A few years back Square Enix released two PlayStation 2 titles based on the Fullmetal Alchemist anime and manga. While the PS2 and its titles have seen their time come to an end the FMA franchise, the anime, is getting a reboot and fans of the games and Blu-ray owners need to jump on for the ride. FUNimation has released Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood on Blu-ray and DVD and in same manner in which they are re-launching Dragon Ball Z with Kai they are doing the same with the Elric brothers. What is so great about this alchemic adventure, why should fans and gamers care, let’s take a look …
The Story – Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric ignore the most basic rule, the one rule or alchemy and try to re-create a lost life only to suffer themselves. Ed loses an arm and leg while his brother’s spirit is confined to an empty suit of armor. As Ed becomes a State Alchemist he and his brother become entangled in government issues and conspiracies that will lead their search for the Philosophers Stone down dark paths.
This is the basic story as Ed becomes a dog of the military to take advantage of their resources but he is also asked to pay for their past mistakes and to faceoff with Homunculi as well as their father’s legacy. The story is excellent and in this new format it’s told at a much quicker clip in the same manner as DBZ Kai. There are adventure and stories left out of the Brotherhood format and they will only be missed by a few as the core content is here. Real emotion, great humor and conspiracies abound in a unique, beautiful and well paced story.
The Design & Animation – The look and feel is even more amazing than the original, really. The animation is crisp, polished, vivid and dark. The action is fast paced, detail abundant and nothing is lacking in the look and feel. For fans of the original series, they will be amazed at the improved look and feel which is quite a surprise and the only knock on DBZ Kai. Where Kai kept the original animation, FMA improved the look. Looking at Kai’s new opening it makes a fan dream of what could have been but is also a reason for FMA fans to rejoice. Brotherhood is not just a quicker telling of a great story but it’s also an improved visual telling.
Why Gamers Should Care – PlayStation 3 owners get another addition to their Blu-ray library with a gaming history to it. The PS2 games are well worth picking up on the cheap to learn more about Ed and Al. The story is what gamers should really dig as more and more titles from Mass Effect 2 to BioShock and Final Fantasy XIII put so much into the story that missing out on Brotherhood is a crime. The characters, settings, powers, use of alchemy … it’s all too much to pass on and a great distraction when needing a break from gaming.
Why Anime Fans Should Care – First Eva. Next Dragon Ball Z. Now Fullmetal Alchemist. Truly classic anime don’t come along every year and when one such as Fullmetal Alchemist gets such a revamping then it’s gotta be paid attention too.
Overall it’s an easy, easy choice. Gamers looking for a top quality anime that was made for Blu-ray need look no further than Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Beautiful animation and a quality story are just two reasons for gamers to jump in. For anime fans this is a chance to revisit a long and emotional journey which the Elric’s take us on. Reality does surpass memories a fact Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood takes all that fans loved and makes it better … it’s all just better.
