12/08/2014, 12:15 AM
To Aru Majutsu no Index
Originally had dropped this half way through episode 6, but this time decided to continue on and finished it. Turns out that it does get better, but still a fair bit worse than the Railgun side story.
It's largely a bunch of loosely connected stories which all seem to follow a similar-ish formula.
2.5 stars
Ano Hana Movie
Somewhat like the series, although stronger on the drama, and does seem like they were trying to find some way to extend the story. Too much of a cry fest for me...
Date a Live 2
Seems like they've continued on with the same general feeling as the first season - try to merge a bunch of genres, but don't really do any of them particularly well.
In general, overall quality doesn't seem to be as good as the first season, but if you liked the first, I'd recommend the second.
The first arc (about episodes 2-4) might be alright if you haven't seen any ecchi before, but considering that this is supposed to somewhat be a parody, one shouldn't really expect that. It might have been better if they focused on poking fun at the genre rather than implementing it so much.
The other arcs fare a bit better, but the ending to the series seems a bit rushed, and the series still hasn't ended (negative points from me there).
Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru
I ended up enjoying this one, possibly because I could understand the protagonist's point of view, or perhaps because he was treated somewhat atypically. Usually loner characters would be 'assimilated into society' or achieve something special by the end; in this show, his self-absorbant nature actually provides unique traits which prove useful...
Ignoring the slightly odd premise of the show, the main characters provide an intriguing dynamic which drives the show along. But then you look at the premise and some of it seems a little difficult to accept, or seems a little too contrived.
Otherwise, the show follows standard slice of life practice.
3.5 stars
Wata Mote
Does quite a nice job at expressing the protagonist's perspective and the difficulties she faces trying to be accepted in society.
Generally a somewhat depressing show, however, I don't think it was all negative. The somewhat unique ending does seem to provide a slight glimmer of hope. One does wonder whether the ending to the second last episode may have been more appropriate though (despite not being as unique).
3.5 stars
Tonari no Seki-kun
Simple idea and executed quite nicely. The short episode format works quite well for what it strives to be, and there seems to be enough variation to keep things interesting throughout the season. This isn't the show where you sit down and marathon it, rather it works nicely if you slip in an episode every few days or so.
However, perhaps the simplicity is itself a bit of an issue though. Not only is the artwork simple, but there's a general lack of anything else, like character development. Whilst I think it does a good job at what it tries to do, it ultimately doesn't try to do too much.
3.5 stars
Originally had dropped this half way through episode 6, but this time decided to continue on and finished it. Turns out that it does get better, but still a fair bit worse than the Railgun side story.
It's largely a bunch of loosely connected stories which all seem to follow a similar-ish formula.
2.5 stars
Ano Hana Movie
Somewhat like the series, although stronger on the drama, and does seem like they were trying to find some way to extend the story. Too much of a cry fest for me...
Date a Live 2
Seems like they've continued on with the same general feeling as the first season - try to merge a bunch of genres, but don't really do any of them particularly well.
In general, overall quality doesn't seem to be as good as the first season, but if you liked the first, I'd recommend the second.
The first arc (about episodes 2-4) might be alright if you haven't seen any ecchi before, but considering that this is supposed to somewhat be a parody, one shouldn't really expect that. It might have been better if they focused on poking fun at the genre rather than implementing it so much.
The other arcs fare a bit better, but the ending to the series seems a bit rushed, and the series still hasn't ended (negative points from me there).
Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru
I ended up enjoying this one, possibly because I could understand the protagonist's point of view, or perhaps because he was treated somewhat atypically. Usually loner characters would be 'assimilated into society' or achieve something special by the end; in this show, his self-absorbant nature actually provides unique traits which prove useful...
Ignoring the slightly odd premise of the show, the main characters provide an intriguing dynamic which drives the show along. But then you look at the premise and some of it seems a little difficult to accept, or seems a little too contrived.
Otherwise, the show follows standard slice of life practice.
3.5 stars
Wata Mote
Does quite a nice job at expressing the protagonist's perspective and the difficulties she faces trying to be accepted in society.
Spoiler:
Unfortunately, Tomoko doesn't really change much by the end of the show. I expect a number of viewers to find this to be a weak point, as you'd typically expect the protagonist to at least make progress towards their goal by the end of the season. I'm a little more undecided on this one however - it does seem to fit in the general theme of Tomoko trying something to only result in failure. It also helps drive home the point on how difficult it is for someone with her thought pattern to fix her social awkwardness.
3.5 stars
Tonari no Seki-kun
Simple idea and executed quite nicely. The short episode format works quite well for what it strives to be, and there seems to be enough variation to keep things interesting throughout the season. This isn't the show where you sit down and marathon it, rather it works nicely if you slip in an episode every few days or so.
However, perhaps the simplicity is itself a bit of an issue though. Not only is the artwork simple, but there's a general lack of anything else, like character development. Whilst I think it does a good job at what it tries to do, it ultimately doesn't try to do too much.
3.5 stars