ERASED is an excellent anime if you're into the mystery/psychological genre, with plenty of suspense and suspicion to keep you guessing, as well as plot twists to spice it up. The main story is a little overdone with someone going back in time to save another, but in my opinion it's how the story is handled that makes or breaks it.
Story: 8
Like I said before, the story of traveling to the past and saving someone is well used in any genre, but it is where the creators take it that matters. I liked that they didn't give a detailed explanation of Revival, as it adds another layer of mystery as we wonder what it is and why it wants to change the events recorded in time. I also enjoyed that it was limited in one way; only the future Satouru's mind was transported to the past, not his body. It wasn't a machine or, for the most part, willpower that took Satouru back in time on multiple occasions, it was presumably an aware entity working to change fate.
Art: 9
The artwork in this series was top notch, with bright colors during happy times and almost monotone art at serious moments. There was a good deal of symbolism in certain scenes that are only caught when rewatching the series as well.
Sound: 8
There weren't that many songs in this anime that really stood out to me but the ones that did were very good, fleshing out the emotions certain scenes were aiming to make. The opening and ending were good, but nothing incredible.
Character: 10
I loved the characters in this anime. All of them were well thought through and were influential in their own way. Every character played a part, and all of them have a reason for their actions, even the big baddie. Hooray for evil characters that aren't evil just cause, be it backstory or psychopathy. Kayo was admittedly my favorite character because she was such a delicate balance of sadness, longing, self-defense, and eventually, hope. Watching her open up and blossom after having to protect herself from people, seeing her develop so much during such a short anime was incredible and a first for me. Seeing Satouru's determination and willpower to change the past and break the original flow of time was satisfying as well, but for me Kayo takes the cake.
Overall, ERASED brings life to a overworked plot, making a true gem that is equal parts satisfying, happy, and heartfelt. The characters lend realism to the story while the art contrasts with its characteristic surrealism, mingling beautifully while the music wraps emotions into the scenes with expert precision. I greatly enjoyed this series and would recommend it to any anime viewer who enjoys mystery or psychological shows.
