As with other Key works, be prepared for some pretty depressing stuff, in this case even more so than other works. The ending, though, is a nice surprise that I won't spoil; please savor it.
Fans of Key rejoice, this is a job done outstandingly well. The story gets a bit slow at times but it's well worth it.
Animation:
The animation of Kyoto Animation is still top notch. Beautiful scenery with dynamic coloring that adapts to the mood of the series. This is also the only series that I've seen a CGI human character actually look well done. This is an outstanding work overall.
Sound:
This series has a new OP/ED combo which matches the tone of the series quite well. The OP is a bit sad and slow and the ED is upbeat. Nagisa's dango theme returns as one of the most memorable BGMs in the series, and probably one of the most memorable themes of the decade; just a few notes and all the emotions from this show come rushing back.
The VAs are the same from the original so if you loved them then, you still will now.
Story:
The slice of life style of the original series continues but now with Okazaki working after graduating. Many of the supporting characters have moved on to other things in life as well (Sunohara with un-dyed hair...).
The focus shifts from school-life drama to real-world and family issues. It seems to emphasize that the real world is less protected than school life, meaning that there will be fewer happy/comedic moments and more hardships to go through.
The overall mood throughout the majority of the series is a combination of hopefulness and sadness (which one dominates depends on the episode). The progression of the plot is more focused than the original Clannad.
Certain magical elements found in other Key works return, making for a "magical" happening that, while making things happy again, leaves a sense of the original story being usurped. Despite the mysterious nature of this twist, it is executed well overall and is complemented by a supporting conclusion that indeed actually ends the series in a conclusive fashion.
The "other" world with the mysterious girl and robot are fully explained and will relate to the real world, similar to how the voice of the girl in Kanon made sense by the end of that series.
While I didn't particularly enjoy the decrease in humor and the magical plot twist, the other elements of the story were good enough to more than make up for this.
Character:
The relationship between Nagisa and Tomoya progresses further, well beyond what you'd get in most other shows. Other character relationships are advanced as well but are not to be mentioned for fear of spoilers. Tomoya becomes a bit more responsible by the end of the series which is a nice touch; he becomes the focal character later on in the show.
Supporting characters have a much more limited role in this series but do manage to make a few fun cameo appearances. Fuko chan does return to give some decent humor to the latter part of this series but for the most part, Akio and Sanae will be all the humor you get.
Value:
The series gives a more conclusive end to the Clannad series and gives the overall story line more of the Key-branded flavor. If you liked the happy-humor nature of most of the original Clannad, this series leaves a different aftertaste. I personally found it equally enjoyable but from more of a plot-based viewpoint. Overall though, the conclusion is worth getting to. After finishing this, a re-watch of the entire Clannad series might shed new light on the other-world robot and girl. A deep yet accessible masterpiece, this was definitely worth the effort.
