Now, I don't judge anime on any pretext other than my own enjoyment and own opinions. So please bare with me :).
Now, the story although not episodic has an episodic feel. Almost as if the stories broken up a bit, but that's all character developement and emotion. I believe, the beging of this anime is as important as the end. There's quite a few plot twists; all of witch you don't expect. There are a few episodes that again although aren't fillers feel as if they have no meaning aside from portraying certain emotions or to help develope characters. Overall the story is absolutely amazing, no questions asked. I'd personally give it a 9/10(It'd be 10/10 if it had an ending that gave off a difinitive ending).
The artwork was quite dark. You didn't get to see much of the "Happy go lucky" parades.(Although, there was that one episode ;-) ). I found everything well drawn, it wasn't an over used animation style(Moe?) but it didn't bring anything new to the table. I'd give it a 8/10.
The music in this anime, is very subjective. Now, it doesen't have anything you'll remember the rest of your life, nothing just jaw dropping but every song every sound from voices to footsteps all fit into the show perfectly. I'd give it a subtle 10/10 for doing everything sound is meant to do.
How likable a character is, will always be debatable. It will always be an opinion however something you can't argue, is the developement. We saw multiple characters develope and change in this story, and it really was something amazing to watch. Mix that and the fact you won't forget about these characters, and they earn a very solid 10/10 in my books.
Enjoyment, this is what I like to look at and say "Oh cool someone gets to just BS their way through a review section". Now, don't get me wrong, this was my favourite anime of all time. But I can't tell you if you will enjoy it. There's plot twists, amazing characters great sound, and an over-the-top-in-a-good-way-story. It's a 10/10 for me, but fill this in with your own rating afterwards.
Overall, this anime is something you will never forget. The converversy in the ending, the amazing fight scenes throughout(Not really "Fighting") mixed with drama and amazing..Everything leads to one of my favourite animes of all time. It's an overall 10 from me.
