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This show was the beginning of the end for my "anime is dumb and bad" phase. It showed me that outward appearances and synopses have nothing to do with quality or narrative content.

It has a weird and even jarring premise, the english voice acting (save for Genevieve Simmons) is kinda annoying, and it doesn't really excel in any technical way. But this story is so real and humble and uplifting. The writers and directors managed to make a school romance where it isn't over-dramatized and there is some actual tangible and healthy progress in the main couple's relationship.

10/12 Would recommend to anyone who's tired of ... cynical romance and/or ecchi anime and isn't a total prude.

Kaiji is a really well put together anime, the art, sound, and editing are all totally on point. And unlike that other gambling anime, the stakes seem real, the situations seem plausible, and it is interesting to try and discern characters motivations and tricks.

HOWEVER, the combination of slow pace, and constant cliffhangers made the overall experience a lot more painful than it needs to be. There are basically 3 places in the whole 26 episodes where there's a natural break in the story, so by the end of a watching session you feel just as disheveled as Kaiji does.

In short: pretty decent but cliffhangers are ... the worst.

The story is typical of studio trigger, somewhat simple with some twists you can predict and some that come out of nowhere. A lot of time is devoted to exploring characters and the world without anything too important happening, then the plot grows exponentially(but in a relatively organic manner for once) in the second half.

Art and sound are pretty solid, but I often found myself wanting more, it's like the veterans were busy with another project and only checked in when they really had to. Would have really liked to see more smear frames, and direction to the sound design.

Character design and conveyance are a ... high point for BNA, lots of interesting designs and everybody's motivations either are or eventually become clear either through their actions or exposition. Character development on the other hand isn't really a thing, the main characters gain a different perspective of the world, big whoop.

I'd give BNA a soft recommend, whole lot better than some of the trash I've watched.

This one is about magic users, except it's considered science. The show's been blessed by lord vivid colors, but doesn't have much more going for it.

The main character is overpowered and has minimal, if any personality. In addition there are so many characters that if you like one other than main guy or his sister you won't get nearly enough of them. Most situations are thoroughly explained in ominously lit meeting rooms which puts a damper on the hype of the fights and takes away the air of mystery it could have utilized.

Overall I think its weak as piss, I would advise against watching.

The story, art, and sound in this anime are good-average, however the characters and their developments throughout the story are excellent.

The characters are believable, memorable, and have meaningful interactions. Since the scenario and characters seem so real Clannad pulls on a lot of emotions, joy and sadness are common enough in anime but this one managed to get some despair and rage out of me too.

It's certainly not all fun and games, but Clannad: After Story is worth a watch in my book.

If you have extra time, watching Clannad beforehand might be good, but I don't think its necessary.

This anime is pretty good in every area, nothing spectacular, just good. The series is about "science" and "magic" users in a futuristic city and the stuff that goes down inside it.

The story does not go anyplace too quickly in this season, it could be better.
Artistic style and execution are legit, the characters and environments are drawn well.
The sound is good overall, its not always utilized but it adds a lot to some scenes. The openings and endings have good music.
The characters are pleasant, which makes you want to learn more about them.
I enjoyed this anime a whole bunch, the characters made ... me happy and the situations made me speculate.

Like I said, its good. Its not a must-watch, Its not a masterpiece. But it is worth checking out.