Tag Archives: streaming

Tech Reviews

Fifine Ampligame D6 Controller Review: A Streamer’s Best Friend

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Fifine sent me their Ampligame D6 Stream Controller to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions of the device. This will be my honest review. Make sure you check my other Fifine product reviews like the M9 lavalier mic set or the AM 8 Streaming mic.

What’s in the box?

  • D6 Stream Controller
  • USB-C to USB-C chord with builtin USB-A adapter
  • user manual

Features

The Ampligame D6 stream controller is the ideally sized to take up the perfect amount of desk real estate without losing any function. Its sleek black design and programmable faces make it compatible with most aesthetics. And if it wasn’t obvious the D6 was designed with gamers in mind, the subtle RGB strip that borders the devices comes with a few preprogrammed profiles that can be toggled off at any time.

The D6 intends to improve the user’s workflow without breaking the bank. With its 15 programmable buttons and compatibility with popular content creation tools, the D6 is ready for any type of workload. Each button can be programed with with media controls, macros, and other useful plugins to take a content creation to the next level. Setup is as easy as drag and drop, and there is a plugin store for additional functionality.

Whether it is gaming, editing, or streaming, the Ampligame D6 Streaming Controller promises to do it all brilliantly.

Review

I was very impressed with the controller out of the box. It has a good weight to it and the construction seems solid. It has good quality rubber at the bottom to keep it firm on your desk which is a nice little detail. Turning on the device left me a bit more impressed. Each button has a small screen with good resolution. All of the icons are easy to read and see, and they can be reprogrammed to fit any aesthetic. I also like how the RGB is subtle and doesn’t turn my desk into a rave, and like it even more that I can turn it off when I don’t want it on.

Setting up the streaming deck was easy through the official ap. The ap gives users a decent amount of programmable functions and there is a ap store with free plugins for program specific functions. I didn’t mess with the store too much since the default settings had enough of what I needed.

The buttons were a bit stiff at first, but they do begin to soften after prolonged use. The functions and keys are very responsive, and I like that I can save multiple profiles with multiple pages of shortcuts if I need to switch between different workflows. I do feel like it has helped improve my productivity. It is OBS compatible and it is nice to have access to the functions without having to switch out of the game. I have also started using it for work, using it for shortcuts for programs and macros that I use regularly. My only complaint is that I won’t ever be able to do my work without it.

If you’re looking for an affordable streaming controller with a good amount of utility, the Ampligame D6 gets the job done. You can pick up the Ampligame D6 on Amazon for $78.99 using my affiliate link.

Tech Reviews

The Fifine SC3 is the Best Budget Mixer on the Market

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I was sent the Fifine SC3 Gaming Audio Mixer to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

What’s in the Box?

The mixer comes neatly and safely packaged in a plain box. Inside, you get a copy of the instruction manual, a USB-C to USB-A cable, an aux cord, and the mixer. The instructions are easy to read, but the device is even easier to use with very little guidance. The USB cable and Aux cord are a decent length, but you might want to invest in a better aux cord if you want better sound.

Sound Quality

The SC3 Mixer is going to elevate your setup. You will get better sound than plugging your headphones into the motherboard, but most importantly, you’re getting amazing voice recordings out of the box. I used the mixer with the Fifine H9 gaming headset and am very impressed with the sound quality I got. You can use something like a voice meter to get a more professional sound, but I don’t think you need to. If you’re looking for the easiest and cheapest way to upgrade your sound for streams, the SC3 is what you need. I’ll leave a sample of the sound below:

https://churapereviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sc3voicecheck.mp3

Voice Changer Feature

The SC3 comes with a voice changer feature. This feature includes six easily toggleable presets: male, female, robot, monster, baby, and elder. This feature isn’t great, but it is fun. The male, female, and elder presets are the most usable of the batch. I’ll leave samples of the different profiles below.

Male Preset

https://churapereviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/malevoicechange.mp3

Female Preset

https://churapereviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/femalevoicechange.mp3

Robot

https://churapereviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/robotvoice.mp3

Monster

https://churapereviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/monster.mp3

Baby

https://churapereviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/baby.mp3

Elder

https://churapereviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/elder.mp3

Other Features

There are volume-controlling sliders for the mic, line-in, headphones, and line-out with corresponding mute buttons for each. There is also an autotune feature. I can’t sing to save my life and didn’t mess around too much with me. It feels a little basic, but it’s a fun and silly feature like the voice changer.

Of course, the SC3 wouldn’t be a gaming accessory without any RGB. The mixer has a solid collection of light profiles so you can always have a matching setup. The soft underflow is a very nice touch. I like the fact that I can toggle off the RGB if I need my desk to look less busy.

My favorite feature is the four programmable soundboard buttons. Each button can easily record and store your favorite sound bite to play during your stream or podcast. I already have my profiles loaded and ready for D&D silliness.

Quality

The SC3 mixer looks cheap, but the construction is sturdy. The sliders make the device feel cheap. I never had any issues with the sliders, but it feels like they will break after extensive use. That said, the SC3 will survive enough normal wear and tear to be worth the money you spend on it.

The buttons feel good and make up for the quality of the sliders. All buttons are easy to read, responsive, and soft. I like that the buttons glow white when they are in use, and make great use of their RGB lighting effects when not.

You are getting what you pay for, but it won’t break after a week of use.

Review

The SC3 mixer has become my daily driver for my home setup. It not only looks good on my desk, but it is also practical. The SC3 provides a decent soundstage. I would have liked a little more bass, but there is enough of it to make it an enjoyable experience. Most people who aren’t audiophiles will be content with the sound.

Voice recordings through the mixer is a fantastic experience. You aren’t getting studio quality, but the quality you’re getting is good enough for most cases. Without any tinkering or third-party software, you’re getting a good sound recording. The experience will vary based on the mic, but I did feel like I was getting a better-sounding recording from my Fifine H9 gaming headset. You can use something like voicemeter to make it sound more professional, but I don’t think it’s necessary. The SC3 mixer is an upgrade out of the box.

Quality isn’t an issue. The build looks solid, and it looks fine on the table. It does feel cheap, but I am not afraid of it breaking any time soon. This isn’t a buy-it-for-life situation, but it is a quality budget-friendly option. This is the device you buy while you save up for the expensive upgrade.

The SC3 is a very user-friendly and responsive mixer. Setup is easy, but there are some quality tutorials out there if you need them. I appreciate how responsive the controls are, especially if you’re using it for commercial purposes.

My only real complaint is that having your phone connected with the included aux cord sounds bad. There was a lot of static. A better AUX cord might fix this, but I wasn’t able to test one.

If you’re looking for a quality mixer that isn’t going to break your bank, check out the Fifine SC3. This mixer is a fantastic option for those looking to get into streaming or podcasting. You’re getting a decent amount of features for a good device that will hold you over till you’re ready for the upgrade. It doesn’t offer much customization in terms of equalizers, but you don’t really need them yet. While I do see some everyday use, this might be a bit overkill for everyone else. Unless you need the features, I would go with the Fifine H9 Gaming headset if you’re looking to upgrade your mic and sound. I am happy with the SC3, and recommend it to anyone in the market for a mixer.

You can pick up the Fifine SC3 Gaming Mixer for $49.99 using my Amazon Affiliate link.

Tech Reviews

The Fifine AM8 is the Best Budget Streaming Mic on the Market

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I was sent the Fifine AM8 Streaming microphone for free to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinion. This will be my honest review. If you enjoy my reviews, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. If you’re looking for a fantastic gaming headset, check out my review for the Fifine H9s. Don’t forget to follow the socials!

What’s in the Box

The Fifine AM8 comes in simple, but well put together packaging. In the box, you get:

  • Instruction manual
  • AM8 Microphone
  • Table Stand
  • 6.5 ft (2m) USB-C to USB-A chord

Sound out of the box

https://churapereviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/am8-natural.mp3

Sound Quality

I am pleased by the sound quality. Out of the box and without any processing, you can get a solid sound from this cool looking device. I am very impressed with how good at is at filtering background noise. There will be some bleed, but it is far better than other mics at a similar price point. With some 3rd party filtering and a better acoustic, I’m sure you can manage a better sound. It isn’t going to be studio mic quality, but good enough if you’re on a budget or are just starting out in the space. I do recommend you pick up a mic arm for the best results.

Build

The AM8 is a well-manufactured device. This mic looks fancy out of the box, with a very nice machine finish. The foam that covers the mic not only looks nice, but it is of a nice material. The RGB lighting is soft, and it looks nice. The touch controls for both the RGB settings and mute are very responsive and easy to use. The same goes for the volume controls. The nobs have a smooth glide, and being able to control the volume for the mic and headphones is a very cool feature. Most importantly, the AM8 is built sturdy. I’ve already dropped the device a few times, and haven’t noticed any damage or loss of function. I am very clumsy, so dropping the AM8 shouldn’t be an issue, even if you only use the stand it comes with.

Review

I love the AM8 streaming mic, and have made it my default setup. The sound is great for the price point, and it makes a decent DAC. You aren’t getting a professional audiophile sound stage through this setup, but it is a lot better than the onboard sound you’d get otherwise. The mic looks cool on my desk, and I love that I can turn off the RGB when I don’t need it. Most importantly, I like how easy it is to mute with a touch of a button.

When it comes to mics and headsets, you are usually paying that gaming marketing premium. You’re paying for that gamer aesthetic, buzzwords, and RGB. This isn’t the case with Fifine products. With the two products I’ve got to try out, I am impressed with how much of their promises they can deliver at the price point they exist in. If you’re looking for your start in streaming, podcasting, or content creation, grab yourself a Fifine AM8 streaming microphone. The AM8 also has an XLR port for those who need it. I didn’t get to test this feature, but it is nice to have for those who need it.

If you’re looking for a quality budget streaming mic, you can’t go wrong with the Fifine AM8. You can pick up your Fifiine AM8 Streaming microphone in Black, Pink, or White for $64.99 ($46.74 as of writing this) on Amazon using my affiliate links.

Series Reviews

The live-action One Piece series is a must watch, even if you aren’t a fan of anime

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If you have been enjoying my content and want to support what I do make sure you like, comment, subscribe, and share this with your friends. You can also buy me a coffee

I’ve been holding off on watching Netflix’s live-action One Piece series because I was afraid they would ruin another of my favorite anime. As a long-time fan, I needed this series to be good. I can forgive Netflix for a lot of the garbage they put out, but I could never forgive them for ruining One Piece. That said, I did my best to come into the series as open-minded and unbiased as possible. I didn’t rewatch the anime, stayed away from spoilers and news, and didn’t even watch the trailers. I wanted to go into this series as removed from the source material as possible because I didn’t want my experience to be affected by nostalgia or fandom. After sitting through the series, my only complaint is that I didn’t start it sooner. If you haven’t watched it yet, you need to do so now!

The series covers the events through the Coco Village arc. This is a condensed version of the events, but the changes made are appropriate and appreciated. For those unfamiliar with the source material, Luffy dreams of being king of the pirates and sets off to find the crew that will help him find Gol D. Roger’s infamous treasure, the one piece. But the sea is a dangerous place, full of pirates, marines, and monsters. Despite having the powers of the Gum-Gum Fruit, Luffy has a lot to learn before he can be king of the pirates.

I love how faithful of an adaptation this series is. The attention to detail is astounding. The costumes, the sets, the characters, and the story are a perfect interpretation of the source material. I can’t believe how good of a conversion Netflix is capable of, especially after all the garbage I’ve sat through. As a fan, even though I haven’t seen the first season in a while, it made me giddy to catch the subtlest of references.

But you don’t have to like anime to enjoy this series. It has a fantastic cast that shares excellent chemistry, fun and exciting action scenes, and a well-written and tight season. I was afraid they would drag this out like streaming services tend to do, but One Piece gets to the point and leaves viewers wanting more.

I can spend hours talking about the series, comparing the versions, and overanalyzing the plot, characters, etcetera, but I’ll leave you with this: Go watch it now! If you are a fan of the series, this is the adaptation you didn’t know you wanted. It makes me hopeful for Avatar the Last Air Bender live-action series Netflix is also working on. If you’ve never seen One Piece, or even know what it is, this series is going to make you watch the anime. I know it made me restart it all from the beginning. If you do start watching the anime, I recommend you skip the filler episodes. One Piece isn’t as bad as others when it comes to filler, nor are they bad episodes, but when a series is this long, it’s nice to get to the point. I love the live-action and can’t wait for there to be more!

Movie Reviews

You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah is a forgettable coming of age comedy you can skip

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You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah isn’t the worst movie to come out of Happy Madison Productions, but it isn’t worth watching either. This flat coming-of-age story suffers from its dull narrative and even duller lead. While the movie does present interesting commentary on cultural identity and maturity, it doesn’t do enough to stick out against the enormous catalog of stories that make up the genre. If you are thinking of watching this movie, there are better options you should be watching instead.

Stacy is prepping for her Bat Mitzvah and obsesses over the party that will define the rest of her life. But her desire to be popular put her life in a downward spiral. The big defining moment she has always dreamed of is turning into a nightmare. Can she learn from her mistakes and find a place where she belongs?

The film earns a couple of genuine laughs and makes some interesting points about religious, cultural, and personal identity, but doesn’t go deep enough. Stacy and her peers have a general indifference to the traditions as they focus on relationships, status, and social media. At first, Stacy finds preparing for her Bat Mitzvah as a chore, something she needs to do to have her party. There are moments in the movie where she even questions whether she is Jewish because she has to or because it is who she is. I love this idea of heritage and a modern personal identity clashing because it is such a tangible human experience. This ceremony is coming to her at a pivotal point in her development when she is still trying to figure out who she is and where she stands in her society. She wants to be treated like a grown-up, she wants to be popular, and she wants the party, but doesn’t understand where Judaism fits in that. She doesn’t resent her Jewish identity, it just doesn’t take precedence in what defines her yet. It is only after talking to her elders and learning from her mistakes that she learns to value this identity and the work she puts towards Bat Mitzvah.

The problem I have with Stacy’s transformation is that it comes too suddenly. The build-up to her grand gesture feels forced like it was done because the movie needed a happy ending and not because Stacy learns from her mistakes. I would have liked to see her connect with the teachings, or even find value in the stories told to her. There are some very cool moments where her elders talk to her about being Jewish or being a woman, but the movie makes it seem like she comes to her transformation on her own after she hits bottom. This makes these moments feel meaningless in the grand scheme, even though they were often the better parts of the movie. But, this could be a bias of wanting there to be a lot less Stacy in this film. 

I liked that they didn’t make her a perfect, quirky, artsy girl as you see throughout the genre, and I like that she makes terrible decisions, but her character falls flat. Her obsession with being popular consumes her to the point where she becomes a terrible person, but she learns from her mistakes and grows as a person. That part is fine. The problem is that she ruins her best friend’s Bat Mitzvah over a petty moment she created, and we’re supposed to forgive her because the script says so. I get kids make mistakes, but there is a line between being terrible and messing up. I don’t think the grand gesture was enough to earn the apology, but I might just be a bitter old man yelling at clouds. 

The other reason this movie doesn’t work is that the lead lacks the charisma to carry this movie. I found scenes involving Stacy to be boring, which is a problem in a movie where she is the main character. Don’t get me wrong, the performance isn’t terrible. I have seen enough bad movies to know that it could have been a lot worse, but it also isn’t worth sitting through. I know this movie is going to get hate because of the Nepotism, but I don’t think a better actor could have made the movie better. At least it’s better than After Earth. 

As a movie that was made to fill up Netflix’s catalog, it’s fine. It tries to tell a story, has passable acting, and makes a few solid points about identity. There are definitely worse options available. You can watch You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah on Netflix, but your time is better spent elsewhere. 

Board Games and TCGs, Series Reviews

Pokémon: Path to the Peak Episode 4 is out now!

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If you haven’t been watching this mini-series, you need to. It is an adorable re-imagining of the Pokémon TCG competitive scene that doesn’t require any knowledge of Pokémon or the card game to enjoy. It has a great protagonist, a fun story, and a cute art style. If you weren’t playing the TCG before watching this, you’re going to want to after.

As I did with last weeks episode, I am going to over analyze what happened in Worlds. This will contain spoilers, so make sure you watch the episode before reading the rest. If you enjoy these posts, make sure you like, comment, subscribe, and share this with your friends.

Last week, Ava experienced her first big loss. She became so consumed by her desire to win that she forgot to have fun. The loss devastates Ava because she feels like she let everyone down. This pressure breaks her, and Ava decides to quit the game. She stops going to the club or talking to her friends because of the shame she feels for losing internationals.

In previous episodes, we’ve seen her mother try to talk to Ava about the competitive scene. The cards that were the catalyst for Ava’s adventure once belonged to her mother. We got the sense that Ava’s mother was also a competitive player and that Ava’s natural talent might have also been passed down through her. In this episode, confirmation through some important back story. We get to see Ava’s mother comfort her from a place of empathy, and it is a very cute moment. Ava’s mother faced a similar loss and quit the hobby as a result. She advises Ava not to do the same and to remember why she started playing.

This is an important moment for Ava because not only does she learn how to deal with loss, she remembers why she started playing in the first place. When Ava played the game to win and be the champion she thought everyone wanted her to be, she lost the connection she had to the game. You see less of the Pokemon and more of the mounting stress that looms over Ava as she grinds through the scene. The Pokémon TCG is important to Ava because it is what helped her make important friends and find her place in society. Remembering why she played in the first place helps her deal with the stress, and she starts to have fun again. At this moment, the series shifts focus to the Pokémon, and the audience gets to see a cute and fun battle. Unfortunately, this marks the end of the series, but it was such a fun ride. I loved watching Ava grow as a character, and it even got me excited to play more Pokemon.

As someone who plays a lot of card games, this series is amazing. It had a fun story, cute art, and animation, and it was able to capture why card games are so fun. It is easy to lose sight of what’s important when you are climbing the ladder, and even easier to be stuck in a stressful grind. I’ve done my fair share of obsessing over rank, and remember the tilting frustration that came with the grind. Games and hobbies are supposed to be fun. When they start feeling like a job, it is okay to take a break. Don’t let the climb become more important than your love for the hobby.

Anyways, if you haven’t watched Path to the Peak, go check it out on the official Pokémon YouTube.

Series Reviews

High Score Girl is one of the cutest animes I’ve watched on Netflix

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High Score Girl is an adorable anime you should be watching if you have a Netflix subscription. It has a great protagonist and a cute romantic story, and it will make you feel a series of emotions you aren’t ready for. At the very least, this series should be on your watch list.

Hasuo is a hardcore gamer with a one-track mind. He obsesses over video games and spends all his time and money playing them. Ono is a quiet girl who comes into his life as the first challenger to beat him at a fighting game. From that moment, Hasuo makes it his goal to beat her. He spends the following years perfecting his technique to prove he is the better gamer. But what draws Hasuo to Ono isn’t a simple rivalry, it is something much deeper. Will Hasuo ever come to terms with his true feelings, or will they be lost in the chaotic sounds of the arcade?

What I like most about this series is Hasuo as the main character. He is a bit clueless, and that cluelessness can be frustrating at times, but it is a flaw that he works on actively to fix. By the end of the series, Hasuo isn’t the same clueless kid obsessed with gaming, and it is a delight to watch him grow to that point. I don’t want to overshare because I don’t want to ruin the experience, but it’s a very cute love story and I am ready to watch it again. 

The cast is full of fun and colorful characters with terrific voice actors who help Hasuo on his journey. I loved watching how his relationship with the people around him evolved the older he got. Watching the impact others make on Hosuo and vice versa makes this anime incredibly charming. 

I loved how video games are used to emphasize emotions and important moments in Hasuo’s journey. Hasuo understands the world through the lens of video games, and it is interesting how the story meshes the video game world with important character moments. As he grows, his relationship with video games changes, and it is interesting to see how that affects this view of the world. The tone of the series is a little over the top for a slice-of-life anime, but I believe it does a wonderful job of emulating the loud and colorful vibe of a classic arcade. 

One thing to note before watching is that High Score Girl makes a lot of references to classic-era gaming. You don’t need to know anything about gaming to understand the story, but you’ll appreciate the references if you do. The series will often stop to explain important references, so you shouldn’t feel lost. Aside from being a cute love story, High Score Girl is a proper love letter to an era of gaming that is slowly disappearing. 

High Score Girl is a fantastic anime to throw on if you want something comforting and cute to watch. The animation may be a bit wonky, but it gives the series its charm. It has great characters, fantastic voice actors, and the cutest story you’ll ever sit through. Go stream it now on Netflix, but make sure you grab something to cry into when you do. 

Series Reviews

Praise Petey is the forgettable cartoon that you should be skipping

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I just watched Praise Petey, and am struggling to remember what it was about. This unimpressive animated series fails to leave an impression and entertain its audience. This is a boring series that you are better off skipping.

Petey is a New York girl living her best life. She has a plain fiancé, an amazing best friend, and her dream job. Petey finds her life in shambles when her apartment burns down, her fiancé cheats on her with her best friend, and she gets fired. With nothing to hold her in New York, she moves to a sleepy country town that her estranged father ran in secret. But this is no ordinary town. It is a cult, and Petey is now their leader. What will Petey do with her new power?

Praise Petey isn’t the worst adult animated series I’ve seen, but it isn’t worth watching either. The jokes aren’t funny, the story is boring, and the commentary it makes is lazy. Praise Petey attempts to redefine traditional female comedy by poking fun at the motifs associated with strong comedic female characters. The problem with this series is that it tries too hard to be raunchy, quirky, gross, and metacritical that it lacks focus. The series jumps quickly between jokes and gags hoping one lands, but they rarely do. Instead of redefining the genre, it does what other shows have done before, but not as well.

Praise Petey is a boring waste of time. You can watch it on Hulu, but you’re going to forget you did. Go watch anything else. 

Series Reviews

Path to the Peak Episode 3 is live!

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The 3rd episode of the new Pokémon mini series, Path to the Peak, is up on the official Pokémon YouTube channel. If you haven’t started the series, you need to. Its super cute and short. The series is about the TCG competative scene, but you don’t have to know anything about Pokémon to enjoy the series. Go check it out because trust me, you need this series in your life!

**This is going to have spoilers, so make sure you watch the series before reading this**

This series has been great so far. Obviously, they’ve changed some rules around to make the series more dramatic, but it doesn’t matter because the show is so cute and so much fun to watch.

Ava goes to internationals, and at this point in the story, she is undefeated in her local scene. Ava feels the tension and pressure that comes with undisputed, and this pressure affects how she looks at the game. What started as something fun that she did to make friends is now almost a burden because she doesn’t want to let her friends down. This shift in character presents creates an important moment in Ava’s character where she struggles between having fun and being the people’s champion. This episode deals less with Ava having fun with Oddish and more about Ava dealing with the anxiety of competing on a larger stage. This is a very powerful and relevant human experience that has been illustrated perfectly in a cute ten-minute cartoon.

I like that Ava loses this important match because it paints her as an imperfect character. Although she might be the best in her scene, she still has a lot to learn about the game. The loss gives her an adversity she has to overcome, a goal she needs to work words, and room for improvement. Will this be enough to make her quit the game? Will she leave Oddish behind to play a meta deck? It’s frustrating that I have to wait a week to find out how she reacts, but the series has done such a good job of making me love Ava as a character, that I am willing to wait.

I understand that this might be a little too deep of an analysis for a cartoon, but I love it and want it to be successful. I’ll try to do one of these for all future episodes, so make sure you like comment, subscribe, and share this with your friends! See you next week.

Series Reviews

Blue Period: The stressful and inspiring anime about getting into art school

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I just watched Blue Period on Netflix and enjoyed it more than I thought I would. It can be a bit pretensions and cheesy when it comes to its obsession with the artistic method, but the themes it deals with and the story it tells make up for it. If you enjoy slice-of-life anime and enjoy art even a little, this is a great series to get into.

Yamaguchi is a rough character who is good at school but feels unfulfilled by his lack of ambitions. He discovers his love for art almost by accident when he is made to join the art club. For the first time in his life, he feels the threads of ambition forming within him. He sets his eyes on one of the hardest art programs in Japan and puts all his time and efforts toward making it happen. But the path to art school won’t be easy. Yamaguchi has never taken art seriously and must learn the skills many have taken years to perfect in a shorter amount of time. Will Yamaguchi’s hard work and passion be enough to get him into art school?

Blue Period is a stressful anime that will often deal with themes of depression, anxiety, and suicide. Consider how big of a trigger these themes are for you before watching this anime. Blue Period handles these themes respectfully and successfully captures the mounting stress of trying to get into a very competitive field. By the end of the series, I felt relief that the whole process was over, even though I wasn’t the one taking the test or trying to get into art school. This is a clear testament to how good the storytelling is. 

Watching the physical, mental, and emotional toll the process is on the characters makes this anime hard to watch at times. The close the characters get to the exam, the darker the anime gets. This anime can be draining, but it is also inspiring to watch Yamaguchi grow through the process.

What I love most about this anime is that Yamaguchi isn’t a genius at the start of the anime. He has to learn skills that people either have naturally or have had years to learn. He will fail at times, but always learns and grows from these failures. Despite how tough he may seem about everything else, he has low self-esteem in his art. Most of the tension that exists in this series is from Yamaguchi’s apprehension. Is he really good enough for art school when there are so many talented people? What makes him more qualified than any of the other applicants? Watching Yamaguchi live with this anxiety and depression is hard, but it makes his growth inspiring to watch. 

If you are looking for new anime to watch, Blue Period is a solid one to get into. The story is cool, the characters are memorable, and it makes getting into art school seem exciting. It is a little too stressful to watch if you are just trying to relax on your day off, but the journey is worth it. Go check out this short series on Netflix.

There is English dubbing available, but I could only find the Japanese trailer. The English dub is solid.

Gaming News and Review

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