Anime of the Year 2016-I Winter - Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu

I evaluate Hai to Gensou no Grimgar and Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu for the same score, but in first case there's nothing really revolutionary as story is exactly low level fantasy with one mediocre enemy by the end. But second case is truly unique, so takes the upper hand. Also considering Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! and Schwarzesmarken enjoyable enough to stand out.

1. Boku dake ga Inai Machi ERASED 僕だけがいない街 [A-1 Pictures] (Finished 12/12) Tags: Seinen Psychological, Time Travel Mystery, Supernatural, Suspense When tragedy is about to strike, Satoru Fujinuma finds himself sent back several minutes before the accident occurs. The detached, 29-year-old manga artist has taken advantage of this powerful yet mysterious phenomenon, which he calls "Revival," to save many lives. However, when he is wrongfully accused of murdering someone close to him, Satoru is sent back to the past once again, but this time to 1988, 18 years in the past. Soon, he realizes that the murder may be connected to the abduction and killing of one of his classmates, the solitary and mysterious Kayo Hinazuki, that took place when he was a child. This is his chance to make things right. Boku dake ga Inai Machi follows Satoru in his mission to uncover what truly transpired 18 years ago and prevent the death of his classmate while protecting those he cares about in the present. Time travel mystery, but a good one. Can't say it impressed me enough to rewatch it now or to remember over these years, so there's not enough impact on me to qualify it high.   Overall Rating: 6/10

2. Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World! この素晴らしい世界に祝福を！ [Studio Deen] (Finished 10/10) Tags: Isekai, Parody, Reincarnation Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy After dying a laughable and pathetic death on his way back from buying a game, high school student and recluse Kazuma Satou finds himself sitting before a beautiful but obnoxious goddess named Aqua. She provides the NEET with two options: continue on to heaven or reincarnate in every gamer's dream—a real fantasy world! Choosing to start a new life, Kazuma is quickly tasked with defeating a Demon King who is terrorizing villages. But before he goes, he can choose one item of any kind to aid him in his quest, and the future hero selects Aqua. But Kazuma has made a grave mistake—Aqua is completely useless! Unfortunately, their troubles don't end here; it turns out that living in such a world is far different from how it plays out in a game. Instead of going on a thrilling adventure, the duo must first work to pay for their living expenses. Indeed, their misfortunes have only just begun! Well, my issues are mostly with the second season, and since I watched this twice now, should not deny it a borderline weak masterpiece.   Overall Rating: 7/10

3. Ansatsu Kyoushitsu 2nd Season Assassination Classroom Second Season 暗殺教室　第２期 [Lerche] (Finished 1/25) Tags: Shounen School Action, Comedy Returning from their summer vacation, the students of Class 3-E at the prestigious Kunugigaoka Middle School find themselves up against unbeatable odds. Faced with the possibility of world annihilation, the students must come up with increasingly elaborate and creative ways to kill their teacher, the cunning yet optimistic and helpful Koro-sensei. However, eliminating Koro-sensei is not the only objective the students need to worry about. Gakuhou Asano, the academy's merciless and cruel principal, seeks to prevent Class 3-E's success by brainwashing his other hard-working pupils into ruthlessly competitive studying machines. Hostility begins to linger in the air as traitors and killers alike attempt to claim the bounty on Koro-sensei's head for themselves. Nagisa Shiota, one of Class 3-E's most skilled assassins, finds himself in the middle of the conflict. While he works to maintain his academic standing and prevent the end of the world, domestic affairs jeopardize his place in Class 3-E. Together with his dedicated classmates, he must now face the threats head-on. Sequel.   Overall Rating: 6/10

4. Hai to Gensou no Grimgar Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions 灰と幻想のグリムガル [A-1 Pictures] (Finished 1/12) Tags: Isekai Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy  Fear, survival, instinct. Thrown into a foreign land with nothing but hazy memories and the knowledge of their name, they can feel only these three emotions resonating deep within their souls. A group of strangers is given no other choice than to accept the only paying job in this game-like world—the role of a soldier in the Reserve Army—and eliminate anything that threatens the peace in their new world, Grimgar. When all of the stronger candidates join together, those left behind must create a party together to survive: Manato, a charismatic leader and priest; Haruhiro, a nervous thief; Yume, a cheerful hunter; Shihoru, a shy mage; Moguzo, a kind warrior; and Ranta, a rowdy dark knight. Despite its resemblance to one, this is no game—there are no redos or respawns; it is kill or be killed. It is now up to this ragtag group of unlikely fighters to survive together in a world where life and death are separated only by a fine line. A cool low level fantasy, but with second season nowhere to be seen it does not deserve truly high scores with this kind of plain ending.   Overall Rating: 8/10

5. Ajin Ajin: Demi-Human  亜人 [Polygon Pictures] (Finished 13/13) Tags: Seinen Gore Action, Horror, Mystery, Supernatural Mysterious immortal humans known as "Ajin" first appeared 17 years ago in Africa. Upon their discovery, they were labeled as a threat to mankind, as they might use their powers for evil and were incapable of being destroyed. Since then, whenever an Ajin is found within society, they are to be arrested and taken into custody immediately. Studying hard to become a doctor, Kei Nagai is a high schooler who knows very little about Ajin, only having seen them appear in the news every now and then. Students are taught that these creatures are not considered to be human, but Kei doesn't pay much attention in class. As a result, his perilously little grasp on this subject proves to be completely irrelevant when he survives an accident that was supposed to claim his life, signaling his rebirth as an Ajin and the start of his days of torment. However, as he finds himself alone on the run from the entire world, Kei soon realizes that more of his species may be a lot closer than he thinks. Well, it's a nice action, but in CGI-like technology and there's not much besides action, just another Gungrave-like anime with some alterations and a charismatic villain. In the end can't say I enjoyed it enough.   Overall Rating: 6/10

6. Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri Part 2 GATE Part 2 GATE（ゲート）自衛隊　彼の地にて、斯く戦えり　第2クール [A-1 Pictures] (Finished 12/12) Tags: Isekai, Military Action, Adventure, Fantasy Several months have passed since the infamous Ginza Incident, with tensions between the Empire and JSDF escalating in the vast and mysterious "Special Region" over peace negotiations. The greed and curiosity of the global powers have also begun to grow, as reports about the technological limitations of the magical realm's archaic civilizations come to light. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Youji Itami and his merry band of female admirers struggle to navigate the complex political intrigue that plagues the Empire's court. Despite her best efforts, Princess Piña Co Lada faces difficulties attempting to convince her father that the JSDF has no intention of conquering their kingdom. Pressured from both sides of the Gate, Itami must consider even more drastic measures to fulfill his mission. Sequel.   Overall Rating: 6/10

7. Musaigen no Phantom World Myriad Colors Phantom World 無彩限のファントム・ワールド [Kyoto Animation] (Finished 13/13) Tags: Harem, School Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Ecchi Phantoms: supernatural entities such as ghosts or youkai that, until recently, were thought to be superstition. However, when a virus that infects the brain spreads throughout society, people's perception of the world changes as the mythical beings are revealed to have been living alongside humanity the entire time. This virus has also affected those of the next generation significantly, allowing them to develop special abilities that they can use to fight against dangerous phantoms. Haruhiko Ichijou and Mai Kawakami are two of those that were granted such power—Haruhiko wields the ability to summon and seal phantoms through drawings, while Mai imbues the power of the elements into martial arts. Together, along with the friendly phantom Ruru, they form Team E of Hosea Academy, which is dedicated to dealing with these often mischievous beings. In a world where the real and surreal intertwine, they handle the everyday troubles caused by phantoms. Bland and random mess with visuals being the only strong point.   Overall Rating: 5/10

8. Dagashi Kashi だがしかし [feel.] (Finished 3/12) Tags: Shounen Romantic Subtext Comedy, Gourmet Out in the countryside stands a sweet shop run by the Shikada family for nine generations: Shikada Dagashi, a small business selling traditional Japanese candy. However, despite his father's pleas, Kokonotsu Shikada, an aspiring manga artist, adamantly refuses to inherit the family business. However, this may start to change with the arrival of the eccentric Hotaru Shidare. Hotaru is in search of Kokonotsu's father, with the goal of bringing him back to work for her family's company, Shidare Corporation, a world famous sweets manufacturer. Although the senior Shikada initially refuses, he states that he will change his mind on one condition: if Hotaru can convince Kokonotsu to take over the family shop. And so begins Hotaru's mission to enlighten the boy on the true joy of delicious and nostalgic dagashi! Nonsense comedy around food, not really impressive.   Overall Rating: 6/10

9. Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut Undefeated Bahamut Chronicle 最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》 [Lerche] (Finished 12/12) Tags: Harem, Mecha, School Action, Fantasy, Romance, Ecchi Lux, a former prince of an empire named Arcadia that was overthrown via a rebellion five years earlier, accidentally trespasses in a female dormitory's bathing area, sees the kingdom's new princess Lisesharte naked, incurring her wrath. Lisesharte then challenges Lux to a Drag-Ride duel. Drag-Rides are ancient armored mechanical weapons that have been excavated from ruins all around the world. Lux used to be called the strongest Drag-Knight, but now he's known as the "undefeated weakest" Drag-Knight because he will absolutely not attack in battle. After his duel with Lisesharte, Lux ends up attending the female-only academy that trains royals to be Drag-Knights. Usual ecchi harem getting even worse with mecha.   Overall Rating: 5/10

10. Durarara!!x2 Ketsu デュラララ!!×2 結 [Shuka] (Finished 1/12) Tags: Action, Mystery, Supernatural As Mikado Ryuugamine continues to purge the Dollars from within in accordance with his warped sense of justice, Masaomi Kida hopes to bring his friend back to his senses by bringing the Yellow Scarves together once more. Little do they know that a far more dominant force is about to enter their struggle for power, one that their friend Anri Sonohara is all too familiar with. Meanwhile, the group that has gathered at Shinra Kishitani's apartment realizes that they are on the brink of something life-changing, an event that will throw Ikebukuro into a spiral of confusion. Their anxiety is realized when reports of Celty's head being found in public start to appear all over the news as Kasane Kujiragi begins to make her move. Gone are the brief periods of tranquility as the current turmoil sets the stage for one final performance in this thrilling conclusion to the story of Ikebukuro's finest. Sequel.   Overall Rating: 6/10

11. Akagami no Shirayuki-hime 2nd Season Snow White with the Red Hair 2 赤髪の白雪姫 [Bones] (Finished 1/12) Tags: Shoujo Drama, Fantasy, Romance Shirayuki and Zen Wistalia have finally confirmed their romantic feelings for each other, and everyone has resumed their daily lives. Shirayuki remains an apprentice court herbalist at the royal palace of Clarines, and Zen continues his duties alongside his aides. However, their daily routines are disrupted when Crown Prince Izana, Zen’s older brother, receives an invitation from Raji Shenazard, the prince of Tanbarun. The herbalist finds herself ordered to go to Tanbarun for seven days, to build a new friendship with the formerly selfish and haughty ruler who once ordered Shirayuki to become his concubine. Along the way, Shirayuki is bound to run into trouble once again, as she is sought by a mysterious boy named Kazuki, someone she has never met. Sequel.   Overall Rating: 6/10

12. Dimension W  [Orange, Studio 3Hz] (Finished 12/12) Tags: Seinen Action, Sci-Fi  In the near future, humans have discovered a fourth dimension, Dimension W, and a supposedly infinite source of energy within. In order to harness this profound new energy, mankind develops advanced "coils," devices that link to and use the power of Dimension W. However, by year 2071, the New Tesla Energy corporation has monopolized the energy industry with coils, soon leading to the illegal distribution of unofficial coils that begin flooding the markets. Kyouma Mabuchi is an ex-soldier who is wary of all coil-based technology to the extent that he still drives a gas-powered car. Kyouma is a "Collector," individuals with the sole duty of hunting down illegal coils in exchange for money. What started out as just any other mission is turned on its head when he bumps in Mira Yurizaki, an android with a connection to the "father" of coils. When a series of strange events begin to take place, these two unlikely allies band together to uncover the mysteries of Dimension W. Harnessing superpowers from parallel dimension to uncover mysteries... this anime was doomed from the start for me. It basically falls apart as it's unable to create anything worthwhile.   Overall Rating: 6/10

13. Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju  昭和元禄落語心中 [Studio Deen] (Finished 13/13) Tags: Josei Historical, Love Polygon, Performing Arts Drama Yotarou is a former yakuza member fresh out of prison and fixated on just one thing: rather than return to a life of crime, the young man aspires to take to the stage of rakugo, a traditional Japanese form of comedic storytelling. Inspired during his incarceration by the performance of distinguished practitioner Yakumo Yuurakutei, he sets his mind on meeting the man who changed his life. After hearing Yotarou's desperate appeal for his mentorship, Yakumo is left with no choice but to accept his very first apprentice. As he eagerly begins his training, Yotarou meets Konatsu, an abrasive young woman who has been under Yakumo's care ever since her beloved father Sukeroku Yuurakutei, another prolific rakugo performer, passed away. Through her hidden passion, Yotarou is drawn to Sukeroku's unique style of rakugo despite learning under contrasting techniques. Upon seeing this, old memories and feelings return to Yakumo who reminisces about a much earlier time when he made a promise with his greatest rival. Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu is a story set in both the past and present, depicting the art of rakugo, the relationships it creates, and the lives and hearts of those dedicated to keeping the unique form of storytelling alive. It's a fine historical comedy that I enjoyed more than was supposed to.   Overall Rating: 8/10

14. Nijiiro Days Rainbow Days 虹色デイズ [Production Reed] (Finished 1/24) Tags: Shoujo School Comedy, Romance  Nijiiro Days follows the colorful lives and romantic relationships of four high school boys—Natsuki Hashiba, a dreamer with delusions of love; Tomoya Matsunaga, a narcissistic playboy who has multiple girlfriends; Keiichi Katakura, a kinky sadist who always carries a whip; and Tsuyoshi Naoe, an otaku who has a cosplaying girlfriend. When his girlfriend unceremoniously dumps him on Christmas Eve, Natsuki breaks down in tears in the middle of the street and is offered tissues by a girl in a Santa Claus suit. He instantly falls in love with this girl, Anna Kobayakawa, who fortunately attends the same school as him. Natsuki's pursuit of Anna should have been simple and uneventful; however, much to his dismay, his nosy friends constantly meddle in his relationship, as they strive to succeed in their own endeavors of love. Can't stand bishounens fussing around, seriously.   Overall Rating: 5/10

15. Oshiete! Galko-chan Please tell me! Galko-chan おしえて! ギャル子ちゃん [feel.] (Finished 2/12) Tags: School Comedy At first glance, Galko, Otako, and Ojou are three high school girls who seem like they wouldn’t have anything to do with each other. Galko is a social butterfly with a reputation for being a party animal, even though she is actually innocent and good-hearted despite her appearance. Otako is a plain-looking girl with a sarcastic personality and a rabid love of manga. And Ojou is a wealthy young lady with excellent social graces, though she can be a bit absent-minded at times. Despite their differences, the three are best friends, and together they love to talk about various myths and ask candid questions about the female body. Oshiete! Galko-chan is a lighthearted and humorous look at three very different girls and their frank conversations about themselves and everyday life. No topic is too safe or too sensitive for them to joke about—even though every so often, Galko seems to get a bit embarrassed by their discussions! With only 1/3 of length, it's episodic comedy around gyaru, not the best one.   Overall Rating: 6/10

16. Prince of Stride: Alternative プリンス・オブ・ストライド　オルタナティブ [Madhouse] (Finished 2/12) Tags: School Sports "Stride"—an extreme sport that combines parkour, free running, relay, and sprinting—is what made first year high school student Nana Sakurai enroll in Honan Academy, after being captivated by the school's stride team. Sharing the mutual intention of joining the team is fellow first year and stride maniac, Takeru Fujiwara, and together they request to join. Much to their dismay, however, the stride club is no longer active due to lack of members, and they are now operating under the shogi club. In order to revive the stride club, Nana and Takeru recruit first year Riku Yagami—a fast runner who is interested in almost every sport. With this new team, the club now aims high at a new goal: to win the prestigious End of Summer competition, and bring the Honan stride team back to their prime. All that drama around something as petty as running looks ridiculous.   Overall Rating: 6/10

17. Divine Gate ディバインゲート [Pierrot] (Finished 3/12) Tags: Action, Fantasy, Sci-Fi  The legend of the Divine Gate is a story told to young children that depicts the merging of the living world, the heavens, and the underworld. "Adapters"—people born with unique elemental abilities gifted to them from the union of these worlds—formed the World Council, an organization which controls the chaos of the Gate by portraying its legend as nothing more than a myth. These Adapters train in a special academy owned by the World Council that allows the students to hone their skills. Aoto, a teenage boy with exceptional water powers and a tragic past, rejects the offer to join the academy numerous times—until he is successfully pressured by the energetic wind user Midori and stubborn fire user Akane. Together, with the World Council and their mysterious leader Arthur, they seek out the Gate in the hopes of uncovering the truth. But in order to reach their goals, they must unite and overcome their own despair while dealing with behind the scene mischief. A horrible mess not worth discussing.   Overall Rating: 5/10

18. Ao no Kanata no Four Rhythm Aokana: Four Rhythm Across the Blue 蒼の彼方のフォーリズム [Gonzo] (Finished 12/12) Tags: School  Sci-Fi, Sports With the invention of anti-gravitational shoes known as Grav-Shoes, the ability to fly freely has become an everyday experience for the people inhabiting a four-island archipelago south of Japan. This invention has brought the people new ways of living and also a new sport known as "Flying Circus," where participants gain points by either touching floating buoys or their opponent's back. The gullible and clumsy Asuka Kurashina, newly transferred to Kunahama High School, enters this world of flight unknowingly when she is able to pull off a difficult maneuver the first time she participates in a Flying Circus match. Eventually, this leads her to join her school’s Flying Circus club. Led by their coach, Masaya Hinata, their members consist of the experienced Misaki Tobisawa and her overprotective friend, Mashiro Arisaka. Ao no Kanata no Four Rhythm follows this rookie group soaring high above the skies and toward their dreams, armed only with their unwavering passion against an uncertain future. Had to sit it through since there is zero chance I'd ever read its visual novel. This anime is utterly horrible and immature in every way possible.   Overall Rating: 5/10

19. Shoujo-tachi wa Kouya wo Mezasu Girls Beyond the Wasteland 少女たちは荒野を目指す [Project No.9] (Finished 12/12) Tags: Otaku Culture, School  For the longest time, it's just been the two of them. "Kanojo" and her cat Daru are inseparable, having grown up together. Now a junior in college, Tomoka—her roommate of a year and a half—moves out of their shared apartment, and in order to keep her living space, Kanojo must find a job. Day by day, Daru watches her continued efforts from a cat's-eye view, eagerly awaiting his owner's return. When she gets back, once again, it's just she and her cat. Kanojo to Kanojo no Neko: Everything Flows is a charming short series about the bond between a pet and his owner. Rather softcore eroge creation club for a change, but not impressive at all.   Overall Rating: 6/10

20. Schwarzesmarken シュヴァルツェスマーケン [lxtl, LIDENFILMS] (Finished 12/12) Tags: Historical, Mecha, Military Action, Drama, Sci-Fi The year is 1983. The Cold War is in full effect, and humanity is under attack. Strange aliens, given the name "BETA," have descended to Earth with the goal of destroying all life. Soldiers have been tasked with piloting large combat suits called Tactical Surface Fighters (TSF) to repel the alien invaders, but the front line is slowly being pushed back towards the surviving cities. Schwarzesmarken follows the story of Second Lieutenant Theodor Eberbach and the other members of the 666th TSF squadron, a ruthless unit that values a mission's completion over human life. Stationed in East Germany and led by war hero Captain Irisdina Bernhard, the unit specializes in counterassault attacks on laser-class BETA. But the 666th squadron finds itself with more enemies than just the alien forces when optimistic rookie Katia Waldheim joins the squadron, drawing the attention of East Germany's secret police, the Stasi. When I watched it I was not aware of franchise ties, and it looked good enough to be called a small masterpiece, another good example of mecha done right.   Overall Rating: 7/10

21. Luck & Logic ラクエンロジック [Doga Kobo] (Finished 1/12) Tags: Action, Fantasy  "Logic" is the concept that governs emotions, abilities, ideals, memories, and all other abstract properties that make up life in various worlds. With its power, however, alien "Foreigners" are able to pass through portals imbued with their respective world's Logic and pose a threat to other worlds. To counter this problem, the Another Logic Counter Agency (ALCA) from the human world of Septpia employs "Logicalists," people with the power to form bonds with the Foreigners who seek peace and share their Logic, tasked with dealing with all possible dangers. After overloading his powers two years prior, Yoshichika Tsurugi has lost the ability to use Logic in combat, making him no different from a regular citizen. However, his life soon returns to the battlefield when he meets Athena, a Foreigner goddess from the world of Tetra-Heaven. She brings Yoshichika his missing Logic Card, allowing him to become a Logicalist once again. Soon after, Yoshichika forms a contract with Athena and joins ALCA. There, he meets other Logicalists, and only by working with them can he hope to bring an end to the threats once and for all. Horrible source, concept and result.   Overall Rating: 5/10

22. Reikenzan: Hoshikuzu-tachi no Utage 霊剣山 星屑たちの宴 [Studio Deen] (Finished 2/12) Tags: Comedy, Fantasy Long ago in the nine provinces of Kyushu, a calamitous event was prophesied to take place: falling comets would exhaust the spiritual energies of both the heavens and the lands and thus bring about an age of chaos upon the world. But contrary to the prophecy, the comets passed by with no calamity taking place. At the same time, as if touched by the phenomenon, a boy was born in a remote village of the Sokei region by the name of Ouriku. Twelve years later, as the memories of the event have faded from people's minds, the Reikenzan clan—one of the five supreme sects of the nine provinces—decides to hold an examination in order to gather the most talented individuals fit to become disciples and eventually sages. Hearing about this news, Ouriku and his servant Ouchou head toward the site, unaware that the organizer Oubu, despite her elegant appearance, is infamous for being extremely irresponsible and carefree; hence, making the trials in the examination unpredictable. Reikenzan: Hoshikuzu-tachi no Utage follows the story of Ouriku as he journeys through these trials to become a powerful sage. Basically, Chinese folklore unfunny comedy that pulls very strange jokes which still can be to someone's liking.   Overall Rating: 6/10

23. HaruChika: Haruta to Chika wa Seishun suru Haruchika: Haruta & Chika ハルチカ ～ハルタとチカは青春する～ [P.A. Works] (Finished 3/12) Tags: Music, School Mystery, Romance Chika Homura begins her high school career with a goal: to develop a "cute girl" persona. After quitting the volleyball team despite her all-star status, Chika decides to join her school's underrated Wind Instrument Club and play the flute, believing it to be the most delicate and feminine instrument. For the first time in nine years, Chika reunites with her childhood friend and total opposite, Haruta Kamijou. Unfortunately for Chika, Haruta is not fooled by her efforts to become more endearing. But this does not deter Chika, and she develops a crush on the band instructor, Shinjirou Kusakabe—but so does Haruta! However, Chika's high school life just won't go according to plan, as mysteries begin appearing around her and her friends. The club members must work together to solve the mysteries plaguing the school, all while trying to find more members to compete in musical competitions. Sadly, another deadly boring P.A.Works SOL, now paired up with silly mystery.   Overall Rating: 6/10

24. Norn9: Norn+Nonet Norn9 NORN9 ノルン+ノネット [Kinema Citrus, Orange] (Finished 3/12) Tags: Josei Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Sci-Fi In a futuristic era, "The World" is a peace-bringing entity. Though no one knows its location, it has watched over Earth for so long that war has become merely a fable. The airship Norn's task is to deliver nine ability users to The World. After collecting the last person, Norn takes off. Included onboard are eight men and three women—Koharu, who has finally escaped her loneliness and detests her destructive power; Mikoto Kuga, born to a noble family, who uses her barrier skill to protect the Norn and those it carries; and Nanami Shiranui, whose ability only brings pain, and who wishes to die for a past sin she has committed. While en route, suspicions arise amongst the passengers when they realize there are too many people onboard. As they try to determine who has snuck aboard, the ship is attacked by an unknown assailant aiming to stop the Norn's progress at all costs. From this chaos arises questions: why were they granted powers, and what must they do once they reach The World? Tried to watch it for the story before, but could not endure it for long as there's only setting and sandbox in it. Josei esper mystery is not the kind of anime I can enjoy.   Overall Rating: 6/10

25. Bubuki Buranki BBK/BRNK ブブキ・ブランキ [SANZIGEN] (Finished 4/12) Tags: Mecha Action, Drama, Sci-Fi Away from home for 10 years, Azuma Kazuki had no idea what was awaiting him upon his return. He certainly did not expect to be attacked by dozens of heavily armed people and taken as their prisoner. Fortunately, Azuma's stay in captivity is short. Wielding a strange sentient weapon—known as "Bubuki"—upon her right arm, his childhood friend, Kogane Asabuki, rescues him. After escaping, Azuma learns that he too has the power to control Bubuki. Together with his new companions, he must revive the Buranki titan named Oubu, that sleeps somewhere deep underground. With this knowledge and purpose, a new path to unearth the truths behind the Buranki opens before Azuma. CGI, childish protagonists and shounen mecha tropes make it decent at best.   Overall Rating: 6/10

26. Phantasy Star Online 2 The Animation ファンタシースターオンライン２ ジ アニメーション [Telecom Animation Film] (Finished 12/12) Tags: School, Video Game Action, Sci-Fi In the year 2027, the video game Phantasy Star Online 2 is all the rage at Seiga Academy. Every student is on board the fad—except for Itsuki Tachibana, a well-rounded student who doesn't play video games. Due to its popularity, the game is currently under review at Seiga Academy to see if it has a negative impact on the students. Consequently, this causes Itsuki to catch the attention of Rina Izumi, the perfectionist student council president who aims to prove that the game is not to blame. To accomplish her objective, Rina recruits Itsuki as the student council vice president and tasks him with learning to play the game while keeping his grades up. Now obliged to report his daily findings of the game to Rina and analyze its merits, Itsuki carries the fate of Phantasy Star Online 2 in his hands. Decided that I needed to finish this as I'm not going to try its games anyway. Expected to see a bit more mature Persona, and it's not far from truth without game's defining gameplay.   Overall Rating: 6/10

27. Active Raid: Kidou Kyoushuushitsu Dai Hachi Gakari Active Raid アクティヴレイド　－機動強襲室第八係－ [Production IMS] (Finished 5/12) Tags: Adult Cast, Mecha Action, Sci-Fi In a futuristic, post-disaster Tokyo, the "Special Public Security Fifth Division Third Mobile Assault Eighth Unit," or "Unit Eight," is a police unit specializing in handling criminals who wield dangerous wearable technology called "Willwear." Equipped with Willwear of their own, the squadron is often criticized by the public for their carelessness and disregard for protocol. Sent in by the government as an undercover agent with special instructions from the higher-ups, Asami Kazari is Unit Eight's newest member. Determined to straighten out what she expects to be a group of incompetent fools, she instead finds a team of well-intentioned experts who use very effective—albeit unorthodox—methods, hindered by strict regulations. With their newest member by their side, Unit Eight fights crime and overcomes unexpected adversaries in Active Raid: Kidou Kyoushuushitsu Dai Hachi Gakari. It's just some cases with rare use of mecha akin to Patlabor. Can't call cases or characters interesting.   Overall Rating: 5/10

28. Sekkou Boys Sekko Boys 石膏ボーイズ [LIDENFILMS] (Finished 1/12) Tags: Anthropomorphic, Idols (Male), Music Comedy As luck would have it, on her first day at Holbein Entertainment Co., Miki Ishimoto is tasked with managing a brand new idol group! A recent college graduate, Ishimoto is eager to begin her career in the industry. However, her department's responsibility is...statues?! The statues in question are the Sekkou Boys, or "The Rockies," a boy band comprised of four Greco-Roman sculptures: St. George, Mars, Hermes, and Medici. These four busts are new to the entertainment scene, and it is up to Miki to ensure the Rockies' prosperity in the idol world. But will they be a stone-cold success? Or will Miki's management prove to be a rocky start to stardom? Complete nonsense.   Overall Rating: 5/10

29. Koukaku no Pandora Pandora in the Crimson Shell 紅殻のパンドラ [Studio Gokumi, AXsiZ] (Finished 3/12) Tags: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Ecchi  Onboard a cruise ship heading to the scenic Cenancle Island, the full-body cyborg Nene Nanakorobi, a bubbly young girl who dreams of world peace, meets inventor Uzal Delilah. The two become fast friends along with Uzal's pet cyborg Clarion, a cat-like combat android. Soon after parting ways, a terrorist attack on the island threatens to shatter the pair's new friendship. In a bid to save her new friend, Uzal gives Nene the ability to use the Pandora Device found in Clarion's body before seemingly dying. With this power, Nene can temporarily master abilities and skills never seen before in the advancing world. Working together, the two unlikely companions go on various missions—from saving children in shopping mall fires to fighting reckless thieves—all in the name of world peace. But to achieve this goal is not easy. B.U.E.R, a sentient laser in the form of a misshapen teddy bear, threatens to wreck their happy lives with his perverted nature and uncontrollable power. And to make matters worse, Nene's guardian, as well as genius inventor, Takumi Korobase has an undying interest in B.U.E.R. Burdened with saving the world and keeping B.U.E.R from the hands of evil, Nene and Clarion's desire for world peace seems like a pipe dream. With this monumental goal, could the weight of it all destroy the pair's friendship completely? Eclectic ridiculous cases are resolved in the similar manner, humor is subpar.   Overall Rating: 5/10

30. Mahoutsukai Precure! Maho Girls Precure! 魔法つかいプリキュア！ [Toei Animation] (Finished 1/50) Tags: Mahou Shoujo Action, Fantasy In the human realm, witches and wizards seem to be mere creations of fantasy. Ever the adventurous teenager, Mirai Asahina sets out to disprove this notion by following the tracks of a peculiar shooting star that had fallen the night before. Sure enough, Mirai soon has a chance encounter with Liko—a clumsy witch apprentice who hails from the Magic World, a colorful realm inhabited by magicians. As if by fate, the appearance of strange villains forces Mirai and Liko to join hands. In doing so, they unleash their strength as a pair of legendary magicians—the "Maho Girls Precure!" Now gifted with unbelievable power, the unlikely duo embarks on an adventure filled with magical spells and powerful gemstones. Along the way, the two girls discover the hidden marvels that tie their individual worlds together. Sequel.   Overall Rating: 6/10

31. Nurse Witch Komugi-chan R ナースウィッチ小麦ちゃんR [Tatsunoko Production] (Finished 2/12) Tags: Gag Humor, Idols (Female), Mahou Shoujo, Medical, Parody Comedy The new "slapstick" story will depict Komugi-chan and her rivals as they juggle their daily lives as students, idols, and magical girls "with laughter and tears." Komugi Yoshida is a somewhat clumsy second-year middle-school student whose strong point is her spiritedness. She performs as an idol like Kokona Saionji (her classmate and close friend) and Tsubasa Kisaragi (an idol who dresses in male clothing). However, unlike Kokona whose popularity is skyrocketing and Tsubasa with her charisma in male attire, Komugi's only gigs are low-end ones like those at the local shopping district. Still, Komugi has her "dream" as she lives her dual lives as a idol and a middle school girl. One day, a mysterious injured creature named Usa-P appears before Komugi. Komugi gives Usa-P medical treatment, and Usa-P, in consideration of Komugi's kindness, asks if she wants to be a Legendary Girl who can use magical powers. Having become a reluctant Legendary Girl, Komugi battles strange masked figures who suddenly appear! As a newly deemed Magical Nurse, she fights still more waves of masked figures. Meanwhile, a Magical Maid, a Magical Sister, and more also appear to make it a three-way battle!? Can Komugi handle the three roles of middle school girl, idol, and Magical Nurse? And, what lies ahead in these battles and her "dream"...?! Mahou shoujo parody with strange humor and CGI gigs - waste of time, as for me.   Overall Rating: 5/10

32. Rilu Rilu Fairilu: Yousei no Door リルリルフェアリル～妖精のドア～ [Studio Deen] (Finished 1/59) Tags: Fantasy, Slice of Life  "Fairilu" are fairies of flowers, insects, mermaids, or other entities that are born from "Farilu Seeds." All Fairilu are born with their own key, and they must search to find and open the door that fits only their key. Once the Fairilu pass through the doors, they mature. The doors are also related to the human world. Shoujo for kids, so I could not care less.   Overall Rating: 5/10

33. Brotherhood: Final Fantasy XV  [A-1 Pictures] (Finished 5/5) Tags: Action  Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Lucis, Noctis Lucis Caelum, sets out on a journey to Caem. His purpose is to meet with Lunafreya Nox Fleuret, an oracle and Noctis' childhood friend, in order to marry her. A strong and silent type, Noctis is accompanied by his friends and Royal Guard Gladiolus, Prompto, and Ignis. The four young men set out on a road trip across the continent in the king's personal convertible, the Regalia. Along the journey, each of them experience various situations which allow them to reflect on their past together, and strengthen their bonds for the future. A prequel to the 2016 video game Final Fantasy XV, Brotherhood: Final Fantasy XV explores the relationships of its four main protagonists and the challenges awaiting them. It starts where game starts, but very soon goes for past bonding events and recollections. Does not add anything new to the story, more of a fandisc.   Overall Rating: 6/10

34. Qin Shi Mingyue: Tian Xing Jiu Ge 秦时明月 姐妹篇：天行九歌 [Sparkly Key Animation Studio] (Finished 1/60) Tags: Historical, Martial Arts Action, Fantasy Facing the threat of the Qin State, danger seems to lurk within the Han State, which is known as the weakest out of the Seven States. Unknown to the Han Emperor, that very threat is the Great General of Han, Ji Wuye. Working under the Great General are the Four Fearful Warriors of Nightfall. Each four specialized in military, finance, politics, and espionage. In hopes of creating a new Han State, Quicksand was formed by Han Fei, the ninth prince of the Han. With Wei Zhuang, Zhang Liang, Zinü, and Nong Yu, they support the Prince in realizing the goal of Quicksand while being drawn into a whirlpool of power named “world”. CGI wuxia is all I need to know about it for dropping.   Overall Rating: 5/10

35. Shuang Yue Zhi Cheng Twin Moons 双月之城 [-] (Finished 3/13) Tags: Military Sci-Fi In the year 2200, a new Cold War between two forces is set to end with a peace treaty. However, one side is hiding a dark secret, which results in numerous tragedies in the following months. In the wake of a crisis, a paramilitary team is founded to steal information at the center of the conflict. Full CGI. Only first episode is translated, so there's not much point in watching it at all till it gets a translation as it's too random to make any sense otherwise.   Overall Rating: 6/10

36. Tai Yi Xian Mo Lu: Ling Fei Ji Magical Legend: Rise to Immortality 太乙仙魔录之灵飞纪 [Dancing CG Studio] (Finished 1/26) Tags: Historical, Martial Arts Action, Adventure, Fantasy Qingcheng Mountain was destroyed and Xuanmen (Profound Gate) suffered a great calamity. Qing Yu's Altar Master Xing Xiang Zi ordered Zhu Dian's reincarnation, Leng Shuangning, to go to Kunlun and fight the Demon Army. The magic power was in the air, and the hidden feeling was bewildering. As the two of them boarded Kunlun, Black Hand was planning something behind the scenes... CGI wuxia, so does not exist for me.   Overall Rating: 5/10

37. Congming De Shunliu Eagle Boy 聪明的顺溜 [] (Finished 1/52) Tags: Military Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi - Not translated. Full CGI weird military comedy.   Overall Rating: 5/10

38. Prison School: Mad Wax 監獄学園[プリズンスクール] マッドワックス [J.C.Staff] (Finished 1/1) Tags: Seinen Gag Humor, School Comedy, Ecchi Hachimitsu Private Academy's five male students have been released from their oppressive prison captors, allowing them to return to their ideal school lives surrounded by short-skirted girls. With their freedom restored, things could not be going better for the gang. Kiyoshi Fujino and Shingo Wakamoto have formed close bonds with their female classmates; Reiji Andou is the center of attention due to his masochistic quirks; and even Takehito "Gakuto" Morokuzu—notorious for defecating himself during class—befriends the klutzy yet like-minded Mitsuko Yokoyama. However, in contrast to his fellow ex-convicts, Jouji "Joe" Nezu struggles to readjust to student life, and the unlikely romantic success of his friend Gakuto pushes him to his wit's end. Feeling ostracized, he begins to wonder if life was better behind bars. Just small after-stories for main characters.   Overall Rating: 6/10

39. Glass no Hana to Kowasu Sekai Garakowa -Restore the World- ガラスの花と壊す世界 [A-1 Pictures] (Finished 1/1) Tags: Sci-Fi  Dual and Dorothy, faithful computer antivirus programs, monitor and constantly scan for corruptions in the simulated worlds of the Box of Wisdom. Whenever a virus is detected, it—and in many cases the entire world as well—is forcibly purged. This routine occurs every day without change, until the deletion of a particularly large virus cluster reveals an unknown program—calling herself Remo—with no memory of her function. She offers a fresh perspective into the monotony of Dual and Dorothy's lives as her influence causes the two programs to realize that there is more to life than just their mission. No longer spending their time only watching over the worlds, the three girls start truly experiencing them. As they explore digitally recreated cities and landscapes, Dual and Dorothy develop a special appreciation for what they have, all while searching for clues regarding Remo's forgotten purpose. Two episode long (there is even song in the middle to separate them) dark mahou shoujo, so it's rushed even though quite decent.   Overall Rating: 6/10

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