Julz`s Kamigami no Asobi Ep 12 review

By JulzChan aka Julius Cantara

“Eternal Separation” is a beautiful wrap up to Kamigami no Asobi, displaying the perfect example of a character driver,fantasy series that can bring viewers to tears.

While the plot was underplayed and waited to develop near the end of the series, the episode has so much heart and passion and worth the wait. The emotional investment put into these characters help viewers to feel every bit of strength put into their moves, tear shed, cry, every plea and just shows how far they have come. Everyone in this series feels as though they have developed and made better, even Zeus a little bit. As a result of Yui teaching them they have been made stronger.The dramatic dialogue really helped to make this anticipated battle all the more energized and thrilling.  The ending has the power to invoke tears and makes audiences beg for a second season.

The design of the gods is just as wonderful as they were shown off in episode one, even more so with the inclusion Dionysus and Thor`s divine forms.

And at time the episode dose not shy away from showing off some last minute fan service with their god forms.

The use of the opening and ending theme songs was also put into good effect adding  to the energy of the emotional tones of the scenes.

There are only a few, minor quibbles, at the animation still seems a tad limited or art inconsistencies but one may not even notice such things when watching the fight.

Overall, Kamigami no Asobi is a heartwarming, emotionally tear-invoking experience that deserves a re-watch of the whole series. The climactic last episode wraps up all the character development, the action was worth the wait and engaging. The only real problem would be if a second season was not in progress as
there are so many story telling opportunities that can be done with this series.

Kamigami no Asobi, Epsidoe 12 “Eternal Separation” gets a 5/5!

Julz`s Kamigami No Asobi Episode 10 Review

By Julius Cantara aka JulzChan

"Lovely and Ephemeral" is both a filler and non-filler that allows viewers to take a breather with more of the anime`s funny moments.

Considering the last three episode of Kamigami it is a good change of pace to allow the audience to take a break from all the intense feelings.

What better way to make us laugh and still further the god`s experience as humans than with a school play. And a Disney classic at that, Cinderella,  perfect timing with Maleficent. Because like with Maleficent this story has a few changes of its own that make it all the more enjoyable. The deities all wanting to take the role of the prince feels to natural for their characters thus far, especially with Yui being the lucky girl to wear the glass slippers.

To add onto the shenanigans of the play, the group is treated to a special extended appearance from a

certain man-jackal that adds 5 wine bottles of cuteness to this episode.

One of the things that prevent this episode form receiving a perfect score is that the animation, while adequate is also spotty in some places, especially for the comedic relief. However that is a minor quibbles as viewers will be too busy laughing.

On another note, near the end the story diverges back into the very ambiguous plot that is unfolding in the series. The ending comes out of nowhere and creates a somewhat abrupt but unexpected tonal shift.

Overall, the episode starts out  happy and light hearted like before to give fans a break but instantly reminds use there is a plot taking place and goes back to the heavy stuff near the end.

Kamigami no Asobi episode 10:  "Lovely and Ephemeral" receives a 4/5

Julz`s Kamigami No Asobi Episode 4 Review

By JulzChan aka Julius Cantara

"The Curse of Hades" is another episode that provides character development for yet another gods, but feels like it could have been done better.

Since the show began the mystery of Hades and his outsider statues has been a running gag making it hard for the King of the Underworld to be taken seriously. But this episode surrounds Hades`development, the show takes the subject seriously this time by selling the dark god striking mild-fear and provides back story on his tragic existence allowing viewers to sympathize with him.

the only major flaw to this episode is that while the episode played well to show Hades in a sympathetic light, it would have been made better if the series took more advantage.

The episode could have shown images of Hades in the Underworld, showing past examples of misfortune, or possibly showed more extreme cases of bad luck to compound the fact that Hades`presences is a curse. More of a show, don`t tell approach by not just explaining and show more examples. But what was shown

was satisfying enough even though more could have been displayed.

It was yet again another feel good episode, seeing glimpses of happiness in Hades which in his case is rare and his family and friends coming together to show their support.

On another note but concerning the supporting cast, the romantic relationship the anime tries to imply is hardly subtle especially concerning the dialogue, but is a minor quibble as the attention is more focused on Hades.And the series once again attempts to steal Free!Iwatobi Swim Club`s fanbase after being unsuccessful last time but serving purpose to Hades`development, as added humor and touching moments.

The episode was done well however not ultimately outstanding with some missed opportunists, but still managed to tell the story of a loner sacking in the dark finally seeing the hope in finding happiness.

Kamigami no Asobi Episode 4. "The Curse of Hades" receives a 3.8/5

Julz`s Kamigami No Asobi Episode 3 Review

By JulzChan aka Julius Cantara

The episode, "Sea Breeze Conflict", while still containing the same flaws as the previous two episodes is highly enjoyable with refreshing moments.

The first half of the episode feels genuine as it continues to show the challenges Yui has to face when teaching her new friends and try to bring everyone full circle.The second half feels like an accomplishment and adds some character development not just for Yui but for Apollon and a few other characters.

More back story is revealed about a Apollon in relation to his mythology, so for Greek legends buffs this is a

treat. What is shown here quite possibly breaks the hearts of fanfiction writers watching the episode.

The anime continues to show off each god`s character quirks which make for an even more hilarious episode. The comedy made more apparent with the show`s attempt to snatch some of Free Iwatobi`s audience.

The only flaws to the episode is that it still circles around Apollon and Yui, despite there is more interaction between the supporting cast.

 And the obvious, implied romance is not seeded with subtly. However these were very minor quibbles considering the light-hearted tone of the episode and what is to come.

Overall, this was an episode with some good character interaction and feel good moments that can make viewers want to spend time with their friends and have a good time.

Kamigami No Asobi "Sea Breeze Conflict" receives a 4.3/5

Julz`s Kamigami No Asobi Episode 2 Review

By JulzChan aka Julius Cantara

Episode 2 ,"Beautiful Shackles", fits the format and feel or an Otome game, adds an elements that provides speculation and is a good first step for the Gods` long journey.

In an Otome Game, the player is introduced to one character at a time and the stage of the game is focused on that specific God in order to get to know them.

This most likely the format that the anime is trying to implement by having each episode center around one character the most in order to flesh them out. And in this episode it focused on Apollon, but without pushing everyone to the side completely.

 However still because of that not much is known about the supporting cast aside from their archetypes. Furthermore, the show adds a few more side characters and most of them don`t get that many lines. Hopefully along the way the series will flesh out all the characters as it progresses.

The inclusion of Zeus binding their the powers of the other deities to teach them about humanity may seem cliche - especially for those who have watched the Thor movies or read Wonder Woman by Brian Azzarello- however if it isn`t broken don`t fix it.

But by taking away their powers it means the audience will not be seeing them in their divine forms, made worse by the fact their true forms are in the opening credits.

Episode one established the characters and the status quo, with this episode it shows things getting started for our characters.

This new element in the story does bring up speculation as seen in the preview in episode 1, they have their powers. So if that future is correct, Yui will succeed in helping them understand humanity but some kind of  terrible event will still occur. It spoils it to a degree that Yui will get through to them however this series does appear optimistic so there is no reason to expect it.

The young deities have their funny moments as they acclimate to the school, demonstrating how new it is for them to even be in a school and be human. Their humanization comes further as it is seen they can relate to Yui, how helpless and unsure they are of the situation, but they are willing to meet the challenge and they know they are not alone.

The fact that not all the students agree on the situation foreshadows that it will not be easy for Yui to teach them. That just because Zeus drops in a nice, well rounded, likable human that does not mean Yui can magically solve everything and get everyone to get along. that it is going to take time.

The opening takes a few listens in order to get a feel for it, but it is indeed upbeat and energetic. Coupled along with a techno beat sells reminds viewers that this was based on a video game and gives a carefree feel. The sequences really sell how , despite these characters not being human, they are going to school like mortals and it captures the sense of fun this series is going to have. Weird how they didn`t put it into the first episode as it excels higher than the ending credits which has very limited animation.

Despite the teasers, the lack of knowing the characters beyond their character stereotypes, and even being a little slow, the series still shows promise as a charming, fun diversion.

 Kamigami No Asobi episode 2 receives a 3.8 out of 5.

Julz`s Kamigami No Asobi Episode 1 Review

By JulzChan aka Julius Cantara 

An academy filled with beautiful  Gods and a young maiden tasked to teach them about humanity to avert a terrible future. Not the best first episodes but does show promise with a unique premise and with loads of potential. 

The opening sequence gives foreshadowing, which is both good and bad. On the upside it presents a mystery as to how this story escalates to that future, what form the build up will take. Much like how Power Rangers Legend War was supposed to be, but hopefully it won`t be as much of a let down. 

While not as flashy or engaging as Diabolik Lovers in terms of art or music, but Kamigami no Asobi has something that DL should have had. Not only does Kamigami No Asobi throw in a very unique,interesting premise and good ideas, but has a competent female lead. If you wanna teach the Gods about humanity, it makes sense to have a well rounded, genuinely nice human like Yui. 

In most cases, it is the unlikely hero, or the worst in which humanity has to offer that would be chose- on purpose or by mistake- to help solve this problem at hand. 

However in this case, Yui is not an unlikely hero, while unsure of herself she is seen to be well rounded, friendly, knows when to keep her composure, and is not in the slightest bit annoying or helpless female character. Yui is not just another blank slate with no personality  for female viewers to live vicariously through as she is surrounded by handsome deities, which is common in otome anime.

Now just because Yui is a genuinely good person with hardly issues that does not mean there are no story telling opportunities when considering characters like Superman or Captain America. Even considered more so that Yui is in another world of supernatural beings with powers beyond her comprehension. 

Story wise, this first episode does set up out protagonist but does not introduce the other supporting characters as effectively. While the personality quirks of the supporting cast are made noticed, their names are not even introduced until the near end of the episode. 

Exposition is given as to the premise of this story, Yui`s purpose, the realm she is in, the why she was called forth. While it is a good idea and is promising as it can go in many directions, it would helps as to know what exactly are the Gods trying to avert. But perhaps that will be revealed in time and it does introduce the status quo. 

The animation is decent and does have moments to impress especially with the opening fight scenes. However the flower effect used to introduce each of the Gods gets old fast and is a bit cliche. However again only the first episode so the animation may yet improve. 

The designs of each other characters are distance and very attractive. And the true forms of the deities are befitting to their titles and powers. However the background leave a lot more to be desires. The background are bright and vibrant but nothing really stands out. The realm in which the academy exists in shows flouting island and plants in the sky but yet that is the slandered for otherworldly places. Adding more energy to the background would have fixed that. But adding in supernatural creatures does earn points. 

Overall the first look into this series dosen`t leave a big impression outside of its premise and iconic, legendary characters. But at least provided information of what Yui has to do and judging from the characters she has to deal with, this adventure is going to fun. 

Episode 1 of Kamigami no Asobi gets a 31/2 out of 5.