Review of Samurai Girls
If there's one thing 2010 isn't short of, it would have to be the abundance of ecchi anime that's aired this year. From titles like Kiss x Sis, High School of the Dead, and even Seikon no Qwaser, it makes one think that Japan has had a rise in lonely boys who are buying into this stuff like ice to Eskimos. Hyakka Ryōran: Samurai Girls is no different in that all it really is, is a show about samurai with breasts set in neo-Japan. Die-hard fans of historical anime/literature may feel insulted to this as famous names like Sanada Yukimura, Yagyū Jūbei and even Senhimé aremade to cast as moé characters.
Story - 6
Ryōran takes place in an alternate world where the samurai co-exist with modern technology. How Akira Suzuki(author of the light novels) came up with the idea is beyond me but its definitely not unheard of if your a fan of Gintama. In this reality, master samurai are like guardian deities who serve their shogun as well as protect the populace with their godly powers that differentiate them from your average samurai.
Sound good so far? I thought so too until I realized this series was more a rom-com harem then an action anime. Don't get me wrong, there definitely is action in the series but there just wasn't enough to outweigh the lame overdone comedy. For those who have seen the series Sekirei may see some similarities(like the norito kiss) in this anime, and will probably get the same disappointment in regards to Ryōran's plotline.
Art - 7
If there's one thing Ryōran will be remembered by(if it ever gets remember by next season), is its art and animation. From background to character design, everything is presented in a unique fashion that is different from your typical 2D or CG anime. Of course that doesn't mean that characters are drawn in a weird way as first and foremost, this is an ecchi anime that has samurai girls showing off their assets. One thing I have to commend the director with is the method to which they use to censor the ladies naughty bits. Instead of using the traditional white light or white fog, we are shown ink blotches which coincide with the series artwork.
Whilst I wouldn't say animation is first class for Ryōran, I'd definitely rate it higher then other battle anime that's come out recently(like Nurarihyon no Mago)
Sound - 7
Another component I guess I enjoyed for this series would have to be its sound. With J-rock band Faylan performing the OP "Last Vision For Last", your easily swayed into thinking this series is well worth watching as it pulls you in with the beat like any good shonén anime should. The ED "Koi ni Sesse Tooryanse" performed by the leading ladies of the series is not bad either(nor is it any good) and the BGM is nicely set in place giving you the right ambiance and pacing.
I really have no complaints with the voice cast, asides from that anyone who has seen School Days may be clearly reminded that the main lead for this series is Makoto. Thought I'd throw it out there :D
Character - 3
This is where the series fails. The characters of Ryōran are shallow and there is not one character in the anime that I could say is solid. We are reminded time and time again through each character, that this really is a two-bit harem. The main lead at first showed some promise but quickly fell into the endless spiral of uninspiring harem males and the supporting ladies are a joke. If someone was to ask me if I've seen Ryōran, my first reply would be "Oh, that boobies show?" because that's all the women of Ryōran is all about.
Enjoyment - 6
Watching Ryōran is like riding a bicycle through a mountainous valley. There are so many ups and downs to the series that its not worth counting. As long as your not looking for a deeper meaning to what this show portrays, then its all downhill in regards to enjoyment.
Overall - 5
Hyakka Ryōran: Samurai Girls is first and foremost an ecchi anime. If that's what your looking for, then this series should definitely please. Yes it has action and a bit of story, but I wouldn't call it its selling point and is more a bonus.