Upon watching the first episode of Hikaru no Go I realized something unique. This series combines several plot devices that I find irresistible in my favorite anime titles. The relationship between the twelve-year-old Hikaru Shindo and the apparition Sai Fujiwara is reminiscent of the relationship shared between Yoh Asakura and Amidamaru in Shaman King. That was a nogstalgic series that helped resurface the feeling and excitement of the early 90s Saturday morning cartoons. The story telling also carries characteristics of Digimon Tamesrs, Yu-gi-oh! GX and the aforementioned Shaman King. It safe to say that this is definitely a show aimed at children. However, what sets it apart from its predecessors is also the centerpiece of the show’s charm.

The game GO isn’t a mythical card game with magical wizards and fire breathing dragons. It’s also not about controlling sword wheeling spirits in competitions that could spell Armageddon for our planet. Instead, it’s a simple tale of mastering a game unique to Japan as manga and anime. What sets the game GO apart from Japan’s more notable exports is its instauration in our current American anime subculture. This makes each scene fresh and at sometimes, nail biting.

The story follows a sixth-grader named Hikaru Shindo who happens upon an exiled spirit named Sai Fujiwara. It’s not known why or how Hikaru is able to see Sai, but the two come to amiable agreement that allows Hikaru to get help with his schoolwork and gives Sai an opportunity to practice his lost love of GO. In the course of playing GO, the newcomer Hikaru with the guidance of Sai, finds himself upsetting several of the most well respected Go Professionals in Japan. Each episode shows his progression in this arena and introduces characters that play an integral role in Hikaru’s growth as GO player.

The voice casting isn’t one of the highlights of this program. Nevertheless, the voice actors manage not to detract from the overall quality of the program. Samuel Vincent, who is well known for voicing Athrun Zala in the Gundam Seed series, plays Hikaru. Brad Swaile, who voices Light Yagami in Death Note, plays Sai. Finally rounding out the main characters is a virtual newcomer named Scott Perrie who voices Hikaru’s rival Akira.

This first volume produced by Viz is comes with some interesting bonus features. After each episode, you are privileged to free GO lesson. The segments are cute and actually teach you a little about the game. You will actually begin to get the basics of the game while watching the actual program. It also comes with the standard clean opening and closing sequences.

Overall, the first volume of Hikaru no Go pulls you in and makes you want to learn more about this simple board game. The characters follow basic arches seen in most anime. Without having seen the rest of the series, I know Hikaru is going to become a strong GO player and want to separate himself from Sai. You also know someone is going to discover his secret and that his enemies are going to join him in his quest to become the greatest GO player in Japan. Nevertheless, I’m still looking forward to seeing what else this show has to offer. I would give this series a solid A, if it weren’t for its lack of replay value. I can’t see myself watching this series again and that plays a crucial part in my grading system. In addition to its lack of replay value, the character design of Hideyuki Motohashi seems dated when compared to the more progressive style of Yoshiyuki Ito of Fullmetal Alchemist fame. These two setbacks are the result of having little complaints about the overall quality of the series.