So going into this after seeing other Neoromance anime you should know that she won't end up with anyone. The romance will actually be pretty limited and there will be A LOT of angst. What drives these shows is really the characters and their struggles. While there was fanservice with two or three of the guys, it was mostly story based. I came for the beautiful men and was left screaming "WHAT!?" every episode. This is the only Neoromance series that left me really wanting the game to date these guys in game since it felt hopeless in the anime. Alright then, lets talk a bit about the story.
-THE STORY-
The story for Neo Angelique is a lot like a wheel with three notches. One of the notches is the Orb Hunters, or the main group of five with Angelique, Nyx, Hyuuga, Lain, and Jade. The second notch is the Artifact Corporation lead by Lain's older brother and his little lackey Elenfreit that represent Science. The third notch is the Capital with Mithias, Rune, and the Knights of the silver tree representing Religion. The wheel turns and each time it does your question of weather or not these sections are good or bad changes. First it's Corporation VS Hunters then Hunters VS Capital, Capital helping Hunters and Corporation helping Capital and so on. Each section has a character that could potentially be the main villian and you're constantly left wondering who it's going to be. In the end you realize that it's not as black and white as that. It focuses on the good and bad of each sections and those you thought were the main villains end up just wanting something to live for and eventually beg for forgiveness and earn their redemption.
The story starts off slow, so slow that it might be hard to keep going with the series. At first it's predictable and bland but after the 5th episode and after they've finished world building, it gets interesting. While I've seen a lot of these twists and tropes in other shows and movies, I've never seen them blended together so well before. Or, you know, I could just be easily entertained.
THE GOOD
The twists and turns the series takes is absolutely fantastic. While it's predictable (I mean, what isn't anymore especially after studying typical plots and tropes.) It's all about how well the story is told and this was told very well. Everything meshed together fantastically. The fantasy, science and religious aspects complemented each other and never felt out of place.
THE BAD
Five episodes is a horribly long time to get into a series. I really couldn't make it through the first episode it was so horribly paced and written. Also, it helps to be familiar with the original Angelique series to get a lot of the lore but it's so different from the original it would have been best if they had explained more here. If you're looking for a romance, this is not the show you want. You will be crushed. This show will destroy you and your little romantic dreams.
-THE CHARACTERS-
Angie will the very hard to like for most people because of how shy and innocent she is. While her character will grow, I've learned that people can't stand most female characters unless they act more masculine and loud. I really started liking her when I compared her to Snow White with magic powers. It's not that these girls are poorly written but that our society in the west sees these characteristics as undesirable and weak. Sure she's weak, but I don't see how that makes her a bad character. Sure she questions weather or not she wants to become the next queen, but who wouldn't? She basically gives up any type of romance and becomes a god because of how much she loves and feels for the people of her world and here, she'll be considered weak and annoying.
You know what character IS annoying and deserves hate? The cat. That stupid cat. Ye writers cop out and plot whole of a cat.
I won't go over the guys individually because of how many there are and because the real fun of the show is finding out all their secrets and weaknesses. Unlike blue sky where the high amount of love interests overwhelms the show, this one thrives from the web like system these characters have with one another. Characters that you find annoying and unlikable at first will become your favorites in the end.
THE GOOD
All the characters are fantastic! Watching them grow, find what's important to them and find forgiveness for their wrongdoings is what makes this show what it is.
THE BAD
The cat and to most people, Angie.
-THE ART-
The style and animation stayed consistent throughout the whole show I only noticed a drop in quality in a scene or two. The fight scenes were excellent and sometimes they would use interesting camera angles and edit things uniquely. While the music has some good tunes most of the music is forgettable and some even draw away your attention from the show.
THE GOOD
consistent animation and style
THE BAD
some of the music but it's not too bad.
-LETS GO TO THE SCOREBOARD-
STORY: 8/10 While the story was engaging and exciting near the end, it didn't draw you in immediately resulting in you having to drudge through boring first episodes. Like trying to pick through a hard shell.
CHARACTERS: 8/10 You'll love all the guys, but the cat and Angie are pretty bad.
ART: 8/10 Good animation but somewhat distracting music
-OVER ALL SCORE-
8/10 Excellent show, blew all my expectations. I just want to watch it again for the characters, especially Rune and Mathias. I'm in great need of this game now! dang it Ruby Party, take it. Take all my money.
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