The appeal and evaluation of "Blade & Soul": New possibilities for action RPGs

Blade and Soul: A Journey of Vengeance and Soul

Overview

"Blade & Soul" is a TV anime series based on the massive online RPG developed by NCSOFT. A total of 13 episodes were broadcast from April 3 to July 3, 2014. This work, which was animated at the same time as the original game's launch in Japan, depicts the "fighting dance" characterized by overwhelming striking power and speed, and the "story" of a millennium world woven by martial arts and souls.

■ Story

The female swordsman Alka uses her one-hit kill skills to defeat her enemies with style. The purpose of her journey is to take revenge by law for the murder of her master Hong. Her enemy is Jin Valer, a woman who controls the mysterious power "Murky Air." Jin is a demonic being who shows no emotion and takes people's lives with unparalleled ruthlessness, but Alka, a member of the assassination group "Tsurugi Icchoku," was also raised to suppress her emotions and carry out her "job" perfectly, so the two are similar.

During her journey, Arca meets three heroic women: Karen, a master of singing, dancing and martial arts; Hazuki, a gun enthusiast and alcoholic; and Roana, the female leader of a band of thieves. As Arca meets and parts with people along the way, and is strangely connected to these three, she begins to remember the teachings left behind by Hong. Although Hong is in a position to teach Arca, who was born with a certain destiny, how to use her powers, at the same time, he wishes for Arca to be freed from the rules of her family. Gradually, Arca comes to understand the meaning of Hong's teachings. Something begins to change within Arca.

■Explanation

"Blade & Soul" is an anime based on the mega-sized online RPG presented by NC Japan, known for "Lineage". It features "dance combat" created by overwhelming impact and speed, and a "story" woven in a millennium world woven by martial arts and souls. Throughout Alka's journey of revenge, her growth and change, as well as the bonds with her companions, are depicted.

■Cast

• Arca: Takaoyuki
• Jin Valer: Aoi Yuki
• Elle Karen: Sayaka Ohara
• Jin Hazuki: Amamiya Sora
• Dan Loana: Aya Takagaki
• Yu Ran: Shizuka Ito
• Ga Gante: Rikiya Koyama
• Yu: Marina Inoue
• Hong Dougen: Cho
• Ron: Ryoko Shiraishi

■ Main staff

• Original creator: NCSOFT
• Original story: NC Japan
• Character design: Kim Hyung-tae
• Director: Hiroshi Takeuchi, Hiroshi Hamasaki (concept design)
• Series Composition: Atsuhiro Tomioka
• Screenplay: Atsuhiro Tomioka, Takeshi Konota, Daisuke Ishibashi, Ayumu Hisao, Kayo Watanuki
• Character design: Eri Nagata
• Chief animation directors: Eri Nagata, Satoru Kiyomaru, Masataka Akai
• Art Director: Kenichi Tateto
• Color design: Akemi Nagao
• Director of photography: Shinya Matsui
• 3D Director: Naoko Mouri
• Edited by: Masato Yoshitake
• Music: Taro Iwashiro
• Sound Director: Hiroto Morishita
• Animation Production: GONZO

■ Main Characters

• Arca: The protagonist of this work. A swordsman who was raised as a member of the Tsurugi Clan, an assassin group. He is a taciturn person who does not show his emotions. He is not interested in anything other than completing his "job" perfectly and following the rules of the Tsurugi Clan. After his master was killed by Jin Valer right in front of him, he set out on a journey to seek revenge in accordance with the rules of his clan, but instead he was falsely accused of killing his master and is now being pursued by the Param Empire.
• Jin Valer: The hidden protagonist who is the counterpart to Alka. A ruthless warrior who leads the "Mokuka Corps", a military unit of the Param Empire. He controls "mudgy air" and has great fighting power. He killed Alka's master, and framed Alka for the crime, making him a felon in the act of master murder. He continues to pursue Alka in order to kill her.
• Elle Karen: A smart, sisterly character. In public, she is the proprietress of the Watarimon Ryokan, an entertainment venue that excels in singing and dancing. She is also skilled in martial arts, and her trademark folding fan can also be used as a weapon.
• Jin Hazuki: A wandering bounty hunter who makes a living as a mercenary. He gives off a cheerful and childish vibe, but he loves alcohol. He is an outstanding weapon, with both long and handguns. He is pursuing Alka, who has a high bounty on his head.
• Dan Roana: The female leader of the "Entertainment Party," a group of tomb raiders based in the desert. She has a straightforward personality and quickly puts her thoughts into action. She feels anger towards the "celestial spirits."
• Yu Lan: A beautiful and seductive woman under Jin Valer. She seems to be able to communicate with Ga Gang-tae. Since Jin Valer is silent, she often takes on the role of explaining things.
• Ga Gante: A large man under Jin Valer. Due to the influence of the muddy air, he cannot speak and can only groan and scream. Only Yu Lan seems to be able to understand what he is saying. During battles, he sometimes shows a glimpse of a demonic form.
• Yu: A mage of the Lin tribe.
• Hon Dougen: Master of Alluka. Killed by Jin Valer in front of Alluka. A seeker of the way, he was invited by the Tsurugi Clan to be Alluka's mentor.
• Ron: A traveling merchant of the Ling tribe. He has a quick-witted personality and navigates this chaotic world with skill.

■Subtitle

• Episode 1: The Road (2014/04/03)
• Episode 2: Greed (2014/04/10)
• Episode 3: Enemy (2014/04/17)
• Episode 4: Sword (2014/04/24)
• Episode 5: Flowers (2014/05/01)
• Episode 6: Dream (2014/05/08)
• Episode 7: Time (2014/05/15)
• Episode 8: Sky (2014/05/22)
• Episode 9: The Moon (2014/05/29)
• Episode 10: Sin (2014/06/05)
• Episode 11: Punishment (2014/06/12)
• Episode 12: Soul (2014/06/19)
• Episode 13: God (2014/06/26)

■ Theme songs and music

• OP1: Goodbye Liar (sung by Mimimeme MIMI)
• ED1: RAINBOW (song: LEGO BIG MORL)

■Broadcast information

"Blade & Soul" was broadcast on the following stations:

• TBS: Every Thursday from April 3, 2014 at 1:46am
• MBS: Every Monday from April 7, 2014 at 3:35am
• CBC: Every Thursday from April 10, 2014 at 2:51am
• RKB: Every Saturday from April 5, 2014 at 3am
• HBC: Every Saturday from April 5, 2014 at 2:28am
• BS-TBS: Every Saturday from April 12, 2014 at 1:00 am
• CS TBS Channel 1: Saturday, April 12, 2014, 10:30 p.m. (rebroadcast) Sunday, April 13, 2014, 2:30 a.m.

■ Evaluation and impressions

"Blade & Soul" is a work that faithfully reproduces the worldview of the original game, while depicting the anime's unique story development and character growth. In particular, Alka's journey of revenge and her growth during it deeply moved viewers. In addition, the confrontation scene with Jin Valer, and the meetings and partings with El Karen, Jin Hazuki, and Dan Roana add depth to the story.

GONZO, the animation studio behind the series, has brought out the power and beauty of the battle scenes to the fullest, enhancing their visual appeal. The character designs and art direction are also excellent, capturing the atmosphere of the millennium world.

The music also plays an important role, with the opening theme "Sayonara Usotsuki" and the ending theme "RAINBOW" helping to liven up the atmosphere of the story. In particular, Mimimeme Mimi's "Sayonara Usotsuki" is memorable for its lyrics and melody that seem to symbolize the inner conflict of Alka.

■ Recommendation points

"Blade & Soul" is a story of revenge and growth, and the following points are especially recommended for this work:

• Arca's Growth: Seeing Arca grow and change throughout her journey of revenge is a highlight of the story. Watching her remember the teachings of her master Hong and find her own path is inspiring.
• Powerful fight scenes: The fight scenes produced by GONZO are visually appealing, with an overwhelming sense of impact and speed. The showdown between Alluka and Jin Valer is particularly not to be missed.
• Character appeal: Meeting and parting with unique characters such as El Karen, Jin Hazuki, and Dan Roana adds depth to the story. Each character's background and feelings are carefully depicted.
• Musical appeal: The opening and ending songs enhance the atmosphere of the story and stir the emotions of the viewer. In particular, Mimimeme Mimi's "Sayonara Usotsuki" is impressive with its lyrics and melody that seem to symbolize the inner conflict of Alka.

Related information

"Blade & Soul" was widely accepted not only by fans of the original game, but also by anime fans. It has been highly praised by many viewers for faithfully recreating the worldview of the original game while depicting the anime's unique story development and character growth. In addition, the anime was produced at the same time as the original game was launched in Japan, creating a synergistic effect between the game and the anime.

Even after the anime ended, the original game remains popular, and various events and updates are being held. Fans of the anime can also enjoy the world of "Blade & Soul" even more deeply by playing the original game.

Conclusion

"Blade & Soul" is a story of revenge and growth, and deeply moves viewers through Alka's journey. The combination of various elements, such as the power of the battle scenes, the charm of the characters, and the charm of the music, makes it a work that draws viewers in. It is a work that is recommended not only for fans of the original game but also for anime fans, so please watch it.