Citrus Service: December 2024

SPOILER warning for some of the mentioned media.

Same as last year. This list includes TV shows, Movies, Anime, Music and Video games. That I watched/played and enjoyed or remember quite fondly looking back. It is not limited to media released or came out in 2024, but rather media that I enjoyed and engaged with in 2024.

TV shows:

I watched a ton of Poirot, and made a post about it too! But I have yet to complete it, as I've watched it to the 9th season. I tried to watch this other show, also adapted from Agatha Christie's works: Father Brown. About a pastor who goes around solving murders, but I quickly dropped it -due to the lack of visual and audio quality- after one episode.

Movies:

Not many movies were watched this year, only 7 in fact. None the less, I'll rank them in terms of enjoyment:

Captain Horatio Hornblower (1951)

Cool movie that I made a post about back in January. Big enjoy.
The Battle of the River Plate (1956)

My post.
The Maltese Falcon (1941)

On Letterboxd I wrote: A great noir picture! Loved the main character's attitude throughout this film, and the dialogue was pretty entertaining overall.

"You're a good man, sister!".
L.A. Confidential (1997)

Rated: 7/10
Stalker (1979)

My only gripes with this film was its length, accompanied by its slow-burn pace.
On Letterboxd I wrote: Looks fantastic! Just too long.
High Noon (1952)

Marking the end of an era where the hero is loved and adored by all.
SPOILERS: Remembering this film, I think the town folks were straight up bullying their sheriff!?
Other than that, a pretty solid picture.
Coogan's Bluff (1968)

Anime:

2024 was a phenomenal year for Anime, objectively and subjectively. I have watched or completed many Anime shows this year, with a ton of variety. Many favorites were picked this year, I'm not sure that I can rank them, so the first 3 4 5 Animes came in first place for me, which are:

Yubisaki to Renren (2024)

This Anime deserves it's own post honestly. It's a romance story that involves a girl who's afflicted with hearing loss. And (I can't state this enough) it's the most heart-warming and cute romance anime I have watched. Go and watch it!
On Anilist I wrote: Simply wow! Itsu is such a carefree but considerate guy, how is he so overpowered!? Also Madoka's condition is so gut-wrenching to me but, she still speaks! even if it is a little unclear. This anime is out of this world. An eye opener. I'm thankful for the things that I was given, from the moment I was born till my death, truly thankful.

SPOILER: Oushi is still the only maidenless one here lol. Other than that superb ending. 10/10.
Gekai Elise (2024)

An Anime that hit many of my sweet spots, involving a cute and smart main character and a banger opening. Made a post about it too.
On Anilist I wrote: Cute master surgeon Elise is treating patients and performing miracle surgeries. Enjoyed. 10/10.
LasTame (2023)

A pillar of the emerging Akujo subgenre in my opinion. Read my post about it for more.
On Anilist I wrote: Tear jerker, the Stale and Val's episodes got me good. Very wholesome anime overall. 10/10.
Moriarty the Patriot (2020)

Featuring one of my favorite eras and locations - 1800's London - I've also wrote a post about this masterpiece of an Anime.
On Anilist I wrote: Absolutely delighted by this anime! Beautiful English landscapes and Victorian architecture in addition to the hero being none other than Professor Moriarty!
Lovely! 10/10.
I'll Become a Villainess That Will Go Down in History (2024)

Man, this show is a blessing, if you're enjoying the surge of what I like to call The Akujo/Reincarnated Damsel a subgenre of isekai or another world, then this one is a treat, and a definite classic.
SPOILER: On Anilist I wrote: ALIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HOLY SHIT NO WAY THIS ENDS ON A SEQUEL BAIT WTF!!???
It was amazing though, a definite high new bar for the Akujo subgenre, and for that I'm grateful. 10/10.
Arte (2020)

Taking place in another cool period and local - Italy during the Renaissance era - I've made a post about it too.
On Anilist I wrote: Beautiful anime about the struggles of a woman in a male dominant field. Loved the era depicted too! 10/10.
Kusuriya no Hitorigoto (2023)

If you looked at this list with utter despise (for whatever reason); Watch. This. Anime. It's great.
On Anilist I wrote: Phenomenal Plot and characters! 10/10.
Aa! Megami-sama! (1993)

Vintage art.
On Anilist I wrote: First class masterpiece. 10/10.
The Fable (2024)

A bit gory, but the premise kept me coming back. It's pretty good. Rated: 8.5/10
Maou Gun Saikyou no Majutsushi wa Ningen datta (2024)

On Anilist I wrote: This anime just ended. Here's hoping for a sequel. 9/10.

Manga:

Yes! As an Anime only guy this might come as a surprise. Although I've not completed any, but I did read a couple of chapters this year:

My Stepmother and Stepsisters Aren’t Wicked (2020)

Gold, to say the least. More in my post.
How to Grill Our Love (2020)

A fun kind of outdoorsy Anime, and Cute. Only 13 chapters in though.
Marine Corps Yumi (2012)

Coincidentally, also 13 chapters in. This one is.. it's... different.

Music:

Many remixes and edits were enjoyed this year. In no particular order:

FEX - Subways of Your Mind (1983)

The -infamous- Most Mysterious Song on the Internet by The Very Unknown Band is a mystery on more. Since then I've been listening to the higher quality original that has been found.
David Guetta (feat. Kelly Rowland) - When Love Takes Over (DJ Paul Version) (2009)
Infinity - Naked in the Rain (Hexed Mix Trance Version) (2001)
IRyS - Carbonated Love (2024)
The Corrs - Breathless (2000)
Old Gods of Asgard - Heral of Darkness (2023)
Kotoko - Princess Bride (2003)
Charly Lownoise & Mental Theo - Wonderful Days (1995)
Mika Jougasaki (CV: Haruka Yoshimura) - TOKIMEKI Escalate (2015)
Cake - Short Skirt / Long Jacket (2001)

Game:

I did a lot of gaming (by my standards) this year. Games that I've enjoyed, in no particular order:

Helldivers 2 (2024)

My go-to game this year, for winding down and having a good old time. Weren't for the glitches and occasional crashes, this game could've easily gotten a perfect score from me. Still fun though.

Beautiful grenade.

HOLD THE LINE ! ! !

Had to match brother's tacticoolness. A masterful extraction.
Cities Skylines 2 (2023)

I'm still mixed on this game. I love the road building tool and the surface tool, but it is still not finished sadly. When a lot of issues get resolved, I might play again.
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (2002)

See my post about this game.
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands (2017)

Haven't finished it, but I'm having a blast infiltrating cartel bases with a friend of mine! It is insane how this game was made to be as Co-op friendly as it is. I enjoy.
Cold Waters (2017)

Big enjoy. See my post about it.
Alan Wake (2012)

Haven't finished it.
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered (2020)

A pleasant surprise of a game! Fun drifting and real-life car collection. I liked the bit where information about the car you have selected is being readout to you, before each level.
Haven't finished it.
Rune Factory 4 Special

A fun little RPG with farming elements.
Haven't finished it.
Manor Lords (2024)

Played this when it 'came out'. Sadly it is in early access. Will be waiting for a full release.
XCOM 2 (2016)

Finally managed to see this game to the end (on the easiest difficulty). See my post about it.
Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 (2021)

I expected more.
Sea Power : Naval Combat in the Missile Age (2024)

Still in its infancy. Looking forward to play more of this game, when it gets out of early access.