with some of the characters throughout this series not because of their immediate appeal, but because of their dedication to an art and craft that envelops you with passion.

Enjoyment: 10- Definitely enjoyed Nodame Cantabile. Any music appreciator, romcom lover, or even someone looking for a wholesome talented cast is welcome to try out this anime. In the words of Nodame, "GYABOOO" and onto the next season we go!

"Jealousy: The stealing away of your beloved!!!"
Over the top lines like this are what we have come to accept from a romcom like Nodame Cantabile.

Huge Nodame Cantabile Fan here to write a review about the 2nd OVA!

Although only 11 minutes long, I felt that this OVA accomplished exactly what it needed to do without leaving much left to be desired. A funny spin off on the Nodame Cantabile series taking place after the 11th finale episode, the story follows a hilarious interchange of pace and a new light on Chiaki and Nodame's continuing relationship. Art is relatively the same and sound again is ... on point (Love the OST and ending!). Character development is so-so but I'm definitely glad to see Yuiko again. Definitely a very short addition to the end of a superb series, but a lighthearted way to just show a little more on how our favorite main characters are doing.

My first review. When something moves you, you must respond in return!

Byousoku 5 Centimeter or otherwise known as 5 Centimeters per Second is a breathtaking short series which captures the essence of young love, unrequited feelings, and ongoing regrets. So here goes my explanation for the rating I gave!

Story: 8. A very touching and heart wrenching story enveloped in the lives of two young teenagers. Inside the story, you'll encounter regret and sadness through the unrequited love and distance between these two lovely characters. The three part series also ties in other characters as well and intersperses them in a timely and cohesive fashion to ... create a flowing story. While a little too short and vague for my taste at certain parts, overall a great story and series.

Art: 10. I think one of the things that jumps out immediately is the artwork of Byousoku 5 Centimeter. The art is carefully planned and drawn to a minute detail. Each scene is instrumental in capturing the essence of the series. Whether it is something as simple as a snowy field or a beautiful green pasture, the scene itself is able to evoke the inner feelings of the audience and it is something I definitely appreciated from this series.

Sound: 9 If the art was on point, I have to say the music itself was masterful as well. Placed in areas that elicit feeling and emotion, the music of Byousoku 5 Centimeter was expertly used. While much of the music is soft and melancholy, the ending song is definitely something to be anticipated by viewers! Awesome melody.

Character: 7. If I had to pinpoint something that bothered me, it would be the character development. It was marginal in problem in that the MC's would not be described to a full extent. The 1st episode best describes the characters as it does a great job in explaining each character's feelings and emotions. However, development plummets from there. Not to say that it completely diminishes, but the anime left something to be desired in this area.

Enjoyment: 10. Definitely check this anime out if you are a fan of slice of life, romance, or even a casual anime watcher like I am. Sometimes even simple, shorter animes are really the spice of life. This anime cut right into the feels and was to the point. So grab onto your tissues and brace yourself for a beautiful series.