Review of "MASTER of EPIC The Animation Age": A fusion of epic storytelling and animation

"Master of Epic The Animation Age": The charm and depth of a new type of anime variety show

"Master of Epic The Animation Age," which aired in 2007, is a TV anime series based on the popular online game by HUDSON SOFT. Broadcast on TV Tokyo and AT-X, the 12-episode series, each 30 minutes long, provided viewers with a new anime experience. This work has attracted attention as a new type of anime variety show that overturns traditional story developments, and depicts a fascinating world where a variety of characters and stories unfold in the virtual space "Dialos Island" that spreads across the Internet.

Story and worldview

The setting of "Master of Epic The Animation Age" is the virtual space "Dialos Island" that spreads across the Internet. This island is known as a legendary island surrounded by giant tornadoes that keep anyone from approaching. In the anime, various characters each develop their own unique story on Dialos Island. It incorporates various elements such as battle, magic, friendship, love, and nonsense gags, and adopts a novel format in which short stories of 5 to 6 episodes appear in one broadcast.

This format is designed to keep viewers from getting bored, providing new surprises and fun every time. For example, the first episode has the theme of "What is an RPG?" and introduces in-game terms such as emotes and giant mice, and depicts the interactions and adventures of players. The second episode takes up the theme of "death" and introduces specific elements of the game, such as summoning pets and fishing skills, allowing viewers to become more immersed in the world of the game.

Characters and cast

The main characters of this work are four races: Neuter, Cognito, Hermony, and Pandemos. Each has unique abilities and backgrounds, making a strong impression on the viewers. Neuter is a race with human-like appearances and abilities, and is an all-round character who is busy supporting the other members. Cognito is a beautiful character who is devoted to studying alchemy and ancient history, and although she often has a clumsy side, she has a lovable charm. Hermony is a gentle and cheerful race that likes forests and rivers, and is portrayed as an energetic girl who plays an idol-like role and runs around the stage. Pandemos is a race with a brave appearance but a kind heart that does not like fighting, and also shows a humorous side by getting hungry easily.

The cast of these characters includes talented voice actors such as Mayumi Tanaka, Kazuhiko Inoue, Hiromi Tsuru, Daisuke Gori, Masara Takashima, Hiroko Kasahara, Tomoko Kaneda, Toshiyuki Toyonaga, and Clover (Nana Inoue, Ugly Miyazaki, Yui Shoji, Momoko Saito). Their acting skills and love for their characters further enhance the appeal of the work.

Production staff and background

The director of "Master of Epic The Animation Age" is Endo Tetsuya, who also serves as series composition and sound director. Character design is by Sugito Sayuri, monster design is by Kobayashi Osamu, Murata Mamoru, and Harada Hideki, and prop design is by Moriki Yasuyasu and Tanaka Tatsuya. In addition, the Waragecher suit, vehicle, and robot design is by Jimmy Stone, art direction is by Sato Hiromu, color design is by Nobori Haruko, cinematography is by Kuwa Yoshito, editing is by Matsumura Masahiro, and dubbing direction is by Mitsuya Yuji. The music is by 4-EVER, music producer is Tsutsumi Kenichiro, producers are Namiki Shunji, Moriya Hideki, and Namba Hideyuki, and animation producers are Yamaguchi Katsumi, Okura Hirotoshi, Yoshida Satoru, and Yoshizawa Takashi. Animation is handled by Palm Studio and GONZINO, and production is handled by GDH and MEDIANET.

The diverse talents of this production team have come together to faithfully recreate the world of the original game while bringing out new charms that are unique to anime. In particular, Director Tetsuya Endo's unique perspective and humor are reflected throughout the work, providing fresh surprises for viewers. In addition, the attention to detail in the character and monster designs realistically depicts the world of Diaros Island.

Glossary and Game Elements

In Master of Epic The Animation Age, many of the original game's terms and skills are used, allowing viewers to immerse themselves deeply in the game world. For example, emotes are commands that players use to express their feelings to each other, and messages are displayed along with the movements. The giant rat is an edible rat found in large numbers near the Meerim Coast, and appears as a monster for beginners to hunt. The toy sword is an item that sends slashed enemies flying, and Sacrifice Dinner is a magic spell with a Dark Command skill of 40 that allows you to eat your own pet to recover hit points, mana points, and stamina. Mirage Mimic is a skill with a Mimic skill of 70 that creates several copies of yourself to confuse your enemies. Resurrection is a magic spell with a Healing Magic skill of 90 that uses holy breath to resurrect the dead. Walage is the romanized version of WAR AGE, and refers to the world of war between the Bisque and Elgadin armies.

These terms and skills are important elements for viewers to understand and enjoy the world of the game, and anime skillfully incorporates these elements to convey the appeal of the game to viewers and allow them to enjoy the unique story development of the anime.

Subtitles and episodes

Each episode of "Master of Epic The Animation Age" is composed of various subtitles and episodes. The first episode begins with "Prelude Theater ~Today's Theme RPG~" and includes episodes such as "Twilight", "News Master of Epic", "Friends", "Chu and Boku ~Sacrifice Dinner~", "Master of Epic People I Saw in the City ~Greetings~", "Waragetcher V ~Waragetcher V Appears!~", and "The Sea". The second episode begins with "Prelude Theater ~Today's Theme 'Die'~" and includes episodes such as "Chu and Boku ~I'm a Man~", "Chu and Boku ~Summoning~", "Non-Fighting Ranka ~No Battle 1~", "Fishing", "Night Fishing", "Waragetcher V ~Baha Conquest~", "Chu and Boku ~Pet~", "News Master of Epic", "Master of Epic Operation ~Secret Ilvana Valley~", and "Morning Fishing".

These subtitles and episodes provide viewers with new themes and stories every time, and are designed to keep viewers interested. Also, because each episode is independent, viewers can choose the episodes they like according to their interests.

Theme songs and music

The theme songs and music of "Master of Epic The Animation Age" also enhance the appeal of the work. The opening theme "Miracle Episode I" was written by Aki Hata, composed and arranged by Yukari Hashimoto, and sung by Clover (Nana Inoue, Ugui Miyazaki, Yui Shoji, Momoko Saito). The ending theme "Mamorasete..." was written by Aki Hata, composed by Hiroyuki Maezawa, arranged by Yukari Hashimoto, and sung by Ugui Miyazaki. The insert song "Waragetcha V's Theme" was written by Tetsuya Endo, composed by Masaya Koike, arranged by 4-EVER, and sung by Tomoko Kaneda and Clover. The other insert song, "Wonderful World Master of Epic," has lyrics by Doko Machida, music and arrangement by 4-EVER, and is sung by Clover.

These theme songs and songs reflect the worldview of the work and their powerful melodies and lyrics that stir the emotions of the viewers, further enhancing the appeal of the work. In addition, Clover's singing voice resonates deeply in the hearts of viewers, as if symbolizing the adventures and friendship of the characters.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Master of Epic The Animation Age" has been widely supported by anime fans as well as fans of the original game. In particular, the format of a new type of anime variety show has been highly praised for providing viewers with a new anime experience. In addition, the diverse characters and storyline have attracted viewers, providing new surprises and fun in each episode.

This work faithfully reproduces the worldview of the original game while bringing out new charms that are unique to anime. In particular, Director Tetsuya Endo's unique perspective and humor are reflected throughout the work, providing fresh surprises to viewers. In addition, the attention to detail in the character and monster designs realistically depicts the world of Dialos Island.

"Master of Epic The Animation Age" is recommended not only for fans of the original game, but also for anime fans. In particular, for those who like RPGs and online games, you should definitely watch it, as you can enjoy the world of the game through anime. It is also recommended for those who like the new anime variety show format, and is perfect for those who are looking for a work that provides new surprises and fun every time.

Furthermore, this work depicts universal themes such as friendship, love and adventure, and can be enjoyed by viewers of all ages. It will be even more enjoyable when viewed together with family and friends. Also, by immersing oneself deeply in the world and characters of the work, viewers will be able to make new discoveries and be moved by it.

"Master of Epic The Animation Age" is a work that has been widely supported by not only fans of the original game but also anime fans, and has been praised as a new type of anime variety show. The diverse characters and storyline attract viewers, and every episode offers new surprises and fun, making this a work that you should definitely watch.