Rising Impact

Rising Impact may not be representation of real golf but that's what I like about it in my perspective.

- It has a unique take on golf, having the sport with dramatic and fantastical elements makes it more exciting and engaging!

- It has some technicalities about the golf which is informative in someways and having these exaggerated techniques and intense matches adds a factor to become the anime entertaining that you wouldn't find in a realistic golf.

- I know that the take in this sports anime is similar to others sports anime having beyond the realistic way but having the liberties to it become more ... thrilling and dynamic.

- Also, the characters have good dynamics. You will see different types of characters and how their personalities click and expressive!

- The art style has dynamic and exaggerated action especially during golf matches. You will see how talented the players are (it may too be exaggerated at some point but that's what it makes thrilling).

- The storyline is engaging as we watch how the characters grow and overcome their problems and weaknesses especially Gawain!

- The intense rivalry is also giving an excitement. How they give their all on high stakes and dramatic way every time there is a game.

- But despite this intense rivalry, there's still humor and lighthearted moments that I really love in the anime.

- Pacing is also good, it is not slow and not fast at the same. The anime shows the character development and the plot progression.

- Overall, if you want to watch a golf anime with combination of fantasy and sports with strong and unique characters? I'll definitely recommend this.

While successfully communicating the interest in the sport, Rising Impact falters in making believable circumstances regarding both the portrayal of golf and the characters themselves. How the sport is presented makes the concept easy to understand and enjoyable for those new to the activity. However, the narrative is written as if the author forgot they were writing a sports series. Unnecessarily impossible plot devices and unbelievable character designs and abilities abandon all logic. And some characters exist simply to be unpleasantly antagonistic despite their credentials. While there should be room for some level of creativity, it should not pull the viewer out of the experience.

I actually liked the idea of having a little foreign kid as the main character, that was fresh. But his reason for wanting to play golf—just wanting to hit the ball farther than anyone else—felt way too lame.

On top of that, things move ridiculously fast. One day he’s in some small village, the next he’s suddenly in Tokyo, and then out of nowhere he’s at this crazy private school for golfers.

Add that to clichés like Lancelot looking and acting like a girl (clearly there just to please a certain audience), and the “40-year-old-looking dude who’s supposedly a high schooler,” and yeah… it all just made ... me lose interest.

The first episode had promise, but after that it went downhill for me. If you want a proper sports anime, go for Hajime no Ippo, Prince of Tennis, or even Yowamushi Pedal.