Brief Summary
The video reviews the Digimon Fusion (Cross Wars) series, analyzing its characters, plot, and impact on the Digimon franchise. It discusses the initial disconnect felt towards the series, its perceived lack of depth compared to other Digimon seasons, and its commercial focus. The review also covers the follow-up season, Hunters, and the overall uncertainty of the Digimon franchise's future after Cross Wars.
- Digimon Fusion is considered the worst season by many fans and almost led to the series' cancellation.
- The series' characters are either passable or misrepresented versions of previous Digimon archetypes.
- The fusion mechanic feels like a missed opportunity for creative combinations.
- The second half of Fusion and the Hunters season are more enjoyable due to their pacing and structure.
- The future of the Digimon franchise was uncertain after Cross Wars, leading to rebrandings and format changes.
Introduction
The author revisits the Digimon series, including seasons they enjoyed as a child and those they didn't. While appreciating redeemable qualities in all seasons, they focus on Digimon Fusion (Cross Wars), the only series they hadn't watched as a kid. Despite initial reservations and a feeling of disconnect due to its perceived childishness, the author explores the series to provide a comprehensive review.
Initial Impressions of Digimon Fusion
The author expresses their initial disappointment with Digimon Fusion, feeling disconnected from the series for the first time due to its perceived childishness. Unlike other Digimon seasons that celebrate childhood and evoke nostalgia, Fusion feels unapologetically geared towards young children. The author found the show boring, repetitive, and lacking substance, a sentiment shared by many fans and critics. The season's poor performance nearly led to the cancellation of the Digimon franchise.
Characters of Digimon Fusion
The characters in Digimon Fusion are described as either passable or poorly represented versions of previous Digimon archetypes. Mikey Kudo, the leader, is agreeable and loyal but lacks interesting flaws or conflicts. His friends, Angie and Jeremy, are considered deadweight and leave the main cast halfway through the show. Christopher is portrayed as a less likable version of Matt, constantly forgetting the value of teamwork. Nene is enigmatic but lacks depth once her mystery is solved. The author also describes the regularly appearing Digimon, including Shoutmon, Ballistamon, TuRulemon, Beelzemon, Sparrowmon, the Monitamon, and Mervamon.
Digimon Fusion Mechanics and Designs
The concept of Digimon fusing in the series doesn't fully utilize the potential of combining different characters, instead focusing on Shoutmon's various forms. While early fusions with the Pikmin are creative, they eventually devolve into repetitive sword formations. The Digimon designs in Fusion appear to be primarily designed as toys, with sharp edges and mechanical features that prioritize toy production over aesthetic appeal.
Mid-Series Shift and the Seven Dark Generals
Halfway through the series, Mikey, Angie, and Jeremy return to the human world, and Shoutmon gains the ability to digivolve. Mikey returns to the digital world after a year has passed, finding it under Lord Bagra's control. The focus shifts from collecting code crowns to defeating the Seven Dark Generals, which the author found more enjoyable due to its improved pacing and structure.
Themes and Impact of Digimon Fusion
The author criticizes Digimon Fusion for its weak themes, disoriented plot, and lack of creative voice. The series feels generic and uninspired, failing to capitalize on the potential of the Digimon franchise. Digimon Fusion had the lowest ratings in the franchise, nearly leading to its cancellation. Toy sales, particularly of TuRulemon, saved the show. The series' poor localization and inconsistent airing further contributed to its negative impact, nearly killing the Digimon series in the West.
Digimon Cross Wars: The Boy Hunters Who Leapt Through Time
The video discusses the follow-up season, Hunters, which introduces a new character, TigerOoo, and his Digimon, Gumdramon. The series focuses on collecting Digimon and is more episodic than Fusion. The author enjoyed Hunters more than the first season due to its inoffensive nature and light-hearted fun. The season culminates in a finale where all the old Digimon heroes unite to defeat Quartzmon, with TigerOoo surpassing Mikey and the other heroes.
Digimon's Uncertain Future After Cross Wars
The author reflects on the uncertainty of the Digimon franchise's future after Cross Wars, noting the rebranding with Appmon and the shift in format with Digimon Adventure tri. Despite these challenges, the author expresses their continued enjoyment of the Digimon series and plans to discuss Digimon games and movies in future videos.
