This was quite different from the Xebec version, but on a positive note.
Story for Ep. 1
The story starts out 15 years ago when Thousand Master and Evangeline square off, which was portrayed in a very dark atmosphere. The flashbacks continue where Negi receives his diploma, and sets out for Japan to complete his training, much to the chagrin of Anya. Eva acknowledges Negi's arrival.
Back in the Mahora dorm, Asuna is oversleeping again, due to her newspaper rounds, and is almost late for school. Negi and Chamo-kun arrive at the school, when they are trampled over by students, suffering a chipped tooth and black eye respectively. Negi casts a spell to fix Chamo-kun's tooth, but is witnessed by a delirious Asuna. Thinking she saw him use magic, Negi and Chamo hide, but Asuna doesn't seem to know what took place. Negi meets Takamichi, while Eva saw everything that transpired.
Meanwhile, in the classroom (which is more like a college lecture room), Asuna mentions that she was attacked by a Chubacapra. Her classmates get all excited when Makie said she was attacked by a vampire, showing her bite marks. Haruna draws a picture of the Chubacapra, but it doesn't ring a bell to Asuna.
Takamichi introduces Negi to the students, who are overjoyed at the sight, especially Nodoka and Ayaka. Asuna still doesn't remember Negi. The headmaster asks Konoka for a favor, allowing Negi to stay in her and Asuna's room until a room becomes vacant.
Negi is shown to the room by Konoka, who steps out to get some tea, while Asuna finally puts two and two together and realizes the mage was Negi. Suddenly, a scream pierces through the dorm, where Negi finds Konoka sprawled out on the floor with bite marks on her neck. Looking up, Negi and Chamo is confronted by the vampire.
End of story.
Having seen the two OVAs, I was pretty much used to the GANSIS/SHAFT artwork, which is pretty decent. The overall tone is dark, where no opening and ending songs were used to flesh out the drama.
Some notable differences to the manga and the first anime series, was, aside from Chamo-kun appearing from the beginning, was the exclusion of the fanservice factors, especially regarding Asuna (no sneezing and blowing off clothing type of things). Eva looked really evil.
All of the girls had at least one line (including Sayo and Zazie), and the two new seiyuus to the cast (Ku Fei and Chao) fit right in, although it feels like you have to readjust to the classmate voices again after a one year hiatus. Ku's "arune" line, which was missing from the Xebec version, is used, as well as Asuna's "shotacon" line.
The most hilarious moment came during Part C, where they showed a short clip of the "Baka Rangers". This is beffiting of the staff which brought us Tsukuyomi and Pani Poni Dash!
All in all, I was quite satisfied with the new Negima!? look, and judging by its timeslot, looks like we're in for a long ride.