Story: (33/35) Really good dystopian story that knows how to separate itself from the pact.
Characters: (29/35) Good Main Character, Villain, and a Heroine who develops a lot throughout the story. Sadly, the side characters aren't as memorable.
Sound: (14/15) Really well done soundtrack, good openings and a great use of techno.
Animation: (13/15) Nicely done, good fight scenes, very fluid, but bad character designs.
Overall: (89/100)
I really enjoyed Psycho Pass (from now on it'll be called PP), mainly because it reminded me of all the good things about a couple of movies I saw this year. The plot of PP reminds me a lot of Minority Report and Equilibrium. The similarities between the shows are that each one has a set system in place that strives to become a crimeless utopia of sorts, but they aren't without limitations. Also, all three take place in a futuristic setting, and PP in particular has a pretty original setting. Of the three I felt PP has the most believable story, as the others revolve around seeing the future and taking away emotions (not very likely). The show explains the pros and cons of having this kind of system in place, and expands upon that. It doesn't tell you whether a system that limits human freedom but basically stops crime is right or wrong, and leaves these thoughts to you. I like it when a series doesn't force their opinions down my throat yet still makes me thing about the story at hand. One downside is that this kind of story isn't 100% original, as there are tons of similarities with other shows (not just the two I mentioned). The show also likes to quote famous works of literature, which to me makes it sound like it's trying too hard to be smart. (33/35)
The characters in PP aren't all that interesting. When I first seen the cast I immediately thought Cowboy Bebop for some of the characters. That would be a good thing, but these characters lack the charisma of the Bebop crew. None of the characters are particularly interesting aside from maybe Kogami. The problem is these characters aren't very interesting. Some crime shows counter this by making them more laid back, but of they are too laid back that can also be a problem (they are saving lives after all). On the bright side, the show has a great antagonist in the form of Makishima Shougo, and Kogami is also very cool. One character I had a problem with for majority of the series is Akane, who didn't seem right for this job at all. Thankfully, she got some great character development by the end and was a real treat to watch in the final episodes. (29/35)
The production values for this show are generally favorable. The score is very good, particularly both opening songs. The tracks fit each scene great, with some having your normal music, while others having some good techno music (really fitting with the sci fi elements). (14/15) The fights are very nicely choreographed, and the animation is very fluid. Sadly, the character designs are a big let down, and can be really annoying in the first part of the show. (13/15)
This was one great show, and one of my favorites from 2012 (of what I have seen so far). The show excelled in pretty much every category, except in the cast and character designs department. This is one 2012 show you don't want to miss. (89/100)
