Plot: 5
In core principle, I really like the idea of Kiznaiver. Connecting people through physical pain to connect them mentally - for a world without loneliness. The idea is beautiful and one that you could play a lot with. Kiznaiver partly does that. The physical pain is first explored through a set of (in general) previously unacquainted teenagers. After a few episodes, as they grow closer and more familiar, this develops to an exploration of their mental pain. At some point this culminates, while a different story is presented to the viewer in pieces. An older and more mysterious story which is probably my favourite part of the series (Katsuhira's past). So okay, they have everything covered. But rather than choosing this mysterious route they laid out in the beginning, they explore through slice-of life moments of exaggerated feelings and borderline hysterical behaviour. What could have been a great sci-fi is turned into a mediocre drama. And even the mysterious past crumbles in feelings during the last episodes.
Aside from that, the episodes are rather mis-matched. The pacing is irregular and some of the episodes are so unrealistic that they don't even make sense (e.g. what Nori-chan did in the last episode). Some events seem irrelevant even if they are meant to be used for "bonding". Generally if the pace had been picked up, this series would have been a lot better.
Art: 9
This is definitely where the series excels. Gorgeous. I think that's the word for the art. Original character designs combined with a sense for detail, pleasant and detailed backgrounds, a very big focus on lighting and colours. That is what Kiznaiver's art is. Whether you like the design or not, the characters are beautifully drawn and all of them very unique. The eyes are the most detailed and spirited I've seen in a while, light reflecting from them with excellent detail. The hair - especially when moving - is also drawn very detailed, making it possible to tell individual strands apart (Nori's hair..).
Sound: 7
Sound is neither really good nor bad. The opening has a futuristic feel that fits the series well, while the ending is nothing special. Quite common for a slice of life, though a bit fast paced. The OSTs are pleasant and well-used to create certain moods. A few of them are memorable and I generally think they did a good job in making the OSTs sound a bit "spacey" to fit the show.
Characters:7
The characters are actually rather nice. They are all different from one another and make a good combination. Our main character, Katsuhira, is an odd-ball with no feelings. This may sound familiar, but they actually make him work very well and make him seem as realistic as possible. Other characters include an energetic loli, a softhearted muscle man, the usual likeable female friend, a cold and rather mean glasses girl, and a school prince. All of the characters are actually likeable, and though some are exaggerated, others are downright sensible people (Honoka and Yuta actually seem like real people). Another strong point is how much we get to know the characters, their bad points, weaknesses and their past. It makes it easier to understand their actions.
Now the reason I haven't scored characters higher is their relationships. Being together for a few weeks, these very different personalities are suddenly best friends. The things that they'd do for each other after such a short period of time are way too many. Oh and let's not foget how everyone falls in love with each other. Their deepfelt confessions made me cringe. That said, I actually like the main couple.
Overall: 6
All in all Kiznaiver ruined a very good idea. There were some enjoyable moments, but generally the series was boring and delivered weirdly. But if you like slice of life with a twist, this might be for you. Most people can enjoy the series if you put your focus on art and animation - if you're an art freak this series is not a bad choice, because the story is not downright horrible, just about decent.
