I've actually watched the anime series before actually picking
up the game for the Android. Also since I've done the review of the Android game
I think it is only fitting I do a review of the anime series as well. You can
check the review on the android game here.
Azur lane the Animation much like the Android game itself is
based on a fictional world where the characters are based on ships and are all
girls. there are fictional factions based on real life factions like Eagle
Union (United States) and Sakura Empire (Japan). Originally these forces come
together to fight an alien invasion called the Siren but after the hard earn
victory some factions pulled away using "Siren" technology to invade
the other factions for world domination.
Plot wise the story is basic and easy to get into even if you
are not familiar with ships, world history and the likes. Some of the scenes
play off as homage or references to other existing anime or series that adds a
bit of comedic lighthearted moment in the story. If you are familiar with the
Android game it is based on then you will enjoy it more as the game characters
are given layers of background and personality far more her.
The characters is what stands out for me in this series. Sure
they are probably cliche anime tropes of one anime character archetype that
been done to death by now but for this series it works. Laffey is still the
sleepy girl she always was in the game. Enterprise E aka the Grey Ghost is as
awesome in the show as they tell she was in the game. If you like these
characters in the game then you will definitely like them here.
Graphics wise theres nothing new in the show that hasnt been
done yet but the series does make use of great camera angles during fights that
its probably one of the best aspect of the series itself. From the entrance of
Enterprise to the transformation sequence of Cleveland as she calls forth her
ship rigging ala "magical girl" is all done in great effect. There is
a great use of 3d but its done well enough that I find myself not minding it at
all.
The show isn't without its down side however as for one
theres just plenty of characters to remember and the series goes into the
"one or two new characters" per episode line of storytelling but then
again Azur lane does about nearly a hundred or more character ships in the game
and the series is milking the anime series to introduce all of them even as
minor cameos.
There are also some drop in anime quality here and there but
I guess thats acceptable on the number of character and scenes and fights this
show needs to get done during its run. Also the english dubbing of the series
isn't as good as the japanes ones so I'd suggest you stick with the japanese
english sub ones for this one.
Also the plot is somewhat predictable specially if you have
played the game this was based on. The characters don't have enough screen time
to shine in their own respected way concentrating more on the three started
characters in the game and the most famous characters more. But this and other
minor complaints I mentioned are minor on how well the anime series turned out
specially considering its based on an Android game.
Whether your into ship girls or not this is a series you
should watch at least once if not for how well executed the fight scenes and
how well developed the characters are. Well designed and executed for a show of
this caliber. The show does has issues
and is not perfect but its definitely an entertaining and fun series for any
otaku fan to see. If you have time and have now seen this one yet I recommend
you go at least check it out.
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