Review of Kaguya-sama: Love is War -Ultra Romantic-
We have experienced season 1 and 2, and now within a relatively short span of time, "Love is War" makes another grand showing amidst Spring 2022 list of anime. After the recent conclusion is the lingering question: How Great was this season particularly? Is it similar to the previous two? Are there new elements? I would be exploring these thoughts in a short review. Similarly, the flow of the episodes are modelled after a sit-com format. The character eccentrics produce an upbeat atmosphere that is maintained throughout the episodes, and the series. From a qualitative perspective, one could expect the same from its predecessors. Some mayargue that there has been further improvement with the increased vividness in animation and visuals. Overall, the graphics are relatively simple but I do not see many flaws in this area and am definitely contented. The OP also retained its former charm in its wackiness and partial inception style. Studio A-1 also treated us with occasional original ED's that complements the episodes theme. With the aesthetics and quality satisfactorily delivered, let us take a look at what's on everyone's mind: the comedic elements and story progression.
Personally, the key aspects that has kept this season particularly going are the misunderstandings and enhanced cunningness reflected in the characters dialogue-whether it be their choice of words or their tone. The producers made this quite evident as essentially every chapter is filled with them. The description 'Misunderstanding-central' would be no exaggeration.
In terms of 'characters', they introduced new personalities though there was generally little development. Rather they continued to expand on the core group-the student council members. We are introduced to Miko's underlying ego that remained a staple in the earlier part of the series. Shirogane's terrible talent at acquiring new skills was reinforced. Most notably would be Ishigami's 'love life' and interest more towards the end. All of this has certainly elevated and strongly reinforced the comedic(and romance) theme of this series making it more entertaining to watch.
One element that sets its apart from previous season is the progression and resolution of this love conflict which is what has been the main goal all along. Shirogane is in a major predicament and he seems to be more serious about it while Kaguya plays the fool, constantly conjuring up meaningless ploys. Having been hindered by their differing status and the like, what will they choose to do? Will either one of them cast aside their mask and truly reveal their feelings for the other? This all takes place in the culmination that is the cultural festival, and the results? Well that is for you to find out; I will say that it is probably not what you were looking for but most certainly a satisfactory outcome.
From my experience and assessment, Season 3 has been the most enjoyable and humorous. While it is by no means revolutionary from the former qualitatively, the events in the plot elevates its raw value. A-1 did the series justice and therefore made this particularly worth the watch.