The original review for the first 4 episodes:
"Oh look, a magic high school anime, how original... How could it be any more generic? Kirito laser sabering bullets in the very first moments, we are having the typical troubled blondie as the main girl and the shy blue-haired girl for the side as well. Let me just do a favor for myself and not waste my time." - As I believe for many others, this was my first reaction to the anime.
... But something was different. No braindead fanservice, the harem is missing several members AND where are the balloon animals?? ... so anyway something was off.
Sure the whole setup is as generic as it ever gets, but it just is executed so well.
First of all, let me just talk about the OP. It cured my OCD by itself. It is just so well produced: The music pick was quite surprising, I haven't seen much OP-s, with this style of music. Then the video isn't just the typical slideshow, it is in perfect sync with the music, it is just a joy to watch.
The anime takes this very generic set-up, but then with good directing and high production value, it turns it into something great. The art is top-notch, there aren't jarring animations, fight scenes are fluid and well-directed. The music is good too, always fits the situation.
Back to the generic characters:
Sure the show's Kirito named Kufa is quite overpowered, but instead of him beating anything and everything, they move him into a support-like role. The true MC is Melida, who is certainly not anywhere near overpowered. She fights in the majority of the action scenes, she actually has to perform her very best every time. This way the anime doesn't get dull super quick, it isn't just Kufa slapping the shit out of everybody with no effort.
The main characters while looking very generic at first, they have depth to them. Melida even though being from a noble family, is seriously struggling every day and still doesn't give up. Because of this Kufa decides to get her out of her misery. Anyway Kufa is as much of a gentleman as it is possible.
Some side characters are quite unique, like Pricket fighting with two circle-like things, or in episode 4 the girl who is communicating by lighting cards on fire then the flames are spelling out the words. So even though the starting situation is generic, there are plenty of new unique ideas in the show.
The story isn't too complex, given the theme so far mostly there have been tournaments and Kufa training Melida for them, but other things too I won't spoil. Things are usually happening behind the curtains too, some we cannot make much sense just yet.
I can really appreciate shows like this. Starting from a generic set-up, but turning then turning it into something great. Sure it is no masterpiece, but it is really nice to see that with good writing/directing everything can be made into a good show.
