Review of Kokoro Connect

This review does not contain spoilers but if it was absolutely necessary to write a spoiler, I will warn you in time. NOTE: This review takes into account the Michi Random episodes (the final 4 episodes to Kokoro Connect). Do you know the expression "if you were in that person's shoe...?" Well, this anime literally puts you into that person's shoe. I really liked the concept of your soul being in someone's body but you also retain some of their memories/feelings as well. This concept can either be disastrous and turn out absolutely awkward or can feel very fresh to a viewer. I would definitely say KokoroConnect does the latter.

Story: 8
As I mentioned, the story is very fresh. In essence, we have this small group of high school students in a club and one day, they realize that their souls are being swapped among each other. They discover that it is a man named Heartseed who is doing controlling them. The anime details our 5 main characters' journey in Heartseed and at the same time, discover more about their friends. I believe that the anime wants us to ask ourselves: "Do we really understand our friends?" Throughout the story, I believe this is the question that our main characters are trying to answer as well.
There were definitely a lot of cliffhangers at the end of each episode so I found myself watching many episodes back-to-back.
The ending to the anime was also really well done. I don't wish to spoil anything but I felt the last few scenes were beautifully written and pretty rare to see in the romantic genre.

Art: 8
I felt there was nothing too spectacular in the art department. I really liked the vibrant colours. They gave a lighthearted touch to an anime that occasionally asked deep psychological questions. Further, I really liked how the colours and framing would change when Heartseed appeared in the scene.

Sound: 7
The first opening music was alright. The soft opening captured the slice-of-life aspect of the anime but I felt that the anime was more than that. That's why I felt the more upbeat second opening accurately portrayed the essence of the anime. The melody of the second opening suggested that the characters were going on a journey of some sort, which is indeed what our 5 main characters are doing. However, it may have been a too vibrant as Kokoro Connect does have some dark aspects to it.
The soundtrack to the anime is a typical soundtrack. The only standout moment was when Heartseed appeared in the scene and you could really feel the tension building in the scene.

Character: 9
Each character in this anime has their own story. And you can relate to each character. Essentially, each character embodies a certain personality type that you can relate to. Personally, I relate to Taichi for his selfless attitude. He always seeks to understand others first and be there for each of his friends.
The anime does a good job of introducing each character of the anime quickly at the beginning so we have a rough idea about each one. However, by the end, we don't get an equal treatment for each one, especially Aoki.
I'll let my bias flow through and say that Inaba is my favourite character. She is our "ice cold beauty."

Enjoyment: 8
I read some comments that some people really want a Heartseed in their life. I can see why as Heartseed brings out the true nature of each our main characters by creating situations where each of them can honestly express themselves. While this anime is not a masterpiece, it was definitely enjoyable and ranks pretty high on my romantic/slice-of-life anime list.
I would definitely recommend Kokoro Connect to anyone who is looking for a fresh take on the romantic genre.