Article by Wilburthe Gregorio and Gabriel Jalosjos Graphics by Keischa Calumpiano
November 1, 2022
𝙆𝙤𝙠𝙤 𝙙𝙖𝙮𝙤!
2022 just had to drop some of the most anticipated and well-received series in the anime community. Many of these are the comedic yet wholesome Spy x Family, the action-packed Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, and the not-for-the-faint-of-heart Chainsaw Man. Also, Genshin Impact, which is arguably the most popular gacha game right now, announced its plans to have a future anime adaptation with Ufotable Studio (the same studio that produced Demon Slayer), which left many anime fans not only excited but overwhelmed by so many series to binge-watch!
In addition to that, Arknights, also among the most popular gacha games besides Genshin Impact, has finished producing its anime adaptation and is set to air on digital screens this October 28, 2022. The series will be simulcasted via Japanese television and is available internationally via Crunchyroll.
The Arknights: Prelude to Dawn series features 8 episodes and covers chapters 0-3 of the mobile game’s main story. It revolves around the dystopian planet of Terra, a world ravaged by catastrophes and disasters that are so extreme that people are forced to live in nomadic cities. These catastrophes also carry a hazardous substance, infecting its victims with an incurable life-long disease called Oripathy, but grants them powerful abilities called Arts.
People who contracted Oripathy are referred to as the “Infected.” They can potentially spread the disease sooner or later, and consequently, the Infected are oppressed, disowned, and persecuted by the various governments. This resulted in a rebellion and formed a coalition called the Reunion, and they invited other infected individuals to take revenge against the government with violence. Rhodes Island, a pharmaceutical company of protagonists who are also infected, is opposed to the rebellion and searches for a cure in hopes of saving everyone from Oripathy, the Reunion, and society’s oppression.
With that out said, let’s dive into the first episode review!
The anime starts slowly since it’s the animated scene of the tutorial in-game. The Doctor wakes up to the calls of a close companion and friend, Amiya, who informs them of their current situation. The Doctor then tells Amiya and the rest of the team that they don’t remember anything either, but Amiya encourages them to try their best in leading the operators.
To say the least, this was a satisfying start to the anime as it is a direct adaption of the mobile game. What was once just CG art and a visual novel-like layout in-game is now a fully animated experience. It’s a joy to finally see the expressions of various characters as well as the different angles that light the minor conflicts within Reunions teams. We even get a sneak peek at what the Doctor looks like in certain scenes!
Dozens of memes have come out since the start of the episode referencing stage guides and some people even pointed out one shot that looks like the UI in the game, making the joke that even in the anime, you can play Arknights!
The only concern right now would be due to the slow start of the anime, it seems like it might not catch the eye of newcomers due to the pacing, but it will catch the viewers’ attention with the story-telling and the visuals.
So, what are your thoughts? Want to give the anime a shot?
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