There are series that tend to fade into obscurity when they are finished, whether it be because their sequel took to long or perhaps they never generated a large following to begin with. Princess Principal is a series that falls into the latter category, though it has fairly high production values and arguably a very interesting setting, it never gained much traction. Personally I actually really do enjoy this series, a lot even, and as such I decided that it would be worth reviewing the first of the new movies. This review will look at the various qualities that an anime requires to be goodand consider how this movie performed.

The story seems to involve another regular mission for the commonwealth spies, they are attempting to stop a major disaster from occurring and give their side an edge again. Nothing about the plot is particularly deep but its executed decently enough, don’t have any complaints, the character growth in the first movie isn’t really there but it is just the first movie and it should get better later on.

Visuals and soundtrack were the strong suits of the first season and this movie continues to deliver, from an aesthetic and catchy opening to a very detailed steampunk world, Crown Handlers continues to build on what the original series gave us. Characters, as expected, looked cute and attractive, while the fights were fluidly animated and chisato’s swordplay is an impress as ever, though not to the level of the train scene in the original season.

Character wise, it’s the same adorable cast, nothing particularly new with them or any notable growth, but its great getting to see them again and they certainly felt done right similar to the first season with no significant out of character behavior or decline in quality.

In short, this movie is worth watching if you liked the first princess principal and want to see more of their world and watch the other movies in the future. As it’s the first movie and nothing to notable occurred, I will have to give it a lower rating than the first season at an 8, but its still a good watch if you enjoyed this series.