Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Seinen, Thriller, Visual Novel
Release Date: 08.01.2010 - 26.03.2010
Studio: AIC
Author: Ryuukishi07, Konami Digital Entertainment
Summary: Based on a PSP mystery adventure visual novel conceived after a concept by Ryuukishi07 and with designs by Peach-Pit.
Is it a god (kami)? Or a wolf (ookami)? A secret law in the old part of town ... brings together dread and mystery. It is the summer of Shouwa 58, 1983. Ten stories, intertwined by the idle thoughts of people caught in repeating nightmares ... what could possibly be the truth therein!?
A 16 year old boy, Kuzumi Hiroshi, started to live in a new town that is located in the mountains. The town is separated into new and old streets by the river, and many mysterious local cultures still remain. Although confused and enjoying his new life, one person kept her distance from him: class committee member Kushinada Nemuru. In their few encounters she gave him a word of advice: "Stay away from the old streets".
Ever heard of this show? Probably not directly but from indirect sources you might find out or figure out what is it all about. It is the work of Ryuukishi07, same person that created the well known Higurashi and Umineko franchise which spawned several anime season and OVA's. They are quite popular and one thing determines them, their horror and cruel aspect which at time tends to be very explicit, in a psychological manner.
Ookami Kakushi is not like the previous ones. Though it has the feeling of unscrupulous horror show it is more laid down compared to Higurashi or Umineko. It revolves around a cult (somehow reminds me a little bit of Shiki) which depicts in a town which is separated by a river. The river stands as a sort of wall, separating the old, rustic and traditional town which holds the true values of the zone from the new town characterized by its modern buildings and facilities and also by the people that live in it as well.
Kuzumi Hiroshi, his little sister and his dad moved to this town. At first they found this town as a normal place, with students going to high school, friendships and maybe, just maybe some love material here and there. However soon, Hiroshi realizes that there is a thing that makes this town odd. Though he does not seem the popular kind of student, he attracts the attention of his classmates in a rather weird way.
His encounter with Kushinada Nemuru changes his view of the citizens and also his view regarding this town. His new made friends together with his father start gathering information about certain cultures and old traditions, tales, legends and also strange events that happened in the city so that they can elucidate the mystery.
Hiroshi starts to dig deeper in the situation especially after he witnessed strange disappearances of his high school mates. He witnessed a group of weird people, dressed in suits that gives the impression that they are wolves and not people. They are also characterized by a mysterious power that makes them strong.
Unlike Higurashi or Umineko this shows does not revolve only around murders and serial killers or stuff like that. The only similarity is that it focuses on mysteries and stuff that could not be comprehended by the human mind. It focuses mainly on the mystery itself rather than the murders that take place while the mystery unfolds.
The story actually stops with episode 11 while episode 12 is just one of those stupid filler, pointless episodes that makes absolutely no sense. So you can actually stop at episode 11 if you're interested more in the story depicted by this show.
Animation-wise, it's pretty normal. While the background animation was the work of the same authors that did Higurashi and Umineko, this time the characters are the works of the Peach-Pit duo, which also produced Zombie Loan, Shugo Chara, Rozen Maiden or DearS. The concept of this show belongs to Ryuukishi07 entirely.
Sound-wise it is not that bad either. While the opening is pretty catchy, featuring some cool action sequences and a pretty nice presentation, the ending in my opinion does not really fit the mood and the genre of the show, even though its more laid back compared to other shows.
All in all, Ookami Kakushi might not be everyone's cup of tea. Horror fans might not find what they actually wanted in this one. Although, those that do not really wish to see this show as a feast of gory and grotesque scenes might find it pretty interesting. It does a good job on the mystery aspect though as well and what I liked about it is that it revealed the true meanings step by step and not at the beginning or rushed at the end like most of the shows are doing, and in my opinion, this needs to get a bonus.
Story: 8
Animation: 9
Characters: 7
Sound: 8
Delight: 9
Overall: 8.2
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| I want this scythe in my collection! |
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