"They say people can change, but is that really true? If they decide they want to fly, will they grow wings? I don’t think so. You don’t change yourself. You change how you do things. You have to make your own way. You have to create a way to fly, even while you stay the same. "
―Sora to Shiro
No Game No Life blew up expectations of many (mine too) and managed to become considered one of the best anime's in 2014. It is an interesting assertion to state and here is my reason of what I think:
Story:- 8 out of 10.
We're presented with the very
...
familiar 'trapped in a virtual or game world' setting where we follow the NEET (Not in Educatino, Employment, or Training) sibling duo: blank, Sora and Shiro who have conquered every game in 'real life' by their absurdly high intellect, gaming finesse, strategic prowess and unbreakable affinity with each other.
This new virtual world is by no means your standard generic of games (MMORPG, FPS, RTS and etc), rather it is an open world filled with difference races which must abide by the Law of the Ten Oaths and to resolve everything through 'games'.
Throw those two into this world and you get No Game No Life.
The idea of not being limited to only one archetype of a game genre really contrasts itself from other Virtual/Game World settings. Where you have trivial games like rock paper scissors, and coin tossing that would be an imperative factor for certain situations and even bigger scale games like chess, shooting games and the likes. This broadens the target audience through its variability, and it's likability as a setting.
The concept of having two NEETs who have conquered the real world and are much superior than 'humans' in that respect, to be thrown into an unknown world filled with laws that defy physics (magic, etc), puts the main characters on equal footing to the opponents which help in keeping the characters to stay relatively not over powered.
The games are very nicely executed and are pretty standard - only with the twist in this new setting. They're nicely planned out and explained with logical reasoning afterwards which adds a realistic effect albeit inhumane intelligence. Not to mention, there's almost always a game in every episode which keeps the action refreshing.
I think the plot of the story is easy to figure out - conquer the game.
Art:- 8 out of 10.
This is the definition of different, and refreshing - the style of the art juxtaposes that of the real world's colour palette. Keeping colours sharp and vivid allows the audience to keep in mind the setting is indeed a fantasy setting. The design of the characters and each races are well drawn out and full of moe, remembering it is indeed an ecchi anime. Having appropriate designs for each of the characters, e.g: Sora and Shiro looking rugged as NEET.
The animation quality is of high standards. Keeping the action scenes fresh and innovative where it needs to follow with the protagonists absurd strategic ways.
Sound:- 8 out of 10.
The OP is composed well in conjunction with the animation. It's not a thoughtless opening, it is full of connotations of the anime by introducing characters, the outstanding scenery and a basic idea of what it would be about; suitable for an opening.
The OST/BGM is cleverly composed by adding an 'electronic, gaming' feel towards it supporting the structure of the setting, and having serious music fitting for each scene. It sounds great and is very important in delivering certain expressions of emotion; sadness, resolve - all done very well with respected sounds to achieve the feeling.
The ED is a nice touch showing once again the bond between siblings, sung by Shiro herself which adds a connection and a more personal feel to it. Once again, it's not thoughtless a lot of symbolism about the siblings is integrated into this, and they put an extra touch (you'll see it when you watch it) to it which was very well done - personally one of my favourite parts of the anime.
The voice acting is superb, and each character perfectly fit into each individual role - a lot of well known talented seiyuu's (voice actor/actress). No conflicts here, makes a distinction of each character - voices will be remembered for being distinct.
Character:- 9 out of 10.
This is how you design characters, minus the fan service (but of course thats a +1) and you get nicely designed and lovable characters. The fact that the protagonists are human's let us relate to them especially in a gaming environment as the demographic of viewers are usually gamers as well, and not only that, they have similar interests and references of that we can relate to (moe, moe, moe)
Sora ("sky") - the older brother, half of blank who is more of the strategic, manipulative, out-spoken, intelligent and is very comedic (and sometimes a bit crazy).
Shiro ("white") - the younger sister, half of blank who is more intelligent, has critical thinking and very fast problem solving. Full of moe.
The great thing about the protagonists (blank) is one can't do without each other - this creates the idea that each individual is not over powered at all, but can be when together. (episode 8). Being half-half they complete each other and fill each others lacking aspects, they also have an unbreakable bond of trust with each other which plays a very important role. This especially is true when put into this new world where their oponnents are as insanely intimidating with their powers and experiences, where as individuals they would not be able to do anything.
Their immense teamwork + intelligence play is what makes the series so interesting and fresh (although it does seem very over-powered), they're not powerful through other means of generic power but through what is possible by humans - the greatest weapon: the brain and trust. Certain scenes keep you on the edge of your seats only to be dumbfounded in awe from how it gets resolved, and the best thing? It's logical albeit complex.
Stephanie Dola - she isn't very impactful in action scenes but she's important for creating the base foundation for the story. She's well developed but lacks spotlight and any importance other than what was aforementioned. She's fan service.
The side characters (Jibril, Izuna, etc..) all have likable personalities and serve right as a side-character not having a huge impact but managing to support the plot in their own respected way. Don't forget, fan service.
Enjoyment:- 9 out of 10.
This was my most anticipated anime every week and for the reason of everything stated above. It is definitely a great series with a strong plot, strong character dynamics and development, interesting premise of plot and very nice supportive sounds and art. Not only that but it had very comedic scenes, a lot of fan service added into all the other aspects which really created a package of awesomeness. Definitely recommended for people who enjoy a bit of everything which has been finely refined and well thought out.
In summation, No game No Life was one of the best anime's for me in 2014, with its nicely composed plot and cleverly amalgamating character, sound, art to perfectly create this anime which was a pleasure to watch.
EDIT: Spelling mistakes, grammatical structure, missed out on points. Revised score.
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Jun 26, 2014
No Game No Life
(Anime)
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"They say people can change, but is that really true? If they decide they want to fly, will they grow wings? I don’t think so. You don’t change yourself. You change how you do things. You have to make your own way. You have to create a way to fly, even while you stay the same. "
―Sora to Shiro No Game No Life blew up expectations of many (mine too) and managed to become considered one of the best anime's in 2014. It is an interesting assertion to state and here is my reason of what I think: Story:- 8 out of 10. We're presented with the very ... 
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(Anime)
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