Conception is, plain and simple, an over-the-top and absurd parody of harem fiction. It nearly never treats itself seriously and simply does not function if you're looking for ecchi, romance or even traditional comedy. It's funny through absurdity, cringe, misplaced popcultural references and deeply uncomfortable plot developments that together made you question how anyone was insane enough to write it down, and especially to make it into an anime. If you ever expect it to follow some kind of logic, unironically strive for cohesive storytelling, or even deliver some sexy times without inserting some deeply unsettling elements, you'll be beyond disappointed. But if you embrace the insanity, it can actually be a very fun and unusual experience. Clunky, obnoxious and pervy in all the off-putting ways, but just too outlandish to not leave you with some kind of strong impression. You'll either love it, or hate it with a burning passion – and I'm personally firmly in the "love" department.
So, are you ready to make some magical children through way-less-sexy-than-they-sound "love rituals"? You should probably either way – in my adventure with anime, I haven't seen a show this unjustly vilified, so keep an open mind and give it a try.
