After all, when one has been unbeatable for so long, and all opponents seem so easy, why would anyone bother to try?
In No Game No Life, for the siblings and main characters Shiro and Sora, their case for boredom lies in their only source of entertainment--games. With a fabulous record of zero games lost, their arrogance causes them to fall into a trap world, where the two neets are thrown into a society where everything is decided by games.
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Undoubtedly, NGNL by Yuu Kamiya proves an excellent backdrop for entertainment. After all, entertainment is the keyword to the whole anime. Moments of serious discussion and intelligent thought regarding "silly games" gives way to a blurt or outburst of perversion on Sora's part. These occasions of comedy that ensue are promising but few in number, while much ranting and explanation of the games are prevalent throughout the story.
The premise of the plot is not completely original, but still refreshing in light of the more narrow-minded survival anime that exists. In a way NGNL has its on take on Survival-anime, and yet, at the same time, does not exactly fall under that category.
The plot is advanced using a series of games that often feel long-winded and may cause some viewers to fall asleep. Regardless, due the pace of the series vs. the actual content in the Light Novels, this anime and its season ending gives a small foreshadow of a second season.
As for the characters, Sora and Shiro remain mostly static throughout the work. Genius combined with Analytical Intelligence and utter Confidence results in a tag team that need not change. Other characters, such as Steph, I would not believe to be a main character but rather a supporting one in that she does nearly nothing to move the plot forward.
Ah, that brings to light the fan service. True, the world that Sora and Shiro is not necessarily an Asian Society, and therefore certain--erogenous zones--are more "enhanced" and prevalent. (I'm not saying that big is better, however). Steph is such a case, and judging with all the partial-nudity scenes the animators were trying to make a point with them. Or not, and it could just be to see if viewers get nosebleeds.
However, much of the fan service is not as memorable as the plot, which is always a good thing. Except for in episode 6...but that is another story. :>
The sound is nothing special, standard-fare OP and ED; nothing memorable. BGM is where it should be and as such deserves a higher score.
The art style was excellent. Sometimes it clearly feels like the Animators had fancy art and animation just to buy time by showing all the locations and area in HD.
Overall, this is no masterpiece. NGNL has its own flaws, and despite them remains overly entertaining.
No Game No Life has earned a place in my heart, and I hope that through my review I might cause you to watch it and have it earn a place in your heart as well :P
Folks, give it up for Kamiya Yuu's No Game No Life, the imperfect but nevertheless beautiful work.
4.5 out of 5 stars for the excellently animated and entertaining No Game No Life!
-Jay
