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A Thrilling Ride with Room for Improvement

Highspeed Étoile, the latest anime series from Studio A-Cat, has finally arrived, and it's a wild ride that promises to deliver high-octane action and excitement. Set in a near-future world where vehicles can reach speeds of 500 km/h, the show revolves around the NEX Race, a cutting-edge racing event that brings together both human and AI drivers. The story is straightforward, focusing on the rivalry between the reigning champion, Lorenzo "The King" M. Salvatore, and his closest challenger, Alice "The Queen" Summerwood. The series also introduces a new rookie driver, Rin Rindo, who joins the fray with her trusty ... AI companion, Ami.

Story
The narrative is engaging, with a clear focus on the racing aspect. The pacing is well-balanced, with each episode providing a mix of high-speed action and character development. The show does an excellent job of setting up the stakes and the tension between the top drivers, making it easy to become invested in their struggles. While the story is predictable at times, the excitement and suspense generated by the races keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Art Style
Visually, Highspeed Étoile is a treat. The CGI animation is impressive, capturing the speed and intensity of the races with stunning detail. The character designs are also noteworthy, with intricate details and expressive facial animations. However, there are some issues with the animation, particularly with the non-racing scenes, which can feel stiff and lacking in fluidity.

Character Development
The characters in Highspeed Étoile are well-rounded, with distinct personalities and motivations. Rin Rindo, the main protagonist, is a great example of this. Her backstory, which involves a past injury that forced her to give up her dream of becoming a ballet dancer, adds depth to her character. The supporting cast, including Lorenzo and Alice, also have their own arcs and conflicts that drive the plot forward. While some characters may feel a bit one-dimensional at times, the overall character development is strong.

Realism
The show does an excellent job of portraying the racing aspect realistically. The commentary and explanations of the racing mechanics are detailed and engaging, making it easy for viewers to understand the intricacies of the sport. The characters' reactions to situations and events are also believable, with Rin's determination and Ami's AI logic adding a layer of realism to the story.

Overall Enjoyment
Highspeed Étoile is an enjoyable series that will appeal to fans of racing and action anime. While it has some flaws, such as the occasional stiffness in the animation and the predictability of the story, the show's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. The pacing is well-balanced, the characters are engaging, and the racing action is intense and thrilling. With its unique setting and exciting plot, Highspeed Étoile is definitely worth checking out.