Anime Reviews

Aldnoah.Zero | Review [RAW]

"Aldoah.Zero" is an anime that will drag you through the episodes up to its chilling ending.

When I saw the first episode of "Aldnoah.Zero", I thought it was exactly like a 25 minute movie. I should have learned (from Captain Earth) by now to turn back instantly.

"Aldnoah.Zero" is a story about two races; each having a hatred that goes back a long time. In the year 1972, the Apollo mission found a hyper gate to Mars on the surface of the moon. Upon landing, the astronauts discovered an enchanted utility later referred to as "Aldnoah" (a certain power that resembles electricity), thus giving the astronauts a status of superiority. Soon, many humans relocated to Mars, adopting the title of 'Martian.' Present time, a Martian princess (Princess Asseylum) descended to Earth in an attempt to make peace between the two peoples. However, this ended in an outbreak of war, the Martians determined on exterminating humanity. 

This anime has three main characters: Inaho Kaizuka (Hanae, Natsuki), Asseylum "Seylum" Vers Allusia (Amamiya, Sora), and Slaine Troyard (Ono, Kensho). Starting with Inaho, here is a boy that quite resembles a robot, mainly having three emotions -- dull, happy, and frustrated. Throughout the series Inaho must be the least developed. However, in spite of the difficulty, Hanae (Kaneki Ken [Tokyo Ghoul]) gave a voice to the young boy. In this part, his voice is soft, breathy, and captures every part of Inaho's ... personality? Lack of one? In any case, Hanae did very well. Next is Princess Asseylum, a young royal who wishes for only peace between her nations and Earth's. She is a very kind and just girl, perfectly innocent and unaware of the ways of the world. Capturing her completely is Amamiya (Akame & Touka [Akame ga Kill & Tokyo Ghoul]), who just continues to amaze me with her voice. Amamiya's voice is soft, delicate, and perfectly innocent. She plays the princess part to a 'T.' Such a talented woman. Lastly (my favorite) is Slaine. Slaine has to be one of the most developed characters, starting from a weakling boy to a determined young man, most loyal to his princess. Slaine became my favorite character for his resilience, innocence, and determination. Qualities that Ono (Kuroko [Kuroko no Basket]) captures quite well. His voice is thin, and light (qualities I personally love). He molds his voice to fit Slaine's character perfectly, especially at the parts where Slaine has been deeply hurt and is crying or close to tears.

I will flat out say that I am frustrated with Aldnoah.Zero. It has perfect voices, gods as musicians, wonderful animation, and yet the story is filled with plot holes and mostly undeveloped characters. Inaho is probably the least likeable character this season because he literally is a robot. He has no emotions, and not much is known about his besides the facts the he has an older sister, his mind is very analytical, and his smiles are rare (and even then they look almost fake). Getting that off my chest, I will continue to the plot. The anime started out wonderful. The introduction to the world contained beautiful art, many intriguing characters, and best of all, Yuki Kajiura's music as well as Hiroyuki Sawano's. From there it went downhill (and I should have guessed thanks to Captain Earth). The show continued only showing Slaine's and a Lieutenant's pasts. Without reading the summary, I probably would not have understood that Martians and Terrans used to be one and the same. The show continues, almost as if it's making the plot up as it goes along. And it all comes down to one chilling ending, with a note saying " Aldnoah.Zero - Let Justice be done. Through Heaven's Fall - Next January A.D. 2015 "

But if you like mecha animes, you will not be disappointed with Aldnoah.Zero. The animation is great, and its concept of mechs is intriguing. There is so much detail put into the machines. This 'Aldnoah' power is especially interesting. It's better than electricity, makes the Martians' mechas better in some way, and yet only certain people can use it. If you are a lover of anime for the character development like me, then you may not like this anime. Or it might just be average to you. I did enjoy this anime, but it left me feeling very frustrated.

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Story - 8

The concept is very good, but it definitely needed more than twelve episodes to bring out its full potential. Other than that, it is really an interesting storyline.

Art - 9

The art used cool pastels to paint the anime in very innocent light. The character designs we nice and original. I was even impressed with the CGI. It didn't look corny like most scenes when other animes use CGI.

Music - 10

Of course I'm going to give this score to my music gods. Kajiura has done it again, getting Kalafina to perform "Aldnoah.Zero's" opening. Her music has such an ethereal quality that fit the unrealistic world. Her's and Sawano's music are a perfect complement for each other. And Sawano brings out all the stops, creating epic battle music that just got my heart to race.

Character - 4

I was severely disappointed with the lack of character development. Most of the characters were intriguing, but none really ever grew. And then there's the robotic main character of the series, Inaho, with his emotionless face. 

Enjoyment - 8

This anime started out as one I was excited to see every week, but my hype died down a bit into just being pleased by each episode that came out. 

Overall - 7.8

As frustrating as it became, I still have to say I enjoyed "Aldnoah.Zero." I am really hoping that the next season exceeds my expectations and becomes this great, epic story.

*Anime in External Link

So sorry for all the Captain Earth references! Just had to get that off my chest XD

Favorite Ship: Slaine x Asseylum

Favorite Character: Slaine

Favorite Song: 「aLIEz」- Second ED