[VIDEO] Atelier Sophie and the License to do as One Pleases

For my third video I made a short little thing about my time playing Atelier Sophie.  Even though the game has been out for a while it still struck me with how much freedom it affords the player and thought I'd make a video of it.

This was the first video that I used game footage captured by myself and also the first video I made with the new mic I bought.  I'm still trying to find the optimal conditions for using the mic so the voice quality can be improved still.  I also have a pop filter to attach now so that should help a lot with future recordings.

That said, hope you guys enjoy the video.  If you do then please do me a solid and give the video a "Like".

Feelings of Unease in the Elite Classroom

"Something isn't right."

"Something doesn't feel right."

Two highly similar statements that have drastically different implications.  One brings a level of certainty while the other brings a level of uncertainty.  Humans take comfort in certainty by nature.  Even when an outcome is bleak or unfavorable, if it is certain then measures can be taken to come to terms with it.  This in turn provides some semblance of relief.  Conversely, humans find a lack of certainty discomforting.  Uncertainty can turn even the most joyful occasions into trepidatious affairs.  That nagging feeling in the back of the mind prevents someone from fully enjoying themselves.

From a story-telling perspective, the latter statement provides for a more intriguing experience.  If the viewer knows something is off, even if they don't know what that "something" is, then it becomes a question of when that issue will be addressed.  In some instances this may even cause the viewer to become impatient and lose interest if the matter isn't acknowledged in a timely manner.  If the viewer only feels like something is off, however, then the question becomes if the matter will be addressed, or if the matter even exists in the first place.  This causes the viewer to constantly reevaluate their understanding of the situation and, as a result, keeps them engaged in the story.  This is the state that Classroom of the Elite maintains with its viewers.

Fine Dining in Another World

Two genres have been making waves in the anime industry for the past couple years.  The "summoned to another world" genre, otherwise known as isekai, has gained traction with the accomplishments of breakout hits like Konosuba and Re:Zero. The other genre of note is cooking, or food more generally. While not on the same level of exposure as the isekai genre the success of mega-hit Shokugeki no Soma brought the genre to new heights of popularity.  In its wake were shows such as Sweetness & Lightning was also met with praise while Shokugeki no Soma approaches its third season itself.  Restaurant to Another World, as the name implies, combines the two genres in an unexpected, yet positively delightful matrimony.

Gamers and the Element of Surprise

There are quite a few shows airing this season that I want to write about, Restaurant to Another World and Classroom of the Elite being a couple of examples.  I want to talk about GAMERS! first, though, because I think the show is flying under a lot of peoples' radars, and who can blame them?  Take one look at the promo art and plot description and the series just screams a generic "boy-meets-girl" story and truthfully, it kind of is.  I'm not here to try and convince you that GAMERS! is some sort revolutionary series that will take the anime world by storm.  What GAMERS! demonstrates, however, is how you don't need to have a novel plot idea or killer production values to have little surprises and delights that add up to something warm and comforting.