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This Week in Mobile Games - Battle of the Blue Archives
Josh wraps up the TGS news and recounts a social media stumble from LADS. Plus an unexpected cross over!
― Hello, and welcome once more to the latest edition of the column! Due to having to submit the last issue for publication a bit earlier than usual, I wasn't able to incorporate much news from the 2026 Tokyo Game Show. And amidst a crunch period related to the release of Fire Emblem: Fortune's Wea...
This Week in Games - Armed Sakura
Could a new Sakura Wars game be on the horizon?
― Welcome back, folks! A recent hyperfixation of mine is getting a hard-modded Game Boy Advance. Color backlight, rechargeable battery, Type-C connection, that sort of thing. Folks know that I'm quite attached to the GBA; it was pretty much my console of choice up until the Nintendo 3DS dropped backwards compatibility with GBA games for good. Once the 3...
This Week in Anime - Unhappy with Endings
In the wake of Goodbye, Lara 's finale, Sylvia and Coop discuss anime endings that left viewers wanting.
― In the wake of Goodbye, Lara's finale, Sylvia and Coop discuss anime endings that left viewers wanting. The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussion of the series ahead. Crunchyroll streams Wonder Egg...
This Week in Anime - 1 in 100 (GFs)
They really, really, really, really, really love you, but which of them is your favorite?
― They really, really, really, really, really love you, but which of them is your favorite? Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network. Crunchyroll streams The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You. @Ride...
This Week in Games - What's Old is New, What's Evil is Residing
Jean-Karlo takes a look at the history of Resident Evil and mulls the future of VR games.
― Welcome back, folks! Gigi Murin has had her annual September 21st meltdown, so that means we're officially in Autumn. It's already starting to get overcast on a regular basis in my city. Weirdly, most of the leaves haven't turned yet. I'm not exactly looking forward to how drafty my room is, but at least Retro...
This Week in Anime - The Waiting Game
Are you ready to play the Waiting Game? Oh, hang on a sec, Chris and Coop have some thoughts.
― Are you ready to play the Waiting Game? Oh, hang on a sec, Chris and Coop have some thoughts. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network. @RiderStrike @BWProwl @LucasDeRuyter @vestenet Coop I know you've talked about canned anim...
This Week in Anime - The Prophetic Visions of Cyberpunk Anime
Sylvia and Lucas ask the big questions, like "Is the entire cyberpunk genre prophetic?"
― Sylvia and Lucas ask the big questions, like "Is the entire cyberpunk genre prophetic?" Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussion of the series ahead. Crunchyroll streams Akira. Netflix streams Cyberpun...
This Week in Mobile Games - The Legend of the Zelda-likes
There have been so many so-called "Zelda-likes" over the years that it'd be a waste of time to try to list them all, but Josh is going to do his best.
― This Week in Mobile Games has a sponsor this week, and once again we welcome Grand Summoners as the sponsor of the column. Their collaboration with PRISMA☆ILLYA is on now! Learn more about it a little further down the page! Hello again, and welcome o...
This Week in Games - Level-5 CEO's Stands by Generative AI, and a Preview of Harvest Moon: Echoes of Teradea
It's time to go back to the farm with the new Harvest Moon game, which is mercifully free of the AI controversy over at Level-5.
― Welcome back, folks! I've taken to playing Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver lately. Having only ever seen a longplay of the first two games way back in the early 2010s (I eventually beat Legacy of Kain: Defiance in 2016), it's fascinating to actually get a chance to play it my...
This Week in Anime - Made in Japan
Just because it was animated in Japan, does that automatically make it anime?
― Just because it was animated in Japan, does that automatically make it anime? Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network. Tubi streams Transformers and Jem. Amazon Prime streams Tiny Toon Adventures and Batman: The Animated Series. Netflix stre...
This Week in Anime - Journey to the Past
You know what they say about people who fail to learn from history.
― You know what they say about people who fail to learn from history. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussion of the series ahead. Netflix streams Orb. Pluto TV streams Rose of Versailles. Crunchyroll streams other mention...
This Week in Games - Catching Up with Sony and Nintendo
Both Sony and Nintendo had showcases in the last week - did they have anything worth being excited about?
― Welcome back, folks! I took advantage of this Laybuh Day weekend not to partake in hot dogs and fruity juice, but to try out that Final Fantasy Resonance demo. It's pretty beefy; I've seen folks get 10 hours of play out of that thing. It's definitely fun, but the lack of any proper upgrade path...
This Week in Anime - Sparkles and Shadows
Magical girl stories were dark long before Madoka Magica.
― Magical girl stories were dark long before Madoka Magica. Chris and Lucas explore the genre's dark origins. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network. Crunchyroll streams Minky Momo, Madoka Magica, Magical Girl Raising Project, Symphogear, Granbelm, and Magical G...
This Week in Anime - There's Always More Drama
After exploring the world of K-Drama, Sylvia and Coop decide to tackle Japan's offerings in the genre.
― After exploring the world of K-Drama, Sylvia and Coop decide to tackle Japan's offerings in the genre. The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussion of the series ahead. HBO MAX streams Baby Assassins Ev...
This Week in Mobile Games - The Gamesman Cometh
Josh picks up where Jean-Karlo left off to wrap up the Gamescom news.
― Hello again, and welcome once more to the latest edition of the column! Gamescom, arguably the world's biggest gaming trade show (even before the ignominious demise of E3), has come and gone, bringing with it announcements and looks at the slate of upcoming titles. Jean-Karlo had some thoughts to share on the abject state of thin...
This Week in Games - Fate/Phantasy
You can't make me cry, I'm a Sega fan.
― Welcome back, folks! Not sure how common this is with other people, but I sometimes listen to podcasts about stuff I'm only tangentially interested in. Two major examples are the Poorhammer podcast, which covers Warhammer 40,000 (and sometimes Age of Sigmar), and Regular Car Reviews, a YouTube channel made by some Pennsylvanians that review cars (go Birds). No...
This Week in Anime - Paneling World
Chris and Coop hold a post mortem at the end of the 2026 con season about what, precisely, makes for a good panel.
―
Chris and Coop hold a post mortem at the end of the 2026 con season about what, precisely, makes for a good panel. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network. @RiderStrike @BWProwl @LucasDeRuyter @vestenet C...
This Week in Anime - AnimeWorldLand
As summer winds down, Lucas and Sylvia take a trip to some of anime's most notable theme parks.
― As summer winds down, Lucas and Sylvia take a trip to some of anime's most notable theme parks. This column contains some NSFW images. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussion of the series ahe...
This Week in Games - Gamescom-ing... But Who's Buying?
Gamescom's Opening Night Live did not impress Jean-Karlo. It's a good thing we have Terranigma to look forward to!
― Welcome back, folks! Sadly, I did not get a chance to chip away at my The Legend of Zelda manga yet. I'm still running a Mage: The Ascension campaign for some buddies. Recent highlight: a fight against an ersatz Akuma. Turns out, the Raging Demon isn't very practical as a move during t...
This Week in Anime - Makerspace
Who says you can't learn anything from anime?
― Who says you can't learn anything from anime? Coop and Sylvia run down a list of DIY and creative series that can inspire you to get creating. The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussion of the series ahead. Crunchyroll streams Eizouken, Zenshu, Journal with...
This Week in Anime - The Wild Wild World of Sports
Chris and Lucas sort through the many sports anime to find you series that are the only examples of their sport in the game.
― Chris and Lucas sort through the many sports anime to find you series that are the only examples of their sport in the game. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network. Crunchyroll streams Eyeshiel...
This Week in Mobile Games - What HoloDreams May Come
Josh checks out the first official HoloLive game, plus a port that may be the first game to look worse on purpose.
― Hello there, and welcome once more to the column! Unfortunately, my soaring ambition to catch up with Genshin Impact in time to try out the new update crashed into the hard reality of Everything Else Going On, particularly a home hard drive failure that left me scrambling to spend my p...
This Week in Games - Sony State of Play: Phantom Blade Zero, Also, The Return of Kingdom Hearts and Princess Maker
Kingdom Hearts dominates the discussion this time, but don't let that distract you from the return of Princess Maker!
― Welcome back, folks! I've been trying to do more stuff that doesn't involve sitting in front of my computer. This does mean reading some of the manga in my backlog. Long story short: I really like The Demons Are Planning Something Good!. I've been a huge fan of Gashigashi's art sinc...
This Week in Anime - Return to the Accursed Island
Grab your dice and join Chris and Lucas for a journey through old-school fantasy anime!
― Grab your dice and join Chris and Lucas for a journey through old-school anime fantasy! Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network. Crunchyroll streams Record of Lodoss War. HIDIVE streams Yandere Dark Elf. Oceanveil streams Ren the F...
This Week in Anime - K-Drama Llama
Are K-Dramas just a bunch of attractive people putting themselves in situations?
― Are K-Dramas are just a bunch of attractive people putting themselves in situations? Sylvia and Coop discuss. The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussion of the series ahead. All titles mentioned below are streaming on Netf...
This Week in Games - Lots of Leftover Battle Bikinis
Jean-Karlo remembers the classic aesthetic of Valis and Battle Skin Panic.
― Welcome back, folks! I'm quite stunned at how well last week's column did! We've been racking our brains for a bit regarding topics to cover on This Week in Games and little subsections I can throw up. I appreciate readers' openness to covering more than just the most recent news. Like I said in the comments, be sure to send...
This Week in Anime - Are These Yuri Anime Poisonous?
Christopher and Sylvia go on a yuri deep dive to uncover that dangerous age that can make yuri romance so appealing. Starting with the toxic queens in Dear Brother to the new era in I Want To Love You Till Your Dying Day
― Christopher and Sylvia go on a yuri deep dive to uncover that dangerous age that can make yuri romance so appealing. Starting with the toxic queens in Dear Brother to the new era ...
This Week in Anime - The Unexpected Journey of Kenji Kamiyama
Director Kenji Kamiyama has worked on some of fiction's most storied franchises, from The Lord of the Rings to Star Wars to Blade Runner to Ghost in the Shell. Soon, he'll add Gundam to his list.
― Director Kenji Kamiyama has worked on some of fiction's most storied franchises, from The Lord of the Rings to Star Wars to Blade Runner to Ghost in the Shell. Soon, he'll add Gundam to his list. RetroCru...
This Week in Mobile Games - Cold Comforts
It's super-sized column as Josh catches us up on the latest summer updates, from Genshin Impact and Heaven Burns Red to Fate/Grand Order and Suikoden Star Leap!
― This week's This Week in Mobile Games is being sponsored again by our friends at Grand Summoners!Hello, and welcome once more to the latest installment of the column! With everything happening and set to happen in mobile games over the next...
This Week in Games - After-Dark Edition
We're doing something a little different this week! Instead of recounting the bigger news regarding Japanese games this past week, we'll be discussing a particular theme: Japanese erotic games, better known as eroge!
― Welcome back, folks! We're doing something a little different this week! Instead of recounting the bigger news regarding Japanese games this past week, we'll be discussing a particular...
This Week in Games - Final Fantasy XIV: Evercold's New Stuff Is Pretty Cool
Updates! Updates for everyone - as long as "everyone" is FFXIV and Xenoblade 2, at least.
― Welcome back, folks! Like many people, I've been keeping my ears open regarding the new Project R.E.D. series, Kakusei Hunter Omegahorn. It's very unique as a tokusatsu series; our protagonist summons giant kaiju to fight each other, while summoning other kaiju (and his spaceship) to serve as extra weapons. It...
This Week in Anime - I Ain't Afraid of No Ghosts
Will the real Ghost in the Shell please stand up?
― Will the real Ghost in the Shell please stand up? Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network. Amazon streams The Ghost in the Shell (2026). Tubi streams Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. Netflix streams Ghost in the Shell SAC 2045 and One Piece live-action. Crunchy...
This Week in Anime - Playing Chess With a Dog
Sylvia and Coop resurrect a meme to delve into the most important question about Goodbye, Lara.
― Sylvia and Coop resurrect a meme to delve into the most important question about Goodbye, Lara. The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussion of the series ahead. Crunchyroll streams Mobile Suit Gundam: The Wit...
This Week in Mobile Games - Once More Unto the Bleach, My Friends
Josh takes a look at the closed beta of Mirror High, the new Bleach mobile game!
― Hello, and welcome once again to the latest column. Amidst the many and varied anniversaries, summer showdowns, and big-time limited-time events going on right now, I've been at something of a loss as to what to put my finite focus on besides work-related stuff. Luckily, sometimes an opportunity comes up that lets me c...
This Week in Games - Into the Fading Dusk
Can you believe it's been twenty years since Final Fantasy X and X-2 were released? If you've got an urge to replay them, you're in luck! Plus an interview with the creator of Duskfade.
― Welcome back, folks! The heat is well and truly on; while it's already been sweltering in most parts of the country, my city also had its own little two-day heat wave. I can only hope that our spot of rain cools thi...
This Week in Anime - Let's Get Together
Third spaces may be harder to find these days, but as Coop and Chris discuss, they're more important than ever in the anime fandom.
―
Third spaces may be harder to find these days, but as Coop and Chris discuss, they're more important than ever in the anime fandom. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network. @RiderStrike @...
This Week in Anime - Brand New Worlds
How far can Sylvia and Lucas stretch the definition of "isekai" in their seasonal roundup? Let's find out!
― How far can Sylvia and Lucas stretch the definition of "isekai" in their seasonal roundup? Let's find out! Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussion of the series ahead. Prime Video s...
This Week in Games - Octo Paths and None of Them Lead to Upgrades
Jean-Karlo has good news (Megami Tensei novels!) and bad news (GenAI encroaching on otome games) and a few things in between.
― Welcome back, folks! I spent my weekend at a family friend's wedding; it was a pleasant time, and part of the proceedings had me play as Hippolyta during a brief recitation of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Sadly, I also heard news that Sam Niell passed away over the weekend. Th...
This Week in Anime - Summer Lovin'
It's time for the seasonal romcom roundup! Chris and Sylvia separate the wheat from the chaff so you don't have to.
― It's time for the seasonal romcom roundup! Chris and Sylvia separate the wheat from the chaff so you don't have to. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussion of the series ah...
This Week in Anime - Scraping the Bottom of the Barrel
Coop and Lucas take a look at some of the summer anime season's least interesting debuts.They can't all be winners?
―
Coop and Lucas take a look at some of the summer anime season's least interesting debuts.They can't all be winners? The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network. Netflix streams Chainsmoker Cat. HIDIVE streams Hell Mode....
This Week in Mobile Games - What's Up With The Lads?
Alas, poor Valko, players were just really divided on your existence and Papergames did not handle it well.
― Hello, and welcome once more to another installment of the column! It has, to put it mildly, been a rough couple of weeks, particularly if you're in or covering the game industry. With new waves of layoffs and controversial (to put it mildly) corporate decision-making, the game industry - or ...
This Week in Games - The Boat Came Back
Jean-Karlo has lots of exciting retro game news for you this week. Are you ready to set out in your nice boat?
― Welcome back, folks! Lots of photos floated around from this past weekend's Anime Expo. Apparently, they really messed up Artist Alley (sad to hear). On the other hand, Shift-Up had a Goddess of Victory: Nikke stall, complete with a Doro mascot. All the love to whoever was in that thing; t...
This Week in Games - EVO Reveals: What Is An Art to a King?
Sony makes a questionable decision, lots of new DLC characters for a variety of games, and Jean-Karlo runs down a shortlist of games he'd love to see come back!
― Welcome back, folks! Having submitted my panel applications for this Autumn's Kumoricon, I find myself in that most unfun of positions of needing to wait to see if they've been accepted. Bah. Always the anxiety of whether you'll be accepted...
This Week in Anime - Under the Digital Big Top
Step right up, step right up! Lucas and Coop explore the phenomenon that is The Amazing Digital Circus.
― Step right up, step right up! Lucas and Coop explore the phenomenon that is The Amazing Digital Circus. @RiderStrike @BWProwl @LucasDeRuyter @vestenet Lucas Coop, the mandate of heaven is shifting! While much of the entertainment landscape has catered to Baby Boomers and Gen Xers over the past h...
This Week in Anime - Attack of the 50 Foot Women
There's just something about a woman who could squish you. Sylvia and Chris run down (up?) some of the giantesses of anime.
― There's just something about a woman who could squish you. Sylvia and Chris run down (up?) some of the giantesses of anime. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussion ...
This Week in Mobile Games - SSSS.Sonic, Summer, Sandrone, and Superheroes
The celebration of Sonic's birthday continues as Josh looks at the blue blur's mobile offerings!
― Greetings, and welcome once again to the column! I've spent much of my mobile game-playing time catching up with Fate/Grand Order's Cosmos in the Lostbelt storyline, specifically clearing the Lostbelt No. 7, Nahui Mictlan chapter, as beating it and the subsequent opening stage of the Ordeal Call campaig...
This Week in Games - A Very 35th Birthday for Sonic The Hedgehog
Happy Birthday, Sonic! My, those are some interesting choices Sega's making for you.
― Welcome back, folks! I had a very fun long weekend, bookended by the wildest movies to pair together. On Friday, I watched the new Masters of the Universe, which was a total blast and put a big smile on my face. Then on Monday, I met up with some friends and watched Adolescence of Utena on the big screen. Both time...
This Week in Anime - Happy 20th Birthday, Simoun!
Sylvia and Chris revisit Simoun on its twentieth birthday to honor the power of girls kissing.
― Sylvia and Chris revisit Simoun on its twentieth birthday to honor the power of girls kissing. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussion of the series ahead. Darkroom streams Simoun. @RiderStrike...
Answerman - Should Anime Fans go to Annecy?
Is Annecy worth your time as an anime fan? Jerome has the details.
―
AnnecyOrBust26 asks:
Dear Answerman! I know that you are a regular visitor to the Annecy International Animation Festival. What's it all about? Is it more important to the Japanese anime production industry for their overseas marketing and outreach than events like Anime Expo in LA and Japan Expo in Paris, which attract a much bigg...
This Week in Games - An Interview with Shoon T, Director of Rain98
This week, we dive into the new version of RPG Maker, celebrate some of our favorite LGBTQ characters in Japanese games, and have an interview with Rain98's Soon T.
― Welcome back, folks! I cannot claim any genuine, deeply-set interest in sports outside of semi-ironic memes (go Birds), but I've had the World Cup in my periphery. While soccer/football has led to many an altercation in the past (rememb...
This Week in Anime - Basketball Anime is a Slam Dunk
Lucas and Coop honor the Knicks' historic win by looking at some of the best basketball that anime has to offer.
― Lucas and Coop honor the Knicks' historic win by looking at some of the best basketball that anime and manga has to offer. Crunchyroll streams Slam Dunk, Kuroko's Basketball, and Left-Hand Layup. Netflix streams Slam Dunk, The First Slam Dunk, and Kuroko's Basketball. Deep 3 manga Avail...
This Week in Anime - Touhou Fever Forever
This week in anime, Chris and Sylvia discuss the long lasting impact of Touhou on the gaming world, manga world, and beyond.
― This week in anime, Chris and Sylvia discuss the long lasting impact of Touhou on the gaming world, manga world, and beyond. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussio...
Answerman - What's Actually Happening at Kadokawa?
With everything from an oversaturation of isekai stories in the market to activist investors trying to decide the future of FromSoftware, a lot is happening over at one of Japan's biggest multimedia companies.
― DeliciousDungeonMaster25 asks: Dear Answerman, I keep seeing headlines saying Kadokawa is in trouble because of isekai. Now I am reading that an activist shareholder is getting involved and ...
This Week in Mobile Games - Seeking Summer Smartphone Succor
This week, we take a look at the mobile game news coming out of the Summer Game Fest and other similar showcases.
― This week's This Week in Mobile Games is being sponsored again by our friends at Grand Summoners! Find out more about their current collaboration with Solo Leveling further down in this week's column! Hello, and welcome once again to another installment of the column! Despite the rainy ...
This Week in Games - Summer Showcase Slamfest - Save Room For Aincrad
It's a smorgasbord of new announcements from a variety of showcases! Jean-Karlo's got the details from the Japanese side of gaming.
― Welcome back, folks! I took up the challenge of playing Kirby: Return to Dream Land Deluxe over the weekend. It is as charming as you'd expect. Also deeper than I expected. I'm used to the Copy abilities in a Kirby game having varied move lists; they've done that since...
This Week in Anime - Movie Night Madness
Coop and Chris explore anime film reimaginings of series and the madness of trying to find a copy.
― Coop and Chris explore anime film reimaginings of series and the madness of trying to find a copy. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network. RetroCrush streams Adolescence of Utena and Aim for the Ace! Pluto streams Space...
This Week in Anime - The Stunt Market
Do stunt releases of new shows work, or are they just obnoxious? Lucas and Sylvia decide.
― Do stunt releases of new shows work, or are they just obnoxious? Lucas and Sylvia decide. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussion of the series ahead. Crunchyroll streams Smoking Behind the Supermar...
This Week in Games - Sony State of Play 2026: Just Don't Call It "Goddess of War"
A new direction for God of War, plenty of Marvel news, and of course the burning question of what Jean-Karlo will play next fill this week's column.
― Welcome back, folks! At the time of writing, I'm quite close to finishing the first entry in .hack//GU. I'm looking forward to jumping into a shorter game once I'm done. I've been considering Gravity Circuit as it had a sequel announced recently. On th...
This Week in Anime - Back From Far Away
One kind of isekai is on the wane, but another, earlier form seems to be ascendant! Chris and Sylvia hop in their time machine for a look at when the genre was primarily aimed at girls.
― One kind of isekai is on the wane, but another, earlier form seems to be ascendant! Chris and Sylvia hop in their time machine for a look at when the genre was primarily aimed at girls. Disclaimer: The views and op...
This Week in Anime - Dungeons & Dragons & Wizards
How much of the modern Japanese fantasy genre comes from old computer games? Coop and Lucas find out!
― How much of the modern Japanese fantasy genre comes from old computer games? Coop and Lucas find out! The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network. Full Disclosure: Coop Bicknell regularly works with MediaOCD and the current incarnati...
Answerman - All Killer, No Filler and The One Piece Question
What's the deal with all that filler in One Piece - and why add a definite article to the title for the reboot? Jerome has answers.
― Sleepless in Shibuya asks: Why wasn't Toei asked to produce the brand new 'The One Piece' anime for Netflix? And what's with sticking 'The' at the front of everything? Was Toei jilted? Kind of. But also, not in the way some people may think. In researching this topic,...
This Week in Mobile Games - Nevertheless, it's Everness
Josh finally gets the chance to sit down with Neverness to Everness!
― Hello there, and welcome once more to the latest edition of the column, as well as to the month of June! I managed to line up some time off over the last few days to get some ducks in order and solve some device issues, and was finally able to spend a bit of time with Neverness to Everness. And without further ado, let's get into ...
This Week in Games - Quests of Mana
Mana fans, rejoice! The beloved and beleaguered franchise has some good news for English-language fans!
― Welcome back, folks! I've been keeping up with the first .hack//GU game in my spare time, and it's... disappointing me some. I love the .hack games' conceit of your party members being other players, making some of them unavailable during certain stretches of the game. But in the GU titles, this ...
This Week in Anime - Girls in Boyland
It's becoming more common for girls to be the protagonists of shounen manga. Sylvia and Chris discuss why that's a good thing.
― It's becoming more common for girls to be the protagonists of shounen manga. Sylvia and Chris discuss why that's a good thing. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discu...
This Week in Anime - The End of Isekai as We Know It?
With recent trends suggesting that the isekai anime bubble might soon burst, Coop and Lucas dive into why this may be and what this could mean for the anime industry in general.
― With recent trends suggesting that the isekai anime bubble might soon burst, Coop and Lucas dive into why this may be and what this could mean for the anime industry in general. The views and opinions expressed by the part...
This Week in Games - Akiba's Vampires, Heavenly Expulsees for Hire, and Sony Closing the Gates
More bad news from Sony, but a momentous anniversary for Akiba's Strip balances it all out.
― Welcome back, folks! The OVA Festival this weekend was a lot of fun; we got to see Voices of a Distant Star, Demon City Shinjuku, Golgo 13: Queen Bee, and Mazinkaizer Vs Great General of Darkness. Great stuff! They also had a few shorts from Dwarf studios, including a little music video from Tatsuro Yamashit...
This Week in Anime - Overlooked or Deservedly Forgotten?
Chris and Lucas check in with some of the series that didn't get picked up for weekly reviews to see how they're shaking out.
― Chris and Lucas check in with some of the series that didn't get picked up for weekly reviews to see how they're shaking out. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network. Amazon streams Hokuto no K...
This Week in Anime - Ghosts in the Shell
From fanservice to philosophy, Ghost in the Shell is the franchise with a version for everyone.
― From fanservice to philosophy, Ghost in the Shell is the franchise with a version for everyone. The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussion of the series ahead. Crunchyroll streams Ghost in the Shell Arise. T...
This Week in Mobile Games - Heaven Burns My Dread
Unexpected crossovers are the order of the day at This Week in Mobile Games!
― This week's This Week in Mobile Games is being sponsored again by our friends at Grand Summoners! Find out more about their current collaboration with Touhou LostWord further down in this week's column! ---- Hello, and welcome once more to the latest edition of This Week In Mobile Games! It's been a rough couple of weeks,...
Answerman - $60 Billion Question
How much is the anime industry currently worth? Jerome finds out.
― Haruki M. in Melbourne asks: Dear Answerman, I keep reading that the anime industry is headed for a global value of $60 billion by 2030, that Crunchyroll just hit 21 million subscribers, and now they're launching some kind of B2B summit at New York Comic Con. As someone who's been watching anime for twenty years, part of me is thril...
This Week in Games - Everyone Succumbs To Money
The time has come — the Switch 2 will be going up in price — and we even know when. Jean-Karlo has the details.
― Welcome back, folks! You might have noticed that we published a game review yesterday; NIS America's Starbites. It's a turn-based RPG, and while I can probably make endless amounts of snark about that given the absolutely-exhausting discourse surrounding turn-based games, I honestly feel ...
This Week in Anime - Robots in Plain Sight
Chris and Coop aren't technically violating the "no Transformers" rule if the robot cartoons are Korean, right?
― Chris and Coop aren't technically violating the "no Transformers" rule if the robot cartoons are Korean, right? Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network. All shows are available streaming on their official Yo...
This Week in Anime - Call Your Mother
Lucas and Sylvia give a salute to as many anime moms as they can fit in one column.
― Lucas and Sylvia give a salute to as many anime moms as they can fit in one column. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussion of the series ahead. Crunchyroll streams 100 Girlfriends, Char's Counterattack, ...
This Week in Games - Evo Reveals—And A Stellar Vulpis Returns
How is it that we have Star Fox discourse already? Plus, Neverness to Everness gets caught in the AI crossfire.
― Welcome back, folks! This past week was Golden Week in Japan; a week where, due to legal reasons, four holidays take place over seven days, letting most people just take the whole week off. You might know the holiday best as an excuse for a ton of artists to draw characters in golden biki...
This Week in Anime - Market Manipulation
Coop and Lucas discuss the nature of greed-based "collectibles" and its impact on the anime and manga community.
― Coop and Lucas discuss the nature of greed-based "collectibles" and its impact on the anime and manga community. The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network. @RiderStrike @BWProwl @LucasDeRuyter @vestenet Coop You know how...
This Week in Anime - Please Drink Responsibly
With a double shot of boozy anime this season, Chris and Sylvia look at drinking in anime.
― With a double shot of boozy anime this season, Chris and Sylvia look at drinking in anime. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussion of the series ahead. Crunchyroll streams Botan Kamiina Fully Bloss...
Answerman - The Crunchyroll Anime Awards
Are the Crunchyroll Anime Awards legitimate or just a self-congratulatory effort by a platform seeking to dominate the market? Jerome digs in.
― A Reader asks: Dear Answerman, with the Crunchyroll Anime Awards hitting their 10th anniversary this May, I keep seeing people call it "the Oscars of anime," but that never quite rings true to me. The Oscars are voted on by the people who make films. The An...
This Week in Mobile Games - Shady Business and Summertime Stick Figure Smash/Growth
A new game seems to have marked similarities to Blue Archive, while blue armor is the order of the day over in DragonQuest. Plus a red-hot summer update for Love and Deep Space!
― It's time again, and I find myself wondering, "What the heck's going on with all my hotbars?" Yep, I've gotten back into Final Fantasy XIV, hyped up on the prospect of the just-announced Evercold expansion, coming next year...
This Week in Games - Final Fantasy Readers Digest
Jean-Karlo dives into the latest FF14 announcements, from a new expansion to a campaign at Jollibees! Plus, the pros and cons of the Steam Deck.
― Welcome back, folks! I had a spectacular weekend where I was able to enjoy seeing The Labyrinth on the big screen. Having originally seen it on the Disney Channel decades ago, I missed a lot of the visual flourishes. I especially liked a set of stones arra...
This Week in Anime - The Haruhi That You Might Have Forgotten
The Endless Eight is still going for Christopher and Sylvia. This Week in Anime looks back at the inescapable orbit of Haruhi Suzumiya.
― The Endless Eight is still going for Christopher and Sylvia. This Week in Anime looks back at the inescapable orbit of Haruhi Suzumiya. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler...
This Week in Anime - Anime in YouTubeLand
Is it refreshingly new or very retro to stream anime on YouTube ? Whatever side you land on, the fact is that there are legal releases there to explore, as Coop and Lucas discover.
― Is it refreshingly new or very retro to stream anime on YouTube? Whatever side you land on, the fact is that there are legal releases there to explore, as Coop and Lucas discover. Full Disclosure: Coop regularly works w...
This Week in Games - Tariff Woes and A New Splatoon
Nintendo and gamers try to sort out who owes whom in the saga of Trump's illegal tariffs, a departure from Sony, and a new Splatoon game are the focus in this week's column.
― Welcome back, folks! I got blindsided by Speed Racer's 4K remaster being released in theaters this week. I'm long overdue for a rewatch of that movie; it's wild and a billion miles a minute, but a phenomenal example of a live-a...
This Week in Anime - Anime Speed Dating
Chris and Lucas try their luck in the quarterly roundup of the season's new romcoms.
― Chris and Lucas try their luck in the quarterly roundup of the season's new romcoms. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussion of the series ahead. Crunchyroll streams Haibara's Teenage New Game+, Mistress...
This Week in Anime - Does Social Media Ruin Everything?
With access to creators only an @ away, does social media do more harm than good?
― With access to creators only an @ away, does social media do more harm than good? The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussion of the series ahead. @RiderStrike @BWProwl @LucasDeRuyter @vestenet Sylvia Coop, it brings me no...
This Week in Mobile Games - Anni(versary), Are You OK?
A major anniversary event for Honkai Star Rail, some weird crossovers, and bad news for members of Doki Doki Literature Club's Google Play members are just a few of the things Josh has to talk about in a packed TWIMG.
― This week's This Week in Mobile Gaming has a sponsor! It's pixel art anime RPG Grand Summoners! Learn more about Grand Summoners and its latest crossover event
with That Time I Got Re...
Answerman - Is Donghua Becoming Popular in the West?
What is donghua and will it ever take off in the same way anime has? Jerome digs in.
― A Reader asks: Dear Answerman, There seems to be a lot more Chinese animation on streaming platforms these days compared to a few years ago. Crunchyroll has added several titles I'd never have expected to see there, including To Be Hero X, which reached #8 in ANN's 2025 Spring Season rankings. Do you think that Do...
This Week in Games - Heads Butting over NieR, Level-5's Games A-far, and Bloodborne Goes to Hollywood
Twitter is pitting gamers against each other over NieR, Level-5 is having issues getting games out, and a new Bloodborne project are all on the docket this week.
― Welcome back, folks! In an attempt at solving a long-standing mistake of mine (and following up on my guest appearance on Axe of the Blood God), I've started playing the .hack//GU games. I'm amused to hear so many older voice talents who u...
This Week in Anime - Parasocial Overdose
This season's Needy Girl Overdose picks up where Perfect Blue left off in its discussion of parasocial relationships. Lucas and Coop discuss.
― This season's Needy Girl Overdose picks up where Perfect Blue left off in its discussion of parasocial relationships. Lucas and Coop discuss. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Net...
This Week in Anime - Not Today, Truck-kun
In a surprisingly light season for new isekai and LitRPG titles, Chris and Sylvia enjoy a trip through fantasy series of all stripes.
― In a surprisingly light season for new isekai and LitRPG titles, Chris and Sylvia enjoy a trip through fantasy series of all stripes. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler War...
This Week in Games - Where Did Zelda Come From, Anyway?
The Zelda games didn't just happen - Jean-Karlo gets into the franchise's antecedents. Plus some disappointing Persona merch!
― Welcome back, folks! Project Hail Mary got me into a mood, so I went back and watched Explorers over the weekend for the first time in about 20 years. It (sadly) falls apart in the last third, but it's a fun flick... though I curse my memories for tricking me into thinking t...
This Week in Anime - Steel Ball to the Wall (This Fall)
What is going on with Steel Ball Run's streaming debut? Lucas and Chris find out.
― What is going on with Steel Ball Run's streaming debut? Lucas and Chris find out. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network. Netflix streams Steel Ball Run. Baccano! isn't available to stream stateside. @RiderStrike @BWProwl @LucasDeRuyter...
This Week in Anime - Award Winning™
Are awards shows just performative acts of self-reflected glory? Coop and Sylvia discuss.
― Are awards shows just performative acts of self-reflected glory? Coop and Sylvia discuss. The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussion of the series ahead. Crunchyroll streams Apocalypse Hotel. Amazon Prime streams ...
Answerman - Is Makio from Journal with Witch Neurodivergent, or Are We Just Projecting?
Journal with Witch touched a lot of viewers and offered a relateable character in Makio. But are we just projecting Western views on a Japanese creation? Jerome gets into it.
― A Reader asks: Dear Answerman, I'm obsessed with Journal with Witch this season. It feels so much more 'real' than the usual high school dramas, but I've noticed some heated debates online. Some fans are calling the protagoni...
This Week in Mobile Games - Obey Me On The Holy Night
Could the Idolm@ster games finally be getting an English release? Nothing is certain, but it's an exciting possibility! Also introducing the new Maiden's Corner feature, focusing on otome games!
― Another hearty welcome to you, to this, the latest edition of This Week in Mobile Games! I've been decompressing a bit by locking in with Bungie's Marathon, a definitely-not-mobile game, but a grand time al...
This Week in Games - Screamer Interview with Milestone and Polygon Pictures
Bad news about Sony's PlayStation pricing is tempered by an interview about Screamer in this week's column.
― Welcome back, folks! This past weekend, I was lucky enough to get invited onto the Axe of the Blood God podcast to discuss the .hack//IMOQ games, as well as the rest of the early .hack franchise. It was a great time, I deeply enjoyed getting to speak with Victor and Harper, and I'd love to do...
This Week in Anime - How Many Figures Do You Earn Annually?
Is it the return of Astro Toy? No, it's just Coop and Chris waxing eloquent about the pains and joys of collecting anime toys.
― Is it the return of Astro Toy? No, it's just Coop and Chris waxing eloquent about the pains and joys of collecting anime toys. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network. @RiderStrike @BWProwl @L...
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