You might like this anime if:
-You like anime that focuses on the battle of wits
-You are looking for an original premise
-You are looking for something funny
-You want to watch something in one sitting
You might dislike this anime if:
-You can't stand unnecessary fanservice
-You didn't watch too many anime
-You can't stand resolutions that seem to come out of nothing
-You'll dislike its humour. It's very specific
Story: 9
You know that "inside video game" trend in anime right? It started after Sword Art Online aired. Why am I bringing that up? Because this is basically a completely new and unique take on that genre. Here, we have a world, that runs on games, not specifically video games, but all types of different ones, like gambling, chess, rock, paper, scissors or even random bets. All of these things can change the world, simply because even a flip of a coin can decide on lives of many or the borders of a country. But what happens when you put the ultimate gamers inside this universe? Well, No Game No Life happens.
This is one of the most fun settings that has been provided in a long time. It has it's flaws, for example the outcome of each game can be predictable, or some rules and actions seem to come out of nowhere, but other than that, it keeps a steady flow for the entire 12 episodes. It definetely ends on a satisfying note, but nowhere near being complete. There is also a lot of fanservice, but at some points, I almost wanted to clap, because of how neatly it was implemented. The humour is very specific. If it doesn't grab you in the first episode or two, it will most likely not fit yours. There is also a lot of references to other media, video games and anime, so you will enjoy it more if you watched other series. Just a few references are from: Jojo's Bizzare Adventure, Hyouka, Pheonix Wright, Yu-Gi-Oh, Steins;Gate and even Skyrim. Overall, a fantastic setup with a fantastic pace, but some stuff can be obvious or pulled out of thin air.
Art and Animation: 9
Describing the art syle of this anime in one word is the easiest thing in the world. Here it goes: Unique. It definetely has one of the most unique colour pallets, everywhere you look it's just dripping from every corner. Throughout the series you can probably spot most of the hues known to men (specifically men, women know way too many colours). At times it felt like too much, but for the most part it was perfectly composed. The animation is also right on par. It can make some really memorable moments shine even brighter, and it only gets better the more you push forward. Overall, this anime is a pleasure to look at.
Sound: 9
Hey remember that word that has been around this review a lot? Yeah that one. It fits the soundtrack as well. What was it again? Oh yeah. UNIQUE. Well it's Madhouse so it can't honestly disappoint, but it feels like they took an extra step to make this OST deviate just a bit more. It perfectly fits this fantasy world, with not too many blood pumping themes, but instead more steadily paced ones and ones that almost feel like they have been taken straight from a Bethesda game. Please don't lynch me, but I don't think that the original opening is that great, I only like the covers, thus this is not a ten. But hey, music is subjective after all. Overall, a truly amazing arrangement of perfectly fitting tracks.
Characters: 8
The cast here is pretty great, but I don't feel like any of them really stand out of the crowd of other characters. That is not a bad thing of course, if you can make an already established thing and polish it to perfection, and this anime does that. Mostly. Because you see, there is this one character, that is present mostly to, well, be hot and provide fanservice. I'm looking at you Stephanie Dola. I've seen people defending her, telling people that she means a lot to the MC and so on, but well, that is not my opinion. She does have pretty funny scenes though. But I can't complain about the others, they had their fair share of funny and memorable moments, but that contributes more towards the story aspect. The character development also appears, but not too often. Overall, the cast is great, it's just that other than the scenes they are in, they would more than likely not be too memorable.
Enjoyment: 10
Who cares about anything, this show is so much fun. You can just sit down and marathon it, like I did, or take your time and watch one arc after another. The humour really got to me, the scenes were amazingly directed, even if a bit predictable, and the soundtrack was a pleasure to listen to. This is definetely an anime that touches me in all the right places. It almost feels like a lesser cousin to Code Geass of sorts. Not for even a second was I bored, it kept me entertained the whole way through. This is exactly what I watch anime for: fun.
Overall: 9
This is really one of the most unique anime out there. It may not be right up everyone's alley, but I'm sure that if you will give it a shot, you will not feel betrayed by any means. It is exactly what it seems to be, doesn't deviate too far from it, so if you like what you see, sit down and enjoy the bomb that is No Game No Life. I definetely did.
As always, this is purely my opinion and I highly reccomend you to develop your own.
