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What is the value of memories in a world where they could be simply edited, altered, falsified, like an image in Photoshop? This is a question posed by Kaiba that prevails throughout the series.
Kaiba's plot mainly revolves around the fact that in the universe it occurs in, memories are tactile, and can be tampered with, deleted, or given to another person. The first half consists of mainly episodic vignettes, each building up the multi-planetary land the story takes place in. Throughout these episodes, our protagonist, Kaiba, visits the local people of these planets, learns about their stories, and observes their struggles, while trying to ... keep his skin safe as well. The characters of the day in these episodes, despite often having relatively little screen time, each bloom with emotion and personality. Out of them all, there's bound to one who breaks your heart or puts a smile on your face, even if your aren't the emotional type. If I could have had it my way, Kaiba would have continued using this style of story telling for its whole run, but that's not the case.
In its second half, Kaiba begins to take on an over arcing plot. This is also the point in the show where its quality of story begins to drop, but not because of the usage of an arc itself. The reason Kaiba's story falls apart in its second half is because it is ridiculously confusing and convoluted. I do not mean that in ways of "six episodes of the end of Evangelion" sort of confusing, but confusing enough to make you constantly unable to really have a solid grasp of the story. There IS an actual plot going on, but you'll more than likely have difficulty getting it through a first watch through, and I'd suggest looking up episode summaries of episodes 7-12 just to clarify things for yourself.
Now, however the incomprehensible plot may be, I still recommend watching the last half. Why? Because, Kaiba is simply an incredible experience, and I loved every second of it. The cutesy, retro art style for the characters coalesces gorgeously with the surreal and simple design in the backgrounds. The whole world if packed to the brim with some of the most unique machines and creatures you may see. The color has a slightly washed out vibe, making it seem older than it is, contributing to the retro style. The color palette also helps give a soft air of inhumanity to they show and its characters, showing how far the definition of "life" has changed with transferable memories. The animation is simply mesmerizing. While it may not have the highest frame rate, the characters often move in a manner so natural, and the machines and creatures move in ways so foreign,it's hard to look away from the odd beauty of it all.
The soundtrack is similarly excellent. It sounds similarly alien, and fantastical. The op, ed, and "The Tree Song" all stand out in particular, due to being preformed in actually pretty decent English, albeit, heavily accented. I must commend them for the effort.
Overall, while Kiaba's plot fails in the second half, I cannot recommend this anime enough. While its art style may turn some off, especially when it juxtaposes against some of the more adult scenes, its animation and sound is a true spectacle. If you're feeling tired of seeing the same tired anime tropes and settings, watch Kaiba. I cannot grantee you'll like it, but I can guarantee it will be an experience you never had before.

Kamisama Hajimemashita has always been one of those anime that I always wanted to look into, but could never get quite into. The anime couldn't hold me, but I was pleasantly surprised when I decided to read the manga on a whim.
Kaisama Hajimemashita seemed like one of those pretty-boy supernatural reverse-harem manga, and while I am down for any media featuring both the supernatural and handsome members of the opposite sex, very rarely do I find and works in the sub-genre to be of much substance. Kamisama, however, was an exception. The manga is a romantic comedy, and what joys me the most is that ... it is actually pretty dang funny! Tomoe, the fox-spirit and our male lead, has a personality in stark contrast to that of our female lead, the girl-turned-god, Nanami. The two constantly bicker and clash and get on each other's nerves, all in the most comedic of ways. The rest of our supporting cast's interactions are all funny-bone tickling as well.
In case any of you are wondering about the "romantic" half of this manga's genre, it does fine in that aspect as well. The main couple is of Nanami and Tomoe, if you haven't picked that up yet. One of my favorite aspects of the manga is that it does not meander away its chapters, and have its protagonists absent-mindedly blush at each other, wondering just what exactly is the emotion stirring within their heats at the moment. No, Nanami knows who she's fallen for comparatively quickly, and much of the show features her trying and hoping that her crush shall reciprocate her feelings. Now, this could become quickly tiresome if handled badly, and would dissolve into a screen tones sludgey mess of a manga about a girl chasing after some guy, but it doesn't. Kamisama Hajimemashita keeps a batch of other motivations and obligations within Nanami's character, which keeps her from becoming stagnant and annoying.
The art of the manga is decent, regular shojo fare. I feel like mentioning that the author is rather adept at portraying emotions and creating mood at times of climax, however. Also, unlike some shojo protagonists (hi Honda), Nanami's facial features never seem to be slipping off her visage like a yolk within an egg white, which is always a plus for me.
The plot takes the form of arcs, mainly, some running for maybe three chapters, while some clocking in at probably twenty or so. While the longer arcs can get a smidge tiresome on at times, uncommonly does the story spend its time doing something that advances neither the plot nor the characters, and he arcs each end strongly and triumphantly, making the payoff for reading the arc high. Kamisama Hajimemashita has an overarching story, as far as I can tell at time of writing, and it is rather soundly ad logically strung together, and clamors for advancement.
Overall, while Kamisama Hajimemashita is by no means an original concept, I'd recommend that one at least reads the first five or so chapters of the manga. You may dislike this manga if the style of comedy is not your thing, or if you find the characters dislikable, but if both those things do not turn you off after reading the first bit, siege on ahead, my friend! This manga is all sorts of wonderful if supernatural romance is your thing, or even if it isn't!

Sword Art Online had a lot of potential with it's premise, don't get me wrong, but it infuriates me how much of that potential was squandered. The first few episodes of full of promise and excitement and show off a fascinating world full of high stakes and incredible challenges. However, this does not last, as the rest of the first half of SAO simply drags on, with hardly any focus on the original goal in the show.
The filler-ish episodes, AKA the majority of the first half of the series isn't a complete waste, however. The world SAO takes place in is a pleasant world ... to explore. I say if you want to watch this show, watch it for its world building along with its art and music, as those three aspects are the best SAO has to offer.
The characters are bland and dull. Kirito is your standard super-cool hero with little substance to him, Asuna's just another tsundere, and the rest of the cast are simply tired archetypes that bring nothing new to the table.
Now, most of what I have been saying until now applied to the first half of the show only. The second half of SAO changes things up in a way that sucks all the stakes and fun from the show. DOn't watch it.
I apologize if I sound too harsh on this show. Sword Art Online's fist half IS a good anime to watch when you want to see something cool and fun, but by the second half it becomes dull and tedious and a little bit gross. Overall, watch the first half with friends and some popcorn, pretend the second doesn't exist.