dameon_green Review of Arifureta: From Commonplace to World's Strongest

Arifureta: From Commonplace to World's Strongest (2019–2024)

An anime that can't decide what it wants to be.

[7/10 · 15 May 2020]

The first half of the series had a grim tone which was a refreshing from the typical Isekai, the protagonist having been betrayed and abandoned was darkly committed to survival at all costs.

Then around episode 6 it turned into slapstick, BunnyGirls and even the music changes, then it alters course again around episode 10 and it starts mixing the dark and grim with the BunnyGirls confusing things further.

Pros:

• Original story (up to 5.5) was enjoyable and gets better around episode 10.
• Good Intro Music.
• Animation is consistent (with some exceptions).
• Original Protagonist "Experience" growth was unique and enjoyable.
• "Intermission" storyboard / concept art displays during the episode break was a nice touch.
• "Harem" trope isn't terribly done, and picking up an abandoned child and more or less adopting her was change from the typical cliches.
• Character growth does happen, even as the show fights to decide on its theme, and some of it is well done.

Cons:

• Overly caustic protagonist after episode 5.5.
• Loli Factor (yes she's a 300+ old vampire but..).
• CGI used during some episodes is lower quality and it can be jarring.
• Past Episode 5.5 the Protagonists interaction with the others in the world becomes very caustic, as a setup for later growth it can work, but it's jarring and unneeded at times.
• Equipment / Items past episodes 5.5 are a bit "unrealistic". I'm totally fine with guns in a fantasy world but the main character making a Motorcycle and Hummer is a bit too much.
• Deus Ex Machina factor gets a little silly.
• "Ecchi" moments (Dragon encounter for example) are silly (but in the anime's defense it could be worse).
• Monster Dynamic changed part way in, originally left corpses (hence the protagonists special ability / power ups) and then suddenly they start vanishing upon death.

Arifureta squandered a chance to be great inits first season, but it is memorable and watchable, even if it seems like it's fighting itself.