[Runty]

Time for my overall review of the anime.

Spoiler for Storyline:

In terms of storyline, this anime took an original approach, which I feel is nice due to the warranted risk. However, some slowdown in the middle of the series, I will agree, did kinda dampen the experience. Thankfully, it kept in the most important parts (Isara's death, Cordelia's Darcsen heritage), while adding some new material that I thought was a nice touch (Ramal, Susie being Alicia's friend from Bruhl, Cordelia attending Naggiar, and Alicia's second duel with Selvaria). Nods to fanon were also a bonus (Edy/Homer pairing, Marina's love of cute animals), and Alicia's tsundere moments in the early episodes were hilarious. Surely not perfect, but definitely good.

Storyline - 8/10

Spoiler for Animation:

The animation was hit-and-miss, with episode 24 clearly being the best. The fight between Alicia and Selvaria was beautiful. But the fact that they retained some of the pastel style clearly honored the anime's origins in the game. I've seen better animation (i.e. Code Geass, Full Metal Alchemist), but this definitely wasn't shoddy. I'd have liked to see more random soldiers get shot, but that would probably have had rating issues.

Animation - 8/10

Spoiler for Soundtrack:

Like in the game, simply gorgeous. You had minor remixes of original game music, while a few new tracks got to slide into the anime. I personally love a particular one that's played on a piano; I think it's first instance is in Episode 8, after Selvaria deflects Alicia's bullet and walks away. That one is a real treat for the ears. No flaws at all, IMO.

Soundtrack - 10/10

Spoiler for Enjoyment:

Though this might just be influenced by my love of the game, I liked this anime a lot. Maybe it's just me... I can't bring myself to hate it. Not that I have a reason to; it kept me entertained, 26 episodes strong. Then again, my standards probably aren't as high as some anime-nuts on this forum, so take my word with a grain of salt.

In comparison to some other animes I've watched (Vision of Escaflowne, Full Metal Alchemist, Ghost in the Shell: SAC, etc), it might not rate at the top, but it's definitely one I'll remember as being entertaining. To me, that's what's important.

Enjoyment - 9/10

Overall - 8/10