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Aug 13, 2014
This review will contain some minor spoilers in regards to plot direction, but I will do my best to not include any specific details
Shuffle! really took me by surprise in a lot of good ways. It is a harem comedy with some supernatural elements to it, there are plenty of girls to choose from with a main character that is fairly average in every way, except of course his luck with women. Now that is pretty standard, but Shuffle! takes risks in the plot department you don't usually see in harem anime of this type, and I feel that is to be commended.
While
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most harem anime tend to revolve the harem around a different plot entirely, Shuffle! is different in that the plot is the harem itself. Due to this, Shuffle! really does it's name a lot of justice for the majority of the show, with almost every character getting at least one episode of their romance being explored with the main character. Unlike most shows of this type, the main character Rin Tsuchimi is completely aware of the girl's affection for him, and spends most of the show trying to decide on which one to pursue romantically. This was really a fresh of breath air for me, when so many male protagonists embrace the Orimura Ichika (Infinite Stratos) style of obliviousness to the affection of those around him.
In direct contrast to that obliviousness, not only does Rin actively realize and address his harem's love and affection, but he even ends up choosing a girl to pursue and love above all others. As someone who has watched a lot of harem anime, that really surprised me. Now sure, in my opinion he chose the second best girl to pursue in this case, but that's not the point. The point is that this main character actually has the testicular fortitude to decide on what and who he wants, and make something of it. The only other MC I've seen do this has been Hyoudou Issei (Highschool DxD), but Issei decided in the first episode (and never gives up his dream for it to be a true harem style ending), whereas Rin fully explores his options - shuffles through if you will - and only truly decides at the end.
That being said, watching this also gave me some insight into why this isn't done very often. When there are multiple girls madly in love with one guy, choosing one creates problems that have to be dealt with. It gets messy and complicated, and I now understand why writers would have the main character NOT explicitly choose one girl, especially when there is an overarching plot line that needs to be addressed. The MC's choice is guaranteed to make a lot of people unhappy no matter who he chooses, and dealing with the fallout is a huge task of it's own. Shuffle! handles all of this spectacularly, because moving forward with a romance is the plot, and the rest of the major events are the subplot - exactly the opposite of what you would expect.
When it comes to that subplot however, there are some concerns and some things done right. The world of Shuffle! is one of Gods and Devils, but calling them Gods and Devils is a little disingenuous. They come from two different worlds, one for each, who have seemingly always been in contact with each other, and 10 years prior to the events of Shuffle a gate opened and all 3 worlds became connected.
However, these gods and devils aren't nearly as different from each other as you would think they would be from the name, and whatever the deal with the gate is is never found out. Essentially, gods have short elf ears pointing up (and are polygamous, boiyoing), and devils have long elf ears pointing down. That's it. That's the difference. They're both nice, they work together, and the King of the Gods and the King of the Devils are best friends and live as neighbors in the world of humans so their respective daughters can have a shot at Rin.
Fleshing out this world is really the weak spot of the show. A lot of questions are raised about the world that is being shown, but very little is ever answered. There are scientific experiments resulting in sexy artificial beings as is to be expected, but no real villain or outside threat. The plot is the romance, and it definitely is fleshed out, but very little of anything else introduced results in a definite resolution or answer. This is the danger of the MC actually choosing a girl and dealing with the consequences as I stated above, very little else gets resolved.
The artwork and character design are good, but obviously a bit dated. You get used to it pretty fast but it's clearly an anime that's reaching 10 years old. The characters develop well though, and shows a great deal of depth for every one of them due to each one getting their time in the spotlight with Rin.
Now it's time to talk about the fan service. It's there, nipples are drawn, but it's very casual and light for most of the series. I'd say that while it is definitely fan service, but most of it is done in a very classy way. Not a whole lot of gratuitous panty shots or "Oh no I fell down and landed with my head in your crotch and hand on your boob" moments. I wouldn't argue if it had more fan service, but what it does have is enough and is at least par for the course, though usually not particularly stimulating.
Overall I give this anime a 7/10. It's definitely good, but there is also a lot of room for improvement. A lot of things are brought up only to never be explained or even addressed. The Gods and Devils could just as easily have been called high and low elves and avoided a lot of unnecessary questioning and confusion by removing the gate altogether. That being said, the main romantic plot is incredibly satisfying for anyone who is tired of the MC of a harem being completely clueless and indecisive. I would suggest watching this to anyone who enjoys harem/romance anime resulting in an actual resolution (though albeit a resolution that isn't absolute), isn't bothered by slightly dated animation, and doesn't mind that there is basically no other plot other than the harem romance.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Aug 8, 2014
Before I get into anything, I want to let it be known that I love ecchi, so my opinions will come from a different angle than a lot of anime purists, which is okay. I really enjoyed B Gata H Kei. It's short, but extremely funny and filled with innuendo. Definitely worth a watch if you enjoy these types of anime, but stay away if you're the type that's easily offended by fan service or raunchy comedy.
Story: The story is simple enough, the main character Yamada is a pervy girl who dreams of having tons of sex friends. Another way to say this is she's
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the hottest girl in school and her goal is to be a huge slut. The problem is that she's totally inexperienced, thinks her vagina looks funny, and doesn't want her first time to be with someone more experienced with her. As such, she bumps into what seems to be the most boring guy in the school, guesses correctly that he's a virgin, and makes him her first goal.
It doesn't really work out as she planned however, and the show quickly becomes a romance. Each episode inches her closer and closer to her first time, but in true anime fashion is always cut short by some kind of ridiculous outside interference. In that regard, it's pretty stereotypical. However it's got a lot of comedic value to it, and I found myself laughing out loud plenty. While the premise of the show is pretty unique, it doesn't take itself too seriously either.
My biggest complaint is that the episode count doesn't seem nearly enough for the amount of time that passes. Due to almost every episode being some kind of holiday, something like a year and a half are covered in only 12 episodes. (SPOLER HERE) That's a year and a half of a romance consisting of 3 or 4 actual "Dates" involved, and I'm pretty sure it takes them a year to go from their first kiss to their second. (END SPOILER) The pacing is definitely off as far as that's concerned, and makes the whole thing feel a bit awkward.
6/10
Art: The art is actually really beautiful. The landscapes alone are fantastic. Character design ranged from outstanding, to generic, to bland - but all well drawn. I do feel that much of the generic or bland characters are drawn that way purposefully, as it's part of who they are (see: Kosuda). Still, it would have been nice to see at least some pizaz when it comes to the supporting cast.
7/10
Sound: Pretty average honestly, nothing that really stood out either positively or negatively.
5/10
Character: The characters are for the most part well done and full of personality. Yamada and Kusoda in particular develop really well, though admittedly they're basically the only ones who do. That's fine though, considering it's a short anime about a long romance between those two characters, who are explicitly inexperienced from the start. The characters do exactly what they're supposed to, fill whatever niche they need to (loli girl, tough teacher, wealthy rival, quiet nerdy girl with big boobs and glasses), but not much more than that.
7/10
Enjoyment: I definitely enjoyed this anime, it's funny in all the right ways, and full of light fan service. My only gripe other than what I've stated previously is that for this type of show, waiting until episode 12 to show any nipples seems really weird. For an ecchi like this that relies so heavily on it's perverse theme, that seems like an odd choice to make. While it does make the few bare-breasted shots feel more impactful, it's more jarring than anything.
I understand going with no-nubs art style when you're trying like hell to push the line as far as it can go without being pushed into the 18+ section like Kiss X Sis, but there's nothing really that hardcore for the majority of the season that would make that a concern. It really doesn't do the show many favors to just add them in at the end like that, especially considering I had just watched 11 episodes without them and wasn't even thinking about it until I was reminded halfway in to episode 12.
It is still a great success as a comedy though, and having a pervy female main character trying like hell to get laid is new, exciting, and highly entertaining.
7/10
Overall: I would definitely suggest this to anyone who enjoys comedy anime and isn't offended by sexual content in anime. It's not perfect, but it's amusing and unique, and in my opinion that's worth a watch.
7/10
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Jul 20, 2014
"...but I can learn. I'll bathe in blood if it means keeping my friend's alive" (dub)
This anime definitely has it's ups and downs. Some people hate it, some people love it. If you stick around for all 22 episodes I feel it definitely has more ups than downs. While a lot of this show does come off as a Code Geass spin off, it's extremely memorable in it's own right. The music and art is absolutely incredible, and it does a great job of telling the story it wants to tell.
Story: In the beginning of the story, our weak-willed protagonist Shu Ouma stumbles upon the
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power to pull "voids" from the hearts of those around him - effectively manifesting their inner selves as physical objects, usually in the form of a weapon of some sort. Due to this, he finds himself a linchpin in the rebellion being waged against a heavy handed government among other things. He quickly falls for Inori, another member of this rebellion who is also the singer for a popular music group as well as just being a generally complicated character.
Most of the story revolves around Shu trying his best to fight against the tyranny of oppressors, developing into the man he wants to be, and keeping Inori safe. The plot changes from time to time, but these themes stay the same. While it takes a while to get going and gets a bit frustrating at times, it's a good tale when all is said and done.
I will say that the first arc (up to ep. 12) is much weaker than the second. Most of that has to do with Shu taking a really long time to become a likable character. In fact, with the exception of Haruka, Shu's mother, it was pretty hard for me to find likable characters in the first arc in general. Additionally, Shu and Inori's romance isn't really fleshed out at all until the second arc which causes some degree of confusion with the whole situation. Eventually everyone grows and become much easier to deal with, which is nice, but I can understand some people dropping the show before it even gets to that since it's hard to really root for anyone for a while. Granted, there's plenty to root against - so that's something.
6/10
Art: In a word: mesmerizing. The character design and animation are top notch by any standards. I can't think of a single bad thing to say about this category.
9/10
Sound: Along with the art, this is definitely the best part of this anime. The music is incredible, both in regards to the OP and ED, as well as the music played in the show itself. It really sets the everything up quite nicely, providing ambiance and emotion whenever it's needed.
10/10
Character: For most of the anime this is it's weakest part. As I said before, it's difficult to find likable characters in the first 12 episodes and the bad guys generally seem to be of the "Kill everyone everywhere because it's fun" variety. This does give the characters a lot of room to grow and develop as the show goes on, and they do. Still, short of one heartbreaking exchange between Inori and Shu around episode 4 it's hard to really feel for any of them.
That being said, over the course of the last 10 episodes everyone manages to develop into people with a lot more depth and it really strengthens the show as a whole.
5/10
Enjoyment: I did enjoy it, for sure. Just by the art and music alone this would be a show well worth watching. It does take a while to garner any real sense of attachment to anyone, but eventually it does happen. By the end I really felt myself feeling and rooting for the same characters I didn't care much for in the beginning.
However, let's take a moment to talk about fan service. Some people hate it, some people love it. I'm firmly in the latter of the two camps, and find it a welcome addition to any anime I watch. That being said, the fan service in this show is wildly inconsistent. A good 90% of what I consider fan service is all contained in the second and second to last episodes. While it's not something that affects my enjoyment of the show in any serious way, it's a little odd when there's suddenly some jiggle where jiggle has not been before, and vice versa. Sure there's some cleavage now and then, and the ever popular hugs-make-me-blush-cause-your-boobs-are-touching-me stuff, but its overall implementation is just strange.
7/10
Overall: I'm giving this a 7/10 overall. Yes it has it's problems, but I feel most of them are dealt with by the last episode. If this was just a 12 episode season I doubt it would be ranked this high, but those final 10 really bring the show to a whole new level. I would definitely suggest this if you've already seen Code Geass and are looking for something similar with an incredible soundtrack.
7/10
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Jul 18, 2014
I wasn't really sure I was going to like this anime after the first episode. The main character was a bit of a prick, and I kept drawing parallels to other anime that are also wildly successful. It struck me as a mash-up between No Game No Life and Sword Art Online, with a less interesting focus game. That being said, I was pleasantly surprised as I watched it all. The character's develop in a meaningful way, it's as action packed as anything I've ever seen, thoughtful, and it even manages to tug some heart strings.
Story: The story developed really strongly in a way that
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made it stand out on it's own. People are thrown onto an island where the only notable prize is survival. Allegiances form and dissolve, enemies are made, fights are had and love is found. Not only does it keep you on the edge of your seat, it also makes you wonder. Why are they there? Who can be trusted? Who is behind this twisted game and why?
It's not the most original of themes, granted, but it does what it does quite well. The story it tells is to the point and told well, and sets itself apart in a very good way.
My biggest complaint here is it seems to progress a bit too fast. It's a machine-gun of events that simply never relents. If there's not a fight happening, there's about to be one in the interest of survival. If they're eating they're also thinking of the next betrayal, or past trauma. There is zero filler, no smelling of the roses at all. This isn't entirely a bad thing, but I feel like it was 24 episodes worth of events crammed into 12. Still, some people will absolutely love that and I'm certain it was a conscious decision on the creator's part.
Additionally, the plot armor is strong in this one. Explosions are huge but unless they go off right under the victims feet they appear to do very little. Shrapnel and shock waves don't exist, and the protagonists seem to have some type of super-healing abilities and are almost immune to concussions altogether. Komodo Dragon's and knives seem more powerful than the BIMs massive explosive force as far as that is concerned.
7/10
Art: The art is beautiful. The fight scenes are well choreographed, if a bit lacking in the plausibility department. The characters are great and the environment is stunning.
9/10
Sound: The music is good, though nothing incredibly notable. The voice acting is done well also (I should mention here I watched the dub), and the sound effects are top-notch. Really nothing to complain about here at all.
7/10
Character: Initially, the main protagonist Sakamoto Ryouta really bugged me. That being said, the character development is fantastic. I managed to hate him a little less every episode, and he eventually became a decent human being - if a bit naive.
Himiko, the female protagonist, manages to develop a lot as well. Enduring a hard past and present, learning to want to live again, and learning to trust again. I really enjoyed this character, because she made me feel for her, as well as root for her.
The antagonists range from just-trying-to-survive to completely evil. There's a great range of characters, even if there's not a huge number of them. Everyone has their own story, and while said story isn't always completely explained, it's always apparent in their actions.
9/10
Enjoyment: I definitely enjoyed this series, and eagerly await a second season. It might be a while, especially if they want to keep up with the pace they've set in the first season. I feel it will we well worth the wait however, and I'm excited to see where the story goes next. That's not to say there absolutely must be a second season for this to be enjoyed, because it does stand up on it's own just fine. However, there's not much of a resolution either and doesn't feel anywhere near complete.
8/10
Overall: Well thought out and well executed, though not without it's flaws. Definitely a good idea to watch if you enjoy survival action anime with a gaming base.
8/10
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jul 17, 2014
So let's get this out of the way early: this is not what one would consider a "good" anime, even by the standards set by the first season. It's not even a good ecchi. This is the second season of a harem ecchi that toned down just about everything from the fanservice to character development. Actually, it's one of the rare anime that would have really been helped by adding more (or any) tits - as the whole show is based on a ridiculous harem-ecchi premise that fails to deliver. Going for pure fanservice ridiculousness I get, hell I even support it, but this lacks
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even that.
That being said, it's entertaining if you go into it with the right mindset. Nothing here is going to make you think, or make you feel, or tickle your nether regions, but it's an amusing kind of bad at least. I'll try to avoid spoilers, but honestly nothing is surprising enough that could be spoiled.
Story: Underdeveloped at best. There is no resolution, and the entire "real" plot revolves around a team-rocketesque secret group known as Phantom Task that randomly show up in what should be very rare personal IS machines, mess up some scenery, then retreat. Stuff just kinda happens.
3/10
Art: For the most part this is the highlight. Not much different than the first season, the characters are designed well and uniquely enough, though admittedly not in a groundbreaking kind of way. The girls are cute and varied, and even most of the extras are well designed from an artistic standpoint. The mechs are well designed, however in combat and motion they range from very fluid to clunky-as-hell like the CGI was never completely finished.
6/10
Sound: Nothing of note here really. Not bad, not good, completely average anime soundtrack.
5/10
Character: Lets take a moment to talk about the main character, Orimura Ichika. To say this guy is dumb would be a compliment. He's so amazingly oblivious all the time it's amazing he isn't constantly wetting himself. Not only is he dumb, he is awkward and about as sexual as a can of beans. God forbid he take a girl's measurements with his eyes open - the only thing he has going for him is he is the only outie in a sea of innies, and he's really good and bashing his head into things until they break. 95% of what this guy does is suck and lose, his entire purpose is to throw himself in front of whatever high powered beam weapon is being shot at a cute female companion. This is the guy that is the linchpin of the whole story.
As for the rest of them, there's only one real stint of character development in the whole season and it boils down to a shy girl falling in love with a moron, the same moron who is already being half-seduced by that girl's sister. Every other character was deemed developed enough in the first season I suppose, so they all go on the back burner until it's time to randomly beat some Ichika ass for accidentally seeing side-boob while adrift in a sea of women.
4/10
Enjoyment: All that being said, I did enjoy it for what it was. You definitely have to turn your brain off to get any enjoyment out of this show, but hey - it's flashy at times and almost ecchi. As I said before, everything was dialed back and it exists in this strange in-between gray area for an anime. There are some suggestive poses, but a severe lack of fanservice and tits to be anywhere near a good ecchi. It would have done itself a big favor to just embrace its ecchi soul and go with it, but it didn't. At the same time, it's not anywhere near developed enough or even tell a coherent story enough to be the anime it wants to be. However, it's amusing and the art is pretty, so that's something.
6/10
Overall: Add it all together, and you get something exceptionally average. No risks were taken, and no meaningful story was told. Then again, it's not like I'm lamenting the time I spent watching it, so that's something. It is at least worth looking at for a palate cleanser.
5/10
Reviewer’s Rating: 5
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