It’s obvious that there were many problems down the production line (time? money?) and it’s sad to see how hard the studio that brought to life masterpieces such as Monogatari and MadoMagi is struggling with this new project.
It started nicely with some decent fight sequences and lovely character design, but the last few episodes the animation fell apart and there was some really bothersome CGI/missed sequences/recycled frames.
However, this was not the reason why I dropped it. I’m not in the position to judge the whole franchise because I only (partially) watched this adaptation, but even as a newcomer it was not enjoyable. Some fans lamented the cut of many scenes and exposition, but what I find unappealing is that very video-gamey feel each episode has (and i’m not even talking about that dream-world system of using coins to activate new skills).
It’s like everything is divided in clear cut ‘chapters’ and the plot just comes over without foreshadowing. The photography is also similar to a visual novel, with very static and mid range cuts that you could easily fill with a dialogue box at the bottom. Drama and possible character development is just interpreted as a new ‘mission’ to clear, and the recent Weiss arc was the expression of all the flaws I mentioned: too sudden, too long, too repetitive.
Sorry but no amount of Shaft copyrighted neck-tilting can help with this.
I kind of liked the concept but I do feel like it would work much better as an actual videogame.
