Chris Beveridge
02-14-2011, 09:58 AM
http://cdn-www.mania.com/content_pics/000006/91/63/40aa45cfea87e9be_thumb.jpgReview by Chris Beveridge (http://www.mania.com/cross-game-episode-45_article_128426.html)
Mania Grade: B
In Summary:
Cross Game continues to move forward with the battle to get to Koshien and the games are going well, especially with Ko seemingly growing as a pitcher with each game to be something new. There's a drive to him that's not outwardly visible, which is a welcome thing since it keeps him from seeming too cocky or overly focused, but rather we get a more natural player who practices well but has something of a life on top of that. Similar can be said of Aoba, though she's finding herself wanting to challenge Ko more and increase her skills so it's nicely competitive, though not directly. What I want more of at this point are scenes dealing with the people themselves, including Akane, as that side has taken a bit of a back seat. The balance typically is pretty good in this series, but with it getting closer to drawing to a close, I hope for a sense of finality and closure with several things and it's making me nervous. Cross Game is a wonderful show that's very engaging, drawing you in easily, and you simply don't want it to end. That's good stuff.
Mania Grade: B
In Summary:
Cross Game continues to move forward with the battle to get to Koshien and the games are going well, especially with Ko seemingly growing as a pitcher with each game to be something new. There's a drive to him that's not outwardly visible, which is a welcome thing since it keeps him from seeming too cocky or overly focused, but rather we get a more natural player who practices well but has something of a life on top of that. Similar can be said of Aoba, though she's finding herself wanting to challenge Ko more and increase her skills so it's nicely competitive, though not directly. What I want more of at this point are scenes dealing with the people themselves, including Akane, as that side has taken a bit of a back seat. The balance typically is pretty good in this series, but with it getting closer to drawing to a close, I hope for a sense of finality and closure with several things and it's making me nervous. Cross Game is a wonderful show that's very engaging, drawing you in easily, and you simply don't want it to end. That's good stuff.