First thing first don't be deterred by the first episodes. It introduce a lot of characters right at the episode 1, and give the setting in the form of a documentary. Honestly, it's quite boring, listening to a off voice telling us about the company, giving a short presentation of every students and other details about the universe. The way everything is introduced is bad and it's understandable that people would stop at this point. However, once you get past that, you find a captivating anime about corporation war while you may think with the opening that it's about space ships races.
Story : 9
The plot resolves around an elite classroom in space engine development which is about to be downsized since it brings no results for their alloted budget. A student is transferred in the class as a boss in other to do the downsizing but the story turn after a few episodes into political schemes, family conflicts, hidden past and romance. Overall, there are a lot of turnabout and cliffhanger which keeps make you want for more.
Art and Sound : Good
Nothing especially remarkable in the art. The characters designs are ok and the animation isn't bad. The spaceship aren't too flashy. It's agreeable to watch and I don't see bad points.
The soundtrack on the other end is very good. The opening by Lay Duce is catchy and quite enjoyable, and the ending by Claris is also good. The OST fit in the situations and are pleasants to listen. I usually don't remember the OST but this one caught my ear. The studio even let you enjoy it by using it in scenes without dialogues.
Characters : 9
The protagonists are well developed, with some interesting revelations and changes in their attitude and conduct as the story progress. The others students in the classroom don't have this opportunity but aren't bad. The antagonists are quite good, with a raging psychopath who only ask to be hated (he fulfills his role at least) and a calm and calculating one.
Enjoyment : 10
I enjoyed it very much, the numerous turnabout and the character development keep you on your toes. You may need to pay attention to understand some corporates and political schemes but in the end, the episode is over before you know it.
Overall : 9
Yes, this anime is not flawless. Yes, it won't appeal to you if you're not interested in a corporation's interior conflict. I'm probably biased by giving it a 9 when I found the first 2 episodes quite average but this show how much the rest is captivating. It won't fit everyone's taste but I hope that you will give this anime a chance because I loved it.
Worth mentionning : Some people may be turned off right away just by seeing Maruto Fumiaki in the composition, author of the very controversed Saekano. Well, I'm one of those who didn't like Saekano one bit, but I watched this anime without prejudice and it was a good watch in the end.
