Aug 10, 2016
Before I begin, I must clarify three things. One - this is my first review on this site, so I don't expect it to be a great review or anything. Secondly, I'll be reviewing this like you'd review Ani*Kuri 15, but only with the story. And finally, I don't get scared easily, so if I say an episode didn't scare me it shouldn't lower my ideas of rank.
Art//8
The art style in Yami Shibai is very unique and I absolutely adore it -- a different art style is something I really like in an anime. It fits well with this episodic anime, told as if
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it were one in a book of horrors -- and in a way it certainly is. I think the rt style really only fits with this anime. It wouldn't fit in other gorey or scary animes, really. And that's just one of the many things I love about the art, but since I don't want to be repetitive I'll move on to the sound.
Sound//7
Of course, the sound is amazing too. The voices fit the characters and they definitely don't sound like characters from a moe anime or anything. I also like basically every other sound, as this anime seems to pay attention to detail in not just art but also in sound.
Characters//7
Oh, I would've loved to rate this higher, but I would like to comment on some things after I get done with the things Yami Shibai does right with its characters. First of all, they feel like actual humans. Voices match up, art matches up, and the reactions they have are pretty appropriate for the situations. Granted, some characters are just.. quite stupid or get scared to easily. I guess since I wasn't scared through most episodes where the characters react in immense terror to their situations I am like this, but still, as mentioned at the top of this review I don't get scared easily. Aside from those minor flaws, the characters are great.
Enjoyment//10
I binge-watched all three seasons of this show and didn't stop for anything - To put it briefly, I love this show.
Now for the episode reviews -- and no, they won't all be getting a gold medal. I won't delve deep into the episodes to avoid spoilers, so they'll be very brief.
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The Talisman Woman//7
It took me a while to realize what the woman's intentions were, and when it hit me later in the episode I still hadn't of thought that ending was coming. Nice episode, but with an alright jump-scare.
Zanbai//8
This episode was quite creepy, I must say. Especially with the chant at the end -- I don't know why, but it wasn't the voices that scared me and instead the movement. It was very, very ominous. The ending could've been scarier, but I liked Zanbai a lot.
The Family Rule//7
I would've rated this a six if the little boy didn't act like an actual little boy. He was very curious but I think his parents should have tried to help in the end, but they were probably paralyzed by fear. I'll leave that be and instead focus on how creepy those masks were -- aside from that, I wasn't even slightly frightened but I enjoyed the episode.
Hair//9
Very scary. I admit to not expecting that jump scare and it did get me, so I'll give it some points for that. Granted, I feel as if the protagonist was a little stupid or just way too brave for her own good - personally, I would've ran away screaming. That was just creepy.
The Next Floor//8
I didn't expect that whole twist with the woman in the near-end and the eye scene freaked me out. It gave an odd, captivating feel of loneliness and dread and I wanted to see what happened to the husband. Again, great episode.
The Overhead Rack//5
I didn't care for this episode. The visuals and sound affects were creepy, no doubt, but I couldn't get into it. I definitely don't hate it though.
Contradiction//10
Very, very frightening visuals. The twist at the end was something I expected, but it still got me. This is my favorite and possibly the most frightening episode in this season.
The Umbrella Goddess//7
I liked this one, and the "little boy" scared me. However, our protagonist is an idiot, even if he is a young boy.
Cursed//9
Cursed has this weird feeling of hopelessness and it's somewhat chilling. I liked the ending and I'd love an anime just based off of that one episode. I'd like to say this was the most intriguing one right after Contradiction.
The Moon//4
Didn't scare me. I don't have a thing for monsters. Yes, I know, this was targeted at a Japanese audience with different tastes, but still, I dislike it. Hate? No, I don't hate it. It still has its redeeming qualities.
Video//7
Eh. The person didn't scare me, but the reactions and the end definitely were good. Even if the person in the video didn't frighten me, I still liked it.
Tomonari//9
That. Ending. Very, very, very creepy. I didn't want to look up at my ceiling for a very, very long time.
The Tormentor//6
As a season finale of sorts, my expectations were raised -- and I was sightly disappointed. Yes, the mystery was alluring and the scene where the boy sees the dancing.. whatever, yes, that was scary. But the jumpscare -- if you can even call it that -- was bland and I am only now realizing it was meant to be a jumpscare. Also, the ending made me laugh -- I'm not sure why.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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