You might like this anime if:
- You like psychological anime
- You want to be left thinking for a long time.
- You are looking for something unique
- You love great OST's
- You are looking for something to marathon
You might dislike this anime if:
- You hate when a show doesn't explain something, or doesn't answer key questions
- You prefer a stable storyline
- You don't like to think too much about life while watching anime
- You are not a big fan of one episode = one story type of shows, but this anime deviates from that sometimes.
Story: 9
Story, for the most part, goes as follows: Two people come into the bar, the arbiter makes them play a game, that is weird and unnerving in its simplicity, guests remeber their past, they go crazy, climax, judgement. There are exceptions, but this is more than a half of the show. What makes the story interesting however, is that these people are always connected in some way. They are always connected differently though, which makes it even more interesting. This anime does a fantastic (and I mean a FANTASTIC) job at forcing you to think. The enjoyment from judging these people yourself is unmatched. There is also the overall plot, that is presented, and it serves as a way to end the show more than anything else. That's fine as the ending is great, and this story is truly interesting. What frustrates me, is that there is still so many expositon that this setting has to provide. So far, I have heard no news on season two, but if there will be one, that will fill in the blanks, this will of course be changed to a ten. Overall, the story is truly unique, but lacks the finishing touch to be perfect.
Art and Animation: 9
Both are spectacular. Character designs are unique, every location looks mysterious and interesting, animation is very fluid. There are some downsides of course, the biggest one being the human designs, as they look way too similar sometimes. But overall the artstyle portrays the setting almost perfectly. The animation never fails to deliver as well.
Sound: 10
While every other aspect of this series lacks the tiniest bit of a finishing touch, the soundtrack is perfect. Really amazing to listen to on its own, but it also complements each scene in a way it was supposed to. Also bonus points for the opening. While it is misleading, it's literally unskippable in my opinion.
Characters: 9
And again we have something so close to perfection, but ultimately failing to deliver. While the main character's development is done beautifully, as well as the female lead's, everyone else lacks screen time. The side character, while somewhat developed, lack (again) the finishing touch. Except for one, their stories do not culminate, and leave you hanging. As I mentioned previously this can be fixed by a second season. Fingers crossed.
Overall, great cast, but underused because of the anime's length.
Enjoyment: 9
I enjoyed it a lot. After rewatching, I enjoyed it even more. Judging the characters on my own, and comparing them with Decim's decisions was so satisfying, that I couldn't help but to keep going. I marathoned this show twice, and I would do it again in a heartbeat if asked to. Ultimately I feel satisfied, but craving for more, as there are still unsolved mysteries lurking around. I am waiting patiently for the second season.
Overall: 9
This anime is not for everyone, but I think, that if you will like the first episode, you will more than likely fall in love. I sure did. I reccomend you watch it multiple times as well. It doesn't ruin it, but might even change the score to a higher one! That's pretty rare. If you don't like the premise, it will most likely not change your way of thinking. But hey, all of that is just my opinion. I strongly reccomend you develop your own. It is totally worth it in my book.
