Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica

Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica

Logo from the opening theme
神曲奏界ポリフォニカ
Genre Adventure, Fantasy, Romance
Game
Developer Ocelot
Publisher Ocelot (PC)
Prototype (PS2, PSP)
Genre Visual novel
Platform PC, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable
Released PC
April 28, 2006 (Episodes 1&2)
May 25, 2007 (Episodes 3&4)
PlayStation 2
April 26, 2007 (Episodes 1&2)
December 27, 2007 (Episodes 3&4)
April 10, 2008 (Episodes 0-4 Full Pack)
PlayStation Portable
June 26, 2008 (Episodes 0-4 Full Pack)
Game
Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica THE BLACK
Developer Ocelot, KuroCo
Publisher Ocelot (PC)
Prototype (PS2)
Genre Visual novel
Platform PC, PlayStation 2
Released June 29, 2007 (PC)
January 15, 2009 (PS2)
Game
Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica Memories White
Developer Ocelot, AMEDEO
Publisher Ocelot
Genre Visual novel
Platform PC
Released June 29, 2007 (First Emotion)
July 13, 2007 (Endless Aria)
Light novel
Written by Ichirō Sakaki (Crimson)
Junichi Ōsako (Black)
Madoka Takadono (White)
Toshihiko Tsukiji (Blue)
Published by Softbank Creative
Demographic Male
Imprint GA Bunko
Original run January 2006 – present
Volumes 4 (Crimson), 4 (Black), 3 (White), 1 (Blue), 1 (Compilation)
Manga
Cardinal Crimson
Written by Ichirō Sakaki, Ocelot
Demographic Shōnen
Original run March 1, 2007 – present
Anime television series
Directed by Junichi Watanabe
Masami Shimoda
Written by Ichiro Sasaki
Music by Hikaru Nanase
Studio Ginga-ya
Licensed by
Original network CBC, MBS, TBS
English network
Original run April 3, 2007 – June 19, 2007
Episodes 12
Anime television series
Polyphonica Crimson S
Directed by Toshimasa Suzuki
Written by Kenichi Kanemaki
Music by Hikaru Nanase
Studio Diomedéa
Licensed by
Original network AT-X, MBS
English network
Original run April 4, 2009 – June 20, 2009
Episodes 12
Game
Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica: After School
Developer Ocelot
Publisher Ocelot (PC)
Prototype (PS2, PSP)
Genre Visual novel
Platform PC, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable
Released December 25, 2009 (PC)
November 11, 2010 (PS2)
February 17, 2011 (PSP)
Game
Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica Plus
Developer Ocelot
Publisher Ocelot
Genre Visual novel
Platform PC
Released July 22, 2011

Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica (神曲奏界ポリフォニカ), also known as simply Polyphonica, is an all-age Japanese visual novel created by Ocelot and first released on the PC on April 28, 2006. Aside from the game, multiple series of light novels have been created, and a manga adaptation started in March 2007. An anime adaptation that aired in Japan between April to June 2007. Another anime adaption aired from April to June 2009, and was a prequel of the events in the first anime.

The original game, the Crimson series, will start its second installment, covering the third and fourth story. The Black and White Polyphonica series were adapted from a printed novel to visual novel media in spring 2007, respectively titled Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica THE BLACK and Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica Memories White.

Plot

In the continent of Polyphonica, spirits materialize in the world, surviving on the music that is played by humans, and live together with them. While the spirits don't appear often, some spirits have enough power to materialize in human or animal forms and live together with humans.

Dantists, who play special music called "Commandia," are widely respected in this world. They are usually in contract with powerful spirits. The story of Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica revolves around the new Dantist, Phoron Tatara, the spirit that he made contract with, Corticarte Apa Lagranges, and their friends, in their daily life and work. It also revolves around the feelings of the protagonist (Phoron Tatara) and his contract spirit (Corticarte Apa Lagranges)

In the anime, episode 1 to 10 explored the relationship between humans and spirits in the world of Polyphonica. This is shown either from Dantist like Phoron, or Dirrane. The last two episodes focus on the Commandia that connects both kind of creatures.[1]

Characters

Characters working in the Tsuge Divine Music Player Office include Phoron (the protagonist), Corticarte (his contract spirit), Prinesca and Perserte (the twins), Renbart (another co-worker), Eufinley (their boss), and Yardio (contracted to Eufinley).

Terms

Belst (聖獣, Seijū)
Belst are spirits' animal-like form. Their Human forms are called Humanubic. Some spirits can have both Humanubic and Belst forms. The literal meaning for "聖獣" is "sacred/holy beast".
Commandia (神曲, Shinkyoku)
Divine music played by Dantists. With this music, spirits that have made a contract with a Dantist can use their true power; but all spirits enjoy a good song. Commandia is the expression of the Dantist's soul, and it will change according with their development, whether it is for better or worse.
Although listening to Commandia will strengthen a covenant spirit as well as bring them joy, Commandia can have adverse effects. Fairies who have known the joy of Commandia can become crazy if they are separated from Commandia for too long. Therefore there are spirits who think it's better if they never interact with humans at all. The literal meaning for "神曲" is "Divine Song".
Dantist (神曲楽士, Shinkyoku Gakushi)
Musicians who are able to play divine music, or Commandia. They are usually in possession of a One-Man Orchestra, which can be disguised as a suitcase, or in Phoron's case, a motorbike. But a Dantist does not actually depend on these instruments. In the timeline of the White series, Dantists can play Commandia using conventional instruments. The literal meaning for "神曲楽士" is "Divine Song Musician/Player".
Humanubic (フマヌビック, Fumanubikku)
These are spirits' human-like form. Animal forms are called "Belst". There is also the Licanthro form, in which a Spirit possesses both a human and animal form. Examples are Yadio and Blanca.
One-Man Orchestra (単身楽団, Tanshin Gakudan)
One-Man Orchestras are instruments used by Dantists. They are similar to ordinary musical instruments, but are often more elaborate and equipped with a computer. These instruments allow solitary Dantists to play music on a larger scale, equivalent to an orchestra.
As technology grows more advanced, the miniaturization of these devices is improving. Renbart's saxophone or Eufinley's violin are not so different in size compared to conventional instruments, but the Phoron's organ at school is only the size of a backpack.
His motorbike-shaped One-Man Orchestra is an exception.
Tsuge Divine Music Player Office (ツゲ神曲楽士派遣事務所, Tsuge Shinkyoku Gakushi Haken Jimusho)
The office where Phoron, Corti, Renbart, Yadio, Perserte, and Prinesca work. Eufinley is the chief of this office.

Release history

There are 5 Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica visual novels being released, with 3 different series.

Polyphonica Crimson series
Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica ~Episode 1&2 Box Edition~ - April 28, 2006
Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica ~Episode 3&4 Box Edition~ - May 25, 2007
Polyphonica Black series
Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica THE BLACK ~Episode 1&2 Box Edition~ - August 10, 2007
Polyphonica White series
Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica Memories White ~First Emotion~ June 29, 2007
Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica Memories White ~Endless Aria~ July 13, 2007

Adaptations

Light novel

After the game, the Polyphonica series expanded into a light novel series. The stories are loosely connected in a shared universe setting. The novels are published by GA Bunko, a division of Softbank Creative. Currently, there are four series running, each uniquely identified with colors. The Black series happens in the same timeline as the Crimson series, which follows the main characters of the game. The White series appears to take place in the distant past.

Polyphonica Crimson series
Story: Ichirō Sakaki / Illustrations: Noboru Kannatsuki
  1. Wayward Crimson - January 15, 2006
  2. Romantic Crimson - May 15, 2006
  3. Spurting Crimson - September 15, 2006
  4. Struggle Crimson - October 15, 2006
  5. Beginning Crimson - May 15, 2007
  6. Jealous Crimson - July 15, 2008
  7. Aiding Crimson - September 15, 2008
  8. Chasing Crimson - April 15, 2009
  9. Nostalgic Crimson - October 16, 2010
  10. Lookback Crimson - July 16, 2011
  11. Deciding Crimson - November 15, 2012
  12. Final Rising Crimson - June 15, 2013
Polyphonica Crimson S series
Story: Ichirō Sakaki / Illustrations: Noboru Kannatsuki
  1. Crimson S (1) - November 15, 2008
  2. Crimson S (2) - January 15, 2009
  3. Crimson S (3) - March 15, 2009
  4. Crimson S (4) - June 15, 2009
  5. Crimson S (5) - September 15, 2009
  6. Crimson S (6) - March 16, 2010
Polyphonica After School series
Story: Ichirō Sakaki / Illustrations: Noboru Kannatsuki
  1. After School 1 - July 17, 2012
  2. After School 2 - October 17, 2012
  3. After School 3 - March 16, 2013
Polyphonica Black series
Story: Junichi Ōsako / Illustrations: BUNBUN
  1. Inspector Black - June 15, 2006
  2. Silent Black - August 15, 2006
  3. Player Black - December 15, 2006
  4. Triangle Black - March 15, 2007
  5. Resolution Black - July 15, 2007
  6. Patient Black - October 12, 2007
  7. Memo Wars Black - February 15, 2008
  8. Reliance Black - July 15, 2008
  9. Isolation Black - October 15, 2008
  10. Liberation Black - January 15, 2009
  11. Addration Black - May 15, 2009
  12. Promist Black - August 15, 2009
  13. Advent Black - November 15, 2009
  14. InterLude Black - October 16, 2010
Polyphonica Leon series
Story: Junichi Ōsako / Illustrations: Shinobu Shoryu
  1. Leon the Resurrector 1 - November 30, 2007
  2. Leon the Resurrector 2 - May 15, 2008
  3. Leon the Resurrector 3 - November 15, 2008
  4. Leon the Resurrector 4 - April 15, 2009
Polyphonica Gold series
Story: Junichi Ōsako / Illustrations: Shinobu Shoryu
  1. Leon the Gold - October 15, 2009
Polyphonica White series
Story: Madoka Takadono / Illustrations: Kinako Hiro
  1. Eternal White - July 15, 2006
  2. Infinity White - November 15, 2006
  3. Missing White - April 15, 2007
  4. Anniversary White - September 15, 2007
  5. Ancient White - September 11, 2008
  6. Spiral White - December 15, 2008
  7. Marginal White - March 15, 2009
  8. Memories White - June 15, 2009
  9. Purely White - February 15, 2010
  10. Reunion White - July 15, 2010
  11. Regret White - November 15, 2010
  12. Wizout White - May 15, 2011
  13. Never Ending White - November 15, 2011
Polyphonica Blue series
Story: Toshihiko Tsukiji / Illustrations: Eiji Usatsuka
  1. Excite Blue - February 15, 2007
  2. Fugitive Blue - June 15, 2007
  3. Confusion Blue - August 15, 2009
Polyphonica Dan Sariel series
Story: Toshihiko Tsukiji / Illustrations: Kazuaki
Compilation
  1. Marble January 15, 2007

Manga

Written by Ichiro Sakaki and illustrated by Tomo Hirokawa, a manga series adaptation entitled Cardinal Crimson (カーディナル・クリムゾン, Kādinaru Kurimuzon) began serialization as a web comic on March 2007 in FlexComix Blood. The series was picked up for an English release by CMX Manga, with the first volume slated for May 2010.[2] Tomo Hirokawa designed a New Year's nengajō for 2008.[3]

Additionally, the Black series was adapted into a manga series as a web comic and began serialization in December 2008 in Flex Comix Blood.

Anime

T.O Entertainment adapted Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica into a twelve episode anime series directed by Junichi Watanabe and Masami Shimoda and written by Ichiro Sakaki. On February 6, 2007, one month after the first manga adaptation was announced, the anime adaptation was announced.[4] Broadcast on TBS, the series premiered on April 3, 2007 and aired weekly until its conclusion on June 19, 2007.[5][6][7] The music was composed by Hikaru Nanase. Two pieces of theme music were used for the anime. "Apocrypha" is performed by eufonius as the opening theme. "Concordia" (コンコルディア, Konkorudia) is performed by kukui as the ending theme.

Diomedéa adapted the series into another season entitled Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica Crimson S, directed by Toshimasa Suzuki and written by Ken'ichi Kanemaki, that is not a continuation of the first and will tie into Ichiro Sakaki and Noboru Kannatsuki's light novel adaptation of the same name.[8] The official website was launched on November 11, 2008 and began streaming a promotional video on March 23, 2009 featuring the anime's opening theme but contained no actual anime footage.[8][9] The series premiered on TVK and TVS on March 4, 2009 and is currently broadcasting weekly. The series was also broadcast on AT-X, Gifu Broadcasting, MBS, and Mie TV.[10] The music is directed by Jin Aketagawa and composed by Magic Capsule. Two pieces of theme music were used for the anime. "Phosphorous" is performed by eufonius as the opening theme. Koi no Uta (こいのうた) is performed by Haruka Tomatsu as ending theme.

North American releases

The Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica anime series was licensed for distribution in North America by Sentai Filmworks. A DVD collection of all 12 episodes, in Japanese language with English subtitles, titled Polyphonica, was released on November 17, 2009.[11] The second season prequel series Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica Crimson S was licensed for distribution in North America by Maiden Japan. A complete DVD collection titled Polyphonica Crimson S, containing all 12 episodes, in Japanese language with English subtitles, was released on April 3, 2012.[12] Both seasons of the anime series have been posted on the Anime Network website for online streaming.

Role-playing game

A Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica RPG, published by GA Bunko, went on sale in Japan in August 2008. The game is designed by Takashi Osada and FarEast Amusement Research, and uses the Standard RPG System. The campaign setting is based mainly on Polyphonica Crimson series.

Music

Crimson Series

Theme song: "Crimson Calling" by Rita (Ep 1 & 2)

"Crimson Calling (Ending Ver.)" by Rita (Ep 3 & 4)

Insert song: "Song of Wave" by Yuiko (Ep 3&4)

Ending theme: "Crimson Reason" by Rita (Ep 3 & 4)

Black Series

Theme song: "Hurting Heart" by fripSide

White Series

Theme song: "Until I Forget You" (僕がきみを忘れるまで, Boku ga Kimi o Wasureru Made) by Eri Kitamura

CDs

Opening Single: "Apocrypha" by eufonius - April 25, 2007
Ending Single: "Concordia" (コンコルディア, Konkorudia) by kukui - May 23, 2007
Game Original Soundtrack: May 25, 2007
Anime Original Soundtrack - Atmosphere: June 27, 2007, composed by Hikaru Nanase

References

  1. ↑ Polyphonica blog June 7th 2007 entry
  2. ↑ "CMX Manga - Anime Expo 2009". Anime News Network. July 3, 2009. Retrieved July 6, 2009.
  3. ↑ "Quantcast New Year's Greetings — Anime Style (Update 16)". Anime News Network. January 1, 2008. Retrieved May 10, 2009.
  4. ↑ "Shinkyoku Soukai Polyphonica Anime Announced". Anime News Network. February 6, 2007. Retrieved May 10, 2009.
  5. ↑ "NEWS: TBS Anime Festival 2007 'Shinkyoku Soukai Polyphonica' Announcement" (in Japanese). Tokyo Broadcasting System Television. 2007-04-03. Retrieved May 10, 2009.
  6. ↑ "news" (in Japanese). Tokyo Broadcasting System Television. Retrieved May 10, 2009.
  7. ↑ "STORY" (in Japanese). Tokyo Broadcasting System Television. Retrieved May 10, 2009.
  8. 1 2 "Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica crimson S Anime Confirmed". Anime News Network. November 11, 2008. Retrieved May 10, 2009.
  9. ↑ "Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica crimson S Promo Streamed". Anime News Network. March 23, 2009. Retrieved May 9, 2009.
  10. ↑ "O.A. Information" (in Japanese). Tokyo Broadcasting System Television. Retrieved May 10, 2009.
  11. ↑ "Section23 Films Announces November Releases". Anime News Network. September 2, 2009.
  12. ↑ "Maiden Japan, Section23 Adds Polyphonica Crimson S". Anime News Network. Retrieved 11 January 2012.
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