For me Winter 2020 season was more like a Dull season since there weren’t many anticipated titles apart from Haikyuu and isekai quartet sequels. I started out with around 25 new anime (Out of curiosity ofc) and ended up dropping at least half of them. But yes, there were a few anime that were definitely worth watching and Id:Invaded is probably on the top of that list. It is heck of an anime and it stays true to its genres which are Sci-Fi, Mystery, Police and Psychological.
Story - 9/10
When genres like Sci-fi, Psychological and Mystery meets, one can easily imagine how dense it can get. The anime has a complex plot with a handful of characters. Often it’s confusing and we don’t get much explanations on how the Mizuhanome System works or what is happening right now at the first few episodes. I’m not going to write the plot here as it’s exactly as laid out in the synopsis. But one thing I can say is that the complexity won’t bother you, but instead fascinate you. A thread that connecting all the events - ‘John Walker’, and the mystery surrounding that character was a good build up. The only negative I felt is that this anime should’ve been longer, it had great potential to be something more.
Characters – 7/10
Now, why am I rating this low? Is it because the characters are boring or typical? No! It’s because they wasted an immense opportunity to explore the characters with proper back stories instead of glimpses of their past. There were many characters other than Narihisago, who needed proper stories of their own. Apart from that the character designs were really good considering it’s an original, especially the contrasting appearances of the characters within and out of the ID wells.
Art – 8/10
I have to say I’m really impressed at the way they created each world within the ID wells. And they managed to create each with such care that it reflects the identity of the suspect in a metaphysical context, bringing out their inner conflicts. The character designs are good as I pointed out above. Overall I won’t say it’s great or unique but It delivers what it intends.
Sound – 9/10
I really liked the OP, I must admit. It’s familiar, but yet so good. The ED wasn’t bad either. And those random insert tracks, especially the one on the 12th episode (it was unexpected, out of nowhere) really surprised me. When it comes to VA Narihisago had a familiar seiyuu, and his cold voice felt really cool on the character. The rest of the cast also did standard jobs.
Enjoyment – 9/10
It really was a good experience. I watched it weekly, except for the last 3 episodes which I binged, and I have to say it’s better off watching in one sitting. There were many thrilling moments and I have to say the lack of action sequences didn’t bother me at all. But as I said earlier the confusing moments in the earlier parts and lack of proper explanations affected the viewing.
Overall – 8.5/10
Id:Invaded is like an anime made by Christopher Nolan – twisted, confusing but yet properly sewed together into a fine ending. I won’t say it’s a must watch. But it definitely delivers for anyone who likes mystery, sci-fi genre. I really wish they made it to a 24 - episode anime, exploring all the characters. The plot really had the potential of becoming a masterpiece.
