So let’s put our guns on and take a look at Sengoku Basara. Being based on a game, I was ready to pass over it. After all, what good could come from a show that was based on a Dynasty Warriors-esque game set in Japan’s Sengoku period? Of course, not being too familiar with the games also meant that I wasn’t familiar with the fact that everything that happens in this caricature of Japanese history is ridiculously over the top.

Sure, it’s fun and entertaining. God only knows how long an OYAKATASAMA YUKIMURA loop can capture my attention or how glorious Date Masamune’s engrish outbursts are, riding on his motorbike horse. The shouting and explosions and tons of colour have lead some to declare it this season’s Gurren Lagann.

To me, that’s a bit of a stretch. Sure, it’s fine seeing stuff like Tadayasu Honda become Gundam and all, but that’s all this show has going for it. If all that a show needed to be Gurren Lagann was some hotblooded shouting and over the top action, then Bleach might as well be TTGL. Beyond that novelty, there really isn’t much else of shares with Gurren Lagann. All this really is is an abridged version of Japanese history with some shinies to distract is from the fact that there’s not much it offers.

That’s not to say that I don’t like it. I think it’s pretty hilarious. I just don’t think calling it Gurren Lagann is quite right since Gurren Lagann had a lot more to it than Kamina shouting at a giant robot.

Higashi no Eden

Best OP of the season, right here: pretty good song and fantastic animation. It stands out for using real English. The concept is interesting and intriguing. The writing has been pretty good. It’s not an adaptation of anything, so it’s completely original. This should be a winner.

Sengoku BASARA

This is just… There are no words.

Guin Saga

It looks like fairly standard serious fantasy. Kingdom in peril, prophecies, heirs to the throne, warrior with amnesia, evil empire, etc. This seems to be a really high budget production. I mean, the art and animation look fine and they managed to get Nobuo Uematsu to do the music. Of course, the characters are a bit on the uninteresting side. I’ll keep it for now.

Hatsukoi Limited

I’m tempted to give this one a pass, being what appears to be a romantic comedy that is being adapted by JC Staff. It’s not their big project of the season (that’s Hayate). It was kind of amusing. It’s the only thing in this genre for this season though, but I’m not sure how long I’ll be staying. I guess it helps that it’s only 12 episodes, but I guess that fact didn’t help Munto TV.