Michael's First Impressions: Fall 2013 (Part 3)

1.  Tokyo Ravens:  Boring.  There’s no character establishment; thus, no connection with the characters and their touted friendship, which is further hindered by the haphazard scene switching.  A discernable likeness to A Certain Magical Index is present with a notable exception that the authorities are magic-based instead of science-based.  The viewer has concepts particular to this show’s reality thrown at him with zero resolution or explanation.  It’s an unfocused experience that leaves the viewer confused and bored.  
   
   
   Verdict:  SKIP

2.  BlazBlue:  Alter Memory:  Surprisingly little action with such a large sword.  Just another supernatural action show.  Yet there is only a decent thirty seconds of passable action. Everything else is composed of either boring, unintelligible character interactions or mysterious flashbacks.  It doesn’t inspire confidence that the OP is composed entirely of clips from the episode itself.  Well...to be fair it might be closer to 95% that’s taken directly from the episode. An uninspiring start.
   
   
   Verdict:  SKIP

3.  Unbreakable Machine-Doll:  Well, the title certainly makes sense within the first five minutes.  Apart from that it appears to be a revenge tale that will take place within a school which focuses on the art of controlling advanced homunculi/puppets for the purpose of battle, especially as pertains to military application.  There's the girl (probably tsundere) who's above average and better than everyone else, and is thus isolated/feared by those who know her reputation, which, of course, our fearless protagonist could've possible have a clue about. And that is topped off by the insatiable attraction that the lead’s “puppet” has towards her master. Classic comedy hijinks, but nothing of note.  
   
   
   Verdict:  GIVE IT A SHOT, it’s a love-it-or-hate-it kinda show

4.  Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Ars Nova:  A peculiar narrative that is backed up by some well rendered naval battles, which is of note since the entire show is rendered in CG.  The CG is a definite point of interest.  It isn’t particularly noticeable for the majority, but there are moments when the viewer will be painfully aware of the CG animation.  As for the story, it’s another iteration concerning a boy who is isolated due to his rogue father’s past indiscretions.  But he gets a pretty cool ship out of the deal.  
   
   
   Verdict:  GIVE IT A SHOT

5.  Non Non Biyori:  So peaceful.  The opening three minutes is a transcendent, calming experience with soothing music and visuals.  This show = Kawaii!!  It has set itself up as the go to breezy, low-key Slice of Life (SOL) that viewers may be looking for with this season’s saturation of fanservice heavy and high energy shows.  The characters are delightful as they dialogue and share experiences of life in the Japanese countryside.  
   
   
   Verdict:  MUST WATCH!