Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata ♭

This is the second season of Saekano and like it should it starts of after the ending of the first one.
I liked the first season but to me it didn't seem to be anything special or worth remembering, i mean you had the best girl fight like you have in any harem show nowadays, but this second season just raised the bar so high that it kept me waiting and hoping that thursday would finally come so i could watch this show.
Story - 9
-This story is very straightforward, you have the MC, Tomoya and his circle trying to make ... this game happen. Althought they sure as hell struggle a lot in the meanwhile, making the actual completition of the game a lot more rewarding in general.
Art - 10
-The art in saekano was just plain fenomenal, from the ecchi parts to the emocional parts, it was totally outstanding for the harem type of show.
Sound - 8
-The sound was good throught the series, i've seen better and i've seen worse. Nothing to complain here althought near the end there were some really good songs in the emocional moments.
Caracters - 9
-The main caracter oh well it's your harem protagonist, has all the girls but since he is an otaku doesn't really want any of them. That can sometimes get a bit anoying, but he is the key caracter in the story after all. The girls on the other hand, might have "cliched" personalities like the childhood friend tsundere and so on but the anime actually jokes with that a lot and that makes it really entertaning. All of the girls have interesting aspects about them and make the story was more interesting overall. And yes this is the type of show where everyone fights about the best girl.
Enjoyment and overall - 9
-This show for sure raised the bar and for sure is a must watch for those who enjoyed the first season, but speaking personally, mostly near the end, this series became something that i felt growing, the caracters, their struggles and everything arround them changed in this 23 episodes. I loved the ending and overall loved the series as a whole. This is not your average harem show with no plot at all, Saekano has a story and is really nicely executed.
Thanks for reading this far, and if you just skipped to see the end, tldr it was an awesome show and you should give it a try for sure.

After stumbling across this series and binge-watching the entirety of Season 1, with regard to this season, I think I was able to get more enjoyment overall from the show. I felt like this season there was more focus on the character dynamics between Tomoya, Megumi, Utaha and Eriri. As a result I felt like they were able to get much more character development than I felt they did in Season 1.
I feel like Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata is one of the better anime in the Harem genre and it doesn't really have many of the failings one might find when watching anime with Harem ... within it. The only perceived negative I can give the show is maybe the way it handles the fan service and even then it doesn't bother me personally.
If you watched season 1 of this anime and you are considering giving season 2 a go, I can recommend you do it. You will enjoy just as much, if not more than Season 1!

I hope we can get a Third Season!

The road for a ‘Creative’ is a long and difficult one. The pressure of meeting deadlines, constantly improving yourself, and ultimately making something that you want is a struggle that many artists find themselves in as they try and share with the world the vision that they have. And so we find ourselves with the second season of Saekano, as we see the conclusion of what the doujin circle ‘Blessing Software’ has to offer.

Story: Picking off from the first season, Saekano Flat (which I will refer to as ‘Flat’ for the rest of the review) continues the story of Tomoya Aki and ... the rest of Blessing Software as they complete the destined galge that the group’s members have been tirelessly working on.

Similar to its first season, Flat refines and solidifies the cast’s struggles and relationships with each other alongside the characters’ progress with the development of the game. In particular, the show focuses heavily on two of the main female leads, Utaha and Eriri, as they come to terms with their lives as creators and what it is they want, as many of the show’s conflicts and problems are centered around these two and the kind of goals they have for themselves and with Tomoya. As such, the story feels a lot more personal for these girls, and the screentime is used as such to dedicate moments and developments that center around them, thus giving the audience a better understanding of their characterization.

An issue with the story however is how much of an imbalance there is with the characterization. Personally, I feel like Eriri’s portion of the story is far stronger while Utaha’s feels muted in comparison. Utaha’s struggles just don’t seem as impactful when compared to how the series builds up Eriri and the kinds of things she deals with later on in the series. I chalk that up more on the series using Eriri as the series’ climax, but it still does feel unfair when looking at the two at face value.

Another is how the rest of the main cast, Tomoya and Kato, have their problems mostly have their problems shoved to the side. Tomoya kind of averts this problem by being a core aspect that influences the rest of the cast, and as such, gains growth and the ability to grow from that, but Kato mostly gets shoved to the side and only really gets to shine in 1-2 episodes as the main focus. The way they present her is nice, but I honestly wished that they did more with her than just do what they did with her.

With all of these factors in play, the show ultimately culminates into an ending that I would largely describe as ‘fitting’ given the kinds of factors put in play. It’s not the most dramatic ending, especially compared to some of the more high-tension scenes from previous episodes. But it is what I feel like is a very fitting ending for the series and ends on a high note all things considering, as the show still retains its comedic charm despite all of the drama that had happened before.

Overall, Flat was a solid second season that had many good and bittersweet aspects to it that culminated into a well-rounded show. Indeed the imbalance of dedication and time spent on the characters made some seem more important than others, but its usage of the artist struggle and personal desire to excel contrasting the struggle of personal vs. professional life made up for a good portion of the mistakes that the show ended up making on its journey to the end. (You know, despite it only having eleven episodes. Eleven episodes for a cour is weird.)

Overview:
+ Finished story (because many anime don’t actually do this.)
+ Drastic characterization (with consequences and bittersweet moments)
- Imbalance with how drastic characterization is between characters

Characters: The cast itself doesn’t change much between seasons, so instead of a general rundown, I’m going to be talking more about the specifics on some of the cast shifts.

Most prominently for the series are Utaha and Eriri. As mentioned before, these two are Flat’s centerpiece when compared to the one arc they each got in season one. Compared to season one focusing more on them licking at old wounds, Flat shows the girls and their attempts at looking towards the future as the show asks the question: What happens once the game’s finished? I praised the show before for given a realistic spin on the idealistic ‘harem’ scenario, as each of the girls have their own separate lives and personalities apart from their involvement with the game and Tomoya, and Flat gives further evidence for that fact as the story progresses. You see these girls blossom by themselves as individual character, and it’s a really nice change of pace that in my opinion separates this show from other harem/drama shows, and as such, gives itself a positive identity.

Then there’s Tomoya. If I really had to pin down what Tomoya does, it would be riding off of the ‘character development train’ that both Eriri and Utaha forge ahead on. Most of Tomoya’s characterization and struggle comes off from those two girls as he sees the result of his actions and comes to terms with what has to be done with all of them. While yes he has a few unsightly moments, it results in a lot of genuine growth that is again, something that’s a nice change of pace. It sucks that it comes from a source that’s not him, but it doesn’t really hurt the series that much when you put it in context.

Kato however doesn’t do all that much. As mentioned before, she only has like…one, may one and a half episodes dedicated to her. She mostly plays a background role to all of this rather than the ‘main heroine’ as the series (namely Tomoya) made her out to be. The one episode she does get in the middle fixes several of the problems that we encounter, but doesn’t really justify her lack of involvement if you ask me.

Comparatively, the rest of the cast is hardly there. Because the show is so heavily focused on our main 4 characters, everyone else is basically shoved to the side and if anything, act as a slight instigator to some sections of the plot. It’s a shame too, because characters like the Hashima siblings and Michiru had potential; they just weren’t used much at all. (They do point this out in the show, however it doesn’t rectify the problem.)

Overview:
+ Heavy main characterization
- Kato does very little (And that’s a bad thing if you ask me.)
- The supporting cast basically does nothing.

Art: Produced by A-1, the art for Saekano is the same light and gentle artstyle that it had back in season one. The red highlights on the eyebrows for the girls still bother me, but there really isn’t much different or bad in the way of the art department.

There are also quite a number of camera shots that’re intentionally framed for fanservice (mostly involving Utaha actually) however. I’d argue that it’s tasteful fanservice, since the circumstances that they come about could actually happen in real life to some degree. They’re not really that common, and if noticed, don’t really impact the story or anything of that sort to any major degree.

Overview:
+ Pretty much the same art as Season 1
+/- Fanservice shots (Some people still don’t like fanservice no matter what it is.)

Sound: The new OP and ED for Flat, “Stella Breeze” and “Sakura-iro Diary” both share a similar style as being bright and gentle pieces with a slight bit of energy and a hint of somberness to them. Both of them are actually quite nice, and personally, I think that they’re a good reflection for the series that they’re a part of.

My only complaint is how similar the two of them sound. They both share such a similar tone in sound that I’d argue that you could switch the two around and you could achieve a similar effect in the series. Overall though, really nice tracks, though I’d also argue that they’re not quite that memorable? Yeah, I’ll go with that.

Overview:
+ Good tracks that reflect the series
- Sound very samey

Personal Enjoyment: With the plethora of harem/romance shows that I have haphazardly slapped onto my list, it becomes an increasingly difficult trial for me to find many harem shows that I would not only actually enjoy, but also find interesting due to how samey many of them feel while watching. Saekano not only gives me that interesting harem story that I was looking for, but also speaks to me as a creator and gives me a way to relate to these characters. So for that reason, Saekano is one of my all-time favorites in the category.

Did I like this series?

I did. I really did. Despite it having a very, very bittersweet climax and resolution, I really enjoyed the characters and the story. Not only that, but I like how Saekano itself acts as a bit of a parody of the harem genre because all of the characters know and avoid the general conventions of the genre while also proving itself to be more than just a show with several girls chasing after him. The character interactions are also really, really fun to watch.

What didn’t I like about this series?

Personally, I just don’t like the climax. Not for how it was presented or how it was written, but for how it hits me personally. It’s very hard to make decisions like that, and as a fan of the series; it’s an understandably bittersweet moment to witness because if I may be honest, I like the entire main cast; maybe Kato more than anyone, but I still like everyone.

Would I recommend this series?

If you watched Season one, watch Flat. I promise you won’t regret it. (Or maybe you will because you, like me, have personal attachment to these characters. I don’t know.) If you haven’t, I would suggest this show highly. It’s has a lot of merit to it, and tells a complete story about the problems with personal life vs. professional life combined with the struggles with being a creator, a topic that not that many anime actually cover despite itself being an art medium.

first, i will talk about the art. the art is amazing. how the animator draws the eye, the curve of the body, and the animation is remarkable. The characters's eye reminds me about Grisaia's art. Though the studio is different. Nice art, A-1 Pictures.

about music is still far compared to season 1, which gives the Icy Tail a chance for them to perform. But in season 2 they do not appear even once.

About the character, the main character is too weak and can make the audience feel the anger is quite extraordinary. especially when he refused to come to pick up eriri when she was ... sick. but it turns out he came and decided to come. even if it sacrifices the games they have striven for.
about other characters they are quite good and can offset the 'standard' character of an anime. there are some characters such as silent / moody (kasumi), tsundere stubborn (eriri), plain and kind (megumi), and jolly also aggressive (michiru).

About the story, it's pretty good. about how Japanese creators are faced with a difficult choice, reaching any way to get to the top, overcoming how to deal with setbacks, and how to make decisions to develop.

Then about how the main character creates a heroine of dreams, from the way they speak, behave, answer questions, respond to others, that's pretty impressive. to pick out clothes on heroine to become a real heroine.
But still, season 1 is more fun. I feel this 2nd season is too explain a lot of less important things even can run from the main storyline. let alone the flow that makes the kasumi and eriri out of the group. although it was good enough for them, but I was a bit disappointed. but I can not reason much about it. because such a thing is needed for their creators to flourish.

The funny thing is that when both of them missed the train and the kasumi said that if he belonged to the main character and his life was in the grip of the main character, I was a little happy because it might just make them fail to join Akane and stay with the blessing software. but that would not be possible. is indeed a dilemma.

thanks for reading my first review of MAL. enjoy!

To keep it simple, I like this show. It's not one of those typical harem show that would've suffice the needs of all horny men as a fap material, and of those that like to be teased by an animated sexy and cute 2D girl where real sex never really happen in this show, despite how turned on the MC should've been in those situation. In this case, Saenai Heroine no sodatekata is one of those rare show where the MC lacks the libido, or aka, sexual lust for 3D women; even if they're a cute blonde loli tsundere whose reputation and status as a ... cute or one of the beautiful girls in school are apparent and is accredited in a beauty contest (she's also half western and is rich as fuck) . Or, his own fucking sexy cousin, who would wear little clothing at home, even in the same room as the MC with no shame and tact. Or, a girl who's acclaimed to be one of the popular writer and perfect in aspects any male would want: beautiful, intelligent, graceful, cold, and composed. Or a girl with a dull personality, demeanor and manner of speech, but is apparently a main heroine to his ideal 2D girl's character.

The situation as a whole seem far fetched from reality, and it really is, considering that all of these successful (well two of them) girls flock over the MC like he's the only man there is for them to be with. In a situation like this we would be expecting a story or themes, just like in any harem anime, revolving around romance, jealousy, forbidden love, guilt and so on. But this anime doesn't only explores only that, it explored a sort of rivalry experience as the story do go on a route of creating a game, with the dull girl, Kato, as an ideal heroine, and to become one of the best game out there. The story is somewhat similar to bakuman and shirobako. Both anime explored the inner working of a team working on an anime, in this case, this anime explores the inner working and the experience of a team working on a visual novel, with an acclaimed light novel author as the lead of the script writing team (as she's the only one lol), and one of the ingenious blonde loli with great adroitness to drawing ability (and again, the only one working on it). The team is basically his harem, where their specialty are delegated to the right place on the team for creating a game.

Additionally, the dialogue may not be as great or rivaled the monogatari series. The dialogue is actually written in a very humorous and witty manner with its metaphors, subtle complains or insults, breaking the 4th wall and such. So this does make the entirety of the show not as boring as it seem. Although, in some part of the show I gotta admit, I almost fall asleep or have the inclination to skim over it.

Another quality of this anime that makes this show so great or fun to watch is basically, the character are cute, unique and likable. But ofc, this naturally boils down to your personal interests for a character, for a certain set of personality and appearances, though, some character may seem to be the cliche type, while some, like Katou, would be one of the unique ones in the show.

As such, give this anime a go even if you're not a harem fan. As i'm not a huge harem fan myself, it just seem like it's fine for me for an anime to be a harem show, when the MC is an otaku that have no sexual desire for an actual female in the real world, or is actually a pervert much like any other harem MC there is. And just to be warned, the fanservice is kinda heavy on this one, though they are very self aware on this one lmao. If you watch the episode 0 of season 1 or 2, you will see the 4th wall crumbling down as the character voiced their honest complain or statement about this anime. Oh and much like Oreimu, the anime also explored shit like people hating on Otaku culture and other such serious subjects that may come up in the story.

maybe that makes this anime interesting is the story line, yes of course where the scene of eriri & utaha want to leave the group of game maker where the scene is in show that actually eriri & utaha not want to leave the group game maker where the scene that makes me touched why so long group walking must release two members that are so valuable. I think in addition to the side of the story I also want to review about the art project, which I think this part is difficult to do from this anime I judge from the making of the ... image character 10/10 that makes this anime becomes more well again because this anime is made by studio that i like most. i will always wait whether saekano got seasson 3? and did the eriri and utaha accommodate the group making the Game?

Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata was good... Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata ♭ was better.

Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata's first season was something of a introduction to the dojin team of blessing software of Eriri, Utaha, Tomoya, Michiru and Megumi and finished once the entire team being recruited with half of their first game being done and it was a decent look at the visual novel industry by the eyes of fans turned creator-like anime. Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata ♭ progress further from this by going through the character arcs that was sorely needed from the first season.

Let's start with Utaha Kasumigaoka where her arc has parallels to ... blessing software's game plotline to the situation of Utaha thinking of leaving blessing software due to her job being done thus she placed onto Tomoya's hands as a producer annnnnnnnd...her arc was saved by Megumi but nonetheless Utaha still had involvement after her arc ended was great as LA was already LA's best girl for this anime (something about her flirting and teasing and just her silver tongue just had something appealing for a character...like Hitagi Senjougahara without her killing yandere intent). Eriri's arc was more focused on her "artist block" and it helped her as a character as well as Tomoya as a producer for blessing software in trying to help Eriri get out of her funk. As much as Eriri's arc in the first season made her out to be a jealous tsundere spoiled childhood friend archetype this arc definitely helped albeit LA is slightly biased towards Eriri as a character due to LA's affiliation and liking to Utaha more, nonetheless Eriri's dilemma about her unable to make illustrations and the creative block she had was a good arc for her. Megumi's arc was short in a ways but nonetheless she had more intimate moments with Tomoya throughout this season but also Megumi showed one glaring problem with Tomoya to herself and that was Tomoya didn't ask for her help even though she clearly asked him several times leading to "what is the point of thrusting Megumi into the world of otaku and visual novels, if your not gonna use her" and thankfully was something Tomoya repaid and gave Megumi more development outside from her archetype...of having no archetype and being original and new.

The final arc introduced us to Akane Kosaka voiced by Hitomi Nabatame wanting to scout out Eriri and Utaha after blessing software finished their game and this leads to a crossroads for Tomoya and blessing software's future (as well as now not having anyone to lean on for help), though this final arc is centred around Tomoya losing two of his main developers but it also granted Tomoya to step up and be the producer even after they leave though trying to get back Megumi and LA actually doesn't blame Eriri and Utaha leaving to find bigger fish and their careers were on the line to go and do better things and LA doubt they would be spiteful to Tomoya considering all the effort he did to be a better producer in the long run to do so (and also their part of Tomoya's harem). However as LA says this, the final episode does kind of spit in LA's face at the aforementioned statement about Eriri and Utaha leaving but through a different cause and Utaha's spontaneity might have saved this finale but still the sentiments in LA statement rather stupid as a result and makes the finale look like a typical light novel ending.

In terms of animation done once again A1-Pictures, the animation was great from the character designs to backgrounding and even the coloration of the scene to make it look more striking is back from the first season as well as the self-aware camera during the fanservice moments...especially Utaha's *ahem* nonetheless, the animation was superb from A1-Pictures even with them cutting corners at times.

Going off on a little tangent as LA KNOWS someone might brings this up, but what's the difference between you favouring Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata over Shoujo-tachi wa Kouya wo Mezasu?, well that is actually quite easy, aside from both being the same scthick of characters with certain professions wanting to create a visual novel in high school, Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata had the edge with not only with his meta-humour and even using it's meta-humour to talk about visual novel and it's processes, it's characters also meant something to do or even outside of melodrama and their problems in creating something such as a visual novel. Shoujo-tachi wa Kouya wo Mezasu on the other hand used it's characters haphazardly to the point certain characters were used more as gimmick and their melodrama were more focused on a romantic-edge than a creative one. Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata also wins easily because of it's likable characters and atmosphere, Shoujo-tachi wa Kouya wo Mezasu only brought out it's melodrama for the sake of it.

Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata ♭ is a definite watch for those Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata fans and probably even more to the harem member of your choice (sans Michiru..she's the shameless incest fanservice girl in this season with hardly a focus on her as her arc finished in the first season) with drama that means something in the long run both from a character perspective as well as the creative and character relations developing even further from it's predecessors. Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata ♭ may have it's problems (especially when it comes to which harem member you like the most and how that affects your alternate character implications to this second season) but this is a conflicted strong end to an anime series that liked to jab at character archetypes WITH a certain characters with no archetype.

Utaha Kasumigaoka is still best girl of this anime AND for LA's Waifu of Spring 2017 because of this season though...

While the first season was about how to be a team, this second season is ironically about how to be an individual.

Before the second season begins, the ragtag doujin circle named Blessing Software has had old-school fun as they take on one and only agenda: creating the finest doujin dating sim at Winter Comiket. However, as soon as the second season rolls, things start becoming more ambitious and therefore, more complicated.

Before, the male protagonist Aki Tomoya was simply a diehard otaku charging on a mission that --admittedly-- was more self-satisfactory than collective. All the girls surrounding him were "artists first, friends second" in his eyes ... and he settled for simply being a fan. Regardless, his crew decided to play along only for the sake of the challenge and the friendships and the shared love for doujinshi. Now for Tomoya, being an otaku doesn't fly anymore. If he wants to take everything to the next level, he realizes that he has to be a proper producer-slash-creator-slash-artist because his crew is no longer a bunch of quirky, otaku, overtly hormonal teenage girls-- they are all professional artists who are just too damn good to stay being a fan. What happens when the doujin circle becomes too small for their talents? What happens when such talents are in jeopardy of being unable to grow?

This is not to say that the Saekano series makes a drastic turn and becomes too serious. Trust me, all the classic dating sim satire and multiple shots of fan-service sequence are never running out of stock. Once again, the 'boring heroine' Katou Megumi is a blast and constantly present in reminding us that Planet Earth is still the setting of this romantic chaos. However, it is truly a breathtaking experience seeing a simple piece of entertainment serve a pretty deep lesson on life. After all, as Saekano teaches us, there is no big difference between artists, imaginary girlfriends, and human beings: that growth is undeniable and there's always that next arc.

#felixlovesanime

Whaaaat? Are you telling me that Saekano has now an actual plot and that it's not just your average ecchi harem comedy anymore?
Yeah, you've read it right, the secon season of Saekano was a good surprise, the first episodes continued where the first season left and as it continued the characters have shown some development, especially the girls. Even Katou abandoned her flat self for some time, and this is huge.
This season is way better than the first one. Yeah, there are still those ecchi shoots and there's still lots of fanservice, but the story has its important role now. The last episodes really ... gave a good twist to this series and I'm glad for that.
The art and sound are still ok, as in the first season.
The end was baffling though, but I'll be really looking forward to watching a third season.

One last thing: Katou best girl.

Overall this anime and story is amazing.
With amazing Graphics and story will make us enjoy it. And this story really make me motivate. from the story you will get feeling like "this is amazing". character feelings, you will feel various of emotion and feelings. Character hard work, Make us motivate!.Amazing art, make us more enjoying this anime.
Actually i never motivate this much as long i watching anime and read manga. I really thankful for Fumiaki Maruto sensei. I'll be wait for next project and hope something amazing like this. This anime is really recommends for any ages and anime lovers. ...
Can't wait for the movie release in my area!

The best harem anime i have watch. At first, you will thought it is only mainstream harem anime, with bad romance and a lot of service. But trust me, it only for introduction. The main story appear in season 2.

The story is very well build, with a plot twist in climax part. But it is very important for characterization. Don't doubt about art and music, because it produced by A-! Pictures

So, if you'r looking harem anime, i absolutely recommended it. Although it is not the best, it is veeerrryyyy good romance comedy drama Anime.
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also, i will tell you that 3 ship that sail in ... the first season, two of them will sink :)

THIS IS A SPOILER-FREE REVIEW

After the lighthearted fun of season one, i originally wasn´t that excited for season two. The show was good yes, but it didn´t really do something in particular to really stand out from the rest. So after watching the first few episodes of season two, i was extremely surprised. This was everything i wanted from a show like this.

Story - 8/10

Wow, i did not expect this to be as mature and well written as it was. If season one was a lighthearted story about getting a group of friends together for a project, this was about holding the group together and ... making your dreams come true. There are huge obstacles in the way of our team this time, obstacles that way exceed everything they thought about in the beginning. The show takes it´s time and talks about some topics that i have never seen portrayed in other anime of it´s genre. The writing has improved significantly so your eyes are just glued to the screen. The fanservice has been toned down a lot, although still prevalent in the shot composition. The ending was fantastic, with some incredibly heartwarming and fun moments. But this show also has it´s dramatic parts, and managed to make them all work out. None of the drama feels cheap or thrown in, everyone has a good reason for their actions. It constantly makes you think about the actions of the main character, because at it´s root, all the different problems directly link back to him, without him thinking he is doing anything wrong. Sometimes, you being to nice or considerate can actively hold someone back without you realising it. The theme of letting go from the past is also done well, especially in episode 10 with it´s shocking cliffhanger. I also have to mention that this show manages to tell a story about making a romance visual-novel without the existence of ANY romance between the characters themselves. This just shows that the writer knew that something like this would just not fit the shows themes, at least up to this point. There are however some setups for the future of this story: although this is the last season, there is still a final movie which at the moment is my most anticipated movie on MAL. If they manage to round out this story with a good ending for our main MC, this could actually become one of the genres standout titles.

Art - 7/10

I think the artstyle has improved from season one actually. The character designs were notably lighter and smoother than before and i think they had a lot more expression than last time. I´d also point out that there were a lot more opportunities for the staff of A-1 to incorporate realistic backgrounds in their work. All the artwork by Eriri Sawamura looks incredible, the visual-novel aesthetic never fails to impress me. They also did something very interesting in the stylistic department of the show. Every character has a specific colour palette to them (Eriri yellow, Utaha red etc.) and every time that there is an introduction shot the show paints the frame in the colour of the character that just appeared, giving the show a little plus when it comes to the visual identity.

Sound – 8/10

The opening is a step up from season one, as it is more unique while also setting up the slight mood shift of this season. I skipped the ED most of the time, but mainly because i was just so eager to watch the next episode. The BGM was also notably better, mostly because of the music needed to underline the dramatic scenes. However what made this season stand out the most are:

Characters – 9/10

This is definitely the standout category. Our MC has improved his comedic timing even more from season one. Every single character has stepped up their game immensely. What this show did right is, instead of adding more and more characters,it adds less characters the more it goes on and gives the already existing ones more screen time. This lead to some truly amazing development here. Firstly, the relationship between Eriri and Utaha is told in a very down-to-earth way. They share multiple moments together instead of just relying on the main protagonist.
But the standout character was definitely Kato. She is the one that gave this show it´s name, and the author really made her work in this season. Her writing is astoundingly mature and well though out for a Light Novel. Between all the tsunderes and danderes in the anime world, she is put there as the one antithesis, a normal High-School girl. One of her quotes still rings in my head. After hearing our Otaku MC talk about the way people find love in Manga, Anime and Games, she points out : „People write and draw always about the world they are in, Otakus write for Otakus, so the stuff that happens in Manga can never accurately describe the real world because Otakus never step out into it“. Seeing her raw perspective on the community made her stand out immensely, this was truly some meta-writing at it´s finest. I am really eager to see what they do with her in the final movie, because she and the MC are the only ones whose character-arcs aren´t finished yet.

Enjoyment – 9/10

I really enjoyed watching this show, i finished it in a few days. The huge writing improvement really surprised me, but at it´s core the show still stays true to it´s roots. I am really glad that i gave this second season a shot.

- Marco_Yooo

FINAL SCORE - 8/10

That ending kiled me ;-;

This long-awaited (for me) second season was into so much doubt within the comunity because of the filler moments in the fisrt one. However, this demonstrated that A-1 Pictures can make good anime once in a while.

As I haven't read any of the original light novel I'll be reviewing the series as it is by itself. A generic eviroment and setting with unique characters and weird but still natural development.

In the first season I just watched it because I was going into harem stuff. But the fact that the main heroine was Megumi since ever made me think harem anime aren't ... all about a guy who bangs every girl with presence.

The story itself wasn't all that original nor ordinary. A guy who recruits talented classmates who also are in love with him just don't happen in real life. But this is not the case with Megumi, who started as just a passerby. In the first season the team build their relationships. But in this second season we see each one developing as if every one of them was the main character. We see them joy and then suffer, also how they overcome the difficulties. And in the end, they make some big decissions that gets the anime upside down. Although, I'd really like to see a third season because a spoiler someone told me from the light novel ;-;

The artstyle is just as generic as Gakusen Toshi Asterisk. But A-1 managed to add their little touch to some scenes, either making a shot with only one primal color, or just making fun of other works like the Monogatari Series. I found these eyecandy's quite enjoyable, and kept me from getting my eyes bored.

The background music wasn't really memorable, but it makes the anime flow naturally and the tracks chosed for almost every type of moment (either dramatic or comedic) really fit there. The OP was good, but I think the animation for that, even if it seems made by freelancer animators, was beautiful. Specially when they changed an element depending on its state in the story.

All the characters, except from Megumi and Akane, have a extremely generic surface. At the begining it was awful to see those stereotypes being reused once again, but then we fall back with they way they grow as individuals. I really like Megumi. She was weird in the first season, because of her forced lack of presence. But after the first season, her unnoticable personality came afloat. And everytime she appeared on screen, she seemed more open to others, and of course, to Tomoya. When I saw the last scenes of the last episode I really couldn't stop laughing. Megumi is my very favorite female character of this season.

I give the anime an overall of 9 because some moments that felt off, some bad animated frames and the tipical A-1's bad 3D. But this is a really good anime that anyone can enjoy (if they watch the whole first season)

Harem's aren't really my genre, because I guess guilty pleasure but for some reasons I find myself enjoying this season and so I'll tell you why, his is just a personal oppinion though.

Plot

While season 1 focuses on the Harem plot where girls just goes around with out otaku Tomoya, this season is quite different, for me aside from the harem it tells us how hard it is to create something, we can see the casts suffer from slumps and rejected ideas and although we've seen this in other animes I still find it well executed.

The Romance are stll there, nothing really new but I do ... wanna say that the they are really showing us flags on who will win and if you don't know who she is then ......A Coquina clutch for you.

Characters

now here's the heart of the sereis the casts, I can say that they are developed but I think they still need a room for improvement.

Tomoya- yes at first he's just your typical harem MC-kun who all of a sudden has his own harem, but in this seaon you''ll both love and hate him, although what he did is normal for me considering there is no such thing as a perfect character, I like tomoya is getting matured episode although it's rushed, and I like the fact that he is quick t orealize his mistakes and will try hard and will even support his cicle no matter what.

Megumi- the main heroine, well I think for the characters here she has the most obvious chaacter development, at the begining she just forced to join but in the end she ends up having the most passion and commitment in finishing the game, and the way how she steals the show everytime I find it unannoyin actually.

Utaha and Eriri- since they're both rivals i think I should combine them, I still think they need room for development although they have quite matured since before they are just only after tomoya, I'm glad that they're starting to think what's next for them and they manaaged to make decisions based on what will happen to them.

Iori- Tying with Megumi is this guy, he also has an very obvious character development and I won't say it to avid spoilers but all I can say is that I really liked him in this epiosde...also....PLEASE PAIR HIM WITH EITHER ERIRI OR MICHIRU

Michiru and Izumi- since they got the least screentime all i can say is that If there's a season 3 they could have much more screentime, despite being just there they are likable enough.

Sound and Animation: the animation is great and I like in season 1 I still like the character designs particularly Utaha and Kato, for sound It's nice I enjoyed the ending though

Overall saekano is the sereis that looks bland is actually matued at least for me lol though a room for improvement is still needed...I highly reccomend it

Ok, so I've just ended the sequel of Saekano, and thought it might be cliche at one point it does have some development of sorts, and here'show I rate it:

Good 7, Story:
It may have it's share of cliche but, in this sequel it has a certain degree of development, where we see, the break up of the Blessing Software group, that starts when Utaha graduates and when a new girl, Izumi arrives as one girl leaves, what adds to my rating was seeing Eri leave the group and this is where Mr. Ethical starts to contemplate as he struggle to move on without the ... 2 most valuable members of his group, not surprising since this anime story plot revolves around a philosophy theme, that things would not always stay the same whether you like it or not.

fair 6, art:
Ok so there were some indications of them girl looking very bitchy with their school uniforms, the characters maybe the same, but don be expecting to see some of Eri's panchira moments nor see anything else that would titillate your adrenaline.


Mediocre 5, Sound:

Ok so it was the same seiyuus who did the voices of them characters, so what? I don't both like closing and opening themes.

Very Good 8 , characters:

Now that we see some development , we can't ignore the other added characters in this sequel like the antagonist Akane Kosaka who was instrumental of making both Eri and Utaha do more better, but there were times that the competitions for the Blessing Software group were annoying and overrated, but then again it does make their role good, also seeing the part where the relationship between the 2 girls and Mr.Ethical becomes more on a certain romantic degree, but it was Megumi who mad such impact in fact she is the only one who remain with Mr. Ethical all throughout despite of the fact that she just a mascot or just a model for Eri's illustrations, though I would have love to see some of that arc between her and Mr.Ethical develop into a more romantic sense. But then again being this boring girlfriend it was just enough that she has to keep him guessing so basically my score was for her alone. But it was quite unfair that Michru was push aside was given a very short supporting role, she could have added something if only original creator Misaki Kurehito did something about her character.

fair 6, Enjoyment:

Frankly, the whole nine yards of this sequel can be pretty boring at times , and there were times that just watching it can be a chore, but once I've got to the few last episode that is were my interest peaked up.

Very good 8, Overall:

Ok, so seeing the Blessing Software group break up before they can even continue making more success because of Utaha and Eri's plan to go to the other side for better challenges was disappointing , but it wasn't always that we get to see such disappointment of the part of Mr. Ethical when 2 of his most valuable assets go to the other side that has served as a rude awakening for him to let them go and move on so that he can do better, so basically that was disappointingly very good, even though both Utaha and Eri missed their train that was nothing more of a comedy gag, so don't expect an season 3 of this thing since it wouldn't be a good fit.

Pres.Thrump OUT!!!!

I am new to anime, but so far as i live i only interested in watching a Action, Sci-Fi, and genres related to that, i didnt watch any love=comedy or harem anime because its boring? really i cant stand watching an "everyday life" of someone, why dont u just do it in real life? but this one is an exception i dont know you all veteran think but this anime draw me to watch it from season1 to 2 and i hope it get season 3 as well as i dont want the story to be end so soon (23 eps included season 1 but, ... well)

Story(9) :
The story you could say in real life it was a normal one like, joining a club, and creating the game together. The differences is when the club(produciton house) is all girl and got only 1 boy and all the girl character has its own background story with out main character and try to show their appeal in their different ways

Art(10) :
The Art is amazing! The coloring and that building details, the light around the saenai world the style of clothing that is so variable and the background so-realistic make me realize that they do take this anime seriously, the character all was shining in the world of saenai that they create even the side character were all beautifull

Sound(8) :
well for standarn sound for every sound in the saenai world are all good nothing missing its sound, GLISTENINGb by Megumi really fit for climax, it is good but other song didnt move me, only one song that move me.

Character(8) :
I heard that the character are mocking of Tsundere, Yandere, Kuudere and somewhat like that??? Well if they are then maybe its basic personality, but in some way the character here are different and is unique compared to other anime with that personality, well who know? i didnt watch other anime about school romance, what i can say is they do really know how to create cute girl and appealing personality that can move your heart(mine)

Enjoyment(9) :
Like i said before, well i didnt bored watch this series so i could say yes. I Really enjoy this series it well made

Overall(9) :
Well i can say that this anime is worth to watch. They(One Main heroine) do sometimes critize about the anime itself witch is that the creator know that they was not perfect afterall that means they're humble and tries their best to create this anime. So if you havent watch this anime yet. Time to Order the Blu-Ray ^^

(This review has been adapted from my blog/reddit thread. Spoilers ahead!)

In Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata ♭, Utaha is a writer. Or, as she may say, a creator or creative. And I view myself in the same way.

I started writing officially as a critic, reviewer, and essayist about three-and-a-half years ago now. I’ve written hundreds of pieces, thousands upon thousands of words. It’s technically not my career (as much as I dream it to be), but I see it as an extension of myself and not just any other fun aside of mine (because of the seriousness with which I pursue this field). Thus, I exist ... within this quasi state of not quite a professional yet more than just a hobbyist. Either way, I’m a creator all the same.

Being a creator brings with it certain challenges and caveats that may not be immediately noticeable to somebody who is not. Sodatekata Flat (ditching the symbol from here on out since it’s a pain to copy-paste it constantly) understands this sentiment, presenting a sequel that surprises in its newfound direction.

STORY

As a sequel to the semi-popular first season of the Sodatekata anime, Sodatekata Flat brings the audience back to greet some familiar faces. Utaha, Eriri, Megumi, and Tomoya, the majority members of their doujin-circle company titled Blessing Software, continue work on the visual novel that they have worked tirelessly to complete. However, the anime has conflict on the horizon for this hodgepodge group.

For starters, this season is no longer an introduction but instead a continuation. So, to focus on the seriousness and the drama, Sodatekata Flat reels in a lot of its signature meta comedy. Not that it isn’t there of course. Indeed, it’s a motif that counts as one part of the foundation to the show. Characters still spout the occasional line, and they take part in those brief scenes that invoke the same sense of self-awareness just like the good old days.

Take some dialogue from Utaha. After she and Tomoya finish watching a movie while on their “date,” she ribs the very anime she finds herself in: “The script was completely clichéd, but they’re able to get away with it because of the good art and performances.” Another (rather on-the-nose) example comes later on. A friend of Tomoya’s, frustrated by the fact that his immense luck sandwiches him between Utaha and Eriri, annoys the leading guy, leading him to remark how he now understands what a protagonist in a typical harem anime must endure from his fellow friends.

To reiterate, these and other comedic asides are not tossed out the window but rather reduced to give way for the all-important drama. With the extra room, said drama improves.

To elaborate, the first season juggled past events and current conflicts split between five girls. Sodatekata Flat instead trims the fat. It focuses on just the current conflicts split between only three girls now. Narrowing its reach in this fashion tightens the direction and execution of the drama, thereby giving it a flourish it has always wanted within this series.

This flourish comes through in a lot of key moments throughout the season. Utaha and Tomoya share an intimate scene together as they collaborate on the routes and writing for their game. Extra meta conversations and clever wordplay notwithstanding (e.g., “It’s already mixed in. A part of you is already inside what’s mine.”) With Eriri, their getaway of sorts gives them the chance to connect, to praise, and to apologize as a means to bolster their relationship. And a Good Will Hunting-esque moment between Tomoya (i.e., Robin Williams) and Kato (i.e., Matt Damon) occurs as he repeatedly lets her know that their fallout wasn’t her fault in the slightest.

On top of the drama, Sodatekata Flat also includes a couple of narrative choices that further keep the show in good graces. Icy Tail, the band from last season, make an appearance in this season to provide extra hands during the swift prototyping of their game. The title of Tomoya’s second game ties back to this anime for the ultimate-meta detail: “How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend.” The final episode includes a full-circle finish during the recreated date with Kato when they go back to the same mall visited in the first season.

Above anything else in the anime, it hones in on a somewhat niche theme to strengthen its backbone. The very first episode of this second season establishes the idea almost right away. It tells a tiny tale on the origin of Utaha and Eriri’s distaste yet appreciation for the other. The episode’s angle can be summarized as “separate the art and the artist.”

With this proverb in mind, Sodatekata Flat carries it along throughout the entire season, placing emphasis on the relationships between Tomoya and the three girls as they collectively finish their shared project. He challenges Utaha’s work despite the clear implications behind its construction. He respects Eriri’s artistic space to a detrimental degree twice over. He fails to recognize Kato’s contributions overall. In other words, separating the art and the artist isn’t such an easy task when those involved are the very people one holds most dear.

Remnants of this theme exist in the last season too, especially with Utaha’s characterization. But, because of that tighter focus and because of the increased importance on the drama, it takes on a much greater role and purpose throughout this season.

Sodatekata Flat does trip up on a couple of specific details. Both the competition subplot with Rouge en Rouge and the eventual “evil” producer named Akane do not themselves earn too much in the way of involvement, context, and tension. They (understandably) take a backseat to the interpersonal drama of Tomoya and his group. However, while it may not seem like much, a lot of the drama stems so heavily from that subplot and this character. So, unfortunately, said drama doesn’t reach the pinnacle of its trajectory. To clarify, the events and outcomes are nice to see, but the foundation is less solid than it intends to be.

Potential problems aside, Sodatekata Flat has a good story here. By delivering tighter drama and a centralized theme, the show pushes past its harem-comedy roots, giving the audience something interesting and different to behold when compared to its already well-liked predecessor.

ART & ANIMATION

Sodatekata Flat carries over the same artistic direction as it used in its first season.

For instance, some frames will still take on colorful gradients as a means to spice up the general look of the anime as Tomoya and the others talk with and amongst each other. It also brings back many a camera angle to play around with. From a low shot looking up at Utaha as she steps on and digs her foot into Tomoya (and by extension the audience) to a faraway capture of him and Kato within a recording room, the cinematography further ups the visual appeal.

Returning also are the different risqué shots of the girls, like Utaha sprawled out on her bed in nothing but a bath robe or a centered shot of Kato whose loose shirt exposes the top of her breasts as she lifts herself up while laying on her stomach. This season clearly favors the drama more so than the comedy, so, while these shots are no doubt titillating, they are not as appropriate with Sodatekata Flat sinking its teeth into seriousness.

Nevertheless, the anime does even more to flair itself up. Certain comedic sequences will border the screen in manga panels. Very emotional moments throw floating paper into the air as a couple of characters cry together. Classic cherry-blossom petals signal the start of a new beginning as two other characters vow to not give up despite the recent difficulties life has thrown their way.

Moving on, background art once again does not extend too far beyond Tomoya’s room and their school, but a cottage of sorts in the woods and locales within the city change up the environment when and where they can. The static setting does invite better actual animation, though. Utaha violently tapping her heel out of frustration, Eriri harshly slapping Tomoya with her twin-tail hair, and Megumi subtly jiggling her thigh with her phone as she sits and waits are just a few small examples that demonstrate the solid movement of the characters’ actions.

And as one last carry over, the designs of said characters maintain their attractiveness. Utaha’s bodacious looks, Eriri’s slender figure, Megumi’s plain yet cute appearance. All their different outfits add variety, and their striking eyes greet the audience, too.

Yes, the artistic direction does stay the same. But, thankfully, that’s clearly a very good thing.

CHARACTERS

In Sodatekata’s first season, the characters of the show brought with them a lot of personality and fun that equated to a stronger anime overall. In Sodatekata Flat, their characteristics have not left. But, much like the story and its focus on the drama, they earn more in the way of development as people rather than whatever comedy they create.

Nowhere does this increased focus apply more than with Utaha and Eriri. Both girls are experts in their respective fields of writing and drawing, and both girls still vie for Tomoya’s attention whenever and wherever they can. So, the show challenges these two details.

For Utaha, much of her character centers on what she describe as “a dour, vindictive, and awful woman.” Knowing of her impending separation due to graduation and light-novel business, she indirectly approaches Tomoya about his true feelings of her as she submits her writing for their game. Tomoya’s non-answer at first infuriates and then saddens Utaha, for not only does it denounce her skills but also it avoids giving her what she really wants: him. But they work through this hurdle. His words about wanting everyone to be happy in the end resonate with her, and her words on their combined creation touch him. The two grow closer as a result.

For Eriri, she does what she can to keep tabs on Utaha’s advances with Tomoya and builds a friendship with Megumi that stands as its own outlier of sorts among all the relationships present. Most importantly, she struggles artistically. As the deadline for their game creeps ever closer, she slows down and frets over the possibilities. So much so that she collapses from mental exhaustion – in wanting to create something brilliant and in needing Tomoya’s belief in her. She earns both (despite “losing” in the contest with Izumi). The two grow closer as a result.

That’s individually. Together, they grow closer, too. In the beginning, the anime depicts the multifaceted nature of their relationship. They bicker and quarrel over Tomoya, but they have a deep respect for their works. Eriri awes Utaha with her immaculate paintings, and Utaha forces tears out of Eriri as she reads her pristine passages.

Yet Eriri calls Utaha’s writing “calculated,” and Utaha calls Eriri’s drawing as fueled by nothing but “revenge.” Meaning, while they may hate each other, and they may simultaneously like each other’s works, they also have a deeper connection than they may not have ever realized in the purpose behind their drive.

Over the first half of the season, they continue on their own paths. Utaha pens some of the final writing of their game as made by “Aki Utako,” taking part of her own penname and melding it with Tomoya’s real name as a fantasy-come-true for the passionate young woman (much to Eriri’s chagrin). But she also tells Tomoya that she wishes to work with Eriri again, for, despite their differences, she cannot ignore Eriri’s incredible, moving talent. As for Eriri, she finds a brand-new style that goes beyond her normal capabilities, and she finally has a stronger bond with Tomoya that she has also never had before. But she seems to hit a slump, for she has gone weeks now without drawing or painting anything.

It all culminates as the personal and the passion collide.

Utaha is tasked with the unfortunate role of declining Tomoya’s invitation for his new game idea. Her heartfelt apologies give way to a set of flashback scenes. In said scenes, when pressed about her slump, Eriri yells at Utaha. Hard. She says how whatever she draws for their circle will not be personally beneficial anymore and that she already has Tomoya’s sympathy which means she really does not need anything else.

Then in barges Akane Kosaka. She invites both Utaha and Eriri to work on a historic project she has lined up. They read the outline – and it floors them. Akane instructs them simply: die. Die for this project. Put everything they have and then some into this game to make it the best thing anybody has ever seen. She even goes so far as to belittle Utaha and Eriri. For the former, she’s only on as a babysitter of sorts, to keep watch over Eriri since she, not Utaha, is the only one who really must be onboard. For the latter, she not only berates her for her self-inflicted woes but also recreates her new incredible style, letting Eriri know quite harshly that she still has a long way to go.

Utaha, having already voiced her opinion to Tomoya about following Eriri, leaves the final decision up to blonde illustrator as to whether they enlist themselves after hearing the proposition and that mean woman’s harsh words. In a gripping, dramatic moment, Eriri sacrifices the personal to pursue the passion in earnest. Akane’s insults get her completely out of her slump, but, in doing so, she has betrayed Tomoya once again. That, despite his compassion for her, she cannot be with him if she wants to attain higher heights. Utaha comforts her, detailing how this time she will not be alone, that she is complicit in this betrayal. For she, too, has something to prove to Akane: that underestimating her abilities will be the biggest mistake of that woman’s life.

This moment in Sodatekata Flat is arguably the most wonderful in the series to date. For three reasons. One, it strengthens the relationship between these two rivals into that of friendship when they have been honorary acquaintances at best for nearly two whole seasons. Two, it pushes them away from Tomoya, their anchor, as a means to demonstrate development of their characters. And three, it not only explores what a creator must forego in the pursuit of his or her passion but also ties back to the story’s “separate the art and the artist” theme by separating their own individual art and artistry in an introspective sense.

And so, on amicable terms, Utaha and Eriri figuratively break up with Tomoya – but not outright or even forever. Eriri takes Tomoya’s glasses as a memento to keep on her new journey, and Utaha turns Mr. Ethical into Mr. Unethical, sharing their first kisses with each other. The wording and the ending even hint at their soon-to-be return. After all, there’s no reason why they can’t ever come back.

In other words, they don’t really, fully separate from Tomoya. That seems a little unfair insofar as it defeats the purpose of their development as characters. Yet that would also not make much sense since it has been established without a shadow of a doubt how important he is to them on every level imaginable. Plus, the anime’s skill in flipping this dramatic event into a comedic one without missing a beat – Utaha’s “I will give up on giving up” is seriously hilarious – stays true to their characters while still progressing them forward with and without their beloved.

For all intents and purposes, Sodatekata Flat is Utaha and Eriri’s story. What about Megumi, though? Yes, her lower presence in the anime fits her characterization quite well, but she doesn’t go without focus.

Indeed, the anime spends a lot of time highlighting how Megumi isn’t as “boring” as she may appear. She demonstrates her passion when she runs off the train to get ready to work on their game for the whole weekend. She expresses concern for Eriri as she lives for a time away from home to work. She gets mad at Tomoya for not including her in any of the troubles encountered. She cries at his sincere approach in mending their relationship afterwards. She acts all cute at his place when cooking, bathing, and sleeping, something so uncharacteristic of her that she asks him to forget what she did that day. She suppresses laughter (as best she can) towards his “stylish” new glasses (that she herself picked out for him).

Comparatively, the first season somewhat casted her as the normal girl who accentuates the oddities of the others and supports everyone from the sidelines. In this season, Megumi very much becomes her own person. She evolves away from that flat personality and into a rounder character – all while still delivering on those passive-aggressive comments. To put it differently, she may be “boring,” but she is anything but.

And what of Tomoya himself? Truth be told, he’s the weakest of the main four. With the conflict involved stemming from and pertaining to each of the girls, he doesn’t have much going for him throughout the season. Even so, as already gleaned, he plays the harem-protagonist role well, helping each girl as best he can and building his relationships in different directions. Moreover, they help him. Utaha, Eriri, and Megumi either give him the room he needs to blossom into a phenomenal creator or support him when he clearly needs it most. Thus, in this story that focuses on three other main characters first and primes him for the final leg of his arc later, Tomoya receives just enough relevant attention to make his presence worthwhile.

One last footnote (since it makes sense to call her that): Michiru. What a complete waste of a character – is what would be fair to say if the anime failed to address her at all. Barring a quick interlude at about the halfway mark of the season, she finally appears right at the end when the audience has most likely already written her off at this point in time. True to form, Utaha and Eriri throw meta comments her way about how she has been gone for the entire second half of the season and how she only now shows up in act three of the finale. It not only makes for a smart joke but also covers the show’s bases in the nick of time.

Disregarding Michiru (which is what the anime would most likely want anyway), Utaha, Eriri, Megumi, and Tomoya clearly experience a lot within this season. Development of their characters, growth in their relationships, key moments to pinpoint, better writing overall. All while staying true to themselves. Altogether, they are arguably the best aspect of this whole second season.

MUSIC & SOUND

For some anime, voice acting dominates with pure, notable technique. Sodatekata Flat once again finds itself in this category for each of the four main characters this season. Ai Kayano as Utaha delivers sultry and angry tones when and where needed. Saori Oonishi as Eriri cutes and embarrasses her way to victory, and her need to say “Utaha Kasumigaoka!” when addressing or referring to her rival still brings a chuckle every time. Kiyono Yasuno as Megumi refrains from inflecting any emotion into the plain girl’s voice until absolutely necessary. And Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Tomoya hollers, yelps, and cries like the best of them.

The VA performances take the crown, but some of the sound-effects within the anime also deserve a shoutout. From the weird bird noises Utaha and Eriri let loose as heard by Megumi and Tomoya from afar to a the fast forwarding of a tape as the afternoon blazes by, the show’s sound-effect game is on point for the majority of its run.

Unfortunately, after the VA performances and some of those sound-effects, the quality of the audio cannot keep up (a hard task really). That is to say, much of what the audience hears does not usually go anywhere too interesting.

The original soundtrack sounds the best of what remains of the bunch. It has a slow, guitar track for those semi-tense times. Bass and snapping for when a lackadaisical groove is required. And a light yet “heavy” set of acoustic strings caress the rarer serene moments that dot the anime. Nothing here stands out in a major way, but these songs from the OST support Sodatekata Flat nevertheless.

That just leaves the opening track and the ending track. Much less impressive, this combo of music does not have too strong of a foothold.

The OP, “Stella Breeze,” takes on a more whimsical vibe with its dainty instrumentation and optimistic tone which somewhat clashes with the heavier drama of the season. Moreover, the vocalist can’t quite nail those nuanced notes when necessary. It’s at least a catchy song, especially in the second half, so it’s not a total loss on the show’s part.

By comparison, the (main) ED, “Sakura-iro Diary,” is even less daring. It does incorporate piano into the mix and extra vocalists to spice up the lyrical delivery. But still, its straightforward beat and simplistic nature create a rather mundane offering that is certainly not as intriguing as the content that precedes it.

Thankfully, those VA performances shine bright, so the grievances with the lagging music across the board do not damper the experience as much as they normally would.

ENJOYMENT

As a creator, this anime spoke to me on some level.

I do not claim to harbor the same skills as Utaha or Eriri. People the world over do not admire my talents let alone hand me job offers that nobody in their right mind would refuse. However, as a writer myself, I understand the struggle.

I’ve seen maybe one other anime tackle the woes of an artist, but seeing it here regardless let me relate to what they went through. I have written pieces that do not reach my own personal standards. I have been through slumps (i.e., writer’s block) that prevent me from doing what I love to do. I have foregone situations personal to me in pursuit of ever grander heights.

And that’s why this whole outcome stings more than it probably should. Utaha is my favorite character in the show for the snide bombshell she is, so I obviously want her to win. Yet it’s obvious who is supposed to win in the end (she and Eriri say as much back in the first season).

So I (read: everyone) already knew it was coming. It didn’t lessen the blow any less, though. Seeing her leave the circle, pursuing another project without her beloved, put me in a conflicted mood for quite a while. It makes me sad to see friends and relationships and people split apart. Be they in real life or from so many episodes and hours of an anime.

But it was all amplified by the fact that I knew her choice was correct. Her staying and winning is the happily-ever-after route that just doesn’t make sense given the show’s aims. Indeed, while I am mostly ambivalent towards Eriri, her similar struggles made me sad to see her defeated, too, despite how much she did not want it to be so.

Thus, my first reaction was disappointment – in them for moving on and in the anime for not giving me that happy ending. But, again, after thinking on it more, that disappointment turned to acceptance. The creator in me knew it had to be this way. On a story level, a character level, and a realistic level. As they say, “the truth hurts,” and that just about sums it up.

Or at least, it should, for part of me justifies their paths. They aren’t going anywhere, and it’s not like they can’t visit each other when they want. More importantly, reviewing this season so late benefits me nicely, replacing that acceptance with cautious optimism. A brand-new sequel-finale movie was announced just back in December of 2017, and, literally just the other day, phrasing about an “alternate route” have surfaced.

Will any of this mean anything in the end? Who knows. Until then, Utaha and Eriri will be more absent from Tomoya’s life and from the story than how I would prefer. Which just makes me for sure invested in wanting to see how this tale will officially conclude.

Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata ♭ demonstrates that a sequel can trounce its predecessor. The nice artistic direction and the passable music remain the same, but the better drama and the stronger character writing make for marked improvements that elevate the series to a higher level. No caveats attached.

SUMMARY

Story: Good, “separating the art from the artist,” the narrative’s tighter focus on drama and the different events throughout the season craft a tale that goes beyond its harem limitations

Art & Animation: Good, tons of flair from the stylistic presentation and the varied cinematography back the attractive designs and the nice level of movement

Characters: Great, Utaha and Eriri sacrifice the personal for the passion as their defined arcs play out, Megumi grows into her own person, and they reciprocate Tomoya in turn

Music & Sound: Fine, wonderful VA performances make up for a weak OP-ED combo, the OST aids the drama well enough, and the occasional sound-effects are appreciated

Enjoyment: Great, fun to see the characters back again, but, most importantly, it was a more impactful experience than thought possible, especially as a creator

Final Score: 8/10

(This review will contain spoilers so don't read it unless you've finished the anime)

Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata (A.K.A Saekano), oh what a nice little series you have been. As soon as I heard there was going to be a second season, Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata Flat, I jumped for joy. More of Mr. Ethical and his harem mucking about just trying to make a dating sim, or so I thought. At first, most of us had thought that there would be your typical competition for the main protagonists, and there was, but we never would have thought that we would receive an ending like that.

Before ... we get to that certain ending, let's start off with the story structure itself. It progressed rather nicely although I did get a little confused with the flashback of visiting Akane. It's not some fantasy with secret powers so there aren't really any plotholes or unexplainable things to talk about. Even though it took quite the serious turn, the story overall is rather plain as it is a typical "harem" anime, but what it lacks in story it makes up for it in character development. Now, I know what you're saying, "But if the story isn't all that good, what's the point in having developed characters in such a boring environment? It's like buying a car only to have it sit in a garage." It only seems that way at first and I'll admit I got a little bored too, but once they started adding in parts where it's just Tomoya and one of the heroines it starts to get exciting and here's why:

1) The relationships start to take more of intimate form. Ships that had set sail had now nearly reached new shores, especially with Utaha-senpai.
2) It foreshadowed the reason why Tomoya had held Eriri back from bringing out her full potential.
3) It's more of a preference, but it allowed us to see some of favorite ships sail strong.
4) The way you can see Katou's personality changing is cute and almost like watching a child grow up.

The art is rather pleasant and started to look more dramatic as the episodes progressed and lost the fan service touch in my opinion(not saying it was a bad thing). I feel the legs of the heroines were kind of plain and shave been done better, but I'm not one to judge because I can't draw limbs good.

Anyways, back to the nearing end of the anime, I nearly started to cry. It made me feel like taking a dark path towards alcohol and becoming a NEET. I kept on hoping and praying that they wouldn't join Akane and I thought it would be cliché and they would stay with Blessing Software, but as soon as I saw that Eriri could draw again after being insulted, I knew it was over. I knew that they wouldn't stay with Tomoya forever. I knew that Blessing Software would never be the same again. It is quite the feels trip. I lost it when Eriri said that she wouldn't be able to draw anymore if she had stayed with Tomoya. It was like she had broken up with and would move on and bury him in the last.

When you become a leader, you can't be too soft towards your partners or else they lose the reason to keep trying and improve. They'll lose the reason why they chose you. Tomoya had learned this the hard way and lost his two most important members of his Circle, but now that they're gone all he wants is to see them be the best they can now that they aren't being held back by him.

Since this is my first review it's not going to be as polished or as detailed as others, but I had a strong urge to write a review after watching the latest episode.

First of all, I'd like to point out that despite the cliche and typical character designs, there is still that hint of spice added in which I'll build on later.

Art:
I don't really see any differences in the art compared to last season. Same, clean and pretty art. Not spectacular but not bad at all. I don't really have an eye for art in anime but I feel like it's good.

Story/Character:
The story continues off ... from the first season (obviously) but the tone has completely changed in my opinion. Despite all the fan service and light comedy, the story has become much more serious and built upon. Last season, everything was more casual and although there was character development throughout each episode, there is definitely more going on this season.

We already know that each heroine has feelings for the main character, but we didn't know how strong their emotions really were. In this season we see Eriri and Utaha thoroughly built upon. We see them cry, smile and their actions that they take in order to win over the protagonist. Each of these scenes tugs on my heart strings as if you are that character suffering. You start to sympathize and actually relate to them in contrast to the earlier season.

However, despite their strong emotion and such. We really start to wonder how on earth the protagonist was capable to woo these girls. Each episode we see pathetic little Tomoya doing his thing. Unaware of these girls feelings. He lacks development and it's like he's only there for comedic relief. I honestly dislike the protagonist and wish he actually had some talent except his otaku passion. He continues to stress me out with his actions >:(

Also, the story constantly shifts from positive to negative. The changes are abrupt and sudden and the theme of the anime blurs. Happy??? or is this anime meant to be serious???. I don't really know but I'll keep watching it because I like the heroines hehe XD.

Sound:
Some nice music at certain bits that strengthen the scenes. The sound is just like most anime. Happy and upbeat at happy moments and vice versa.

Enjoyment:
I wouldn't watch this on it's own. I'm currently watching while doing my assignments and it's alright. When some scenes pop up I'll watch for a bit. Ehhh, really a big dissapointment, I liked how they changed the tone of the anime but, not really working out.

Hard to believe but, if they just kept the easy going friendly harem route then it might actually be better than it is now.

Alright I got suckered into it.

I really loved this show even more than the first season. It repeated what it did well in the first season (analogies to the anime, light novel, and gaming industry) while also improving on what it lacked in the first season (the story is an allegory to the industry, but it also works well as its own standalone story). Two things I think came together to make this season a success:

Character: I still can't get enough of Megumi Kano. After this, she's going on my character list, because I was enthralled by her. It could just be that she's a ... character I don't really see often. She's intentionally boring, but that also makes her outbursts and spurts of emotion that much more captivating. The minor shifts in how she acts absolutely contributed to her perception as a character, and they didn't need over-reactive animations to do it. Additionally, characters grow throughout this season and progress to new positions by the end of it. These changes weren't necessarily "good" for everyone involved, yet they were natural and almost sadly (in a good way) expected.

The Narrative: Each arc or sub-plot directly tied into something related to the industry. Past that, characters often have recurring roles related to these different industry happenings. Toyomo obviously represents the ideal consumer, the two artists represent the creators, and Megumi much more of the passing audience. Each of them has a different idea of what makes their products "work" yet it's hard to keep all their concepts together at one time. One might point out schedules as a good motivator, while passion seems to be more effective to another. I found myself touched at both what these characters had to go through as people, but also as producers who want to see a project come to fruition.

For me, this series was a hit outta the park.