Back from the undesired hiatus with my parents, I decided I wouldn’t be doing a terrible amount of anime reviews until January – the winter anime season. To compensate for the lack of hot anime topics, I wanted to give a little report on something I think every iPhone/iTouch owner should know about. Most of the applications (apps) covered will be anime-inspired. I won’t be covering every app I WANT to talk about just because it’s a lot of work, so this’ll be an ongoing segment at FinallyAnime. Next issue I’ll be sure to cover more anime apps alongside a couple applications which are insanely useful, or a flat out great deal. Alright, lets begin with part 1!

Issue 1:
7th Deadly Beats
Blades of Fury
Crystal Defenders
Dance Dance Revolution
Hybrid
iManga Reader & Manga Depot

Issue 2 (Sometime This Upcoming Month):
MegaMan II
Must.Eat.Birds.
Song Summoner
SlapStar
StarTrigon
Vanguard Storm
Zenonia

7th Deadly Beats (Namco-Bandai)

Genre: Visual Novel/Musical Adventure
Price: $0.99
Free/Lite Version: No
Size: 9.6megs
Release Date: December 11, 2009
Public Rating: Brand New…no rating yet.
My Rating: Waiting for new content. None yet.

Summary: In 2012 An outbreak of a virus suddenly turned into a global pandemic. The new virus transmitted by pigeons had spread particularly among young people and they were all seized with a severe sense of emptiness. Then, that deep feeling of emptiness lead many people to destroy themselves. The name of the virus was “7th deadly virus.” People called it “7th virus.” Therefore the world government formed a 7th virus task force called “7th Breakers”. With the 7th Breakers’ outstanding work and many of their sacrifices, the spread of the 7th virus was suppressed. However in 2030, the 7th Breakers was suddenly disbanded. But no one knew why…Once again, people had to live in fear of the 7th virus. Then in 2035, the 2nd 7th Breakers was formed.

Features:
-Not enough implemented yet.
-Has a simple, yet fun synthesizer.

My Thoughts: Every now and then, a company will release an app or app package that isn’t even finished and it can be a little disconcerting. You have this wonderful idea for a story (or game) in front of you, and not even two taps later, you’re met by a friendly screen notifying you the product isn’t finished. Boy, talk about posthaste. Anyways, pushing the incomplete section aside, you’re left with a fun little music-making game to play with until the next update. Each little cube is a beat, but only one cube from each color can be selected at one time. Furthermore, the ship can be moved around to add these funky blurring/stretching effects to the music. I’m not really a big fan of music-making primarily because of the complexity involved, but I must say this app was quite good considering it’s not finished…and only 99cents. If I were you and you have a dollar to blow off, pick it up.

Bottom Line (B): Nice idea/concept, but it’s not finished. I decided to pick it up anyways and look forward to a fun game.

Blades of Fury (GameLoft)

Genre: 3D Fighting
Price: $4.99
Free/Lite Version: Yes
Size: 122megs
Release Date: November 06, 2009
Public Rating: 4/5 Stars
My Rating: 4/5 Stars

Summary: Prove your bravery & establish your own fighting style through epic duels to cast your name among the greatest heroes, and be remembered in history. Alone against the computer or against your friends in multiplayer gaming sessions, experience an explosive and accessible fighting experience thanks to an arcade-style gameplay. Blades of Fury is the ultimate one-on-one fighting game, offering numerous game modes, and a wide array of playable fighters and fighting combinations.

Features:
- 10 characters, each with specific characteristics: Own weapons, unique range of attacks and combos, four costumes, and a personal background story and motivations to engage in battle.
- Each fighter has about 20 different attacks & combos
- Multiple clinch tactics with a large selection of moves: Attack, dodge, guard, counterattack, combo, jump, break armor, magic attack, crouch, step aside, roll and more!
- 10 arenas that take you to unusual, yet sumptuous locations, each with its own unique atmosphere
- 4 single-player game modes: Story, Arcade, Survival, and Practice
- A Multiplayer mode for duels with friends via local Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection
- Two control schemes providing virtual buttons to tap or drag
- Access to your personal music library (with the OS 3.0 or higher): Play any music stored on your device during the game
- One of the most eye-catching games available, with gorgeous, full 3D graphics and smooth fighting animations.

My Thoughts: When I see games like this…I get nervous. Not because of the price, but because I’m worried if the game will satisfy the Genghis Khan raging in the deepest crevices of my soul. Okay, it might not be that extreme, but nonetheless, any game you pay for should be moderately fun. I had a, “what the hell” moment and I had mixed feelings. Now MIND YOU, I play games like BlazBlue & Guilty Gear 24/7, so I like systems with where every single fighting mechanic can be appreciated and even executed without feeling like it’s impossible. More importantly, executing these maneuvers on purpose.  I must say this game does a great job at balancing everything out. Unlike many games, after a combo is performed, your opponent WILL have a chance to attack due to a longer recovery time. I didn’t like it at first, but learned it was necessary so unfair rushing could be avoided not only from you, but especially the computer. This isn’t a problem on normal mode, but when the difficulty is cranked up to hard or veryhard, minute details of gameplay will surely reveal themselves. What’s more is each character has a specific move list with a hefty amount of combos. The list is juuussstttt right so you don’t feel like you’re learning another language, but complex enough to fully appreciate pulling them off. I could go on about a couple other little things, but all in all, the game is pretty fun.

My ONLY qualm is one many others would definitely have: global wi-fi capability. When I mean global, I mean being able to go online as you would PlayStation Network or Xbox Live and just start playing against a random person somewhere else in the world. Emphasis on “random.” Unfortunately, you’ll only be able to battle with someone who has a copy of the game, an iPhone/iTouch in an immediate area. By immediate area, I mean only a couple feet in each direction. Since my parents and my sister completely threw off my thought process from that damn MIM’s song, I’ll just say this game is like Guilty Gear Accent Core: great game played by one’s self, and the only way it’ll be played.

Bottom Line (A-): A really fun game with a lot to do and lives up to most expectations, but the lack of true online play is laughable.

Crystal Defenders (SquareEnix)

Genre: Realtime Tower Defense
Price: $7.99
Free/Lite Version: Yes
Size: 122megs
Release Date: December 8, 2008
Public Rating: 5/5 Stars
My Rating: 5/5 Stars

Summary: Crystal Defenders is a defensive strategy game in which players deploy popular jobs from FINAL FANTASY Tactics A2, such as Black Mages and Soldiers, to fend off encroaching enemy hordes and prevent them from stealing their party’s crystals. Players can enjoy 360 stages of action in one of three different game versions: W1, W2, and W3. In W1, players can learn game basics. In W2, the introduction of Power Crystals opens up new doors, allowing for deeper, more detailed strategies. Finally, the complex maps in W3 will challenge even the most seasoned players.

Features:
- Deploy units on the area map to protect crystal reserves from encroaching monster hordes.
- Monsters will enter an area and march through it until they are defeated or reach an exit, at which time they will steal one or more crystals.
- Simple touch panel-driven controls and up-tempo play make Crystal Defenders easily accessible whether at home or on the go.
- Innovative level design allows for high replayability.
- Listen to your own music library while playing.

My Thoughts: In my opinion, SqaureEnix and Anime just go together. In fact, I’m sure thiis sacred union will not be broken anytime soon. However, even though I enjoyed Sqaure’s work back when its name was simply “Sqaure,” it doesn’t mean I will accept any game they pump out. Crystal Defenders was no exception. If you’re not acclimated to what a Tower Defense game is, I’ll tell you. Basically, a number of bad guys creep along a predetermined path or paths proceeding until they reach your homebase. Reaching the homebase is bad. To help your situation, money must be used to buy troops to set nearby the path in order to stop the bad guys. It sound pretty simple, but becomes heavily involved quicker than you’d think. Even sooner, you’ll have to develop strategies to defend your keep. Do you like to slow your opponent down, then pelt them with magic? Or maybe you’re the type of player who does away with status effects and really likes to pound the enemy with a large army of soldiers? Just throw interesting crystal “power-ups” in along with a nice cast of troops you’ll learn to love, and any strategy you employ is sure to do a great job. I won’t really get into the minutia of menu features or the like, but just know you won’t be hindered too much by control issues. A great game by a great company.

Bottom Line (A): Fortunately, Square Enix came through with a fun Tower Defense game adding in Crystals for a fun twist. If you’re not afraid of the price tag, get it asap.

DanceDanceRevolution S (Konami)

Genre: Rhythm Game
Price: $0.99 (Christmas Sale)
Free/Lite Version: No
Size: 77.7megs
Release Date: March 05, 2009
Public Rating: 4/5 Stars
My Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Summary: The worldwide sensation that started the dance game craze is now available on the iPhone & iPod touch! Get ready to feel the rhythm as you tap your touch screen! The controls are simple: just tap the panel when the arrows coming from the bottom of the screen line up with the arrows at the top. Features over 20 of the greatest DDR tunes, a huge cast of characters as well as a new Shake mode that uses the accelerometer. Now you can take DDR wherever you go!

Features:
- Bugs have been fixed
- Faster Performance

My Thoughts: It’s funny because DanceDanceRevolution is a rhythm “dance” game, but even if you know how to dance, don’t expect to do well at it…seriously. On the flip-side, the iteration for the iPhone is a little better for people like me since you don’t have to embarrass yourself in public…as much. Most of the crazy J-Pop tracks we’ve listened to time and time again make a pleasant appearance. Oh, and another thing. This game IS HARD. So prepare for a challenge.

Bottom Line (B): Personally, I’d rate it lower, but only because I suck at rhythm games. Besides me sucking, this game has good lighting, fun songs, and plenty of modes. Pick it up when it’s on sale.

Hybrid (Gamevil)

Genre: Realtime Action Brawler RPG
Price: $0.99 (Christmas Sale)
Free/Lite Version: Yes
Size: 9.8megs
Release Date: September 18, 2009
Public Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
My Rating: 3.9/5 Stars

Summary: An awesome new adventure from the makers of Zenonia

Features:
-INNOVATIVE COMBAT WITH INFINITE COMBO ATTACKS
Make your own style moves, controls and infinite combo attacks in more than 70 battle fields and endless mode
-STUNNING VISUAL EFFECTS WITH VIBRANT SKILLS
Dozens of skills to learn by saving Sprits which evolve during the adventure
-AN EPIC FANTASY TRANSENDING TWO PARELLEL WORLDS
Sentimental plot of a hero and his guardian fairy with an epic storyline
-CORE RPG ELEMENTS
Hundreds of items to upgrade throughout an enchant/combine system, various progressive skills to learn, and different character abilities to empower
-PLAY WITH YOUR FRIENDS
Item and message sending to your friends along with global leaderboard competition

My Thoughts: As you have probably figured out, I like Blazblue and GuiltyGear because of their complexity and breakneck speed. I’ll have you know Hybrid has both of those titles beat in the speed category. The enemies come flying at you leaving no room to breathe, the tutorial is just a front for your first real battle, and before you know it, you’ll be fighting 10 enemies at once. I don’t really have much to say about this game since I haven’t played a whole lot, but from what I HAVE played, I don’t think I’ll be playing very much. Don’t get me wrong, the presentation and story along with original terminology, and sprites is very captivating, but already 20 minutes into the game, only one boring combo does all the damage. If I want to button mash, I’ll play Street Fighter 4…more on that later.

Bottom Line (C+): Great presentation and story. Very original, but the actual gameplay seems monotonous and a little boring from the offset.

iManga Reader & Manga Depot

Genre: Manga Reader
Price: iManga – $3.99 | Manga Depot – $2.99
Free/Lite Version: No | No
Size: 0.6megs – reads from online database | Varies
Release Date: September 23, 2009 | November 22, 2009
Public Rating: 5/5 Stars | 4/5 Stars
My Rating: 5/5 Stars | 5/5 Stars

iManga Reader Summary: iManga puts all of your favorite manga titles right at the touch of your fingertips! Browse through thousands of different manga titles! View cover art, plot summary, and author information for each title! Add the titles you really like to your favorites for quick access! With iManga, gone are the days of having to go through the hassle of logging onto your manga reading website of choice, and wrestling with their layout to get to the title you want. With iManga, all manga titles are displayed in a neat and easy to navigate list! Just slide and tap, and you’ll be reading in no time!

Features:
- ALWAYS up to date with the latest releases of your favorite series
- Thousands of titles from multiple manga hosting websites
- Instant access to popular mainstream series like One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach. As well as classics like Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure!
- Constantly adding new titles!
- Searchable manga list
- Favorites
- Easy scrolling
- Landscape and Portrait reading (Note: Landscape viewing has been added to version 1.1 currently pending approval by Apple.)
- Continue reading on restart
- Automatic page bookmarking so you can jump back to where you were reading at any time
- Scrollable page list so you can jump to any page with a single tap
- View cover art, series info, and summary
- “Random Manga” button for when you’re not sure what you want to read

Manga Depot Summary: A very fast and visually pleasing manga reader (Japanese comics translated into English) with a simple and easy to use user interface. Select the manga you want to read, download the chapters you want, then start reading! NOTE: We have been asked by VIZ media to remove some titles, please check our site at www.mangadepot.com for the complete list!

Features:
-List mangas with various sorting methods (title, date, rank and ratings), ascending and descending.
-View manga (Japanese comics), manhwa (Korean comics), and manhua (Chinese comics).
- Manga can be downloaded over EDGE, 3G or WiFi connections.
-Application displays the lastest chapter available for each manga.
-Also indicates how new the most recent update was with various colored icons (red – within a day, green – within a week, blue – within a month).
- Ability to search title, author, artist, genre and plot.
- Ability to add mangas to your list of favorites.
- Ability to cancel downloads and remove them from the download queue.
-Ability to cancel processing and remove from processing queue.
- Ability to download updates and new mangas when server manga list updates.
- Application bookmarks the most recent manga and the page you were reading when you exit or when the device is interrupted by events such as a phone call.
-AND more I don’t feel like listing.

My Thoughts: For the most part, people either like manga more, or anime. I’m more of the anime type. Lucky for me, I’ve been drawn to manga so much more because of iManga Reader. Out of the 2, iManga is better because it has 4 times as many titles, loads faster and works great with wifi. However, if you’re the kind of person who likes to download all your content, then read it offline, Manga Depot is definitely for you. Also, the layout and user interface is much more flashy. May not be for everyone though. At the end of the day, both are great and I’d suggest buying them both in case either makes any sweet updates.

Bottom Line: iManga>MangaDepot: I don’t really want to give these apps a grade, so instead I decided to say iManga was a little better, but don’t let that stop you from getting both these apps.

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