The World God Knows III is adapted from the manga of the same name written by Wakaki Tamiki. The series continues as the third installment of the franchise but has some noticeably changes. Perhaps the most important of these changes is the fact that the anime decides to skip material from the manga. As this series covers the GODDESS ARC, some conquests left from the manga are left in unexplored territory. Therefore, if you want to get more insight on what you're missing out, give the manga a try from chapters chapters 42-55 and 66-113. (this assumes you have watched the Tenri OVA) At any rate, the series decides to go with the Goddess route and oh boy, this sure brings a new twist to Keima's life.
Because the series skips material, it is important to absorb most of it in the very first episode. At any rate, this series adapts the Goddess Arc and the Goddesses are the main task that Keima must deal with. The Goddesses themselves seems to be sealed into the girls that Keima conquered previously. The minor problem is that some of these girls' routes (when they were conquered before) are omitted from this adaptation. Therefore, expect some flashbacks and brief scenes that might not make sense if you're coming fresh into this series as an anime only viewer.
The story stretches out in a quick fashion as even in the beginning with the conflict immediately comes to fruition with the introduction of an new enemy. Part of what makes this Goddess Arc exciting is because Keima is put on the stress of reconquering some of the girls' hearts but at the same time also with a friend's life in danger. It obviously puts Keima in the driver seat of a stressful player. This is evidenced through the seriousness that he takes the situation at hand as his obsessive habit of playing games and dealing with 2D girls is significantly reduced. Furthermore, Keima feels guilty at himself for getting others involved and seems to a bear a sort of responsibility of some of the events in this series. Indeed, the Goddess Arc takes this series to a whole new level with new surprising challenges. There's a blend now between fiction and reality. Previously, Keima only wanted to conquer girls in order to get it over with and return to normal life. Now, he is fighting for someone else other than himself. Now that my friends deserves some respect.
Most of the main and supporting characters makes their appearances in this arc. Some gets more screen time than others while the supporting characters get their spotlights in a set up of 'conquer of the week' format. Keima's mind at the same time is put to significantly use because what's at stake. It still revolves around conquering girls though but this time for the sake of drawing goddesses out of them. It's a hunt where Keima has to play the role of a player. Furthermore, it's racing the clock to save a friend. By the typical TWOGK concept as previously seen, Keima often relies on strategies he gets from his experience off of the games he plays. This involves triggering flags, making the perfect date plans, or formulating strategies to respond accordingly to situations. Luckily, the boy also gets a little help as well.
Simply put though, we have two girls or rather supernatural beings who serves as guides to Keima. If you guessed Elsie and Haqua, then you're right. In particular though, Haqua's relationship with Keima is one of the more interesting factors to examine. It seems that her character has become more and more prone to jealousy especially in situations where it involves dealing with the Goddesses. Perhaps the girl now has feelings of her own based on some interesting reactions to his mission. In particular one moment, she blunts out that Keima is needed by her. It does gets more frustrating at some points though especially since Keima is so focused on his task that he fails to notice these certain triggers from Haqua. At the same time, Keima wants to make triggers of his own through whatever means. These usually have various results but viewers can be satisfied that Keima is more of the level headed protagonists of this harem series.
As a harem series goes, the show still maintains its themes well. The girls are diverse ranging from a shy library girl, to an idol, a tomboy, an ice queen, or the rich type. It offers a multitude of conquests in a variety so viewers gets a new experience of that TWOGK feel again. The addition is the introduction of the Goddesses (also known as the Jupiter Sisters) Based on the names of the Roman mythology, they are some of the key players of this series. It's also important to note that each of them resides in a different girl and all of them has a different ability. Their personalities seems to also reflect on their hosts as well which makes it much more comfortable for viewers to get to know them better, especially for those who have read the manga. Whatever the case, the Goddess Arc takes a full swing at this new concept and makes it that much more exciting once again. (well maybe not so much fun for Keima)
For the adaptation, there are certain elements left out. I won't compare this to the manga but some scenes should have been there for a more pleasurable experience. As being a harem show, it doesn't avoid fan service either that either results in misunderstandings and some skin being shown. Luckily though, Keima is the main male protagonist and not the type that prone out like a typical dull kid from a harem series. When misunderstanding happens, he tries to take advantage of it and makes it into a strategy. In fact, Keima still is confident and calculating which makes him independent and even admirable.
There's also certain elements of this series that makes it stand out with the new twists such as the new enemy. However at the same time, we see comedy packaged with hilarious dialogues, misunderstandings, and awkward moments. These usually involves Keima in a situation where he is uncomfortable with or something that he didn't anticipate as part of his plan. At other times, there's the comedy that seems to be a bit forced and repetitive. Another factor that might of prevent a better success for this series is the way the tension of the romance aspect seems to feel somewhat weaker. This could be the result of the rushed sequences of a series that is condensed into only a mere 13 episodes. But what's more than that though could be a lack of new transition as in new girls/targets. Rather than introducing any new girls for conquest, some of the conquests feels like deja vu in a way that might once again seem a bit repetitive. Additionally, some of Keima's choices might seem controversial for viewers especially for those has their favorite girls already made up in their minds.
Visual wise, the series makes both good usage of coloring and style. Manglobe again is involved with the production so expect a similar if not the same format of the designs. The characters themselves are designed to look different and reflect on their personalities. For instance, Yui is designed to look like a tomboy while Kanon has that style of an idol. Keima of course stands out as the main protagonist as a “God in one world, otaku in another”.
The OP song "God only knows -Secrets of the Goddess-" by Oratorio The World God Only Knows reflects on the nature of the arc with the Goddess being the highlights. There are also montages of some of girls are shown along with possible foreshadowing. The voice actors and actresses does a great job in their roles. Keima's calculating voice is reflected in his style while most of the supporting characters fits in their own. Some of the voices of the girls also matures their personalities well. In contrast though, the OST seems bit mediocre and barely noticeable.
For a harem series, this sure takes its themes to a different style. Season 3 of TWGOK deals with the Goddess Arc so expect new surprises and a little more emotions here and there. At the same time, there's the fun and nostalgia bought back from the previous series. Just be aware that this series skips some of the manga material involving certain routes. After all, it adapts the Goddess Arc. Therefore, it's best to re-read some of the chapters that were never adapted. (maybe will be in the future in OVAs?). I hope you enjoy this series though just like the previous ones if you're still a fan of TWGOK. It's time to conquer the 3D world once again!
