IS: Infinite Stratos Encore - Koi ni Kogareru Rokujuusou

After the events of season 1 of Infinite Stratos, we get this fun little detour that delves into the summer vacation of Ichika and his friends. Do they have any fun? Did I have any fun? Well, let's hop on and find out, shall we?

Story
The adventures of the IS team continue in this fun little OVA that depicts all the girls in Ichika's harem dropping in unannounced in his house for a summer visit; which of course, is just a recipe for romantic comedic hijinx. Aside from that, though, nothing major actually happens here and, aside from a single partial deployment, the titular weapon itself ... doesn't even make an appearance. That said, not everything needs to a world-shaking event in a story, so I'm glad we get to see the characters relax, have fun and not having to fight for their lives... for once. (6/10)

Characters
The characters are their usual selves from season 1 and, aside from Houki, they don't experience any major development here. That said, it's fun watching the characters bounce off each other and engage in witty banter because it shows how close they have become. Even though they are rivals for Ichika's attention, they still acknowledge each other as friends, and that's always a positive in stories where you are supposed to care about the characters.

The character who does evolve in this OVA is Houki, but to be fair, the development is nothing major. She just thinks about Ichika and how different her life could have been had the IS never been invented and she could stay and live with him. Again, this isn't necessarily a bad thing because short stories like this one gives us a window in the characters' minds and allow us to feel for them and the situations they're in. (8/10)

Art
Since the titular weapons see virtually no use in this short story, the show can use its budget more conservatively and focus more on the actions of the characters. The actions are more fluid and the close-ups to the characters faces are more detailed. I myself enjoyed Houki's dance near the end of the OVA. (8/10)

Sound
The entire cast of season 1 returns to voice the characters present in this OVA, but the standout performances has to be from Monica Rial (Houki), as the OVA allows us to see the more vulnerable and human side of Houki; something that we only saw bits and pieces of in season 1. We also get a nice new ED song by Youko Hikasa, Houki's Japanese VA. (8/10)

Conclusion
Does this OVA continue the story of Infinite Stratos in any meaningful way? No. Should you still watch it? Yes! Why? Because of the good character moments and the good development of the relationship between Houki and Ichika. If you ask me, character writing should take priority over narrative progression, even when, in theory, any good story should have a healthy balance between both; but this OVA did the right thing by prioritizing the characters over the story because are the vehicles in which we experience the events of the story. The story itself won't matter if it doesn't have characters we grow to care for and sympathize with. I've said that before and I'm sure I'll say it again. (7/10)

This OVA is very kawaii and brings a smile to your face after the original series, "Infinite Stratos".

This episode goes off with a bang for the Charl fans, as Charl starts off at Ichika's house. Afterwards Cecilia, and then the rest of the girls show up. Some slice of life with a small amount of comedy stirs up in the house with all the girls involved. The second half of this OVA ends up with some happy moments involving Ichika and one particular girl out of the five (watch to find out) at a festival. I highly recommend watching this straight after season 1 and ... not skip to season 2.

PREVIEW: I love Infinite Stratos ever since the first episode which aired awhile back. All throughout the show we see Ichika's relationship evolve with the girls specifically Houki. At the end of the IS we see Ichika and Houki about to kiss but then they are interrupted by the group. Overall as viewers we are pretty confident that he would choose Houki as is implied. In the OVA IS: encore our hypotheses are backed up by the fact that he gives Houki special attention.

Please enjoy the review.

--------------Down To the point--------------

Story - 7

The story takes place after the events of the original ... series. It's pretty much a chill slice of life episode taking place just outside the perimeter of the school.Nothing too terrific happens in it tho. Ichika is at home by himself when one by one each of the girls arrive at his place hooping to get a chance to talk to him all alone.He is given a hance to develop his relationship with Houki. My main criticism for the episode is that it feels as if it ends too quickly.

Art - 8

As for the art in IS is it is definitely above average. The art is exactly the same as from the previous IS.It is crisp and clean which in turn leads to visually attractive characters. Their is nothing to really complain about everything is done very well. Specifically movement,dubbing of words, and backrounds ( Trees, mountains, and water) Just to name a few.


Sound - 7

The music was good but not outstanding. We were finally able to hear Kana sing which was a treat. Her voice is different than the previous artist that did the op and end of IS.The voice acting was top notch which is to be expected from a fairly high budget anime. But it was still a treat to hear.


Character - 7

Most of the characters don’t change much with the exception of Houki. She finally was able to overcome her fears of telling Ichika her feelings. Which was definitely a plus. But again the characters did not develop much which is to be expected from a single episode OVA.

Enjoyment - 8

The enjoyment was definetly their. You are presented a slice of life style episode were the characters lay back and enjoy life. The cooking scenes added burts of excitment into the episde.It was enjoyable to see everyone just living, the girls doing what girls do and Ichika being his usual lively self.

Overall - 7

All in all I consider this to be a well done harem anime although their are some unoriginal ideas the series took those ideas and refreshed them and made them better. The best part of this series would have to be the art and story. Which are shown here in the OVA. Lastly it was nice and refreshing to see Ichika and the girls chasing him and having a good time competing for Ichika's attention.

_ _ _ _ _ _ Final Comment _ _ _ _ _ _


If you enjoyed the first IS or you are a fan of Houki be sure to toon in to the OVA IS: Infinite Stratos Encore: Koi ni Kogareru Sextet. You can watch here http://www.animeshippuuden.com/infinite-stratos-ova-1/