Bakugan Volume 6: 5 Big-Time Battles (Cartoon Network/Warner DVD)
Picture: B- Sound: C+ Extras: D
Episodes: C-
I would
like to let all of you know that I have no clue how this qualifies as a
television show. Then again, I'm not 8 years old. For the unenlightened few
(and those above the age of 10), Bakugan
is another Anime, which uses the exhausted card game/monster appeal in order to
grab the attention of young tykes whose attention span resembles that of a
hummingbird on a three day speed bender.
Now bear
with me here. The opposing players in
this “game” battle with their miniature figures who transform themselves into
colossal demons. Giant, colorful,
Japanese demons who talk like they have been watching late 90s teen movies. Then, each player takes turns using various
Gate, Trap and Ability cards in order to capture three of their opponents Gate
cards.
Sounds
easy enough, right? Well it's not. Here's the storyline: the main characters talk
about playing the game. They play the game.
They learn lessons throughout the
game. All storyline has been thrown away
because one game takes the episode. Entire
episode. Aside from the main rules
I've so generously researched so you don't have to, it seems as though there
are more rules added each episode. If
your child understands what is going on in this show, then they must be
stopped. Otherwise it's only a matter of
time before they outsmart you and take over your household.
The
entire game, each player is squared off in a duel where they act as though
they're sworn mortal enemies. They hurl
insults back and forth like a terrible episode of “Yo Momma,” and after one lucky player is named the champion, each
player displays the best sportsmanship I've ever seen. Remember kids, insults are alright. As long as you can take it as well as you dish
it out.
The DVD
bolsters just five episodes. There are no extras, so this serves about the same
purpose as your basic rental. Picture
and sound are on par with the previous releases by other authors on this site.
However,
if there is one thing that I've learned from my strange, strange youth, it's
that ten years down the road, your child will look back upon this show with
fond memories. It'll make sense then.
- Jake Kocan
