Once upon a time, December 2199 will come outside our windows. I wonder what the world will be like then? Maybe his main dogmas will remain untouched, or maybe he will turn into a cyclic system that will strive for balance, avoiding possible difficulties. Such a system, as in the anime BlazBlue: Alter memory. It’s a pity, but this is too far a future to see it in person, so for now you have to enjoy the stories of animated animations.
In the beginning there was a game
“Azure Grimmoire: Lost Memories” is a fighting game, that is, when the main idea is to fight the main characters in a special arena. This game was developed in 2008 by Arc System Works.
BlazBlue: Alter memory was the first in a series of games, after 2 years the sequel “BlazBlue: Continuum Shift”
Gameplay
As for the gameplay, everything is quite simple: the players converge in battles, which consist of an odd number of rounds. Each character has a special set of super tricks and special attacks, they are activated by pressing certain key combinations. The hero is controlled by pressing the arrow keys. The keys A, B, C, D are responsible for the attacks.
Analysis BlazBlue: Alter memory
The game’s storyline unfolds at the end of December 2199. 100 years ago, the First War of Magic unfolded in this world, it is also called the Dark War. At this time, the Six Heroes defeated the Black Beast, whose power could completely destroy all of humanity. Synthesizing science and magic, Heroes gave people the opportunity to use Ars Armagus.
Naturally, time passed and science did not stand still, after the Heroes disappeared, people created the organization NUB (New Universal Library), which could control the whole world with the help of Ars Armagus. So, in the world there was a classic split into those who are for and against, because only the elite could control the Ars Armaguses. Such inequality caused the Second War of Magic, after which the laws were tightened, and all those who disagreed were executed.
Main character
And here in BlazBlue: Alter memory the main character appears - Ragna. He independently destroyed several branches of the NUB, for which he was recognized as a C-class criminal, and also a huge reward was appointed for his capture. The hero has a Blue Grimoire, which greatly complicates the work of bounty hunters. In the game BlazBlue: Alter memory, almost all characters go to hunt for the hero.
His Majesty, anime
In 2013, an anime adaptation of BlazBlue: Alter memory was released. Under the strict guidance of director Tachibana Hideki, a story was created that explains some of the ambiguities of the game world, but at the same time differs from the game scenario.
As in the game, it tells about the great Black Beast, Heroes and the creation of the NUB. Over time, the NUB, which was supposed to protect humanity, turned into a malicious jailer. The ruling elite under no circumstances wanted to lose their power, and it is not known by what forces they managed to put the world in a temporary loop. Everything that happens to each of the residents will happen over and over again, and they called this stability. Power is an ardent hater of those who are trying to impede this stability and are trying their best to keep everything under control.
The constant repetition of the same thing has long broken human memory into fragments, but most residents are used to it. And only the leaders of the camps of Light and Darkness understand that it is necessary to move the world from a dead point.
Achieve the desired
In order to fulfill his plan, Hero Jubei educates Ragnu's student, Rachel Alucard gives him the power of the azure grimoire (the strongest magic weapon). At the same time, the Hero of Terumi falls under the influence of chaos, he kills Ragna’s sister, Sayu, and sets his brother against him. Thus, he is trying to turn the chosen warrior into a monster that is guided by a thirst for revenge. Terumi turns into an officer of the NUB Hazama and monitors developments.
Ragna vows to destroy the NUB, but as they say, constantly dying at the last level. History repeats itself all the time, only this time he gets acquainted with the charming operative Noel, who looks so much like her dead sister. And this meeting becomes fatal.
Anime characters
The premiere of the series "Azure Grimoire" (BlazBlue: Alter memory) took place on October 9, 2013. Naturally, its first spectators were people who played the game of the same name. Both in the game and in the anime there are not so many heroes. Although the characters of BlazBlue: Alter memory in the anime are more diverse:
- Ragna the Blood Reaper is the culprit sought by the authorities. In the series, an image borrowed from the original manga was used. Ragna is a hardy and strong guy. He experienced a lot during his life: the death of his sister and his brother’s hatred forever changed his worldview. The bearer of the Azure Grimoire can be considered a real "anti-hero". He is unsociable, and he talks like a bandit. Although this hides a good-natured person who is ready to intercede for the weak by sacrificing himself.
- Rachel Alucard - This young girl is much older than she seems. She is a vampire and has experienced many cyclic repetitions. He remembers every turn of the story, but does not intervene, but simply observes. It was Rachel who gave Ragna the Azure Grimoire, in return from the ungrateful person she received the nickname Rabbit, because of the red color of her eyes. Although she should not interfere in the development of events, but at a critical moment, Ragn always comes to the rescue.
- Hazama (Yuki Terumi) - In the series, he is a member of the intelligence department of the NUB. From the first episodes, he can be described as a “gray cardinal,” and only in the second half of the anime his true motives are revealed to the viewer.
- Kokonoe is the daughter of the Hero of Jubey and part-time scientist of the 7th sector of the NUB. In the anime, she always sits at the computer. Kokonoe is unemotional and restrained, possesses outstanding knowledge in the field of magic and matter.
- Lambda, Mu, Nu - half-man - half-borg created by Kokonoe. The main goal of these modifications is to destroy the existing order of things and make time move off the ground. Each of them is created in the image of Saiya: appearance and part of the memories are borrowed from the deceased sister of Ragna.
- Noel Vermillion - she lost her memory and found shelter in the Vermillion family. Shy and insecure, Noel has paired pistols and is very afraid of losing them. Despite her timidity, she bears the rank of lieutenant and is subordinate to Major Gene Kisaragi. When he leaves the post without permission, Noel is sent for him, in search of a boss, she meets Ragnu.
- Jin Kisaragi is Ragna's younger brother. After the tragedy, he falls into the Kisaragi family, where he was taught to use Ars Armagus and sent to the Military Academy. After graduating with honors, Jin rose to the rank of major of the elite NUB troops. He attracts others with ostentatious calm, but in fact Major Kisaragi is a brutal careerist who sees obstacles in others and has a strange obsession - he hates his brother and sister, so Noel is so annoying that he looks like Sayu.
Time has moved off dead center
The anime "Azure Grimoire" (BlazBlue: Alter memory), like the game, left many questions. The series ends with the heroes being able to move time off the ground, but at the same time, many questions arise again that concern the emperor of the country. Remembering the last words of Rachel, I want to believe in the creation of the second season.
Even on the path of suffering and struggle, where it is impossible to think about stopping, there is something absolutely immutable. When a new world was born, hope was born with it. Whatever happens, no matter what awaits you, do not give up and move forward.