Ruin Explorers

Publisher
ADV Films
Director
Takeshi Mori
Production
ADV Films
Country of origin
Japan
Format
OVA
Running time
4 episodes
Year
1998

Ruin Explorers

By Eric
23rd Jul 04

There are lots of animes about swords and magic in fantasy times, but they're often hit or miss. Ruin Explorers is by no means an unforgettable classic, but it's great fun, and that alone justifies taking the time to view it.

The plot is very simple, even a bit shallow, but at least it uses formulas that have been proven to work in the past. Ihrie and Fam are treasure hunters, seeking out mystical artifacts they'll need to unleash "the ultimate power". Predictable, yes, but the good times aren't in the destination, but the journey. Ihrie is a female knight, and Fam is her magic-using catgirl companion. While Ihrie is a big tomboy with a short temper, Fam is happy-go-lucky and friendly. Merely watching these two interact with each other is a hoot. There are other characters that eventually join, of course, including a handsome swordsman whom Fam has a fierce competition over with another woman. Sure, watching women fight over a bishonen is nothing new, but at least Ruin Explorers knows how to use this element properly.

Eventually Ihrie, Fam, and the others are forced into a quest against an evil through a plot twist that is predictable, but at least makes sense. The series has decent swordplay and magic, and plenty of comedy. Each character has his or her own charming (or at least amusing) little idioms, as well.

It's hard to say much more about this series. The main reason is because of its other flaw, which I believe contributes to its overly-simplistic plot. The series is only four episodes long. Had there been more, perhaps the plot could've been fleshed out some, rather than having it condensed into 2 measly hours. Even if none of those four episodes were changed, I still would've liked to see more of Fam and Ihrie's adventures, because the fact is that they're just plain fun to be around.

Even if the storyline reads like something a 16 year old wrote for a D&D game, everything else about the series is solid. If I had any other complaint, it would be that the female cast screeches like harpies whenever they're angry or frightened. I understand that it's keeping with their personalities, but when half of your main characters are female, hearing them scream all the time can get on your nerves. However, this is a very tiny grievance. I'll admit that Ruin Explorers doesn't have the timelessness of an Evangelion or the sophistication of a Cowboy Bebop; but it's pure and simple fun that makes you grin while you watch it.

Score: 8.5/10

-- Eric 23rd Jul 04

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