I thoroughly enjoyed NGNL, but as a whole, it's not as original as people claim it is, story-wise. It's basically Yu-gi-Oh (the 1998 series, not that TCG-pushing crap that kids watch) in the sense that all of the protagonist's problems are solved through games, puzzles, and riddles, and that he completely ruins the losers' lives. Completely. We're talking doesn't-own-a-single-penny level life ruined.
NGNL's story is slow at times, with nothing really eventful happening in some episodes, but it manages to keep the viewer entertained. Everything is politics and games, so it may not be for everyone.
The art style really fits the setting and characters. NGNL takes place in a ridiculously colorful and diverse fantasy world. Also, the coloring accentuates Sora's high-level fabulousness/flamboyancy to an insane level.
It's a fun anime with quite a few twists, a little fanservice, and pro-tier flamboyancy and strategy. It's definitely worth watching at least once.