This is my second review, after I've watched the last episode, I will say everything fairly with reasons for my views. Cross Ange is one of those anime that 'HAD' potential to be a mind-breaker but the staff didn't realize that and ruined it with ecchi moments, unnecessary romance,etc.. Here's why:
Plot/Story (10): The plot is the best part of the series. Once you've passed through the first 6-7 episodes, the show starts revealing the history. I know you might feel that the first few episodes were disappointing, but 'I' think they just meant to make you understand each character properly. For example, Hilda's character is
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meant to be that bully that shows you how the 'New-comer' isn't accepted by all. Every episode revealed bits and pieces of story, You never find out anything until just the perfect moment and you're left amazed. In other words, it adopted a great way of presenting the story. Yes, the first 6 episodes or so, are a bit disappointing but trust me, it gets better and better until your mind explodes. I can take in whatever the first 6 episodes offer without much problem.
Characters (9): Voice Acting is an important factor for any character. The Voice Acting is here, is as beautiful as needed, you can feel their emotions just like other great anime. The characters are represented nicely, for example "Hilda" being the bully at first who turns her friend. Chris is the 'left-out' type, Jill is the smart commander that always know what to do. Salia feels herself left out too while Vivian is simply "I'm cool no matter what" type. You may find Ange to be a bit aggressive, but that is no legit reason to rate it badly, it's part of the story and the anime shouldn't be rated bad considering the behavior of a character. Now for the bad part: The lesbian content in the anime is too high, some people find it unbearable. Of course, I have no problem 'ignoring' it, but that isn't the case with everyone. So this is the point where I deduct a point from my rating. I did find that ecchi scenes completely unnecessary. If you take out those parts you are left with a perfect masterpiece that deserves 10/10, but unfortunately as the staff tried to push that 'stuff' into the show, it damaged the anime badly. Ange, the main character, was a princess once. She treated Norma like they're not humans. In other words, she hated them just like every other 'human'. I find this great that in a SINGLE day, she is converted from a pampered Princess into her worst nightmare, it happens all of a sudden. Everything was normal in the morning and at the same night, she had lost her mother, father, her identity, her freedom and everything else. Ange finds herself in despair, not accepting the fact that she's a Norma, the same 'creatures' that she found pathetic once, and always disobeys her orders. As time passes by, she starts accepting the fact and loses herself completely, knowing that it's all blood shedding in her life until she dies. Then she meets Tusk, who gives her hope of 'humanity' among Normas, however, she still wants to escape. When she escapes, she finds out that every 'human' including her remaining family members want her dead. She realized that the humans are not actually humans, she then develops a friendly relation with other Normas, determined to destroy the Human world. He then develops a deep relation with Tusk and there you go, till you reach the final episodes, Ange is transformed from a Princess to a Killing tool and then to a caring and daring, bold girl.
Artwork (9): To me, the artwork looks at its best. It's not perfect of course, but it's as good as required. I never saw any flaw in the main characters, I can allow a little relaxation in the background or supporting characters. The mechas(robots) are nicely polished (Pun not intended), and the colors are also beautiful. Yes, the dressing and the uniforms may be somewhat pushing the show towards sexual stuff, but overall, they're not always pushing you into that.
Soundtrack (10): I wouldn't be surprised to see great soundtrack supporting the great plot. The music is amazing. As a vital part of the story, they have inserted those "Endless songs"(It has alternate names) that provoke a sense of excitement every time you hear one. The Opening and Ending songs are nothing below amazing. Trust me when I say this, you have to get the OST for this.
Enjoyment (10): There was too much hype, at least for me when I was just near the end of an episode. They always left you on a cliff-hanger and that made the next episode even more interesting. I do like many other anime, but this anime, for some reason gave me the most excitement and enjoyment. You just couldn't wait a whole week for the next episode.
Conclusion (10/10): There's something I'd like to mention here: I think I'm not the only one who rates many shows 8+. I think the reason behind it is that we bring all our emotions into it. When I hear the ending song of Cross Ange and all those characters pass by, I can't help but think about their dark past and their hard times. I think everyone needs to bring some feelings into such anime. Please, don't always expect action. Try to connect the personality of each character with your emotions. I'm sure it will help you a lot to love all that you've ever hated. Overall, the ONLY thing that I found "BAD" in the anime was the insertion of ecchi scenes/ lesbian romance or whatever you call it, into a mecha based anime. It left a bad impact on people otherwise I'm ready to bet on the fact that if the haters ignore these facts, they will rate the series 8+ for everything else it has to offers. Even the show itself, after it comes out of the '6' episodes, makes you realize that while there will still be a few ecchi moments, that isn't the sole thing it has to offer. Otherwise, Everything else is great. I rate it 9/10 for such an amazing work. I expect another season if they can manage without more nudity and lesbian scenes... Thank you for reading this far!
Mar 31, 2015
This is my second review, after I've watched the last episode, I will say everything fairly with reasons for my views. Cross Ange is one of those anime that 'HAD' potential to be a mind-breaker but the staff didn't realize that and ruined it with ecchi moments, unnecessary romance,etc.. Here's why:
Plot/Story (10): The plot is the best part of the series. Once you've passed through the first 6-7 episodes, the show starts revealing the history. I know you might feel that the first few episodes were disappointing, but 'I' think they just meant to make you understand each character properly. For example, Hilda's character is ... |
