Rating stories in slice of life animes are somewhat pointless, save rating the concept. The concept here is undoubtedly unique, I have yet to see, or even hear about another anime centered around agricultural shenanigans. The story basically comprises of Sawaki and his other first year friends attempting to fit into university, and meeting a delightful cast of characters along the way. There are small dashes of pseudo-romance, but the main focus is comedy.
On comedy, this show performs. It is absolutely hilarious, although somewhat mature at times, being subtle at points. If I were to have to put it into a category, it would be mature-slapstick. Slapstick with actual intelligence behind it. There are also inserts of educational information littered throughout the series. These are usually enjoyable, but it depends on whether one enjoys these quirks or not. Personally, I loved them, it is a great thing for one to have.
Some other things that one may also find somewhat comedic are the microbes themselves, as they look ridiculous. They are basically personified, magnified versions of the biological selves. They have high-pitched, chibi-like voices and when I thought about microbes being depicted in this way I could not help but giggle.
8/10
The art is solid, but nothing special. It is not the focus of the series, but it does the job well enough and is not garish in any aspects that I should so bee inclined to find that it ruined the comedy or the atmosphere of any particular scene. The female characters are attractive enough, (leather anyone?) and the design of the faces makes for great facial expression.
7/10
The sound, was quite forgettable for me, writing this review some time after I have watched the series I must confess that I have forgotten practically all of its soundtrack and BGM. Although this isn't exactly a bad sign, it isn't a great one either. I did recall that the ED was somewhat ridiculous and included rockets of some sort.
However, as I did not recall it failing the show in any capacity, I can safely say that the majority of viewers will not be irked by the soundtrack, nor BGM.
7/10
The characters, one of the shining, focal points of the series. The majority of viewer's favourites would be no other than the seemingly geriatric Itsuki, Keizou (who was apparently tinkering with potatoes all the way back in WWII). He is possess amazing athletic prowess, and great knowledge, and is, absolutely, amazingly, hilarious. A wise old sensei at one moment and a cunning deviant the next. An unpredictable enigma that takes orders from no one, but it is a kindhearted joker in a most unsuitable shell.
Hasegawa, the apparent tsundere is actually not that. As they have no place in a pure slice of life comedy. Her leather outfit speaks rebellion and that is what she is. Initially rejecting Sawaki's ability and being a very badass slice of life character overall, accentuated by the metric tonne of makeup; femme fatal if I ever saw one.
Sawaki, the show's protagonist is a young man who seems to have accepted people rejecting his ability and now in this new environment, whereby his ability is accepted, embraced, and thoroughly abused for the sake of science; he is not exactly overjoyed at all times, but one can safely say he is enjoying himself. His demeanor isn't bubbly or talkative, but can get extremely involved in particular things. Not so much a cynic, but almost, his early personality is quite laid back and simply follows along with whatever happens to be going on at the time. He later picks up and becomes a vey likable character, his shining moment being at a festival.
9/10
In terms of enjoyment, I enjoyed it, immensely. The hijinks, the ridiculous university activities and quirks. The adorable microbes, all contributed to this fiesta of nonstop comedy. With aphrodisiacs, sake brewing, a 3 day festival involving paper fan beatings and the most disgusting food ever to grace this planet, one will be rollicking in their seat.
A very, very enjoyable anime.
9/10
Definite recommendation!
