The appeal and evaluation of "Xenosaga The Animation": A fusion of profound story and visuals

"Xenosaga the Animation": A grand story that recreates the world of the game in anime form

"Xenosaga the Animation" is a TV anime series that aired on TV Asahi in 2005, and is based on the game "Xenosaga" by Namco Co., Ltd. This anime was created to be enjoyed not only by fans of the PS2 versions "Xenosaga EPISODE I" (hereinafter abbreviated as "EP I") and "Xenosaga EPISODE II" (hereinafter abbreviated as "EP II"), but also by viewers who are experiencing the world of "Xenosaga" for the first time through the anime. Below, we will introduce detailed information and reviews of this anime, as well as recommended points.

Broadcast information

"Xenosaga the Animation" was broadcast on TV Asahi from January 6 to March 24, 2005. It consisted of 12 episodes, broadcast in a 30-minute time slot every Wednesday from 26:42 to 27:12. It was jointly produced by TV Asahi, Toei Animation, Happinet Pictures, and Namco, and the copyright belongs to NAMCO LIMITED / Xenosaga Production Committee.

Staff and cast

The director was Shigeyasu Yamauchi, with Go Koga as chief director. The series was composed, scripted and supervised by Yuichiro Takeda, character designed by Nobuteru Yuki, animation director Masamasa Sato, mechanical design by Hiroyuki Taiga, CG director Naoki Miyahara, art director Makoto Suwada, color design by Kunio Tsujita, music by Kosuke Yamashita and music selection by Yasuno Sato.

The main cast includes Maeda Ai as Shion Uzuki, Suzuki Mariko as KOS-MOS, Ehara Masashi as Ziggy, Shishido Rumi as Momo, Hoshi Souichiro as Chaos, Kawasaki Eriko as Jr., Hirata Hiroaki as Allen Ridgely, Yamadera Kouichi as Albedo Piazzolla, Yamazaki Wakana as Shelly Godwin, Shiraishi Ryoko as Mary Godwin, Hirohashi Ryo as Kirschwasser, Morita Masakazu as Louis Virgil, Nomura Kenji as Matthews, Miura Yoshiro as Tony, Takato Yasuhiro as Hammer, Kamata Kozue as Hyakushiki Observation Device A, and Yoshikura Mari as Hyakushiki Observation Device B.

Main Characters

Shion Uzuki is a 22-year-old woman who belongs to Vector Industries First Development Bureau and is the development chief of KOS-MOS's development plan integration operation system. KOS-MOS is a strategic multi-purpose control system with a female gender and the appearance of an 18-year-old. Ziggy is a man who belongs to the Galaxy Federation Government Contact Subcommittee's equipment and looks 30 years old. Momo is a woman who looks about 12 years old and belongs to the Galaxy Federation Government Military Military Equipment Hyakushiki Pan-Observation Realian Prototype and belongs to the Contact Subcommittee's equipment. Chaos is a man who looks about 16 years old and belongs to the space cargo passenger ship Elsa under the management of the Kukai Foundation. Jr. is the representative director of the Kukai Foundation and is a man who looks about 12 years old. Allen Ridgely is a 24-year-old man who belongs to Vector Industries First Development Bureau like Shion and is the deputy chief of KOS-MOS's development plan integration operation system development office. Albedo Piazzolla is a 26 year old man, Shelly Godwin and Mary Godwin are 22 and 20 year old women who belong to the Kukai Foundation, Kirschwasser is a woman who looks about 12 years old, and Louis Virgil is a 32 year old man who belongs to the Star Cluster Federal Government Marine Corps.

Stories and episodes

Xenosaga the Animation is based on the game's storyline, but also includes some unique developments. The subtitles for each episode are as follows:

• Episode 1: Awakening (2005/01/05)
• Episode 2: Sinking (2005/01/12)
• Episode 3: Encounter (2005/01/19)
• Episode 4: Death (2005/01/26)
• Episode 5: Deformity (2005/02/02)
• Episode 6: Dropping anchor (2005/02/09)
• Episode 7: Encephalon (2005/02/16)
• Episode 8: Memory (2005/02/23)
• Episode 9: Singing voice (2005/03/02)
• Episode 10: Weapons (2005/03/09)
• Episode 11: Obsession (2005/03/16)
• Episode 12: KOS-MOS (2005/03/23)

The story revolves around Shion Uzuki and KOS-MOS, and depicts the process of them solving the difficulties and mysteries they face. Unique to the anime are scenes set in a virtual world called Encephalon, and the deepening of relationships between characters.

music

The ending theme "In This Serenity" was written by Roland Lennox, composed and arranged by Kosuke Yamashita, and sung by Mayumi Gojo. The song left a deep impression on viewers with its beautiful melody and lyrics that complemented the atmosphere of the anime.

Rating and Recommended Points

Xenosaga the Animation is a work that recreates the world of the original work for game fans, and a new science fiction story for anime fans. Below are the reviews and recommended points.

evaluation

This anime has been highly praised by fans of the original game. In particular, the character designs and depictions of mechanics have been praised for staying faithful to the original while adding unique touches to the anime. The story also respects the original while providing a new perspective that only an anime can offer, drawing viewers in. However, it was difficult to cover everything about the original in the short 12 episodes, and some fans felt it was lacking.

Recommended points

• For fans of the original game : You can enjoy the worldview and characters of the original work as an animated film. In particular, the battle scenes of KOS-MOS and the human drama of Shion and her friends are worth watching.
• For anime fans : The story combines sci-fi action with human drama to provide a fresh experience for anime fans. In particular, the scenes in the virtual world of Encephalon and the deepening relationships between the characters are not to be missed.
• Music : The ending theme "In This Serenity" has a beautiful melody and lyrics that enhance the atmosphere of the anime. The BGM was also composed by Kosuke Yamashita, adding depth to the story.
• Character design by Yuki Nobuteru faithfully reproduces the image of the original work while bringing out the unique charm of the anime. In particular, the design of KOS-MOS has received overwhelming support from fans.
• Mechanic Design : Hiroyuki Taiga's mechanic design recreates the mechanics of the original work in the anime, creating a visual impact. The movements of the mechanics in the battle scenes are particularly impressive.

summary

For fans of the original game, "Xenosaga the Animation" is a film that recreates the world of the original, and for anime fans, it can be enjoyed as a new sci-fi story. Although it is difficult to cover everything in the original in the short 12 episodes, the anime is full of its own unique charms, such as the character designs, depictions of mechanics, and story development. In particular, you can't miss the ending theme "in this serenity," KOS-MOS's battle scenes, and the scenes in the virtual space of Encepheron. Be sure to watch this anime and experience the magnificent world of "Xenosaga."