Btooom! Successfully combines a cast of characters and situations that while not necessarily unique or new are exciting when placed together.
30-40 people are "kidnapped" and dropped on a deserted island with nothing but the clothes on their back and a fanny pack of bombs. In addition they've had a chip implanted into their hand that allows them to "sense" other players and is only removable if they're dead. They are told that the only way off the island is to collect seven additional chips (or basically to kill seven people).
Each person then deals with this in their own way, forming alliances, going alone, betrayal, traps, hiding, actively hunting, running, etc. They are "aided" by airdrops of food, water, and other supplies but these are limited and often lead to major fights. Additionally, they must contend with komodo dragons, starvation, thirst, injury, lack of sleep, and stress.
As the story progresses we learn that each person was sent here by someone close to them that wanted them gone and that each character has a troubled past of some sort or another. Enough backstory is given to genuinely care about each charter but not bog the greater story line down.
The art style isn't anything new but is generally nice to look at and works well. Character designs are predictable to some extent, that is personalities match what would generally be expected from different appearances and it's not to difficult to predict what order people will die in. The opening theme songs are kind of angsty but worth multiple listens. I would consider the genre to be mostly action with a little bit of drama/romance. There's a couple of sad moments but they're normally followed by more action so there's no time to dwell on them.
It's easy enough to follow that it can be a light watch but also has enough moral/ethical/situational dilemmas for greater thought and discussion. I look forward to a second season but could be decently satisfied with this season's ending being the end.
