This has taken huge steps back from the first season that had quite a unique style that fitted with the storyline and characters. But with this one, it has lost a lot of the feeling that the first season carried. The main character is now unrecognisable aside from the voice, and now he looks like a generic anime protagonist instead of the more unique style of the first season.
It is not only his looks that is off but also the facial expressions. In the first season, he seems more conserved in his expressions but it isn't supposed to be from shyness or anything like that. He still smiles a bit, but in this one, he is way too smiley. It doesn't fit with the character.
It isn't just him, though. All the characters seem off and just don't generally look as well done. I mean the art standard is actually of lower quality for the characters themselves. Particularly Mucheng, who I think looks quite bad in comparison. And the lighting detracts from the overall quality.
I am surprised some reviews think the animations are better because I, again, think they have taken a huge step back, particularly in the fights. The first season seemed to animate every stroke of the sword/spear at high speed clashing with the opposition that made it feel like these were really skilled gamers. This one doesn't have that, instead choosing to cover the strikes with far too many big flashes so you can't see anything.
The art itself carries less detail and, again, undermines the unique feeling that the first one gave off. The music has also lost the vibe of the first series. It is a shame that the original studio wasn't available to do this season.
I voted the first season a 9, but this one I have to only give a 7. It still has a good story and is enjoyable, but it just doesn't reach the highs of the first. It has become more generic than it was in the first season, which is a shame.
