Story : 8/10
Some people argue with me, that I am wrong. But trust me I would have given 9, if not for last 2 episodes. Story was compelling, progressive and neatly laid out. No doubt it will blow your mind, but there are times where you kinda feel story is going out of the way. But then it will eventually be back. I couldn't resist myself after few episodes, so I watch them even till late midnight. But certain places you feel like "Meh! go to bed. We'll watch tomorrow.". Neverthless story is one of the best and as a new anime person, the medieval setup was refreshing to see.
Art : 8/10
Probably because it was created pre-2000 makes me give 8/10? Nope. Considering the age, the art is good, but I felt Cowboy Bebop which aired at same time as this, is much better. Except few repetitive frames and annoying slides, it was fun and watchable.
Sound : 9/10
One of the thing that got me. Even after finished with an episode I felt I mutter the BGM of this anime too much, even while I am commuting. Sound is excellently crafted and one of the best OST, but this time, it beats the shit out of Cowboy Bebop. If I am going to watch this again, it will be for Sound.
Character : 9/10
After seeing anime like Cowboy Bebop, Death Note, ATLA, you judge all anime by character and you get so involved when one of your character is in trouble. And this one, had excellent characters. Be it Guts or Griffith of Casca, they all mature, learn, grow and develop them-self. Over course of time, how things get changed between these 3 is what makes things interesting.
Overall : 7/10
No, my math is not wrong. Then why 7, when combined score could have been more? Reason is solely the ending episodes. I am not a big Manga fa, neither I want to read it to know what happened next. I felt cheated after watching final episode and I threw my mouse at the floor. It is an shame for otherwise awesome anime. I can barely stand watching nudity, but this untied ending is pure BS. I don't understand the point of creating anime if you leave audience hanging with this kinda ending.
I don't mind if I am going to get trashed for giving such low score, but it is what it feels like to know that to know the ending, go read Manga?
