Summary: This season is even better than Season 2 of the anime.
For the gamers:
There has been a bunch of Easter Eggs incorporated throughout, but especially in the OP. (No. 1-7, No. 6, lines, +Sakura Message) As far as I am concerned, much value has been added, and it is no longer the simple "character says line A, character says line B, insert chibi here"-adaptation Season 2 vaguely reminded me of. Instead, one can really feel the staff resonating with the characters' struggles, and doing their best to portray the various charms of the 12 MC's with use of effects previously unimaginable in the games. (Body language etc.) It no longer feels like a game adaptation, but more an original work.
Yuki, in particular, became easier for me to warm up to, where his previous depiction in season 2 seemed a far cry from his purported Mt Everest game-self.
The Moving Out Arc and Past Arc far exceeded my expectations with regards to ost, animation, and voice acting. Rest assured you will be smiling even through the sad times.
For the casuals:
Get ready to plunge into deep conversations about life philosophies portrayed in such a relatable manner, you'll find yourself stopping every few lines and reflecting how, "indeed, that's kind of true." Then, laugh not 30 seconds later.
Part III of I7 Games, which this season is adapting, has always been a mixed bag in my books. While I deeply enjoyed the introduction of the new character / psychopath, Tsukumo Prez, and Re:Vale's fleshed out past made me fall in love with Re:Vale even more, the sheer amount of lines in the game was an ordeal to get through, even with the characters reading it out (I can't even make light of it). Yamato's Past became dry because of that. Even the light-hearted moments seemed weak coming right after those dark moments.
But thankfully, the animation managed to get rid of those weaknesses.
Long conversations are now well punctuated by well-drawn art, body language, and cuts where it matters. While you might wonder at the "animation" (?) in the first three episodes, or the slight lack thereof, truth is, the staff had been working on a beautifully animated OP which makes the gamers cry. (Don't worry. You'll be joining us later.) Episodes after the third, also arguably the most heartwrenching arcs, have clearly been made a priority, and understandably so. Each character's charm is now elevated with use of previously unseen effects in season 2. Overall, art for this season seems to have been elevated to near phenomenal levels, albeit at the cost of the now blurry backgrounds. (But heyy, at least we've got bishies, right?)
[Edit: Upon reviewing Season 2, I realized the backgrounds have been blurry since way back then. However, this time round, we actually have fully fleshed out backgrounds blurred out, instead of random blobs that are supposed to be the furniture from the game etc. I don't doubt these backgrounds would have been on the level of Kyoto Animation actually, if this wasn't seasonal anime, but a movie instead. Colour me impressed.]
Sound though. Wow, sound. Yamato, Momo, and Yuki's VA were phenomenal in Yamato's Past arc. Shirai really managed to convey Yamato's vulnerability in a single line. (You'll know which.) The songs are terrific. I7 staff seems to have finally gotten the hint that we fans want sentimental songs like ReVale's ED, 'Future Note', in Season 2, not CGI idol songs. The lyrics in the OP and ED are moving with respect to what each character represents and will/have already face. In consideration of Yonaga's (Mitsuki's VA) ailment, I must also applaud him, because he's clearly made adjustments since Season 2 despite the undeniable pain he's in. The staff had also kindly tailored the songs so it will not be a strain on his throat, which is only right, but still praise-worthy.
Amongst all things, I adore the use of English ost and sound effects the most. The new addition makes I7 Season 3 seem more cool, cute, fun, and laidback all at once.
All in all, it feels like I7 Season 3 is trying new things, unlike Season 2 which simply followed in the steps of Season 1 and fell a little short of my expectations. I like it.
