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

I hope you enjoyed my review and would love to see what you thought of the volume in the comments! If you like what I do and want to see more, consider supporting me by buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.

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

I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Became Unrivaled in the Real World, Too Vol. 2 Review

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

Sub-Tags: OP, Strong Lead

Cover Illustration for Volume 2

Synopsis:

Leveling up has truly changed Yuuya’s life. In the real world, things have done a complete 180. He’s getting used to his new school and making fast friends—which includes a fluffy companion in the other world. Meanwhile, thanks to his physical prowess and good looks, his popularity is through the roof (though he’s oblivious to this). He’s also finally learned how to use magic! Will it be enough to help him survive fires, assassins, and trials in the wilderness?! (Source: Yen Press)

Magic and Assassins in Another World!

A Surprise Proposal

Upon showing his abilities in the other world, Yuuya’s life on the otherside has become a whole lot busier. Throughout the second volume, the series’ OP protagonist welcomes several new guests, both human and animal, to his place in the Weald.

Returning to thank Yuuya for saving her, Lexia is the first to make an appearance alongside her entourage. It’s a visit full of surprises, both for the knights in her charge and Yuuya. This precocious princess spares no time confessing to Yuuya and asking for his hand in marriage. As you might imagine, this doesn’t go over well with her knights leading to several fun reactions. 

Alongside the princess, the frighting forest that Yuuya calls home provides its special monster-heavy welcome to famed assassin, Headhunter. Yet another pretty girl headed toward his ever-growing harem, the second volume sees the two share quite a few monster-hunting moments together. Her story is left open by the end of the volume, but it’s headed in an obvious direction.

Some Sage Advise

More visitors aren’t the only development on the way in volume two. Whilst the first volume may have updated Yuuya’s fighting prowess, it did little to develop his magic.

Journeying deeper into the Weald has finally opened a path for Yuuya to learn magic. Discovering the Sage’s skeleton leads to the creation of Yuuya’s magic. For those from Earth, they require an extra step toward creating magic than those in the other world. They need to insert magic circuits, creating an adequate explanation as to the differences between the people of each world. 

The Wilderness Days

Since the events of volume one, Yuuya isn’t just popular in the other world but over in Japan too. Alongside his new Fenrir pup, the titular protagonist is more than turning a few heads.

His adventures in Japan this time see the school year head out on a field trip. A survivalist’s wet dream, they forage for food, make shelter and fight off bears. It leaves you wondering what happened to health and safety and the risk assessments in the world.

I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World continues its journey on the wish fulfilment express. There are some great moments to be had, especially concerning Lexia and her knights, but the series’ lack of character development has left the overall product feeling a little hollow.

I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World Vol. 2

My Rating: 6.5/10

I hope you enjoyed my review and would love to see what you thought of the volume in the comments! If you like what I do and want to see more, consider supporting me by buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.

You can read the second 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.

I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Became Unrivaled in the Real World, Too Vol. 1 Review

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

Cover Illustration for Volume 1

Synopsis:

A Chance to Come Back!
 
A mysterious door stands open, inviting a boy who’s been brutally bullied all his life to take a courageous step forward into the unknown. On the other side, he finds a hoard of priceless artefacts and a world as filled with magic as it is with monsters. The most shocking revelation, however, is that he can bring whatever he wants back with him when he returns to Earth. It won’t be long before this double life changes him forever… (Source: Yen Press)

A Story of Adventure in Another World and the Real World!

Yen Press’ latest license release, I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World, sees Yuuya, a once bullied and hated boy, stumble into another world through a magical door in his grandfather’s house. Travelling between these worlds has granted him a cheat skill as well as an overhaul in his looks and weight changing his life for the better as he attends a new school with new friends and potential for romance both in the real world and in his isekai adventures.

If ever there was a word that could describe this series to a tee, it would undoubtedly be wish fulfilment. This series isn’t going to set any new records or suddenly become a thought-provoking masterpiece, however, if you want to have a little bit of a light fun read that you can switch your brain off to, then this series will undoubtedly do the trick.

Creating a fun, switch your brain off series is a challenge in its own right. A balance is necessary to make sure things aren’t overly silly and events won’t break the emersion. This series does well in this regard by mixing nice action/fight scenes alongside more comedic out of the ordinary events such as our main protagonist getting caught up in a modelling shoot. Moreover, the series has a more novel setting than most which helps the series a huge deal. Usually, the isekai series takes place solely in a new world, however, Cheat Skill changes up the narrative by having both Japan and the other world available to him allowing for two sides of development.

As for character development, well there hasn’t been too much throughout the first volume and it does feel a little lacking, although this might be understandable given Yuuya’s deep-seated lack of self-worth due to years of bullying and neglect. What I do like, however, is the potential for romantic development between Yuuya and Kaori. They seem like the standout couple so far and I’m looking forward to seeing how they progress within the next load of volumes.

Given that this volume feels more like an introduction to the different angles of the series, we don’t see too much of the other world in this volume other than the cabin in the woods and the small forest exploration section towards the middle of the volume. We do also get an introduction to one of the first main characters over in the other world, Princess Lexi and what seems like a conspiracy to take her life so that her brother may take the throne. This will likely be more focused upon in the next volume given the rather shocking volume cliffhanger.

Overall, I would certainly recommend this series on the condition that you’re looking for a fun, light read and not looking for something too deep. This series knows what wants to be and is good at it, and I for one am looking forward to seeing where this series leads next.

I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World Vol. 1

My Rating: 7.5/10

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

You can read the first volume of the series from the list of distributors on the Yen Press website

Magical Explorer Vol. 2 Review

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

Cover Illustration for Volume 2

Synopsis:

New School, New Dungeons, New…Maid?

At long last, Kousuke enters Tsukuyomi Magic Academy, the main setting of the erotic dating sim into which he’s been reincarnated. But between training every spare moment and using his knowledge of Magical Explorer to win the hearts of all the heroines he can, our hero’s student life turns out to be anything but easygoing. And that’s all before he activates a (literal) angel of a maid in the depths of a hidden dungeon! (Source: Yen Press)

The Game Begins as Kousuke Enters the Magic Academy!

The fun eroge fantasy isekai series returns mixing its unique blend of dungeon crawling and eroge dating game silliness. This time, freed from the prologue of the game itself, Kousuke enters the game’s main setting, Tsukuyomi Magic Academy. Providing himself with a year’s time limit, he starts enacting his plan of making every heroine in the game happy by building up his abilities and testing himself against some of the unknown dungeons the world has to offer.

Tsukuyomi Magic Academy is like a dream come true for our protagonist and invites a host of future plotlines for the series to explore. Not only will Ludie, Yukine and the game’s original protagonist Iori be in attendance but we as an audience get the first glimpses at some of the eroge’s other heroines. Main box heroines Monica and Stef make their first grand appearance, wasting no time in asserting their dominance when it comes to magic power and putting on full display the fractured relationship between the highest bodies on campus – the student council, the morals and the ceremonial committee. The standout in the academy sections, however, goes to Rina Katou. She is one of the first characters to make friends with both Kousuke and Ludie, and her honesty and hardworking nature will likely make her a fan favourite when her arc eventually appears.

Ludie and Yukine continue to be great characters and it seems as though both characters have started to catch feelings for the MC after the events of the first volume. Yukine has an interesting point of view segment within the volume that showcases her deep level of trust in Kousuke as well as open up her insecurities about her jack of all trades abilities and the inability to catch up to her older sister, likely to come into play when her event from the game starts.

Kousuke ever remains the horndog with a heart of gold. This volume puts into perspective what puts him above most of the other MCs within the genre, the actions and training he puts in to achieve his dream of becoming the strongest making each of the heroines happy. In this volume, Kousuke takes to dungeon crawling and speedrunning to improve his abilities. Although improving his skills is his main goal, he has also come to one of the dungeons to meet with the next heroine he wants to save, the angel maid Nanami. Nanami is 100% the best part about the volume, she’s a great quirky character that has immediate rapport with Kousuke. Their scenes together always come with some nice back and forth as if they’d been friends for years. She gives the girls at the Hanamura household quite the shock, providing Ludie and Hatsumi with a reason to be more aggressive in their love approach. Moreover, Nanami’s introduction allows for another certified inspirational speech from Kousuke. Given that the angels are usually used as dungeon fodder, Kousuke’s speech on wanting her to live a free life and follow her dream, whilst cringy, has a deep effect on Nanami and why she continues to follow him by the end of the novel.

The main aspect that I think will continue into the next volume is the rumours surrounding the MC. To most outside of his circle of friends, Kousuke is an underachiever, a serial class skipper who doesn’t care about his appearance at the academy. Whilst this couldn’t be further from the truth and his friends know it and defend him, he’s already garnered the attention of the ceremonial committee. This committee is famous for its hate of slackers and underachievers and by the end of the volume both its president and vice-president have got their eyes on Kousuke, so it’ll be interesting to see how this develops alongside Yukine’s role as part of the morals committee in the next volume.

The second volume of Magical Explorer continues to be a fun and entertaining read as it was in the first volume, this time settling on the main location of the game. As characters continue to grow and Kousuke’s power multiplies we’re introduced to the speedrunning mechanics of the game as well as furthering the world-building beyond what the eroge could provide. Hopefully, there will be a little more conflict in the next volume as this volume has really hyped up some of the potential problems to kousuke’s plan as well as perhaps plant the seeds for some future antagonists.

Magical Explorer Vol. 2

My Rating: 9/10

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

You can read the second volume of the series from the distributors listed on the Yen Press website.