Berserk of Gluttony

Based on the trailers featuring another Kirito, this time with a skull mask, I braced myself for a run-of-the-mill fantasy affair with an extra edge (I was right about the first part). As I read more about the show, particularly about the "gluttony" skill, I feared it might spiral into the realm of nonsense akin to Arifureta, setting the stage for a one-episode watch at best. To my surprise, however, I found myself making it through the whole thing without much struggle; it was actually quite ok. The animation isn't particularly impressive, and while the music makes an effort, it doesn't consistently hit the mark. As for the story, it's not exactly intricate; most twists won't surprise anyone familiar with Japanese fantasy anime. While the world likely harbors an intriguing backstory, it's only teased in fleeting hints. There's a glaring absence of a mysterious atmosphere; at times, the lack of engagement leaves the viewer indifferent to any potential discoveries. The creators didn't bother going into deeper explanations, leading to moments that feel contrived and lacking in rationale. What elevates the series for me are the character dynamics. While the characters themselves aren't groundbreaking, feeling like recycled versions from more notable anime, their interactions and relationships held my attention. Essentially, it's the satisfying blend of romance, bromance, and a trio of despicable villains that kept me hooked. Even the episode centered on the retired knight's struggles managed to strike a chord. In essence, it's a passable show which you will likely forget in a couple of days. 5.5/10. (12/17/2023)