I don't think I'd have ever noticed this anime if my friend hadn't eagerly introduced it to me. I'm not really into sports series but I was nicely surprised with One Outs. Above sports aspect, it's psychological. This is what made me fall for it. The main objective of poor team trying to reach the top with a new genius player isn't anything original but in One Outs you concentrate simply on matches' process, not this "main quest".
It'll be the easiest to start with the main character, Toua. We immediately get to know him as a sly blonde fox using his abilities to earn easy money (and confuse others hah). His wit, self-confidence and sharp tongue make him a bold person. There's nothing really to tell about character development. I'd say there isn't any as the main character's personality stays the same, doesn't reveal anything new or expose his past. Although the series focus on Tokuchi, it's more about the way he outplays everyone, foresees others' decisions and dictates the game. He is seemingly amused and so was I. He may be cocky but at the same time very positive for the audience. You can enjoy matches along with Tokuchi who reveals certain bits of other players' nature and use this knowledge against them.
The audience has a chance to try to figure out what Toua has on mind or uncode some signs before they get to be explained which also is a source of enjoyment (though it is a challenge if you ask me).
One thing I noticed is that calling Tokuchi a gambler is a little misleading. I guess the series attempts to make him look so but in fact he knows exactly what he does and is flawless in the tactics. Can it be called gambling? I don't think so. On the other hand it isn't something I assumed when started watching so the lack of actual gambling didn't matter to me as long as the battle of wits occured. I simply didn't have the slightest feeling of Tokuchi leaving anything to the mercy of fate. While others could perceive something as risky, he was aware of the obvious outcome.
The animation was smooth and dynamic when needed, I didn't really find anything that would bother me. The tension was built just right making you wan I don't know, I was often focused on Tokuchi's wild hair untamable by mere cap.
As a person who never took interest in baseball I can say I didn't have any problem with following some explainations and the matches didn't weary me. Every of them was different in a way. Also there's quite a lot of space left for particular players so the show isn't strictly centered around Toua. Although as I mentioned, there isn't really any character development.
I honestly enjoyed every single episode and I'm a bit disappointed the second season is unlike to be made (especially that the ending is left open). I recommend it to those who either like sports or psychological category, with the latter emphasised. This series differs from much more popular sports themed anime but in my view it's a huge advantage.
And I'm sure you'll appreciate Toua.
