Anime of the Year 2015-III Summer - Overlord

Overlord is the best thing that happened to this season. Prison School is the first ecchi that I liked.

1. Charlotte Charlotte（シャーロット）  [P.A. Works] (Finished 13/13) Tags: School, Super Power Drama If not for his ability to take over people's mind and body, Yuu Otosaka would be an ordinary high school student. Though it only lasts for five seconds at a time, Yuu's mysterious power allowed him to cheat his way to the top of his class and enter a prestigious high school, where he continues his dishonest acts. His shenanigans are eventually stopped by Nao Tomori—the headstrong student council president from Hoshinoumi Academy—who sees through his deceit. Through coercion, Nao convinces Yuu to transfer to Hoshinoumi and join the student council. Hoshinoumi Academy is secretly an institution created for adolescents who possess supernatural abilities—with the student council serving as a means of locating those who abuse their powers. With Yuu begrudgingly assisting in council affairs, the group sets out to find and protect new ability users from harm. However, as they further investigate the abilities, their findings entangle them in far more complicated matters than they could ever imagine. The worst kind of superpowers paired with time travel. And of course with a terrible ending.   Overall Rating: 6/10

2. Overlord オーバーロード [Madhouse] (Finished 13/13) Tags: Isekai Action, Adventure, Fantasy The final hour of the popular virtual reality game Yggdrasil has come. However, Momonga, a powerful wizard and master of the dark guild Ainz Ooal Gown, decides to spend his last few moments in the game as the servers begin to shut down. To his surprise, despite the clock having struck midnight, Momonga is still fully conscious as his character and, moreover, the non-player characters appear to have developed personalities of their own! Confronted with this abnormal situation, Momonga commands his loyal servants to help him investigate and take control of this new world, with the hopes of figuring out what has caused this development and if there may be others in the same predicament. I like the setting, but it's not going anywhere in particular, and underlings are quite irritating. When it comes to battles, it gets much more interesting, though, so I'll settle with 8.   Overall Rating: 8/10

3. Prison School 監獄学園〈プリズンスクール [J.C.Staff] (Finished 12/12) Tags: Seinen Gag Humor, School Comedy, Ecchi Located on the outskirts of Tokyo, Hachimitsu Private Academy is a prestigious all-girls boarding school, famous for its high-quality education and disciplined students. However, this is all about to change due to the revision of the school's most iconic policy, as boys are now able to enroll as well. At the start of the first semester under this new decree, a mere five boys have been accepted, effectively splitting the student body into a ratio of two hundred girls to one boy. Kiyoshi, Gakuto, Shingo, Andre, and Jo are quickly cast away without having a chance to make any kind of a first impression. Unable to communicate with their fellow female students, the eager boys set their sights on a far more dangerous task: peeping into the girls' bath! It's only after their plan is thoroughly decimated by the infamous Underground Student Council that the motley crew find their freedom abruptly taken from them, as they are thrown into the school's prison with the sentence of an entire month as punishment. Thus begins the tale of the boys' harsh lives in Prison School, a righteous struggle that will ultimately test the bonds of friendship and perverted brotherhood. The first ecchi series that get a borderline masterpiece from me. Yes, it's stilly and pervy and using lots of dirty tricks, but it was fun to watch back then and I even watched it fully again as it has nice characters and situations and even some food for memes.   Overall Rating: 7/10

4. Dragon Ball Super ドラゴンボール超（スーパー） [Toei Animation] (Finished 1/131) Tags: Shounen Martial Arts, Super Power Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy Seven years after the events of Dragon Ball Z, Earth is at peace, and its people live free from any dangers lurking in the universe. However, this peace is short-lived; a sleeping evil awakens in the dark reaches of the galaxy: Beerus, the ruthless God of Destruction. Disturbed by a prophecy that he will be defeated by a "Super Saiyan God," Beerus and his angelic attendant Whis start searching the universe for this mysterious being. Before long, they reach Earth where they encounter Gokuu Son, one of the planet's mightiest warriors, and his similarly powerful friends. Sequel.   Overall Rating: 6/10

5. Shimoneta to Iu Gainen ga Sonzai Shinai Taikutsu na Sekai SHIMONETA: A Boring World Where the Concept of Dirty Jokes Doesn't Exist 下ネタという概念が存在しない退屈な世界 [J.C.Staff] (Finished 12/12) Tags: Gag Humor, School Comedy, Ecchi With the introduction of strict new morality laws, Japan has become a nation cleansed of all that is obscene and impure. By monitoring citizens using special devices worn around their necks, authorities have taken extreme measures to ensure that society remains chaste. In this world of sexual suppression, Tanukichi Okuma—son of an infamous terrorist who opposed the chastity laws—has just entered high school, offering his help to the student council in order to get close to president Anna Nishikinomiya, his childhood friend and crush. Little does he know that the vice president Ayame Kajou has a secret identity: Blue Snow, a masked criminal dedicated to spreading lewd material amongst the sheltered public—and Tanukichi has caught the girl's interest due to his father's notoriety. Soon, Tanukichi is dragged into joining her organization called SOX, where he is forced to spread obscene propaganda, helping to launch an assault against the government's oppressive rule. With their school set as the first point of attack, Tanukichi will have to do the unthinkable when he realizes that their primary target is the person he admires most. Don't know why I finished this, but despite being also pervy comedy this is like the opposite of Prison School. Silly, unfunny, full of nonsense and just not delivering in any aspect.   Overall Rating: 5/10

6. Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri GATE GATE（ゲート）自衛隊　彼の地にて、斯く戦えり [A-1 Pictures] (Finished 12/12) Tags: Isekai, Military Action, Adventure, Fantasy Off-duty Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) officer and otaku Youji Itami is on his way to attend a doujin convention in Ginza, Tokyo when a mysterious portal in the shape of a large gate suddenly appears. From this gate, supernatural creatures and warriors clad in medieval armor emerge, charging through the city, killing and destroying everything in their path. With swift actions, Youji saves as many lives as he can while the rest of the JSDF direct their efforts toward stopping the invasion. Three months after the attack, Youji has been tasked with leading a special recon team, as part of a JSDF task force, that will be sent to the world beyond the gate—now being referred to as the "Special Region." They must travel into this unknown world in order to learn more about what they are dealing with and attempt to befriend the locals in hopes of creating peaceful ties with the ruling empire. But if they fail, they face the consequence of participating in a devastating war that will engulf both sides of the gate. I sort of liked it when I watched it back then. But it's hardly really interesting - just OP armored vehicles destroying primitive forces. And characters aren't memorable after all this time, so just above average.   Overall Rating: 6/10

7. Monster Musume no Iru Nichijou Monster Musume: Everyday Life with Monster Girls モンスター娘のいる日常 [Lerche] (Finished 1/12) Tags: Seinen Anthropomorphic, Harem Comedy, Fantasy, Romance, Ecchi With his parents abroad, Kimihito Kurusu lived a quiet, unremarkable life alone until monster girls came crowding in! This alternate reality presents cutting-edge Japan, the first country to promote the integration of non-human species into society. After the incompetence of interspecies exchange coordinator Agent Smith leaves Kimihito as the homestay caretaker of a Lamia named Miia, the newly-minted "Darling" quickly attracts girls of various breeds, resulting in an ever-growing harem flush with eroticism and attraction. Unfortunately for him and the ladies, sexual interactions between species is forbidden by the Interspecies Exchange Act! The only loophole is through an experimental marriage provision. Kimihito's life becomes fraught with an abundance of creature-specific caveats and sensitive interspecies law as the passionate, affectionate, and lusty women hound his every move, seeking his romantic and sexual affections. With new species often appearing and events materializing out of thin air, where Kimihito and his harem go is anyone's guess! I don't dig Monmusu concept - both games and anime. Just fantasy fetish pervy stuff without anything substantial.   Overall Rating: 5/10

8. Himouto! Umaru-chan  干物妹！うまるちゃん [Doga Kobo] (Finished 12/12) Tags: Seinen Otaku Culture, School Comedy People are not always who they appear to be, as is the case with Umaru Doma, the perfect high school girl—that is, until she gets home! Once the front door closes, the real fun begins. When she dons her hamster hoodie, she transforms from a refined, over-achieving student into a lazy, junk food-eating otaku, leaving all the housework to her responsible older brother Taihei. Whether she's hanging out with her friends Nana Ebina and Kirie Motoba, or competing with her self-proclaimed "rival" Sylphinford Tachibana, Umaru knows how to kick back and have some fun! Himouto! Umaru-chan is a cute story that follows the daily adventures of Umaru and Taihei, as they take care of—and put up with—each other the best they can, as well as the unbreakable bonds between friends and siblings. Slightly tweaked idea of heroine from His and Her circumstances from standpoint of older brother, but nothing exceptional or funny in this SOL comedy.   Overall Rating: 6/10

9. Akagami no Shirayuki-hime Snow White with the Red Hair 赤髪の白雪姫 [Bones] (Finished 3/12) Tags: Shoujo Drama, Fantasy, Romance  Although her name means "snow white," Shirayuki is a cheerful, red-haired girl living in the country of Tanbarun who works diligently as an apothecary at her herbal shop. Her life changes drastically when she is noticed by the silly prince of Tanbarun, Prince Raji, who then tries to force her to become his concubine. Unwilling to give up her freedom, Shirayuki cuts her long red hair and escapes into the forest, where she is rescued from Raji by Zen Wistalia, the second prince of a neighboring country, and his two aides. Hoping to repay her debt to the trio someday, Shirayuki sets her sights on pursuing a career as the court herbalist in Zen's country, Clarines. Akagami no Shirayuki-hime depicts Shirayuki's journey toward a new life at the royal palace of Clarines, as well as Zen's endeavor to become a prince worthy of his title. As loyal friendships are forged and deadly enemies formed, Shirayuki and Zen slowly learn to support each other as they walk their own paths. I see a rather clear reverse harem here. Of course main heroine is the talk of the castle and everyone inside as everyone is planning something around her... feels very cringy.   Overall Rating: 5/10

10. Rokka no Yuusha Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers 六花の勇者 [Passione] (Finished 12/12) Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery An ancient legend states that with the revival of the Demon God, six heroes—the Braves of the Six Flowers—will be chosen by the Goddess of Fate, granting them power to rise up against the fiends attempting to turn the world into a living hell. Adlet Mayer, self-proclaimed "Strongest Man in the World," has arrived at the continent of Piena in hopes of becoming a Brave. Although it doesn't go as smoothly as he had planned, Adlet is ultimately chosen as one of the six heroes shortly after being greeted by Nashetania Loei Piena Augustra, crown princess and fellow Brave. Rokka no Yuusha follows the two as they embark upon their destined journey to fight the Demon God, intending to meet up with their fellow heroes at a small temple outside of the Land of the Howling Demons, the fiends' domain. However, when they finally unite, seven heroes are present, and soon the others begin to suspect Adlet to be a fraud. Now on the run, Adlet must utilize his unique skill set and wit in a fight for his life to identify which member of the group is the true impostor before it's too late! Mystery makes everything worse as it becomes a drag with the insignificant intrigue pushed to the end. And I see no worthy characters, so no reason to treat it even as a decent piece.   Overall Rating: 5/10

11. Gangsta. GANGSTA. ギャングスタ [Manglobe] (Finished 12/12) Tags: Seinen Adult Cast, Organized Crime Action, Drama Nicholas Brown and Worick Arcangelo, known in the city of Ergastalum as the "Handymen," are mercenaries for hire who take on jobs no one else can handle. Contracted by powerful mob syndicates and police alike, the Handymen have to be ready and willing for anything. After completing the order of killing a local pimp, the Handymen add Alex Benedetto—a prostitute also designated for elimination—to their ranks to protect her from forces that want her gone from the decrepit hellhole of a city she has come to call home. However, this criminal’s paradise is undergoing a profound period of change that threatens to corrode the delicate balance of power. Ergastalum was once a safe haven for "Twilights," super-human beings born as the result of a special drug but are now being hunted down by a fierce underground organization. This new threat is rising up to challenge everything the city stands for, and the Handymen will not be able to avoid this coming war. Watched it before and somewhat liked as this anime has nice world and characters. But, to be honest, it all comes down to classy fighting action, and confusing abrupt ending. Can't say it had a lasting impact on me, and without proper ending or sequel or additional manga to research can't call it a masterpiece .   Overall Rating: 6/10

12. God Eater  [ufotable] (Finished 13/13) Tags: Military Action, Fantasy, Sci-Fi The year is 2071. Humanity has been pushed to the brink of extinction following the emergence of man-eating monsters called "Aragami" that boast an immunity to conventional weaponry. They ravaged the land, consuming almost everything in their path and leaving nothing in their wake. To combat them, an organization named Fenrir was formed as a last-ditch effort to save humanity through the use of "God Eaters"—special humans infused with Oracle cells, allowing them to wield the God Arc, the only known weapon capable of killing an Aragami. One such God Eater is Lenka Utsugi, a New-Type whose God Arc takes the form of both blade and gun. Now, as one of Fenrir's greatest weapons, Lenka must master his God Arc if he is to fulfill his desire of wiping out the Aragami once and for all. The monsters continue to be born en masse while the remnants of humanity struggle to survive the night. Only God Eaters stand between the Aragami and complete and total annihilation of the human race. Action anime based on action game is always met with a grade of doubt by me. And this story is deadly boring.   Overall Rating: 6/10

13. Gakkougurashi! School-Live! がっこうぐらし！ [Lerche] (Finished 4/12) Tags: Psychological, School, Survival Horror, Mystery, Slice of Life, Supernatural Carefree high school senior Yuki Takeya every day looks forward to the School Living Club. Consisting of the president Yuuri Wakasa, the athletic Kurumi Ebisuzawa, the mature Miki Naoki, the supervising teacher Megumi Sakura, and club dog Taroumaru, the club prides itself on making the most of life at school. There is only one rule the club members have to follow: all members must live their entire lives within school grounds. Gakkougurashi! follows the adventures of the School Living Club as they promote independence and self-determination through their lively time residing at Megurigaoka Private High School. It has a bit of everything, but no clear direction. So it does some things nicely, even has some yuru yuri vibes at times, but the other times it throws nonsense and silly drama and just tediousness like any mystery.   Overall Rating: 6/10

14. Durarara!!x2 Ten デュラララ!!×２ 転 [Shuka] (Finished 1/12) Tags: Action, Mystery, Supernatural  In Ikebukuro, the lives of its citizens continue intertwining with each other as if their fates are predestined. Mikado Ryuugamine is now one step closer to his goal of living an exciting life, and in turn, delves deeper into the darker side of Ikebukuro. After gaining absolute control over a former rival, he uses his newfound power as he pleases, purging the Dollars from the inside to mold it into the ideal organization. This proves to be as challenging as it sounds as Mikado must now deal with unwanted outside interference, most notably a re-emerging and dearly missed friend. Meanwhile, Izaya Orihara still has some schemes up his sleeve, although a rival information exchange center has proven to be quite the hindrance, lurking within everyone's favorite downtown district. Undoubtedly, sooner or later, chaos will strike again. Sequel.   Overall Rating: 6/10

15. Okusama ga Seitokaichou! My Wife is the Student Council President!  おくさまが生徒会長！ [Seven] (Finished 4/12) Tags: Shounen School Comedy, Romance, Ecchi Hayato Izumi is running for student council president. He's studious, responsible, down to earth...and completely outmatched by his rival, Ui Wakana. Ui wins in a landslide after promising comprehensive sex education, free condoms, and other exciting reforms. Bloodied but not discouraged, Hayato licks his wounds and settles for vice president. Then Ui moves in with him. As it turns out, their parents made a drunken promise decades ago that their children would one day marry. Ui and Hayato must now balance school life with matrimony, keeping their relationship secret from a prudish student body and learning to live with each other. Can they keep the student council in line and find happiness together? Find out in Okusama ga Seitokaichou! Episodes are only 8 minutes long, so it just could not be anything serious. Just episodic and not really funny ecchi comedy.   Overall Rating: 6/10

16. Jitsu wa Watashi wa Actually, I am... 実は私は [TMS Entertainment] (Finished 4/13) Tags: Shounen Harem, School, Vampire Comedy, Fantasy, Romance One day after school, Asahi Kuromine stumbles upon the truth that Youko Shiragami, the girl he has a crush on, is actually a vampire. According to her father's rules, Youko must now quit school in order to keep her family safe. However, Asahi does not want her to go and promises that he will keep her true nature secret. Unfortunately, this turns out to be easier said than done, as Asahi is a man who is easy to read and is unable to keep any secrets to himself. And this is only the beginning of his troubles—more supernatural beings enter his life, and he is forced to protect all of their identities or face the consequences. Jitsu wa Watashi wa follows Asahi as he deals with his new friends and the unique challenges they bring, struggles to keep his mouth shut, and desperately tries to win Youko's heart in the process. Reminds me of seven witches harem, decent at best.   Overall Rating: 6/10

17. To LOVE-Ru Darkness 2nd To LOVE Ru Darkness 2 To LOVEる -とらぶる- ダークネス2nd [Xebec] (Finished 1/12) Tags: Shounen Harem, School Comedy, Romance, Sci-Fi, Ecchi The dispassionate, transforming assassin Golden Darkness returns to peer deeper into the mysteries surrounding her new life, while a sinister Nemesis manipulates her younger sister Mea from the shadows. Along with their newly discovered mother, Tearju, this previously estranged family quickly becomes the center of everyone's attention. On the other hand, Princess Momo's Harem Plan stands on shaky ground amidst Rito's inability to confess to his longtime crush Haruna, who has grown feelings of her own. But things aren't as peaceful as they seem; an evil force looms amidst the innocuous commotion, threatening to eclipse the love, happiness, and friendship of Rito and his harem. Only the light of love can hope to banish the shadow. Sequel.   Overall Rating: 5/10

18. Kuusen Madoushi Kouhosei no Kyoukan Sky Wizards Academy 空戦魔導士候補生の教官 [Diomedéa] (Finished 4/12) Tags: School Action, Drama, Fantasy  Years ago, humanity almost got wiped out by huge magical armored insects that had become too strong and aggressive to handle. Because of these giant bugs, humans do not live on the earth anymore, but in floating cities instead. However, this does not mean that everything is lost, because the wizards from prestigious floating wizard academies are fighting these monsters. Kanata Age is a young man now labelled as a traitor even though he was once praised as the "Black Master Swordsman." He gets a chance to repair his reputation by instructing the team E601, which seems to be facing some difficulties. It consists of three girls, Misora Whitale, Lecty Eisenach, and Rico Flamel, each with problems of their own. It appears that Kanata will get in deep waters more than once because of them... It feels like an average visual novel with fighting - protagonist is teaching several flying witches fighting and act as a team. Watchable, but everything here seen elsewhere.   Overall Rating: 6/10

19. Working!!! Wagnaria!!3 ワーキング!!! [MAPPA, Studio VOLN] (Finished 26/26) Tags: Shounen Mythology Action, Adventure, Supernatural Ushio Aotsuki is a stubborn middle school student and son of an eccentric temple priest who goes about life without care for his father's claims regarding otherworldly monsters known as youkai. However, as he is tending to the temple while his father is away on work, his chores lead him to a shocking discovery: in the basement he finds a menacing youkai impaled by the fabled Beast Spear. The beast in question is Tora, infamous for his destructive power, who tries to coerce Ushio into releasing him from his five hundred year seal. Ushio puts no trust in his words and refuses to set him free. But when a sudden youkai outbreak puts his friends and home in danger, he is left with no choice but to rely on Tora, his only insurance being the ancient spear if he gets out of hand. Ushio and Tora's meeting is only the beginning of the unlikely duo's journey into the depths of the spiritual realm. With the legendary Beast Spear in his hands, Ushio will find out just how real and threatening the world of the supernatural can be. Sequel.   Overall Rating: 6/10

20. Ushio to Tora (TV) Ushio & Tora (2015) うしおととら [MAPPA, Studio VOLN] (Finished 1/26) Tags: Shounen Mythology Action, Adventure, Supernatural Ushio Aotsuki is a stubborn middle school student and son of an eccentric temple priest who goes about life without care for his father's claims regarding otherworldly monsters known as youkai. However, as he is tending to the temple while his father is away on work, his chores lead him to a shocking discovery: in the basement he finds a menacing youkai impaled by the fabled Beast Spear. The beast in question is Tora, infamous for his destructive power, who tries to coerce Ushio into releasing him from his five hundred year seal. Ushio puts no trust in his words and refuses to set him free. But when a sudden youkai outbreak puts his friends and home in danger, he is left with no choice but to rely on Tora, his only insurance being the ancient spear if he gets out of hand. Ushio and Tora's meeting is only the beginning of the unlikely duo's journey into the depths of the spiritual realm. With the legendary Beast Spear in his hands, Ushio will find out just how real and threatening the world of the supernatural can be. It's a remake of old shounen, so it's too morally old to move further.   Overall Rating: 6/10

21. Aoharu x Kikanjuu Aoharu x Machinegun 青春×機関銃 [Brain's Base] (Finished 3/12) Tags: Shounen Crossdressing, Team Sports  Hotaru Tachibana has a strong sense of justice and just cannot help confronting those who choose to perform malicious acts. Furthermore, Hotaru is actually a girl who likes to disguise herself as a boy. After hearing rumors that her best friend was tricked by the popular host of a local club, Hotaru seeks to punish the evildoer. Upon arriving at the club, however, she is challenged to a so-called "survival game" by the host Masamune Matsuoka, where the first person hit by the bullet of a toy gun will lose. After a destructive fight which results in Hotaru's loss, Masamune forces the young "boy" to join his survival game team named Toy Gun Gun, in order to repay the cost of the damages that "he" has caused inside the club. Although she is initially unhappy with this turn of events, Hotaru quickly begins to enjoy what survival games have to offer and is determined to pay off her debt, much to the dismay of Tooru Yukimura, the other member of Toy Gun Gun. As time goes on, Hotaru begins to develop a close friendship with the rest of the team and hopes to take part in realizing their dream of winning the Top Combat Game (TCG), a tournament to decide the best survival game team in Japan. Although Hotaru tries her best, there are just two little problems: she is absolutely terrible at the game, and Toy Gun Gun doesn't allow female members on their team! Crossdressing and survival games make pretty much everything boring for me, but together it's squared.   Overall Rating: 5/10

22. Non Non Biyori Repeat のんのんびより りぴーと [SILVER LINK.] (Finished 1/12) Tags: Seinen CGDCT, Iyashikei, School Slice of Life Far from the hustle and bustle of urban life, and with only a single candy store and bus route to its name, the rural Asahigaoka is certainly not a place for everyone. Nevertheless, the village's children still manage to cheerfully spend their days exploring and having fun in the wilderness around them. One such child, Renge Miyauchi, the youngest of the group, looks forward to the entrance ceremony of the upcoming school year, signalling her entry into first grade and the beginning of her elementary school life. Attending the only school in town, Renge and her friends, seventh grader Natsumi Koshigaya and her eighth grade sister Komari, make the most out of their rural lifestyle, playing and studying everyday. Meanwhile, fifth grader Hotaru Ichijou has just moved to Asahigaoka from Tokyo, unaware of the numerous adventures and memories that await her. Sequel.   Overall Rating: 6/10

23. Joukamachi no Dandelion Castle Town Dandelion 城下町のダンデライオン [Production IMS] (Finished 3/12) Tags: Seinen Super Power Comedy, Supernatural The Sakurada siblings live a normal life in a typical Japanese household. Well, that's what their father, the king, wants for them at least. As members of the royal family, each sibling possesses a unique ability, and over two thousand security cameras have been placed around town to make sure the children are safe and sound. Moreover, all nine of them have been designated as a potential successor to the throne with the decision that the next ruler will be selected through an election. However, for the timid Akane Sakurada, the third eldest daughter who wields the power to manipulate gravity, all of this attention is a complete nightmare. With all the cameras constantly monitoring the candidates and even broadcasting their actions on the Sakurada-dedicated news channel, she decides that if she becomes king, the cameras have got to go. But just how will she convince the public that she is the most suited to rule if she can't even overcome her own shyness?! Election season is in full swing as the search for the next king begins in Joukamachi no Dandelion. Why would I be interested in some kingdom election... and this royal SOL is all this show provides. Pretty tasteless comedy.   Overall Rating: 6/10

24. Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya 2wei Herz! Fate/Kaleid Liner Prisma Illya 2Wei Herz! Fate/kaleid liner プリズマ☆イリヤ ツヴァイ ヘルツ！ [SILVER LINK.] (Finished 1/10) Tags: Mahou Shoujo Action, Comedy, Fantasy Based on the Fate/Kaleid Liner Prisma☆Illya 2wei! manga by Hiroshi Hiroyama, which is a spin-off of the Fate/stay night erotic visual novel by Type-Moon. Sequel.   Overall Rating: 5/10

25. Classroom☆Crisis クラスルーム☆クライシス [Lay-duce] (Finished 13/13) Tags: School, Space Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi  In Martian colony Fourth Tokyo lies a classroom of Kirishina Corporation's brightest minds spearheading aerospace development: A-TEC, led by genius engineer Kaito Sera, eagerly anticipating the arrival of their newest member. It soon becomes clear, however, that the transfer student is hardly ordinary—Nagisa Kiryuu, newly appointed chief of A-TEC and the younger brother of the corporation's CEO, is sent to shut the program down. To keep the classroom alive, Kaito and his students desperately work to develop a successor to their most powerful rocket, the X-2; meanwhile, Nagisa climbs the corporate ladder in pursuit of his own mission. In spite of this, their separate battles soon reveal that much more is going on in Kirishina Corporation than meets the eye. Classroom☆Crisis follows Kaito and Nagisa, as well as Kaito's younger sister Mizuki and A-TEC's test pilot Iris Shirasaki, in a story of intrigue, political warfare, and, against all odds, romance. As Nagisa and A-TEC are dragged further and further into Kirishina Corporation's conspiracies, friendships grow and pasts are unveiled as they fight to avert their classroom crisis. I can't stand all shows about building spaceships, but among them Classroom Crisis is so far the best one as there is quite some intrigue and unexpected moves. Does not make me enjoy it though.   Overall Rating: 6/10

26. Ranpo Kitan: Game of Laplace Rampo Kitan: Game of Laplace 乱歩奇譚 Game of Laplace [Lerche] (Finished 3/11) Tags: Detective, Gore, Psychological Mystery, Suspense After what appears to be just another ordinary day, middle school student Yoshio Kobayashi wakes up in his classroom to make a terrifying discovery: his teacher has been mutilated, and Yoshio happens to be holding the weapon used to commit the crime. Despite the initial shock of finding himself in this predicament, the curious and detached Yoshio can't help but be secretly thrilled about this attempt to frame him. His put-upon friend Souji Hashiba is turned into a willing accomplice, and together, they are determined to prove Yoshio's innocence. Additionally, Kogorou Akechi, a genius high school detective, has come to the scene of the crime in order to investigate the case and when Kogorou meets the young man found guilty, an intense mutual interest sparks between the two of them. Kobayashi wishes to enter Akechi's world of crime solving as his assistant, and Akechi is determined to see if the enthusiastic boy is up to the challenge. Ranpo Kitan: Game of Laplace is a surreal mystery and horror anime that contains brutal and bizarre crimes, loosely based on stories written by Ranpo Edogawa, who is famous for his influence on Japanese fiction. Detective suspense mystery, so not feeling anything towards it, I'm just not target audience.   Overall Rating: 6/10

27. Chaos Dragon: Sekiryuu Seneki Chaos Dragon ケイオスドラゴン 赤竜戦役 [ SILVER LINK., Connect] (Finished 12/12) Tags: Action, Fantasy  In 3015, the year of Huanli, two countries, Donatia and Kouran, are embroiled in a war of supremacy that is tearing the world around them apart. The small island Nil Kamui has suffered exceptionally from the war, with lands conquered in the name of each kingdom and stolen away from the people. To make matters worse, their deity, the Red Dragon, has gone mad, rampaging about Nil Kamui burning villages and killing people indiscriminately. Ibuki, a descendant of Nil Kamui's royal family, resides at an orphanage and refuses to take on the role of king. Abhorring conflict, Ibuki desires a peaceful resolution, however the chaotic world will not allow for such pacifism when it is being torn asunder by war. Despite his reluctance, Ibuki is drawn deep into this conflict. Can he rise to the occasion and save his country? A huge chaotic mess with revivals and other nonsense.   Overall Rating: 5/10

28. Gatchaman Crowds Insight GATCHAMAN CROWDS insight（インサイト） [Tatsunoko Production] (Finished 1/12) Tags: Super Power Action, Sci-Fi One day, a huge UFO spins over Japan and crashes into a rural farmland outside Nagaoka, disrupting Tsubasa Misudachi's ordinary life. As the Gatchaman, the legendary defenders of Tachikawa City, supervise the ordeal, a peaceful alien creature emerges from the spacecraft. In the ensuing chaos, Tsubasa is given a special high-tech notebook, or NOTE, from Gatchaman founder J.J. Robinson, signaling Tsubasa's sudden recruitment into their group. Under the tutelage of fellow hero Hajime Ichinose, Tsubasa slowly begins to adjust to life as a defender of justice. Meanwhile, the CROWDS technology, which enables users to manifest their consciousness' into a physical form, is spreading amongst the public, as well as being endorsed by Prime Minister Sugayama. However, a mysterious organization known as VAPE has gained notoriety by using unique red CROWDS to wreak havoc, shifting public opinion against the CROWDS technology. The Gatchaman, along with new recruit Tsubasa, must put a stop to their destructive activities before it's too late. Sequel.   Overall Rating: 6/10

29. Sore ga Seiyuu! Seiyu's Life! それが声優！ [Gonzo] (Finished 3/13) Tags: Showbiz, Workplace Comedy, Slice of Life Dreaming of becoming a top-tier professional in the fast-paced, competitive world of voice acting, rookie Futaba Ichinose frantically scurries around, searching for auditions and performance sessions. Rubbing elbows with some of the biggest names in the industry, she tries to find her own unique voice and style. Along the way, she befriends two important allies: Ichigo Moesaki, an aspiring idol who claims to be a princess from another planet, and Rin Kohana, a cheerful child actress who tries her best to balance her career and school at the same time. Together, the girls brave the ups and downs of the entertainment industry—but as for Futaba, whose performance assessment at her agency is just around the corner, her career might be over sooner than expected! Sore ga Seiyuu! is a humorous and sincere celebration of the industry that gives anime its voice. Unremarkable character designs and little humor make it just another Nichijou with seiyuu flavor.   Overall Rating: 6/10

30. Senki Zesshou Symphogear GX Symphogear GX 戦姫絶唱シンフォギアGX [Satelight] (Finished 1/13) Tags: Idols (Female), Music  Action, Sci-Fi Following the events of Senki Zesshou Symphogear G, Hibiki Tachibana, Tsubasa Kazanari, and Chris Yukine continue to operate under the command of Genjuurou Kazanari. Meanwhile, Maria Cadenzavna Eve, Kirika Akatsuki, and Shirabe Tsukuyomi are taken into protective custody. With peace restored, everyone returns to their daily lives; however, the appearance of the alchemist Carol Malus Dienheim and her subordinates—the "Autoscorers"—threatens to draw everyone back into a conflict. Armed with a strange and magical power, Carol wishes to initiate the apocalypse and bring destruction to the world... and she is willing to sacrifice everything to do so. Against this mysterious new foe, the six Symphogear wielders must rise to the challenge in order to protect what they hold dear. However, will Carol and her Autoscorers prove to be too much to handle in this fight to protect the fate of the world? Sequel.   Overall Rating: 5/10

31. The iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls 2nd Season アイドルマスター シンデレラガールズ 2ndシーズン [A-1 Pictures] (Finished 1/12) Tags: Idols (Female), Music Comedy, Drama Second season of The iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls. Sequel.   Overall Rating: 5/10

32. Aquarion Logos アクエリオンロゴス [Satelight] (Finished 1/26) Tags: Mecha Action, Fantasy, Romance, Sci-Fi For thousands of years after its development, mankind used the written word for communication between people and generations. As millenia passed and technology became more prevalent, writing - and thus, communication as a whole - diminished, until it could only be found on cell phones and computer screens. Seeing an opportunity, the sorcerer Sogan Kenzaki starts infecting words with the Nesta Virus, which brings them to life and turns them into monsters called MJBK (Menace of Japanese with Biological Kinetic energy). To counter this attack against humanity, an organization known as DEAVA (Division of EArth Verbalism Ability) assembles a group of youths with the ability of "Verbalism". They have to pilot the vector machines, which are used to form the mechas dubbed "Aquarions". The one wild card in the situation is the self-dubbed "savior", a young man who is the direct relative of a famous calligrapher, named Akira Kaibuki. Sequel.   Overall Rating: 5/10

33. Venus Project: Climax VENUS PROJECT（ヴィーナス プロジェクト）－CLIMAX－ [Nomad] (Finished 6/6) Tags: Idols (Female), Music Action  In the near future, Japan has developed sophisticated digital and image technology. People are enthusiastic for a new type of entertainment called "FORMULA VENUS." Abbreviated as "F-V," it is a sorted live battle of the top idol performances based on the idols' power, techniques, and developed experience. The story is about the drama that happens among the girls in VENUS PROJECT as they aim for the top by concentrating on difficult battles, passion, and friendship. A usual idol show with the exception that singing animates avatars that fight, nothing special.   Overall Rating: 5/10

34. Chu Feng: B.E.E School Shock 雛蜂-B.E.E- [Haoliners Animation League] (Finished 6/6) Tags: Mecha, School Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance, Sci-Fi  In 2017, a group of genius scientists achieve a remarkable breakthrough in bioengineering. However, all the new technologies are put into military use, beginning a new round of arms race. Vanguards, as the most significant achievement of the modern bioengineering and the most advanced weapon, are widely utilized in the race. Although vanguards are exceptionally combat-effective, their life expectancy is shortened by the nanomachines they use. Usually, most vanguards will retire from the army after a number of years in service. The heroine Liuli has also consumed too much of her lifespan after executing missions for a long time. With only 380 days left in her life, Liuli receives a new mission, to rescue a hostage being held in a civilian facility. It is without doubt a difficult mission for a vanguard like Liuli, who only knows how to kill and battle. However, Liuli obediently decides to accept the mission in the end. During the mission, Liuli surprisingly finds that the man who holds the hostage was once a vanguard. The former vanguard Zhongrong Zhou cries and asks the government to hand over the son of Eden. As a vanguard, Liuli feels deep contempt against Zhou. To eliminate the scum of the vanguards, a battle between two vanguards begins... It begins in a very favorable way, but falls into Chinese trash eventually. At least it's normal animation and not CGI this time.   Overall Rating: 6/10

35. Heibai Wushang The Unparalleled Black & White 黑白无双 [Wawayu Animation] (Finished 2/12) Tags: Action, Comedy, Supernatural  A story about two young demons who are always slacking off at work, a place that happens to be an organization that vows to keep the balance between the worlds of the living and dead by killing humans! Only couple episodes seem to be translated. Normal gory shounen fighting action with spirits, nothing exceptional unless you like silly Chinese episodic humor.   Overall Rating: 6/10

36. Ze Tian Ji 择天记 [Foch Films] (Finished 1/13) Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy  At the beginning of time, a mystical meteor came crashing down from outer space and scattered all over the world. A piece of it landed in the Eastern Continent. There were mysterious totems carved upon the meteor, and people gathered around it wanting to discover its usage. They discovered the Way, and established The Tradition. Several thousand years later, the fourteen years old orphan Chen Chang Shang left his master to cure his illness and change his fate. He brought a piece of marriage vow with him to the capital, thus began the journey of a rising hero. It's ultra soaked with Chinese mythology and symbols which makes it truly nauseating for me.   Overall Rating: 5/10

37. Feng Wei Ying Xiong Beyond the Worlds 疯味英雄 [YHKT Entertainment] (Finished 1/13) Tags: Action, Fantasy  A villa, involved in strange circumstances in the 1990s, is bulldozed and new homes are built on top. The ostensibly peaceful town and its inhabitants will soon have its cover blown wide open. Mysterious forces are at play, rooted in a disturbing truth. Caricaturish silly full CGI fighting action based on Heroes of the Storm, kids stuff, as for me.   Overall Rating: 5/10

38. Ying Xiong Bie Nao Heroes Don't Bi-Bi 英雄别闹 [Vasoon Animation] (Finished 3/13) Tags: Action, Fantasy  The series takes place on a parallel world filled with superhumans. Allegiances are formed between heroes and villains. Another full CGI shounen parody, another unfunny mess.   Overall Rating: 5/10

39. Bakemono no Ko The Boy and the Beast バケモノの子 [Studio Chizu] (Finished 1/1) Tags: Anthropomorphic, Isekai Adventure, Fantasy Two souls, living very different lives, wander alone and isolated in their respective worlds. For nine-year-old Ren, the last person who treated him with any form of kindness has been killed, and he is shunned by what is left of his family. With no parents, no real family, and no place to go, Ren escapes into the confusing streets and alleyways of Shibuya. Through the twists and turns of the alleys, Ren stumbles into the intimidating Kumatetsu, who leads him to the beast realm of Shibuten. For Kumatetsu, the boy represents a chance for him to become a candidate to replace the lord of the realm once he retires. While nearly unmatched in combat, Kumatetsu's chilly persona leaves him with no disciples to teach and no way to prove he is worthy of becoming the lord's successor. While the two share different goals, they agree to help each other in order to reach them. Kumatetsu searches for recognition; Ren, now known as Kyuuta, searches for the home he never had. As the years pass by, it starts to become apparent that the two are helping each other in more ways than they had originally thought. Perhaps there has always been less of a difference between them, a boy and a beast, than either of the two ever realized. Watched it before, but was not impressed, although it's better than almost any Ghibli anime.   Overall Rating: 6/10

40. Kokoro ga Sakebitagatterunda. The Anthem of the Heart 心が叫びたがってるんだ。 [A-1 Pictures] (Finished 1/1) Tags: Performing Arts, School Drama, Romance Jun Naruse is a chatterbox whose life is colored by fairy tales and happy endings. However, influenced by her deep belief in those tales, she is too naive and trusting, and her words soon shatter her family's bond when she inadvertently reveals her father's affair. Naruse is scarred for life after being blamed for her parent's divorce, and her regrets soon manifest into a fairy egg—a being who seals her mouth from speaking in order to protect everyone's happy ending. Now, even in high school, Naruse's speech remains locked by the fairy egg. Even trying to speak causes her stomach to twist. Though unable to convey her thoughts through words, she is unexpectedly chosen to perform in a musical alongside three other students: Takumi Sakagami, Natsuki Nitou, and Daiki Tasaki. Naruse makes her way to the club room to reject the daunting task, but changes her mind when she overhears Sakagami's beautiful singing. Perhaps the fairy egg "curse" does not apply to singing, and perhaps Sakagami is the fairy tale prince she has been seeking all along. Will Naruse be able to convey the anthem of her heart? Yay, another movie about disabled. And it's not to inform more, because some super rare case is taken. And all this boredom lasts for full two hours.   Overall Rating: 6/10

41. Wake Up, Girls! Seishun no Kage Wake Up, Girls！青春の影 [Ordet, Millepensee] (Finished 1/1) Tags: Idols (Female), Music Drama Movie sequel of Wake Up, Girls!, announced at Wake Up, Girls! Festa.2014 Winter. Did not watch sequel movies earlier. Nice and still grappling.   Overall Rating: 6/10

42. Xiyou Ji: Dasheng Guilai Monkey King: Hero Is Back 西游记之大圣归来 [October Media] (Finished 1/1) Tags: Historical, Martial Arts Adventure, Fantasy, Supernatural Legend tells of the all-powerful Monkey King, who was unmatched in combat, and walked freely through Heaven, Earth, and Hell. After breaking some of the most important rules set by the Gods, he is imprisoned in an ice cage under the mountains, bound by the only powers able to control him. Without the great Monkey King, darkness falls across China. While fleeing from the monsters that have attacked his village, a small boy hides in the mountains as his only place of safety, and finds a strange icy pillar bound in chains. He touches the ice, breaking the spell, and begins the events of the movie Monkey King: Hero is Back. Full CGI horrible movie, does not even deserve discussing.   Overall Rating: 5/10

43. Sinbad: Soratobu Hime to Himitsu no Shima Sindbad: The Flying Princess and the Secret Island シンドバッド 空とぶ姫と秘密の島 [Nippon Animation] (Finished 1/1) Tags: Adventure  Sinbad dreams of voyaging to an unknown world. He and his pet monkey Mimi encounter Sana, a girl riding a flying wooden horse. Then, the wind shifts. Pretty much what you expect, no surprises.   Overall Rating: 5/10

44. Hikawa Maru Monogatari 氷川丸ものがたり [Mushi Production] (Finished 0/1) Tags: Historical Drama Hirayama Jirou has lost his mother in the Great Kanto Earthquake and now runs a soba stall with his father. He decides to join the crew of the famous ocean liner Hikawa Maru and finds work cooking in the ship's galley. Through his eyes, the film explores the ship's 85-year history. Not found.   Overall Rating: 0/10

45. Hwasan Golae The Crimson Whale 화산고래 [Korean Academy of Film Arts] (Finished 1/1) Tags: Horror, Suspense In the year 2070, mankind faces a life threatening crisis due to huge earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Korea is in a state of anarchy and Busan is swarming with refugees. Young street dealer Ha-jin has the ability to communicate with whales – a fact she keeps hidden from everyone. One day, a onearmed woman named Baek Sang-won asks Ha-jin to join her in the gules whale hunt. Painful memories lead Ha-jin to turn down the offer initially, but she eventually ends up joining Baek. As she makes friends on the ship, she grows curious about the gules whale and learns that every crew member has a sad gules story. The madness in the crews’ eyes as they try to kill the gules brings Ha-jin’s trauma to the forefront of her mind – and she experiences her own madness. Not translated. Drawing is of low quality. Hunting lava whale and madness ensuing are super weird.   Overall Rating: 5/10

46. Changbaekhan Eolkuldeul On The White Planet 백한 얼굴들 [-] (Finished 0/1) Tags: Psychological Award Winning, Drama In an unknown time when everything is colorless, the world pale and desolate, everybody is born with pale white skin. There is absolutely no sign of color in this world at all. However, one boy is born with yellowish skin. Everybody treats him like some sort of monster, and the boy lives in isolation, in the woods with his mother. The year he turns 16, the boy’s depressed mother, unable to bear the seclusion, commits suicide. The boy blames himself for her death and dreams of becoming a normal pale-skinned person. Not found.   Overall Rating: 0/10

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