Review of Darwin's Game

Please be aware that this review is intended to be read by those that have finished watching Darwins Game and while care has been taken to minimise story related spoilers there may still be spoilers within character analysis. You have been warned. Based off a popular manga of the same name Darwins Game is an action and mystery genre anime that allows us to see what will happen if one day a seemingly average high school student would after being contacted by one of his best friends and be sent a seemingly normal game invitation that while sounding mysterious was one that promised mouthwatering rewardsthat will improve his life substantially. What will happen if this mysterious game that promised a surprisingly large payout turned out to be anything but a simple game but rather a fierce fight to the death between its participants where every day its participants put their very lives to the test as they try to outwit and eliminate the other in a quest to stay alive within the game world. The concept of being drawn into a game world that becomes one's new reality has at this point seen many new derivatives after being introduced by the vaunted SAO series. However, unlike the majority of these ideas, the concept that was made use off by Darwin's game is rather unique in that rather than being drawn inside another world in this case rather the opposite is true.

Rather than the former players of Darwin's game often abbreviated as D game by its players actually takes place within the real world that subdivides out the general population when players enter the game to both limit collateral damage while also keeping the game hidden from the attention of the public. This approach of superimposing the game on to the modern world while keeping it hidden from the public I felt was an interesting concept as while keeping things grounded in reality it also allowed the game to make effective use of a ready-made world that served to make the series’ battles more relatable as they take place in locations that we would often visit or pass by in our lives. This combination of a battle royal style game that takes place within a modern world that pits random strangers from all walks of life battle against each other using not just modern arms but also supernatural sigils that are unique to each user can be said to be the main themes that drew me to the series and watch it to the very end. The first ep of the series I felt was an interesting one that combined well the shock value of seeing the brutal reality of the game of D Game with the introduction of our rather innocent protagonist as he is forced to realize that the tragic death of his friend was only the starting point that will force him to enter the brutal world of D game.

Kaname Sudou

Kaname Sudou portrayed by veteran voice actor Yuusuke Kobayashi of Fire Force and Fuuka fame is one of the main characters of the series and is the main protagonist of the series. A 17-year-old sophomore Kaname in his initial appearances was shown to be a calm, friendly and quiet person by nature that was shown to care deeply about his friends and was someone that always put the needs of others before his own if needed. While preferring to stay away from issues that will cause attention to be drawn to him Kaname was shown to be someone that was intelligent, quick-witted and perceptive qualities that will soon prove to be useful once Kaname entered the world of D Game. In the beginning of the series during his first experiences within D game, Kaname was shown to be a rather reluctant fighter due largely to the unique and tragic way in which he was introduced to the game. However, while the death of his friend was a painful one it also served to form within Kaname a strong sense of motivation to not only survive in this brutal game but also aspire to meet the game developer and determine the reason for creating such a crazy game. As a result of his first encounters with the players within the game, Kaname at first was shown to be rather wary of others and tried hard to remain in the shadows and try to deal with situations swiftly. In this regard, this was helped greatly by two of Kaname’s personality traits that will soon become a byword for his methodology within the game which were perceptive and adaptability that allowed him to take on many difficult opponents and emerge victorious despite the odds being stacked against him. This aspect is shown well in the battle that he had with Shuka who despite being a veteran player with several notable wins under her belt was easily beaten by Kaname due to his ability to both read the battle’s flow as well as his ability to think outside of the box.

While his ability to both read a given situation and adapt to it via thinking outside of the box allows Kaname to deal with most encounter battles on a reasonable level the same can also be said for encounters with other players. Though at first hesitant and perhaps afraid of interacting with other players Kaname was not someone that viewed others as hostile by default and indeed was quite capable of forging alliances with others when the opportunity presents itself. While initially shown to be someone that was determined to go about the game alone as the series went on this began to change as a result of not only meeting Shuka and Rein but also coming to realize that by working together with like-minded people not only will they be able to reach their goal at a much faster rate but also be able to help other players who may be in similar positions as they are goals that served to further develop Kaname’s personality and gradually change him into a reluctant fighter to one that was determined to not only ensure his own survival but also the survival of his comrades as well while keeping their morals intact. This last part is shown well in how he handled the aftermath of the florist's death during the treasure hunt arc and was an aspect that I felt both suited Kaname’s personality as well as reflecting on the changes that he has been forced to adapt as a result of entering the world of D game. In terms of overall development as a character, Kaname I felt was an interesting one that despite being unwillingly drawn into the game managed to not only adapt his personality to compensate in both social qualities and critical thinking but more importantly do so on his terms for while Kaname as the series went on becoming not just a skilled fighter and a shrewd tactician he had never forgotten to hold to his core values of wanting to ensure that while victory is achieved as much as possible that both participants must survive till the very end. While certainly idealistic to a degree I felt that this aspect complemented Kaname’s nature quite well for while he had become a veteran fighter whose skills and quick wit allowed him to take on even the top players his heart and his desire to help as many as he can still beat strongly within him and ensured that he will always take the step that was most moral an aspect that stands to set him apart from the majority of players that hunt within the game.

Shuka Karino

Shuka Karino portrayed by veteran seiyuu Reina Ueda of Re Life and Grancrest Senki fame is one of the main characters of the series and is the main female lead of the series. A 17-year-old teenager from what appears to be a rich family Shuka in her initial appearances was shown to be despite her young age a veteran player of D game with the richly deserved title of the undefeated queen on account of both her battle record and her tactical preference in which she strikes fluidly and relentlessly. On the surface Shuka was seen to be a confident, playful and cheerful person by nature attributes that were more benefiting of a girl her age than her title would. While her playful nature often gives the impression that she isn’t taking things seriously it can be said that rather the opposite is true for Shuka while playful was also perceptive, intelligent and cunning which when used in combination with her battle experience made her a formidable fighter that was adept at both forward planning and swift strikes on enemy forces that had destroyed many talented fighters throughout the game. While a noted veteran among the ranks of D game Shuka was shown to be someone that was not openly aggressive towards other players and rather was someone that was surprisingly open-minded about interacting with them provided that they are honest to her an aspect that was rather surprising given the nature of the game itself where player naivety could easily be exploited upon by others. While certainly a powerful player with an impressive record to her name Shuka was shown to be someone that far for being overconfident was someone that was shown to respect people that not only have strength but also the conviction that is needed to use that strength to turn a given situation around an aspect that was shown well in her initial interactions with Kaname that acted as the catalyst for their eventual partnership.

While shown to be someone that was icy, playful and someone that did not trust others readily unless proven as the series goes on and Shuka’s personality and motivation for taking part in D game are expanded upon this gradually starts to change. Due in part to the tragic circumstance that led her to enter the hellish world of D game Shuka at first was someone that was forced to master the combat intricacies of her sigil at a rapid pace both as a means to survive and also to hunt for clues for her chief quarry. As a result of this, she was forced to discard many aspects that a girl her age would normally be associated with such as forging bonds of friendship and trust with her fellow players and romance with potential suitors. In this, it can be said that Shuka’s desire to not be openly aggressive towards others as well as her strong desire to be with Kaname after her humbling served to be the catalyst that finally managed to open up her frozen heart to the idea that no matter how strong you are without friends that you can rely upon eventually you will fall. As a result of this lesson while somewhat slow to open up to others Shuka’s icy nature gradually starts to vanish and be replaced by a desire to trust and rely upon others as well as a desire to help others willingly when the opportunity presents itself.

In terms of overall character development, I felt that Shuka was one that was developed rather well with her gradual development from an icy warrior maiden that viewed friendships and bonds of trust with others as something unnecessary in her arsenal to one that not only saw the unique benefits that having like-minded friends and comrades that you can rely upon on both a tactical and emotional level and in the process rediscover the joy that can come from finding both someone that she was crazily in love with as well as comrades that she can just casually hang out with both in-game and out being done especially well. When taken with the grim realization that Shuka has been fighting without such feelings for so long I found that it was heartwarming to see Shuka be able to interact with people that she trusts openly and for the first time in her career let down her guard and act more like a girl her age. While her affections for Kaname was excessive to the point of being stalkerish I felt that the relationship that she enjoyed with Kaname served to broaden the horizons of both and make them realize that even in this hellish battlefield that strength and morality while on opposite ends of their respective spectrum can also be used as a potent source of motivation that can allow even the smallest clans to go toe to toe with the largest clans and allow her to get one step closer to the truth that she fervently hopes to uncover.

Rein

Rein Kashiwagi portrayed by new seiyuu Nichika Oomori is one of the main characters of the series and is one of Kaname and Shuka’s allies within the series that serves as the clans main analyst and strategist. A first-year middle school student Rein on initial appearances is seen to be a quiet, patient and aloof person by nature that seems at first to be a bad match for a brutal game like D game. However while certainly not cut for confrontations with players like Kaname and Shuka Rein’s core personality traits of being one that was intelligent, curious and cautious served to make her a perfect fit for the role of an information broker within the game a role that she was seen to excel at until she met Kaname. While a quiet person by nature and one that preferred solitude over interacting with other players Rein was someone that was kind by nature and was willing to offer both advice and a helping hand to others when given the opportunity. In the beginning of the series due to both her innate personality traits and her chosen role as information broker of some repute within the game Rein by necessity was someone that was logical by nature and followed a methodology that was based upon careful consideration of the moves of each player as well as the overall situation within a given moment. As a result, while certainly not lacking in terms of social skills Rein, in the beginning, was someone that similar to Shuka was a person that while knowing of their existence viewed the acting on emotions and feelings as illogical. However, as the series went on and Rein not only encountered Kaname and Shuka but also bore witness to not only the methods that they make use off to overcome trials but also the effects that it had on their overall effectiveness Rein’s view on emotions and the act of forging strong lasting bonds with others gradually began to change.

While at first understandably hesitant in both expressing her own feelings and opinions on matters to others that were not based off careful analysis of data as the series went on and Rein’s trust in Kaname and company continued to deepen this hesitation was gradually replaced by both a fierce sense of loyalty and trust towards Kaname but also a desire to help the new clan that had formed around him achieve their core goal of wanting to clear the game and find the culprits responsible for its creation. In terms of overall character development, I felt that Rein as a character was developed quite well throughout the series with her gradual evolution from someone that based her actions on logic and careful analysis of data and one that preferred to stay apart from other players to one that learned the value of both having friends and comrades that you can rely upon for both backup and advice was well done. While admittedly Kaname and Shuka’s characters had the lions share of development it was still nice to see Rein be able to break out of the shell that she hid herself behind within the game and realize that there are more to life both within and outside of the game than the analysis of data and trying to predict the enemies moves.

AMV

In terms of animation, I felt that the individual character designs within the series were pretty well designed and reflected well on both the origins of the characters as well as their skillset within the game. Notable ones within the series I felt was Shuka’s design that reflected well on both her origin as being from a rich family while also giving her an outfit that was both elegant and yet was one that allowed her to fight without too much trouble. While only shown briefly within the series due to the role that he played within the overall story I felt that the character of Banda was also one that was quite unique due to the combination of both his unique mascot outfit as well as his preference for hunting down noobs and eliminating them with his sigil. The combination of a seemingly unstoppable panda that’s hell-bent on eliminating newly entered players with the sheer tactical unpredictability that his stealth sigils power gives him served to make him a terrifying foe for players to tangle with. In terms of combat animations and battle scenarios, I felt that the large variety of sigils within the series served to enhance the various confrontations that the cast engaged in within the series due to both the unique power that each commanded as well as the potential effect that it will have on the battlefield as well. This within the series is shown well in the initial fight against the florist and Shuka’s battle with Sou/Sota in the underground mall. While certainly devastating on a physical level I felt that the power that the sigils provided also lent itself in helping develop a fighter within the game both in terms of martial skill and in mental fortitude as mastery of one's powers will also allow individual fighters to find their paths within both the game and in life as shown in the developments of Kaname, Shuka and Sui/Sota.

Music-wise the series made use of one opening and ending theme which was CHAIN that was performed by ASCA and Alive by Mashiro Ayano. While both of these songs were excellent ones I felt that the two of them conveyed a different sense of feelings that were the opposite of each other with the former’s heavy and dramatic tone and lyrics representing both Kaname’s entry into the brutal world of D game and his determination to uncover the truth of the game with the cherished comrades that he has managed to find within the game no matter who stands in their way. The ending theme that was performed by Mashiro Ayano however I felt was the opposite in that the feelings that it invoked were ones that represented a moment of peace between the members of the clan after surviving a difficult battle before they are transported to the next phase of their quest to uncover the truth. In terms of voice acting, I felt that the series main voice cast all did an excellent job at portraying their assigned characters whether they were main or support ones. In particular, I feel that Yuusuke Kobayashi, Reina Ueda, Nichika Oomori all did an excellent job at portraying their assigned characters of Kaname, Shuka and Rein respectively. While only shown as a supporting character I felt that Yumiri Hanamori also managed to do an excellent job at portraying the unique character of Sui and Sota which was no small feat given the contrasting personalities that the two of them possessed despite sharing the same body.

Overall conclusion

In overall Darwins, game was an interesting anime and one that I really enjoyed and was one of the best animes of this season. Its main strengths in my opinion were its interesting and unique premise, excellent story, well designed and developed characters, great variety of both battles and combat ability via the sigil system, excellent voice acting and its creative blending of the battle royal concept with clan and individual relationship dynamics between the core cast members.

The overall premise of the series which in this case was the Battle royal concept is one that’s very rarely seen within the anime medium because such scenarios require not just a sufficient reason for players to enter as well a space that’s large enough to accommodate the sheer number of players that serve as that setting’s most prominent feature. In this sense, the decision to make use of an app game that will serve as the main entry point for players I felt was one that was both simple in execution as well as being easily relatable in the modern world to which the series takes part in given the sheer popularity of app games within the modern world. At the same time the decision to make use of not just the real world as the series main setting but also one that’s cloaked from the eyes of the general population, I felt deserved some merit. On one hand, this allowed the series to make use of a ready-made canvas while on the other it allowed its players to come up with some creative combat scenarios that tested both their mastery of their combat skills as well as their ability to problem-solve both skills necessary in both the game and in reality. While the battle royal concept is more prominently known as one that will involve an all-out battle between numerous fighters until one winner remains the series decision to modify this via the introduction of the clan system I felt served well to not just impose some order to the chaos of battle royal style battles but also allow individual fighters to not just bond with others that may have similar personalities and goals as they do but also answers to questions that you may have been asking all your life. While the clan system within the series was only used sparingly its impact on the competition though I felt was significant as it enabled not just coordination of fighting ability and knowledge sharing but also a surprising degree of character development via the association of like-minded friends within the clan a fact that is best shown within Kaname’s Sunset Ravens clan whose unique composition in both the combat and intel gathering fields allowed them to triumph over even the overwhelming odds of the larger clans within the game.

In terms of overall villains within the series while only appearing partway through the series I was relatively impressed by the character of Wang. While a powerful combatant on account of both is innate combat ability and uniquely powerful sigil I felt that this was enhanced within the series by both his ruthless nature and his natural charisma and cunning that when used in conjunction enabled him to lead his clan to victory countless times on account of their infamy within the game. The struggle between his clan and Kaname’s own in the latter part of the series while entertaining and riveting also served to add a level of both despair and resolution to the series on account of both the sheer unpredictability of his attitude as well as the effects that said actions had on the sunset Ravens in putting an end to their struggle.

Overall I felt that as a final score I feel that Darwin's game deserves a final score of 7/10. While I really enjoyed the premise, story, character development, and the voice acting I felt that the battles and sigils within the series while featuring some decent ones such as Kaname’s battle with Shuka and the florist and Shuka’s chains and Sou/Sota’s ice sigil were relatively lacking in variety with small arms proving to be more common than sigil users. At the same time While the 8th clan served as an effective hostile faction within the series, I felt that among them only Wang was the one true threat that Kaname and clan had to contend with. I felt that some of the veterans among the eighth could have been expanded upon both as a means to flesh out the eight as a threat to Kaname as well as expand them as an organisation.