STORY:10/10
Boku Dake Ga Inai Machi or in English; Erased, is a very interesting anime. It's like a roller coaster that's themed in a cave. There are twists and turns, and at some point a huge drop. You spend the rest of the time in the cave wondering where the next drop will be, but then the roller coaster leaves the cave and hits the next drop... But you saw it coming since it was no longer hidden by the cave. That's a very complicated metaphor way to put it. A really bad one, but I'm sure you get what I mean.
It has you thinking this, and then it gives you that. Then when you were expecting that, it actually gives you this. One way to wrap up this anime nice and tightly would be to describe it as bittersweet. So many moments that made me feel many different things. This anime truly is a masterpiece. A masterpiece that wasn't such a masterpiece. It's hard to put into words.
I'm gonna call this *SPOILERS* but I'm not so sure. Read at your own risk.
The whole anime I describe as bittersweet because it takes the route just short of best. You're thinking "Please let this happen" and then your left with, "well I guess that works too." This carries on throughout the entire anime.
*spoiler ish end
The anime was also something different from what I normally see. It makes you sad, happy, angry. It was a really "feely" anime I thoroughly enjoyed despite not enjoying anime like that really in the first place. Maybe it's just me. It didn't take the route you think it would on most parts. Even if it would've made the anime better. It took it's own route that might've even made the story not as fulfilling. It had a Steins:Gate feel to it and that's the best I can describe it.
As for everything else,
Art: 8/10
I really did like the style and art of the anime, but it wasn't anything mind blowing. It fit with the anime and really did match the feeling of it all, but it wasn't necessarily unique. It did have it's moments though. Like lips, or eyes lol.
Sound: 9/10
Nothing too AMAZING about the audio of this anime. There was actually a lack of sound, but I'd say that was perfect for the type of anime it is. Though, there also was a lot of sound. A lot of moments where ambience kicked in and really set the mood. Not to mention the amazing OP. I suggest you watch it. I highly suggest you watch it every single time. Or at least through episodes 9-12. (Adds to the mood)
Characters: 10/10
They weren't all that unique, that developed, or the greatest characters I've seen, but they fit into this anime like the last piece in a puzzle. The way the characters played into the anime was amazing. You get to see them in the light of Satoru the MC since we're following him through this experience and with such an incredible mc the side characters rise as well.
Enjoyment: 10/10
Enjoyment isn't the best way to put it, but I definitely loved this anime. It was a nice change of pace from the usual anime I watch and the ones being released now. I watched the whole series in a afternoon and it really made me regret putting it off for as long as I did. It's one I'd suggest to anyone.
Overall: 10/10
It's not terribly unique or anything, and it doesn't always do what you like, but that doesn't stop it from being remarkable. Looking back at my review it seems really vague so I'll say it now. This anime is definitely worth watching. It's the type of anime that really makes you think. It touches upon a lot of real problems that we overlook daily, and one's we may not even see as a problem. For me especially, it made me question my introverted, solitary ways and values... Anyways, it's a feels road trip I'm really glad I took. Give it a chance if you have the spare time.
Anime Score: An afternoon with vanilla ice-cream
