Wednesday, March 23, 2011

[Review] The World God Only Knows

[Review] The World God Only Knows

[Review] The World God Only Knows

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 07:43 PM PDT

Some say complacence brings a man immense happiness. The World God Only Know is anything but complacent, but it does and did bring the greatest amount of pleasure to me in Fall 2010.

Synopsis (Via ANN)

Keima Katsuragi is an avid galge gamer known at his school as “Otamega” (a derogatory term combining the words Otaku and Megane) and on the internet a “The Capturing God.” One day he receives an e-mail offering him a contract to “capture” girls. He accepts thinking it’s a challenge and a demon from Hell named Elsee appears. She asks for his help in capturing runaway spirits that are hiding in “real” girls. He refuses stating he only like the girls from the game and she tells him that if he refuses then both of their heads will be cut off.


Information
Episodes: 12 (13 counting ova bundled with vol 10 of the manga)
Genre: Supernatural, Comedy, Romance, Harem, Shonen
Demographic: Young Adult

 

REVIEW

If I personally had choose one word to describe this anime “captive” would the one that best fits. It is a rich blend of slapstick comedy, romance, and the enduring qualities of brilliant writing married with dazzling visuals and interesting characters and environment that you actually care about through the series. But, how do the individual pieces make up the whole…..?

Storyline/Plot

The World God Only Knows is written and unfolds quite nicely. While still adhering to manga plot and prose, the anime version somehow brings the storyline on a more conversational level or makes more lively than the manga. It borrows off some typically norms that other anime use from the old elemental scheme; but molds them into its own creative and inventive style. In addition, the storyline with its little interval breaks and side stories keeps things fresh and engaging before moving along. There wasn’t an irksome quality that I found about it or the execution at all. Oh and just for record, this anime only covers the first two volumes of the manga, so expecting an already announced season two when it was aired is no big surprise.

Elsie, she maybe cute yet also total airhead.

Keima Katsuragi, the main protagonist playing his PFP (PSP parody).

Shiori Shiomiya, one of my favorites Kemia had to contend with.

Characters/Quality Devices

While its storyline is impressive, I find the Characters even more interesting. While I didn’t expect Keima’s to be much of a main character for the job of swooning ladies, it was quite the opposite. Not only for the main fact his experience with gal games, but unseemly, the chemistry and depth it brings to the storyline. The specific references and terminology that he uses or used in throughout the series (I.E: flag, route, etc) also are very subtle, exciting fan-service terms that will probably bring a smile or grin to any anime fan familiar with them. Although, if your not familiar most, the characters are plenty entertaining; however its Keima dogmatic and unyielding logic and perspective that makes this show superior to even the manga adaption if that is even possible. It really does make a difference. In short: It’s not your typical anime series.

Besides Kemia, the four heroines he must conquer this season follows the same exact archetype that you would find in a normal anime, however again, it aligns itself with a twist where nothing is what it seems. I generally found all the heroines interesting, even though most of the stories lacked quality from the rest, but most of their stories made me genuinely interested. And while not neglecting Elsea, Kemia’s self-proclaimed sister and assistant, she too actually brings the story its much need comedy relief and unbound slapstick. However, Keima is not slouch himself in that department.

 

Kanon Nakagawa, another heroine in the series and my favorite. She is also a Pop Idol

Aesthetics/Audio

Even for the most fickle of quality freaks, this anime doesn’t disappoint much. The artwork is perfectly synced with animation which embodies the original manga version and also helps bring forth the life qualities respectively. The quality control and stability last although out the series and sometimes seems to get better as it approaches it final episodes, there is no need to worry about it in that respect.

The audio quality is also another plus. The voice actors, have to admit, fully fit the bill for their respective characters. Aside the voice actors, the soundtrack is also another aspect that deserve praise on its own merit. It isn’t an ordeal to express how amazingly most the music tracks fit with specific scenes, but it isn’t something just to take on the chin either. Never does hearing Keima’s theme Capture theme get old. The Opening and Ending are also great too and I suggest you check them out too. (The full opening however is the longest opening I had the pleasure of listening too.)

This how God Plays His Gal Games.

And his controllers....

Wish I could play like this.

Personal Impression

Honestly, there was nothing I could possibly hate about this anime. When an anime tries it best to engage it audience, that is a good thing, however, when a show throws some unwieldy and flamboyant confidence at you knowing it is the best, but only hints at it, you have to respect it for that. Even from judging the manga, I thought it won’t be remotely as good as it turned out, but from the beginning it kept me and had me fully under its control. What more can I possibly say to that…?

 

Thinking like a true gamer.

Sora Asuka, one the side story characters. She doesn't count as heroine, but might as well.

Run Kemia, Run! They are after your Sashimi Charms!

Verdict

With the second season waiting in the wings and green-lit for a go, I can say I’m fully confident that it won’t kill my exceptions. The World God Only Knows gives very little to hate it for, but much to love. While I still can’t seem to find a cinch in the proverbial armor of this anime, maybe I don’t need to when enjoying it is good enough. Great characters, nice and well-written storyline, and unexpected chemistry and confidence that makes this so good you can write home about it more than once.If you haven’t watched the this anime yet, I suggest you do. I can see ending of this route….can you?

Final Score Overall
Storyline: B+
Writing: B+
Characters: B+
Soundtrack/Animation/Artwork:B+
Enjoyment: A

GREAT (Recommended): A
Edited &  Syndicated From: http://www.sutoraikuanime.com/
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