After enjoying the first season of Utawarerumono, i wanted more! So i turned to Itsuwari no Kamen. Luckily i didn't watch the original show when it aired now 10 years ago because the wait and disappointment would have crushed me even harder than it just recently did.
Utawarerumono: Itsuwari no Kamen starts off with setting identical to the original, but quickly changes to your typical slice of life fantasy setting. MC starts building harem of sorts and nothing reminiscent of plot or traces to first season is to be seen until first few episodes in.
There are few major plotholes (just like in the original) that might someday get covered in future seasons but i wouldn't bet my money on that.
Just a little warning for those who loved first season; Itsuwari no Kamen is going to make you hate/feel angry towards the main cast at some point of story for some time. And you really wish you could see the original characters more often.
Luckily after slow start the story develops to better every episode towards the ending and after its over you're wanting for next season. Just hope it doesn't take 9 years again.
Characters compared to the 2006 original feel just empty (yes, there were some bad characters on the original, not denying that). Every girl is shoehorned to fill in cliche roles that make all harems so dull to watch. They act weak except in 2-3 episodes about battles where they're suddenly smart and powerful only to fall back to your sheepish little harem after the battle ends.
Male characters bonding with MC are all boring, empty wallflowers with the exception of 2nd MC. Boylove is everywhere (not that i mind, but it gets old fast).
After first season this was a big letdown, but its slightly above average.
Well worth the watch if another world/fantasy setting is close to your heart.
