Monster Farm: The Secret of the Disc Stone - Its Appeal and Review: A nostalgic game revived as an anime

"Monster Farm: The Secret of the Disc Stone": An adventure born from a game

"Monster Farm: The Secret of the Disc Stone" is a TV anime series that aired from 1999 to 2000, and is based on the "Monster Farm" game series created by Koei Tecmo Games. This anime is based on the worldview of the game, but develops its own story, captivating many fans. Below, we will introduce detailed information and the appeal of this work.

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

game

■ Broadcast period

April 17, 1999 - March 25, 2000

■Broadcasting station

Chubu Nippon Broadcasting

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 48

■ Director

Hiroyuki Yano

■ Production

Animation Production: Tokyo Movie

■Works

©Koei Tecmo Games・TMS

■ Story

Genki, a boy who loves the game "Monster Farm", wins a game tournament and gets the CD-ROM for the new game "Monster Farm 200X". He starts the game immediately, but is summoned to the world of "Monster Farm". There, he meets Holly and Suezo who are being chased by evil monsters. He learns of the existence of Moo, who is trying to conquer the world, and sets out on a journey with Holly, Suezo, and Mochi to find the disc stone where the legendary monster Firebird, who will be their savior, sleeps.

The story combines fantasy elements that draw you into the world of the game with a tale of friendship as you embark on an adventure together. The sight of Genki and his friends meeting and battling various monsters and growing as they do so will move and excite viewers. The adventure in search of the disc stone is also full of puzzles and action scenes, making it enjoyable for both children and adults.

■Cast

Genki: Chisa Yokoyama / Holly: Mariko Kouda / Suezo: Wataru Takagi / Mochi: Yuri Shiratori / Golem: Naoya Uchida / Liger: Kazuki Yao / Ham: Nozomu Sasaki / Narration: Norio Wakamoto and others

The cast includes a wide range of voice actors, from veterans to newcomers, who breathe life into each character. In particular, Yokoyama Chisa, who plays Genki, realistically portrayed the protagonist's courage and growth, eliciting sympathy from viewers. Also, Kouda Mariko, who plays Holly, charmingly portrays a character who combines kindness and strength.

■ Main staff

Series Composition: Yonemura Shoji / Supervisors: Fujita Kazumi (Tecmo), Ichikawa Teruaki (Tecmo) / Character Design: Maeda Minoru / Chief Animation Director: Ayame Takahiko / Art Setting: Yokoyama Yukihiro / Art Directors: Sugawara Seiji, Shimizu Kazutoshi / Color Design: Inoue Kiyomi / Digital Cinematography: Kawada Toshihiro / Editor: Okada Terumitsu / Literary Director: Onoda Hiroyuki / Sound Director: Yamada Tomoaki / Music Director: Suzuki Seiji / Sound Effects: Itokawa Yukiyoshi / Music: BMF / Producers: Kato Naoji (Chubu Nippon Broadcasting), Watanabe Tetsuya (Dentsu), Yanai Kazuhiko (TMS Entertainment)

The staff is also impressive, with series writer Shoji Yonemura especially skillfully constructing the story's development and delivering storytelling that draws the viewer in. Character designer Minoru Maeda also skillfully incorporated the worldview of the game into the anime, adding his own unique charm. BMF was also in charge of the music, and many songs were included that liven up the atmosphere of the adventure.

■ Theme songs and music

[OP1] Song: Where the Wind Breezes (#1-28) / Singer: Komatsu Miho / Lyrics: Komatsu Miho / Composer: Komatsu Miho / Arranger: Furui Hiroto [OP2] Song: Picnic (#29-37) / Singer: Rumania Montevideo / Lyrics: Miyoshi Mami / Composer: Miyoshi Makoto / Arranger: Furui Hiroto, Miyoshi Makoto [OP3] Song: Close To Your Heart (#38-48) / Singer: Aiuchi Rina / Lyrics: Aiuchi Rina / Composer: Ohno Aika / Arranger: Ogiku Kowloon [ED1] Song: Flame of Love (#1-21) / Singer: Sweet Velvet / Lyrics: Akimoto Mizuki / Composer: Ohno Aika / Arranger: Furui Hiroto [ED2] Song: Digital Music Power (#22-36) / Singer: Rumania montevideo / Lyrics: Mami Miyoshi / Music: Makoto Miyoshi / Arrangement: Hiroto Furui, Makoto Miyoshi [ED3] Song title: Wonderin' Hands (#37-47) / Singer: 4D-JAM / Lyrics: Kenji Shiojiri, Magical Furukawa / Music: Kenji Shiojiri / Arrangement: 4D-JAM
[ED4] Song title: A place where the wind blows (#48) / Singer: Komatsu Miho / Lyrics: Komatsu Miho / Composition: Komatsu Miho / Arrangement: Furui Hiroto

The theme songs and insert songs are also important elements that enhance the appeal of the work. In particular, the opening theme "Kaze ga Soyugu Basho" left a deep impression on viewers with its beautiful singing voice and melody by Komatsu Miho. Similarly, the ending theme "Flame of Love" also enhances the moving story with Sweet Velvet's powerful singing. These songs further enrich the worldview of the work and play an important role in stirring the emotions of the viewers.

■ Appeal and evaluation of the work

"Monster Farm: The Secret of the Disc Stone" is a story based on the world of the game, and the adventures of its unique characters are what make it so appealing. In particular, the way Genki and his friends grow through their journey to find the Disc Stone gives courage and hope to viewers. There are also plenty of monster battle scenes and puzzle-solving elements, making it enjoyable for both children and adults.

This work has been highly praised not only by game fans, but also by anime fans. In particular, the portrayal of character growth and friendship has been praised as moving, with some episodes bringing many viewers to tears. The music and visuals are also of high quality, making this a work that is both visually and aurally satisfying.

■ Recommendation points

Here are some reasons why I recommend this work:

• A fusion of games and anime : While the story is based on the world of the Monster Farm game, it also has its own unique developments that make it satisfying for both game and anime fans.
• A moving story : The adventures and growth of Genki and his friends will inspire and inspire viewers. In particular, there are many episodes that touch the heart with their depictions of friendship and bonds.
• Unique characters : Genki, Holly, Suezo, Mochi and other unique characters add excitement to the story. The growth and relationships of each character are also highlights.
• Beautiful music : The theme songs and insert songs sung by popular artists such as Miho Komatsu and Rina Aiuchi enhance the worldview of the work. The opening theme "Where the Wind Breaks" is a must-listen.
• Action and puzzle solving : The game is full of monster battle scenes and puzzle solving elements surrounding the disk stones, making it visually enjoyable. The quality of the monster designs and battle scenes is particularly high.

■How to watch

"Monster Farm: The Secret of the Disc Stone" is currently available for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray. It is also available on some video streaming services. In particular, due to the high demand from fans, there are high hopes for it to be rebroadcast or released on a new streaming platform.

■ Related Products

There are many related products available for sale for this work, including:

• DVD/Blu-ray : All episodes are available on DVD and Blu-ray, and the high quality of the video makes them a must-have for fans.
• Soundtrack : A soundtrack CD containing the theme songs and insert songs has been released, which is perfect for recreating the world of the work.
• Character Goods : Figures and key chains based on characters such as Genki and Holly have been released and are collectible items for fans.
• Games : The original Monster Farm game series continues to be popular, with remakes and new versions being released. You can enjoy both the anime and the game at the same time.

■ Summary

"Monster Farm: The Secret of the Disc Stone" is a work that is appealing for its moving story based on the worldview of the game and its unique characters. The story of Genki and his friends' adventure and growth has given courage and hope to viewers, and has captivated many fans. The beautiful music and high-quality visuals are also highlights, making it enjoyable for both children and adults. If you haven't seen this work yet, be sure to give it a watch. A new world of excitement and adventure awaits.