Boku Dake Ga Inai Machi is a guessing game, which is more than what meets the eye. Boku Dake Ga Inai Machi, more well known as Erased, with no doubt, has been the anime, which captured the attention of most viewers this Winter 2016 anime season. I say it's with good reason. Let's address the final reaction, of all the anime community after this series ended. You have your selection of people, being unsatisfied, and you have the rest which are content. Change perspective for a second, and the satisfaction, spawns, from the web woven brilliantly, throughout several earlier episodes. I shan't neglect it has been rushed in several sections, but it doesn't fall short, of a really good anime.
Story 6/10
Several points in the story, I know many viewers were feeling like they should kill them themselves, before the anticipation for the next episode, left by the cliff-hanger of the last, gets to them first. It being of the Mystery genre is the part is does well, most during the plot. Although certain aspects annoyed viewers, such as hints, making the identity of the killer, seeming obvious, the way Satoru, acts throughout the story has greatest emphasis and makes the story much more interesting, than a basic, find the killer type of show. I feel it is similar to Psycho Pass
in the aspect the killer's psychology has greater importance than the identity, shown in the latter half of this anime. It's flaw is it being rushed at moments, and it brings into question, what certain points where actually included for. The jump between adult and child, adds to the interest, but I personally think it isn't balanced, and we should see more of Satoru as an adult, however I understand it, as I see how they can't add in that aspect. The story is memorable, but you are likely to forget minor plot points, in a week or so.
Art 9/10
The art is beautiful. It is masterful, in how it represents themes so well. A simple tree, represents distance, and the colour of red, can contrast in showing innocence, to danger, depending on the situation. It is natural, and very hard to flaw.
Sound 8/10
This anime sound beautiful. The OST helps amplify the importance of certain scenes, and although some thinks it's to dramatic, it is much more memorable than anything else. I don't even have to touch on the OP and ED, because everyone knows the composers have done an expert job.
Character 7/10
The characters are amazing, though they don't capture your attention until the story starts to speed up. The cast is introduced slowly but you are made to love most character. The psychology once again helps this, and you see the motives of people, such as the killer, and Satoru in much clearer detail, throughout. On the other hand, several characters that at point are made to seem important, aren't properly touched on, and it's hard to care for them. An example of this is seen in Airi Katagiri.
Concusion 8/10
I really enjoyed this anime, and was constantly in need for the next episode. The art and sound help this, and the story isn't bad. I wish we could spend more time with specific characters, but the message it gives you, seems to have more importance. It is clear to see why many loved this, and some dislike it. It's plot could be more defined, but it hits hard in the mystery and psychological area, two of the genres it was achieving. The end could be clearer, but what was great was the journey, and if you watch this anime, I will guarantee, you'll have a great journey.
Bonus
The actual translation for the title, is The Town Where Only I Was Missing, instead of Erased. Several of you who have watched it will be having lightbulb moments on how this suits much better to the plot. Also the change it the OP, during episode 11 was fantastic. It hit me hard, and it was probably my favourite episode of the series.
