Reviews

Feb 4, 2024
Mixed Feelings
In a land resembling Europe, the kingdom of Windland struggles with the disappearance of its royal family, who vanished in an ambush many years ago. Windland is currently losing a war with its neighboring country, the Sablum Empire. The Knight's Academy is where the young men and women of Windland are trained, and they offer a glimmer of hope to the beleaguered nation.

There are rumors that a skilled warrior named Priecia, who may be the long lost princess of Windland, could turn the tide of the war. Priecia's exceptional swordsmanship seems to guarantee victory for her kingdom.

Despite the rumors, Priecia stoically prepares to attend the academy and prove herself. Her first encounter with Hyaweh, a laid back boy who seems indifferent to everything, complicates things.

Priecia and Hyaweh have opposing personalities, which creates friction when they first meet. However, they both prove to be extremely talented in swordsmanship. As the war reaches a critical point, they discover that by working together, they can become a formidable team.

Prism Ark, which is based on the eroge Prism Ark: Prism Heart 2, explores the world of Windland. Despite initial concerns about its origins, the first few episodes are engaging, with excellent action, well developed characters, and a promising storyline.

However, the show takes an unexpected turn by revealing its endpoint early on, which can sometimes remove the element of surprise. Nonetheless, it maintains interest by keeping us engaged in the journey towards the inevitable conclusion.

The romantic relationship between Hyaweh and Priecia becomes a highlight. Even though their interactions can be slightly cheesy and predictable, it is a refreshing change from the typical high school anime cliches, as there is no prolonged phase of denial.

Unfortunately, as the show progresses, it loses its coherence and begins to incorporate nonsensical elements. The initial engagement dwindles, and it veers away from its promising start, making it difficult to stay invested in the story and characters.

It attempts to include various genres, such as comedy, romance, magic, fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction, and suspense. However, the haphazard inclusion of these genres results in a chaotic narrative lacking cohesion. The tone is inconsistent, and the scenes shift abruptly, creating a confusing and messy experience for the viewers.

The inconsistent handling of serious themes further contributes to its downfall. The juxtaposition of a school culture festival with comical scenes and heavy topics like genetic modifications and orphan massacres creates a jarring viewing experience.

While Prism Ark begins with the promise of an enjoyable journey, it deviates from its potential and becomes a convoluted mess. While the lead characters are decent, they fail to compensate for the lack of coherence, confusing plot twists, and inability to maintain a consistent tone.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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