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Jan 26, 2013
Story:
My main issue with the story is, there is barely a story. Everything that happens in the show is obviously related to psychological issues of the characters.And MD simply puts up a paper thin facade, that breaks down--intentionally--and reveals what we had all known from implication: our enemy is our own fragility.
The conclusion "solves" this problem flagrantly, albeit with an open ending, and at the cost of any character development or reality afforded thus far by the show.
If anything, I criticize MD for taking the easy way out. A conclusion bound by the logic already established is restricting, but essential for the
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maintenance of the characters etc. MD simply superimposed the overarching theme onto the setting, notwithstanding anything already established.
Art:
The art is average, but definitely not bad.
The animation seems very consistent, as well
Sound:
The music was surprisingly good. Perhaps due to its esoteric nature.However, there were not many tunes nor were readily played.
Character:
Due to the nature of the show, character development was pretty high/good...initially. We see the personalities and trials of many different people. Interesting when it was maintained. However, these characters are never resolved. I guess it's possible they all died...but I don't know.
Enjoyment:
I enjoyed the former half fairly well, given the wanton character introductions, but as the show continued, more and more "pointless" episodes appeared. Now these episodes weren't bad surprisingly; they just had little to do with the plot as a whole.
Reviewer’s Rating: 5
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Nov 24, 2012
Story: The story started simply enough--just some brothers wanting to save a damsel. But more plot elements were added...Which was fine at first, then it became a nuisance. Why?
penguindrum is very "psychological;" the setting is amorphous, or rather mentally malleable. So anything the series threw out, you are forced to chew...some parts succeeded--adding depth, and a second layer, while others failed--moving from point to random point, and connecting them only at the conclusion.
So the series ends, and the pieces are tied together :D... but not flawlessly. Despite everything else, the solution is very well designed.
Art: Typical. Nothing too extraordinary in character design, landscape or
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animation. Props for the storyboarding, though.
Sound: Above average in all departments
Character: Oh lord. Penguindrum's main fault is character development. The only character to undergo any change before the final few episodes is Ringo. And they did a good job; I just wished they played off their success, focusing on her more.
The others? Meh, static for too long. And when change did appear, it was outrageous...
These developments ultimately dragged the plot down. I just didn't care much for the characters.
Enjoyment? I did enjoy it as a casual viewer;but there was nothing tugging at me to watch it everyday.
overall: 6/10
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Sep 3, 2012
Steins; Gate is a quasi-thriller with two or more interpretations. The first and most obvious, is that of time travel and the corresponding powerlust and regret. The second, which isn't commented on often: that of adolescent pursuit of love. This seemed pretty apparent to me; However, I can't speak for others. So I'll be terse in my evidence--and cryptic:
1)Okabe is initially very pompous.
2)Okabe gradually meets more and more girls
3)Once Okabe gets to know them well; they use the D-mail and he lives in their "reality"
4)Okabe moves from one reality to the next and suffers from his mistakes
5)Okabe goes back and rectifies each "reality"
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in turn, thus reconciling with each girl and becoming mature, himself.
6)Eventually Okabe, finds the right girl after learning from his mistakes
If you just take out all the time machines (and other time paraphernalia) it leaves you with...something pretty romantic
...Thought I'd throw a change of pace out there
Edit:
As for the specs of the show...
Like most thrillers the story is quintessential--and fortunately, it's pretty good. In fact, it was the biggest encouragement to finish the series. The conflict was stressful, the solution enticing, and the progression, at times, shocking. The main complaint I have is the conclusion. But too many series implode after such a buildup, so I can overlook most misgivings. There were a few hiccups and science gaffes, but those were pretty petty. Story: 10
I hesitate to call the art beautiful but I'll gladly say it's consistent. Besides that, the quality of storyboarding is above average. The scenes flow near-seamlessly. Art: 8
The music is suitable but not stunning. However, the voice acting is what sold me. Miyano, Mamoru did an excellent job with Okabe--and not only him I give props to the entire Japanese cast. I have yet to see the English dub, so I cannot comment.
Sound: 9
The characters are...tragic. and through those tragedies they garner some emotional expenditure; but truly, a lot of the characters are pretty pale (static). Do not misunderstand me: each character has lovable/detestable points...what I'm saying is they lack true depth and growth. The most colorful character is Okabe and I am glad. Without his character development, time-traveling would be pretty pointless.
Character: 7
I feel this facet of the review is more opinion than the others, so I'll briefly explain. I thoroughly enjoyed the show. I liked the humor early in the show and the tension mid-way through. The latter episodes of the show prevent a higher rating
Enjoyment: 9
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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