Cyberteam in Akihabara Volume 1: Cyber Genesis - Anime Advanced

• Media Source:Anime Advanced
• Reviewed By:Ray Almeda
• Review Date:11/16/04
• Read the original review click here

"An up-and-comer in the girl-action-anime department, CyberTeam provides as much entertainment as viewers want?"

CyberTeam In Akihabara Vol. #1: Cyber Genesis

'An up-and-comer in the girl-action-anime department, CyberTeam provides as much entertainment as viewers want? if they want it.'

Disc Description

A white prince gives Hibari a PataPi, a mechanical pet that goes beyond just a kid's toy-this pet has extraordinary powers. And now a mysterious black prince is trying to steal her prized pet. Hibari forms Cyber Team with others who own such pets. Together they'll try to solve the mystery, and PataPis' will prove they're no ordinary child's toys and this is no longer child's play!

Features

Disc Review

Content: (SPOILER Warning)
A shoujoai anime at its core, CyberTeam In Akihabara is just another one of those outrageous manga-turned-anime stories, intended for outgoing viewers. Although initial impression will have viewers thinking about the kiddy-side of things of this anime, its large emphasis on female cooperation becomes the focal point of a rather, hilarious action anime.

In dreamland, a fellow white-clothed prince gives our soon-to-be heroine, Hibari - a PataPi, a mechanical pet [later named Densuke] that inherits unknown powers to its owner, only to be found in shocking senses later on. As Hibari continues to figure out the uses of the PataPi, a mysterious dark prince goes after it. Worried about her safety, Hibari decides to unite with the other girls, who have already experienced the extraordinary for themselves as well. And what do girls do in anime when they all want to fight for something? They become superheroes? that?s what. Do superheroes in cutesy, futuristic school outfits look or sound familiar? In obvious fashion, Sailor Moon and Bubblegum Crisis can be easily related to the series, expect a big difference ? the overall feel of the atmosphere. In CyberTeam, generic ?fight one battle and move on to the next? sequences aren?t used any longer. Instead, the story focuses more on the struggles of these three young girls, and the future that lies for them and their newly discovered PataPi abilities. Why CyberTeam? The PataPi?s abilities lie within these girls, as each mysterious toy changes into a powerful cyber-fighter resembling its owner. Now imagine that for a change!

Our female heroines are then able to merge with their PataPi?s and form hard-suited super-fighters to take upon the opposition. And must I say, these are some tough young-minded freaks. The girls juggle humor and serious team working action during this five-episode DVD, but its plot deepens with each mistake and form of opposition.

The Rosenkreuz, a secret yet ancient organization wanting to reform the world for its ideals, sparks the story with philosophical twists. The surprisingly different factor within CyberTeam is its distinct and massive attention to the so-called ?villains? ? highlighting their motives and actions, but never really presenting themselves at first as the bad guys. Although each side of the series thinks its doing is usually the right thing to do for the world we?re presented to, we really aren?t sure whether or not these actions present themselves to be evil. The uncertainty in the early episodes bodes a rather promising future for the series, which focuses more on character development early. It seems as if the multitude of characters will soon play out one by one in this epic, yet light-hearted series.

We?re presented with early fighting scenes to show the conflict in the story, but our villains may be focusing their efforts more on these mysterious PataPi?s rather than the girls themselves, who are still confused on which side they?re on. As character development goes, the sufficient shadowing of shoujoai in the series reminds viewers of Sailor Moon antics in its sense to ?truly care? for each member of the small female squad. Luckily, this emphasis on fan-service directs more attention towards each character?s feelings.

An up-and-comer in the girl-action-anime department, CyberTeam provides as much entertainment as viewers want? if they want it. The series is intended to be more of a tribute to the already existing and finished series that relates to its core, which expands the idea into realms never gone before. This is a series that has created a world that we can remember and characters to cherish. A proudly produced existence of hard work and patience that is loved enough for others to do the same.

Video:
Generally cutesy in style, but the series? wonderful color palette keeps the viewer attentive. Although the action sequences could use a bit more work, as it upholds way too much to the classical ?girl-action? sequences, general situations are clever and presented with outmost intensity. Best of all, PataPi transformations are worthwhile and philosophical moments are presented with top-notch cinematography. Although there?s nothing truly eye-popping, the animation is simple enough to be enjoyed.

Audio:
The soundtrack is generally catchy, as most shoujoai ones are. While the usual stories present a dramatic feel, don?t be fooled. This is an action/comedy that features highly energetic tracks that are easy to be remembered. The ending track, ?Taiyo No Hana? is an excellent overture to the series? already mysterious pace.

Menus:
Extremely simple and un-earthed. With a simple, drawn background to its initial DVD menu, the main sections themselves cannot be found. Where are the scene selections for each episode? With only audio options and episode selection buttons, this simple menu is unacceptable for most newly released anime. It was obvious to the producers that this was not a big concern for the overall project, as the main core only lies in the content itself. Highly disappointing.

Extras:
With an art featurette, clean opening/closing, and trailers, CyberTeam In Akihabara remains uninspired for being a first volume DVD. Sure, the art featurette is different from the norm as it?s included with a well-placed soundtrack for all the visual pieces, but the lack of any behind-the-scenes information reminds the viewer of the true meaning of adding any ?extras.? Although it?s expected for most mainstream anime, this anime barely does enough to show its extras, and it?s minimal at best.

Dialogue:
The initial viewing was seen in its Japanese audio form, because of my liking to most Japanese girl-animes being overexaggerated and undoubtedly humorous. The English audio is simply way too uninspired, and sports rather low-quality. The villains are also portrayed incorrectly, as each of them sound older than they should. The Japanese audio is the way to go, if you don?t mind reading some quick subtitles here and there.

The Bottom Line:
CyberTeam In Akihabara: Cyber Genesis is a decent break at the usual, seriousness of action anime these days. As most anime in this realm are, plot and character development are the name of the game, and this one barely delivers. Although its theme is uncertain to a point where it?s difficult to determine the ultimate motives for each party, the uncertainty in each episode keeps viewers craving more. If CyberTeam is remembered for anything notable, it?s its character lineup. Each of them are large concoctions of previous heroines from tributed anime, but are presented in a fresh, new environment that will be pleasing to most. This anime is recommended for fans of the genre, but may be too mysterious for some looking for something direct and filled with top-notch action sequences. Still, a worthy addition to the never-ending library of shoujo anime.

Content Noted for its excellence in shifting the viewers' perceptions. But is this a good thing? 8.0
Video Too cutesy for some... until the female villains arrive. No editing problems. 7.4
Audio Memorable tracks that fit the series very well. Scene sequences are inspired, but is too generous for an action anime. 8.2
Menus Too simple, and useless for the most part. The background is simple, and there is no scene selection. 4.0
Extras The minimal. Large emphasis on casual fan-service, rather than that for possible hardcore fans of the series. 6.9
Dialog Japanese audio is well acted, but the English actors are way too childish for their roles. Dialogue is clear, but may be too philosophical at times for some. 7.5
Verdict

Fans used to the highly-toppled genre of shoujo anime will enjoy this one, but casual fans will be scratching their heads unless they're patient.

7.7[not an average]
+ Character development is deep and numerous+ A different outlook on most animes of its kind+ Closing theme is wonderful- Plot takes too many twists and turns- Philosophical sub-plots are awkward- No scene-selection option in DVD menu

Posted on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 (Archive on Thursday, December 16, 2004)