Xam’d: Lost Memories Volume 2
The first part of Xam’d had some great animation but was plagued by the focus on an unlikeable postal crew that made me less interested to find out about what was actually going on in this war-torn world. So, does the second half manage to be more interesting or are we in for more boring paperwork?
The three best friends are reunited – on far from the best of terms. It is revealed that Furuichi was also made a Xam’d back at the bus explosion, but because of his hate and jealousy towards Akiyuki and Haru, his Xam’d form turns into something monstrous that even Nakiami can’t calm down, forcing Akiyuki to change into his own Xam’d form and resume a big, exciting battle that ends in a predictable fashion. It is also at this point that our main characters are forcefully split up from each other, and we are also treated to something shocking at the end of the episode.
Splitting the main characters up makes for a better storytelling experience, since you start to find out more about people’s roles and pasts. For example, Nakiami sets out to travel back to Tessik village but after losing her Beat Kayak, she has to walk through various villages to get there and meets Yango, a young boy who is another Xam’d user. He asks if he can follow her to the village, and, during their journey, you find out that Northern and Southern villagers aren’t on good terms, even so far as to not being willing to share the same boat. Nakiami seems to develop a motherly bond with Yango, which makes their adventure together more gripping. Akiyuki’s unfortunate situation also makes for an interesting situation.
As the episodes progress, the tension builds up. The series can be a bit confusing at times but by the final episodes, everything starts to come together. In fact, the last six episodes really make the box-set shine; it is utterly gorgeous at times, yet incredibly tense as well. The series takes its time getting there but you are treated to a very suitable ending.
The animation is still amazing to look at and the backgrounds feel more varied this time around, making the world more beautiful; the same goes for the character and varied creature designs, including the phenomenal, epic action sequences.
Not to say that it’s perfect however; the English dub for all the minor characters can be unconvincing, as is the lip-syncing. Certain scenes are not as engaging as others, again with the postal ship crew (even though their part in the story is downplayed), not to mention a few “Eureka Seven” familiar moments.
Overall though Xam’d: The Lost Memories second box-set is a much better offering than the first, which is a shame, because if it had a stronger beginning, then the whole series would have been brilliant.
The Opening and Closing remain the same and so do the extras.
In Summary
Full of action and thrills, as well as likeable characters and development, this delivers what the first collection lacked and is definitely worth your time.
