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The Bottom Line

Shuffle is a fun watch with a quirky cast. Our leading man Rin seems completely clueless about love, romance and even girls in general (a fact that is often pointed out in the show) and the obsessive behavior by his harem of girls has numerous stalker-like qualities. Even so, the plot is relatively unique and the characters definitely have some personality. Lots of innuendo and a few racy shots so this one's for mature audiences only but if you're of age, its certainly worth your time.



Pros

• Funny, oddball charaters and plot
• Nice animation and visual effects

Cons

• Mature audiences only - lots of suggestive content!

Description

• Rating: MA (Mature audiences 18+)
• Genres: Supernatural, comedy, romance, sci-fi, drama
• Release date: February 26, 2008

Guide Review - Shuffle - DVD1

The first DVD of Shuffle! jumps right into the story by introducing us to Rin Tsuchimi, a 17 year-old high school student who lives with his classmate Kaede Fuyou and her father. Rin moved in with Kaede after his parents died several years ago and has been there ever since, much to Kaede's delight. She's completely taken by Rin and spends her time doting on him in any way she can. Rin however, seems oblivious to this fact even when its pointed out by his fellow classmates.

The pair are surrounding by some equally-interesting characters including Asa, the outgoing tomboy, Itsuki, Rin's self-proclaimed "ladies man" friend and the bizarre idol clubs devoted to Sia, Nerine and Kaede.

Episode one provides a quick run down of who's who and how they got there, including a brief explanation of the "Gate" story that allowed demons and gods to live in the land of humans.

We're then introduced to the two new students - Sia and Nerine - the daughters of the King of the Gods and the King of the Demons respectively. Both girls have come to the human world because they are in love with Rin and have hopes of becoming his bride. The Dads are apparently pleased with their choice and march up to Rin in class to let him know of his candidacy.

Our clueless Rin however, seems to think the whole thing is a joke until Episode 2 when we get a little more background on the two supernatural princesses and the secrets behind their love for Rin. Rin overhears some of these conversations and begins what appears to be a bit of soul-searching as he realizes he's been living an unfulfilled life.

Shuffle! isn't an edge-of-your-seat kind of anime but that's perhaps what makes it so delightful.

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