Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch R2 Special Edition - Zero Requiem is an OVA from the series Code Geass. This OVA and the one before it are basically movie-length recaps of the series, the first movie recapping season 1, this one recapping season 2. Now, I actually tend to find recaps quite boring, but I actually enjoyed these 2, despite the fact that they're 2 hours long each. But that isn't because they are flawless recaps, it's because I love Code Geass.
This OVA starts off where it left off, Suzaku had just shot Zero's mask off, finding out it is Lelouch. I like how they cut straight to the new scenes instead of redoing everything from the end of the previous movie.
Story-
Of course, I love the story. It's Code Geass, how could I not love it! Now of course since this is a recap, they didn't include everything from the main series, but that is the point of a recap. Nothing new in these OVA's about the story, so I'll cut this section short.
Art-
Classic Code Geass animation and style. I really love the animation for Code Geass, and I find it very unique.
Sound-
Again, it is a recap, so nothing new here. Sorry for the shorter reviews, but these next 2 will be longer.
Character-
Now don't get me wrong, I love the characters from Code Geass. But it feels like these OVA's don't really dive into the characters other than Lelouch. Even C.C. and Suzaku don't get much here. They basically throw away everything about the lovable characters, except for when they need to be there for either the story, or to help Lelouch progress. They removed basically all the school scenes, so we hardly get any Class Pres, Rivalz, or Nina. They even left my man Arthur out! They really failed for some characters though. For example, Rolo, they just introduced him as Lelouch's brother, and we hardly see him after that, except for his death of course, and they don't show the first time he uses his Geass. Another character they failed on is Cornelia, they never re-introduce her back from the dead, they just but her on the screen out of nowhere with no explanation. A final example is Schneizel, they barely gave him any screen time.
Enjoyment-
If I'm being real, I was most focused at huge events like the huge battle between Lelouch and Schneizel, and character deaths. The other things, which I really enjoyed in the anime, made me feel bored. This is probably due to the fact that i just finished Code Geass not too long ago, so these scenes are fresh in my mind, but it doesn't change the fact that I didn't enjoy it much.
Now, this review is coming to a close. The OVA's did good for what they're meant for, but they just left out so many things that could have carried the series further. I recommend if you're new to Code Geass, just watch the show. It's much more enjoyable and shows a ton more development than these. Plus, these OVA's were super hard to find, and when I did find them, the subtitles weren't great.
