Dogs: Stray Dogs Howling in the Dark OVAs review

I have just finished the 4 part OVA that is an adaption to the Dogs Manga Series. Now, I have to say that I have not read any of the Manga under the Dogs franchise, so this review is only from seeing the OVAs.

The OVA series consists of 4 episodes, each dedicated to one of the main characters. Each episode reveals the back story or some of it to the audience of one of the characters. The characters are Mihai: a retired mafia Assassin, Badou: A chain smoking free lance photographer with a tendency to be hilarious, Naoto: A sword wielding girl seeking vengeance and Haine: a genetically modified assassin.

The atmosphere of the series is very dark much like Black Lagoon. It labels itself as a action packed adventure but, this defiantly not the best part of the short series. The story and characters itself is the best feature.

Now, the most disappointing part of Dogs is the poor production values, the art looked rather decent until they started moving around. The action was really poorly done with slow editing which made the gun fights seem really fake. The music was really substandard as well, there was one good tune but, it lasts like 10 seconds.

Unfortunately due to underwhelming production values it really compromises the effect Dogs: Stray Dogs Howling in the Dark could have. However the characters and the story telling really intrigued me, and it is this that has made me want to read the original material. Lucky for me, Madman are releasing the first volume on the 10th of January 2010. I will definitely be grabbing this as soon as it is out. As for the OVAs, i give them a 6.8/10

"SHUFFLE! Essence+" in the making

While sources are few, it has been confirmed that there is a new SHUFFLE! game on the horizon. First released in 2004, SHUFFLE! proved a hit with visual novel lovers looking for a "good time"with sexy characters, and Navel (the creators), went on to create three expansions following its franchise. Now, they're back with their fourth expansion, but few would call this an "expansion" and more of an add-on.

As quoted by a HongFire source

"Shuffle! Essence+, carrying the essence of the original Shuffle! and the Playstation2 port "Shuffle! On Stage", then taking it to a new level for its welcome return to the PC.

With delicious new, improved CG images and the inevitable adult content for Kareha and Mayumi's routes in the game. As well as two new Gods. Starting with the purple haired Daisy, a naive, energetic girl"; and Ruri Matsuri, a "princess-type, just as she appears to be." Both who are rumoured to be relations of Sia's."

Basicly, an Add-On would be a more suitable word, for the orginal SHUFFLE! storyline for each "old" character still exists, with the add of more CG images. Two new girls are in on the game of love, both appear to be Gods (sweet!) and of course we have the add ins of some new-old characters from the previous expansions. What a harem!

Girls of Shuffle!Essence+

- Lisianthus (SHUFFLE!)


- Nerine (SHUFFLE!)


- Kaede (SHUFFLE!)


- Asa (SHUFFLE!)


- Primula (SHUFFLE!)


- Kareha (SHUFFLE! On The Stage!)


- Mayumi (SHUFFLE! On The Stage!)


- Nadeshiko (Really?! Really!!)


- Tsubomi (SHUFFLE! On The Stage!)


- Sakura (Really?! Really!!)


- Daisy (SHUFFLE! Essence+)


- Ruri (SHUFFLE! Essence+)


- Kikyou (SHUFFLE! Essence+) - ????????????




11 + 1 Mystery! You guys have quite a selection there. Its a pitty no character from Tick! Tack! made it in, then again thats part of a completely different timeline!

Release Date: 30th October 2009

Source: Navel Offical Website, HongFire.
Credits: All Rights To Characters and Games belong to Navel.