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Before I begin, I would like to allow the readers some comfort in knowing that although I shall include my personal thoughts, I'll primarily be typing in an objective way of which will in fact differ with that of my thoughts at times. Also I'll not be lowering or raising my opinions on trivial matters such as the old series or the manga, as that is a comparison and not a proper judgement to this work as itself.
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And now, to dive right in I’ll start with the story. For someone with no former knowledge of the series, it will most undoubtedly be confusing at times, ... especially for questions specifically regarding individual characters. Your first thoughts must be something along the lines of “so you’re telling me the plot / character development is slow if not bad, right?”, however, you could look at it in a lighter sense where things are gradually being fleshed out for you rather than put on a platter since most questions will be answered at one point or another. And all those who’ve Berserk knowledge already should find the pacing is fairly well as there isn’t much for pointless content, most episodes seem fairly consistent in tossing a plethora of both action and plot progression. Though it is somewhat hasty, I personally find that any less would be too slow and any more would be too flashy. It seems to get straight toward the point. And so, for a solid and consistent story covering many things gradually while still keeping you wanting to find out more, personally I would like to give it a 9/10 but alas I have to say 8/10. I talk a little about where the first episode started in the final paragraph.
STORY 8/10
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The part most people probably are curious to see as it is under such heavy debate, the artwork. Now, I’m just going to say that having an anime made in CG isn’t on its own a bad thing, but it really depends on the specific series. There are some where they just look terrible, and yet others use CG effectively such as Berserk 2016. Even if you are one of those who dislike CG, for the potential of CG all in all it at least is better than other works. Personally I find this series to be better with CG but for a few reasons, such as: The medieval theme really pushes the use of CG compared to other themes because the scenery/weapons/armors/etc. all have a more serious look and feel to them, imo at least. Another thing is that the manga is drawn inexpressively well, and although this art style lacks the immaculate detail the manga has, it still yields very crisp lines, smooth motion which is most prominent in gracious looking battle sequences, vibrant colors especially during effects. Now, you may disagree with my opinion and points all you want but at least have a valid reason to prefer 2D over 3D art styles other than the repeated “It has no detail” or “It looks absolutely ugly” because trust me, there are probably hundreds of shows that look worse. I won’t only compliment it though, there are moments where it doesn’t quite look right and the most noticeable con to this is some of the characters faces. Do note also, that there are times throughout this series where they immerse themselves between 2D and 3D to emphasize certain moments. I personally have no reason to dislike an art style so I would probably have rated it higher, but I understand some people cannot simply sit for that, and that is perfectly fine.
ART STYLE 7/10
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The audio in this season is absolutely fantastic, and that’s coming from a soundtrack enthusiast. The music tracks are all fairly epic and usually play out at the perfect times, such as the suspenseful tunes when things get dangerous, can really send a chill down your back. Or the amazing “Hai yo” track used during battles or important events really gets the fire burning and pulls you into the moment.
The sound effects are phenomenal as well, with each swing of a weapon, foot step, movements, etc. all have sounds and they are indeed a welcome piece to the show. They at times sound out of place but I’d say they generally have spot on sounds, and so I cannot complain.
The voice acting is very sound too, they did a good job for their parts and really added that Berserk feel if you know what I mean. The voices actually make sense and sound as they should, when situations are raised and tension increases the voices do not falter.
Personally, I find that the sounds/music can make or break a scene in an anime, and so if you are like that I think it will be a great watch for you during those moments.
SOUND 9/10
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The characters are fantastic but as the story would have it, in this season we aren’t gifted with much if any back story or in depth character development. Sure we know a few things but we aren’t given too much information, this applies to basically all characters. It simplifies these characters quite a lot, which some may prefer and others may find offense toward. For Guts his action scenes are a spectacle and his attitude adds to the moments quite nicely. I find his character to be enjoyable and giving you the sense of wanting more. The other characters are fleshed out in certain scenes which is a relief, and it helps to show that though they’re simplified, you can still get a feel for some of them. For those old time Berserk fans, the dialogue might be off throughout the episodes but it should still be somewhat good to say the least. And though you may be used to more in depth character plot and development from the franchise, if you dislike that aspect it is fully understandable. Change isn’t always something people want.
CHARACTER 9/10
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Now, I’m not the kind of person to give a perfect score but in this case a 10 for enjoyment means it had an effect or impression left upon me. Granted you might not enjoy it or you may but with different opinions to that of my own, but either way I hope these words managed to help you decide whether or not it’s something for you. Personally, I very much so enjoyed this series and I hope the same can apply to you all.
P.S – For those who just think it is bad because there is CG, and or only think the good looking moments are the 2D scenes, let me just ask you this: “Are you really serving justice to the franchise your fandom is so loyal toward? Sure it isn’t 2D, but it can’t look wholly bad can it?” Just one more thing too, for those disappointed on where episode 1 starts, since the second season is going to air in 2017 according to the end of episode 12, sure it doesn’t transition very well but it still picked a starting point to carry on from. The moment a new series aired so many years later, you shouldn’t have expected it to transition nicely or you were really just setting yourself up for disappointment. People would hope for it but you would still know it’s probably unlikely. This section isn’t a rant, just my final attempt to hopefully make long time Berserk fans enjoy this series a little more rather than being upset, after all it’s been ages since new TV content, we shouldn’t accept what we don’t like but at least see it out to the end.
ENJOYMENT 10/10
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Thank you, and if anyone took offense to this than I apologise.
OVERALL 8.6/10 so rounded up to -> 9/10