Magical Explorer Vol. 6 Review

Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Harem, Ecchi, School Life, Martial Arts, Isekai

Sub-Tags: Video Games, Game Elements, Eroge, OP, Strong Lead, Dungeons

Cover Illustration for Volume 6

Synopsis:

Anything but Heavenly!

In the depths of a dungeon, Iori finds evidence of the Book of Raziel, a legendary tome that could destroy the world if it falls into the wrong hands. But when the Three Committees launch an investigation into the book, they discover that the school librarian, Rue Sakura, is actually an archangel! The Academy wastes no time in forming a team of capable students to subdue her, but Rue effortlessly quashes this resistance with her powerful magic. Just as all hope seems lost, however, Kousuke rushes in to confront Rue once again! Does he have what it takes to avert a bad ending of apocalyptic proportions?! (Source: Yen Press)

Takioto’s Heavenly Battle!

After saving the Eroge game’s ill-fated villainess, the sixth instalment of Magical Explorer has Takioto and the gang face even stronger foes. As the game world moves steadily forward, the latest threat threatening the ultimate happy ending is much closer than expected. Hidden in the academy’s library is a heavenly enemy stronger than they could ever imagine!

A Protagonist Steps Forward

Continuing at its usual pace, the latest volume’s newest advisory finds Takioto and his party members taking a trip down to the academy’s impressive library. What awaits them is no ordinary librarian. As it turns out, Rue Sakura is actually a powerful fallen angel.

The dungeon and boss package for this volume provides a suitable spectacle. In an unusual turn for the series, the battle between Takioto and Sakura is played seriously, lacking the fan-service and comedy attributed to the series. A move made to showcase the sheer difference in power between Sakura and the other foes Takioto has slain thus far.

Aside from the more serious tone, this battle leads to some interesting developments for cast members other than Takioto. Iori, the game’s original protagonist, finally gets some time in the limelight. Given Sakura’s relationship to the Eroge game’s plot, Iori has to get involved, which means we get to see a little snippet of what makes him protagonist-worthy. Moreover, this volume also sees the penny drop for the rest of the cast about Takioto’s long-term goals. With many of the main players asking questions, it won’t be long before he’ll have to come clean. 

Erotic Mundanity

For those worried about the fan-service dungeon diving, the sixth volume of Magical Explorer also provides this in abundance.

Whilst the ecchi action is always fun, the highlight of this piece comes from the women’s general acceptance of these erotic extravaganzas being normal. For them, these events have started to become mundane and, in some ways, mirror my feelings about this series at present.

With little movement in the overall plot, the series is in desperate need of a shake-up. In the upcoming volumes, there needs to be some movement to show Takioto getting closer to realising his overall goals to avoid the series feeling like the author is resting on their laurels.

Whilst the latest volume of Magical Explorer is fun as a whole, the ending left me feeling as if the series is in desperate need of a shake-up. On a positive note, Iori gets some good development, and the side-cast has begun to take note of Takioto’s future sight. Moving forward, however, the series needs to focus on achieving Takioto’s overarching goals.

Magical Explorer Vol. 6

My Rating: 8/10

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You can read the sixth volume of this series physically and digitally through the distributors listed on the Yen Press website.

Magical Explorer Vol. 4 Review

Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Harem, Ecchi, School Life, Martial Arts, Isekai

Sub-Tags: Video Games, Game Elements, Eroge, OP, Strong Lead, Dungeons

Cover Illustration for Volume 4

Synopsis:

After clearing forty layers of the Tsukuyomi Academy Dungeon solo in record time, Kousuke is finally invited to join the Academy’s most politically powerful student organization: the Three Committees. As Kousuke continues to do everything he can to guide his friends to a happy ending, he senses that something strange is happening with Iori Hijiri’s younger stepsister, Yuika. But what should be an easily resolvable event quickly gets out of hand when Kousuke realizes that the story of the game has branched off into uncharted territory! (Source: Yen Press)

Kousuke and the Committee Conundrum!

The Truth Behind the Committees

Taking place after Kousuke’s successful dungeon exploration, Magical Explorer’s fourth outing is conveniently split into three plot lines. The first focuses on the academic aftermath of his actions, having been invited to the Moon Court to join one of the three committees.

This plot line heavily focuses on world-building, immersing the reader in the academy’s inner workings and showcasing the committees’ pivotal role in law and order. Kousuke’s decision on the matter is simple, joining the ceremonial committee. In keeping with his character, the ceremonial committee acts up the role of the villains, providing the students with a mutual enemy so that they may improve their abilities and academic performance. 

The committees also play an important role in the original eroge story. Through the connections Kousuke makes here, several avenues are opened to ensure the protagonist can reach his goal of a good ending.

A Smooth Talker

One of the main aspects of Eroge games concerns improving the protagonist’s affinity with each of the main heroines. The second plot of the volume has Kousuke continuing to make headway by asking each of the female leads to take a Seed of Possibility. Rare and expensive items, these seeds help in growing a person’s innate magical and fighting abilities.

The presenting of the seeds takes place one after another, and the influence of eroge games permeates these scenes. They play out like an important decision moment from the game, with each of the heroines offering different reactions depending on how far Kousuke’s raised their affection levels. At this point in the series, only sis refuses, meaning her affection levels aren’t high enough yet. 

Stalkers and Saints

Kousuke’s smooth-talking act is also found in full force with the new characters introduced in this volume. Iori’s step-sister Yuika has arrived at the academy, comprising the third and final plot of the volume – getting the good ending.

Yuika is yet another one of the main heroines in the original Magical Explorer game. Blessed with high levels of holy magic, her issue comes into play earlier than expected for Kousuke.

Kidnapped by a demonic stalker, Kousuke’s plan to save her involves using his newfound influence as part of the ceremonial committee gathering Benito and Shion for a dangerous dungeon mission. The plan bears fruit, and Yuika is eventually saved.

World-building and developments in romance make the backbone of this volume. Taking time out of the dungeon exploration has given some much-needed space for the series to delve deeper into the school setting, thoroughly explaining the committees and the vital role they play in the academy’s development. Moreover, with this volume’s more slice-of-life feel, each of the romantic interests gathered gets a chance to make waves with the protagonist. Overall, Magical Explorer remains a strong, entertaining series even when broaching slice-of-life style plots.  

Magical Explorer Vol. 4

My Rating: 9/10

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You can read the fourth volume of this series digitally and physically through the list of distributors found on the Yen Press website.

Magical Explorer Vol. 3 Review

Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Harem, Ecchi, School Life, Martial Arts, Isekai

Sub-Tags: Video Games, Eroge, OP, Strong Lead, Dungeons

Cover Illustration for Volume 3

Synopsis:

Still in his first year at Tsukuyomi Magic Academy, Kousuke Takioto continues his freewheeling routine of clearing dungeons with the heroines between bouts of training. However, his tendency to cut class isn’t lost on the other students, who now view him as a slacker. Despite this, Yukine Mizumori can’t help but marvel at how none of this seems to phase our hero. But Kousuke isn’t content leaving things there—this time, he’ll settle for nothing less than achieving the fastest dungeon clear time in the Academy! (Source: Yen Press)  

The Underachiever Aims for the Top!

My second review of the week returns me to the world of Eroge in Magical Explorer as Kousuke aims for the fastest dungeon clear of the academy!

Magical Explorer’s third volume sees Kousuke earn the moniker of an underachiever amongst his classmates. Paying them no heed, however, his over-abundance of dungeon diving is all necessary to achieve part of his ultimate goal, solo the first 40 layers of the academy’s dungeon. But first, he’ll have to figure out what’s eating away at Yukine and come up with the perfect dungeon solution to her problems!

By now, I’m sure most of you know what to expect from this series in terms of ecchi fun. Most of it this time around takes the form of a special fan service dungeon requiring an offering of used panties. Cue some great laughs here as each of his party members’ reactions come off as unique, to say the least.

The fan service is always great, but where this volume really shines is in its more serious moments that have consequences going forward. The first of which involves Yukine.

Her’s is a problem that has been developing quietly throughout the past three volumes. Forever thinking that she’ll be in her older sister’s shadow has caused her abilities to stagnate. To help her fix her situation, Takioto takes her to a special dungeon that’ll be her resolve to the test.

Facing off against the shade of her sister is one of the most important moments within the series. Yukine’s character grows immensely due to this experience and so too does her relationship with Takioto. She gains the special powers she had in the game, which is not only a confidence booster for her but an important milestone for Takioto’s overall goal.

The second important development comes from Takioto challenging the first 40 layers of the academy dungeon. A difficult challenge for sure, but doing this opens so many doors for the future of the series.

Achieving this will ensure he gets the top grade amongst the first years, alleviating the unsavoury rumours and allowing him access to any of the committees of his choosing.

On top of this, challenging the dungeon gives the audience a great view of how each of the heroines so far feels about him. Ludie, Yukine, Nanami and Hatsumi all have unique farewell scenes that help to exemplify their personalities. By the end of volume three, I feel as though I can now predict how each of them will react in different situations, which is a good thing.

To conclude, Magical Explorer’s third volume continues to stand out amongst the crowd with a series full of fan service that is both thoughtful and actively engaging. Character development comes to the forefront of this volume, strengthening their resolves as well as their reason to gravitate towards Takioto. This is a series I highly recommend.

Magical Explorer Vol. 3

My Rating: 10/10

I hope you enjoyed my review and would love to see what you thought of the volume in the comments!

You can read the third volume of this series both digitally and physically from the list of distributors on the Yen Press website.