Review of Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal

Ah, Zexal. Never have I ever seen so much heat for a spin-off than for this one. I can see why, though. A number of the first episodes are in fact filler. Perhaps people even form a false-opinion of it before going into watching it due to LittleKuriboh making fun of it in his Abridged Series. I'd like to convince you guys that this isn't in fact a bad show. ☞ STORY: 8 Zexal brings back the plot of another being helping the main character in order to retrieve their memories. Except this time no one beyond the protagonist can see him(Astral), which adds in a great comedic affect.
-The problem with the story is that the plot doesn't really kick in until the Arclights come in, which isn't until around ep 30. If you get bored of some of the first episodes, just skim through them (unless Kaito is there).
-The card game factor adds a new spin with XYZ/Exceed summons, which in my opinion are better than all the other edits to the game from other seasons.

☞ ART: 8
The Zexal fandom on Tumblr gets a huge kick out of the animation quality. Sometimes it's absolutely beautiful (ex: episodes 46-48), while other times they get too lazy and just draw some squiggles and color. It's nothing to gawk at by any means, it's just really hilarious.

☞ SOUND: 9
All that needs to be said is that the OSTs are stunning and fit the moods well.

☞ CHARACTER: 7
Okay, this is arguably Zexal's weak point (for side characters at least). Tsukumo Yuma, aka the protagonist, is the youngest one of his predecessors, so obviously sometimes he can get a little... eh. But the fact that he is NOT a great duelist in the beginning is brilliant. You can actually watch him grow and makes you feel more involved in the card games.
-Now then... the problem: Yuma's friends. They have their likable moments, but most of the time they are just... there. Just imagine Bakura Ryou from season 1 of Duel Monsters... except there are five of them.
-Though on the flip-side I would give all of the main antagonists an A+. Especially Tron.

☞ ENJOYMENT: 9
After seeing all of Duel Monsters, Season 0, and half of 5Ds, it was nice to see a series be a little more lighthearted in the beginning. At first it was a guilty pleasure that I got a kick out of seeing Yuma act like an idiot sometimes.
Then the Arclights came and everything was painful yet beautiful.

So overall, I'd say DO NOT GIVE UP AFTER A FEW EPISODES. Later on it becomes truly fascinating and engrossing. Even if you don't like the card games, I would say stay for the rest of the plot.