Sengoku Basara

Sengoku Basara's appeal sort of crept up on me. The character designs were cool and their personalities weren't too bland. There was story from the get-go, conflict that created action and emotion, a dash of politics.

That's a bit too vague. Here's what this anime is about to me: Japan during their warring states period. There are several groups that are trying to conquer each other with warriors pride and respect keeping the rivals at bay. The anime focuses from the viewpoint and interests of the groups that belong to the two main characters, the red spear guy (Yukimura) and the blue guy with swords (the one eyed dragon-By the way, isn't that a cool nickname?). These guys are cool, and their relationships with other characters in the anime aren't bland and lend some comedy and other elements of different bonds like rivalry, romance, camaraderie, and tragedy.

Enter a new force, the 6th heavenly demon king Oda Nobunaga (this names gets tossed around in historical inspired anime from time to time). He and his army and handful of "bad guys" are spitting on warrior pride and are burning and destroying any obstacles in their path to control the smaller "states". Their growing strength and the way they do things is overwhelming and our bands of warriors are forced to take notice.

It's entertaining, and I like a lot of the variety the show brings without the serious suspense and cool-headed war tactics that some other anime are serving up this season.

I'm ten episodes in. I'm surprised that this is from a game, but I really shouldn't be. The character designs are awesome, and some of the action definitely indulges in escaping reality for their main characters' moves. Horses going up a castle wall, anyone? But it's all in good fun. This anime doesn't take itself too seriously, and neither should we.

Recommendations:

• Guin Saga...escape reality with a powerful warrior whose mysteries lie underneath the face of a leopard >>
  
• Seirei no Moribito...you like spears and a woman who won't rest until she's atoned for seven deaths, mythical creatures and young royalty in danger >>
• Souten Kouro...inspired by China's stories, we follow the life of young Cao Cao who doesn't compromise when seeking justice, rising up to bring down corrupt leaders >>
• Samurai Champloo >>...a modern funky twist on the samurai-period anime, comedy and a strange combination of characters
• Samurai 7 >>...the animated version of a classic kurosawa film, the main characters meet, greet and travel

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