Post
by MyNameIsKooky » Wed Sep 16, 2015 5:05 am
From the mind that gave us works such as 9gag and Reddit comes a tale known as PCPuzzle (also known as PCP). Of course, anyone who has read or watched PCPuzzle knows the outcome of the fourth Wonderland Adventures game (The Dark Stinker), but only half the fun of a journey is the destination. Many wacky and lovable characters guide us through a magnificent world saturated with a beautiful score, jaw-dropping visuals and fluctuating idealistic views, which all congeal into a compelling narrative.
Forum-based animes like PCPuzzle have been done before, but never like this. The same rules apply. Over 10,000 characters (alternatively called "users"), all fighting in a fierce battle royal in order to determine the rightful owner of the xat hippo. However in contrast to PCAction's cast of children struggling to accept the responsibility so prematurely forced upon them we have a plethora of adults ready to sacrifice anything to achieve their goals. By juxtaposing PCPuzzle and its sister series (PCAction) it becomes evident that PCPuzzle is a darker story focusing on the ideals of each characters along with the suffering these ideals bring forth. The plot is essentially a catalyst that lets the characters tragically develop as they spiral closer and closer into despair.
But through its greatness, PCPuzzle suffers from its link to PCAction. As a counterpart, its freedom was constrained by the eventual flood of PCAction kiddies that loomed just beyond the horizon (the invasion is scheduled for an upcoming year and will not actually happen). But even as a counterpart limited to one conclusion PCPuzzle succeeded in producing a story that left you on the edge of your seat.
In addition to PCPuzzle, mighty syrengy is also the studio responsible for the Koopson's Meltdown series; a powerhouse in the visual arts department. No corners were cut in producing PCPuzzle, either. Ferocious battles, twisted emotions, and familiar yet exotic settings are illustrated beautifully with the use of hair-raising choreography, movie quality animation and god tier CG. Now, CG is a turn off for most viewers, me usually included. However the CG in this series is so stunningly well done that I can't imagine it would be animated half as well any other way. In addition to CG, mighty syrengy has once again incorporated a beautiful contrast between neon colors as seen in Koopson's Meltdown. The warm orange glow of a "new post!" icon beating down on the lifeless world bathed in the hue of stagnant topics really gives the show a sharp look that is pleasing on the eyes. PCPuzzle also houses THE most amazing fight in anime I've seen to date, I won't spoil which fight it is, but those who have already seen the anime will know.
A beautiful orchestrated soundtrack is the icing on the cake. The music accompanying the series is a kaleidoscope of melodies invoking emotional responses when needed; happiness, despair, tragedy, splendor, evil, conflict, etc. The opening and ending songs both intertwine with the story effectively as well. The opening has an emotional feel to it as compared with the upbeat actiony sequence present in season one. It adequately inspires a sense of foreboding in the viewer.
The characters are what makes this show shine so brilliantly. There are no exceptions; every single character is quirkily unique, each one sheltering an array of conflicting emotions, and impossible ideals. Labeling any character as an antagonist, protagonist, side character, or otherwise would be insulting as almost every person is artistically created with personalities astonishingly fleshed out and consistent. mickey_mouse for example was once the ruler of pretty much everything on earth. By standing above everyone else figuratively and literally for his entire life, he has fostered an incredible superiority complex. Infinite weapons fill his treasury, and he only expends four on an enemy that is about to destroy the entire forum before retreating saying that he "Does not wish for the weapons to be returned because they touched that icky person POOP IN MY PANTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!". That is beautiful characterization right there.
One episode was filler, some others were rushed because of it, and a certain track wasn't included in the score, but this does not stop PCPuzzle from being one of the best anime in a long time. With a bravura of directing, animation, plot, character development, sound, choreography, and dialogue, PCPuzzle exceeded all my expectations and got better every single episode. Fanboyish as the review may seem, a wonderful story is a wonderful story, no matter which way you cut it.
"Woah."
