The plot is pretty much known. Humanity is pushed to the brink of extinction by some creatures known as Titans. In order to protect themselves, survivors from all over the world gathered in a single place building a city with 3 walls. The story focuses on Eren, a young boy that witnesses his mother getting eaten by the Titans as one of the three walls falls to them. His desire for vengeance drives him to join the Scouting Legion to obtain the skills required in order to exterminate them.
In other words, the plot is pretty simple and not the most original idea. There are many anime out there that share similar characteristics (humanity is threatened by non-human monsters). However, its depiction is what matters. You will have the feeling that humans are fighting for survival and for their very lives. Despair, agony, pain, suffering, fear all these emotions are present in mankind's forces. When titans show up, some people are frozen because of their fear, others will run, others will cry and others will make a stand. SNK says loudly to you "NOTHING IS SUNSHINE AND BUTTERFLIES". People will die, people will be eaten and others will cry. Hardcore and brutal.
The art is excellent and is distinguished from its high quality. From the shadows and buildings to character models and enviroments everything is depicted in detail and beauty. The only drawback is that the city might feel empty at times with the roads and apartments empty. The battle scenes are dynamic and fluent, full of energy but they tend to become somewhat confusing at times.
The characters are your typical anime cast. The food freak, the brave, zealous protagonist, the calm and caring co-protagonist, the leader etc. However, they all have a unique personality, a special past and their own reasons to fight the titans. The development to certain characters tends to becoming very interesting though, as cowards rise to heroes and weak-willed ones strengthen their resolve. However one thing is common: in a world gone mad, everyone fights for his survival and he does that alone or by trusting others to assist him. In the end, you will start empathizing the characters and quickly choose your favorite party.
The soundtrack is top class. The first opening is epic, like a call to arms. You will find yourselves watching it over and over again, not being able to get enough of it. The tracks are always matched with the current situation and add to the drama and the realism of every scene. The background music cannot go unoticed and you will definitely search it in youtube to hear it again. When it comes to the voice actors, they are full of the emotions corresponding each scene. Whether someone cries, lets a battle cry or shouts it will always sound natural as if the characters where actually real.
It will be very hard to find something in this anime you won't like. The only possible drawbacks are its somewhat simple story and the small number of episodes. The ending is a cliffhanger, meaning a possible season 2. SNK has the magic of keeping you hooked to it until the end. And I gotta say, I didn't mind that at all.
Just keep one thing in mind: Everybody dies.
Story: 8
Art: 10
Sound: 9
Character: 8
Enjoyment: 9
Overall: 9
