Review of Darwin's Game
Just finished it and for 11 episodes it was a haul. (And I make a point to watch long running series') I felt opinionated on this because the character writing was just so bad. Darwin's game (D-game) sorta starts off well then goes downhill and doesn't stop. The premise was a typical contrived one; an organized 'battle royale' with powers for money and entertainment for the stupidly rich. Kaname Sudou a typical high school boy (with no backstory, no family no home apparently) accidentally joins a mobile death game and quickly moves up the ranks thanks to his bullet dodging reflexes, his "trace-on" ability, and histeenage allies who do all the heavy lifting.
The MC, Kaname Sudou, starts off likeable but 6 episodes later and he abruptly changes character. He's not that OP but survives with plot armor in every episode. He's way too hypocritical and cocky by the end of it. He preaches this don't kill policy but seems fine with his allies killing for him and by the end he's killing by the dozens and still preaching it.
All the other characters arcs are downgraded to the point of not existing. The Main Girl is like Yuno (future diary). She says she's seeking revenge but is actually seeking love and... only a stronger man can do it... (geez. like a sword-wielding teleporter couldn't break her defense but the MC screaming and running in gets the tackle off). Truth or lie guy is in it for revenge for his Little Brother but that glory gets Stolen by the MC too. the Info 'Laplace' girl has a neat power but her 13yr old info-genius is an overused plot tool. The split personality kid says she'll do non-violent support... does violent support. Plant Papa was strong and loyal to MC, MC abandons Plant Papa. #1 assassin lady likes high school boys cuz her sexist parents require a male heir and... only a strong man can do it... There's really only one character in the show and that's Kaname Sudou and all the other characters (good and bad) feed his ego into a "chosen one" thing.
There are a ton of simple plot holes they break. such as you'll die if u talk about it to a non-player (ugh, typical). then Kaname goes around forcing people to spread awareness and apparently it works... so I guess they don't die... How hitting the gym for a day somehow makes him a crack-shot and super cocky. Plant Papa and truth or lie guy are working together!.. or not... "I'm gonna die in 2 seconds"... 5 minutes later he's still fine and less than 1 second has passed. And most importantly, battery life... there's more but whatever.
The big bad for S1 is just some upstart gang leader who acts like a child. And, the only adult basically kills himself off the main cast.
Characters and plot holes aside, the action and blood was enjoyable but still paled in comparison to legit gore anime and lacked intensity. D-game started off well in 1v1s. Then it was an arena free-for-all which took any fear out of it as hundreds of innocent ability wielders are cut down before showcasing their ability. The show felt very mid-road as it couldn't decide to take itself seriously or define itself in anyway.
Overall, the artwork was fine, the voice acting was fine. The story was typical junk with immeasurable plot holes and the characters were trope trash (already done before) with even worse depth. The action was enjoyable and pointless but the story is basically Kaname making everyone his b***h via plot armor. It's not good and is quickly forgettable.