It is sold as a generic superheroes anime where you expect something but ultimately get something else in a good way because of how the script makes some twists here and there so the focus varies and it'll never feels repetitive.
The art-style and the animation are, as I've already mentioned, flashy and colorful, with lots of details put into the characters, their clothing and their expressions. It also features lots of CGI to represent the main cast transformations, which is pretty well done with creative designs.
Speaking of characters, each one of them have their own personalities, ideologies, fears and behaviors that contrast each other, so it doesn't feel unidimensional in the way they act as a team, even moved by their own ideals instead of what needs to be done, making the Gatchaman disfunctional though they are still a team that gets the job done (this is spoiler-free, every team of superheroes does stuff together). Aside from the main team, the other mains feel the same and give more meaning to the story. I personally like this because even though this is a heroes with superpowers show, they aren't the only ones that stay relevant during the conflicts of the series. Tatsunoko delivers the message clearly with a simple question: What makes a hero?
If I could describe the characters with something it would be colors, not only because those that represent their designs but because of how different and relatable they might feel for the spectator. Honorable mention to the villains, a total blast to watch and the main bad guy is one of the strongest points of the experience, so is the completely unexpected outcome of his acts.
The story varies a lot over the course of 12 episodes, it treats with different conflicts at the same time and does put aside what it's resolved at some point. It even gives the characters their respective development and resolves to the ones that need them, highly noticeable at the end too, which is a nice touch because, again, it doesn't feel unidimensional at all as it deals with themes I don't usually come up with in this kind of medium, which makes it outstanding mashing up together some creative ideas.
The soundtrack is also worth mentioning, even if I don't describe how it is, you'll notice at the very beginning how (amazing) is but that's entirely suggestive so judge for yourself if you find this review helpful and decide to watch it. Still for reference if you're into Taku Iwasaki's ost you'll for sure love this one (been listening to it while writing this review).
It's pretty obvious how much I enjoyed Crowds because of the rose colored painting I've been giving to everything. You may not feel the same because opinions, of course, but even if it doesn't hit you as much as it hit me, I'm pretty sure you'll find it entertaining enough, because it doesn't try to hard to be deep or setting high standards, it just delivers a fun and chill time with interesting ideas on the table that in the end are properly development with lots of room for more to enjoy.
Overall it's a masterpiece for me. I feel like I come up with a lot of series that become outstanding shows but having no expectations is the best way to enjoy things, and following that statement is probably what gave Gatchaman Crowds a fresh feeling for me. Loved the soundtrack, the animation and art style are eyecandys, the cast is interesting, emotionally-wise is not so impactful and that's why it's something you can chill and have fun with without any pressure and in the end just feel happy.
Taking aside my opinions and impressions on the show I think it's something entertaining enough for you to give it a try, hit or miss but objectively it's not a bad show.
Don't leave the director's cut behind, because it's an extended epilogue that explains much better what happens at the end so episode 12 may feel a bit odd (as a fun fact the staff couldn't finish the show in time so they leaved the complete finale for home media release).
GATCHA!
