Important Notes:
Before we get into the actual review, I believe a quick bit of back story is important. Code Geass was first conceptualized at Sunrise Animation in hopes to create a show that would appeal to a wide range of audiences. The idea originally only entailed a underground resistance leader leading a double life. The idea was then given to the manga author team of Clamp for character designs, (both physical and portions of other aspects as well) a partnership which continued through the writing process meaning many of the stories intricacies were also written with assistance from Clamp. The idea was to cover the two largest demographics: Shonen (action and generally story based targeted at young males) and Shojo (relationship based normally set in more everyday scenarios). The question is, were they successful? Well, yes and no. The problem is that if you swap between the main character's everyday life and his secret life at the drop of a hat with little in between, one party is usually unhappy. There are entire episodes based on dating games and creating the world's largest pizza that barely contribute anything to the story. They are immediately followed by two episode long battles in mech suits that get rather monotonous pretty fast. Compare that to a show that, in my experiences, does appeal to almost every audience like Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood. Brotherhood keeps the battles much shorter while keeping a ton of relationship and character development, and all of it is integrated together rather seamlessly to have everyone on their toes. Compare that to the separated method which has a tendency to give the viewer minor whip lash. What does save Code Geass is occasional episodes where everything collapses and the two worlds collide pretty beautifully. Now that we have that out of the way, to the story!
Story:
Code Geass has an enjoyably complicated story so if you're looking for something to watch while doing other things it might not be the best choice, but hey, a better choice than Baccano! It features very few all out filler episodes, every episode has something that furthers the plot or some amount of character development no matter how small, (except maybe the dating game episode, I can see what was supposed to be character development but... yeah not really). The only real story problem is that at times it seems like it could have ended right there but trust me everything happens for a reason and those who stick with it shall be rewarded eventually. Well that was short, but I don't want to give anything away so let's just move on to characters.
Characters:
The fascinating thing about Code Geass's characters is that none of the "good guys" are particularly likeable, yet you grow to care for everyone anyway. Our protagonist, Lalouch Vi Britannia, is a manipulative liar who tells us that the ends always justify the means. Most of his school friends are, in my opinion, annoying, his little sister has a terrible voice and makes me cringe rather than daw, and the only character who acts entirely "good" is Suzaku, and he is the one character I didn't really grow to care for! The Britannians on the other hand had several great characters who I loved despite their "evil" actions. One thing Code Geass does amazingly well is kill people. Sorry I had to be the one to tell you but you were going to find out eventually and, this is war, come on. By the end you realize that your favorite characters are dead and aren't coming back and you honestly feel the same despair that the surviving characters do.
Music & Sound:
Let's talk music. At the beginning the background music is an awesome flavor of weird. Odd moments in the eyes of the protagonists are highlighted by that sad trumpet. I love that sad trumpet. As the story progresses though sad trumpet leaves us and other than a few quick return visits to say hello and goodbye, doesn't really come back. Other than that the background music is pretty average quality and is made mostly to emphasize the intensity of situations and regality of it all. The opening and closing music varies VASTLY. I loved some of the songs particularly those by FLOW and Ali Project then they are immediately followed by the second opening which I watched several times to be sure I wasn't making a snap decision but no, it's just bad. I'm just going to combine the voice acting section in right here. Decent. Some characters were good. Some were close to great! But some were just bad. Nunnaly is the number one culprit in my opinion. I will never forget her unique and ear-bleeding inducing way of saying "le-loooosh" no matter how much I try. On the brighter end though, without too much bias, Luciano Bradley in R2 is one of my favorite Vic Mignogna roles, Johnny Young Bosch does his usual thing for Lelouch which I guess is cool, Euphemia and Cornelia were very fitting, and last actor of mention is Troy Baker as Schnizel which is as amazing and regal as every Troy Baker role.
Art:
Okay now just art and a quick conclusion, almost there. The art style is quite unique and was made to mimic the original character designs by Clamp although it takes their drawing style to a new level. Drawing quirks well known from works like Cardcaptor Sakura such as high shoulders, thin bodies, and incredible height, are extended to an odd level that every once in awhile makes you notice: "Oh yeah, that's super not accurate to life... that's weird. How does that work?" but it is quite well done and amazing.
Conclusion:
Well over all Code Geass is very good, it isn't perfect but nothing really is. No matter if you prefer Shonen or Shojo or even if you're more like me and prefer something more moderate and balanced, if you can sit through the parts you don't like, you'll be pleased with the end result. Tears will be shed, trust me on that. I sadly had several deaths accidentally spoiled for me and told myself that I would not cry because I didn't even like that character anyway and then slowly lost my resolve. Well thank you for reading and I hope my opinions were helpful to you. If you can see anything I missed or misreported please let me know. Bye for now!
