Jeoffrey

Isekai and time travel themes (regression) are all the rage in anime lately, but this series' blend of the two left me more puzzled than intrigued. Despite my immense respect for doctors, especially surgeons,  Doctor Elise just didn't quite grab me. At times, it felt like a medical mystery à la House M.D., with the creators unafraid to dive into surgical scenes. It's clear the original authors have a solid grasp of medical knowledge. However, even with all this, the series failed to fully capture my interest, especially in a season where a similar girl also used past-life knowledge in the seventh time loop, and also dabbled in romance with a prince, and waded into the intrigues of the local nobility. Unlike Elise, this other series had more oomph, looked visually stunning, and its characters were more endearing to me. I just couldn't help comparing the two (perhaps unfairly to some, but it made sense to me). While Gekai Elise is a decent series, it doesn't quite hit the 4-star mark for me. 6.3/10

Tell me which Fallout you like, and I'll tell you if you'll like this series! It's pretty straightforward. If you're a die-hard fan of the classic Fallout 1 and 2, and everything after that felt like a betrayal of the brand, an inexplicable genre shift, and a mishandling of the post-apocalyptic world, then this series bearing the Bethesda logo in each episode's intro might not be for you. It's likely to trigger some serious PTSD, reminding you of the demise of your beloved childhood... Now, if you're into Fallout 3, 4, or even Fallout 76 (remember when those folks were rarer than vault dwellers on the surface?), then you've struck gold. This series is a treasure trove with a million nods to your favorite games. Whether it's a dog named Dogmeat (though he made an appearance in the earlier games too), a character with the surname Howard, or familiar locations like the Red Rocket gas station and Super Duper Mart, you'll feel right at home. Even fans of Fallout New Vegas get their cowboy fix, with management and corporations as the main antagonists. But what if you haven't played any Fallout games? Well, if you have a soft spot for post-apocalyptic themes, you're likely to enjoy this series too. It's got atmosphere, a unique charisma distinct from, say, The Last of Us. It's gritty, occasionally bizarre, and sometimes cynically funny. The story is intriguing, though it takes a bit to unravel all its twists and turns. The characters are quite likable, though you might need some time to warm up to a few of them. So let's break it down - die-hard fans of Fallout 1 and 2, you might want to step aside and let it pass, maybe one star at most. Fans of Fallout 3, 4, and 76, step right up with your 5 stars. New Vegas fans might lean towards a 3 or 4-star rating. If you're new to the Fallout universe, you could end up anywhere, but with interest in the topic, it's a solid 4 stars. And for those who've seen and played it all (well, except for Fallout 76 in my case), it's a respectable 7.5/10. IT JUST WORKS!

Fluffy Paradise was a delightful treat for me. I really enjoy these cute and pleasant series that don't require much effort and are perfect for unwinding (especially appreciated during the gloomy winter days when it gets dark early and my overall mood tends to be - well, let's say - dismal). The main heroine is incredibly endearing; her efforts to protect all these "misunderstood" monsters (Goblin Slayer would probably lose his mind with Nefertima) really struck a chord with me. I mean, who wouldn't love a cute little girl whose main goal is to help everyone and pet every furry creature in sight? As for the story, on the one hand, I don't want to think too deeply about it because it seems like the pseudo-serious drama clashes a bit with the adorable and friendly vibe of the series. Sometimes I also think that some problems could have been solved much more quickly. Plus, the heroine's monster reservation plan hasn't entirely convinced me yet (hopefully those monsters end up better off than Native Americans in America). On the other hand, at least during the final battle, I appreciated that the author tried to resolve the issue relatively satisfactorily for both sides, kind of a win-win situation. I'm still curious about what lies behind the migration of creatures to the north and what the main driving force is. Despite some plot holes and things that could have been handled better, the show managed to captivate me, which is quite a success for a series that's primarily about cuteness, fluffy creatures, and a little girl trying to befriend every monster she encounters (though sadly, I don't have high hopes for another season, these types of series don't often get follow-ups). The animation is very charming, the music as well, and most of the characters were quite likable, nobody really bothered me... So, for me, this first completed anime of the season earns a solid 7/10. It was like a slightly more dramatic, but still very good and adorable bedtime story that worked perfectly for those Sunday winter evenings.

The creators could not have come up with a more confusing Great Pretender sequel. Is it a movie? A series? A sequel, spin-off, or just a loose continuation? And what about Dorothy's story? Will it continue, or are we left hanging? There are so many new questions without answers yet. From what I've seen, I was hoping for something much better – more intriguing, funnier, and better planned out. I was especially looking forward to the original group having a significant impact on the plot, but they're basically just there as a cameo. Instead, we're primarily following Dorothy's romantic and life struggles with amnesia, which will end as ambiguously as they started. The plot revolving around the mafia, constant chasing, betrayals, and more left me feeling confused and underwhelmed. It just didn't capture the same excitement as the previous season. I didn't get that thrill of everything being intertwined, nor the satisfaction of it all unraveling. Even the new characters like Dorothy, Jei, and his buddy didn't quite click with me. However, it wasn't all for naught. The animation and music in Razbliuto are nothing to scoff at. Despite the weaker story, it was still easy to watch and enjoy the mafia environment they created. For me, it's slightly above average. 5.5/10

Gushing Over Magical Girls has been the talk of the town this season, splitting the anime community into two distinct camps. On one side, you have those who find the series repulsive — its overt explicitness combined with the young age of most of the girls here leaves a sour taste, harvesting more contempt than praise. Parents wouldn't trust their kids with these fans. Then there's the other side — the ones unfazed by the explicitness, seeing the characters as just animated figures, and even some who actively seek out such content. Some dub themselves men of culture, others coomers," and yes, there are likely a few pedobears in this mix. But is the series really just about these two extremes? Does your view of the show hinge solely on how you appreciate animated erotica and where you draw the line? To some extent, yes, we can't ignore this aspect, so everyone can place themselves on that spectrum. But life isn't just black and white... For instance, at my age, I've been gravitating towards the MILF category in adult videos for a while now. Yet, in my youth, I watched my fair share of anime, so this series doesn't particularly shock or excite me. Though it's true that some scenes went a tad further than I needed. Scenes like the sexualized diaper exchange or the bizarre family play, the final "fun" with an octopus, or any kind of tentacles are simply not my cup of tea. So why watch if the series' focal point, this "fan service," doesn't resonate with me? Partly out of curiosity, but mainly because beneath all the erotica, this series has an intriguing concept, well-drawn character psychology, and many situations felt refreshingly original and unexpectedly fun. We've seen stories from the villain's perspective, and there's probably a story about villains in the mahou shoujo universe. But blending this viewpoint with themes of self-discovery and sexuality is a fresh take. Surprisingly, it all fits together logically and works decently. I found myself understanding the characters, their quirks, and fetishes — nothing here happens without reason. Even the odder scenes, like the diaper exchange, have their justifications, reflecting the psychological state of characters like little Korisa, who clearly lacks a stable family. Everything the main heroine, Utena, does, is based on her understanding of the magical girls, as well as the dichotomy of good and evil. She doesn't want to see them suffer but believes they can overcome trials with unwavering character. Her journey to understand her heroines reveals sides not easily seen by others. Kiwi's obsession with Utena stems from a desire for attention, as Utena was the first to truly notice her. I could go on analyzing each character, but in short, the series excels in depicting their psyches and isn't overly complicated. What does the series offer? Insights like the thin line between admiration and obsession or the fact that depravity isn't always obvious — no one has "damaged" written on their forehead. So, despite not being one to revel in eroticism, I couldn't dismiss this series entirely. It had something that kept me watching till the end. If you don't have all your blood rushing to your genitals while watching, and your brain is functioning normally, and you're not blinded by anger either, the series offers food for thought. Its originality, how it breaks the magical girl mold, and what it's willing to show came off as entertaining and fresh. When I factor in the excellent performance (her first major role) of Fuuka Izumi as Utena, giving the character a wide range of emotions and expressions with her voice, I'll give it a 6/10 despite my significant reservations.

I'll be honest, I had higher hopes for this one. After the first season, I envisioned a more captivating story, a more thrilling spectacle than what I got. While there were some twists that pleasantly surprised me, the overarching connection with the past, the black knight, and the joker didn't quite leave the impact I was hoping for. The season has ended (though a special episode has been announced), and I'm afraid it's just a six for me. 6/10

Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable! and they might have their charm for some, but for me, the show fell flat and landed squarely in average territory. The heroines are decent enough, but the main hero mostly comes off as pathetic, almost annoyingly so. He's just a dull goody-goody, and his rizz comes solely from him being from Tokyo! Frankly, I don't see the appeal. But it wasn't just Cubasa who rubbed me the wrong way here. Let's not forget his grandma, who can cure indecent thoughts with a traditional tea ceremony and is a classic example of conservative (almost fossilized) thinking. Living with her? No thanks. But it's because I actually have a personality, unlike Cubasa. On top of that, the story is packed with clichés, blushing, and the main hero's panicked outbursts. It's all been done before, nothing groundbreaking here. So as I said, I get that the series might have good ratings because, sure, Hokkaido gals are cute. But with everything else into the mix, it's not worth more than a 5/10 for me.

"Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it Superman? NO! It's Wyvern! It's Alus the Star Runner! If you're looking for a series where a motley crew of diverse characters and creatures with wild abilities clash in battles, and you enjoyed Drifters, then this might catch your interest. The first episode kicks off with a bang, drawing you in with its shock factor and cool moments. But then, brace yourself for several more episodes of character introductions in the style of: "Meet Nihiro, Nihiro is cool!" Followed by, "And now, here's Kia, Kia's cool!" It goes on like this for quite a while, leaving you torn between laughing, hitting pause, or waiting for it to end... Amidst the constant character parade, a story unfolds that doesn't quite grip you as much. It's not overly complex, and the narrator, like talking to a child, repeats the basics at the start of every episode. In the second half, the long-awaited confrontation between the opposing sides ignites, a war erupts, lives are lost, drama ensues, and our cool characters finally clash. This part was enjoyable, though when it comes to crazy battles and their vibe, Drifters felt a bit stronger to me. With the multitude of characters here, the direction is intriguing but somewhat shallow due to the sheer number of them. As a result, the drama doesn't quite hit the mark for me; when a character dies, I don't feel much. Honestly, I don't even have a standout favorite yet; I'm still indifferent as to who might emerge as the hero by the end of the first season. Delving into the story, there are intriguing mysteries to uncover, like the whole isekai crossover and the burning question of who killed the demon lord. Perhaps the next season will unveil more layers, or it could dive into a tournament arc where our hero candidates battle it out in the arena. Personally, I'm leaning toward the latter, which could be entertaining but might not fully captivate me. In summary, Ishura is currently a straightforward fantasy brawl, with its main strength lying in the diverse characters and their abilities. It operates on the rule of cool, but unfortunately, it didn't dazzle me enough to warrant more than a slightly above-average 6/10. Still, I'll tune in for the next season, even if it's just for the pure carnage. Was it a bird? Was it a plane? NO! It was Dakai the Magpie!

The fifth season may have been shorter than my usual expectations, but it left me thoroughly satisfied. It showed what kind of general Shin wants to be, revealing the trials his unit faced, and most importantly, his evolving perspective on warfare. What gripped me most was the stark contrast between Shin's army and Kan Ki's forces — what they were willing to sacrifice for victory, the ingenious methods an army of former bandits could conjure, and the chilling realities of war that they brought. This series truly shines in portraying the moral dilemmas of war. Although it is clear who you're supposed to root for, I found myself torn between Shin's idealism and Kan Kiho's pragmatic approach, which felt more grounded in the historical context. The final episode didn't disappoint either. Ei Sei's vision for uniting the seven kingdoms and his impassioned speech struck a chord, making his quest for unification all the more compelling. His emotional appeal made perfect sense, and I continued to find myself rooting for his cause. Of course, we can't forget the epic battles, led by generals driven by intriguing motivations. This time, the focus on forested terrain with hills added another layer of strategic depth, with devious deceptions keeping me on the edge of my seat. Overall, Season 5 delivered another excellent experience for me. 9/10

Let's start with the positives - the series boasts its own unique artistic design and animation style. The camera work is commendable, featuring intriguing shots and angles, like the PoV walk on the wooden bridge. The integration of 3D models (robots) into the animated backgrounds isn't half bad. The setting of a steampunk mining town with its labyrinthine corridors and shifting shafts holds promise, although the execution falls a bit short. Additionally, the main heroine is quite likable. Now, onto the negatives - the music is bland, almost as if it's barely present. The story doesn't quite live up to its potential; it lacks sufficient exposition and character development. Consequently, moments that should be impactful, such as the story of a scientist finding a little girl or the relationship between Kagari and Yuuya, fall flat. In the end, it's a slightly better-than-average watch - worth viewing once. 5.3/10