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Animation: 7/10
Character Design: 7/10
Main Story: 5.5/10
Main Heroine: 6.5/10
Supporting Character Development: 6/10
Protagonist Development: 6/10
Soundtrack: 4.5/10
Final Score: 6.5/10

Class no Daikirai na Joshi to Kekkon suru Koto ni Natta is a romance/comedy anime that explores one of the most classic clichés of the genre: an arranged marriage or forced relationship between opposites due to an external decision. The story follows Houjou Saitou, a student who, despite being considered a genius at school, later reveals that his intelligence mainly comes from an exceptional memory. Due to a selfish decision made by his grandfather, he ends up engaged to Sakuramori Akane, a classmate who is dedicated to her studies in ... pursuit of her dream of becoming a doctor (for a deeper reason that would be a spoiler to explain). However, she strongly resents her arranged engagement, which was orchestrated by her grandmother. From there, the story begins to feel very familiar, as if we’ve seen it before (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing). The interaction between the two seems to improve, and it does, although at times it feels like everything resets to how it was initially.

The protagonists are relatively simple. At first, Akane’s personality might push away those who dislike tsundere heroines—because, yes, there’s no denying that she fits this archetype. However, over time, it's possible to get used to her and even grow attached. Saitou, on the other hand, simply goes with the flow. He has his moments of decision-making, but in general, he’s guided by the situation. Fortunately, he’s not the type of protagonist who self-sabotages due to a lack of initiative, but he also doesn’t stand out as particularly remarkable.

The first half of the anime mainly focuses on the development of the protagonists and their interactions as a couple. In the second half, new characters are introduced—some with a certain level of importance, though they often feel more like obstacles to the relationship (the kind that helps both of them face reality). A particularly interesting case is Akane’s sister, who misled many viewers unfamiliar with the original material. However, the biggest standout is Himari Ishikura, a classmate of the protagonists. For me, she was the character who defied expectations the most and became my favorite of this first season.

Moving beyond the story, the animation (produced by Gokumi and AXsiZ) is average. The art style is fairly generic, but at least there are no major animation flaws. The character movement lacks fluidity, but given the type of anime this is, the overall execution is decent. The biggest weakness, however, is the soundtrack. Unfortunately, there are no particularly memorable tracks or standout moments, whether during climactic scenes or lighter ones. It gives the impression that even if the anime were muted, it wouldn’t make much of a difference. The opening and ending themes are also nothing special, serving their function but failing to leave an impression.

In the end, the anime doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel and sticks to the traditional clichés of the school romance genre. Its execution is solid but unremarkable. The main characters have their moments, but the story doesn’t offer anything truly innovative or outstanding. The animation does its job, but the soundtrack is underwhelming. Ultimately, this anime might appeal to those who enjoy lighthearted romances with well-executed clichés, but don’t expect anything beyond the basics.

Animation: 9/10
Character Design: 8/10
Main Story: 8/10
Supporting Character Development: 8/10
Protagonist Development: 9/10
Soundtrack: 8/10
Final Score: 8/10

Bocchi the Rock! is a slice-of-life comedy anime with a musical theme, based on the manga by Aki Hamaji. The story follows Gotou Hitori, an extremely introverted and anxious girl who dreams of playing in a band but struggles with severe social difficulties. Her life changes when she is recruited into Kessoku Band, forcing her to face her fears while pursuing her musical dream.

The plot is simple but works exceptionally well within the framework of a story about personal growth and friendship. The main focus isn’t necessarily the music itself, but rather ... the protagonist’s development and her interactions with the other band members. Comedy is one of the anime’s strongest aspects, with Bocchi’s social anxiety being exaggerated in highly creative ways.

CloverWorks delivers incredibly expressive animation, frequently shifting artistic styles to emphasize the protagonist’s emotions. The comedic scenes are enhanced by experimental visuals, ranging from surreal references to stop-motion animation parodies. The direction makes great use of these visual elements, and compared to the original manga, the anime (thanks to factors like animation and soundtrack) feels even more comedic.

The soundtrack, despite music not being the anime’s primary focus, is one of its highlights. The original songs by Kessoku Band are well-produced and capture the essence of an amateur band finding its sound while also being genuinely enjoyable. Both the opening and ending themes effectively complement the series’ atmosphere.

Gotou Hitori is the heart of the anime, and her growth throughout the story is noticeable, making her journey satisfying to follow. The other characters – Ijichi Nijika, Yamada Ryo, and Kita Ikuyo – also have distinct personalities and contribute to the band’s dynamic, even though they don’t receive as much development as the protagonist.

Bocchi the Rock! delivers an excellent mix of comedy, music, and a highly relatable protagonist for anyone who has struggled with social anxiety. Its creative direction and standout soundtrack make it one of the best anime of its season. While it follows a familiar structure within its genre, its unique execution turns it into a memorable and one-of-a-kind experience. With the second season now confirmed, even with a change in director, I have high expectations for what’s to come.

Animation: 9/10
Character Design: 9/10
Main Story: 8.5/10
Supporting Character Development: 6/10
Protagonist Development: 8/10
Soundtrack: 7/10
Final Score: 8/10

Shoushimin Series follows the daily lives of Jougorou Kobato and Osanai Yuki, two high school students who made a pact to become "ordinary people" after facing problems in the past due to getting too involved in other people’s affairs.

... With this seemingly simple premise, the anime presents the protagonists being drawn—despite their own reluctance—into solving small mysteries around them. They follow subtle clues and end up doing exactly what they swore to avoid.

The adaptation covers up to part 4 of the third volume of the novel, ending at a strategic moment and leaving a great hook for the sequel. Overall, it was a very well-executed adaptation. Despite having only 10 episodes, the pacing felt balanced and never rushed. The show is upfront about its identity: Shoushimin Series is a mystery and suspense anime, nothing more, nothing less. Some might compare it to Hyouka, but that comparison doesn’t hold up. While Hyouka balances mystery with a lighter tone, Shoushimin leans heavily into drama and offers almost no comforting elements like romance or comedy. If you're looking for something like that, you might be disappointed.

I won’t deny it—the first episodes are the "weakest." Until the middle of the series, I watched almost on autopilot, as the initial mysteries are mostly standalone and serve to develop the characters. However, this character development proves to be crucial later on.

From the second half onwards, and especially in the final arc, the story catches you off guard. That’s when I realized what the true climax of the show was. The slow build-up completely pays off, making the final impact even stronger.

With the second season already confirmed, expectations are high. If the adaptation maintains its current level of quality while deepening the mystery and drama, we can look forward to an even more engaging continuation. For those who enjoy well-structured mysteries and intriguing narratives, Shoushimin Series is an excellent choice.

Animation: 6/10
Character Design: 6/10
Main Story: 6/10
Supporting Character Development: 6/10
Protagonist Development: 6/10
Soundtrack: 5/10
Final Score: 6/10

One Room, Hiatari Futsuu, Tenshi-tsuki is a romantic comedy that follows the life of protagonist Shintarou Tokumitsu, who, by mere coincidence, wakes up one day to find the main heroine, Towa, sleeping on his balcony. She introduces herself as an angel who has come to the human world to learn more about people.

The anime showcases their daily lives and interactions. Towa is very charismatic, making it easy to sympathize with her, and the same goes for the protagonist. Their romantic comedy dynamic is fun to watch. Despite being an angel, Towa is ... familiar with some aspects of human culture thanks to a book she read in heaven – a detail I found particularly amusing.

The story follows this pattern for the first two episodes until a second heroine, Tsumugi, is introduced. She is Shintarou’s childhood friend and classmate. From the very beginning, she shows feelings for him, though he only sees her as a friend. A mutual acquaintance is also introduced, but his role is so insignificant that his name is easily forgettable.

In episode three, Izumi Noeru (Noel) is introduced, and in my opinion, she is one of the best heroines in the series. Noel is a Yuki-onna, who has always kept people at a distance due to a past trauma. However, she quickly grows attached to the protagonist because he discovers and accepts her secret surprisingly easily. Unlike Tsumugi, who hesitates to show her feelings, and Towa, who sees Shintarou more as a "savior," Noel is direct and aggressive in her approach, completely changing her personality when she is with him.

From this point on, the anime continues exploring their relationships without going too deep into any of them. The comedy isn’t particularly strong, but the story remains light and easy to watch. In later episodes, two more heroines are introduced: Lilishka, a Japanese vampire who is excessively fascinated with the protagonist, and Hisue, a Kappa with social anxiety (yes, a Kappa). By this point, it becomes clear that there’s no point in questioning certain details – it’s best to just accept the absurdity of the story.

Unfortunately, the animation quality drops significantly as the series progresses. Not that it was outstanding to begin with, but some frames clearly show noticeable flaws. The soundtrack also fails to stand out, being entirely forgettable with no particularly memorable moments.

The ending is predictable: there is no real romantic development between the protagonist and any of the heroines. Nothing is confirmed, not even whether Shintarou has feelings for Towa, as he often sees her as a "divine" being and tries to suppress deeper emotions for her.

Overall, the series delivers what you’d expect – a mix of romance and comedy with a supernatural touch – but fails to excel in any of these aspects. It’s not necessarily bad, but it also doesn’t leave a lasting impression, falling short in several areas.

Animation: 6/10
Character Design: 5/10
Main Story: 6/10
Supporting Character Development: 5/10
Protagonist Development: 7/10
Soundtrack: 5/10
Final Score: 6/10

The story follows the relationship between the introverted Sakurai Shinichi and the extroverted and lively Uzaki Hana, who insists on spending time with him and making his college life more "fun."

... The anime's premise is simple: to showcase the dynamic between the two protagonists and the "hilarious" situations that arise from their interactions. Sakurai is a calm and reserved college student, while Uzaki is energetic, teasing, and somewhat intrusive. She constantly annoys Sakurai with her pranks and persistence, but at the same time, it's clear that she cares about him.

Comedy was supposed to be one of the anime's strongest aspects. The humor mainly revolves around the cat-and-mouse dynamic between Uzaki and Sakurai, featuring numerous awkward situations and comedic misunderstandings. While the premise itself isn't the problem, the repetition of these gags throughout the episodes becomes tiresome over time.

The animation, produced by ENGI, is decent. The visuals are colorful but simple, with a "distinctive" character design (take that as you will). The character movement can often feel stiff, but as the episodes progress, viewers might get used to it. Uzaki stands out due to her exaggerated facial expressions and overall appearance, which some argue were designed to match her mischievous personality. However, this design choice was heavily criticized during the anime's serialization for being somewhat peculiar.

The soundtrack is forgettable. The opening theme, Nadamesukashi Negotiation, is lively and fits the tone of the anime, but the background music fails to enhance comedic moments or create any significant impact.

Character development is mediocre. While Sakurai and Uzaki share a fun dynamic and show some progress throughout the series, the narrative does not delve deeply into their backgrounds or potential romantic developments. And no, this is not the type of series where you should expect much development from the supporting cast—clearly, that is not its intent.

In my opinion, the main criticism of the anime (which also applies to the original material) is its lack of ambition. The premise is simple, meaning that for the series to truly stand out, it needs to be memorable in some way. Unfortunately, Uzaki-chan wa Asobitai! fails to do so, except for the somewhat controversial design choices of its main heroine.

Animation: 10/10
Character Design: 9/10
Main Story: 10/10
Secondary Character Development: 9/10
Protagonist Development: 10/10
Soundtrack: 9/10
Final Score: 9/10

86 (Eighty-Six) is an anime that stands out for its mature, emotional, and impactful narrative. Based on the light novel written by Asato Asato and illustrated by Shirabi, the series combines elements of war, politics, and social discrimination in a dystopian setting. With masterful direction and impeccable technical execution, 86 manages to deliver a captivating story filled with emotional moments.

The plot takes place in the Republic of San Magnolia, a country that claims to be fighting against autonomous machines known as Legion using unmanned drone armies. However, this is a complete lie: ... the real pilots of these machines are the Eighty-Six, an ethnic minority marginalized and deemed unworthy of citizenship by the government. The Eighty-Six are sent to the battlefield as disposable soldiers, with no hope for a better future.

The story follows Vladilena "Lena" Milizé, a Major in the Republic's military, and Shinei "Shin" Nouzen, the commander of a combat unit composed exclusively of Eighty-Six. Lena, one of the few elite members who cares about the fate of these people, tries to establish a humane connection with the troops, despite facing prejudice from her fellow citizens. Meanwhile, Shin, a battle-hardened soldier, carries a traumatic past and leads his comrades through desperate fights against the Legion.

The anime excels in its deep character development. Lena is not portrayed as a perfect heroine but as someone who, despite her good intentions, has limitations and needs to grow to truly understand the cruel reality of the Eighty-Six. Shin, on the other hand, is one of the most well-developed protagonists in the series, showing layers of suffering, leadership, and resilience throughout the story. The supporting characters also have their standout moments, making their stories even more impactful.

The animation, produced by studio A-1 Pictures, is simply spectacular. The battle scenes are fluid, with high-quality cinematography, impressive visual effects, and excellent CGI use for the mechas. The facial expressions and details in the characters are also well-crafted, enhancing the emotional impact of the narrative.

The soundtrack, composed by Hiroyuki Sawano and Kohta Yamamoto, is another major highlight of the anime. The music amplifies the tension and emotion of the scenes, providing an immersive experience for the audience. Tracks like Avid and Hands Up to the Sky are particularly memorable and contribute to the melancholic and intense atmosphere of the series.

Another remarkable aspect is how the anime addresses social and psychological themes. 86 raises questions about discrimination, political propaganda, and the emotional impact of war, never underestimating the intelligence of its audience. Unlike many mecha anime, 86 focuses more on developing human relationships and the emotional weight of the conflict rather than simply emphasizing action. This makes the story deeper and more memorable.

If there's one aspect that might be challenging for some viewers, it's the anime's pacing. While battles are well-distributed throughout the series, it also dedicates time to introspective moments and more complex dialogues. However, this slower approach allows for greater emotional impact, making the action scenes even more significant.

Although 86 (Eighty-Six) is an impressive and faithful adaptation in many ways, some elements of the light novel were not fully explored in the anime, which may have reduced the emotional and narrative impact for those unfamiliar with the original work. One of the main criticisms is the omission of certain dialogues and interactions between characters, which in the novel are more detailed and further deepen their connections.

Moreover, while the animation and soundtrack are impeccable, the adaptation’s pacing may feel inconsistent for some viewers. The first part of the anime (Cour 1) maintains a solid balance between action and character development, but in the second part (Cour 2), there are moments when the narrative slows down, potentially feeling dragged out—especially compared to the more dynamic pacing of the light novel.

Another aspect worth discussing is how some battles were portrayed. While the action scenes are visually stunning, some confrontations against the Legion seem less threatening in the anime than in the novel, where the oppressive atmosphere and constant sense of danger are conveyed more effectively.

Despite these points, 86 remains a top-tier adaptation, successfully capturing the essence of the original work and delivering an emotionally powerful and visually spectacular anime. For those who want to dive deeper into the story and characters, the light novel is highly recommended, as it adds more nuance to the plot and world-building.

Overall, 86 delivers emotion, thought-provoking themes, and incredible battle scenes, solidifying itself as one of the best recent titles in the genre. If you're looking for a war story that goes beyond the superficial, with complex characters and a strong narrative, 86 is a must-watch.

Animation: 10/10
Character Design: 10/10
Main Story: 10/10
Supporting Character Development: 10/10
Protagonist Development: 10/10
Soundtrack: 10/10
Final Score: 10/10

**Note: This review is for the complete work (1st and 2nd seasons, the movie, OVAs, and Ura-On!).

K-On! is one of those animes that warm the heart. Simple, lighthearted, and extremely pleasant, it captures the essence of youth with an irresistible blend of music, friendship, and comedic moments. Adapted from the manga of the same name by Kyoto Animation, known for its attention to detail and fluid animation, K-On! has become one of the most influential anime in the slice-of-life genre, winning several awards and even being named Anime of the Decade by ... Anime Trending.

The story follows Yui Hirasawa, a clumsy girl with no particular talents who impulsively joins the school’s Light Music Club, despite not knowing how to play any instrument. There, she meets Mio Akiyama, Ritsu Tainaka, and Tsumugi Kotobuki, forming the band Ho-kago Tea Time (After School Tea Time). Later, the talented guitarist Azusa Nakano joins the group. While the anime revolves around music, much of the series focuses on the daily interactions between the characters, filled with humor, cuteness, and relaxing moments.

The greatest strength of K-On! is its comforting atmosphere. The series doesn’t rely on major plot twists or deep conflicts; instead, it highlights the simplicity of school life and character growth. Yui, with her carefree and childish personality, perfectly balances Mio’s more serious nature and Ritsu’s playful behavior. Mugi adds a charming and quirky touch, while Azusa, the most musically dedicated, becomes the heart of the band. Their dynamic feels natural and genuine, making every episode engaging and fun.

Being a Kyoto Animation production, K-On! stands out visually. The animation is smooth, character expressions are richly detailed, and the soft, colorful aesthetic creates a cozy atmosphere. The character designs are charismatic, achieving a cute style without being over-the-top, making them easy to recognize and get attached to.

Since this is a music anime, the soundtrack is one of its strongest aspects. Songs like "Fuwa Fuwa Time," "No, Thank You!," and "U & I" are memorable and reflect the characters’ emotional growth. The openings and endings are vibrant and energetic, perfectly matching the show’s spirit. One impressive technical detail is the realism in the animation of musical performances—Kyoto Animation worked hard to ensure that the characters’ hand movements matched the actual notes, which is rare in music-themed anime.

Beyond the main series (Season 1 and 2), K-On! also includes Ura-On!, a collection of super-deformed (chibi) shorts released with the DVDs and Blu-rays. With a total of 16 episodes, Ura-On! and Ura-On!! present the characters in even more exaggerated and comedic situations. Additionally, the 2011 K-On! Movie serves as an epilogue, following the girls on a graduation trip to London. While keeping the same laid-back and humorous tone as the series, the movie adds a deeper emotional layer, dealing with the imminent separation of the group. The animation is even more refined, and the England setting brings a fresh perspective to the story. Overall, it is a beautiful and nostalgic farewell for fans.

Despite its strengths, K-On! might not appeal to everyone. Since it is a pure slice-of-life anime, it may not be the best choice for viewers accustomed to more comedy/romance-driven shows. However, for slice-of-life fans, this very simplicity is what makes it so special.

K-On! had a massive impact on the anime industry. It helped popularize the "cute girls doing cute things" (CGDCT) trend and proved that slice-of-life anime could be commercially successful. Among the awards it won, some of the most notable are:

Tokyo Anime Awards (2010 & 2011) – Best TV Animation
Animation Kobe Awards (2010) – Best Television Series
Japan Academy Prize (2012) – Nominated for Animation of the Year (K-On! Movie)
Newtype Anime Awards (2012) – Best Film (K-On! Movie)
Anime Trending – Anime of the Decade

In the end, K-On! is not just an anime about music—it is about the friendships formed within the club and the small joys of life. Whether through its lighthearted humor, engaging music, or the chemistry between characters, the series remains one of the most beloved slice-of-life anime of all time. Even years after its release, it maintains a dedicated fanbase and a lasting legacy.

Animation: 9/10
Character Design: 10/10
Main Story: 9/10
Side Character Development: 8/10
Heroine: ??/10
Protagonist Development: 10/10
Soundtrack: 9/10
Final Score: 9/10

Kuzu no Honkai stands out for its raw and realistic portrayal of human emotions, delving into the darker and more complex aspects of love and desire. The series is unafraid to tackle themes like emotional dependence, toxic relationships, and the pursuit of affection in the wrong places. It’s a divisive work: some see it as a poignant experience, while others find it disturbing and uncomfortable.
...
The plot centers on Hanabi Yasuraoka and Mugi Awaya, two students in love with people beyond their reach. They enter a relationship of convenience, pretending to be what the other desires, using one another to fill the void left by their unrequited loves. This setup leads to an emotionally charged narrative that explores the characters' flaws and contradictions. It's a psychological study on how the need to feel loved can drive people to self-destructive choices.

Kuzu no Honkai's greatest strength lies in the honesty of its storytelling. It presents its characters unapologetically, without attempting to soften their flaws or justify their actions. Hanabi and Mugi are deeply imperfect and often hard to sympathize with. Yet, this complexity makes them human and relatable, even if their decisions frustrate the audience. Watching their journey feels like confronting a distorted reflection of emotions that, at some level, everyone has experienced.

Studio Lerche (known for works like Classroom of the Elite, Given, Asobi Asobase) did an excellent job with delicate and introspective animation. The soft colors and detailed facial expressions convey the weight of the characters' emotions. Intimate scenes are handled with aesthetic sensitivity, avoiding vulgarity and focusing on emotional impact. The soundtrack further enhances the melancholy tone of the series, with music that reflects the characters’ loneliness and despair.

Despite its strengths, some viewers may find the pacing slow, as characters seem to revolve around the same emotional conflicts without significant progress. This can frustrate those looking for a more dynamic narrative. Additionally, the heavy atmosphere and constant sense of despair make Kuzu no Honkai a challenging watch, especially for those who prefer lighter stories or redemptive endings.

Kuzu no Honkai, or Scum’s Wish, remains one of the most peculiar experiences I’ve had with an anime of this genre. With each passing episode, there’s an increasing sense of discomfort as the characters navigate their situations. It’s a unique and intense journey where it’s hard to define right and wrong, though much of the anime is told from the protagonists’ perspective, Hanabi and Mugi. It’s not a work that will appeal to everyone, but for those seeking something beyond the conventional, it offers an exceptional and unforgettable emotional journey.

Animation: 9/10
Character Design: 10/10
Main Story: 9.5/10
Secondary Character Development: 6/10
Heroine: 10/10
Protagonist Development: 10/10
Soundtrack: 10/10
Final Score: 8/10

Kimi wa Houkago Insomnia stands out in its genre by offering a light and engaging narrative. The story, adapted from the manga of the same name, revolves around Ganta Nakami, a high school student suffering from chronic insomnia. This condition makes his days exhausting and his thoughts clouded. In search of a quiet place to rest, he discovers the school’s old astronomy clubroom. There, he meets Isaki Magari, a girl who shares the same difficulty with sleeping.
...
The connection between Ganta and Magari develops silently and deeply, marked by their mutual understanding of the struggles they face. As their relationship grows, they must also deal with the challenges of adolescence: insecurities, social expectations, and loneliness. This development is one of the anime’s strongest qualities. The romance between them progresses slowly but is entertaining and captivating, with moments that truly charm the audience.

From a technical perspective, Studio LIDENFILMS did an excellent job. Known for works like Tokyo Revengers and Yofukashi no Uta, the studio delivered unique character designs, fluid animations where necessary, and beautifully detailed backgrounds that enhance the anime's atmosphere. The soundtrack is also noteworthy. The main theme, performed by aiko, perfectly complements the emotional scenes, while the music for quieter moments, with a "lo-fi" vibe, intensifies the sense of calm and immersion. Few works integrate music and narrative as harmoniously as this one.

Although it’s a romance story, Kimi wa Houkago Insomnia innovates by placing insomnia at its core. More than a medical condition, insomnia is used as a powerful metaphor for the emotional and psychological challenges the characters face, such as loneliness and the search for emotional balance. This unique approach adds depth to the story, making it much more than a simple romantic comedy.

The anime adapted 52 chapters of the manga into 13 episodes. The original manga, which has 125 chapters, has already been completed. While the main arc is concluded, there are still parts of the story that could be explored in a new season or movie. However, since the last episode aired on August 21, 2023, no announcements have been made regarding new adaptations.

Despite all its positive aspects, the anime is not without flaws. One of the main criticisms is the lack of development for some secondary characters, who are better explored in the manga. Additionally, while Ganta and Magari’s feelings for each other are evident, there is no explicit confirmation of their relationship, as Magari doesn’t directly respond to Ganta’s confession. This detail might frustrate some viewers, even though the two have already shared a kiss.

Kimi wa Houkago Insomnia is a touching work, full of memorable moments in both its visuals and soundtrack. Despite a seemingly simple plot, its emotional depth and focus on the protagonists' efforts to overcome their struggles make the anime special. It’s a must-watch for those who enjoy sensitive and well-crafted stories.

Anime: Amagami SS
Source: Visual Novel
Animation: 6/10
Character Design: 6/10
Main Story: 5/10
Side Character Development: Route anime/10
Heroines: 4/10 (none stand out unless Ayatsuji is "Wednesday")
Protagonist Development: does it exist? /10
Final Score: 5

... Amagami SS, released in 2010 and based on a visual novel, follows the classic format of route-based anime, where the creator attempts to give the audience a "choice" by presenting all the romantic arcs. The idea is interesting but controversial since, deep down, everyone knows who the main heroine really is. Still, for those who enjoy exploring the development of other characters, this structure offers that chance.

Like many anime of this genre, Amagami SS suffers from the same issue: lack of development time. In similar works, the usual approach is to focus on a few arcs (three or four) with fewer heroines or use OVAs to expand the stories. But here, defying all odds, they crammed six heroines into 12 episodes—which means just two episodes per arc. The result is a rushed story where it’s easy to forget where one route starts and another ends.

When it comes to the plot, the anime is as shallow as its heroines. The protagonist, Junichi, has absolutely no redeeming qualities, while the heroines are such overused archetypes (the tsundere, the shy kouhai, the childhood friend, the school’s most beautiful girl) that viewers can almost predict the events without trying. The combination of predictability and shallowness turns the experience into something monotonous.

The animation, considering its release year, is not bad. There are moments where backgrounds and assets are reused (the infamous background recycling), but it doesn’t significantly harm the visual experience. Even so, it doesn’t add much value in terms of technical quality.

Overall, Amagami SS isn’t essential viewing. If you’re a huge fan of visual novels, the original game might be worth exploring, but watching the anime is something I wouldn’t particularly recommend.

The series even managed to get a second season, Amagami SS+ Plus, along with two or three OVAs (which, by the way, are questionable since they involve the protagonist’s sister). The second season attempts to address some loose ends from the first, though with little impact. Finally, it’s worth noting there’s a sort of “spiritual third season” called Seiren. While it features a completely new story and heroines, its lighter approach to character development and pacing might be more appealing to fans of the genre