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If you write an outline of the show, it will look like something with decent potential. Unfortunately it falls short in execution.

The main character, Hiroshi, is not likeable. The show really drills in that he is a loser and the viewer must put up with his whining through the entire run. Side characters are equally painful to deal with. Each is almost entirely defined by a single quirk... and they are not entertaining quirks. The only character I actually liked was Alicia. I don't know why, as I still hated her yandere stick - which is the focus of most of her screen time.

The ... story is ugh. The setup forces Hiro to act illogically. The flow is good enough and can keep your interest. However, many parts are painful. The payoffs are not worth it and the interactions you want to see will not happen. After watching, it feels like I was dragged through a painful experience intentionally designed to torture the viewer.

Seriously - I think this show was purposely made for masochists. It constantly dangles that carrot, making you think things are going to improve. But, it will always return to its stated theme of "this is a shitty game". A lot of this is supposed to comedy played straight. It doesn't work. This show fails even more as a comedy, than it does as a drama.

The first half is pretty good, but the last half has many issues. They may have been able to pull off what they were going for if this had been a full 26 episode anime. However, the amount of things that happens in this movie, most of which are supposed to be very deep character moments are insane. There is just no room for the proper build up, or to even breath between events.

I enjoyed most of the main cast, but there's just so many of them and we really needed more time with them if the emotional moments were going to have a chance ... at hitting. Also, there is AT LEAST a dozen other characters that we are supposed to care about that have so little screen time, that they could have been removed entirely. We get a nice amount of time with some characters early on, but once the plot picks up, it's just too packed to get to know anyone anyone deeper.

The series has a decent start, but as a whole, it doesn't amount to much and really falls apart in the second half. I really wanted to like this series. It's just not good, though.

With a little more planning and a higher budget, this could have been a great show. It has elements that could easily be expanded into something great. It is a shame it was all wasted.

Music
I really liked Borderline and Giraffe Blues. I found the other songs forgettable.

Art
They needed more budget for what they wanted to do. The first episode introduces what is supposed to be a unique fighting style ... for the main character, but you never really see it again. The series is plagued with things like that. At a concept stage the art is fine, in execution it's all lacking. Again, I suspect this is due to budget or not enough time.

Story
The story feels like they didn't plan it out. It has some strong elements, especially during the first part of the show, but as a full package it doesn't come together well and all of the characters suffer as a result.

Very low budget show. If you are interested in this series, I recommend the manga. Though not a masterpiece, it has better character designs, there is charm in each of the characters, and is enjoyable.

The animation in this series is poor and the character designs are stiff. The story, both overall and character stories, are poorly presented and comes across as very bland. Much of the material is overly stretched out and makes much of this series very boring to watch. It feels like they picked the wrong things to focus on in the show. Though given how cheap this show feels, it may just ... be they didn't have the resources.

It is really nice to see something that tries to be different in this era.

The story for this series is episodic, with each episode having two segments. Normally I'm not into that sort of setup, but the characters in this really carry it. All the characters a likable and have great chemistry with each other. It's a treat to watch them interact. Also, though the series focuses around the 'interspecies reviewers' aspect as the main story driver, there is a surprising amount of world building outside that area. It is easy to get lost in the characters random adventures and quips as the world is ... so rich and interesting.

The art is unique and wonderful. The ecchi parts are excellent as well. But, if ecchi is not your thing, the censored version is completely worth watching as well. This show has action, unique characters each episode, and excellent shot composition. Usually comedies don't get this kind of budget, but I guess we are in a new age.

Solid 10 out of 10 show.