No Game No Life Anime Review
Being a couple of genius siblings must be so boring in our world... so let's take them to another world where they can make use of their intelligence!
PRODUCTION INFO
No Game No Life began as a Japanese light novel series in April 2012, and is still currently ongoing at 6 volumes. It is both written and illustrated by Yuu Kamiya, and it's published by Media Factory in Japan and Yen Press in English. It got its own manga series beginning in January 2013, which is also currently ongoing at 1 volume, and it was adapted into an anime which aired during the spring 2014 anime season. It was animated by studio Madhouse and directed by Atsuko Ishizuka. It ended at 12 episodes, plus 6 specials released on DVD and Blu-ray.
SUMMARY
This story begins in a modern age, and follows the perspective of Blank. Blank is a character who appears in online games, one after the other, conquering the PVP and besting the other players. Without any name entered for "his" character, "he" became known as Blank. As it turns out, Blank is actually played by two people; a brother and sister whose true names are Sora and Shiro. Someone discovers Blank's secret identity and challenges them to a digital game of chess. They accept, but soon find themselves in another dimension where they must play and win games in order to survive. Perhaps the tense situation will finally put an end to Blank's virtual reign, or perhaps Blank will gain more power now that they can utilise their skills in the world around them. Also, who exactly is the mysterious person who brought them to this place?
WHAT TO EXPECT
This show is great-- it has a bit of everything, and it's all done well with a lot of thought put into it. No Game No Life is not for kids, as it is very ecchi, but don't assume it's got a bad plot because of that! Elements of fantasy and science fiction are combined along with a bit of politics, but don't worry; it's not the boring kind. There are some scenes that are suggestive in terms of incest, so if that doesn't sit with you well, don't watch it.
MAIN CHARACTERS
Sora is Shiro's older brother. The two siblings are very
attached to one another and have a kind of separation anxiety attack when they are not by each other's side. This is likely due to their hikikomori lifestyles as NEET's living at home all the time. Sora tends to be very outgoing, and he sometimes surprises Shiro with his boldness. Despite being a genius who is bored with the world we know, he claims to love humanity, as is written on his signature yellow T-shirt.
Sora's little sister, Shiro, is a fan favourite, being the main heroine of the series. She has the same separation anxiety as her brother, so she gets a panic attack when they aren't near each other, just like him. I suppose that works out in that neither of them can leave the other behind to suffer from an attack. Shiro is soft-spoken, but not any less intelligent than Sora. In fact, the two siblings each have their own areas they excel at, making them both a good team for battling anyone with their wits.
OPINIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
There's a reason why this was the most
popular anime of the spring 2014 line-up! Take one look at the art, and you're probably intrigued. Check the description, and there's some huge potential here! It's true, No Game No Life has a beautiful and unique art style for an anime, and surely, the plot can get super intense, yes... Some points even reminded me of Death Note because they were so clever! I loved this show and I seriously wish there was more. This show is proof that an anime can be ecchi as Hell and still have a brilliant plot. The only problem I have with this show is unfortunately a rather large problem, as it didn't end conclusively at all. Without a definitive ending, it left a disappointing mark on the story, and that really hurts the anime as a whole. There really was so much to work with that could've continued the story. For a similar setting, I recommend Mondaiji, Dog Days, Sword Art Online, and just about any .hack title. For more anime with beautiful, unique artwork, I suggest Gankutsuou and Tatami Galaxy.
RATING
★7/10★
