Scar on the Praeter -- As of the writing of this review, a rating of a mere 5.77/10 by a mere 2,720 users. I thought: I watch anything anyway. Why not give this a chance and see if its really as bad as what these two something thousand accounts thought?
Previously, I had seen other works by GoHands. K, W'z, Handshakers.
The artstyle of this show is very heavily reminiscent of K with its use of bright colorful filters, detailed and stunning backgrounds. Yet, this show looks and feels like a step down graphically from K.
Whereas K's backgrounds were detailed, they still looked distinctly 2D and thus mixed in with the character animation very well. By comparison, Praeter's backgrounds are clearly rendered in 3D and often contains such a high amount of detail that it creates a contrast with the characters who are all clearly 2D.
The backgrounds also have a problem of being far too stiff. Examples of this problem can be seen when Minato sits down on the bed. Normally, when one sits down, it should at least affect the top most layer of fabric, yet the bed in the background that the character sits down on does not move at all.
Other visual issues include a New York City style street sign that was small and about shoulder height and the use by one of the cops of a blue mailbox as a trashcan. Both issues are significant visual distractions and glaring to those who have been to (or even simply seen) New York for any significant amount of time.
Audio wise, most of the show is fine for OST and sound effects. However, one noticeable problem is the attempt to fit as many voice actors into singing the opening song as possible. The style of the opening song is as well, consistent with the visuals, reminiscent of K in style. The problem is primarily too many voices in the song.
Luckily, as a critic who primarily focuses on story and characterization, this is the part where the show does somewhat well. From the motivations of the main characters to the inner insecurities they have as bearers of a power that is more or less destined to get them killed in battle, each part of this is shown well. Even some of the minor characters get some amount of time in these 12 episodes to show where they got their motivations from.
The only criticism for the characters is that Yamato is somewhat of an all-loving/all-forgiving MC once the aspects of his PTSD is brushed aside. However, I feel whether this is a good or bad thing is a subjective matter as in this case, it is somewhat of a good contrast with the rest of the cast. Also, perhaps a matter of screentime, Yamato also lacked a distinctive reaction to a certain spoiler reveal.
The story too is takes some time to flesh out the situation the special zone is in, introduce each faction and the tell a tale driven by the ambitions, desires and concerns of the mains and support cast.
Unfortunately, even the story too is too reminiscent of the K series and their color gangs (and related conflicts). This is to the point where you can clearly feel the studio was trying very hard to cash in on the success of a previous work. It would probably not hurt for this show to aim for its own unique feel rather than evoke that of a previous work.
Art: 7 - Sound: 5 - Characterization: 7 - Story: 7