Prince of Tennis BEST GAMES!! Tezuka vs Atobe - A thorough analysis of the ultimate showdown

"The Prince of Tennis BEST GAMES!! Tezuka vs. Atobe": An OVA compilation depicting the clash between Seigaku and Hyoutei

"The Prince of Tennis BEST GAMES!! Tezuka vs Atobe" is an OVA compilation of the popular manga "The Prince of Tennis" by Konomi Takeshi, released by Bandai Namco Arts on October 26, 2018. This OVA focuses on the match between Seigaku and Hyoutei in the Kanto Tournament, especially the match between Tezuka Kunimitsu and Atobe Keigo. Each episode is 45 minutes long and is directed by Kawaguchi Keiichiro, with animation produced by MSC.

story

After four matches in the first round of the Kanto Tournament, Seigaku is leading with two wins, one loss and one no-contest. The captain, Tezuka Kunimitsu, is in charge of advancing to the second round, but there is no way that Atobe Keigo, who rules Hyotei, will allow it. The two teams continue to fight under extreme conditions. As Echizen Ryoma watches the match, he remembers the battle that day when he was entrusted with the "pillars." A clash between men who are betting on the present. What lies beyond victory or defeat?

cast

The voice actors who faithfully reproduce the characters from the original work are lined up, such as Okiayu Ryutaro as Tezuka Kunimitsu, Suwabe Junichi as Atobe Keigo, and Minagawa Junko as Echizen Ryoma. In addition, the members of Seigaku are also lined up, such as Kondo Takayuki as Oishi Shuuichirou, Kaida Yuki as Fuji Shusuke, and Tsuda Kenjiro as Inui Sadaharu. In addition, a luxurious cast including the members of Hyoutei and the judges will liven up the story.

Main Staff

The series is directed by Kawaguchi Keiichiro, with series composition and scriptwriting by Hirota Mitsuki, character design by Ishii Meiji, art director Morimoto Shigeru, color design by Tsumori Yuko, CG director Hirakawa Norifumi, cinematographer Saito Tomomi, editor Nojiri Yukiko, sound director Hiramitsu Takuya, animation production by MSC, and production by NAS, bringing together professionals from various fields.

Main Characters

Tezuka Kunimitsu is the captain of Seigaku's tennis club, and a famous player whose name is known to everyone in the junior high tennis world. He leads the club with his solid abilities as a player and rational behavior. Meanwhile, Atobe Keigo is the captain of Hyoutei's tennis club, and with his rare charisma and ability, he stands at the top of the 200 club members. With his diverse skills, he always takes control of the match and wins. Echizen Ryoma is a genius tennis boy who has won the US Junior Tournament four times in a row, and with his outstanding tennis sense and overwhelming technique, he challenges strong opponents no matter what adversity he is forced into. Other characters with unique personalities include Oishi Shuuichirou, Fuji Shusuke, Inui Sadaharu, Kikumaru Eiji, Kawamura Takashi, Momoshiro Takeshi, Kaoru Kaido, Oshitari Yuji, Mukohi Gakuto, Shishido Ryo, Otori Chotaro, Kabaji Takahiro, Sanada Genichiro, Yanagi Renji, Kirihara Akaya, Yamato Yudai, Sakaki Taro, the judge, Takei, and many more.

subtitle

This OVA is made up of three parts; the first depicts the battles between Tezuka and Atobe, the second between Inui and Kaido and Shishido and Ooishi and Kikumaru and Niou and Yagyu, and the third between Fuji and Kirihara.

Theme songs and music

The opening theme is "BEST GAMES!!", with lyrics and music by nowisee and sung by Ayasa. The ending theme is "You got game?", with lyrics by TSUTOMU, music by Fujita Yoshihisa, and singing by Echizen Ryoma. The insert song is "Eien", with lyrics and music by UZA, and singing by Tezuka Kunimitsu and Atobe Keigo.

Evaluation and Impressions

It can be said that "The Prince of Tennis BEST GAMES!! Tezuka vs. Atobe" is a work that brings out the charm of the original work to the fullest. In particular, the match between Tezuka and Atobe is a scene that fans of the original work cannot miss, and that tension and intensity are faithfully reproduced in the OVA. The quality of the character design and animation is also high, and the image of the original work is not lost, but rather is depicted with expressiveness that exceeds it. In addition, the performances of the voice actors are also excellent, and the passionate performances of Okiayu Ryutaro as Tezuka and Suwabe Junichi as Atobe in particular have the power to draw the viewer in.

The storyline also condenses the essence of the original work, while adding new perspectives and direction that are unique to OVAs, so even fans who are already familiar with the original work can enjoy it with a fresh feeling. In particular, the scenes depicted from Ryoma Echizen's perspective are touching, showing his growth and his feelings for Seishun Academy.

The music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work, with the opening theme "BEST GAMES!!" and the ending theme "You got game?" enhancing the tension and excitement of the tennis matches. In addition, the inserted song "Eien" is a song that can be said to symbolize the match between Tezuka and Atobe, making the battle between the two feel even deeper.

Recommended points

This OVA is a must-see for fans of the original Prince of Tennis. In particular, the match scene between Tezuka and Atobe recreates the climax of the original, and the intensity and tension are unique to the OVA. Also, don't miss the growth, friendship, and rivalry of the characters depicted through the match between Seigaku and Hyoutei.

Furthermore, this OVA is recommended even for those who are not familiar with the original work. You can enjoy the thrill and excitement of the tennis matches, the personalities and drama of the characters, and rediscover the charm of the sport of tennis. In particular, the match between Tezuka and Atobe is a scene that fully captures the essence of sports anime and has the power to draw viewers in.

The voice actors' performances and music are also points not to be missed. The passionate performances of Ryutaro Okiayu and Junichi Suwabe help you understand the characters of Tezuka and Atobe more deeply. The opening theme, ending theme, and insert songs are also important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the work and stir the emotions of the viewer.

summary

"The Prince of Tennis BEST GAMES!! Tezuka vs Atobe" is an OVA compilation that brings out the best of the original work, focusing on the match between Tezuka and Atobe. All elements, including character design, animation quality, voice acting, and music, are of a high standard, making this a work that is recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for those who are unfamiliar with it. In particular, you can enjoy the thrill and excitement of the tennis matches, the growth and friendship of the characters, and the rivalry, making it a work that allows you to fully experience the joy of sports anime.