Reviews

Dec 30, 2014
Are you suffering from an absence of GAR and strategy in your life? Already burn through your reserve JoJo's and No Game No Life strategic asspulls for a rainy day? Well, I got just the fix!

ZAWA ZAWA ZAWA ZAWA ZAWA

Story: 9/10

You'd think the novelty of high gambling will be dull after 26 episodes right? But Kaiji's sequel not only delivers yet again but surpasses expectations! But it's not all a win. The story pits Kaiji into an underground camp as a slave laborer in order to pay off his debts. As in typical Kaiji fashion, it's not all as it seems. As Kaiji butts heads with his 1st antagonists and the 1st story arc deals with the struggle of who'll come out on top. The script delivers yet again with the stakes matching the given level of risk. The psychological element is still there but it's safe to say that season 2 leans more towards who can cheat the best than actual strategy.
The second arc continues the trend of who's the better cheater, showing a natural flow from one arc to another. However, there's a reason the story doesn't get a 10/10 and that will become apparent as soon as you reach the 2nd half. The challenge is a 1/1000,000,000 high gamble game of pachinko. And unlike season 1, where arcs were resolved within 6-7 episodes, the final arc will have you yelling "FUCKIN WIN ALREADY!" at your monitor, as it's apparent that it's being stretched to reach it's desired 26 episode mark. The ending also remains open-ended.

Art: 8/10

Never since the Death Note potato chip eating scene has scenes about mundane tasks get the blood pumping!

It's Madhouse, it should go without saying that they always deliver. The ugly yet appealing character designs are as bold and GAR as ever! There's also a clear improvement of the facial features. Giving the over the top look of joy or anguish when necessary. The visual metaphors also added a much-needed flare for a show with no real physical action. You know, the whole "if Kaiji is winning, he's grasping the universe" or "if he's losing he's sinking into a swamp" that kinda thing. Although it can become unnecessary at times, done only to extend the episode run time. Nerveless, if you like the blood rush of this series then it'll do the job!


Sound: 8.5/10

ZAWA ZAWA ZAWAAA

The sound also keeps stride. The attention to detail is apparent, from the hissing sound of an air current to the crackling of dice in a bowl. The soundtrack is also well synchronized in scenes when needed. Especially noteworthy during the symbolic visual cues throughout the show. and who can forget the 'ZAWA ZAWA ZAWA' lol


Characters: 8/10

Kaiji radiates so much GAR that Kenshiro will nod in approval. He's also slightly developed as well, as his methods for winning become more cutthroat than from season 1. That doesn't mean he changed, in fact, he still trusts others too easily right up to the very end. A point even brought up by a character later on. But unlike other MCs, Kaiji's flaws are apparent and in the same process makes him feel more human. He struggles, he cares, he deceives and ultimately he learns.
all the antagonists are over the top, and I'm talking about your Saturday morning cartoons kinda evil. But given the fact that the entire show runs on testosterone and MANLY MANPOWER it's to be expected. In fact, I would say this elevates the show more than hindering it. Making the already suspenseful roller coaster ride that more enjoyable.
Hell, even the narrator exudes MANLY MANPOWER.

Enjoyment: 10/10

Very little shows manage to hook me from beginning to end. Kaiji 2 became just as addicting as gambling itself as I found myself marathoning it without stop. This was an exhilarating thrill ride that brought my GAR meter back to stable conditions.

Overall 9/10

If you're a fan of manly men doing insanely manly shit and psychological mind games then this is the anime for you. But be warned, once you start there's no stopping it!
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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