It's funny how trends, tastes, and even perceptions can change over time. Less than a decade ago being called a geek, nerd or otaku was considered an insult, and while those terms have maintained their derogatory status to a degree (especially in Japan), the steady march of technology has dictated the rise of the "Beta Male", and nowhere is this more apparent than in the entertainment industries.
In 2001 the PC and Dreamcast game Comic Party was adapted and released as an anime, and with it came the birth of a totally new genre - the otaku comedy. Since that time there have been numerous manga
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and anime that have utilised the theme in some manner, from the romanticised look at otaku life that is Genshiken, to the insane classical stylings of Nodame Cantabile's heroine, Noda Megumi. These days the number of titles that have some involvement with the genre is on the rise, and while some take a decidedly rose-tinted view of the subject, there are others (NHK ni Youkoso!, Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu (no, seriously), ChäoS;HEAd, etc), that allow glimpses into the darker side of otaku life.
There are also those that approach the subject of otaku in an imaginative, yet decidedly tongue-in-cheek manner.
Kami Nomi Zo Shiru Sekai (The World God Only Knows, or KamiNomi), tells the story of Katsuragi Keima, the "king" of bishoujo games (galge), and dating sims, who is better known throughout the internet as the "Capturing God". He is content to live his life in the virtual world because "reality is just a crappy game" where the girls are impossible to deal with. All of that changes when he answers a mysterious e-mail addressed to the God of Conquest (another one of his monikers), and subsequently meets the demon girl Elucia de Lut Ima (Elci).
The plot attempts to meld several different themes into one continuous narrative, and in order to do this it utilises a number of devices that can sometimes get in the way. Like Amagami SS, the storyline follows the "short arc for each girl" format, complete with the "reset" at the end. This is accompanied by some fairly typical "soul possession" concepts, basic yet still humourous slapstick, and a rather interesting take on dating sims in general.
Unfortunately it doesn't completely work.
The problem is that while KamiNomi is essentially a straight forward otaku comedy, the inclusion of so many disparate themes eventually causes a degree of conflict within the framework of the story. The major issue is the idea that one can use dating sim methodology to form a real world relationship, and while it is possible to learn the basics, this can never replace actual experience. In addition to this is the fact that the viewer is supposed to believe that a notorious game addict like Keima can suddenly turn on the charm when dealing with real girls, many of whom he initially can't stand to be around, and this in itself raises the question of suspicion on the part of the girls.
There is an attempt to rectify these issues, but this relies on the tried and tested method of memory manipulation rather than an explanation of how a social recluse is easily able to communicate with others. That said, the series utilises some well placed visual gags to divert the viewers attention away from any plot holes or conflicts, and the story is interesting and humourous enough to make it accessible to a much broader audience than one might initially expect.
When it comes to looks, KamiNomi is pretty much back to basics in virtually every department, with one area of notable exception (we'll get to that in a moment). That said, while the degree of genericism in the visuals is high, there's also something slightly more subtle at work as well. The character designs are taken directly from the manga by Wakaki Tamiki, and what's interesting about this is that while the mangaka made a conscious effort to allow the comedy to flourish, he also tried to show what each character is, rather than simply trying to define them as individuals.
Confused? I'll explain then.
The plot is partly derived from that of the common or garden dating sim or galge, and as regular players of these games will know, characters of a specific type will share certain visual features. Wakaki has attempted to incorporate some of these into the design of the girls that Keima goes after, and this in turn defines their personalities as they have been created to fit a specific mould. In addition to this, because the player is usually faceless in these games, Wakaki chose to parody a few of the better known "genius" characters from anime for his "God of Conquest", in particular Lelouch vi Brittania and Yagami Light.
So don't be fooled by the simplistic looks.
The area that really stands out is the effects, in particular the variety, timing and imagination that has gone into making them. While the rest of the anime may look colourful yet average, KamiNomi is surprising for the quality of a number of its visual set pieces, but it's the audio choreography that changes those scenes from simply being pretty into something worth watching.
In anime, as in life, timing is everything, and in this respect Manglobe have a very good pedigree. But then what else would one expect from the studio that brought us Michiko to Hatchin, Samurai Champloo and Ergo Proxy (unfortunately they're also responsible for the abysmal Sacred Blacksmith, but we won't go there). While this is very clearly a comedy series the studio has made the effort to deliver a quality show, and because there's little that can be done about the design of the visuals, a lot of effort has gone into making this anime sound great.
The opening sequence is indicative of this ethos at work, and features some clever imagery that is well timed to match the changes in the theme song (God Only Knows, performed by Elisa). The ending sequence is a bit more complicated as there are actually four tracks and sequences on offer. The main ED, Koi no Shirushi, is a fairly average J-Pop track, but for the majority of episodes the female leads take turns singing it (while the rest perform backing vocals). As for the remaining tracks, Tatta Ichi Do no Kisei by Sakurai Tomo (episode four), along with the visuals, is meant to be a play on the average ending sequences of dating sims and galge. On the other hand Happy Crescent by Toyama Nao is supposed to be a "live" idol performance, so it's a shame it's such a generic song.
To be honest, the best of the EDs, is the final one, Shuuseki Kairo no Yume Tabibito, which is sung in a completely amateurish and off key style by the lead man himself, Shimono Hiro (with support from the female seiyuu who apparently are collectively known as Oratorio The World God Only Knows), and is very much in keeping with the slightly delusional and slapstick comedy of the series.
Unfortunately there's one big flaw in KamiNomi, and that's the lack of character development. Normally this shouldn't really be an issue for what is effectively an otaku comedy/parody, but because of the inclusion of certain plot themes, aspects like characterisation and growth become more prominent.
Basically, the more complicated a story is, the better the characters have to be.
While there is some development due to the soul possession aspect of the story, it never really impacts on the overall narrative due to the "reset" at the end of each girl's arc. This has the effect of nullifying what has gone before, and even though Keima and Elci aren't subject to it as a rule, there is very little given over to their growth over the course of the series.
The real strength of the characters comes from the comedy side of the show, and in this respect the seiyuu are pretty good. Shimono Hiro (Keima), and Itou Kanae (Elci), are great as the proverbial "Odd Couple", and while there are some great skits from the other leading ladies, their timing and delivery, especially with each other, is sometimes a joy to behold.
Kami Nomi zo Shiru Sekai is a strangely mixed bag that works on certain levels, but ultimately it would have been better off trying to weave fewer themes into the plot. Individually the concepts behind the series are imaginative and somewhat inventive, but the complications caused by trying to blend several ideas together sometimes creates a quagmire in the storyline, and inserting a joke to brush over it is nothing more than papering over the cracks. That said, the series is enjoyable enough to warrant at least one watch, and viewers should also keep in mind that this twelve episode anime is nothing more than a prelude of things to come, especially as the manga has already gone beyond the 100 chapter mark.
While the incomplete nature of the story may put people off, the fact that a sequel is on the horizon may signify that all hope is not yet lost. Then again, they may simply "cop out" by ending the series before the real storyline begins.
We'll have to wait and see.
Alternative Titles
Synonyms: Kaminomi
Japanese: 神のみぞ知るセカイ
More titlesInformation
Type:
TV
Episodes:
12
Status:
Finished Airing
Aired:
Oct 7, 2010 to Dec 23, 2010
Premiered:
Fall 2010
Broadcast:
Thursdays at 01:50 (JST)
Licensors:
Sentai Filmworks
Studios:
Manglobe
Source:
Manga
Demographic:
Shounen
Duration:
23 min. per ep.
Rating:
PG-13 - Teens 13 or older
Statistics
Ranked:
#14032
2
based on the top anime page. Please note that 'Not yet aired' and 'R18+' titles are excluded.
Popularity:
#346
Members:
638,821
Favorites:
5,769
ResourcesStreaming Platforms | Reviews
Filtered Results: 125 / 127
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Your Feelings Categories Jan 28, 2011
It's funny how trends, tastes, and even perceptions can change over time. Less than a decade ago being called a geek, nerd or otaku was considered an insult, and while those terms have maintained their derogatory status to a degree (especially in Japan), the steady march of technology has dictated the rise of the "Beta Male", and nowhere is this more apparent than in the entertainment industries.
In 2001 the PC and Dreamcast game Comic Party was adapted and released as an anime, and with it came the birth of a totally new genre - the otaku comedy. Since that time there have been numerous manga ... Dec 23, 2010
"Reality is a shit game!"
'Kami Nomi zo Shiru Sekai' ('The World Only God Knows') is about a self-claimed "Otoshigami (Capture God)" who can "capture" the heart of any 2D girls in dating-sim games. One day, he unknowingly signs a contract with a demon through email, and ends up in a quest to capture real-life (3D) girls in order to collect runaway souls residing within their hearts. The first season of 'KamiNomi" involves the capture of 4 girls, with 3 filler episodes. Katsuragi Keima is an interesting character. He's full of confidence in front of the PFP screen and calls himself "Capture God", backing up his claim with ... Apr 21, 2013
So, this is my first Review on my favorite manga and anime, KamiNomi!
I'll try to keep it short and clean c: -Story & Overall- What I would like to announce, this is not your regular average harem anime. It has a good plot and idea to it, actually and it does make sense in the world it was created into! The way that the main character has to wear consequences and plan out his actions is just entertaining (as are the dialogs) and it definitely made me sit down and read/ watch. KamiNomi does not try to be more than what it is and keeps going at it's own ... Jan 21, 2011
Unexplainable. It's completely unexplainable how big an approval this anime got from the overall anime fans. There isn't a single reason I can see to that after watching The World God Only Knows 12 episodes (being painfully tortured by the last 5 episodes).
It's cliche after cliche every single episode. It's true that they tried to cover it up, by coming up with the whole "I don't get in touch with real girls because the games girls are so much better but I'll use my gaming skills to stereotype girls and it'll work out" stuff, but while it worked well on the first episode, it got ... Oct 27, 2010
Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai, The World God Only Knows, is an anime that centers on an otaku gamer's life. When I first found this series, I researched on it a bit on Wikipedia, found it somewhat unimpressive in plot, character and art, and didn't even bother reading the manga. I have to say that I was wrong to judge this series by merely the front cover of its Wikipedia article. After the anime came out and my anime savvy friend directly recommended this to me, I found that I was drawn into the story, something that rarely happens for an ardent critic like me.
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Oct 7, 2010
TWOGK's a really good cheeseburger anime. I mean that in the sense that you know it's not necessarily "deep" or particularly "meaningful", but it makes you happy and satisfied when you watch it. Hell, it's junk food, but it's damn good junk food.
TWGOK basically runs like a dating sim game, with a new girl basically every chapter/episode. Even though it's kind of silly, and it's somewhat harem (not in the annoying way, because the girls forget him after he captures them, so there isn't this whole cat-fight thing), but it's fun and interesting, and very pleasing to watch. It doesn't really ... Dec 26, 2014
Expected a twist on harem anime, but was disappointed by how boring and silly it became. Not even funny enough to tolerate.
★☆☆☆ Why do I keep being surprised when MyAnimeList gives me another shit recommendation? I saw the 8’s and 9’s (even some 10’s); I saw the 5-stars; and I read the reviews telling me it was funny—that it’s not your typical harem show. I love a good story that parodies, deconstructs, or puts a twist on clichés. And this show sort of, kinda does that? But not really because so much of it falls flat. The premise is actually much better suited for a more serious ... Aug 18, 2013
Hello everyone! My name is Austin & I will be doing my FIRST ever review!
As a big fan of romantic comedies, I fully enjoyed watching this anime & its sequels. [SUMMARY] The story is about a high school boy who is completely obsessed with dating sims & therefore is known as the "God of Conquest". Due to his legendary gaming skills, he received a mysterious email asking for his help in conquering girls. Little did he know the message was pertaining to conquering real life girls & that the sender was from a cute demon girl by the name of Elsie. From that point on, he ... Dec 22, 2010
This anime adaptation is a fucking disgrace to the manga.
I have followed the manga since its very start and have enjoyed it very much. I'll stretch out as far as saying it is a masterpiece, ranking as one of my favorite mangas of all time. Then there is the anime. As you have already noticed, I'm already annoyed how the anime turned out. I'm gonna rip and analyze one point of the time, and we're gonna start straight on... Keima: This is the main character. He is, as the title implies, a God. The God of Galge Gaming, or that's at least what he should be. In ... Oct 27, 2013
This show is a really good one that has alot of rewatch value. Im still watching it but im in the middle, close to the end of the 3rd Season so its enough to give you a review especially since i cant spoil the ending of the last season, however at the end of the first and second seasons they let you know a following season is in the works, so i dont know if a 4th season is coming or not but it would be great if it was!
So this anime is based on the main character who is Keima Katsuragi. He is basically ... Dec 23, 2010
Manga adaptations are, by and large, a double-edged sword. On one hand they can be a guaranteed-profit venture for the production company, while on the other it can be incredibly difficult to capture the charm of the original work and can often leave us fans bitterly disappointed. Being an avid fan of the original manga, it is needless to say that I expected a lot from the anime adaptation of The World God Only Knows (or TWGOK). Unfortunately, it joins the long list of manga-turned-anime that have fallen just short.
The plot centres around Katsuragi Keima, known on the internet as the “Capturing ... Oct 24, 2014
The World God Only Knows, basically, is the world that only Keima knows. Even I, have no idea, what kind of delusion this man is living in, but it sure as hell is pretty funny. The best way to sum up this anime is - a touching, smart and nonsensical comedy, that leaves you feeling happy at the end of it.
TL:DR Story: 5/10 Art: 8/10 Sound: 7/10 Character: 7/10 Enjoyment: 7/10 Overall: 7/10 (rounded up from 6.75) ... Mar 23, 2015
Review for Kami Nomi
============================================= Summary of the Extended Review Below: Story : Liked the sort of many ending type season, Art : Well done, No unique style though this is not a problem Sound : Voices are done well (Japanese Dub) Sound Effects great ... Oct 21, 2013
Quick note, considering that there aren't many differences or changes between either of the first two seasons in any category, and it'd be kind of pointless to do two separate reviews that say the exact same thing, this review with be covering the first two seasons of The World God Only Knows. There will however be a separate review for the third season at some point in the future. Now that that's out of the way, please enjoy the review.
You know, i'm pretty sure that i'd be hard pressed to find many anime fans that aren't also gamers, at least to some degree. After all, ... Mar 17, 2011
It’s funny how a parody somehow has license to nab the actual appeal of its subject matter. It’s almost unfair, and that’s exactly what Kami Nomi does. Lets be honest, dating sims are sexist, treating girls like puzzles to be cracked, and those who would never touch such a game can appreciate how this series exaggerates its common character archetypes and lampoons them. The final romantic moments though are completely straight faced, and at times, somewhat touching as they should be in a dating sim. A satisfying romance this is not, but it is riotous, with a few sweet moments on
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Dec 5, 2013
I present to you: The character most of us wish to be, but never will be due to the fact we lack the funding, and the determination. Katsuragi Keima can be considered a true otaku, a man who has given up on reality and instead focuses on nothing but dating sims and VNs. But of course, that would make for a rather boring premise, so let's add some demons to it. ==(Minor) Spoilers Ahead==
Now, when I first heard about "The World God Only Knows", I thought it was going to be about a guy who's addicted to dating sims and nothing else. And when I ... Jun 9, 2013
The World God Only Knows Season 1
Story: The World God Only knows follows the life of an avid ‘dating simmer; called Keima Katsuragi aka The God of Conquest (because there is no dating sim he cannot beat,) although he is known as The God of Conquest on the net he is a dweeb or nerd in school (otoumegane a derogatory term mixed with otaku and glasses) who sees the world he lives in as imperfect choosing his games over reality. One day he is given a challenge by an unknown person asking him to conquer a girl accepting this request he actually signed a contract with ... Nov 27, 2014
Keima, also known as the god of conquest is a... not so ordinary boy.
While enjoying his simple way of living, some certain events are about to occur. Events of which he would've never dreamt of and never will. Keima's whole life changes when Elsie (she has a to long name to remember) enters his daily life. The mother of Keima has an ehh.. pretty outstanding character while the father is kinda the opposite. Keima on the other hand is both. Not 50/50 but 100% of each. This character of his makes the events in this anime ridiculously hilarous. I truelly enjoyed the events that ... Jun 23, 2015
*Note: this is a review for all 3 seasons. There may be minor spoilers but I'll warn you if I'll be mentioning one. I have also finished the manga as well so there might be some manga influences in my review (I will try to only focus on the anime though).*
After watching three seasons of The World God Only Knows (TWGOK), I'm left with one thought: I wish I have Keima's pick-up skills when he is conquering a girl. Maybe I should try picking up dating sims. Having watched a few romance anime (and also a fan of the romance genre), it gets tiring to see ... Mar 16, 2016
The World God Only Knows in a word: Euphoric
Where to begin with this one?? For starters, the Op is one of the best Op's I have ever seen. The song and the art are sensational. So well done. That being said the animation and sound throughout the whole thing is great. I wouldn't give the story a 10/10, but the concept behind it certainly deserves 10/10. The idea that a boy who lives to woo the women of the 2D world is suddenly forced to win the hearts of the "inferior" 3D women is hysterical. The execution of this concept is, for the ... |