A great deal of my enjoyment of the show comes from the fact that it’s actually pretty suspenseful, a quality that, in my opinion, is often missing from shows that should have it. Encounters with the antagonists are designed in such a way that you aren’t necessarily scared of any main characters “dying”, but more so how they’re affected by the consequences of failing. I found myself exceedingly worried about what would be taken from Phos every single time a Lunarian appeared around her because the show repeatedly proves, in multiple ways, that she isn’t immune to the effects of a lost battle at all.
And Phos’ development really is the emotional core of the story. Both the physical and psychological change she undergoes in just 12 episodes is a wonderfully crafted double-edged sword. Following a battle, you’re always excited for what new abilities she’ll gain, but you’re also equally concerned about which part of her psyche will be lost indefinitely at the same time. She’s an interesting character inhabiting an interesting world that both you and her want to know more about, which is a great way of instilling viewer engagement.
On the technical side of things, Houseki no Kuni also delivers. Studio Orange’s signature style of CG animation is put to the best use possible here, adapting this story in a way that might not be entirely perfect, but still makes me unable to imagine it being animated in any other fashion. And even though this style of 3D animation is often used for swooping, large-scale imagery, at the cost of adequate emotional expression, Studio Orange manages to render their characters with facial animation that rivals, sometimes exceeding that of traditionally animated shows.
Fujisawa’s score is also great, no surprise there.
Overall, it's a unique story with unique characters, unique designs, and a unique setting that doesn't get lost in all of its uniqueness and still manages to be emotionally resonating. It's brimming with creativity that's apparent in every aspect of the show, everything from how the gemstones' different qualities are represented by their respective characters, to how the main conflict constantly evolves and how that affects everyone's place in the story.
9 / 10, can't wait to read the manga, I'm tired of waiting for season 2.
