Set in some kind of alternate universe (I guess. It never explains it) that merges medieval and modern, this show takes place in a school for knights and squires. There's a rather unusual harem subplot, with all the girls not necessarily attracted to the boy, but more interested in his talents as a squire.
Story: 5
I have mixed feelings about the plot. There's a great underdog story in the early episodes, then the main plot doesn't just get put on the back burner, it basically vanishes for six episodes. Don't get me wrong, I actually like a lot of filler episodes, but in this case the balance was all wrong.
Fortunately, it picks up again in the last few episodes with the tournament. What I really like is that even though there can be only one champion in the end, the others manage to achieve something even when they lose. If I have one complaint about the ending, it's how the final match is presented. After the exciting and intense previous matches, the last one is anticlimactic.
Art: 7
The best part of the show. Let's start with the setting. Much of the show takes place outside, and it doesn't hesitate to take advantage of it. Lens flares and sparkling sunbeams add a touch of a dreamlike quality during the day, and there are plenty of sunsets full of warm colors. You're treated to scenes of green fields under blue skies, pink cherry blossoms, lazily rotating windmills, and lush gardens full of colorful flowers.
The character designs are fine, although nothing to set them apart from other animes. I'm tempted to subtract a point because I like girls with long hair, so it's kind of disappointing when Mio cuts her hair in the third episode. But she still looks cute with short hair, so I can't really complain.
All of that, however, is nothing compared to the jousting scenes. There's definite CG involved, but it blends well with an overlay of traditional animation. In fact, it kind of reminds me of old-school rotoscoping. The scenes have a certain kinetic energy and fluidity about them that is breathtaking to watch. It's not just objects painted over a static background; some shots feel like every frame was drawn and painted individually from scratch.
Notes on fanservice: A LOT of innuendo, skimpy outfits, and strategic censoring, but only a few nipple shots.
Sound: 4
This is probably the weakest part of the anime, although admittedly it could be because the visuals are so stunning that in comparison, the sound is disappointing. For the most part, it's just fine. The theme song is okay, and the voice acting is acceptable. My one complaint is that the internal music doesn't always fit the scenes well. This is especially noticeable during humorous scenes, where a poor choice of music or a lack of music altogether tends to slow down the pacing and ruin the timing of the jokes. For example, Episode 7 would be hilarious if the music didn't detract from the absurdity of it all. As it is, the episode is just worth a slight chuckle.
Characters: 6
The characters are all pretty typical for this kind of show. The pink-haired airhead, the beautiful and elegant student council president, the rich girl with her groupies, the emotionless loli, etc. etc. etc.
What I like, however, is how well the characters get along. Technically they're rivals in the upcoming tournament, but they're also friends. Even when they have conflicting goals, they support each other. And after the final tournament in the end, they can still all get together to have fun.
Enjoyment: 7
Walkure Romanze is a perfect example of what I call "marshmallow" anime. There's not much substance to it, but it puts a smile on your face regardless. In this case, it comes from the upbeat, feelgood tone, with its themes of friendship and taking time to enjoy the game instead of getting too focused on winning.
Overall: 6
Despite this being a sports-based anime (jousting is a sport, right?), it doesn't really get bogged down in competitiveness. There are no villains, and only friendly rivalries. It has a lot of weaknesses, but it's fun to watch. Plus, it has a great moral: winning isn't everything.
