I know there have been gripes with the changes that have been made but guys come on. Change happens, and while not the way we want, the story is expanding. And there are great gems to be had in this OVA. (get it? Three gems?)
Anywhoo:
Story: Kajishima returns for a new addition to the Tenchi franchise. I, like many others, gripped at the changes back when I first saw it but coming back into them, they are good. It's a YMMV experience but I recommend it.
The story has brought it's A to B game with new characters and certain stories that fans of the first 2 OVAs have been itching to learn about.
If there is to be one complaint, it's that it feels that there are not enough episodes for all the info we received. Maybe if it had been an 8 to 10 OVA fans wouldn't have been a bit left down. But isn't it great that a story had them hooked that had them wanting more.
Art: Another thing that frazzled both me and other fans was the change in art direction. It was weird but recalling it, a new art style should not have been that jarring. Art changes all the time. The medium has changed from the traditional old cell style to the new.
Again a YMMV but it grows on you if you let it.
Sound: The soundtrack still retains that mysticism and comedic tone that it held in OVA 1 and 2. Nothing to detract or add here.
Character: Whoo. I went back in and I gotta say that while things have become a bit more wacky and slapstick, the character arcs have progressed well from the preceding anime and the growth here is well established. Let's just say, the feels are going to be hit and it won't just be on the side of the heroes.
Enjoyment: For new guys, Tenchi OVA 3 is a fun romp going in. There are things for the new fans to enjoy and a bit of trivia to help them with the backstories. For new fans, it will be good to see the old cast in a new situation and see them develop closer as a family. Just don't get too hung up on the nostalgia.
Overall: I give OVA 3 of Tenchi Muyo Ryo-Ohki an 9.3 out 10. It is a great continuation to the old OVA and once more fuels the need for more Tenchi.
Please give it a try and be open minded. That's all I ask.
