No Game No Life – 12 [END]

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Izuna was quite the character!

 I just finished watching the episode and DAAAAAMN! I was grinning the entire time as Sora and Shiro defeated Izuna and the silly harem shooting game, but the events afterward has me completely hyped for the second season if it gets made and I have high hopes that it will because they gotta do more!! I need Sora and Shiro back in my life as soon as possible.

——————————-

That was one heck of a fun finale. I feel like a lot of anime drop the ball for the last couple of episodes, failing to leave any lasting impressions at the end. This is the last we’ll see of No Game No Life (at least for a while) so it’s better to leave with happy memories. Happy, fox-tailed memories…

———————————-

Game Over or Continue?

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I know that feeling Izuna! We will miss you <3

Wow! That was a such fantastic match between Shiro, Sora and Izuna who went all super mode on us! That and seriously who knew that Steph would be the one to pull through till the end to help them win!? I did not expect that kind of outcome because lately Steph has been used as a comical character; however I almost forgot that Sora planted some thought in her head to use later and did it ever come in handy! So in the end not only did the Warbeasts join their team so did that sexy fox girl shrine maiden character too!? Wow I think Sora is going to win the ultimate harem. So and what is left after beating the Warbeasts? For starters I personally loved how Tet planned ahead to have Sora and Shiro gather all the different race pieces to challenge him later, but of course before that happens Tet needs them to build a tower to reach him first so I imagine the second season will cover most of that and we still haven’t seen the other races! That and surprise at the end? If they have shrine maidens then they would have what? I honestly didn’t really put the clues together until afterwards like OHHH!! If they have shrine maidens then clearly they have a god they pray to right? So now Sora and Shiro are going to BATTERU the number one Exceed, old deus? I can’t imagine the kind of fun they will have going up against that old god and from what I gather that is apparently a spoiler from the third light novel? I guess they pulled an Attack on Titan with the final episode as in revealing something huge before closing the curtain on the series.

All Fun and Games

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How can you NOT have fun when your opponent is this cute?

We can finally breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Sora and Shiro won this match. The stakes were incredibly high, and losing would be so much more than a “game over” for them. They’d have nothing left to live for and Imanity would likely fail to survive. Despite these huge consequences, Sora makes it clear that the aim of these games is to have fun. He tells Izuna not to be ashamed of that because the whole point of a “game” is for enjoyment. It seems ridiculous at first given the fact that you’re doing this for huge political gains. But that’s just how the world works and how Tet wants it. Sora and Shiro could have chosen to rule with an iron fist and eradicate all the races…but then who would be left for them to play with? It’s kind of cute that the end message here is to sit back and enjoy the games…even if you’re betting something worth billions. No cheating, show good sportsmanship (hence Sora helping the warbeasts in the end), and have fun! That’s all that matters!

This “games are for fun!” thing nicely leads into the siblings progressing further and further to defeat Tet. I think Tet has a very similar mindset to Sora and Shiro, and may even be normal gamers from the real world like they are. Whatever he is, he’s God because he loves games and not because he wants to control everyone. But one step at a time…they’ve got more races to defeat. The warbeasts were a tough opponent but now Sora and Shiro have to deal with an Old Deus. Yikes. What a way to finish up the season! Now I really wish there was more so I can see how an encounter like that would pan out.

FK YA EXTRA GAMES!

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The secret to her awesome power! Hot sauce!

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Take care Shiro!

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Everyone will miss dat ass err I mean Steph’s personality.

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Hell ya!

End thoughts

What can I really say about this series? Other than WOW! I never knew that No Game No Life was going to be such a thrilling ride from start to finish, but I do have a few online friends that dropped it quite early due to the artistic style and the use of blinding colors! That seems silly; however everyone has their reasons to love or hate this series. So what else did I enjoy? The soundtrack was fantastic every week and the opening and ending as well but I think it will come down to the cast of funny side characters who kept me laughing the entire time like Jibirl, Steph and sure why not ill toss in Izuna. While the side characters did their thing every week Sora and Shiro will always steal the spotlight as the best main characters ever and to think Sora’s voice actor Yoshitsugu Matsuoka also voices Kirito of Sword Art Online? I guess he will grow on me much like Yuki Kaji eventually did! So what did you like or dislike about the final episode? I guess we will wait around for that season two announcement.

What a sweet finale! I love hearing the crazy plans that Sora and Shiro think up. Everything truly was planned from the beginning, from altering Fi’s memories to giving Steph special orders. If you just look carefully, you can get a sense of how the heck they’re going to win. It’s amazing how much thought is put into the tactics the gamer siblings use. I love it! That last battle with an ultra powerful Izuna was great. As expected, it was short, but a nice way to end the series. This was one of the few cliffhangers that worked because it came right after the satisfying conclusion of a big game. Although it does make me want more…

Overall, No Game No Life had some ups and downs but was overall quite entertaining. I prefer the episodes with games a lot more than those just packed with fanservice or tedious set-ups to get to the games. I know you need some story in-between to make sense of what’s happening and to build up the characters, but ahh…I wish I could just relish in the dumb, exciting action of endless games.

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We live, laugh, enjoy and strictly believe on "more the merrier". When together, we usually come up with very chatty, conversation-based episodics and interesting posts.
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47 Responses to “No Game No Life – 12 [END]”

  1. Di Gi Kazune says:

    Om nom nom nom?

  2. Di Gi Kazune says:

    In response to Mr. Om nom nom nom…

    C&P

    ‘DES ‘DES ‘DES ‘DES! goes Shinku. (And who gave Izuna IDDQD and NOCLIP??!!)

    Was reading commentary regarding removal of steam in the BDs and all I want to say is: removal will turn it into child pornography.

    What did I dislike about the final episode? Hmm… HMMM…
    What I disliked about the final episode is:
    1) The lack of more 「 」
    2) The lack of more Stephanie Dora and her Stephiness
    3) The lack of more Jibril
    4) The lack of more manly Ino
    5) The lack of more cute National Treasure Izuna
    6) The lack of Fluffy Twintails Miko! (Sorry Rin, your twintails loses to Miko.)

    in the coming weeks. 6 months of anticipation did not disappoint here and has exceeded expectations. 0:3

    What I liked about the finale was how they managed to squeeze a rather long chapter with epilogue into one episode. Mind you, they did cut out a bit of the humour detail and merged bits (They actually teleported into Miko’s shrine and Miko was never in the bath scene). However, the Madmen at Madhouse did a fine job here.

    Overall, it was a good adaptation of the LN just like how Log Horizon was. I would say the conclusion was done nicely: ties up most ends but leaves the door ajar for future seasons. Mind you, the show clearly stated that the aim was to challenge Tet and all they are doing are stepping stones towards that final aim.

    It is rare in a show that I happen to like all the characters; all the characters have specific talents that 「 」require for their games. Yes, even Steph.

    For those who dislike the series, look at Rule #10, you’re taking it too seriously like Izuna in the first place.. The series doesn’t take itself seriously and quite often breaks the fourth wall. It takes absurdity to a new level and even Miko loves the absurdity (of the coin toss.) Art-style is a personal preference. In this case it is actually reflective of Kamiya’s artstyle. (within budget constraints). For the music, I looked up the people doing it and guess what… they worked on music on video games. That explained why Track 3 on the Oracion CD(aptly titled Loading…) soundly like it was from a Game. (Ep 8 around 18:15 and Ep 10 prologue).

    I think I will write up more on my semiactive blog once BD1 arrives in the mail along with the unboxing post. Mainly a character dissertation/thesis. And Shiro figure is arriving in October/November.

    Omake:
    Wierdest translation of the week: Shrine Priestess’ Shrine. -__- No further comment.

    • Foshizzel says:

      Hahah yeah more of everything would have been great especially number three and two <3

      Now we wait to see when they announce the second season and high five to madhouse for doing such a good job with No Game no Life! I am still happy that there are so many fans of this series.

      • skylion says:

        …I hope they can keep the ball rolling’ with Hanamayata. I’ve watched the PV at least a half dozen times!

        • Foshizzel says:

          LOL addicted without even seeing an episode? Careful with that I had the same issues with past shows being blinded by pretty visuals, music or epic voice actors.

          • BlackBriar says:

            I might be part of that category. I’ve been replaying the PV for Re:_Hamatora just so I could keep hearing its awesome OP “Sen no Tsubasa” by livetune adding Takuro Sugawara (from 9mm Parabellum Bullet). Now I’m itching, almost anxious for its release.

            • skylion says:

              They ditched Yuuki Ozaki. Bad move…

            • BlackBriar says:

              The first time I heard “FLAT” by livetune adding Yuuki Ozaki (from Galileo Galilei) for the first half of Hamatora, it got stuck in my head. Now I’m getting addicted to “Sen no Tsubasa” by livetune adding Takuro Sugawara (from 9mm Parabellum Bullet) for the second half in Re:_Hamatora. Both OPs are great!

            • skylion says:

              I’ve been a fan of GG since Ano Hana, one of my all time fave J-Rock/Pop bands next to nano.RIPE. So, I considered this a missed opportunity for a new vocal track by him.

          • skylion says:

            Preachin’ to the choir, my friend.

  3. Di Gi Kazune says:

    Goddammit Spammy! -__-

    • Kyokai says:

      Spammy got a heart attack yesterday with overdose (19000 spam). It’s in a coma in sadness.

    • Foshizzel says:

      Yeah I have no idea what is up with all the spam lately it is quite insane.

      • BlackBriar says:

        Yeah, it my comment for this post not too long ago. This is nuts.

  4. skylion says:

    Yep, this was easily my AOTS. There were several shows I would look forward to each week, for various reasons. But this one was for the purest of fun factor. It was outrageous, absurd, over the top, and a so in your face with it’s characterization.

    And in the last few episodes, I’ve loved how they evolved the very basic thing about the show, why Blank always wins. Preparation. Steph might have berated them for their down time, but these cats did due diligence on the world they came to live in. And like smart people do, they tested out what they thought they knew. Hydrogen Bomb baby!

    Yes, it was ridiculous seeing the lines crossed over and over again in the winning streak they have. But it was never clumsy, and never ever boring.

    • Foshizzel says:

      Yep pure fun factor <3

      Steph was great and she proved that even she can win a game, but yeah it looks like blank doesn't win all the time which I really enjoyed.

  5. Kyokai says:

    I had less than zero expectations from this (yep, it was in minus!), but what a glorious run it was.

    I don’t like blatant fanservice but this was the first time it was bearable due to the comic way it was presented and thus I liked the first idiotic, fanservicy yet cute character Steph. Though, Blank ruled the series with their idiosyncrasies and amazing strategies. The stories is definitely not over yet with the challenge from Tet still pending. I’d look forward to S2.

    • Di Gi Kazune says:

      Would it be preferable to have blatant manservice? 0:3

      Wait… that’s what Ino is for…

      • Kyokai says:

        Well, of course, why do you think I watch Free!? xD Though, that shouta Sora was very unexpected.

        • Di Gi Kazune says:

          kono ha shota-con-des’.

          • Kyokai says:

            Noooooooooo!

            • Overcooled says:

              Kyokai just walked right into that one ahahaha

            • Kyokai says:

              Naah, I’m fine with that. I have been watching HunterxHunter after all. 😛

            • Di Gi Kazune says:

              And for #700, I’ll just reply with:

              It was a Trap. 😛

            • Kyokai says:

              Oh DDG, what special meta title do you want? I’ll give it to you. xD

            • Di Gi Kazune says:

              Hehehe.. Thanks. I choose: Meta-Analyst. Reflects what both I do IRL and wandering around the Internets. Punny.

              Also, I managed to churn out something after NGNL Vol1 arrived in the post. Expect monthly and including when the Shiro figure arrives. 0:3

            • Kyokai says:

              Done!

  6. Arata says:

    No Game No Life surprised me and very MadHouse and the staff involved are to be congratulated on the characters are very charismatic season 2 now kkk Jibril is pure love * – *

  7. CarVac says:

    Jibril best character.

    That face she makes when reminiscing about her past feats of destruction…

    • Foshizzel says:

      Hell ya! Jibril was one of the best characters.

      LOL YES dat face

      • BlackBriar says:

        Hell ya! Jibril was one of the best characters.

        Half the props goes to her seiyuu Yukari Tamura. Recently known for playing Kill la Kill’s Nui Harime. She’s skillful at giving a cute voice to sadistic characters.

        • Foshizzel says:

          Shes a good S character! Very nice I can’t wait to hear more of her <3

          • Overcooled says:

            I’m so bad at recognizing female seiyuu but now I can totally hear the similarity! I love cute characters who are secretly sadistic :3c

    • thorgriim says:

      Indeed I love her character, Jibril is totally entertaining haha

  8. akagami says:

    Totally loved this series, and it wasn’t one I was expecting much of (I was thinking the best would be like Mondaiji-tachi ga Isekai kara Kuru Sou Desu yo?, and at the worst, maybe like Karneval with all the bright colors and weak everything else).

    And then it turned out to be 100% awesome and my favorite show of the season. Where is season 2?!?

    • Foshizzel says:

      Yeah this series is very much like Mondaiji! That is probably why I really enjoyed it a lot <3

      SEASON TWO! YES!! I NEED IT NOW!!

  9. Di Gi Kazune says:

    Hahaha… did anyone see the anime expo granola photoshops?

    No granola, no life.

  10. BlackBriar says:

    What a finale. A lot of fun indeed and it was amusing seeing Izuna actually having Blank freaking out the way they did. Her Blood Destruction mode is fierce. Nice to have those two actually on the ropes now and again. They did a good job getting the young werebeast to open up.

    An understatement saying how baffling it is that Sora and Shiro always plan ahead in an alarming manner and that fate manages to favor them at every turn. The one against Izuna was a hell of a long shot. I mean, do they ever account for any possible changes? All the stakes ultimately rested on Steph’s shoulders the moment those two got taken out and the scale could’ve tipped any way. Unforeseen variables are bound to come in at some point.

    I wonder how the Shrine Priestess would’ve handled her nation’s first crushing and humiliating defeat if Sora hadn’t used his charisma to sway her. That high class female werebeast was out for blood. Imanity has made a new ally thanks to Blank yet they still have a long way to go before facing Tet. A total of 16 races… Ooh, that’s going to take some time. The funny thing is they’re deliberately playing into Tet’s hands. Well, they want to so there’s no mind being a knowing pawn.

    I can’t say No Game, No Life was the anime of the season since there are other heavy contenders for the title but it was insanely awesome, one of the best. With the conclusion so open ended, it would be a shock and injustice if a second season wasn’t announced.

    • Foshizzel says:

      That finale was awesome!

      Izuna was a tough opponent for Shiro and Sora and finally they lost.

      True everyone will have their own top five but yeah it is certainly in my top five of the season.

  11. Krono says:

    Wow is right. This will forever be one of my favorite anime. The end just left me wanting even more.

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