I downloaded the game a long long time ago and got addicted, so finding out there was a promo anime was really exciting for me, though music animes are generally pretty bland and only leave an impression with cute girls. I figured I'd give it a shot and pray it wasn't mediocre. This is where Love Live differs, (though the girls are also very cute) since the show has a LOT more to offer than the standard idol anime.
This review only applies to season 1, as season 2 would get different scores.
Story: 10
Can't bring myself not to love the story. There wasn't really a main story in the game, more like a bunch of little background information, so seeing the girls get together and interact was an incredible experience. The 3 main girls, 2nd years Kotori, Umi, and Honoka, hear that their school is to be shut down due to lack of interest and struggle to save it by forming an idol group. The girls' dedication to saving their school with which they and their families have history was really touching, and their motivation and love for μ's was inspiring. Love Live really shows the characters moving from the very bottom to the top, and ends with a shocking but realistic ending, albeit very sad. Some girls feel untalented or modest, some girls are nonathletic, some girls feel they aren't girly enough for an idol group, and some have personal grudges against idols, but in the end, they all unite to save the school and form a powerful friendship based on this. The story is original and engaging, so it got a 10 in my book.
Art: 10
The art for Love Live is beautiful. The girls seem to have a sort of emotion in their eyes and all the girls have subtle differences that make them memorable. The colors are bright and the backgrounds are pretty. During performances, many scenes are changed to CG for smoother flow, and though I'm not a fan of CG in anime, I really think Love Live pulled it off, even if it did take a while to get used to. The animation was smooth and the close-ups of the girls were really detailed, showing individual hair strands and lip gloss.
Sound: 10
What do you expect from a music anime? The OST was absolutely beautiful and all the songs were really catchy, and it was incredible to see my favorite songs from the game performed. Very impressed with the music. As far as voice acting goes, the VA's were very into it and very emotional. It really showed how dramatic teenage girls can be and I really connected with some of the things these girls would say.
Character: 8
Since there are so many girls in μ's, it was hard to fit all of them in with character development. Season 2 does cover for this, though, and season 2 leaves a whole different impression on its own. μ's isn't complete until half way through the series, so those who take longer to join got more development than others. Some who got little development included Rin, Maki, Nico, and Nozomi, but luckily season 2 does make up for that and gives some incredible filler episodes later. All filler episodes are dedicated to character development and forming a stronger bond between the nine μ's members. Their interactions are very solid and you really get a sense of friendship and a heavy bond between these girls. As for side characters, there are a few reoccurring ones that help the girls of μ's get to the top, and it's cool to see a school anime also develop side characters.
Enjoyment: 10
Love Live exceeded my expectations. I am very glad I decided to watch it, since it has easily worked its way into my top animes. It has a charm to it that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy at the end of each episode, and its resolution and ability to recover from sad moments makes it lovable on its own. Honestly, I think anyone could watch this anime, because yes there's eye candy with cute girls, but more than that, there's a friendship and bond you don't see often in animes and there's an inspirational love for these girls who love their school so much that they form an idol group to save it. Please do yourself a favor and watch Love Live! School Idol Project
