Review of Vermeil in Gold

6/10 Tropes + fanservice + decent animation are the only first thoughts that come to mind while thinking of this anime. Episode 1-3:- Fanservice and character introduction, FMC remains a mystery Episode 2-6:- More fanservice, side characters introduced and we find out MC is "Special" while he steamrolls the existing power system. we also have a Villian working in the shadows, Then he gets rekt and after this, we find out there is bigger fish than him. Episode 3-10:- ofc fanservice Antagonist working in the shadow (Again) then MC resolves to “Become stronger to protect my loved ones” oh god the cringe xD Episode 11-12:- Reveals and a final showdownthat strengthens the bond of the characters
I mean it's so formula based that, I can sum it up like this easily xD. Oh, and fanservice.

Now, this may actually sound like an adept story, But there is a catch……

There is nothing about this anime that is unique, but what it does is stick to the formula and just execute it, it's like you read the best essay online word to word and write it in your exam and get a 10/10. Hence As far as entertainment value goes, anyone who hasn't seen many magic school animes or power fantasies, or ecchi animes will probably enjoy this anime very much, the fans who are well versed enough with most of these will be bored out of their minds due the sheer formulaic nature of the series.

Vermeil is an anime with a cheeky pink-haired lewd childhood friend who is heavily tsundere, A Shota good boi who the ladies want to “Pet” rather than seduce, A big boba Onee san Esque character that constantly tests his uh “Restraint”? A goofy sidekick that makes even this loser of an MC look like Kirito-Kun and the filler character maid who is being saved for plot points and extra waifu later on (I mean we have seen wilder shit happen). I have seen THIS SAME CAST AT LEAST IN 30% OF ALL MAGIC SCHOLL ANIMES.

Well coming to the review, the review is, strictly speaking, assuming that you are more trope forgiving, remaining Bias free after having watched 400+ series is a hard thing to do so please remember, some of these may just be PERSONAL opinions but I have TRIED to be bias-free.

Plot (6/10)
It is not ultra compelling but is a story of regret and mystery, it delivers a cohesive story divided into well-defined phases, and the magic system is standard (immediately relatable to similar shows). The main plot is revealed one bit at a time, most of the fanservice however is of convenience (Having to kiss to get MANA?? XD) or worse, just creepy (the pink hair gives me the chills). The main reveal of FMC's past is actually good and delivers nicely but, it comes a bit too late in episode 11 to be precise. Most of the plot is formulaic and structured based on precious successful shows of a similar kind but it is unique enough to stand out, just a little bit.

Characters (5/10)
The characters are boring, sometimes alright but mostly insufferably cringe, The MC is a bit of a Goody two shoes but is seen making exceptions and the right choices at times, the FMC is the main highlight, Vermeil changes as the mystery unravels since she was running from the past rather than face it, the changes are handled nicely and it does make for a slightly compelling character drama the antagonists are mostly crazy fucks hence just remembered as the same or just forgotten quite quickly. The rest of the characters mostly serve as comic relief or fan service enhancers(especially pink hair).

Art and animation (7/10)
For a low-budget production it's done quite well, the art is nice and provides a good setting for the mysterious magical vibe, the animation during fights is inconsistent, some scenes get more love than others, but the ecchi scenes have consistent animation, unlike the fights. The ED art is quite nice and the only standout thing about this series in general.

Sound and VA (8/10)
I expected a different cast for vermeil since the VA even after trying hard is unable to capture the onee san type of tone, she does quite well for what it's worth but the initial allure of this series was definitely the big boba, ara-ara oneesan but that didn't happen. The other VAs do quite well, especially the pink-haired Tsundere that does an outstanding job during her more uh…. Deranged moments? The ost is reused and repetitive but it is not too bad in general. The OP and ED are really well done and hence the most points this series gets are here.

With how packed and hyped next season seems to be this is gonna be a tough sell, the suggestion would be watching the first two episodes and deciding whether to binge or not, since if watched alongside the power hitters of next season, this series would be an instant drop.