I have only known Ensemble Stars (ES) only when the game was released in English ver. And I came running to the anime because I can't catch up anything they were saying in the game. I did not even know who Akehoshi (the main character of ES anime) was.
To be honest, I did not have much expectation for the anime since the ratings were not very good and the poster looks kinda lame. But how wrong I was.
The most notable thing about ES is its characters. All characters are so, so lovable. And I don't mean just their looks. They are all written very well and they stay true to their characters until the end. And their bonds are also something to admire. The anime focus on not only the main unit, Trickstar but also on various other units. And what is mesmerizing is that they all have some reason or intent behind their actions. I really don't like characters who are moving in a certain way only for the sake of the plot, like the villainesses from old shoujo animes or mangas. Since the characters are written so well, the storyline flows naturally and I must say the plot is interesting enough for an Idol anime.
Secondly, their songs are amazing. Well, you might say it is to be expected since it is an idol anime. But really they are s good. And they fit the image of their respective units perfectly( My personal favourite is Valkyrie). Bonus point is that they are sung by the voice actors themselves.
Speaking of voice actors, I already noticed this since the game but the line up in ES is first rate. I can grantee that you will have a good time watching ES if you are a Seiyuu (Voice actors) fan.
I must say I really enjoyed watching it. The story, the characters, the voice actors and the songs. The only thing I have to point out is the 3D for the lives. They are bad and I mean it, they really are. Even the ones in ES game is better. However, the 3D scenes are really rare so it doesn't really affect your enjoyment.
Ensemble stars is a really good anime that potrays youth with a perfect balance between friendship and deception.
