And then I found this gem, Hai to Gensou no Grimgar. I was anime-surfing, skimming titles and synopsis as I do at 2 AM when I stumbled across this title. At first I was a bit dubious of the synopsis, I have watched SAO, and Log Horizon, and while thoroughly enjoying the premise of the story, felt that between the two of these, i may not have much to expect from this Anime. Boy was I wrong. The first, and so far only produced season of this show has absolutely NOTHING to do with being stuck in a game, or even particularly learning about a new world. The entire focus of this anime is on the characters. Hence why I gave the 'story' a rating of 6, while the 'Character' and 'Enjoyment' a 10.
And gosh are the characters fun. The amount of times I found myself laughing at Yume's adorable rants, or starting to poke fun at the other characters with Ranta, or tearing up and clutching my chest while Shihoru was absolutely incredible, ESPECIALLY considering the 12 episode length. I honestly wish there was more, however I actually doubt it would have improved the overall quality of this anime. Many people complain this anime is slow. And that is because it is. It makes no effort to move faster than the character development, and proceeds at the most natural pace I have ever witnessed in an anime, which is a rare and precious thing that SO many anime fail at. Seriously, how many reviews have you read where they say 'It was to fast, and didn't explain or develop the plot/story/chars' etc. I know I've read just a few, so let me encourage you. This show is the ANTITHESIS (heheh Ranta) of those rushed animes.
To top of the excellent writing and pacing was the voice acting. which. was. WOW. I am terrible with following actors both in anime and in normal Film productions, but these actors did an incredible job. I don't know who they are, but they were able to PERFECTLY grasp each characters unique attitudes, while also being able to fluctuate the intense emotions felt through many parts of the anime without any awkward lines. Ranging from their merry laughter to, broken, agonised screams and then reaching out from the depths of the characters despair and depression. Man what an experience.
I guess the TL;DR is that this anime in and of itself is, initially, hardly anything impressive at all. But once you combine the BEAUTIFUL art, the incredible characters and voice-acting. on top of excellent character development and smooth, fast-paced fight-scenes. You truly get a masterpiece, you just have to be able to sit back and realise that the show did not jump through any loops. It isn't out to please the audience but to accomplish the goal of the story, which is just watching a few kids try to figure out how to survive in a fantasy world.
And somehow it's become one of my favourite anime of all 80 something I've watched. Honestly, if the second season (please let there be one) is anywhere near this good. I will probably instantly boost it up to a 10 rating. I JUST WANT MORE!!!
