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Jul 13, 2018
This animation is part of a larger project from Cygames which also includes comics, upcoming mobile game and of course merchandise. Knowing that, one could think of this anime as a longer advertisement for the game and not expect much. That's what I thought at first, but it turned out to be a really enjoyable show.
In japanese animation, there are lots of combinations of female characters with animal traits. Wolf girls, monster girls and probably most popular cat girls. Uma Musume Pretty Derby is a show about horse girls. But not just random girls with horse ears and tails. They are named after real-life famous
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race horses. The story is also based on actual races. After watching Uma Musume, you may not only be interested in playing the mobile game from Cygames, but also want to know more about horse racing.
Big part of the Uma Musume project is that the characters are also performing on stage like idols. Some people may think that it's trying to appeal to broader audience, but personally I think it's really interesting combination and works rather well in a world of horse girls, where they are already racing idols.
Story 9/10
It could be an advertisement, boring race sequences and the same introductions repeated for different girls in every episode. Instead, what we got is a great show about joy and sorrow, friendship and rivalry, defeat and victory.
Art 9/10
Animation is just great. Races are dynamic and detailed character design really sets apart different girls. There are a few moments of 3D animation but the models and movements are really similar to 2D, which is nice.
Sound 9/10
We can hear only a couple of original songs from the game. In the future Cygames will probably release more. Sound effects during racing sequences work nicely and sound similar to actual horses running.
Character 9/10
Every horse girl has unique traits. They have their own uniquely designed outfit for races. During the 13 episodes we can also witness development for main characters.
Enjoyment 9/10
Some cliches are inevitable, horse girls may not sound promising to everyone, but I highly recommend watching Uma Musume Pretty Derby if you are looking for something light to watch. My score may be a bit high, maybe because of lowered expectations, but I have seen much worse shows that did not try to sell me something.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Jun 26, 2016
The title "Flying witch" suggests there will be flying and magics. I think both happen maybe once in each episode and that's it. But it's not a bad thing, it's just regular 'slice of life' anime.
Story follows young witch Makoto living with her relatives in some nice countryside. The vibe really reminds me of "Non non biyori" - almost no people in the background, just main characters doing everyday things. Well, sometimes 'everyday things for a witch', but it's not flashy fireworks show. I really liked that, the magic rituals shown are simple - no lights, no wind, mainly drawing magic circles, using small items
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and awaiting effect. Flying on a broom is a way to travel around town, no racing or great speeds, just floating short distances.
You've seen these characters before - 7/10
Unfortunately nothing great in terms of characters, but they work nicely in this enviroment.
Some nice ideas - 9/10
The witches are among us, and so are some interesting ideas about how they live, and what other magical things there are in the world.
Sound - 7/10
The opening is great, you will clap along in no time. Soundtrack not so much unfortunately, but it provides the relaxing atmosphere.
Nichijou - 7/10
Nothing special in terms of story, but I enjoyed short episodes from life of a witch. Familiar situations with just a little bit more magic.
Non Non Witch - 10/10
For me that was really more of a simple life in the countryside, relaxing atmosphere and no real problems.
In conclusion, I highly recommend this anime to anyone looking for something peaceful to watch this season.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Aug 17, 2015
Yes, it’s ecchi. Yes, go watch it. No, it’s not for perverts… sometimes…
The Synopsis gives a pretty good synopsis. Year 1944. Instead of WW2, we have the war against alieny Neuroi. And who we should send to fight them? Mahou Shoujo of course. Equipped with machine guns and “brooms”, magical lolis sacrifice their lives to save humanity.
12 episodes = 5 episodes of fanservice, 4 episodes of feels and 3 episodes of plot. Well… as close to feels as you can get in this kind of anime. Plot isn’t elaborate, but it fits the setting… which is loli magical girls with machine guns again, so… yeah.
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It’s anime alright. It’s japanese alright. What you will see here is different from western cartoons. They deal with nudity… differently. But we’re adults here, right? (R+ means something kiddo) Maybe you want to watch it for fan service, enjoy it then. But if you’re used to these kind of things and treat a naked body like something regular, Strike Witches is great. I really enjoyed it. Especially the comedy parts (If you can see the jokes through the bewbs). It’s also about friendship, striving to be better and sometimes being sad over what’s lost in the war. There’s even little mystery, but that part wasn’t really completed, maybe in season 2.
“It’s been 5 minutes without panty shots. Am I still watching Strike Witches?” That’s what you can think about halfway through. I didn’t like panties thrown at my face every few seconds, but that was only in the beginning. I believe 6th episode opens the part, where fanservice is more moderate. That’s where I really enjoyed it. And I hope you enjoy Strike Witches too.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Apr 5, 2015
Considering the anime I watched so far, there are 2 types of 'Slice of Life' anime: regular, and Watamote. Watching characters living their lives is one thing. But another thing is watching only one character TRYING to live her life.
And what a life it is. Kuroki Tomoko, antisocial otaku striving to become popular in her new school. We watch her as she struggles to interact with people in situations like… saying “Hello!” and “Goodbye!”. But there are also things she shines at - playing video games and watching anime...
That’s the part of her, I kinda liked. I must confess, I’m a shut-in myself. Of
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course, unlike her, I do have friends… I swear! Anyway, she tries her best to meet someone in new class. But I believe, one thing she’s got wrong, is that she waits for others to make the first move. Her contribution is minimal.
As I said, it’s different from other ‘Slice of life’ anime, where social interactions are the basics I guess. Who would watch anime where protagonist is awkward and can’t talk properly to other people? Well, look at the number of fans of Watamote, and you get the answer. But that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. As we can read from discussions and reviews, it’s a show, that’s sometimes hard to watch. For me, especially when the second half started, watching the show was really painful, and made me realize how weird I may look to other people.
Tomoko IS weird. And sometimes… unappealing. When I started watching, I thought “Oh, she’s just quiet and kinda kawaii girl”. But then, near the end I realized… that’s not the case, and the way she acts… just how can she be the protagonist? There are A LOT of embarrassing moments waiting for her. I often empathized with her, whenever something like that happened to her and whenever she reflected on the worst moments of her life.
We follow her for one year of the new school listening to her narration. That gives us great contrast between what she does and what she intends to do. Also, probably that’s why there are so many references to other poplar anime. Hearing her thoughts not always justifies her actions. Although she tries to be popular, she clearly doesn’t want that or really lacks the skills to do so. It’s hard to change one’s way of behaving, I know something about that.
Please skip this paragraph if you don’t want the ending spoiled. [SPOILER ALERT]. Ending might not be satisfying for some. We have Tomoko in situation, that could greatly improve her status. Yet, she… panics (running scene is epic by the way). There she goes, back home to her loneliness. So what now? Was it all in vain? I believe her last words will eventually cause her to pay less attention to what people think about her, and that will lead to making some friends and having less pressure. Yay, happy headcannon! [SPOILERS END]
In short, I highly recommend watching the anime. Not everyone may like it, but I sure did. It’s great in its own way, and gives a chance to experience something new and different from what other anime have to offer.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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