The Tower of DRUAGA anime series is based on an old game from the 1980s. I've never played it so I can't compare the anime to it. So naturally I expected the anime series to lack significant plot development and follow a rather linear, single minded storyline, which isn't bad. On the contrary, I've seen some shows overstep its boundaries and, for 5 to 10 episodes, fail to push the story past introducing the main character and his sidekicks.

Because of the short 12 episode format, DRUAGA pushed the plot significantly in every episode, never failing to climb a to a new level in the Tower or kill off a few key characters ;P They were even able to include tidbits of romance and a third dimension to the otherwise flat characters throughout the show.

Episode 1 started with a bang, and was probably the funniest out of all the episodes. I expected Jil to be a weakling as mentioned in this episode, but they failed to follow up on this claim, as time and time again, Jil was the hero and savior of not only his party, but even his brother Neeba's. (Btw Neeba reminds me of Sasuke -_-). Surprisingly soon after being kicked out of Neeba's party, Jil was able to form his own ragtag party, and again this supposedly weak party proved to be everything but. Time and time again they destroyed the weakened monsters of the Summer of Anu without a scratch or injury. The rest of the episodes were a blur to me - every episode seemed similar, but I have really bad memory =( The episodes would rotate through the parties led by Jil, Neeba, the army from Meskia, and that sorceror guy Pazuz as they overcame the obstacles and got closer and closer to Lord Druaga. Before I realized it, they were fighting Druaga. And that's where we are right now =)

There were good and bad things about DRUAGA. I'll start with the bad...

One thing that sucked was because it's a short series, it felt like things were rushed, the characters weren't developed enough. You got a taste but never really understood what all the characters were thinking and why they acted the way they did. I also would have liked to see more of Meskia and a little history of the relationship between Jil and Neeba. I also wanted to know more about each character's powers and special moves, and those female ghosts that appear in Jil and Neeba's imagination.

Now good things. I loved many things about DRUAGA - the nonstop action and fighting, the no BS, no filler episodes, and the way parties had tanks, ranged, and magic users =D. But the part I loved most about the series was the introspective question "why are you climbing the tower?" To me, that means everyone is searching for their purpose. I suppose because I sometimes feel lost and I don't know what I'm doing, I feel especially empathetic towards this message. And while I know the series will ultimately end with the ubiquitous "I fight to protect the ones I love" that every other anime series (like Naruto, Bleach, D-Gray.man, Full Metal Panic, Kenshin, ad infinitum...etc) seems to preach, DRUAGA throws a twist on it and explores the selfish nature of man - only one person's wish can be granted by the Blue Crystal Rod - Survivor style! Wait no, I mean Battle Royale style. This is what keeps me interested and I can't wait to see the final episode! If you get a chance, watch it - it's definitely a good one, it's never boring, and it'll be worth your time. There's things in it for everyone - the action mongers, the romantics, the comedy lovers, and even the drama queens. Check it out here.