I'm going to have to disagree with the opinion a lot of people seem to get from first impressions of this anime. I love it, especially the universe, plot, and characters. Worth giving a chance and continuing to watch. I'm addicted! I love the universe they created, and I'd watch a second series in a heartbeat.
Art:
The first thing people complain about is the art, but I think that has more to do with how almost every anime these days has very cookie-cutter animation, so when one comes out that has a different style people drop it for that sole reason-- preconceived notions abound. JoJo has extremely silly animation, but since it is rather famous already people get passed that, and start to actually enjoy it FOR the animation instead of disliking it because of it. It was the same for World Trigger. I enjoy that it has a unique animation style, it reminds me of the same vein as Gash Bell, or Nanatsu no Taizai; both of which I really enjoy for their iconic nature.
The art is simple, but it works well for this sort of story, it doesn't need overly complex effects to get the point across, in fact that would be very out of character. If you are the type to drop something or judge based on art alone, I would recommend giving this one a chance and watching it through while trying to fix that way of thinking. I wouldn't consider the art bad at all, just simple. Other very famous anime have similar styles, so it shouldn't have that much sway. Keep going, give it a chance.
Story:
The story is something I really enjoy. Other dimensions are a common trope, but World Trigger is done in such a way to make it unique and really gives you a complete universe to believe in. At first it may seem just like another dimension/shounen battle plot, but once it starts to open up and reveal the underlying nuances, you start to understand that there is a whole other dimension (no pun intended) to the plot, where it parallels real life social issues and moral concepts. You want to stand behind the MC, and fight against the evils and injustices the bureaucracy has put in place (or Border HQ). The plot is shown in such a way where that you slowly learn new things about Neighbors, Border, Trion, and even Yuuma little by little in each episode. This builds up to some bigger fights and conclusions later on, and since there's so much information, this is definitely the best way to get it all out there so we really get what is going to happen later on.
Sound:
I really like the choice of Seiyuu, and feel each has their own fitting narrative. I have a pretty dry sense of humor, so the subtle dry humor they use is just perfect for me, I also love the social nuances, like pauses and sweet drops at just the right moments to make it hilarious. Older anime uses this technique a lot more often (Like in Gash Bell), whereas these days they tend to make more verbal jokes, which I don't really enjoy nearly as much most of the time.
Character:
And now for the character portion. Aside from plot I think this would be my favorite aspect of the show, I love the depth of character! At first you are thrown in without knowing anything but the basics of who these people are, but gradually you learn and more, especially about Yuuma, and it makes you feel a real connection to the characters and want to urge them on to get stronger and find ways to beat the odds. Yuuma has a much more complex past than you first suspect, and it just continues to get more interesting. Osamu is pretty average, but that's what also makes him relatable. He doesn't start out as much but his character is the type that grows more complex and matures as the series does- so you personally witness the changes in him as he grows and becomes stronger. I don't think there were any major changes in him until he goes through his first big trial (roughly one third through the series), but I think that works out perfectly. Yuuma draws you in, and Osamu keeps you wanting more. It's just these two for the first few episodes of the series, getting you acquainted, but once they start introducing the other characters is when things get fun. Dropping before everyone is on stage is a bad decision. Especially considering this is a 73 episode anime.
Enjoyment:
Every week when I watched this show I would always flail when it was over because I wanted there to be more so badly! (I still do!) I get really into the personal battles the characters are involved in, and I really want to know more about their world! There's so much we don't know yet, and so much to explore. I want Osamu to grow and become strong so he can catch up to his team mates, and I want Yuuma to solve the mysteries around his father he's been searching for, and I want Chika to find her lost friends and family! Without going into much detail about all of these plot-lines, I want to say it really is worth continuing to watch this show and not give up on it. Think of how slow Hunter x Hunter was at first, or Fairy Tail. This is similar but with more sci-fi leanings. Like a more simple/iconic styled Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei (♥).
10/10!
Big things to keep in mind before watching:
• This show has 73 episodes, the plot will not all be apparent in the first handful of episodes. Give it at least 15 or so episodes, AT LEAST.
• Don't pre-judge the animation. Remember lots of other famous, good anime has unique styles of animation. (Fairy Tail, JoJo, Nanatsu no Taizai, Kingdom, Gash Bell etc) and all of those were worth getting over it.
• The credits and OP/ED format is a little different, the recap at first seems annoying now but it will be convenient later on because it has 73 episodes and it can be hard to find where you're leaving off without it. Just try to get used to the OP happening after the initial beginning part of the show. Like most TV drama shows that start off in the plot. It's not that big of a deal and doesn't influence how much show you see.
• Just be open to giving it a chance!
