1. Story - 5
Tokyo Ghoul √A continues to follow Kaneki Ken,while he struggles to adapt to life as a ghoul all the while battling dangerous foes in the form of other ghouls,the CCG and most importantly the ever growing insanity dwelling inside him ever since his imprisonment in the Aogiri Tree base in the 11th ward.The main differences in √A's story compared to that of the original Tokyo Ghoul is that the story is entirely original to the anime as well as being written by TG's mangaka Ishida Sui.This means that even manga readers like myself have something new to look forward to seeing but most importantly it means that the story is blessed with better pacing as it is not trying to fit 70+ chapters of the manga into 12 episodes but rather has its own timeline which it follows to the letter and that is clearly visible while watching the show.Not once did I feel as if things were being rushed like I did at the end of TG's first season or that the show was dragging its feet like in some early moments of the first season.All of the above being said don't go into this show expecting an exceptional story or a lot of philosophical quandaries being put in front of you.why is that you ask?Well, while the show is very well paced and the story does not leave you lacking it won't leave you craving more as well at any given moment and that is because in order to fit in all the necessary things from the manga into the show Ishida and others involved in the show had to cut out a lot of scenes that gave the story,its characters and the show overall a lot more character.And it truly is a shame to see because in the manga the nuances of the story are done in such a masterful way.
2. Art - 8
Honestly speaking the animation in Tokyo Ghoul √A won't blow you out of your seat or anything,but it can be seen that a lot of effort was put into the art but it inevitably suffers from the lack of funds provided to Studio Pierott.During the course of the show there will be several animation "herp derps" that will be evident but they are few and far between so it will not affect your experience at all.The part of the show's animation that must be singled out for it's a rung above the rest are several key fight scenes during √A 's run that are just breathtaking to watch due to the animation and direction.But what truly separtes √A from other shows in terms of art are its 12 distinct ED sequences during which drawings by TG's creator Ishida Sui are being displayed.
3. Sound - 9
There is not much to talk about in this section,but I will give it my best.All the seiyuu are up to par especially Natsuki Hanae who lends his voice to Ken.The OP and ED songs are both wonderful although I do prefer the first season's opening song Unravel to the one used in the second season.As for the OST I will surely get it once it is made available as it is simply glorious,and its usage is perfectly timed.My favourite of the pack and to many other people I am sure is Glassy Sky.
4. Character - 4
Like I said in the story section of this review a lot of small scenes form the original manga were cut in this interpretation so as to make it flow more naturally.Unfortunatly that means the development of a lot of characters is stunted and you will not care much for them by the end.All of this is presuming you are an anime only watcher.As for the manga readers, a dark and powerful force may boil in your stomach once you realise that a lot of your favourite scenes or really important scenes for certain characters have been cut from the show.As for the characters themselves,Kaneki or perhaps I should say his suffering is entairtaining as always and besides the Anteiku crew this time around the show switches its focus more often to the investigators of the CCG.
5. Enjoyment - 6
I kinda enjoyed Tokyo Ghoul √A and would recommend it to people who are either masochists,like to watch trainwrecks or just had to see what this new season was all about.In all honesty the enjoyment score is as high as it is just because even though the show is mediocre at best it is still Tokyo Ghoul and I enjoyed on some subconcious level
6. Overall - 5
It just had the potential to be oh so so good and that is what hurts the most.Had it been in a more capable studio's hands TG could've turned out so much better,but alas it is not so.The only thing to hope for now is a FMA : Brootherhood type treatment once :re is finished.
Overall I give this anime a 5 out of 10.
