UlasanAnime.com – The author begins by discussing their recent experience with the HiDive streaming service, highlighting its lack of support for platforms like Apple TV and Chromecast, which are their primary means of watching anime. This inconvenience makes it less appealing than alternative methods like XDCC downloads via Plex, despite the subscription cost.
The author elaborates on the user experience issues with HiDive, noting that the effort required to watch anime through the service often exceeds that of other methods. They mention the inconvenience of needing a second device to stream content to a TV if only a phone is available, and also point out bugs in the Android app and issues with the web version’s interface, drawing parallels to past problems with FUNimation’s website.
Shifting to a different topic, the author discusses their experience with the English version of the BanG Dream! game. They find it to be an improvement over the original Japanese version, with fixes to stamina usage and event point systems, as well as a more balanced character training material exchange. The increased number of available songs from the outset is also noted.
However, the author also expresses their dislike for certain aspects of the game, particularly the forced listening to disliked songs during multiplayer sessions. This is why they avoid the “Random” song selection option. They also mention the issue of players who either coast or cheat in the game.
The author humorously sympathizes with players who disconnect immediately after song selection, admitting they are also close to that point with certain songs. They express a wish for the game to include a song blacklisting feature.
Moving on to the main subject, the author introduces their initial impressions of the Spring 2018 anime season, acknowledging that this list is likely to shrink as the Major League Baseball season progresses.
Hinamatsuri is praised for its excellent character animation and its ability to deliver humor through surrealism and straightforward comedy, making it easily digestible despite its sophisticated content.
Real Girl is described as an easy-to-digest romance anime with a certain sweetness that appeals to nerds.
Wotakoi, on the other hand, elicits a mixed reaction. The author appreciates the Japanese portrayal of nerdy attitudes, which they consider its main strength. The opening animation’s hand dancing is also highlighted, with a suggestion that Nigehaji should also receive an anime adaptation. The author believes this series captures the millennial zeitgeist better than shows that ape fandom.
The author considers Megalobox to be a potential centerpiece of the season, but expresses caution, acknowledging that it could ultimately be disappointing. They note that the initial episodes have set a low bar, making it likely to surpass expectations. The strength of its visual storytelling is emphasized, with a hope that it won’t be a letdown.
While ambivalent about the original SAO and its later sequels, the author finds Gun Gale Online to be a strong start. They express hope that the anime will remain focused on the game and its players, rather than venturing into the adventure elements that defined SAO.
Gurazeni is identified as the author’s “soul food” for the season. They lament its release coinciding with the actual baseball season, which affects their viewing. The anime’s cultural gap, stemming from the author’s limited knowledge of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), is a minor drawback. They liken the experience to deciphering references in a radio show, but appreciate how Gurazeni frames its content for clarity, with the only hiccup being the presumption of NPB knowledge.
The anime adaptation of PA Works’ Umamusume is seen as a dark horse. The author makes a lighthearted promise to avoid further horse-related puns for three months. They question how the game will compare to the anime, suggesting it might be a reverse of the BanG Dream! situation.
Upon abbreviating FMP: IV, the author realizes the joke in “Invisible Victory.” Despite never being a huge fan of Full Metal Panic!, they found it fun and enjoyable. They believe the series peaked with Fumoffu and that this installment is more cinematic than Kyoani’s version, indicating they will continue watching if it maintains its quality.
The strength of Steins;Gates 0 lies in its cast, making it primarily recommendable to fans of the original. The author admits they will continue watching because they missed the characters.
Despite expecting the worst, Last Period turned out to be an enjoyable romp. It successfully evokes the fun of trashy Asian MMORPGs and social games, leading the author to consider sticking with it. The jokes about gacha mechanics are found to be amusing, and the character Wiseman keeps their hopes up.
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Having not played the game, the author’s prior knowledge of Persona 5 was limited to localization issues and its commentary on modern Japanese social vices. As these are not particularly relevant to them, they find P5A largely misses the mark, though they acknowledge its visual appeal. They plan to watch for a bit longer, viewing it as a challenge.
On a related note, the author finds it unfortunate that Caligula airs concurrently with P5A, despite a writer connection to the original Shin Megami Tensei series. They feel Caligula better satisfies their craving for “trashy” Chiyomaru sci-fi than SG:0 or P5A. The performances of Ueda Reina and Asapon, as well as the overall seiyuu cast, evoke an earlier era for the author.
Initially enthusiastic about Comic Girls, the author’s expectations were reset after the second episode. While the show is self-aware, they question its appeal to those not interested in manga. They ponder the impact of adapting a 4-panel comic into an anime, noting that the medium’s inherent characteristics are lost to the anime viewer.
Gundam Build Divers is seen as a disappointment compared to GBF. The author hopes it will move beyond its mobage setting to develop a more worthwhile story. They also note that GBD is more child-oriented, which doesn’t help unless it amplifies its whacky factor. They humorously question the absence of a windmill, referencing 00 Gundam.
Mahoushoujo Ore is considered “okay,” but the author is unsure if they will continue watching if it leans too heavily into shoujo tropes. The two-episode pilot held their attention, but they lack the patience for this type of comedic vehicle, contrasting it with their continued viewing of Gintama.
The new LOGH is described as “okay,” exceeding the author’s low expectations, which were influenced by negative promotional news. They liken the situation to humanity’s decline, citing nonsense from the US White House and a remake of influential Japanese sci-fi. While the story remains intact, character development and pacing have been sacrificed. They believe it would be acceptable for fans of the source material, surpassing their initial “ugly, utter train wreck” expectation.
The author is unsure about Golden Kamuy, but found the first episode compelling and now understands the meme associated with it.
Regarding food-related anime, Isekai Izakaya is found to be irksome, comparing it to an anime about the taste of Budweiser with buffalo wings. Despite this, the compelling live-action segments compelled them to watch, though they consider skipping future episodes and relying on Food Wars.
The author dropped Dances with the Dragons after the first episode, realizing they wouldn’t enjoy the show consumed in its entirety. They hope it offers a strong hook for those who continue watching, as it shows promise.
Miscellaneous shorts are then listed:
- You don’t know Gunma yet – Only funny if you are already familiar with Gunma.
- Love To-LIE Angle – The author doesn’t understand it but notes the fanservice.
- Tiramisu – Considered okay and based on a trope the author can appreciate.
- Crossing Time – Also considered okay, especially if Komagata Yuri receives more attention.
- Alice or Alice – Compared to Nekopara receiving an anime, stating it’s essentially the same.
- Akkun to Kanojo – The author considers it their “seiyuu duty” for the season, praising Nontan and the actors’ self-narration.
The author confirms they are continuing to watch the following series:
- Grancrest Senki
- Card Captor Clear Card Is Friends Shipping Friends
- Food Wars (noted as the undisputed best food anime when airing)
- Amanchu
- Darifra
- Toji no Miko
Finally, the author poses a question about who is streaming Magical Girls Site.
They might also check out the new DxD anime, despite its perceived poor quality, due to its fanservice. Additionally, they plan to watch the Fist of the Blue Sky anime, the new Lupin, and the new Major, although the latter might be impacted by their real-life baseball viewing.
