Tuesday 29 December 2015

Anime Spotlight : Best of Fall 2015 Anime Season

It's that time again, where we take a look at the past Anime Season and choose the Best Anime of Fall 2015. Personally Fall 2015 was a bit of a downer for me compared to previous seasons, a lot of the really good shows were sequels. with one exception. Hopefully 2016 will be better. Which reminds me, the Best Anime of 2015 post is being worked on. Some hard choices and debates about that. Without further ado. Here is the best Anime from Fall 2015.

Young Black Jack

Synopsis : Young Black Jack is the Prequel for the classic anime Black Jack. Young Black Jack follows Hazama's student life and his earliest surgeries. And the many experiences that shaped him into who he is.
Thoughts : I really enjoyed Young Black Jack. From the very first episode I was thrust back into the crazy medical conditions from the Original and spin off anime  A well animated and produced single cour anime, that does a great job of portraying Hazama's younger life, and the harsh reality that shaped him into Black Jack.

Gochuumon wa Usagi Desu ka 2

Synopsis : Gochuumon wa Usagi Desu ka 2 continues where Gochuumon wa Usagi Desu ka left off. With the introduction of new characters.
Thoughts : Some of you are probably thinking. "What? A moeblob? EWWW", but hear me out. Is your Order the Rabbit 2 is probably the best show to watch from the past season if you need to unwind. Or just looking for soothing smiles. A fun show from start to finish with no signs of losing steam.

One-Punch Man

Synopsis : The story takes place in the fictional metropolis of City Z, Japan. The world is full of strange monsters that mysteriously appear and cause many disasters. Saitama is a super powerful hero who easily defeats the monsters and other villains with one punch. However, after becoming too strong, Saitama has become bored with his powers and is always trying to find stronger opponents who can fight him.

On his adventures, he meets new friends, enemies, and his own disciple, the cyborg Genos, and also joins the Hero Association in order to gain fame for all of his actions to prevent evil. Despite defeating many strong monsters that even the Hero Association's top heroes are unable to defeat, Saitama struggles to gain respect. Most people discriminate him due to his plain physical appearance and some accuse him of being a counterfeit hero. Only a small number of individuals recognize his incredible talent and humility towards others.
Thoughts : Easily the most popular Anime this past season, and a candidate for the Anime of the Year list. Everybody knows about One-Punch Man, and most of the people who watched it are yearning for a second season. One-Punch Man doesn't waste time with power ups and fights or unnecessary long stare downs. It's just balls to the wall action.

Sakurako-san no Ashimoto ni wa Shitai ga Umatteiru

Synopsis : Kujou Sakurako is a beautiful and talented osteologist, or bone specialist, whose life is centered around bones only. Sakurako has little tolerance for illogical behavior and a lot of trouble understanding other people; she would be isolated in her study full of skeletons if not for her assistant, high school boy Tatewaki Shoutarou, who does his best to drag her out and make her interact with others. And yet, whenever they go out, the dead seem to be around the corner, because the two of them often stumble upon human skeletons or corpses.
Thoughts : Sakurako-san no Ashimoto ni wa Shitai ga Umatteiru is a beautifully animated mystery anime with some great thriller parts as well. Some of the scenes in the anime can be a bit much for sensitive viewers, but it's a well thought out story that keeps you coming back for more as it unfolds. One of the few gems this season.

Noragami Aragoto

Synopsis : In the second season of Noragami the main focus is on Bishamon, god of war. She has many shinki due to her being unable to abandon spirits attacked by Ayakashi. She has a large group of shinki with her as leader, causing her trouble as she sometimes cannot tend to all of them properly, especially when one of them gets sick or is in pain. She has a strong hate for Yato, as a dark past binds the two of them. How will the horrifying events dated hundreds of years ago in combination with current evil happenings affect Yato and Yukine?
PV : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nI_2PqGZb-c
AniDB : http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=11170
Thoughts : I personally enjoyed Noragami Aragoto a lot more than the first season. Noragami Aragoto is a lot darker and more serious than the original series, and a fair bit more touching. If you haven't seen Noragami yet. What's wrong with you?

A noteworthy mention from the Fall 2015 Anime Season is the finale of Soukyuu no Fafner Dead Aggressor - Exodus S2, which was really great. But sadly the first season started about 10 years ago. Which was the only reason it didn't make the top 5. Which shows from Fall 2015 did you enjoy? Did you see any of the mentioned anime?
at No comments:

Thursday 5 November 2015

Anime Spotlight : Anime From Yesteryear 2004


Join me as we once again take a trip down memory lane into another HUGE year for Anime. 2004 had too many good shows, which made choosing the anime for this list very hard. I may have more grey hair now thanks to all the debating I had to do when choosing the top 5 Anime from 2004. I'm sure many of you are going to be unhappy that some of your favourite shows didn't make the list. But feel free to let me know which you would have preferred :). Strap yourselves in and lets go!

Beck

Synopsis : Tanaka Yukio, better known by his nickname Koyuki is a 14 year old who feels disconnected from life in general. Through the act of saving a mismatched dog, he meets guitarist Minami Ryuusuke, and becomes involved in Ryuusuke's new band BECK. Koyuki's life starts to change as the band struggles towards fame.
Thoughts : Seen by many as the Anime with the best Engrish, Beck is not only a fantastic music anime, but also a great coming of age tale of a boy that finds different kinds of love in the strangest of places. It's really one of those must see anime, just a shame the Live Action movie was so horrible.

Monster

Synopsis : Dr. Tenma Kenzou is a very talented Japanese doctor and he's praised by all doctors in Germany. But after he saw how a woman cried for her man who died because someone else got more priority, he changed. He decides he wouldn't let anyone pass; everyone is equal.

But one day, Tenma has to work on a little boy who was shot during the murder of his parents. He decides he will save the life of the boy, because he was first in line.

But then, the children disappear... and the murders begin. Tenma, feeling both guilt and worry, goes off to investigate the case since he feels that it somehow relates to him... and the horror begins, for both Tenma and everyone he meets in search for the children...
Thoughts : For many Monster is the Go To Anime if you want a psychological horror steeped in mystery. With easily one of the scariest human monsters around. If a thought provoking experience is what you are after, Monster will not dissappoint.

Yakitate!! Japan

Synopsis : Yakitate means "fresh baked", but the word "Japan" is actually a pun - pan means bread in Japanese, so Kazuma is out to make Japan, a unique Japanese bread to compete with the best bread from around the world!

Azuma become obsessed with bread when he was six years old. His sister yelled that their family should start having bread for breakfast sometimes, but their grandfather refused to even consider it, as he would only eat natto, miso soup, and rice for breakfast. Kazuma agreed, saying he didn't like bread, but his sister kidnaps him and takes him to a bread store to show him the wonders of fresh-baked bread. Not only is Kazuma converted, but the owner discovers that Kazuma has the magical "Hands of the Sun" whose warmth makes them particularly suited to making bread. The owner packs up shop and goes to Tokyo to fulfill his dream of making Japan, but Kazuma continues his bread-baking dream as well, and ends up going to Tokyo himself when he's sixteen, to compete for a spot at the foremost bread store in Japan - Pantasia!
Thoughts : A word of warning, Do Not Watch this anime when hungry, you'll be craving bread in no time! Yakitate Japan is the reason I enjoy food based anime so much. It's a perfect mix of characters and jokes with the whole competitive baking edge that makes this such a joy to consume!

Mai-HiME

Synopsis : Tokiha Mai and her sickly younger brother, Takumi, have received a scholarship to attend the prestigious Fuuka Academy. On the way there, the ferry they are travelling on becomes the site of a destructive battle between two girls wielding apparently supernatural powers. This is only the beginning of their troubles, as Mai learns that she herself possesses these powers — the powers of a HiME.
Thoughts : Other than the controversial ending. Mai-HiME was a tour de force of emotions and action that really helped it stand out in 2004. And this was the year Gundam Seed Destiny came out. A great example of how a show with super charged battles with a bit of fanservice can work if done right. And don't forget the great soundtrack by Kajiura Yuki.

Koukaku Kidoutai S.A.C. 2nd GIG

Synopsis : The story continues to follow the adventures of Section 9's top members, Motoko Kusanagi, Batou, and Togusa. For this second season, Innocence-famed director Mamoru Oshii contributed with his ideas to the concept of the entire series right from the initial planning stages. The series maintains an episodic format and portrays Section 9 dealing with political issues such as invited refugees and nuclear intrigue. Another government institution, the Information Bureau of the Cabinet, comes up head-to-head against them. And a terrorist entity who calls itself the "Individual Eleven" joins the set. The in-depth storytelling of the series is likely to surpass the first series.
Thoughts : Almost everyone has heard of Ghost in the Shell, most anime fans and even non anime fans have even seen the movie. But the Stand Alone Complex series is the real gem, especially 2nd GIG. With hauntingly beautiful music from Yoko Kanno and the now sadly deceased Origa. Fantastic animation of a level now known for it's time and a mystery that grips you from the onset. Makes for not only one of the best anime of 2004, but probably All Time.

Making this list was extremely hard for me, as 2004 had SO MANY great anime, that I kinda wish I wasn't limiting myself to just 5...maybe 10 would have been better...or 15 even. Which anime from 2004 would you have preferred on the list? I'll provide an image below that you can just open in a new tab/window if you want a refresher of 2004. 
at No comments:

Wednesday 21 October 2015

Anime Spotlight : Anime from Yesteryear 2005


It's hard to believe 2005 is a decade ago, but for me, and I'm sure a lot of you. The anime from that year still feels like it just aired a few months ago. Now the newer anime fans might never have heard of some of these shows. And that's fine. 2005 was a big year for anime and a very hard year to pick a top 5 for. With shows like Basilisk, Eureka 7 and Honey and Clover being firm favorites of a lot of anime fans. The following is a list of the 5 timeless classics from the year 2005.

Aria the Animation

Synopsis : On the planet Aqua lies the watery city of Neo Venezia, a tourist hub in which people travel around in gondolas. Professional gondoliers known as Undines are well-revered as they act as tour guides for the people. Akari Mizunashi is a gondolier in training and also an employee of Aria Company. She gets to meet all sorts of people as she takes them on the gondola rides, from friendly mentors to special individuals, all this admidst the beautiful scenic backdrop of the entire city.
PV : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NraaWUZxWZw
AniDB : http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2659
Thoughts : For the people that know me, seeing Aria the Animation in this list is no surprise. I can't stop praising this anime. If there ever was a perfect example of how a Utopian future should be, Aria the Animation would be it. It's a slow paced show, but the fantastic scenery and heartwarming characters will have you smiling in no time at all.

Capeta

Synopsis : Taira Kappeita, or Capeta, was a 4th grader boy. He had lost his mother when he had been very little. Although he pretended to be tough in front of his father, actually he felt lonely. One day, his father brought junk parts home from his workplace and made a racing cart. Soon, they went to a circuit to drive the cart. However, Capeta found that its frame was bent and it could hardly run straight. But, with his technique he managed the cart. Furthermore, he followed soon after the fast cart and he could nearly leave it behind. The driver in the cart was Minamoto Naomoi, the champion of the East Japan Junior Cart. Looking at their chase, Naomi's mother, Minamoto Nanako, advised Capeta to take part in the official race.
PV : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cH4qzTbTtMc
AnidDB : http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=3463
Thoughts : Capeta is more than just your average coming of age sports show. It tells the brilliant story of a kid that isn't afraid to go after his dreams, no matter what dangers he faces. Capeta also features some really cool racing and tons of edge of your seat moments.

Touhai Densetsu Akagi: Yami ni Maiorita Tensai

Synopsis : On a cold and stormy night, Akagi Shigeru crawled out of the ocean, stumbled into a dingy waterfront Mahjong parlor and into a rough Mahjong game. Nangou was heavily in debt and had been offered a chance to gamble it away by the yakuza. If that did not work, they had made sure that his life insurance policy would more than cover what he owed them. That evening's tiles had not been kind to Nangou and with nothing left to lose, he decided to take a chance and let the thirteen-year-old Akagi play in his place. The events of that evening are still quietly spoken about, of how a rank beginner beat the yakuza rep (or professional) player. It was that night that the legend of Akagi - the genius or monster of the Mahjong game - was born.
PV : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBpYNS-jucQ
AniDB : http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=3446
Thoughts : Akagi is more than just a "Mahjong" anime. It's a gritty look at the world of underground gambling, with dangerous bets that can costs you your life. If you liked No Game No Life, imagine that without any cute girls or heck any girls for that matter, and a lot more hardcore bets. And you end up with Akagi. The manliest gambling anime out there. Well alongside Kaiji.

Aa! Megami-sama!

Synopsis : Morisato Keiichi is looking forward to university life. But he does not have much luck with anything, be they clubs, love, or daily life. And as it turns out he actually was born under an unlucky star.

One day Keiichi is stuck with having to watch the dorm while his fellow seniors are away at some party, and to make things worse a mountain of work was forced on him. But good-natured — and easily taken advantage of — Keiichi goes right to work, and after finishing his chores, he makes a phone call. For once fate smiles on the hapless lad, and he reaches the Goddess Help Line. A moment later, a beautiful goddess named Belldandy exits the mirror in his room.

But will the goddess help to finally end Keiichi's unlucky days?
PV : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvkaWtF0b9I
AniDB : http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2533
Thoughts : One of the shows on this list probably everyone has heard of. Oh! My Goddess was one of the shows that converted many friends of mine into anime. A fantastic romantic comedy with colourful characters, great music and a "perfect" women.

Glass no Kamen

Synopsis : Her father passed away very early and her mother lives and works in a crowded Chinese restaurant. Kitajima Maya, a 13-year old girl, has to carry the burden of making ends meet as she fights against her ill fate. However, she is able to overcome the trials and tribulations in her life with her passion and enthusiasm. She happens to encounter the reclusive actress Tsukikage who decides to train and mould her into the foremost actress of her generation.
PV : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYEUMF6c2eA
AniDB : http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2994
Thoughts : Much like Capeta, Glass Mask is more than just about a girl trying her best, against all odds, to reach her dreams. It's an emotional tour de force that will pick you up and not let go until the all too soon end. Maya is a great main character, her acting in the anime is so convincing I forgot at times that she was an acting out the roles she had.

That concludes my list of top shows form 2005. Which anime from that year was your favorite. Have you seen any of the Anime on this list? If you need a refreshes of what came out in 2005, the image below might help! (Open image in new Tab to view easier)

at No comments:

Tuesday 13 October 2015

Anime Spotlight : Promising New Shows From Fall 2015 Anime Season

The Fall 2015 Anime season is in full swing with a lot of the shows on their second episodes already. One thing about this season, there is a ton of sequels from shows that had great previous seasons. But I want to focus on the NEW shows that had promising starts. While there were some really good ones, I feel like there is more good shows in the sequels than in the new stuff.

One-Punch Man

Synopsis : The story takes place in the fictional metropolis of City Z, Japan. The world is full of strange monsters that mysteriously appear and cause many disasters. Saitama is a super powerful hero who easily defeats the monsters and other villains with one punch. However, after becoming too strong, Saitama has become bored with his powers and is always trying to find stronger opponents who can fight him.

On his adventures, he meets new friends, enemies, and his own disciple, the cyborg Genos, and also joins the Hero Association in order to gain fame for all of his actions to prevent evil. Despite defeating many strong monsters that even the Hero Association's top heroes are unable to defeat, Saitama struggles to gain respect. Most people discriminate him due to his plain physical appearance and some accuse him of being a counterfeit hero. Only a small number of individuals recognize his incredible talent and humility towards others.
Thoughts : For fans of the manga, One-Punch Man needs no introduction, for everyone else like me. One-Punch Man is a comedic super hero tale of a guy that is a bit too powerful for the poor bad guys. Great animation and high action makes for a very entertaining watch, Also that OP by Jam Project is soooo good.

Kidou Senshi Gundam: Tekketsu no Orphans

Synopsis : 300 years after a great conflict between Earth and Mars known as the "Calamity War," a woman named Cordelia sets out on a journey to Earth to speak for the independence of the Martian city of Chryse, which is under the control of the Earth government. Escorting her is the private security company CGS members Mikazuki Augus and Orga Itsuka. When a group named Gjallarhorn attacks CGS and Cordelia, Orga sees this as a chance to rebel against CGS and launch a coup. Mikazuki and Orga are thrust into a new conflict. To fend off Gjallarhorn, Mikazuki rides an old mobile suit from the Calamity War, powered by a nuclear reactor, the Gundam Barbatos.
Thoughts : Most of the time with Gundam, UC related series are usually best, but that doesn't mean non UC Gundam can't be good. Iron-Blooded Orphans looks to be quite promising, first two episodes set the bar of what to expect later on, and being Gundam, there is usually going to be some kind of twist later on. Going to keep my eye on this one.

Sakurako-san no Ashimoto ni wa Shitai ga Umatteiru

Synopsis : The story revolves around Tatewaki Shoutarou and Kujou Sakurako. Shoutarou is a normal high school student with a serious demeanor who likes to show off his girl friend Sakurako. Sakurako is an extraordinarily beautiful woman in her mid-20s from a rich family who loves "beautiful bones". The two live in the city of Asahikawa in Hokkaido, and they get involved in various incidents regarding bones.
Thoughts : Everyone loves a good mystery and Sakurako-san no Ashimoto ni wa Shitai ga Umatteiru seems to have some promising murders in it. The anime starts of well with the introduction of the two main characters and an explanation of their relationship, not lovers, but not quite just friends. Seems like Shoutarou is hopeful but not sure if there is going to be any progress on that front as Sakurako is engaged. Sakurako-san no Ashimoto ni wa Shitai ga Umatteiru features beautiful animation and I'm quite interested to see if it will improve as the season progresses.

Garo - The Crimson Moon

Synopsis : Set in the same "world" as Garo: Honoo no Kokuin, Garo - The Crimson Moon is set quite a few years after. The GARO armour bloodline is no more, and completely new characters unrelated to the original are the focus. Surprisingly this time Makai Alchemist and Makai Knight are working together.
Thoughts : I won't lie, a big reason I'm interested in Garo - The Crimson Moon, is mostly due to how much I enjoyed the world introduced to me in the original Garo anime. The first episode contained the same action I loved with great animation. And Seimei is such a cool character. Will it be as good as Garo : Honno no Kokuin? That remains to be seen.

Heavy Object

Synopsis : The story revolves around Objects — powerful, massive weapons that change the course of warfare — and Elite Object pilots. An odd Elite girl named Milinda meets Quenser, a student who aims to become an Object mechanic, with the soldier-in-training Heivia on a snowy battlefield.
Thoughts : First episode of Heavy Object kicked off by introducing these new almost unbeatable war machines called Objects. And then swiftly focuses on a base in the middle of nowhere with a nice light hearted, military tone. You wouldn't be wrong to fall into some sort of false security. With scenes of fishing and hunting and fanservice. Luckily things got interesting at the end of the first episode as a battle broke out. The show seems to follow from said battle where everything seems to go wrong. Hopefully this show will improve, but that remains to be seen.

What new shows are you looking forward to? I'm sure a fair bit of you all are amped for more Noragami, Monogatari and Seraph of the End among others. Let me know your thoughts and we'll see which was the best when season ends.
at No comments:

Friday 2 October 2015

Diablo 3 Greater Rift Progression and Mobs

A big part in Higher Greater Rift Progression and Greater Rift Speedfarming efficiency is knowing which mobs are worth killing and which to ignore. There is a complete list at Warpath, but I went and filtered out the data as bit so I can make two sections. Mobs that give good Progression/XP and mobs that don't.


Good XP/Progression
Monster name                                           Progress in %
Abomination                                           0.4375
Armaddon                                           0.625
Bloated Malachor                                   0.875
Canine Bones                                           0.5
Chubby Pink Unicorn                           0.5
Chubby Purple Unicorn                           0.5
Colossal Golgor                                   0.875
Dark Berserker                                           0.5
Death Maiden                                           0.9375
Demonic Tremor                                   0.875
Fallen Cur                                            0.5
Fallen Hellhound                                   0.5
Fallen Hound                                           0.5
Fallen Master                                           0.75
Fallen Mongrel                                           0.5
Fallen Overlord                                           0.75
Fallen Overseer                                   0.75
Fallen Slavelord                                   0.75
Fiery Beast                                           0.5625
Ghastly Seraph                                           0.5
Great Horned Goliath                           1.25
Grotesque                                                  0.4375
Harvester                                             0.4375
Hell Basher                                          0.5
Hellhide Tremor                                  0.875
Horned Charger                                  1.25
Horror                                                  0.4375
Hulking Phasebeast                                  0.5
Lacuni Slasher                                          0.5
Lacuni Warrior                                          0.5
Maggot Brood                                          1.25
Malignant Thrall                                  0.625
Maniacal Golgor                                  0.875
Pain Monger                                          0.5
Plague Nest                                          0.75
Possessed                                                 0.4375
Rat Caller                                                 0.5
Sand Dweller                                         0.75
Savage Beast                                        1
Scorching Creeper                                1
Skeletal Beast                                        1
Tormented Thrall                                0.625
Toxic Lurker                                        0.625
Tusked Bogan                                        0.875
Unholy Thrall                                        0.625
Vengeful Seraph                                0.5
Vicious Magewraith                                0.5
Vicious Mangler                                0.5
Warping Horror                                0.5
Warscarred Ravager                                0.4375
Wintersbane Stalker                                0.5
Wooly Beast                                        1.25

It is worth nothing though that some of the Mobs that do give a fair bit of progression/XP are sometimes hard to kill or take a fair bit of time. And some are outright dangerous after death, like a pack of Horror's exploding for example. It's up to you to decide which are worth your time.


Bad XP/Progression
Monster name                                       Progress in %
Accursed Hellion                               0.25
Arachnid Horror                               0.375
Armored Destroyer                               0.25
Bile Crawler                                       0.0125
Blazing Ghoul                                       0.05
Blazing Guardian                               0.1
Blazing Swordwielder                       0.125
Blood Clan Impaler                               0.075
Blood Clan Occultist                            0.3125
Blood Clan Sorcerer                               0.3125
Blood Clan Spearman                       0.075
Blood Clan Warrior                               0.375
Boggit                                               0.0125
Brood Hatchling                               0.0125
Carrion Bat                                       0.1
Cave Bat                                               0.075
Charged Construct                               0.05
Charged Stinger                               0.0625
Chilling Construct                               0.165
Copperfang Lurker                               0.25
Corpse Worm                                       0.075
Crawling Torso                                       0.0125
Crazed Cultist                                       0.075
Crazed Summoner                               0.1875
Dark Conjurer                                       0.1875
Dark Cultist                                       0.075
Dark Hellion                                       0.25
Dark Moon Clan Impaler                       0.1
Dark Moon Clan Shaman                       0.375
Dark Moon Clan Warrior                       0.3125
Dark Skeletal Archer                       0.1
Dark Skeletal Bowman                       0.1
Dark Summoner                               0.1875
Dark Vessel                                       0.075
Dark Zealot                                       0.075
Darkmoth                                               0.25
Death Swarm                                       0.25
Deathspitter                                       0.25
Demented Fallen                               0.0375
Demon Raider                                       0.1875
Demon Trooper                               0.1875
Demonic Hellflyer                               0.25
Deranged Cultist                               0.075
Deranged Fallen                               0.0375
Doom Viper                                       0.25
Dust Biter                                               0.0125
Dust Imp                                               0.0625
Electric Eel                                       0.0125
Enraged Zealot                                0.075
Fallen                                               0.0375
Fallen Conjurer                                 0.25
Fallen Firemage                               0.25
Fallen Grunt                                       0.0375
Fallen Lunatic                                       0.0375
Fallen Magus                                       0.25
Fallen Maniac                                       0.0375
Fallen Peon                                       0.0375
Fallen Prophet                                       0.25
Fallen Shaman                                       0.25
Fallen Soldier                                       0.0375
Flesh Gorger                                       0.375
Forgotten Shield Bearer                       0.125
Foul Conjurer                                       0.1875
Frenzied Hellion                               0.25
Frost Guardian                                       0.05
Frost Razor                                       0.1
Ghastly Gravedigger                               0.125
Ghostly Murderer                               0.25
Ghoul                                               0.1
Giant Shadow Wing                               0.0625
Gloom Wraith                                       0.0125
Hell Witch                                       0.25
Hungering Bones                               0.3125
Hungry Torso                                       0.0125
Ice Clan Shaman                               0.25
Ice Clan Warrior                               0.3125
Icy Quillback                                       0.1
Imp                                                       0.0125
Inferno Zombie                                       0.125
Jailed Poacher                                       0.1
Lacuni Stalker                                       0.25
Lashing Creeper                               0.25
Maggot                                               0.0375
Moon Clan Ghost                               0.3125
Moon Clan Impaler                               0.1
Moon Clan Shaman                               0.25
Moon Clan Warrior                               0.3125
Morlu Invader                                       0.25
Morlu Legionnaire                               0.25
Murderous Fiend                               0.05
Noxious Guardian                               0.125
Oppressor                                       0.375
Plague Carrier                                       0.0625
Plague Swarm                                       0.25
Plagued Vermin                               0.0125
Quill Demon                                      0.1
Quill Fiend                                      0.1
Returned Archer                              0.1
Returned Executioner                      0.3125
Returned Shieldman                              0.125
Revenant Archer                              0.125
Revenant Shield Guard                      0.3125
Revenant Soldier                              0.2125
Reviled                                              0.05
Risen                                              0.075
Risen Bones                                      0.3125
Rotting Imp                                      0.0625
Savage Fiend                                     0.05
Scaled Magus                                     0.25
Scarab                                             0.0125
Scouring Charger                             0.0375
Scouring Lobber                             0.0375
Serpent Magus                                     0.25
Sewer Serpent                                     0.1875
Shade Stalker                                     0.0125
Shadow of Death                             0.1875
Shadow Vermin                             0.0125
Shock Guardian                             0.075
Shrieking Terror                             0.25
Skeletal Archer                                     0.1
Skeletal Bowmaster                             0.1
Skeletal Executioner                             0.3125
Skeletal Marauder                              0.125
Skeletal Raider                                     0.125
Skeletal Ranger                                     0.1
Skeletal Sentry                                    0.125
Skeletal Shieldbearer                     0.125
Skeleton                                             0.0375
Skull Cleaver                                     0.3125
Smoldering Construct                     0.165
Soul Lasher                                     0.25
Soul Ripper                                     0.25
Spellwinder                                     0.25
Spiderling                                      0.0125
Spine Hewer                                     0.3125
Spine Lasher                                     0.0125
Spitting Bones                                     0.3125
Stinging Swarm                                     0.125
Stygian Crawler                             0.0625
Subjugator                                     0.25
Succubus                                             0.25
Summoned Archer                             0.0625
Summoned Shield Guard                     0.25
Summoned Soldier                             0.1
Swift Skull Cleaver                              0.3125
Terror Demon                                      0.375
Tormented Stinger                             0.0625
Toxic Construct                             0.05
Twinkleroot                                     0.25
Veiled Sentinel                                     0.375
Vicious Ghoul                                     0.05
Vicious Hellion                                     0.25
Vile Bat                                             0.075
Vile Swarm                                     0.25
Vile Temptress                                     0.25
Voracious Torso                             0.0125
Warscarred Footsoldier                     0.25
Webspitter Spider                             0.25
Winged Molok                                     0.25
Wintersbane Huntress                     0.25
Wraith                                             0.1875
Wretched Mother                             0.25
Writhing Deceiver                             0.25
Zap Worm                                     0.0125

It is worth noting that a lot of the LOW progression mobs are quite easy to kill, and might help a fair bit with building up stacks that some abilities get on kill, or for possible health orb drops, but if you ever wondered why you killed a huge pack of mobs but the progression bar barely moves. This is why.

The Majority of Ranged mobs also seem to give no progression at all, which is worrying as they usually do a fair bit of damage and are annoying to kill, like ghost types that fly away through walls.

Now that you are armed with the information needed on what type of mobs you need to fight or avoid for progression. The rest is just up to which tile set you have, as some has great density like dungeons/crypts/open areas and others have horrible density like caves...because in Diablo 3 density is king for almost every build out there at the moment.

The progression data is accurate for patch 2.3.0 of Diablo 3 Reaper of Souls, and might change in future. Depending on how Blizzard feels.
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Monday 28 September 2015

Anime Spotlight : The Best of Summer 2015 Anime Season

The Summer Anime season of 2015 has come to and end, and with it some really good and really horrible shows as well. There have been some really promising shows with horrible ends, but also some real gems this season. I'll talk about the disappointment's at the end but first. Here is the Best Anime of Summer 2015. To be on the list one of the big criteria is the show must have ended this season. So the list may include carry over's from last season.

Ore Monogatari!!

Synopsis : Gouda Takeo is a giant guy with a giant heart. Too bad the girls don't want him! (They want his good-looking best friend, Sunakawa.) Used to being on the sidelines, Takeo simply stands tall and accepts his fate. But one day when he saves a girl named Yamato from a harasser on the train, his (love!) life suddenly takes an incredible turn!
PV : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2ZGWRnkdwQ
AniDB : http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=10918
Thoughts : Ore Monogatari!! is a laughter filled take on a Beauty and the Beast type romance. But there is a slight warning this show might induce diabetes from all the sweet moments. If you are looking for a good romance filled adorable and funny characters, probably the manliest protagonist this season and also the best "bro". Ore Monogatari is a must watch if you haven't seen it yet.

Arslan Senki

Synopsis : In the prosperous kingdom of Pars lies the Royal Capital of Ecbatana, a city of splendor and wonder, ruled by the undefeated and fearsome King Andragoras. Arslan is the young and curious prince of Pars who, despite his best efforts, doesn't seem to have what it takes to be a proper king like his father.

At the age of 14, Arslan goes to his first battle and loses everything as the blood-soaked mist of war gives way to scorching flames, bringing him to face the demise of his once glorious kingdom. However, it is Arslan's destiny to be a ruler, and despite the trials that face him, he must now embark on a journey to reclaim his fallen kingdom.
Thoughts : Arslan Senki (2015) is a lot better looking and fleshed out than the original OVA from long ago. If swordplay in anime is what you yearn for, Arslan Senki has it in spades. Arslan Senki is set in a cruel fictional world that has many underlying things that point to real world situations, like corrupt power hungry leaders using religion to charge up the people to blindly kill "heathens". But it's also a tale of growth of a naive protagonist into a very kind and inspiring leader.

Gakkou Gurashi

Synopsis : Takeya Yuki is in love with the school. For her, it's a wonderful place, where she enjoys her school activities, especially the activities of her club: School Life Club. The club has Rii-chan as the president, Kurumi-chan as another member, and the teacher, Megu-nee, always there for them. Yes, she is in love with her school... on her mind. Because, for her, the reality of the school and their club's activities is way too hard to be perceived...
Thoughts : Gakkou Gurashi is a heartbreaking show about a group of girls in a zombie apocalypse that is cleverly disguised as a "cute girls doing cute things" kinda show, but on the first episode the harsh reality set it. And as the show delves into the past of each of the characters and how it all started. The truth of their reality sets in. It really is a great show with great characters, and it will play with your heartstrings. The end especially was great. Well worth the watch.

Shokugeki no Soma

Synopsis : Yukihira Souma is a middle school student who is determined to surpass his father's culinary skills. One day, his father decides to close down their family restaurant and hone his skills in Europe. Before leaving he enrolls Souma in an elite culinary school that is extremely difficult to enter with a graduation rate of only 10 percent. Will Souma be able to improve his skills, or will the kitchen prove to be too hot?
Thoughts : I love cooking anime, I got pulled into the "genre" by Yakitate Japan's over the top bread battles, Yumeiro Patissiere's sweetness, and the utter food porn known as Koufuku Graffiti, so you could say Shokugeki no Soma was an anime I was looking forward to quite a bit, and I wasn't disappointed. Watching this show made me hungry more than once! Much like Yakitate Japan, Shokugeki no Soma had some really great "reactions" when people were tasting the food. If you love food, or need a gateway into the genre of "Food anime" Shokugeki no Soma is a great place to start!

GATE 

Synopsis : A gate appears in Tokyo's Ginza district sometime in the 21st century. From the gate pour out monsters, knights from middle-age Europe and other fantasy-like beings, and they kill many citizens of Tokyo. This event is known as the Ginza Incident. The government sends a small group of soldiers from the Japanese Self-Defense Forces to the alternate world beyond the gate. Led by otaku soldier Itami Youji, they find that the villages in the world are being attacked by a dragon. An elf girl who is a survivor from the dragon's rampage joins the group in their travels across the dangerous new world.
Thoughts : The premise in Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri isn't exactly new, we've all seen the whole alternate worlds being connected thing before. But Gate really pulls it off well. Yes it's filled with a fair bit of classical tropes, but the way the show makes fun with them all and just rolls with it, is one of the things I enjoyed. The battle scenes were well executed, especially the one with Rory at the hot springs  I personally can't wait for a second season!

And that concludes the list of shows I thought was the best of past Anime season of Summer 2015, it wasn't easy to choose though. As there were some really good contenders that didn't make the list. Like Overlord which was one of the better "guy stuck in a mmorpg" anime I've seen so far. Baby Steps 2 would have been on the list if it wasn't for the shoddy animation. And then there is Durarara X2, Working!!!, Classroom Crisis, Denpa Kyoushi, Non non biyori repeat to mention a few.

Now at the beginning I did say there was some shows that were so good but the "end" ruined them. Yes I'm looking at you Gangsta, Charlotte, and Rokka no Yuusha. I especially had high hopes for Gangsta, but that "non final everything gets left in the air" ending really ruined it. But things like these happen, which is why I usually wait till the end of the season before I made my final decision on which shows gets on the list or not.

And if you were wondering which shows to avoid that aired last season : God Eater, Chaos Dragon, and Kuusen Madoushi Kouhosei no Kyoukan aren't worth your time.

What's your thoughts on the Summer 2015 season? I'll clue you in on the promising shows for the next Season soon!
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