Change Your Image
viscoun304
Reviews
Kakumeiki Valvrave (2013)
A series that hits all the buttons.
Notice that the title doesn't say the series hits "all the RIGHT buttons". This is because the series in itself contains a plot so unpredictably executed that at times it's extremely hard to follow what's going on, or to even comprehend why something is happening when it is.
But that's one of the series' greatest charms. The plot isn't all action. It isn't all touchy-feely. It's a well-stirred mixture of both. In any stew, you're gonna have some lumpy bits at the bottom, and this might deter some viewers. But personally, I enjoyed the ride very much.
The animation in the series is superb - extremely well-drawn and easy-to-follow battle scenes, with highly imaginative and numerous protrusions and machinery installed on each robot. The background art is also done to very high detail, and transitions are smooth, with character art also being a defining point in the series. The art is complemented by an excellent original soundtrack, as well as an upbeat set of opening and ending pieces that help set the series' generally tense and excited atmosphere.
There is nothing stopping me from giving a 9 or even a 10 rating except for the arbitrary nature of the series' execution. Although I enjoy the way the animators have fun with the resources they have, it's also quite confusing at times, and it can get quite annoying, especially if you watch several episodes at a time.
But all in all, Valvrave is a defining addition to the mecha genre. Would definitely recommend it not just for the action, but also for the fledgling, yet quaintly humorous romance, and the chemistry between vastly different characters. A solid 8/10, bordering on 9.
Infinite Stratos (2011)
Turns out alright in the end
Animation: 8/10. Smooth scenes, good quality art, moderate fan-service. Everything the male audience which it is directed towards would want in an anime. I had some issues with the characters' faces, as they were a tad angular for my tastes. But it's only my personal opinion. Transitions from art to CGI and back works well most of the time. OP and ED animations match well, with the OP serving as an introduction and the ED being a typical, "show all characters" sort of ending.
Sound: 9/10. Explosions, bangs, and whatnot are relatively well synced. Voice actors well- suited to their roles. The music is fairly generic (not that it's a problem... rather, generic music suites it well), and the OP (opening piece) is a dynamic, morale-boosting tune that fits well with the "hyped-up" and active feel of the whole series. The ED (ending) theme is also quite fast-paced and matches the theme well.
Plot + Execution: 7/10. An admittedly good plot for a generic series with such "mainstream" genres. The plot itself is unoriginal, but the execution of the whole thing makes it hard to point out any supposed weaknesses. Not too cheesy, romance appears when it needs to and remains relatively moderate, something which fits a series with such a not-so-happy back-story.
Overall Rating: 8/10. Would definitely watch it again, especially considering a second season is coming out. A good "entry" anime for all those interested in the harem romance genre. Also a good break for any mecha fans around.