Fortune Arterial: Akai Yakusoku - Tadoritsuita Basho

First review, and I can't believe it's for an OVA!

Going in to an OVA to conclude what has been a disappointment (imo) of a series in Fortune Arterial, I did not hold any real expectation for the OVA. In fact, if it did worse than the series, I would not have been surprised, but turns out, I was surprised in a much different manner.

In short, I gave this OVA a 9 across the boards, simply because it was so much greater than the series for lack of better words. The story that was so jumbled in the series took a more coherent turn for the ... better, as development of the story takes place. The great thing about this OVA is that the story of it does not focus on one thing, but it incorporated many activities that the group participate in, and we see how it drives the story forward.

Art and Sound were solid, so no complaints.

Character is where this OVA shines. Going a bit back to the story development, I believe it directly tied into character development as we see characters progress substantially from their series counterpart. Characters that were never really explored had a chance to come out and see them for their glory and greatness. I am trying to be as ambiguous as possible so I don't spoil any part of the OVA, but you will understand by the ending scene how much we see these characters seemingly grow over the course of 20 mins.

For enjoyment, I rated it a 9, just because going in, this would be the last of Fortune Arterial. I was a bit bummed out that there will be no season 2, but I hope others can still enjoy the OVA as much as I did.

Overall, a score of 9 does this OVA justice, especially if we factor in how poorly the series did. As mentioned before, only 20 mins for this OVA. This is definitely worth checking out and worth the effort if you went ahead and already finished the series.

As with many OVAs, Fortune Arterial's doesn't contribute much to the series other than some additional conversations and a particularly long onsen section with partial nudity. If you're looking for some explanation/better conclusion for the series you're going to be disappointed. Nonetheless, the episode comes across as a fairly easy watch with a few interesting moments mixed in. Still, I'm not quite sure how the OVA is currently rated higher than the main show...

Animation:
I watched a low-res version of this OVA so I can't really judge the sharpness/detailing relative to the original. For the most part everything is consistent with the main series but plus ... the aforementioned ecchi scene.

Sound:
You get the standard TV OP and ED, same BGM, and same VAs.

Story:
This OVA takes place after the events of the TV series where the council (and some others) are relaxing after a successful school festival. They take a trip to a beach house where various activities take place (tennis, onsen, etc.). There isn't any serious plot behind any of the events and, most unfortunately, no further explanation of how Kouhei will resolve Erika's little family problem.

Character:
There is absolutely no additional character development in this OVA. All you can expect is what results from taking the main cast and plopping them by a lakeside cabin; all characters seem to behave consistent with their personalities in the main series. Except that you'd think Erika and Kouhei would have made some progress by now...

Value:
This is your typical "for fans only" OVA. If you liked Fortune Arterial, then this may be a fun addition. Just don't watch it expecting a more satisfying conclusion.

Oh really? An OVA? As if watching the first season wasn't bad enough, I am tempted to watch the OVA just to conclude this "harem" anime in my long list of harem animes (and maybe at the same time, the OVA would provide some answers to how the problems in the first season was resolved so easily, but no luck here)

What was I expecting.. It's an OVA, at best you would get is a bunch fanservice in the form of carefully planned trip to I don't know, somewhere that you would have to put less to no amount of clothes. So it would be either ... be a beach, a pool or a hotsprings. Since the first two had been done in the first season, your guesses are correct. HOTSPRINGS! So yeah, all you manly guys out there are ready with your guns but please, put that away, the amount of "fanservice time" given isn't even barely enough for you to capture a mental image for your manly standards.

Art and music quality is remains the same. So did the opening and ending songs. Yes, you heard me correctly, the OP and ED songs are still the same! If you would just labeled this episode, episode 13 (which somehow feels that way) no one would even complain.

Is there development for characters for this particular episode? Nope, don't expect to see the love between Erika and Kouhei to develop. He's still running into her naked. But yeah he escapes with just a smack to the face. Lucky guy. Where I'm from, if I see a real life girl naked, my eyes would get gouged
out. Expect no development on Erika's vampirsm nature as well.
"What? She's a vampire??"
Yes for those who did not watch the first season, she is a vampire..
"That would explains why she glitters under the sun!"
Yes that would explain why she..... Wait.. What?

So what's so enjoyable watching this OVA? If you manage to watch through the entire season, then a little bit more wouldn't hurt you now would it? Especially somehow, in this episode, the haremic aura seems stronger than usual. Even the Ice Queen, Kuze, falls head over heels for Kouhei. Oh, but he didn't get the little girl. Something about a new law Japan enact banning lolicon themes? However brother-sister love in still present which means, the law on incest must not be in power yet.

Overall, this was a HAPPY anime no matter how tragic they made it seem. I haven't seen such a happy anime since Shukufu no Campanella. Attempt to break from the harsh of circle of harem, failed. Does this OVA signal the creation of the second season? Perhaps not. If you have time to kill and you are a fan of the visual novel, they why not waste your time on this OVA? I mean, you probably wasted 5 minutes reading this review, so why not another 25mins?

Haremu Kingu,
Signing off!