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Yugioh Arc V is the 5th installment of the Yugioh franchise, it is not the best anime within the franchise. (This is my second review, it is just updated)

The storyline starts a bit slow and repetitive sometimes near the beginning because it was meant to introduce to Pendulum Summoning as its main concept in dueling. The story does get interesting after episode 20 by how it introduced the darkness within Yuya and his counterparts. In addition, the story does become unpredictable and interesting as its strong points. Yet, it is not prefect on how the plot does feel rushed near the last couple episodes. It ... raise questions without having answers on how it is important to the plot as one of flaws of this franchise. For instance, a duel occurs in one episode when it should be in two or three episodes. I mean some duels feel significant to the plot in character development or other aspects; yet, it does not happen which makes the plot feel rushed and flawed sometimes.

For the characters, there is a variety of side characters that has a role in the plot, however, does not utilize their role at its fullest since some of them appear as the audience after fulfilling their role in Yuya's development.

Even though, there are flaws in the side characters' roles, the development of the main characters was fleshed to its full potential which makes the story strong at some points. In the beginning, Yuya was seen as a cheerful and goofy boy, who focuses on entertainment dueling like his father. As the story progress, he experiences drastic changes within himself, learns about his counterparts and how it connects to his identity. I won't mention the details of his identity because I may spoil it for new viewers who are starting to watch this franchise.

Similar to having a female lead in the franchise as the main character, Yuzu portrays her role in helping Yuya fulfill his by being his mentor throughout the story. On contrast, she has not given enough spotlight as the story progresses which makes her seen as a side character than as the main character.

Akaba Reiji, the main rival of Yuya, was developed strongly in his character and role for Yuya's development. His role influence Yuya to face his inner struggles and his role of being an entertainment duelist which is one of the strong points of this franchise.

The music was used greatly on how it utilized the duels and moments within emotional or comedic scenes. It is similar to the VA, who portray the characters well.

The animation have its pros and cons because some episodes have good animation and opposite on other episodes. It was probably the quality of the animation was transferred to the movie, Dark Side of Dimension which cause the animation in Yugioh Arc V to drop.

Overall, Yugioh Arc V have its strong and weak points, in terms of the plot of the story and characters' role and development. It is sad that Arc V have ended; but, I enjoyed watching it as a whole.

Another review from me, even though, does contain minor spoilers regard Ash and the new friends that he makes in this series.

Pokemon XY have exceeded my expectations when someone persuades me to watch this series after I did a review on how bad Decolora Adventure was due to content within the episodes.

Story - 8

The beginning of Ash's (Satoshi) new adventure starts when he arrives at Lumiose City since he continues his dream to be a Pokemon Master throughout the regions he explores with old/new friends he makes along the way. First, he meets the gym leader, Clemont (Citron) and his little sister, Bonnie (Eureka); ... however, Team Rocket follows him like every other regions he went to with his buddy, Pikachu. Thus, there are times when he has to battle them with either Pikachu or the new pokemon that he captures during his journey. Also, a new female protagonist named Serena, was introduced for a short time during the first couple episodes till she finally meets Ash and his friends, Clemont and Bonnie.

The main part of the series for every region that Ash goes to is getting badges, catching new pokemon and meeting new people who have dreams of their own and desires to fulfill it. That does sound predictable for the most part; however, there is a new concept that was not included in the game version of XY which is the concept of becoming Kalos Queen that is only for girls but its kind of similar to Pokemon contests in the 3rd and 4th generation games.

Art - 8

The art is similar to Black and White; however, its more unique and special when it introduces an old/new pokemon and the battle animations look much cooler than it was in the previous series. It shows how much the makers are dedicated in making the series as interesting as they possibly can toward the audience, mostly to the kids.

Sound - 8

The soundtrack remains good as it always been within this series since it changes vary depending on which episode it is but does reused them if it needed for that specific scene. The voice actors did a great job with the roles they have.

Character - 9

Ash: He still have his positive attitude toward his friends and the pokemon that he meets or captures. Yet, he does do dangerous stunts that surprises his new friends since it shows he cares about his pokemon even if they are needed help in their abilities. Also, he supports his friends' dream as well as his. Likewise, his abilities to predict what would happen next within the battles show he is a step closer in fulfilling his dream from Kanto to now. As long he is with Pikachu and his other pokemon, he believes he can do anything that seems to be useful in his potential and the potential within his pokemon.

Serena: She has a lot of character development throughout this series when there are episodes that focuses on her and what kind of dream she wants to become rather than following her mother's footsteps. When she figures out what she wants to do, she decides to stick with her dream in becoming Kalos Queen by first becoming a Pokemon performer because she wants to show how elegant her pokemon can be as well her abilities in making Poke Puffs and etc. Although, she wants to achieve her dream if she notices there are pokemon who have dreams that are similar to hers.

Bonnie: There are episodes that focuses on her development on how she cares about Pokemon; even though, she couldn't become a Pokemon trainer due to her age. She does have a Dedenne which she kept inside her bag; but, her brother keeps its Pokeball in case something happens to Dedenne. In addition, she does show varies facial expressions depending what is happening like she does not get scared when something scary happens unlike her brother and her friends. On the other hand, she does something unrealistic that her brother doesn't want her to do is she proposes to girl for her brother's sake which is similar to Brock since she wants Clemont to have a happy life with someone who he loves dearly; but, fails to realize that he does not a girlfriend.

Clemont: He is a gym leader in Lumiose City which temporary lets Clembot take over the gym till he returns from being a better gym leader. He does do similar aspects like cooking meals for his friends and pokemon and provides information for them to understand like Brock and Dent does in previous series. Moreover, he believes in the power of science will solve the problem; yet, he seems to fail when his inventions malfunction or breaks down for some reason. Similarly, he does have to take care of Bonnie like every brother would do.

Additionally, there are times that focuses on the development of the pokemon and their bond to its trainer and other pokemon.

Enjoyment - 8

I quite enjoyed most of the episodes for this series so far because the development within Ash and his friends and how they overcome the obstacles that they have to face like Team Rocket and their rivals which they promise to meet and battle against in the future. Also, the content within each episodes seem interesting for that specific character or pokemon but sometimes keeps its predictable aspects and does not at the same.

Overall - 8.5/9

This series is way better than Black & White because of how it is set up in the beginning and continues to get better as Ash and his friends continues their journey to fulfill their dreams with their pokemon. Well, this review went long enough since its only the XY series and it continues with the first episode of XYZ along with another episode of Mega Evolution Arc next week.

My first review (Updated 10/22/15)

First of all, I'm been watching this show since the first season that began in 1998 when it first aired on TV (the English version). I'm watching in Japanese from near the end of the Diamond and Pearl to now.

After I had completed this show, I'm starting to lose interest because its not the same feeling as I usually do when I watch the original to the Diamond and Pearl but I still try to watch X and Y since I saw the trailer and it looks cool with the new animations

Story - 6

The story is the usual common story-line, Ash ... and his two friends, Iris, and Dent, goes on on a boat adventure for most of the time and seeing the characters from previous seasons like Professor Oak and Clair. During the 2nd half of the show, a character from the Kalos region arrives and the story continues there. Even though, the Decolora adventure is giving hints for the X and Y series that is coming next month; however, the episodes feels lacking and a bit predictable for most of the time.

Art - 7

The art is the same as it usual is in the black and white series. Overall, its nice and simple with a bit of 3D animation and its not bad for a long anime show.

Sound - 7

The sound is good as it always is in this show, even the music is good. Even though it does get repetitive by just listening to the soundtrack. The sound of the pokemon and their moves is usual as always. The voice actors did a great job with the roles.

Character - 7

For Ash:
Well, he's still the same as always since the beginning of his first journey. Not much with his character development, just traveling with his friends and Team Rocket getting in the way for the entire boat adventure and now Kalos too.

For the rest of his friends
Not so much character development for Iris and Dent.

Enjoyment - 6

Well, not as enjoyable like the previous seasons since the plot is getting a bit boring and uninteresting since this series is to make more time for the X and Y series. It can't be helped, either they can rerun a few of previous episodes which they never did or make new episodes that drag out till the next season starts since it is for the kids who are starting to watch this show.

This show has continued for a while and the creators are starting to run out of ideas. Hope the next season will be better than black and white since its not interesting as the diamond and pearl series. Also this series is common with going on a journey, getting badges, meeting new people and battling just like the games.

Overall - 6/7

For the Decolora adventure, it is recommend for people who likes Pokemon and can handle the sort of same events in every episode since the beginning of this show. This is not the last season maybe the next one will be the last one because of lack of plot and ideas of black and white series. Ash is still the same age as he always been except for the one episode in the first season with the journey for a year. Well, hope this review is ok, since I'll probably go on a rant if I continue.