Review of Villainess Level 99: I May Be the Hidden Boss but I'm Not the Demon Lord
Villainess lvl 99 is an interesting take on the Otome Game Isekai genre, hitting all the right notes to produce a very enjoyable experience, if a little held back by its visual quality. Animation / Art / General Visuals - 7/10 ----------------------------------------------- While the art is pretty nice overall, the animation does lag behind at times. There's a small amount of rather questionable CGI being used, but luckily it is very minor indeed. Many of the action scenes also lack proper animations, but as a whole it still brings just enough to create an enjoyable experience. The show also makes liberal use of cute chibi art for comediceffect, which is probably my favourite part visually. Chibi is never not cute.
Sound / Music / Voice Acting - 9/10
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Overall sound and music is fine, but voice acting, especially that of the protagonist really elevates the experience in my opinion. The heroine (or villainess in this case, I guess) VA really brings the character alive, with an amazing mix of deadpan delivery and genuine excitement. The contrast of switching between speech and inner monologue creates some really interesting dialogue that makes following the story and the character a lot more fun.
Story - 8/10
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The story as a whole isn't overly noteworthy as this very concept has been done numerous times in the past. A young woman dies and gets re-incarnated into a recent Otome Game she played. However, the details and execution is quite fun. Despite being an Otome Game based Isekai, our protagonist does away with the whole concept and instead we have a rational and capable main character that decides to change her pre-determined fate through raw power alone.
Turns out, she's not much of an Otome Gamer, instead being better described as an RPG power-leveler who enjoys grinding for power and items more than anything.
Overpowered MC theme is also very common in these types of shows, but this anime takes a slightly different twist where the powers of the protagonist are not hidden. From episode 1, her full power is revealed, which creates for quite the different experience than in most similar shows.
I wouldn't say it's necessarily for the better, but I can appreciate the variety.
The story also features a romance sub-plot which is luckily kept fairly low key, as it would otherwise make the show fall too much into the Otome Game genre trope.
Characters - 8/10
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As a magic school anime, based on the Otome Game theme, the show features a rather predictable cast. Female main character, and secondary "main" character. And then a bunch of guys who fight for their favour as in any Otome game.
I am happy to say that the protagonist is quite well done in this show. She's highly intelligent, extremely capable and confident, and doesn't get swept up into unnecessary romance immediately. She's also sufficiently harebrained at times to give her many comedic moments to keep the mood light and fun.
Outside of the original "main" character and her group of admirers, we also have a potential love interest for the protagonist, and their relationship will be the driving force behind much of the show. It's funny and cute, with the romance subplot never becoming overbearing.
Additional characters like the local "girl leader", and principles and teachers and such will make appearances, but most receive negligible screen time and are not fleshed out.
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Total - 8/10
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Villainess lvl 99 is a fun take on the Otome Game Isekai genre, and should appeal to all fans who enjoy this kind of thing. Especially if you're also a fan of Overpowered MC's and general fantasy.
Romance enjoyers might find that aspect a bit too low key, but it does exist.
A show well worth watching.