Stopping that rant there, I will transition into the story of Saekano. Our main protagonist is Tomoya Aki and he has an experience which changes his life so much that he wants to recreate that experience into a form of a 2D game. With the help of some maniacal girl 'friends', we get to witness the process of making a romantic game. Not an original story but the show does execute well by delving deep into the process of creation and showing us what our characters have to do in order to create this game. The show focuses a lot on the relationships between the characters which is to give some backbone to the purpose of the show. Not a show to take seriously because character interactions are mainly misunderstandings and comedic tropes.
Getting into the characters, you got your cookie cutter main protagonist Tomoya, whose role is to keep the story going really. He is one of those nice guys who has to make everyone happy before himself. A one dimensional character set on a goal to finish his project, by any means necessary.
Ereri Spencer, Michiru, and Utaha are more cookie cutter characters, being your typical tsunderes and yanderes. Nothing to write home about them.
But here we have the highlight character of the show, Kato Megumi, an innocent, nice girl that pretty much has no idea what our other characters are doing. An interesting take on the non-otaku character and how hanging around these anime/manga crazed fans can change one's perception of life. I found her to be one of those "wife it" characters; everyone just needs a Kato Megumi in their life. Being the test subject and our main heroine, she is forced to partake in this game creation. Her character is well done: to be boring, but that's what makes her fresh and enjoyable to watch as she starts developing into a heroine from scratch basically.
Character interactions were a big part of this show and this is one of the more funnier shows out there, including jokes, misunderstandings etc etc. Nothing new but better executed than some other rom/coms I've seen. The show knows that it's a parody, so the trend of keeping the tropes/cliche's going is justified and done well I should say.
Art and animation is done well, no complaints. Vivid colors, interesting character features, nice backgrounds and interesting angles for characters. It has a Bakemonogatari feel to it. Complaint about it is the fanservice. I don't mind fanservice but just showing us legs and other "erotic" places while characters are JUST talking is pretty over the top and not necessary. Perfect for the people out there that have stocking/sock/leg fetishes.
Sound is very relaxing and made me feel positive from listening to it. Opening and ending are average. 1 or 2 standout tracks from the OST; good stuff.
For some reason, this show really hit it off with me and I enjoyed the f*** out of this show. It is one of those guilty pleasures that we come across every once in a blue moon. Despite my love for the show, critically it is just another generic show with a goody 2 shoes main protagonist, cookie cutter females, and basic story. I won't let my bias get in the way of critical reviews, but its worth a watch depending on your tastes. Setting is explored well and there are some touching moments in the show. I recommend not to take the show seriously at all or you'll be disappointed. This is the pinnacle of a generic show.
Kato is wife material though.
