I hadn't thought about games that precede the 
anime.  True, those hold a different place in my 
explanation.

Hmmm.  I don't completely buy the idea that the 
games further the characters.  Games can end in 
different ways, can't they?  The anime doesn't 
pick up right where a game leaves off, does it?  

I see a game as an encapsulated segment of a 
character's life.  It doesn't relate much to what 
came before (especially if it was first), and it 
doesn't effect what comes after.  Have you ever 
seen an existing anime series change significantly 
in response to a videogame that came out?  I'd be 
curious to see examples of that (like new 
characters or character changes).

I see it more as the game "inspiring" an anime.  
But anime viewers get the full and complete 
experience from watching the show.  The game is an 
unnecessary prologue.  An "extra".

There are so many unique ways to look at and value 
animation collectibles....I find talk like this to 
be fascinating!  :-)

As for not being able to judge without playing the 
game, I still think I can make an educated guess. 
 ;-)  I know Tenchi fans who have played those 
games, and none have said that it furthered the 
plot in any way, shape, or form.

Wheeeeeee!

JP