Story: 7
Set a few years into the future, where instead of the internet, people login to a virtual world called the WIRED through plugs on their neck, ala the Matrix. The major difference being that people's heads can explode. The premise is a little silly, but it gets a lot more serious. There is also imaginary mecha.
Souma Toru accepts a job at FLAK (mecha internet police) in order to find the killer of his friend. Things don't go as planned, and a lot of mysteries and associated subplots open up. After an attempted hack results in the loss of a team member, things quickly become a lot darker, as the killer and Souma's past are revealed. The genre then shifts to horror after the real life meeting with Ren.
Subplots open up left right and centre, and considering how short it is, it ties them up remarkably well. The scenes involving Rivaia are amazing, and border between comedy and horor. However there are a few things that just bug me: the virtual rape scene wasn't necissary, and quite a few of things are overdone.
Art: 7
The art is consitantly good throughout, although the CG is a bit conspicuous. The creepy scenes involving revaia are my favourite.
Sound: 8
The sound is usually quite subtle, but fits well with the scenes. Opening and ending are great.
Character: 5
With the exception of his feelings towards Ren, Souma has all the character development of Clippy from MS word. He is totally focused on getting revenge on the killer, which makes him act like a douche and oblivious to circumstances. He actually says the line "I don't care about the real world or the Virtual world"
Enjoyment: 8
The numerous shout outs and generally all the scenes involving Rivaia make it very entertaining. I'd imagine it will be more entertaining to those who've seen Evangelion.
Overall: 8
Worth a watch, although you can skip the rape scene. It adds nothing to the plot.
