Mekakucity Actors' plot is intertwined with that of Kagerou Project, and there are a bunch of other light novels and manga and songs that I haven't really paid attention to but apparently they're helpful in understanding what's going on in this psychological supernatural anime. Let's get started.
Story: 7
Throughout the 12 episodes of Mekakucity Actors, the story is introduced to watchers in a very freeform method. This, I've heard and decided for myself, is very innovative.
The episodes contain overwhelming amounts of flashback and events that are all linked to each other. One episode may focus on a single event that happens in the world. The next could be wholly within a flashback of a different character. The story and perspective jumps back and forth, from one character to the next, from one world to the next. It's difficult to follow, although for the most part it all comes together in the end- if you can piece together everything. Trust me, it is worth it. The satisfaction at putting two things together to find out what one character's motives are, or how this is relevant to this. This plot has so many twists and turns, it WILL keep you guessing! At the beginning of the episode, there is plot. During the episode, there is plot. At the end of the episode, there is plot.
While watching this show, I highly suggest that you PAY ATTENTION and WATCH THE ENTIRE DURATION of the episode, for you might miss crucial details that can help explain the motives behind one character's actions, or the reason behind something.
This extreme interconnection between even the smallest of details is a double-edged sword. With the point of view jumping between so many characters, it's easy to get lost or forget what was going on. That's the only thing I dislike about the show- it's hard to follow what's going on at times. Is it the location? The time? Are we in someone's memories, is this the past or the future or the present? I don't know how, but clarification during some of the flashbacks is important to help viewers know what's going on.
Also, some people think the ending was rushed. It didn't seem that way to me, although now that I think about it, it's never a bad idea to have more episodes to wrap everything up.
Art: 7
I'm not usually picky about the art, and this is no exception. If you were to ask me, I would state that I love the art of this show. Love it. Mekakucity Actors seems to take place in a very illogical world- perfectly fitting for the story and the atmosphere of the show. The environment is mysterious and may seem disturbing or odd, even. It only adds to the story.
For the most part, the world is rendered simply. The environment is basic- it lacks extreme detail, yet it is not just a void or hastily drawn rooms. It puts all focus on the characters, while still maintaining a subtle presence. And yet, there's so much visualization in the world itself. In some of the thoughtful and (relatively) peaceful moments, the world helps set the atmosphere and mood. The shadows will change, the colors, the camera angle. It all works together to create impact to important moments.
I can't find anywhere else in the above paragraph to fit this in, but only the important characters are given life. How is this done? Every generic person who isn't relevant to the story is a gray silhouette. They do not speak, they do not have faces. They are just there in the background, making it so that all focus is on the heroes and heroines. They aren't like the lifeless NPCs from Angel Beats though- they just don't stand out.
That being said, what's bad about the art? There were a couple moments when the color scheme could've used some work, but for the most part I was stunned at the vibrancy of colors and the conceptual world design. What I did not like about it was some of the character design. Shaft is apparently (in?)famous for their characteristic head tilts. I think it was a little bit overboard though. Some of the characters were in very unusual poses during some scenes. Why do you suddenly crouch down when talking to the person you just met? For what reason do you bend 90 degrees at the hip while talking to someone? Is there a reason that there are SO MANY HEAD TILTS? I mean, just turn around normally. Don't like, bend your neck so strangely.
Yeah, that's basically it. Cut down on the strange body positions, tone some of those colors, and this art would be nearing masterpiece level.
We do not mention the computer generated images that accompanied episode nine. That was terrible and mood-breaking and shouldn't exist.
Sound: 10
The sound effects are solid, I never found myself wondering if it really fit the action. The voice actors are great, no problems there. The music is what really tops it all off. Every character's miniature arc is accompanied by a unique song with its own animation, giving the watcher even MORE insight onto what's already happened, what's happening, or what's going to happen. Not to mention, the music itself is sung very nicely, if you ask me. The theme music at the opening and ending is great. I found myself loving it, a lot.
Character: 9
In a 12-episode show it always feels like there are too many characters and not enough time and this anime is no exception. There are more characters than episodes, and some of them feel a bit left out. I don't personally see it as a bad thing if important characters are covered near the end- and to be honest, there was enough subtle foreshadowing throughout the series to allow some people to figure it out beforehand anyways. As long as the character's backstory is explained at one point, it's perfectly fine by me. Each character is oh so mysterious right up until a certain moment, when everything about their actions and relationships and the people they know fall right into place along with everything else.
That being said, Seto never got his moment. He wasn't really that useful towards the end either, except we know his connection to Marry was important somehow. Hiyori, the spoiled girl from like episode four, never really got explained. It's so easy to forget about her, after Hibiya, the boy who pisses off Momo a lot, stops bitching about saving her. And Kido's backstory was rather brief, her personality is interesting and I would've liked more on that.
On top of that, some characters have an inverse- a them that isn't them, but is like the other them. You know? It throws so many wrenches into so many pipes.. Things get confusing, but it's not impossible to identify.
Enjoyment: 8
This anime kept me hooked. I watched all of it in a day, that's how good it was. I barely got to do anything productive, I just wanted to find out what happens next. That's how I suggest you watch it, also: with minimal distractions and time in between. It's no simple effort to keep the plot connected, with all of the things being thrown at you in such a short time. Skip an episode and you'll have no idea what's going on. Forget an episode, you should probably go and rewatch it or something.
I watched Black Rock Shooter before, and I liked that too. Both shows kept me on the edge about trying to unravel the plot- and I admire that.
Overall: 8
It's not perfect, oh hell it isn't, but it was a good show in the long run. It isn't deserving of flaming, nor is it worthy of worshiping. It should be enjoyed or disliked differently by every person. Sure, it's nowhere near the level that some of Shaft's previous series have reached. From all the comparisons to Bakemonogatari, I might as well go watch it right now. Yet, I loved this show while it lasted and I think with maybe a couple more episodes, slight revisions to the story and its storytelling, and maybe some fresh eyes to work on the art, Mekakucity Actors has potential.
