Story: 7/10 – nothing exceptional but not forceful
Joker Game is a short 12-episode episodic series. With this premise, the writers worked with what they had and the result is a well-paced story that does not feel forced as character developments and world building are left out on purpose. Instead, it is straight to the point and focuses on specific areas such as the activities of the spies, mini plot twists and mystery. All in all, the story is satisfying, feels natural and makes me wanting for more (in a good way).
Art, Sound and Character: 6/10 – nothing exceptional
The art and sound is industry-standard, nothing shiny in particular but pleasant to the eyes and ears. There is a single flaw though – some of the characters looks way too similar though it is not really a problem as there is no character development for most of the characters. As for the characters, there is almost NO distinction between the characters except for the Head of the agency, Yuuki whom I love as there’s a shroud of mystery surrounding him. We do not know of his exact backstory (1 episode was presumably dedicated for it though it is just heavily-hinted and nothing is concrete). He is your typical master and super respectable kind of character peppered with multiple sprinkles of mysterious. Yuuki is also the reason I bumped the ‘Character’ ratings from a 5 to 6.
Enjoyment: 9/10 – natural and well-paced
As I mentioned earlier, the series feels natural and well-paced. The writers understood what the series needed; the series excelled in what it set out to do (mystery, thriller and the spies’ missions are interesting enough) while not forcing the audience through poorly written character developments or world building which many series adopts. In short, I thoroughly enjoyed the 12-episode series and felt that it was worth my time at the very least.
Overall: 7/10 – an above average series
For most part, this is not a series that was on the top of my to-watch list every week during its release (probably the lower middle of the spectrum) but there’s nothing to be ashamed about. In essence, the series is very enjoyable filler series that I can switch off my brain (which I already barely use) and relax. The scoring comes mainly from the fact that the series does not try to pretend to be something that it is not and I greatly appreciate that as it is not common to find in today’s list of releases anymore. As such, do note that the series is more of a humble 7 than a shiny 7 that does exceptionally well in certain areas.
Recommendation:
If you are looking for something heavy, story-intensive, rich in character development and world building, you have come to the wrong anime. This is more of a kick back and relax episodic filler series that does not involve any fan service, pantsu-flashing cutesy girls but manly, cool and intellectual James Bond-like spies. If you are itching for some light mystery that requires no commitment (hello, Detective Conan :3), you have come to the right place. I am pretty sure this series will be able to scratch that itch of yours!
TL; DR:
1. Light, episodic, mystery and thriller series that features professional spies
2. Nothing shiny or exceptional but does well in specific areas
3. Natural and well-paced series
4. No forceful character developments and world building cramped into 12 episodes
5. A humble series that knows what it is doing
