Review of Build-Divide -#000000- Code Black

Would be interesting to fans of the TCG and people who like unique plot twists in non-psychological anime. Might be boring for a bit for those uninitiated with the TCG as they don't explicitly/fully explain the rules. Story - 7 Worldbuilding - 6 Characters - 7 Production Value - 7 Story: Average, bland even; but greatly picks up near the end. The pacing felt okay; probably because they were skipping half the battles and most of the encountered characters didn't have much significance to the main story. It's a very lean story.World Building:
Almost non-existent until near the end. After that, it was pretty good. Could have used better pacing, e.g. with ominous foreshadowing throughout the earlier parts. A small number of plot holes throughout that felt really hard to explain away, even given the benefit of doubt. Skipping parts of battles may have leaned down the story, but made it much harder to understand the TCG rules as a result (Speaking as someone who is uninitiated).

Characters:
The main characters directly entangled in the plot were fleshed out by the end, presenting a very human take on childhood motivations, reactions, and their eventual consequences. However, the lean focus meant that support characters were reduced to just react machines to amplify emotions and plot points. Still, I would say it's the right choice from a pacing POV for a 12-episode series.

Production Value:
Average. Props to the VA for Kikka. Her emotional lines were very well delivered, as were the pitch changes. Special mention to Hiyori's VA for delivering a voice that resonated greatly with her character's look/mannerisms, despite said character being just there for reacts.

Overall - Barely 8
Applying my discretion here to bump up the score because of the strong feels at certain points. Also, for how they were willing to portray a less-than-perfect MC.