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Shuffle!
Anime DVD Review
The anime series Shuffle! is based upon a PC game by the same name that allowed players to make decisions that would affect the protagonist's ultimate choice. Young, naive, clueless Rin is put in the position of choosing between a number of women, all vying for his love and willing to do just about anything to get it. (Basically an anime game version of Flavor of Love, but without Flavor Flav)...
This harem-fantasy has all the makings of a fun, comedic watch because of its quirky cast, but be forewarned: Shuffle! is is definitely not for the younger fans due to lots of innuendo and a few racy shots so this one is for mature audiences only.
 Rin Tsuchimi is 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 being with him in any way she can. Rin however, seems oblivious to this fact even when it's pointed out by his fellow classmates.
Now, here's where things get complicated. When two doors in an ancient ruin were opened, it connected the worlds of the supernatural with that of mortal man, and as a result, Rin has recently gained some interesting neighbors - the King of the Gods living on one side and the King of the Demons on the other. The daughters of these supernatural kings have their sights set on marrying Rin and are willing to cater to his every whim to win his favor.
 But Kaede's not about to let these supernatural princesses squeeze her out of the picture. And if that's not stressful enough, there's a few other girls lining up to become his bride. Don't you wish you had these problems?
The wacky foursome 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.
Shuffle! is light fare in the Urusei Yatsura, Tenchi Muyo or Oh My Goddess! vein, and that's precisely what we love about it — not Gundam type complexity, but enough going on to keep you entertained.
Reviewed by Brian Cirulnick, August 2008
Below: Promotional illustrations for Shuffle!
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