Character 4/10
Tropes. Tropes. Tropes. One after another. It has become rather annoying by the middle of watching, and how the anime continues to play along the lines of tropes for attempts of development. Not only that, the introduction of characters definitely felt rushed for what felt like there could have been more (also for fulfilling relationships!). Note that I haven’t seen the source material or anything. It's the frustrating kind of compressed and predictable, with the premise of a wonderful but barely utilized potential. There are some hints of better character dynamic from episode 7 onwards (simply because of better storytelling too) but they barely make up for the regrettably forgettable cast.
Setting 5/10
The setting works because of the art style (which gets a separate rating), particularly the other side of the spectrum. Otherwise, it could have been very plain and basic. There is nothing much that serves to be actually memorable. This just shows that the color is more striking than what the rest of the setting can actually offer. Plus, with the rumor format as a plot device, it felt unnecessarily cluttered at times.
Sound Design 8/10
Astounding and gripping. I cannot express just how much excitement this brings to the table. Definitely one of the best parts of the anime! However, I caught some instances when the transitions from one scene to another showed abrupt changes in this aspect. Not a deal-breaker but it was noticeable. Nevertheless, this universe with this sound design choice is really a match so fantastic to experience!
Story 6/10
I thought things were laid out to be barely interesting. Then I just found myself compelled enough to simply know more along with the characters, like a "hmm I guess it can work." I think the setting works well to enhance the developments of the story. I took the story layout as more of a mystery-laden framework, rather than as a point of empathy for the characters, which is actually a significant minus for me (especially with the internal themes of magical girls) but works as a definition. Even as the anime introduced more complicated plot lines, the buildup and the resolution just did not serve much for a fulfilling watch. The anime did not have a consistent pace for the things it had to offer, and I feel like we could have gotten a way better side story for a season of 24 episodes.
Art Style 9/10
I'm speaking as one who is familiar and a fan of the Shaft studio style. This works very well for the contrast of witches, magical girls and everything else. Unfortunately, I have to admit that I don't know how to introduce it for those unfamiliar with what Shaft does with its material. Classic unsettling angles with "clean" dynamic animation for scenes that are supposed to be striking. Captivating atmosphere. I have to admit that I saw some derp-ish frames, but the rest of it is just aesthetically astounding.
Some other notes:
I think it is unfair to enter into this material with expectations based from the Madoka. Give it a chance for what it is and its new characters. I wouldn't really recommend it for non-fans of the genre (as opposed to the buildup of Madoka), but it might pull in a few, especially with the consistently good presentation of the Shaft style.
