Story: 9.6/10
The "After Story" doesn't actually start until the 9th episode, and while the first 8 episodes while are still better-than-average slice of life episodes, they fail to be even worthy of comparison to 9-22 (especially episodes 18/19 (huge emphasis on 18)). The ending episode, 22, does take away from the series somewhat, but it is not a Deus Ex Machina, just a weaker ending than you would expect from such an amazing series.
Art: 9/10
Smooth animation, but I was never a huge fan of the over-sized eyes. Nagisa looks much better and more like a full grown women with her hair in a bun. The animation in the illusory world is on a whole other level itself, and that animation is 10/10 quality.
Sound: 9.7/10
This music is awesome, but putting Torch for the ending credits was a huge mistake. Watch the series and you will understand, Especially for episodes 16,18,19,21.
Characters: 11/10
The transformation of Tomoya and Nagisa as people is awesome. Nagisa becomes a very strong willed women who doesn't cry, while Tomoya becomes a very kind, and selfless man who wants to do nothing but provide for his family. Other characters are practically absent from episodes 9 on, except Ushio, Nagisa, Akio, Tomoya, Sanie, and Yusuke Yushino.
Enjoyment: 10/10
This is probably my favorite anime of all time, so obviously I enjoyed it a ton.
Overall: 9.8/10
If Clannad After Story would have started at episode 9, I might have given it a full 10, but it did not, so the first 8 episodes unfortunately have to be considered. The comedy in the Clannad series is great, and it is great in After Story, although the tail end of the series is pretty much devoid of comedy, except for a Fuko moment here and there. It is extremely sad to watch, but like I said, that is because of how raw the story telling is. Nothing is ever beaten around a bush, nothing is ever told as a euphemism, and the characters never hide their emotions. I prefer this anime in English, only because I don't like how hi-pitched Nagisa's/Ushio's voices are in Japanese. Other than that, both the sub and dub are great. Clannad After Story overall was the most riveting anime experience of my life, and I can see how it could change the way some people live their lives. The importance of family is driven home unbelievably hard in this anime, and I think that is awesome.
Verdict:
This anime is a once in a lifetime experience.
Note: The 18th episode of this anime deserves a review in itself, that's how good it is. It's so good it's just ridiculous. Probably the best anime episode of all time, and literally achieves complete and utter PERFECTION. You get the idea.
