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hamletsmage

  • Eastern United States
  • Joined Apr 17, 2011
  • ? / F

I have to admit, going into this anime, I wasn't expecting much. I like moe blob characters well enough, but moe blobs mixed with sports? It didn't exactly excite me. However, after watching the entire anime, I'd say it's worth at least a casual viewing of the first episode to anyone that likes sports anime. Now, for my rambling review!

Story: The story is basically, new girl transfers in and she is overpowered as hell when it comes to table tennis. However, the team as a whole are the underdogs of the region. Which is a typical sports anime set up. The story manages one play-off and training camp in its 12 episode run, setting itself up for sequels. However, with the manga only having 3 volumes right now, a sequel may be some time away. 

Animation: It has all of the moe cliches, like red splotches on joints, cross-eyed emoji faces, and near constant blushing. However, as a sports anime, it had decent movment animation. There were some jerky movements, sure, but it still manages to show the game without relying too heavily on still frames. Do be on the lookout for starbust backgrounds, though, the animators really seemed to like those

Sound: The opening is an upbeat pop cong that includes the words sets up the mood for the rather upbeat storyline. It's also song by the voice actresses, so kudos to them for being versatile. Sound effects wise, there's the shoe-squeaking on polished floor and ping pong ball hitting something. But really, that's all you need, right?

Characters: At the beginning of the first episode, we're introduced to a powerhouse team that loses the first match of the tournament. And then we never see them again. Because the anime then hard switches to a completely unrelated team. For the most part the anime is limited to the main 6 girls who make up the starting line up of Suzumegahara Middle School. The anime does spare backstroy time for the one rival group, but as for the main team, they are a sea of moe until the last 10 minutes or so of the last episode. However, the one thing that bugged me about the characters was that Koyori is never fully explained. How did she get so good at table tennis? Where did she come from? 

Overall: Should you watch this? It won't be everyone's cup of tea, but it certainly isn't a bad anime. I'd say give it a shot. 

This review brought to you by the Catch up with Fall 2016 Marathon. 

?/10 story
?/10 animation
?/10 sound
?/10 characters
7/10 overall

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AardvarkRex Feb 1, 2021

Regarding "moe blobs mixed with sports", you should give Uma Musume a try. Arguably the most solid illustration of this.