Okay. So while I decided to stop giving each OVA release a separate post due to time restraints, I really want to make an exception for this one. THIS is what they need to make more of: a short but sweet and interesting story contained within just 25 minutes that takes optimal use of its time. This format is perfect for those who just want to tell short stories or try out interesting projects.
Norageki was an excellent mystery story that knew exactly how to build itself up. It starts with an introduction that can only be understood if you watch the entire thing, only to continue on with the main characters all trying to figure out what’s going on. There obviously was too little time to develop the characters, but they work for what they’re supposed to be: they all have their mysteries that get answered throughout the course of the episode, and this episode did a good job of using their curiosity to get me to relate to them. The twist ending wrapped everything up neatly and was actually quite interesting.
As for the animation, the creators chose an interesting blend of 2D and 3D graphics, but most of it was 3D. Overall it did a pretty good job of not looking as out of place or ugly as I suspected. On top of that, the creators did make use of this: the characters move around a lot in this OVA. That’s the advantage that 3D animation has: it’s easier to use non-verbal communication. Yet, I still prefer 2D over it: when done right, it can make its characters much more vibrant than 3D animation can. My best guess as for why that is is because 3D is still too constrained around its models.
OVA Episode Rating: 8.25/10
This was a lovely example a good story telling and time spent wisely.
A bunch of loose threads seemingly unrelated, all coming together nicely by the end.
It was a nice and charming OVA.
I really, really enjoyed it! And the thing is, if you hadn’t blogged about it, I never would have checked it out. ^-^ Still trying to really understand the ending, but I’m chalking it up to it being only past 5 am right now. >_>
The art style is reminiscent of the CG cutscenes from the Persona 1 remake on the PSP. I’m not the biggest fan of it, but it gets the job done.
Art aspects aside, this was a pleasant surprise, and it will be for you as well, and I never really anticipated that.
Very nice OVA that makes very good use of its time and has very nice art (the cell-shading used is really impressive in how it mimics 2D art) .. animation is a little jerky but it still works just fine.
As for the story … i like how it started out a complete mystery then everything came together in the end.
As for the actual plot [this is going to be kinda spoiler-ish] … it reminded me a lot of the “CUBE” movie .. it also involved a varied group of prisoners who suddenly wake up in a strange isolated facility not remembering how the ended up there and had to go through traps and figure out the very wierd nature of their prison and finally solve a complex numerical puzzle to escape .. what made it impressive is the interaction between the characters and exploring the ugly side to human nature when it is pushed to the limit .. fact is the point that the numerical puzzle in the OVA didn’t mean anything tells me it is an intended “nod” at the CUBE movie from the writer of the OVA for people who watched the “CUBE” movie.