Review: Robotics;Notes

Based on the game of the same by the name by well known visual novel developer and publisher 5pb. the game is the third in the Science Adventure series of game after Chaod;Head and Steins;Gate. It bares no relation to these other than the ';' used in its title. The game and this series adaption are standalone and viewing of the aforementioned titles are not needed. I was able to go into this anime completely open minded (as I do with everything I watch). I haven't seen the adaptions of Chaos;Head or Steins;Gate nor played the game counter parts. As such I won't compare this to those two. This will be a non spoiler review so read on without fear of lessening you enjoyment of the series.

Akiho and Kaito are members of Robotics club (well the only members at the beginning) who are aiming to build the GunPro-1 which Aki's big sister Misa started but never finished. Throughout the series new members join the club but Akis determination to complete her sisters dream remain never withers. Things take some radical turns as we delve into the series as mysteries unravel and events begin to envelope the members of the club. Original? I think so, while later parts may have the feeling of 'been there done it' it never becomes stale, something that is helped greatly by not sticking to just the one genre but taking in a raft of influences to heighten the experience (more on that later).

There are a lot of really well thought out ideas in here. Most of them plot related so I can't go into too much detail but the use of AR (augmented reality) is a particular highlight, appearing as the basis of multiple key events in throughout. It will be a catalyst for many of the revelations that are present.

The plot twists are well executed and many of them emphasize that all is not it seems for the cast. There will be moments where you shed tears, you will be shocked, excited and all range of emotions will flow. You genuinely feel for the characters, that is the hallmark of a series that grips you, that draws you into their world.

The characters are certainly an eclectic mix. You have Akiho who is the president of the Robotics club, she loves Gunvarrel (the fictional anime in the story) and has aspirations to catch up to her sister and complete the years worth of work that Misa and others have put into building the GunPro-1. Kaito who seems to care more about playing Kill-Ballad than doing anything else but deep down does care for Aki. Subaru who has to secretly help out as his father demands he doesn't go near robots and Junna who is a karate club member and doesn't like robots, perfect fit right? Lastly we have my personal favourite member Frau who provides the most laughs throughout. She is the creator of Kill-Ballad and a recluse, an otaku who lightens the mood despite hiding secrets and motives of her own.

One major criticism (and the one which is brought up most often) is that the series doesn't know what genre it wants to be. This is something I take opposition to, it is in no way a detracting factor. While the series does appear to switch between the slice of life style with Aki and Kai in the Robotics club and a much wider, deeper conspiracy/mystery series it strikes the balance very well. It doesn't switch at random, the switches they make work well. It's giving you hints at a wider picture, of something beneath the surface that intrigues you, that hooks you and makes you want to watch on.

Speaking of watching on a mention must go to the cliffhangers of each episode, they are superb. Right from episode 1 all the way to the penultimate episode, the subtle hints, the mysteries that arise from them, you want to watch on, you can't wait to see the next episode. A perfect example of how to keep your viewers guessing, keeping them on board with your story.

Animation wise it's a good job for the most part. It looks great but one slight flaw in it is the CGI used for the some of the robots. CGI is extremely hit and miss for mechs/robots even in well known mecha series so for this to falter slightly in this department is a minor annoyance but not nearly enough to warrant any decrease in actual quality. Just noting it as it was something I noticed and it honestly was one of the only negatives of the series.

A final mention to the music which while not groundbreaking in the slightest does it's job superbly well. For the emotional scenes and for the scenes with intensity it provides that extra bit to make it more immersive. The OPs and EDs were also rather good and were a pleasure to listen to each episode.

To sum up I absolutely adored the series, I can honestly think of few if any flaws I had throughout the 22 episodes. For me even though we are only in March it has already put in a large claim for Anime of the Year. Yes it is that good. If you are planing to watch this then the best course of action to take is to watch it over a few days or a weekend. Waiting a week per episode was unbearable at times. Lets hope that we get an OVA, movie or even another game to expand the universe of Robotics;Notes as it fully deserves it and upon watching the final credits I was sad to see it end.

Studio: Production I.G
Aired: Fall 2012 - Winter 2013
Episodes: 22
Available: All good DVD and Blu Ray retailers

10/10