In terms of presentation the show is far from perfect. An area where the show needs to improve would be the directing. Since the cast is trapped in one location for a majority of the show, it relies on info-dumps that could have been improved with flashbacks, symbolism, or creative cinematography. We’re treated to animation and designs that are cool in some parts and head-scratching in others. The setting draws heavily from Aztec civilization, a fresh and exciting new sight. The fiends that threaten the world on the other hand are horrible examples of CGI-monsters that simply don’t look like they belong. Thankfully the fiends are far from the focus, leaving us with a cast of unique looking characters.
The soundtrack adds to the atmosphere of rising tension and doubt, something it accomplishes fairly well with both bombastic and chilling orchestras. During calmer moments the music steps into the background, allowing the world and characters to breathe, something most fans of fantasy and world-building will appreciate.
Utilizing its mystery, the show has good reason to delve into each character, establishing just a bit about everyone since they need to prove themselves to be one of the heroes. Some limitations come into play since the anime only adapts the first volume of the source-material, meaning that only two characters get significant development, though it also plants clear seeds in other characters for the future. On several occasions the story takes the characters in unexpected and warmly welcome directions that go against tropes of anime, making them all the more interesting to follow.
If theory-crafting is ever warranted, it would be in a mystery-show, and Rokka manages to engage its audience to the maximum with great use of tension and build-up. A show that takes its time to examine the mystery and give its audience the time to get immersed and spot clues gets a big plus in my book. Despite this, the final reveal and end might leave one with mixed emotions depending on the viewer.
Overall, Rokka no Yuusha is a good starting adventure to an epic journey with room for improvement. With characters and writing that already shows great potential it is hard to not want more. Highly recommended to fans of fantasy and twist-filled adventures.
