Saekano is definitely an interesting anime. You could say that this show is just a generic harem ecchi show who stars an otaku setting. I would accept that description. Nevertheless, Saekano is enjoyable. I find this anime very difficult to review because it is very close from a 7 to an 8. I think it shines in certain aspects; however, there are a few weaknesses in its plot and pacing that have hampered my experience a bit.
Pros:
- Great comedy: Otaku comedy works really well on me, and if you are a big fan of it, they do a solid job at it. There is plenty of references at anime tropes, which have made me laugh pretty hard.
-Pretty good characters: The cast is well-rounded and everyone is likeable. Utaha, the black haired senpai, is funny and her design makes me nosebleed LOL. The main girl, Kato, has an unique personality, which creates interesting interactions with our MC, Tomoya. There is also a textbook tsundere, who has pretty pigtails. She may be the least likeable of those three though.
-Good art: The art looks vivid and crisp. Being from the same studio who made Shigatsu, it has similar intriguing color usage.
-References: There are some random references of other animes explicitly shown throughout the show. I find the activity of searching for them, a fun thing to do, while watching through the anime.
-Enjoyable OP and ED
Neutral:
Fanservice: Some of the fanservice works really well in the episodes. I find this aspect of the anime very hit or miss. Certain shots of legs and bust feel unnecessary and forced, whereas, other scenes have their *ahem* charm.
Protagonist: The main character is alright and doesn't make me dislike him. He has the passionate otaku personality.
Story: There is not a moment of pure boredom present in Saekano, but during some parts, I have found myself slightly losing interest in watching it.
Cons:
Drama: The slight bits of drama/tension are not enjoyable imo. Saekano works best as a comedy anime, and the small setback makes me enjoy the anime less in the process.
Annoying plothole: The writer says near the beginning, that they need 1 mil yen and Tomoya will be working many jobs. However, the viewers never see him do jobs, as he is dedicated to the programming and other otaku projects full-time.
Character pacing: The appearance of a certain girl should have been sooner than what happens.
Overall: 7.5/10
