Review of Nisekoi: False Love
Nisekoi, one of my guiltiest pleasures. Nisekoi was the start of my anime binge watching, and I absolutely, and still, love it. But this review will not be talking about how much I enjoyed the series, but how good the actual story was overall. Nisekoi is pretty much your typical harem anime, in which the main character, Raku, gets the iconic first meeting with the girl of his future, Chitoge. Nothing new really happens in the series, as much of it is just a mix of overused cliches, but that doesn't necessarily mean the show is bad. When done right, used ideas can still make agreat show(such as BNHA), but it's just how well the author can use them.
Story: Nisekoi does contain many previously used ideas, but it doesn't do it poorly. Rather, Nisekoi has an interesting plot, which keeps many of us from dropping the series. Two characters, Raku and Chitoge, are complete opposites, but in order to retain peace in the city, they must overlook their hate for one another. Due to the clashes between their mafia families, they are forced by their parents, who lead the mafias, to get into a fake relationship. This first introduction is actually pretty interesting, as we get to see two people who despise one another develop overtime. For tsundere lovers, Nisekoi will be like a jewel, and for those who despise them, you can at least try enjoying the other girl characters.
Nisekoi has a pretty decent overall story, with lots of comedy, and is an actual anime in which you don't have to deal with every episode being a filler episode(Except season 2).
Art and Sound: Shaft studios is well known for making some of the most unique, yet entertaining types of animation, as well as a magical soundtrack. Nisekoi's art was no exception, as it contained a mix of old animation styles from previous projects, while having its own unique style. Nisekoi's art was much more bright and well, "colorful". But like any Shaft Studios works, there were still head tilts, so don't worry about missing out on those. The soundtrack was pretty good, as it fit the romantic comedy genre well. The OST isn't as catchy as Shaft's previous works, but that's probably because it's a romcom after all. Art is most likely Nisekoi's strongest point, and if you are looking for some good eye-candy, then Nisekoi might be just for you.
Characters: Nisekoi has many diverse characters throughout the story. There's the somewhat dense main protagonist, Raku, tsunderes Chitoge and Tsugumi, sweet and kind Onodera, and aggressive Tachibana. Nothing exactly new, just your average harem anime character cast. This is one of those "who's best girl?" animes, so go ahead and pick your style, but be warned, its quite obvious who'll come out on top.
Final Verdict: Nisekoi is one of those guilt pleasure animes, for not just me, but for many others. Sure, the story wasn't really that great, characters weren't new, and the only great quality about the series was the art, but it is still one hell of an enjoyable series. Sadly, they kind of screwed up the second season. If you want, you can watch the sequel as well, but it won't be anywhere as good as the first. Overall Rating:8