ThatAnimeSnob

THE STAFF
- Animation is done by Hal Film Maker, a rather minor studio which has produced lots of anime and surprisingly some of them are very good (Princess Tutu, Aria, Skip Beat).
- Direction is done by Nishikiori Hiroshi, who has produced some wonderful minor jewels of anime (Azumanga Daio, Melody of Oblivion), as well as some really overhyped bullshit (Planet of the Beast King, A Certain Magic Index).
- Based on a porn game by Haikuo Soft.

SPECIFICS
The story is based on an eroge, so all the fuss is just which one of the four bishojos will hook up with the yasashi male protagonist. There is nothing original or even remotely perplexing about the story; it is only two episodes of non-sex romance with erotic innuendo. We simply see about a dozen scenes where the girls meet with the boy, important events that led to liking him (out of the blue as usual) and the final choice he makes amongst them (although it is pretty obvious who that would be, as one of the girls takes up half of the total duration). It is a simple story about simple characters. At least the story is not linear; it consists of several flashbacks that happen when they should and explain how and things are as they are. Plus, the characters are acting funny half the time and turn the series into light ecchi/romance.

Half the fun in eroge is the awesome graphics and the absorbing atmosphere. This adaptation does a fine job giving you the feeling that everything in the world is a happy place, where pretty chicks can like the average Joe. Moe, kawai and all other terms you can think of are present. Half the scenes are practically fetish situations in school grounds (such as pool with swimsuits or party with cosplay). Leaving that aside, colors, details and music themes are building atmosphere and are on par with modern series. They are likable but hardly epic in any way. Also be warned that one of the girls is a loli and the whole premise is not that innocent… Crazy Japs!

And now I must tell you how much I HATE SCHOOL ROMANCES. Especially those that are just innocent versions of porn games. Nothing is going on! You are supposed to be teased with this into buying the eroge in order to get the main dish! I kind of liked the non-linear story and the simple conclusion but in all it’s a very passable title.

And now for some excused scorings.

ART SECTION: 6/10
Analysis: General Artwork 1/2, Character Figures 1/2, Backgrounds 2/2, Animation 1/2, Visual Effects 1/2

SOUND SECTION: 6/10
Analysis: Voice Acting 2/3, Music Themes 2/4, Sound Effects 2/3

STORY SECTION: 4/10
Analysis: Premise 1/2, Pacing 1/2, Complexity 1/2, Plausibility 0/2, Conclusion 1/2

CHARACTER SECTION: 5/10
Analysis: Presence 1/2, Personality 1/2, Backdrop 1/2, Development 1/2, Catharsis 1/2

VALUE SECTION: 1/10
Analysis: Historical Value 0/3, Rewatchability 0/3, Memorability 1/4

ENJOYMENT SECTION: 2/10
Analysis: Art 0/1, Sound 0/2, Story 0/3, Characters 2/4

VERDICT: 4/10
Censored goods?! We want the real thing!