Ready for Ragnarok?

Aside from pioneering on-line gaming in the country with Ragnarok On-line, Level-Up Inc. made yet another breakthrough with the launch of the anime series based on the popular game.

Ragnarok: The Animation, through the partnership between Level-Up and ABS-CBN, is ready to conquer television by storm and take the Ragnarok fever to its peak.

When asked why they gave the airing license to ABS-CBN, Nonoy Colayco, president of Level-Up Inc., only has this to say, "Ragnarok is the No. 1 on-line game. So, it is just right that we air its anime version on the No. 1 television station."

Ragnarok gamer and businessman from Pasig, Bong Quinsaat, said, "The Ragnarok gaming experience would never be the same again once this series takes off. Kasi with the release of the anime, people would relate more to the game. Mas mahu-hook ang mga supporters nito sa games. This would surely take the game’s popularity to a level that will be unmatched for a long time," when asked about his reactions about the new Ragnarok endeavor.

Quinsaat added that, "Level-Up should be lauded for the impressive marketing strategies they have implemented to sell the Ragnarok brand. First, the game became so popular. Just when you think that it is enough, they came up with their own version on game cards. They (Level-Up) really conquered both markets. Now, it is set to reign on television. What else can you ask for?"

Basically a story of friendship, love and heroism, Ragnarok Animation’s story revolves around the reluctant would-be heroes Roan, the brave but shy swordie, and Yufa, Roan’s damsel in distress. Other characters in the series are Maya, the jolly merchant, Judia, the wickedly good huntress, Iruga, the agile fighter, and Takius, the magic guru of the group.

The anime will feature the adventures the heroes and their friends have to undergo as they try to save the world from the monsters that would bring about its doom. Throughout this journey, Roan and Yufa become stronger in their roles. This would prepare them for the ultimate battle they have to face. A battle that would make them face a man from their past who is responsible for the upcoming destruction and doom.

For viewers to appreciate the show’s exciting story and moving characters more, elaborate action scenes and breathtaking scenes of animation will be exhibited on the show.

To further enhance its mass appeal, the 30-minuter daily animé series was dubbed in Tagalog with veteran dubber Raffy Francisco as dubbing director.

Cory Vidanes, ABS-CBN senior vice president for TV Production, said in a press conference Tuesday that the series would not only appeal to the younger audience because the show tackles universal themes. Enrico Santos, ABS-CBN vice president for Creative Entertainment and Synergy, added "Noong ini-launch ang Meteor Garden, ano sabi nila? Pambata ’yan. But, what happened? Ganun din sa Marina."

For all those who say that Ragnarok is just for the younger generation, 22-year-old Jack Casubha, Ragnarok gamer from Pasig, has this to say, "Sa game pa lang nga, I can see people in their 40s. ’Yung appeal nga nung game sa computer, which is supposedly a younger generation’s medium, ’di lang nag-cater sa mga bata e. How much more sa TV?"

When news broke out about the future airing of the series on ABS-CBN, the network was besieged with calls from the public inquiring about the launch date of the new anime. "My friends and I really called ABS-CBN to ask kasi nga anticipation of the show really became so high. If you would try to listen sa usapan ng mga gamers, you’ll hear their excitement about the airing of the show," another gamer from Pasig, John Tan, added.

For those who worry about the violence that comes with the adventure series, the people behind the show assure the public that the level of violence is very tolerable. In fact, according to them, the series’ action scenes do not show blood. They do not show gory scenes. The powers or skills of the characters are, actually, not violent but witty. When asked about this, Mike Dumlao, 31, from Mandaluyong, also a gamer, said, "Ragnarok kasi doesn’t capitalize on violence. For me, its strength lies in the interactive element of the game. Kung sa game nga hindi na masyado marahas, paano pa dun sa series na based dun sa game?"

To support the new program, Star Records, ABS-CBN’s recording arm will also release the Ragnarok CD single, which includes the Filipino version of the show’s theme song, We are the Stars, with the Star Circle Quest Fab Five–Hero Angeles, Sandara Park, Roxanne Guinoo, Joross Gamboa and Melissa Ricks, performing.

ABS-CBN Licensing Group will also come up with a wide selection of Ragnarok merchandise.