Digimon Tamers vs Adventure vs Ghost Game vs Zero Two | First 20 Episodes Analysis

Brief Summary

This video compares the first 21 episodes of Digimon Ghost Game with those of Adventure 1999, 02, Tamers, and Adventure 2020 to assess its pacing and plot development. The analysis focuses on key events, character introductions, evolutions, and the establishment of overarching storylines.

• Ghost Game is the slowest paced compared to other series.
• Adventure 1999 had the most content packed into its first 21 episodes.
• Adventure 2020 had a breakneck speed with almost every episode including a fight and an evolution.

Introduction

The video introduces a performance review of Digimon Ghost Game after its first six months (21 episodes), comparing it to earlier Digimon series like Adventure 1999, 02, Tamers, and Adventure 2020. The aim is to evaluate the show's pacing, often described as slow and episodic, against the plot progression of its predecessors. The comparison will highlight how much each series accomplished within its initial 21 episodes, setting the stage for a detailed analysis of key events and character development.

Digimon Ghost Game (Episodes 1-21)

The initial episodes of Digimon Ghost Game introduce Hiro and Gamamon, leading to Gamamon's first evolution into Battle Gamma Mon by episode two. The core team, including Ruli, Angoramon, Kiyoshiro, and Jellymon, is assembled by episode five. Gamamon achieves further slide evolutions, including Caws Gamma Mon by episode seven, Tesla Jellymon by episode 10, and Wezen Gamma Mon by episode 12, culminating in Gulus Gamma Mon and the appearance of Black Agumon by episode 13. The narrative can be divided into pre- and post-episode 13. Angoramon's champion form appears in episode 15, followed by Hiro's hesitation to evolve due to the risk of summoning Gulus Gamma Mon again. A partner swap occurs with Ruli and Jellymon teaming up. Episode 21 features Arukenimon defeating the team and attempting to eat Gamamon's brain, triggering Gulus Gamma Mon's second appearance and Black Garga Mon's first appearance, hinting at future developments. Despite these events, the series lacks a clear goal, with only hints about Hiro's missing father and the digital world, but no immediate reason to explore it.

Digimon Adventure 1999 (Episodes 1-21)

In Digimon Adventure 1999, the main characters meet in the first episode, and by episode eight, they encounter the series' first villain, who is defeated by episode 13 with the arrival of Angemon. By this point, all the champion-level Digimon have appeared. The group is contacted by Gennai, leading them to a new continent by episode 14, where they learn about the Crests. Etemon, another villain, appears in episode 15, and episode 16 features the SkullGreymon dark digivolution. From episodes 14 to 20, the characters embark on a quest for the Crests, culminating in MetalGreymon's first appearance in episode 20, marking the first true Ultimate-level Digimon (excluding SkullGreymon). Etemon is defeated, and Tai and Agumon are transported to the human world through a portal. Episode 21, directed by Mamoru Hosoda, offers a glimpse into a future real-world arc, with Tai returning home and setting up the introduction of Kari, the eighth DigiDestined. The initial 21 episodes include seven champion evolutions, a dark digivolution, the first Ultimate-level Digimon, two defeated villains, and a brief trip to the human world, with a clear goal established through the Crests needed to power up the other Digimon.

Digimon Adventure 02 (Episodes 1-21)

Digimon Adventure 02 begins by reconnecting with characters from the previous series and introducing three new children and their Digimon partners. The first armor evolution occurs in episode one with Davis and Veemon becoming Flamedramon. By episode three, Yolei, Cody, T.K., and Kari also achieve their own armor evolutions, completing the introduction of the new main cast and their initial evolutions. Episode eight introduces the Digimon Emperor, Ken Ichijouji, during a soccer game, and his identity is revealed to Davis in the same episode. Episode 11 features Raidramon, Veemon's second evolution. By episode 16, Hawkmon and Armadillomon achieve their second evolutions, Shurimon and Submarimon, respectively. In episodes 20 and 21, Ken unleashes Chimeramon but is defeated by Davis and Veemon, who use the Digi-Egg of Miracles to become Magnamon. Ken realizes his mistakes after Wormmon's death, understanding that the digital world is not just a game, marking the end of the Digimon Emperor arc. Although the analysis is limited to the first 21 episodes, this period includes a complete arc with the Digimon Emperor and nine evolutions.

Digimon Tamers (Episodes 1-21)

Digimon Tamers starts with Takato and Guilmon, offering a personal pilot episode. By episode three, Henry, Rika, Terriermon, and Renamon are introduced. Episode eight features Growmon, Gargomon, and Kyubimon, showcasing three champion-level Digimon. Episode 11 highlights Henry and Gargomon's battle against a Musyamon, where Henry realizes that some fights are unavoidable. By episode 14, Guilmon achieves his ultimate form. Kazu, Kenta, and Jeri witness the battle, teasing their future roles as tamers. Episode 18 introduces two more ultimates, Taomon and Rapidmon, and reveals the existence of the Digimon Devas, setting up a future conflict. In episode 21, Jeri begins her partnership with Leomon, marking the setup for the next group of tamers and Digimon.

Digimon Adventure 2020 (Episodes 1-21)

Digimon Adventure 2020 spends episodes one to three with Taichi, Agumon, Yamato, Gabumon, and Omegamon during the Tokyo digital crisis, forming a mini-arc that reimagines Our War Game. Episodes four to eight focus on uniting the team. Episodes nine and ten feature Ogremon's sacrifice and the defeat of Devimon, with MetalGreymon appearing in episode 10. By episode 16, the first six children achieve their ultimate forms, and a real-world fake-out episode occurs with the simulation city. A multi-part Orochimon showdown teases the main villain. By episode 21, the team splits, with one group handling an international relations crisis in the real world, while Matt, Tai, and T.K. awaken Angemon and create MetalGreymon Alterous Mode. The series is noted for its fast pace, with almost every episode including a fight and an evolution.

Conclusion

Comparing the first 21 episodes of the four series, Adventure 1999 packs the most content and has the clearest vision for the future, followed by 02 and Tamers, with Adventure 2020 behind them. Ghost Game has the least plot development in its first 21 episodes. This comparison is not a review but an exercise to see how much each show delivers in its first six months. While the author enjoys Digimon Ghost Game, they wish for a clearer plot trajectory. Adventure 1999 introduced the Crests early, 02 unmasked and defeated the Digimon Emperor, and Tamers hinted at new kids and the Devas. Ghost Game remains quiet about its future plans, which is a concern. The author notes that later episodes could change the series' direction, as opinions on Adventure 2020 shifted over time.