Tenchi spinoff "Isekai no Seikishi Monogatari" greenlit

[Lego]

I wasn't a huge fan of GXP, but ANN has this

The December issue (on sale on November 10) of Kadokawa Shoten (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/company.php?id=82)'s Newtype (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=2918) magazine will confirm that Isekai no Seikishi Monogatari, the Tenchi Muyo! anime spinoff that has been in development for a decade, is now in production (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-10-16/aic-teases-about-project-with-tenchi-creator-kajishima). The magazine confirms the involvement of Masaki Kajishima (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=514), the AIC (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/company.php?id=27) freelance co-creator of the Tenchi Muyo! and Dual! (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=141) projects. The story is set in an alternate world called Geminar, where countries have fought endless wars with replicas of humanoid Seikishi weapons they found in ancient ruins. 15-year-old Kenji Masaki, the half-brother of Tenchi Muyo! protagonist Tenchi Masaki, is summoned from another world to Geminar.

[pianocello]

If it's anything like GXP, then I don't mind. Otherwise after the horrible 3rd OAV series, the Tenchi franchise needs to die a permanent death.

[Lego]

If it's anything like GXP, then I don't mind. Otherwise after the horrible 3rd OAV series, the Tenchi franchise needs to die a permanent death.

As corny as it sounds I'd love a "end all" conclusion with side stories popping up now and then. Granted it'll never happen, but I remain hopeful ;)

[Suwako Moriya]

It's sad really. Years ago reading this could have me excited. However now I'm just like uh whatever and nothing more.

[The Great Bear]

It's sad really. Years ago reading this could have me excited. However now I'm just like uh whatever and nothing more.

Yeah, I'm not really all that impressed one way or another. But I'll wait and see what they do before deciding to learn more or to just put it into the giant Ignore Bin.

[Ashyukun]

I'll wait and see. I really enjoyed the first season of Sasami: Magical Girls Club and am looking forward to the second, so I'm not going to pre-judge this.

[xia]

Yeah.. this would have been a great thing to hear when I was younger, but now it's "eh."

[Sensuifu]

GXP ranks top in the Tenchi'verse, second to the OVA1-2 that is. This new spinoff has potential, notably since TinT has yet to be bested. Sasami:MGC isn't too bad, and I can't imagine this new series being any worse than a spinoff-off-spinoff.

[BonifaceVIII]

I couldn't stand GXP, OVA 3 was a disaster, the only thing good left with the Tenchi IP is Sasami. Needless to say, I'm not anticipating this much.

[Fencedude]

This new spinoff has potential, notably since TinT has yet to be bested.

*blinks*

I kinda actually like TiT, and I'm struggling to think of what you could possibly mean by that.

[Sensuifu]

This new spinoff has potential, notably since TinT has yet to be bested.

*blinks*

I kinda actually like TiT, and I'm struggling to think of what you could possibly mean by that.

poorly worded on my part, I actually meant it can't get any worse imo.

[HitokiriShadow]

It's sad really. Years ago reading this could have me excited. However now I'm just like uh whatever and nothing more.

That's pretty much me. It could end up being good, and I'll certainly give it a chance, but simply hearing of a new Tenchi-related series (unless its a Sasami series) doesn't get me excited these days.

[something]

It's sad really. Years ago reading this could have me excited. However now I'm just like uh whatever and nothing more.
Same. Tenchi has driven itself into the ground to the point where I had almost no reaction to this news. Oh well, I still love the first two OVAs and the first TV series. Though I doubt I could rewatch them today.

[Fencedude]

This new spinoff has potential, notably since TinT has yet to be bested.

*blinks*

I kinda actually like TiT, and I'm struggling to think of what you could possibly mean by that.

poorly worded on my part, I actually meant it can't get any worse imo.

Ok, that makes muuuuuch more sense

[Buster Darkwings]

I have a bit more faith in Kajishima as far as spin-offs go since Photon, Dual, and Tenchi GXP were all great compared to Tenchi OVA 3.

[Sensuifu]

It's sad really. Years ago reading this could have me excited. However now I'm just like uh whatever and nothing more.
Same. Tenchi has driven itself into the ground to the point where I had almost no reaction to this news. Oh well, I still love the first two OVAs and the first TV series. Though I doubt I could rewatch them today.

c-c-c- comb....forget it. Out of curiosity, what point in the franchise did most people 'meh' it? I kind of felt that way after seeing TinT and realized the 'verse was losing its touch (Forever sort of validated it; while it was okay, comparing it to the previous two movies shows it lacked originality with the exception of Tenchi getting some. GXP was able to return to the OVA roots (albeit in a more risque manner) while refreshing the male lead into an enjoyable character to watch. But then OVA3 came out and it's a roller coaster ride, with Sasami correcting (if that) yet another lousy installment. I'll find out whether this new series doesn't end up back at the bottom (though that has yet to be determined since I haven't completed Sasami). I'm still a fan, but understand there are failures that may, or already have, tarnished its good name.

[something]

Out of curiosity, what point in the franchise did most people 'meh' it?
When I tried to watch Tenchi in Tokyo. The first episode and a half of OVA3 nailed the coffin lid firmly shut. I never saw GXP.

[HitokiriShadow]

Out of curiosity, what point in the franchise did most people 'meh' it?

I saw Tenchi in Tokyo back in the day on Toonami and thought it was pretty awful compared to the great OVA and solid Universe, but it didn't turn me off from the franchise. Tenchi GXP never interested me to begin with and I've heard enough about the third OVA to thoroughly kill what little interest I had in seeing that. My recent viewing of the Mihoshi Special/Pretty Sammy OVA was not favorable. However, I really enjoyed the Pretty Sammy TV series and Sasami Magical Girl Club.

While the lousy word of mouth on the third OVA didn't do the franchise any favors, the main reason for my disinterest in the franchise (other than the Sasami series) is simply that I've moved on. It was one of my anime entry drugs and a (mostly) fond memory but that's about all it is at this point.

[Sensuifu]

Tenchi GXP never interested me to begin with

I think a lot people lost interest in Tenchi after seeing or hearing about TinT. When GXP came around, most people never gave the spinoff a chance due to their disappointment with TinT. Even the harshest criticisms against it weren't enough to strike interest among most fans. I gave GXP a chance, mostly because I knew something had to be better than its predecessor. Unfortunately, they couldn't renew a winning streak with the release of OVA3.

[HitokiriShadow]

I think a lot people lost interest in Tenchi after seeing or hearing about TinT. When GXP came around, most people never gave the spinoff a chance due to their disappointment with TinT. Even the harshest criticisms against it weren't enough to strike interest among most fans. I gave GXP a chance, mostly because I knew something had to be better than its predecessor. Unfortunately, they couldn't renew a winning streak with the release of OVA3.

Actually, disappointment with TiT wasn't the issue. GXP just didn't interest me at all. Part of it was that the character designs weren't very appealing and part of it was that, well, I just wasn't interested in what I was hearing about it. It looked like Tenchi reduced to the lowest common denominator; a series with the Tenchi name but minus the stuff I liked about the earlier Tenchi series.

[EyeOfPain]

I have a bit more faith in Kajishima as far as spin-offs go since Photon, Dual, and Tenchi GXP were all great compared to Tenchi OVA 3.

Based on what I remember reading in AstroNerdBoy's Tenchi Muyo FAQ, this'll be pretty far removed from the rest of the Tenchiverse.

I enjoyed Tenchi in Tokyo when it first aired on Toonami, though I hadn't seen much anime at that point. Maybe it was just nostalgia, but I still thought it was entertaining. Same goes for OVA 3 and GXP.

With Tenchi fandom seemingly on a decline, I wonder if this will get picked up for R1. Either way, I'm still curious as to how Seikishi'll turn out.

[AstroNerdBoy]

I have a bit more faith in Kajishima as far as spin-offs go since Photon, Dual, and Tenchi GXP were all great compared to Tenchi OVA 3.

Based on what I remember reading in AstroNerdBoy's Tenchi Muyo FAQ, this'll be pretty far removed from the rest of the Tenchiverse.

Yep. It will be more like Dual! in that it won't be set in the same universe as TM!R (though the series will start in the TM!R universe with Tenchi's half-brother Kenji) and then move to the other universe.

Kajishima-sensei has stated that his creations are "linked at the corner" which is why there are little things that reference other titles.

With Tenchi fandom seemingly on a decline, I wonder if this will get picked up for R1. Either way, I'm still curious as to how Seikishi'll turn out.

Tenchi is an older brand and frankly, AIC/Pioneer milked the heck out of it with spinoffs. When AIC allowed Kajishima to start doing his thing again, his success in Japan shows that the brand still has draw (enough that all they had to do is slap a pseudo Tenchi tie in to a mahou shoujo title to make sure it was a success).

Personally, I've been waiting for this title for years. It may suck or it may be pretty good. Either way, I plan to watch the entire thing before making a judgement.

[Fencedude]

Actually, disappointment with TiT wasn't the issue. GXP just didn't interest me at all. Part of it was that the character designs weren't very appealing and part of it was that, well, I just wasn't interested in what I was hearing about it. It looked like Tenchi reduced to the lowest common denominator; a series with the Tenchi name but minus the stuff I liked about the earlier Tenchi series.

I think about the point where I realized that I no longer cared about the Tenchi franchise as a whole was when I watched a show that essentially reduced every member of the cast except for one to the most minor of supporting roles, and it was MUCH BETTER than the original.

No prizes for guessing what show I'm referring to of course.

[EyeOfPain]

Based on what I remember reading in AstroNerdBoy's Tenchi Muyo FAQ, this'll be pretty far removed from the rest of the Tenchiverse.

Yep. It will be more like Dual! in that it won't be set in the same universe as TM!R (though the series will start in the TM!R universe with Tenchi's half-brother Kenji) and then move to the other universe.

Interesting. I don't think I heard that before, but news on the show has been so few and far between that it's hard to remember. Guess it shouldn't come as too much as a surprise to most Tenchi fans, atleast when compared to the third OVA.

With Tenchi fandom seemingly on a decline, I wonder if this will get picked up for R1. Either way, I'm still curious as to how Seikishi'll turn out.

When AIC allowed Kajishima to start doing his thing again, his success in Japan shows that the brand still has draw (enough that all they had to do is slap a pseudo Tenchi tie in to a mahou shoujo title to make sure it was a success).

I've never been sure of how well the Tenchi franchise has done in recent years in Japan, but I guess if they're still making 'em, people are still buying them. And even though I believe Magical Girls Club could stand well on it's own, I probably wouldn't have been half as interested without the Tenchi/Sasami connection, but that's probably best reserved for another time.

[Drgnfuel]

Wow I actually liked Tenchi In Tokyo more than Universe. I have yet to see the newer OVA and GXP(Because I heard it is pretty much a whole new cast?).

[EyeOfPain]

Wow I actually liked Tenchi In Tokyo more than Universe. I have yet to see the newer OVA and GXP(Because I heard it is pretty much a whole new cast?).
Yep. Tenchi & co. make an appearance in only two or three episodes, aside from one character who doesn't get much more screentime. I think the biggest problem is that the character dynamics don't feel as natural as those in Tenchi proper.

[Ashyukun]

Well, if they're using Dual! as a comparison, that's another point in its favor for me, as I rather enjoyed that show. I never watched GXP or the third OVA series- a combination of loathing what I saw of TinT (and I wasn't the most fond of Universe either, as the original OVAs came out at the beginning of my getting involved in anime and therefore have massive nostalgia value) and word-of-mouth from friends just didn't leave me that interested in them at all. But Magical Girls Club was good, so as I said- I'll at least give this a chance the same as most new shows.

[The Great Bear]

I think about the point where I realized that I no longer cared about the Tenchi franchise as a whole was when I watched a show that essentially reduced every member of the cast except for one to the most minor of supporting roles, and it was MUCH BETTER than the original.

No prizes for guessing what show I'm referring to of course.

While there's no prize, I think I can guess, and can agree on that.

Unwilling magical girls are much more amusing than weakling male leads being badgered by two female stereotypes, neither of which is attractive.

[Suwako Moriya]

Out of curiosity, what point in the franchise did most people 'meh' it?

It was a gradual progress. While watching Tenchi Universe, I found it okay over all, but wanted the OVA continued. I tried Tenchi in Tokyo and concluded after a few episodes it was made by people who don't give a ****** about the cast. Still perhaps the most painful was Tenchi GXP which I stopped watching because I don't hate myself. As for the third OVA, I have yet to truly watch it. Actually the GXP factor more than the Tenchi factor is what worries me here. Because if this is anything GXP then it's clear I need to avoid it.

One of these days I do plan to watch the third OVA. Granted I say that about a lot of series, but that's another story. Still depending on how I react to the third OVA I may or may not be interested in a fourth OVA. Beyond that possibly maybe I wouldn't mind a continuation of Pretty Sammy TV. I want that movie already. Make it real or else!

Finally I know I'm harsh on GXP, but the forced humor and Miss Sex Object killed it for me... Perhaps it did get better later as more of the cast got introduced, but it was hard to motivate myself to watch anymore of it.

[something]

While there's no prize, I think I can guess, and can agree on that.
Unwilling magical girls are much more amusing than weakling male leads being badgered by two female stereotypes, neither of which is attractive.
Damn straight, Mahou Shoujo Pretty Sammy is far and away the pinnacle of the entire Tenchi franchise.

[Suwako Moriya]

Damn straight, Mahou Shoujo Pretty Sammy is far and away the pinnacle of the entire Tenchi franchise.

So long as it's the TV series of course.

[EmperorBrandon]

Damn straight, Mahou Shoujo Pretty Sammy is far and away the pinnacle of the entire Tenchi franchise.

So long as it's the TV series of course.

Well, the TV series is really good and definitely the "pinnacle", but I rather like the OVA too.

As far as this new spinoff goes, I've got mixed opinions. I'm really not expecting everything spun-off Tenchi to be great at this point (well, the chief disappointment was OVA 3, which wasn't a spin-off at all, so I guess I should actually be happier with this), but I'll probably give it a chance. I do really like Pretty Sammy as above, and I surprisingly enjoyed Dual quite a bit. I'm unsure what I think about GXP - never really tempted me to rewatch and I'm not a fan of Shinichi Watanabe humor, though it did catch my interest decently enough. Still haven't tried Sasami Magical Girls Club.

[Suwako Moriya]

Well, the TV series is really good and definitely the "pinnacle", but I rather like the OVA too.

I would have like the OVA of Sammy better if it was more than just origin, random episode, rushed conclusion.... As for the third OVA, I wonder how much of the negativity is related to the long wait. I meaning the saying "We had to wait for that?" come to mind. In any case sooner or later I need to see it for myself.

[Ashyukun]

I would have like the OVA of Sammy better if it was more than just origin, random episode, rushed conclusion.... As for the third OVA, I wonder how much of the negativity is related to the long wait. I meaning the saying "We had to wait for that?" come to mind. In any case sooner or later I need to see it for myself.
I thought most of the hate for it from what I heard (I haven't seen it either...) was that after such a long wait and being promised that it would finally 'resolve' things (especially in regards to the main triangle), that it didn't do so.

[Fencedude]

While there's no prize, I think I can guess, and can agree on that.
Unwilling magical girls are much more amusing than weakling male leads being badgered by two female stereotypes, neither of which is attractive.
Damn straight, Mahou Shoujo Pretty Sammy is far and away the pinnacle of the entire Tenchi franchise.

I'd argue that Magical Project S was the first harbinger of what eventually ended up delivering us Nanoha.

[EmperorBrandon]

I'd argue that Magical Project S was the first harbinger of what eventually ended up delivering us Nanoha.

Yeah, I think I would agree there - was Pretty Sammy the first magical girl spin-off of a series? Nanoha is kind of impressive in that it was spun-off a lesser-known (I would assume?) eroge, not a very popular series like Tenchi.

[Suwako Moriya]

I'd argue that Magical Project S was the first harbinger of what eventually ended up delivering us Nanoha.

So that begs the question. Is Sasami the older sister, mother, or senpai of Nanoha? Okay not literally, but more in a figurative sense or whatever. Regardless the idea that Magical Project S ultimately lead to Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha gives more reason to love it.

[Ashyukun]

So that begs the question. Is Sasami the older sister, mother, or senpai of Nanoha? Okay not literally, but more in a figurative sense or whatever. Regardless the idea that Magical Project S ultimately lead to Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha gives more reason to love it.
You left off 'lover that she never sees anymore', but that's probably dragging this discussion even further off topic than it's already gotten. :catgirl:

[Suwako Moriya]

I thought most of the hate for it from what I heard (I haven't seen it either...) was that after such a long wait and being promised that it would finally 'resolve' things (especially in regards to the main triangle), that it didn't do so.

Well if that's the case then it sounds like it's best to treat OVA 3 as simply just another chapter in the story and nothing more.

[Isuzu Inugami]

I think about the point where I realized that I no longer cared about the Tenchi franchise as a whole was when I watched a show that essentially reduced every member of the cast except for one to the most minor of supporting roles, and it was MUCH BETTER than the original.

No prizes for guessing what show I'm referring to of course.

Oh! Battle Programmer Shirase, of course!

[Fencedude]

I think about the point where I realized that I no longer cared about the Tenchi franchise as a whole was when I watched a show that essentially reduced every member of the cast except for one to the most minor of supporting roles, and it was MUCH BETTER than the original.

No prizes for guessing what show I'm referring to of course.

Oh! Battle Programmer Shirase, of course!

<3 <3 <3 Misao

[Suwako Moriya]

Oh! Battle Programmer Shirase, of course!<3 <3 <3 Misao

Heh, I've heard of that show and the fact it has a version of Misao in it. Yet I never bothered to check it out.

[Ashyukun]

Heh, I've heard of that show and the fact it has a version of Misao in it. Yet I never bothered to check it out.
I'd not heard of it, but will now certainly check it out...

[Isuzu Inugami]

Heh, I've heard of that show and the fact it has a version of Misao in it. Yet I never bothered to check it out.
I'd not heard of it, but will now certainly check it out...

No, no, no! Save yourselves! I am shocked to still be alive after being a wiseguy and mentioning it! In a just universe, this forum would be thigh-deep in my blood by now. It's a dreadful, dull show in which poor Misao is mostly reduced to being the butt of loli-fanservice jokes. The best moment of any given episode is the opening song, and the second best is ending theme. And the only noteworthy joke is the narrator in the last set of episodes thanking everyone for watching, including people in foreign countries who may have illegally downloaded it on their computers. :catgirl:

[Draneor]

Nanoha is kind of impressive in that it was spun-off a lesser-known (I would assume?) eroge, not a very popular series like Tenchi.

Technically, it was the spin-off of a fandisc to Triangle Hearts 3. It would be equivalent of Magical Girl Rin (F/HA) getting her own anime. Except Nanoha was never a main character.

[Isuzu Inugami]

I'd argue that Magical Project S was the first harbinger of what eventually ended up delivering us Nanoha.

I love it to death, but I'm not sure I see the way in which it starts the road to Nanoha....

Actually, the other day I realized Yuna (Galaxy Fraulein) prefigures Nanoha rather startlingly. She's essentially a technologically based magical girl, who deals with adversity by "befriending" her enemies (by the score).

[Suwako Moriya]

It's a dreadful, dull show in which poor Misao is mostly reduced to being the butt of loli-fanservice jokes.

Ok the idea of my Misao being reduced to nothing more than that kills any motivation I had to try BPS. On a side note. Is it bad that this topic finally got me to start watching the third OVA? Which I may or may not comment on later in a different topic.

[Suwako Moriya]

Actually, the other day I realized Yuna (Galaxy Fraulein) prefigures Nanoha rather startlingly. She's essentially a technologically based magical girl, who deals with adversity by "befriending" her enemies (by the score).

Heh, it sounds like Yuna might be interesting. Assuming this is not yet another "Save yourself" show. I think I might have seen a bit of it before, but I don't remember any of it.

[Ashyukun]

Heh, it sounds like Yuna might be interesting. Assuming this is not yet another "Save yourself" show. I think I might have seen a bit of it before, but I don't remember any of it.
I rather enjoyed Yuna, and it was dirt cheap when I picked it up (got it in an ADV sale). I can see the parallels too, though I'd never thought about it before. It's nothing fantastic, and I would love to have the background to how things all got started, but it's not (at least IMO) a 'Save Yourself' show.

And I'll probably still watch at least some of BPS for S&Gs, since I already set about grabbing it... I'm sure I've watched far worse. :sweat:

[Suwako Moriya]

I rather enjoyed Yuna, and it was dirt cheap when I picked it up (got it in an ADV sale). I can see the parallels too, though I'd never thought about it before. It's nothing fantastic, and I would love to have the background to how things all got started, but it's not (at least IMO) a 'Save Yourself' show.

Ah that's good to hear. Perhaps sometime later I'll get around to checking it out. Mainly a matter of deciding if/when to fit it into my schedule since there are other things to watch as well.

[Isuzu Inugami]

Heh, it sounds like Yuna might be interesting. Assuming this is not yet another "Save yourself" show.

No, I like Galaxy Fraulein Yuna. It's lightweight sci-fi comedy, with a touch of drama (more in the second set of OAVs), and the whole thing is on one disc from ADV. It's based on a series of RPG games, which means all the enemies she befriended in the games show up as her army of allies in the OAV, making things a bit crowded and confusing at times. Lots of cute girls in midriff-exposing power armor. I count that a plus, personally. :catgirl:

[Isuzu Inugami]

And I'll probably still watch at least some of BPS for S&Gs, since I already set about grabbing it... I'm sure I've watched far worse. :sweat:

It's not really so much a question of watching as sleeping....

I mean, the problem with any story where the hero is a hacker is that hacking is really boring to watch.

[Suwako Moriya]

No, I like Galaxy Fraulein Yuna. It's lightweight sci-fi comedy, with a touch of drama (more in the second set of OAVs), and the whole thing is on one disc from ADV.

Which means if I end up enjoying it, I'll be saddened over the lack of a longer version. Or maybe not, but ah well.

It's based on a series of RPG games, which means all the enemies she befriended in the games show up as her army of allies in the OAV, making things a bit crowded and confusing at times.

So I guess one would possibly get more enjoyment out of the anime if they played the games as well. Granted I get the feeling that for someone like me getting access to the games would be challenging.

Lots of cute girls in midriff-exposing power armor. I count that a plus, personally. :catgirl:

I can already see why or maybe I should say I need to see why for myself. Soon or later anyway.

[Ashyukun]

It's not really so much a question of watching as sleeping....

I mean, the problem with any story where the hero is a hacker is that hacking is really boring to watch.
Well, I did manage to stay awake through all of Kokoro Toshokan.... :catgirl:

[Ashyukun]

It's based on a series of RPG games, which means all the enemies she befriended in the games show up as her army of allies in the OAV, making things a bit crowded and confusing at times.

So I guess one would possibly get more enjoyment out of the anime if they played the games as well. Granted I get the feeling that for someone like me getting access to the games would be challenging.


I've wished the games had been released here since watching the anime a few years back... it looks like they'd be fun. Mecha-scale cooking contests, 80's-style 'battle bikini' armor, bento boxes that are larger than the characters... great, now I'm tempted to go back and watch it again... :sweat:

[Isuzu Inugami]

So I guess one would possibly get more enjoyment out of the anime if they played the games as well. Granted I get the feeling that for someone like me getting access to the games would be challenging.

I would love to play the games... but IIRC they came out on an obscure (Hudson PC Engine, or something) Japan-only console, (though there was a third for the Saturn) and by this point they look so old I can't imagine anyone trying to port them over for PC.


Lots of cute girls in midriff-exposing power armor. I count that a plus, personally. :catgirl:

I can already see why or maybe I should say I need to see why for myself. Soon or later anyway.

On sober reflection, I think it was more thigh-exposing power armor than midriff-exposing. Sorry!

[Ashyukun]

I would love to play the games... but IIRC they came out on an obscure (Hudson PC Engine, or something) Japan-only console, (though there was a third for the Saturn) and by this point they look so old I can't imagine anyone trying to port them over for PC.

Actually, according to the Wiki for the franchise (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galaxy_Fraulein_Yuna) there actually either is or will be a PSP port of the first few games... if I weren't fantastically inept at reading Japanese I'd love to pick it up...

[Isuzu Inugami]

Actually, according to the Wiki for the franchise (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galaxy_Fraulein_Yuna) there actually either is or will be a PSP port of the first few games... if I weren't fantastically inept at reading Japanese I'd love to pick it up...

Holy spit!!! Does the American PSP play Japanese games, or are they region locked?

[Ashyukun]

Holy spit!!! Does the American PSP play Japanese games, or are they region locked?
There's no region code/lock on PSP games AFAIK. UMDs I believe have region coding like DVDs but the games will plan on any PSP system.

Looking through Amazon.jp it appears it is already released as one of the PC Engine Best Collection releases for the PSP.

[Rhodes]

If it's anything like GXP, then I don't mind. Otherwise after the horrible 3rd OAV series, the Tenchi franchise needs to die a permanent death.

i enjoyed the 3rd ova... i was never an ayaka or ryoko fan so the new girl is a definite plus in my book, she's no sakuya from tit but better than those 2 dogs.

[Isuzu Inugami]

Looking through Amazon.jp it appears it is already released as one of the PC Engine Best Collection releases for the PSP.

Okay, that settles it then, I'm getting a PSP! I'll probably be sitting there laboriously hacking my way through the Japanese as the battery runs down, but I don't care!

Aaaaand, since I feel bad about how far off topic I've flown...

countries have fought endless wars with replicas of humanoid Seikishi weapons they found in ancient ruins.

Is this their way of saying "giant robots"? I guess I'm just not keen on giant robots in the Tenchiverse--it always seemed to be more about mad spaceship designs and the Galaxy Police. Well, we'll see what it looks like, but I'm not very geeked about it.

15-year-old Kenji Masaki, the half-brother of Tenchi Muyo! protagonist Tenchi Masaki

Must everyone be connected to Tenchi? They did this for GXP too, and I don't know why they feel it's necessary.

[Ashyukun]

Okay, that settles it then, I'm getting a PSP! I'll probably be sitting there laboriously hacking my way through the Japanese as the battery runs down, but I don't care!

You're more devoted than I... I seriously considered picking up the Myself; Yourself PS2 game when I was in Japan in January (since it had just come out and the series was still fresh-in-mind), but ultimately I decided against it since I knew that it would take me foreeeeever (at best) to get anywhere in it and there were many other things that I could accomplish in the same time used trying to play it.

Is this their way of saying "giant robots"? I guess I'm just not keen on giant robots in the Tenchiverse--it always seemed to be more about mad spaceship designs and the Galaxy Police. Well, we'll see what it looks like, but I'm not very geeked about it.I more figured they meant more human-scale... 'weapons' like Ryoko or El-Hazard's Ifurita, setting the stage for the relative to fall in love with one of them and lead the charge for their ability to live their own lives instead of just being other people's weapons. Or something like that...

[Suwako Moriya]

I more figured they meant more human-scale... 'weapons' like Ryoko or El-Hazard's Ifurita, setting the stage for the relative to fall in love with one of them and lead the charge for their ability to live their own lives instead of just being other people's weapons. Or something like that...

Oh thanks a lot, you just probably spoiled the entire series before it even aired. Next you'll tell me there will be fanservice too.:P Seriously, I would not be shocked if it actually ends up being something along those lines.

[pathos]

I think about the point where I realized that I no longer cared about the Tenchi franchise as a whole was when I watched a show that essentially reduced every member of the cast except for one to the most minor of supporting roles, and it was MUCH BETTER than the original.

No prizes for guessing what show I'm referring to of course.

Oh! Battle Programmer Shirase, of course!

Damn, there I was thinking he meant Space Ship Agga Ruter! Oh wait, there were no cameos, just the same style charachter designs. :P

Is this their way of saying "giant robots"? I guess I'm just not keen on giant robots in the Tenchiverse--it always seemed to be more about mad spaceship designs and the Galaxy Police. Well, we'll see what it looks like, but I'm not very geeked about it.

Well, there was 1 giant robot in GXP, but only for an episode or 2. And of course, Dual was all about giant robots, and it worked out fine, so if thats the case, it wouldn't bother me to much.

I wonder how many years in the future this one will be from the Tenchi OAV's. I mean, his dad did just remarry in OAV 3. For them to have a kid, and at least hit, say, 15, perhaps they might spoil the Tenchi's love dilemma off handedly in the first 5 minutes of the first episode, before his brother goes to the new place.

Nah, what am I thinking? That wont happen.

Anyway, I'm rather interested in this one. I love the first 2 oav's. I loved GXP and Dual. The last oav was ok. It had its moments, although it also had some not so good moments. Universe was watchable, once. I haven't wanted to revisit it again however. Tokyo was just....bad. Very very bad.

If they could bring the magic back from either Dual or GXP, then I'll be a fan of the show, for sure.

[AstroNerdBoy]

Finally I know I'm harsh on GXP, but the forced humor and Miss Sex Object killed it for me... Perhaps it did get better later as more of the cast got introduced, but it was hard to motivate myself to watch anymore of it.

To be honest, a lot of those things bothered me as well. Then I realized that a lot of that is Nabeshin's influence. RUMOR is that Kajishima (who's obviously no stranger to ecchi humor and content) started writing the GXP novels because he didn't like how Watanabe did things (which is why I believe in episode 17, which Kajishima directed, the NB character played by Nabeshin was shown in the doghouse). So he decided to tell the same story, only his way and with a lot more extra stuff added in (and reportedly, there will be little NB).

However, as I've said elsewhere, the things that made GXP a title to buy were the larger, world-making elements such as the pirate problem for Jurai, the Royal tree ceremony, the politics of Jurai (and how Seto rules from the shadows), learning more about Royal trees in general, learning about Galaxy Police (and Galaxy Army), etc. However, being a hardcore canon Tenchi fan, that is understandable I suppose (it is those same elements in Tolkien's creation that caused me to buy all the other materials Tolkien wrote about Middle Earth).

I would have like the OVA of Sammy better if it was more than just origin, random episode, rushed conclusion.... As for the third OVA, I wonder how much of the negativity is related to the long wait. I meaning the saying "We had to wait for that?" come to mind. In any case sooner or later I need to see it for myself.
I thought most of the hate for it from what I heard (I haven't seen it either...) was that after such a long wait and being promised that it would finally 'resolve' things (especially in regards to the main triangle), that it didn't do so.

The love-triangle resolution thing (which Kajishima pretty much has been saying since he wrote "101 Secrets of Tenchi Muyo") is this: Tenchi ends up with all the girls. No one wants to believe that and AIC didn't help matters with their poorly translated interview with Kajishima-sensei which implied "Tenchi will choose a girl." I remember all the excitement here and I guess there was some in Japan too until one of the staff for OVA 3 came out and shot down that real quick. However, the damage was already done.

The biggest problem with OVA 3 from my perspective is presentation. Kajishima's story is fine in and of itself, but not in a restrictive 6-episode structure. The directors and screenplay writers weren't going to counter him, so we get a lot of bad decisions (such as the big setup for a showdown between the harem and the Galaxy Army Special Forces, only to have the big letdown). There were a few good ones, such as Ryoko's continued development as a character and her shifting relationship with Ryo-ohki (which as a Ryoko fan, I found that very touching). The 6th episode is the thing that ultimately redeemed the series for me but unfortunately, too much is crammed into a single episode and that's a problem too. :(

Still, after years of contact with people who say they are fans of the series, I realize that most of these people weren't fans for the same reason I was. My impression is that most people focused on the harem stuff with the story of Kagato and Dr. Clay being just little adventures to make the thing complete.

I saw it just the opposite. The harem elements are the side dish while the main dish was always, "Who is Tenchi?" There's the element of Juraian politics starting from episode 2 of OVA 1 where Aeka is dismayed to discover that her own government (specifically, the council where her father, mother, step-mother, and grandmother rule) caused the warrant for the arrest of Ryoko to expire JUST as Aeka came to Earth. Why?

Well, digging deeper, I was able to discover the answer to that question but in anime form, the question never is answered. Instead, it is the basis for two visits -- Aeka's father, mother, and step-mother (OVA 2 episode 6) followed by a visit from her grandmother (OVA 3; the later being one of those characters people complain about as being an unnecessary introduced character, even though she was introduced in anime form in GXP and even earlier in a doujinshi or novel).

Still, that's one of many elements that I think casual Tenchi fans never caught onto.

Plus, it doesn't help that TM!R was written for a Japanese otaku audience.


Heh, I've heard of that show and the fact it has a version of Misao in it. Yet I never bothered to check it out.
I'd not heard of it, but will now certainly check it out...

No, no, no! Save yourselves! I am shocked to still be alive after being a wiseguy and mentioning it! In a just universe, this forum would be thigh-deep in my blood by now. It's a dreadful, dull show in which poor Misao is mostly reduced to being the butt of loli-fanservice jokes. The best moment of any given episode is the opening song, and the second best is ending theme. And the only noteworthy joke is the narrator in the last set of episodes thanking everyone for watching, including people in foreign countries who may have illegally downloaded it on their computers. :catgirl:

BPS is a creation of Hayashi, who is the co-creator of TM!R. The show wasn't my kind of thing. I was uncomfortable with the whole loli girl acting like a wife for her nerdy, adult male friend she calls "oniichan." I REALLY didn't like the running gag about men catching the two of them fully clothed but in sexual positions (because someone fell or the like) and then going on about how "sensei" is a master because he knows these positions. *_* Ugh.

I do agree that the OP theme is good stuff.

I wonder how many years in the future this one will be from the Tenchi OAV's. I mean, his dad did just remarry in OAV 3. For them to have a kid, and at least hit, say, 15, perhaps they might spoil the Tenchi's love dilemma off handedly in the first 5 minutes of the first episode, before his brother goes to the new place.

Kenji looks about 12 in the artwork (both Kajishima's and the anime's official image). I haven't looked to see if an age has been given or not.

BTW, I do plan to add a secion on Seikishi into the FAQ.

[Sensuifu]

The love-triangle resolution thing (which Kajishima pretty much has been saying since he wrote "101 Secrets of Tenchi Muyo") is this: Tenchi ends up with all the girls. No one wants to believe that and AIC didn't help matters with their poorly translated interview with Kajishima-sensei which implied "Tenchi will choose a girl." I remember all the excitement here and I guess there was some in Japan too until one of the staff for OVA 3 came out and shot down that real quick. However, the damage was already done.


I think the answer to this was addressed but easily forgotten. I'm not sure if I'm the only one sharing this understanding, but the resolution that Kajishima envisioned, in my eyes, was apparent in one specific scene. From this scene we realize the truth behind Tenchi's answer in regard to the love triangle. I'm sure you know what scene I'm implying. I actually take Tenchi's 'answer' to be believable; because not only do we see him speak it sincerely, we see the reaction of both Ayeka and Ryoko realizing who they really are to him. Since it happened so quickly and was overshadowed by the events that preceded it, I'm not surprised most fans missed/forget this little (big) moment.