Yu Yu Hakusho - Team of Four (2002)

Great and Well Developed Storyline, Even after All these Years!

As a fan of Japanime for decades, and one that is seriously infected...ehr, uhm...I mean...addicted...*COUGH*...hooked...yeah that's it...hooked on a number of the older stories, the Yu Yu Hakusho series is among my top 10 must have list.

Although the Inuyasha series (both Anime, and Manga) is my number one, all time favorite series, Yu Yu Hakusho is by far the one that follows as a close second. It you like Inuyasha, then you just have to checkout Yu Yu Hakusho. It is not just a matter of plots, but a storyline that is well thought out for the most part. There is always something unexpected around the corner, and just when you think you know what is going to happen next, a curve ball is thrown right at the works, and the story diverts into another direction.

It is not a story that just focuses on the main character, and does not provide much thought or development to the supporting caste. Although it primarily follows the adventures and experiences of Yusuke Urameshi, it also proves great believable backgrounds for friend and foe alike, giving a depth to the story that makes this series one that even a more mature audience can appreciate.

Like any series, there are highlights and low, and somethings that are a definite asset to the story, while others are obviously just added for filler. It does not, however, detract from the overall story, and character development.

If you like Japanime, and love following a good fantasy story, then this series is a definite must see. February 16, 2008

This anime has it all and more.

Yu Yu Hakusho may not be the most popular anime above dragonball z, naruto, evangelion, etc. But it does have everything they all have and more. To be honest the english dubs for all the other animes just sound like the voice actors are reading instead of putting true emotions into their voices to make it sound real. That's the what yu yu hakusho has over almost all the animes I have ever seen. The voice overs are outstanding and I think that's one thing that everyone should know separates a good english dubbed anime to a bad one. September 15, 2007

The Beginning of the End

In Yu Yu Hakusho: Team of Four you will get 14 terrific episodes of the show on 2 discs. Specifically, these are episodes 43 to 56 of the show and they all deal with the Dark Tournament. If you haven't yet seen the earlier episodes of this show, get them first or you will never understand the following review:

Team Urameshi has made it to the semifinals of the Dark Tournament. Now the Masked Fighter reveals her true identity of Genkai to Yusuke in the hope that he can pass her final test - absorb the extremely powerful Spirit Wave Orb! Yusuke suffers in agony as Genkai watches and hopes he can endure.

At the tournament, Team Urameshi, without Genkai or Yusuke, must face the mysterious Uraotogi Team in the semifinals. The first disc covers this entire round. As you watch the fights, team Uraotogi becomes more and more interesting. In the matches, almost each member uses a mystical item created by Onji, an elderly man on the team. When Shishiwakomaru, the team's supposed leader is defeated, only Onji remains. But what secret is the insidious old man hiding?

In disc 2, it is Team Toguro's turn to show what it can do. Elsewhere, Genkai meets an old friend turned enemy to settle a 50 year old score. Yusuke has successfully passed her test, but she leaves him with one more even harder test - overcoming her death.

As the final round of the Dark Tournament begins, each team is short one member. Who will fill in the rosters? The last two episodes on the disc are the first round of the finals - Kurama versus Karasu. Will Suzuka's help be enough to give Kurama a win for his team?

Overall 14 great episodes of Yu Yu Hakusho. You can watch in English or Japanese and the extras are lacking, but the episodes are very good. The first disc is action packed, while the second focuses more on emotion. As the Dark Tournament's final round begins, it really is the beginning of the end. May 9, 2007

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