Xenosaga the Animation Early Review
All this week, IGN has the first episode of Xenosaga the Animation available for viewing, so I decided to see how bad it was. I was pleasantly surprised. *listens to crickets chirp, since everyone else is gone to PAX*
I was quite upset and annoyed with ADV’s decision not to use ANY of the cast of the games (especially Crispin Freeman), but, for the most part, the cast was very well done. Of the main cast, those that are introduced and voiced in the first episode are Shion, KOS-MOS, Allen, Margulis, Jin, Virgil, the “100-series realian”, and Albedo. Shion’s voice was nice, not outstanding, but not bad, either. KOS-MOS, on the other hand, I was shocked wasn’t her voice from Episodes I and III, since she voiced her perfectly. Allen’s voice could’ve been a bit better, but it still works alright. He sounded a bit young. Margulis was decent, but I miss his voice from the games. Jin and Virgil both had voices that fit them, as did the “100-series realian”. Albedo’s voice… It’s no Crispin Freeman, and he’s not quite as creepy/insane as I’d like, but it’s good!
I can’t comment on anything more, of course but keep an eye out for a full review of the first DVD come September 11th.
edit: The following is an e-mail I have sent to ADV regarding blatant errors found in the credits of the episode as shown on IGN. I will keep everyone updated on any response I get, including if these changes are done on the actual DVD.
“I just watched Episode 1 of Xenosaga the Animation via IGN’s streaming link, and I have some problems with the credits.
1) “Jonvelle” - The character in question’s name is “John Bell,” which was confirmed in the credits of the game, both in the English version and the Japanese (which had the credits in English).
2) The voice actor you have listed as “Takahiro Fujiki” should be listed as “Takahiro Fujimoto,” as evidenced by the hirogana on his official website: http://www.aoni.co.jp/talent/0054975.html
3) The voice actor you have listed as “Taitem Kusunoki” should be listed as “Taiten Kusunoki,” as evidenced by the romaji on his official website: http://www.mikipro.co.jp/talent/kusunoki.html
4) The voice actor you have listed as “Kosuke Fukuhara” should be listed as “Kouhei Fukuhara,” as evidenced by the hirogana on his official website: http://www.aoni.co.jp/talent/3070405.html
5) The voice actor you have listed as “Kozue Kamata” should be listed as “Kozue Kamada,” as evidenced by the hirogana on his official website: http://www.aoni.co.jp/talent/3070405.html”