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The story of Magia Record has always interested me. While Season 1 was more of a Slice of Life anime, this Season is more like Madoka Magica, with lives at stake. While Season 1 introduces the anomalies, Season 2 expands on these anomalies; the consequences and dangers associated with them, and if you focused on world differences in Magia Record and Madoka Magica, you'll find the revelations amusing. You also see the character from Madoka Magica finally being part of the story, which is a nice touch, and gives some idea about the timeline the anime is set in.

Everything has been top notch from ... the first Episode. The action / fight scenes are one of the best I've seen. Season 1 clearly had some production issues, and you would find lackluster fight sequences here and there, specially mid season. Well not in this Season. You'll feel OK, Shaft used all its budget in this action sequence, there won't be more scenes as good as this one. But you'll get one more, and more, and hopefully we'll see this level of quality throughout the season.

OST is cool. It's certainly not Yuki Kajiura, but you'll find it quite similar. There's also a new version of Credens Justitiam, OP is performed by Claris, and depending on how familiar you're with Magia Record, you'll find some interesting bits in it. ED is kind of Yuri, I'll be honest. Overall it's as good as it was in Season 1, but when paired with brilliant animation, it has more impact somehow.

No major new characters, but you might get excited to see certain characters finally being part of the story. You get insight on what happened to Iroha after the end of last Season, and what happened to Iroha's friend Kuroe, who we see in 1st Episode of Season 1. Overall nothing has changed much about the characters, if you didn't like them before chances are you won't like them now. But they are becoming interesting as the plot is moving forward.

Every second of Magia Record has been enjoyable (my personal opinion), depending on what you decide to focus on, you can truly like it. Honestly speaking, you'll care more about the characters only if you have spent time with them in the game. The characters don't do anything specific to move the plot forward, rather they investigate certain things, which brings them closer to their objectives. It still applies, but things revealed now explain the things revealed in 1st Season, so if you felt certain things in Season 1 didn't make sense, they might make sense now.

Overall, the story of Magia Record is very promising. The fact you can't predict it, automatically makes it a good mystery anime atleast. The animation is a step up from last season, and as the mysteries unfold, you start getting how it ties to Madoka Magica. The characters have potential, and although they have different ideals, their goal remains the same i.e. to save Magical Girls. We get to see the perspective of both sides, be it protagonists or the antagonists. For whatever reason people didn't like the first Season should give this Season a chance, since it totally redeems itself.

I'd be honest, I didn't have any expectations when I started watching this. For me it was another side series done by Shaft. The show delivered what it promised from the first few episodes (i.e. thighs). The story isn't anything mind blowing, but I didn't expect it to have it in the first place. But the way it's presented will sure make you curious, and raise some questions, and make you think. If you don't want to think much, you'll still find it enjoyable. The art and animation is great, and Shaft has made a good use of 3DCG. I love the opening song, the ... characters are funny and you'll remember their personalities and faces, not necessarily their names.
There are so many characters and you'll see people complain about it, but you don't have to focus on them. They are not the main focus of the story but still if you're interested about them, you'll find something about them on the internet and the upcoming game. The show has its fun movement, sad moments and you'll see the main characters developed a lot by the end of the first season.
The show is Yuri, Action, Thighs, Bath Scenes. No nudity or anything inappropriate though. There's handholding if you consider that lewd. Those are the selling points of the show. If you hate such type of material, honestly you're not going to like it. But still if you watch it and then complain about a not so original and average story, it's your fault. Watch it for great visuals, Shaft, and everything else I mentioned above. The show is nowhere near the other great works by Shaft, but the world it’s set in has potential. If I have to compare it with something, I’ll compare it Symphogear series. So if you like that, you’ll probably like this more.

Being a fan of the Original series and the movie Rebellion, I was excited about Magia Record as soon as I found the game is being adapted into the anime. Being a side story, this is not intended to surpass the original, but give a whole new experience which is not dark and shocking as the original storywise, but this doesn't make the story bad at all, which we'll see as the plot progresses.

STORY : 8
The story focuses on new characters. You'll see the usual enemies of Magical Girls, along with some new ones. The pacing might feel slow or fast depending on whether you've ... played the game. Some details might feel unnecessary, but they are essential to the plot. Nothing 'wow' has happened as of episode 4, but things will get interesing episode 5 onwards. The events might raise some questions in your mind, if you've watched Madoka Magica. Overall this story is good, and will definitely get better, just don't expect it to be original level good; you'd be disappointed.

ART : 10
Games generate quite a revenue, and Magia Record definitely has bigger budget than your average anime. The show is being made in 1080p native, and it looks great quality wise. I'd say the animation is on par with Rebellion, which was a movie. The animation is trippy as ever, and the witch, labrinth designs are as you'd expect them to be. The transformation sequences are like Rebellion, and they are gorgeous. I think this is the best TV series ever made by Shaft animation-wise.

SOUND : 9
The anime borrows some soundtrack from the original, but has it's own original too. Yuki Kajiura has not composed the music for this series, but you're not likely to spot any difference in the quality. OP is performed by Trysail, who also voice the three main characters. ED is performed by Claris. I don't skip the OP / ED for the show, so yeah it does well in the sound department.

CHARACTERS : 10
Characters are lovable, most of them being Magical Girls. There are a lot of them, but the main focus is on main cast; three of them have been introduced as of episode 4. Every character has some part to play, so even you may see a lot of them, they are crucial to the plot. If you've played the game, you'll be happy to see your favorites making cameos.

ENJOYMENT : 10
Every episode ends way too quick for me, and I enjoy every second of it. The art is great, the characters are likeable (except for Kyubey). The story is interesting if you care enough about the new characters, and the music and soundtracks are as good as the original. So you'll enjoy it if you don't watch it expecting to be Madoka Magica 2.0, since it's not. It's more like a side quest to know more about the world of Madoka Magica and meet some new characters. It's mysterious, but not dark or psychological. There'll be gags and the atmosphere will be lighter.

OVERALL : 10
This one will not give you depression or cure it, but the experience will be heart-warming. You'll see the power of friendship, but in a non-typical manner. If you're a true fan of Madoka Magica, you can't skip it. If you haven't watched Madoka Magica, you should first watch it (including the third movie) to fully understand and appreciate this. Overall, it's definitely a good show and must watch.