(L) Baldr Force EXE Resolution

[Onizuka-GTO]

oh god. Seeing that rape scene was.....difficult....

since she looked almost like Motoko Kusanagi, and she's like, a Ninja Goddess, you can't mind rape the Major Motoko, she mind RAPES YOU!
Dammit, I hate that she looks similar to my Goddess,
It like seeing your idol image destroyed...
but i must admit the vulnerability of this look-a-like is still human in the cliche way, not as in depth as Motoko, I means she not even CLOSE in skill as Motoko, thus i guess i shouldn't judge her so, but yeah ep2 really shines.
That bastard is gonna pay, oh im gonna watch this series just to see her, rip his guts out and watch his head explode...
Can't wait for ep3!

[Mazryonh]

Ayane didn't resemble Motoko Kusanagi a whole lot in the original game (just the hair, mostly). But it seems that Trinet wanted to push the resemblance further to gain Ghost in the Shell fans--another great series involving adventures in cyberspace.

I wouldn't say she resembles Melissa Mao from Full Metal Panic, though. Melissa's hair is always black, and at times frizzy (little strands pointing several directions) at times.

Come to think of it, did Seiji Kikuchi (Baldr Force's character designer) think of Ayane from Dead or Alive when he made Baldr Force's Ayane?

It seems though that the higher-ups have decided to follow Ryang's path in the game thus far, because Ayane revealed herself as Yuuya's killer right at the middle of this 4-episode series. I'd like to see whom Tooru will throw his lot with.

I wonder if characters like Tsukina and Bachelor will get the short sticks, though. It's only the second episode and Tsukina has already been brainwashed--in the game Tooru got to know her a bit (intimately in her path) before her grey matter entered the spin cycle. The way things look, she won't be given much time or trouble at all. The same will likely go for Bachelor; she may never have the time to appear in the flesh before Tooru.

How many fanboys do you think went to buy (or download) this episode just to hear Ren's loli screaming when she was caught by the virtual giraffe, or her little fashion show? Is Noriko Shitaya, Ren's VA, being typecast these days? Her last big-name job I can remember was Sakura Matou in Fate/Stay Night.

I hope this series lives up to the depth of its source material. I am a little worried that Kaira is the best-looking female in this incarnation, though.

[Mgz]

Originally Posted by martino

Doesn't the main male lead like the main male character from Full Metal Panic??? (I've never seen FMP)

LOL, and the team mate guy like Klutz from FMP :P

and that scene shock me

and I'm amazed that they also show nipples in the anime :O

[Zekk]

are there official release dates for ep3 and 4?

[Mazryonh]

February the 9th, apparently, for Episode 3. That is, if you trust the website.

I look forward to the next one.

[NoSanninWa]

OVAs are frequently behind schedule... I never believe they are released until it happens.

[Guido]

Originally Posted by NoSanninWa

OVAs are frequently behind schedule... I never believe they are released until it happens.

Well, the third OVA has already been released today. In fact, the torrent for the RAW of episode three has already come out too.

[NoSanninWa]

Now I believe.

[Guido]

#KissSub has also released their sub version for episodes 1 and 2 in Xvid .avi format.

[Guido]

Episode three was a shocker.

Tooru stands against the wall between two oppossing sides.

Spoiler:

The current FLAK team gets arrested and decomissioned.

Tooru has the certainty that Ayane is Yuuya's murderer.

Tooru is taken to Tachibana by Tsukina. Tachibana reveals that VSS is after the Wired Ghost, which is none other than Ren.

Tooru gets backstabbed by Tsukina with a stun gun and memories resurface within him about an institute, sheltering lots of children. He sees both Ren's child self and his in those memories.

Fei Dao raided the lab and took Tooru with him; his former mate, Akira, is a member of Fei Dao.

Tooru gets taken to the Fei Dao lair and is greeted by one of its leader. The leader turns to be the doctor that Tooru saw in his memories.

Fei Dao is not evil at all as it was thought to be. Tachibana and the VSS are the real bastards.

Tooru discovers that Ren is his little sister and both went together to the same institution.

I do not get the gist of the long conversation between the doctor and Tooru, but it looks to me that they were performing experiments on children to test the Wired Net, but some the experimental subjects were afflicted with neurotic and psychological breakdown effects.

Tooru learns that Ren cannot log out from the Wired, because she doesn't know where her body is.

Tooru makes a deal with his hacker acquaintance, Pachira, to search for the whereabouts of Ren's body.

Pachira reveals its identity. At first glance Pachira is a bratty, loli BOY, but we find out that Pachira is really a loli GIRL. She was also one of the many experimental subjects on that institute.

They go back to the ruins of the institute and find the dive chamber were Ren's body is located.

1. Awful surprise for Tooru when he opens the chamber and discovers that Ren's body dehydrated into a dried mummy, meaning that Ren is now physically dead and can no longer return to the real world.

They are ambushed by Tachibana and her goons.

2. Ren wires into the lab's server and finds out that her body is dead. The ghastliest scene ever unfolds when multiple images of Ren appear all over the screens, hysterically screaming that she is dead.

The lab goes in flames.

[darkchibi07]

Wow, episode 3 has some pretty insane stuff going on!

In a way though, I sort of knew it would happen, but it was still entertaining nonetheless.

[Guido]

Originally Posted by darkchibi07

Wow, episode 3 has some pretty insane stuff going on!

In a way though, I sort of knew it would happen, but it was still entertaining nonetheless.

You'll be glad to learn that KissSub has already released its sub for episode three just five days after the RAW came out.

BTW, according to the official website, episode four comes out on April 4th.

[darkchibi07]

Way ahead of ya!

And that is pretty fast so kudos to them!

[Deathkillz]

what the omg crap wtfness
ep 3 was insane!

Spoiler:

so ren is actually tooru's blood siser that dies when being used as a child experiment ~ tooru was on of the luck ones that managed to survive ~
i was shocked to see ren's mummified body at the abandoned institute O.o nooo! i wanna cry ;_;

~ lian is pretty hot if you ask me :3

well i cant see where this is going now ~ after a disappointing first ep this and ep 2 really pays for everything ~ im excited to see the next

[blitz1/2]

The beginning of the episode 3 made me shout.

"Shinn is back!"

The episode was so good!

[Onizuka-GTO]

Oh my HARUHI!

Its the beginning of Shodan!!

She's coming for us ALL!

lololol!!

Ep3 is pure WIN!

Its like Ghost in the Shell but the lighter, pop-culture casual sci-fi horror version! wooot!

Bring on Ep4!!!



This is what Motoko would of been if she had ascended too early, didn't have robotic body prosthetics or joined section 9.

[Skane]

? Caught the first episode recently, and I am surprised by all the negativity towards it. With regards to the animation quality, I think it is absurd to associate it with Soul Link's level. The animation is not that bad, and not once did I feel the urge to rub my eyes.

There are some cliches which might seem rather hard to swallow at first, but since this is only a 4-episode OVA series, I am willing to grace them a higher level of suspension of disbelief, in order for the storyline to progress.

Thus far I am enjoying this OVA( opinions subjected to rapid change ).

ADD] Some .GIFs from Ep02.

Not AnimeSuki-Friendly


AnimeSuki-Friendly


I was surprised at the number of unique frames in this 3-second scene! The first two follows the timing of the OVA, with the former containing ALL the unique frames, while the latter only has HALF of it.

The AnimeSuki-Friendly one contains merely a THIRD of the unique frames, and as a consequence, I had to speed up the timing so as to prevent jerkiness in the animation.

Cheers.

[Guido]

OVA 4 came out yesterday, and after I watched it I felt a deep impresion that this particular chapter implicates that if we end up depending to rely upon all of technology for our basic needs and living standards, then we will end up digging our own graves.

I do not know how long or short this summary would be, but I am giving my best shot to compile what I understood watching the fourth OVA in spite of the language barrier.

Spoiler:

Ren virtually turns insane, and the GHOST virus instantly overtakes her. She starts to spread a black-void virus that consumes everything within the WIRED. People inside who are engulfed have their data dissappearing in the WIRED world and suffer a heavy stroke in the real world. Pachira lifts Toorus' spirits up and has Lian to take them both to FLAK, as they are the only guys with the technology enough to surmount an attack to refrain the virus.

Since the virus is taking over the WIRED, all kinds of machines and electronic equipment are running amok and malfunctioning in the real world; chaos and anarchy ensue. Yagisawa and Minori from the FLAK staff find out that if the virus reaches the main server then it would spell judgement day for the city. Tooru, Pachira, and Lian manage to reach FLAK, which turns a perfect timing for Yagisawa as all can rely upon the other's side for help.

Pachira devices a data vaccine to counter the virus in the form of the very same pendant that Yuuya gave to Tooru. Tooru, Yousuke, and Kayla materialize into their Simulacrum in the WIRED world and head for the main server. Along the way, they are slowed down by an entire platoon of VSS Simulacrum. Tachibana wants to download the data of the Wired Ghost and has ordered intruders to be disposed of.

Kayla and Yousuke keep busy the platoon in order for Tooru to go ahead. Once Tooru reaches the third security checkpoint, he is ambushed by Genha who was partially absorbed by the virus turning into a mutant mass of data freak. In this state, Genha is even more homicidal and bestial with severe cannibalistic tendencies, taunting Tooru that Ren had her way with him and now little sister wants her "onii-chan" by her side.

Tooru tries to fight Genha off but to no avail, as the latter's newfound abilities are too much for Tooru to handle. Finally, Genha subdues Naru and starts to merge their simulacrums together in order to infect Tooru's data. As Tooru was at the edge of being infected, Ayane timely makes her entrance and blows the crap of Genha. Even though Tooru holds too much wretch on Ayane for killing Yuuya, he complies when she tells him to keep moving and complete the mission.

Alone for a last stand, Ayane attacks Genha ferociously, but pervy psycho has gotten her by the tail and outsmacks her. He attempts to repeated the same process of infecting her as he previously failed to Tooru. However, on his indulge of sexual mania Genha fails to notice that Ayane is pointing at his simulacrum's brain point-blank range with the gun. Ayane lets go off of her load, and Genha is reduced to a pile of hole which eventually turns to bright sparks. Ayane seems to fall and fade out into oblivion, crying and apologizing.

The Virus heartlessly breaches through each of the security levels and has already taken into its domain about 90% of the server. Tooru finally reaches the core and activates the vaccine, materializing a dagger made of data. Unfortunately, he is swayed off by Ren's image who clings on him to make him hers.

The Virus completely engulfs the server, eating those inside the WIRED. At the real world, Minori loses her marbles when the computer diagnoses that Tooru, Kayla, and Yousukes' signals have all dissappeared; Pachira cannot believe that Tooru failed.

The next sequence would be somewhat confusing as Tooru experiences three dream episodes, which I will number on order of appearance.
1. Tooru wakes up from passing too much time inside WIRED and is greeted by his Steppen Wolfs' pals, Akira and Tsukina. He is at the usual hideout and nothing has changed save for the fact that Yuuya is alive and Ren comes to greet her onii-chan. When Tooru notices he has Yuuya's pendant tied aound his neck, his snaps upon the conclusion that this a dream. At that moment, time stops and the sequence shatters.
2. Tooru wakes up again and realizes he is at the beach with all three of his Steppen Wolf buddies plus Ren is there, wearing a hot bikini.
He doubts his current existence is staying at this place, as the voices of his friends resounding on his head. The sequence fades out in black.
3. For the third sequence, Tooru stands all alone inside a reality marble full of gears moving in synchronization with each other. He is questioned by each individual member of the Steppen Wolf on an Evangelion -esque manner. When it comes to Yuuya's turn, he instructs Tooru to take out the pendant, which turns into the dagger, and sink it unto himself in order to wake up and complete his mission.

When he does Tooru wakes up from the fantasy marble and beholds the brain server, which has been taken over by the virus who uses Ren to deceive him.

The sequences switches constantly between Tooru's conscious and unconscious self. In his unconscious, Ren tries to lustfully take Tooru by her side even if means that she has to harm her brother to achieve her wish of not being alone anymore. Everytime that virtual Ren hurts Tooru's unconscious self, in the WIRED the brain machine traps one of his simulacrums' extremities.

Tooru in tears promises Ren that he will never left her alone anymore and proceeds to stab her with the knife. In the WIRED, the Simulacrum stabs the brain with the digital knife. A light flows out from Ren, as the vaccine spreads and purges the WIRED from the virus.

The conclusion starts as the ending credits start to roll.
1. Fei Dao manages to storm VSS headquarters and capture all the staff involved to be put on trial. Tachibana will not give up, as she is making preparations to escape now that she has secured a copy of the Ghost's data inside a security disk, but before she can hit the dust Kuuwong intercepts her.
Before the bitch has any chance to reach for her gun, he shoots killing her for good and destroying the disk so as nobody else wil repeat the same abominations as VSS did.

2. A few weeks later, order manages to restore gradually into the whole city. Kuuwong and Lian keep a low-profile now that Fei Dao accomplished VSS dismantlement. Tsukina now works at WebDonald's offering happy meals to the customers. Akira is employed as a technician at an old man's repair shop, though he is not very good at fixing machines. At FLAK HQ, Yousuke was promoted to chief instructor to teach the young cadets. Kayla comments on how his ego is getting so big.

Inside WIRED, Tooru pays a last visit to his net spot (the one with the field of flowers) where she met Ren at the start of episode one. When he logs out the camera takes a shot of the flower girdle that Ren made for Tooru.
Tooru logs out and returns to the real world. He leaves his last memento, Ren's music box, packs his things and exits out from the Steppen Wolf's hideout. He climbs upstairs and goes to the light, back to living in the real world for good.

THE END.

[Wings]

Nice summary Guido! Seems like it was a bit hurried of an ending, but then that's to be expected. :P

[Guido]

Originally Posted by Wings

Nice summary Guido! Seems like it was a bit hurried of an ending, but then that's to be expected. :P

I agree. Even if the animation was outstanding (particularly on the crazy scene when Tooru fights one-to-million against all of the VSS simulacrum) and visually stunning, the pacing and developments did not do justice to the overall story.

I think the OVA only emphasized strictly on Tooru's relationship and issues with Ren, casting aside or donwplaying other plot issues.

Spoiler:

1. Ayane's past, involving her hatred for Genha stemming from her brother's death.

2. The nature of the Ghost Wired and how it came to sentience.

3. The corruption running amok in FLAK, and how come VSS holds a tremendous influence.

4. Tsukina's manipulation by VSS.

5. The full account of the project to which Kuuwong participated about the neuro chip transplants implanted on the children.

BALDR Force should had deserved at least a twelve-episodes TV series to fully flesh out the above mentioned issues. Nonetheless, the animation hooked me up. This was the 9th title from the fall season that I finished.

Spoiler:

At the end, it turned out that Fei-Dao were in fact the good guys who opposed VSS.