I came into the series with what could best be described as "mild enthusiasm". I'm a huge WW2 buff, and this seemed like a unique setting, with an interesting take on the war. And as I was watching the early episodes, the setting, and the concept certainly was holding my attention. Unfortunately, as the series progressed, the weight of this series' tropes began to set in, and it ultimately caused it to buckle.
Let's start with one of the good things: the animation. This is top notch animation, particularly in the color department, and during the action scenes, the animation is really allowed to shine. Speaking of which, the action is thoroughly original, and they take every advantage they can with it. The first scene where we see Izetta go all out is easily one of the best in the series, with her usage of medieval weapons to take down tanks and planes.
That all said, the series is still held back back by a story that's thoroughly predictable, and rather one-dimensional leads. Now I'm often the first person to defend cliches in a series, if the series is willing to have fun with the cliches, or makes up for it with an entertaining tone. I honestly can barely remember any of the characters; the only trait I can remember about the Archduchess is that she's the royal idealist, whose idealism is the only spark of light in this cruel world, asking why we can't all just get along. The only trait I can really remember from Izetta is that she loves the princess, and the country, and that's it. The rest of the good guys can be cleanly sorted into the roles, like the young, optimistic maid, the stern, young bodyguard, the grizzled old general, the pragmatic agent guy, and the eccentric foreign woman.
At first I really liked the setting, but the story ultimately failed to take advantage of any of this. The good country is the completely good country, and the bad country is the Always Chaotic Evil country, with maybe a Token Good Teammate or two. It seemed like there were attempts, or at least desires, to try and show the vices and virtues of both sides, but whenever they're brought up, they are promptly put to the side for the love plot between the Archduchess and Izetta. While its not bad, per se, it more or less amounts to Izetta flying our heroine around on her magic gun (a phrase I never thought I'd ever type), and the two sitting in the moonlight together, talking about peace and war. I wouldn't mind, but its time that could've been spent on developing some of the other characters, including the villains, who are often sidelined. I try fault this more to the series' length, but I have seen anime with similar lengths get as much done.
In summation, if you don't mind the heavy, and thoroughly predictable tropes, then you might enjoy this series enough. Personally, the story was too predictable, and the characters too one dimensional. Best to make up your own minds, I suppose.
Some Good Ideas Lost in a Lackluster Story
I came into the series with what could best be described as "mild enthusiasm". I'm a huge WW2 buff, and this seemed like a unique setting, with an interesting take on the war. And as I was watching the early episodes, the setting, and the concept certainly was holding my attention. Unfortunately, as the series progressed, the weight of this series' tropes began to set in, and it ultimately caused it to buckle.
Let's start with one of the good things: the animation. This is top notch animation, particularly in the color department, and during the action scenes, the animation is really allowed to shine. Speaking of which, the action is thoroughly original, and they take every advantage they can with it. The first scene where we see Izetta go all out is easily one of the best in the series, with her usage of medieval weapons to take down tanks and planes.
That all said, the series is still held back back by a story that's thoroughly predictable, and rather one-dimensional leads. Now I'm often the first person to defend cliches in a series, if the series is willing to have fun with the cliches, or makes up for it with an entertaining tone. I honestly can barely remember any of the characters; the only trait I can remember about the Archduchess is that she's the royal idealist, whose idealism is the only spark of light in this cruel world, asking why we can't all just get along. The only trait I can really remember from Izetta is that she loves the princess, and the country, and that's it. The rest of the good guys can be cleanly sorted into the roles, like the young, optimistic maid, the stern, young bodyguard, the grizzled old general, the pragmatic agent guy, and the eccentric foreign woman.
At first I really liked the setting, but the story ultimately failed to take advantage of any of this. The good country is the completely good country, and the bad country is the Always Chaotic Evil country, with maybe a Token Good Teammate or two. It seemed like there were attempts, or at least desires, to try and show the vices and virtues of both sides, but whenever they're brought up, they are promptly put to the side for the love plot between the Archduchess and Izetta. While its not bad, per se, it more or less amounts to Izetta flying our heroine around on her magic gun (a phrase I never thought I'd ever type), and the two sitting in the moonlight together, talking about peace and war. I wouldn't mind, but its time that could've been spent on developing some of the other characters, including the villains, who are often sidelined. I try fault this more to the series' length, but I have seen anime with similar lengths get as much done.
In summation, if you don't mind the heavy, and thoroughly predictable tropes, then you might enjoy this series enough. Personally, the story was too predictable, and the characters too one dimensional. Best to make up your own minds, I suppose.