In the midst of a civil war, the Japanese military resorts to Humanform weapons, transforming willing hosts into colossal, ugly monsters that wreak havoc on their opposition. Caught in the middle of a raid we find our protagonist, Akiyuki Takehara, who emerges from the skirmish fused with a Hiruko (a gem-like life form) and having gained the ability to become a creature known as Xam’d. Here Akiyuki’s quest begins as he meets a red haired girl, Nakiami who makes him the offer to come with her or die from the Hiruko.
Many anime fans seem quite eager to compare Xam’d with similarly set anime, and although there are many analogous features, Xam’d does well in taking it's own path and telling it's own story. Thematically unique and rich with symbolism, Xam'd possess many meanings that a young audience would not be privy to. The show champions the importance of knowing who you are and encourages it's audience to think about why each character is in the situation in which they end up.
Xam'd: Lost Memories is a very character driven anime; much of the plot dependant on what the characters are thinking and feeling. This idea becomes evident as Haru, a friend of Akiyuki’s, joins the military with other characters becoming involved in parallel, self-inflicted conflicts. Unfortunately this diversion into subplots tends to muddy the waters; the series losing focus on it's main narrative. This is most evident in the closing of the series which focuses too much on these alternate stories, not characters introduced in the penultimate episode. A major point of contention about Xam’d the fact scenes jump around too much to be coherent.
Xam’d: Lost Memories employs a popular animation scheme in which the characters and the backgrounds are colored differently, providing contrast. On rare occasion, this gives a superimposed appearance, as if the characters were placed in front of a blue screen. This is my sole qualm about Xam’d’s visuals as the show is primarily wonderful to observe, the artists having chosen to more prominently animate the lighting as well, and specific set pieces, such as snow, have been glorified and beautified.
Save for the opening and closing, Lost Memories forgoes all the bombastic techno, pop or rock in favor of instrumental works. Frequently, single flute notes or gentle strings can be heard in the background with choruses utilized for more climactic events. Xam’d’s tracks are simple and induce a consecrated feeling, complementing the overall atmosphere nicely.
All in all, Xam’d is a show worth watching. Simplicity and thoughtful presentation permeating this anime’s structure and add to its mystique.
~ Dymon
Many anime fans seem quite eager to compare Xam’d with similarly set anime, and although there are many analogous features, Xam’d does well in taking it's own path and telling it's own story. Thematically unique and rich with symbolism, Xam'd possess many meanings that a young audience would not be privy to. The show champions the importance of knowing who you are and encourages it's audience to think about why each character is in the situation in which they end up.
Xam'd: Lost Memories is a very character driven anime; much of the plot dependant on what the characters are thinking and feeling. This idea becomes evident as Haru, a friend of Akiyuki’s, joins the military with other characters becoming involved in parallel, self-inflicted conflicts. Unfortunately this diversion into subplots tends to muddy the waters; the series losing focus on it's main narrative. This is most evident in the closing of the series which focuses too much on these alternate stories, not characters introduced in the penultimate episode. A major point of contention about Xam’d the fact scenes jump around too much to be coherent.
Xam’d: Lost Memories employs a popular animation scheme in which the characters and the backgrounds are colored differently, providing contrast. On rare occasion, this gives a superimposed appearance, as if the characters were placed in front of a blue screen. This is my sole qualm about Xam’d’s visuals as the show is primarily wonderful to observe, the artists having chosen to more prominently animate the lighting as well, and specific set pieces, such as snow, have been glorified and beautified.
Save for the opening and closing, Lost Memories forgoes all the bombastic techno, pop or rock in favor of instrumental works. Frequently, single flute notes or gentle strings can be heard in the background with choruses utilized for more climactic events. Xam’d’s tracks are simple and induce a consecrated feeling, complementing the overall atmosphere nicely.
All in all, Xam’d is a show worth watching. Simplicity and thoughtful presentation permeating this anime’s structure and add to its mystique.
~ Dymon
