Kyoukaisenjou no Horizon II

(note:scroll down for TL;DR version) Yay, my first review! Kyoukaisenjou no Horizon II, an interesting anime to say the least. After watching the first season, I came into Kyoukaisenjou no Horizon II with average expectations, and in the end was rather pleased with the second season. Story:7 As with the first season, the story of Kyoukaisenjou no Horizon II can be very confusing at times. It has a futuristic setting, yet at the same time mixing in historic and fantasy elements, and the shows on story can be pretty convoluted in itself at times, leaving people a bit conflicted on it at times. Not to say itsbad though, far from it. Once you understand (or for some people, look past) most of the plot and back-round, you have a unique and different story the likes of which I (personally at least) have not seen before. Kyoukaisenjou no Horizon II also does very good in the romance department, not just for the main protagonist but for quite a few of the supporting cast as well, which is something I really enjoyed. Kyoukaisenjou no Horizon II also, like its predecessor, brings some interesting elements I haven't seen much in other anime to the table, such as the political negotiations. Some people wont enjoy those moment, but others like myself will find it quite interesting. The humor in Kyoukaisenjou no Horizon II is also a high point, and it usually pulls it off rather well. Some people wont like it as a lot of is humor tends to be ecchi based, but usually it isnt too heavy and knows its place (although there are some exceptions) The humor can also be quite random (especially concerning the main protagonist) which a lot of people don't like, but others will enjoy. In the end I'd say the whole Kyoukaisenjou no Horizon series kind of a hit or miss, and it hit for me. Art:8 Now I'm no artist, so I wont have too much to say here. The art was very well done, with fluid action scene's that didn't seem to cut to many corners. Character design is varied, and the use of what I believe to be CG during the air ship battle's is well done. (not sure if it really is CG, so don't quote me on that) In the end I was very satisfied by the artwork and found it better than a lot of the other stuff out there. Sound:9 A high point for the series. Kyoukaisenjou no Horizon II has some great tracks and really knows how to set the mood. The soundtrack really riles you up and draws you into the action, and can also wind down for soft, emotional scene's. I enjoyed the OP and ED, but it's nothing spectacular. There is one thing I have to give special attention to though, that being Horizons singing. It is BEAUTIFUL, and I loved listening to it every time. They know when to have her sing, and when she does its amazing. Characters:9 This is another high point of the series. The Kyoukaisenjou no Horizon series features a wide array of varied cast members, and the second season does not fail in that aspect. The show gives time to develop or focus on different characters, and sometimes even introduce and add more cast members. For a large part of the second season Tori and Horizon actually stepped out from the spotlight to make room for other members of the cast. For instance although more of a backround character in the first season, Tenzou plays a much bigger role in the second season which I really enjoyed. Other times characters come into the limelight for a few episode's before swapping places with others, and some are just there for the random hilarity. (such as nenji the slime or that random curry guy) As stated before, romance plays a pretty big part in this series, and is even one of its main driving forces as with Horizon and Tori. The whole Kyoukaisenjou no Horizon series knows how to do romance well, and I was never really disappointed with it. It even shows you the romantic situations with supporting caste members such as Gin and Muneshige, Tenzou and Mary, and the two witches (although sometimes they kind of weird me out, not gona lie) And lets not forget those two students and the ghost kid, their just too cute! xD One thing needs to be mentioned though, that being the main protagonist Tori. Many people find him obnoxious, and I myself have to agree at times. He literally never stops smiling, which isn't really a bad thing per se, but he could have been a better protagonist if he took things more seriously sometimes. I mean, he can be serious, but not frequently enough. I'm not going to start hating him as a character, I mean the show wouldn't be what it is without him, but he could have been done better. On the other hand, maybe this is all building up to some epic climax where he DOES get serious, that would actually be pretty awesome. Enjoyment:9 In the end I enjoy Kyoukaisenjou no Horizon series for what it is, a convoluted plot with a wide variety of cast members with well done romance and whacky humor. The style of the fighting really hit my sweet spot and the the end I find myself really enjoying this series and cant wait for future seasons. Overall:8 Overall I think I'll give Kyoukaisenjou no Horizon II an 8. It hit a sweet spot for me with the action, frequent and well done romance, and a well done sountrack. In the end I find myself comparing this series to Gurren Lagann. It can be whacky at times, but it has a lovable cast with action and a soundtrack that really grabs you and takes you on a ride if you can get into it. Others, unfortunately, will be left behind, unable to either understand or look past the convoluted story line, randomness, and its lack of seriousness at time's. I myself, cant wait for more seasons, and at this speed this series is going I expect 2 or 3 more. TL;DR version: All in all this whole series is rather hit or miss. Those who dont wont be able to look past its randomness and whackyness, or maybe wont be able to look past or understand its convoluted plot. If you CAN, however, I believe you will thoroughly enjoy yourself with this anime, finding an unique plot, a wide variety of lovable characters, a good soundtrack that really gets you engaged, awesome battle scenes, and very well done romance. I hope this review helped whoever is curious about this anime.

After finishing watching this sequel series of the original Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere, I took a deep breath. A breath of refreshment. A breath of coolness. A breath of that feeling of “what the fuck did I just watch”. But what I got from this series is what I expected. Yes, that's right. Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere II is one of those series that I found so bad that it's that damn good. Like season 1, this sequel takes place in a fantasy world, a world of politics, war, and excitement. The cast is still there with Tori who plays the usualfool. He's the guy who is naked nearly the entire series but finds himself at ease especially with his friends and the person he cares about the most, Horizon. But let's not forget the other characters in the series. Take for example, Tenzou Crossunite, the guy with the strange hat of a personality. Tenzou has a perverted personality but a heart of gold as he puts his life at risk for the well being of others. He gets a ton of screen time in this sequel and for a big breasted woman that he falls in love with. It's the greatest romance story ever told. Well, that's an exaggeration but it does have its flavors. At any rate, Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere II (also known as Kyoukaisenjou no Horizon II) is the direct sequel of the original series. If you never seen the prequel, then you might get a lot of WTF moments and I mean that literally. Right from the beginning, there is a battle between the main ship's crew and a bunch of baseball player wannabees. The main cast returns to battle against many of these enemies particularly four elites who executes their powers in their own rights. Many characters participates in the thrilling action that results in a dramatic yet entertaining fight. It doesn't really make much sense at times especially with some of the most egoistic speeches coming from some of the cast characters. Yet, I find it entertaining because Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere does what it does best: delivering entertainment. Despite all the humor going around (more than just Tori's nakedness), there is some emotions as well. Tenzou struggles throughout the latter half of the series not only physically but mentally as he attempts to save a woman that he loves. The romance is very peculiar as it's not the usual shoujo type or the “love at first sight” but rather based on mutual respect, affection, and a sprout that bloomed into love. The other characters that are part of the cast seems to be everywhere. Some of them doing the battles, others finding time to regroup, while a certain individual questions about the meaning of “sex”. Speaking of which, the female characters retain their appealing designs with those melon-sized boobs and mechanical structures. The unusual designs of the maid costumes, military uniforms, and some of the nakedness are presented throughout the series. In fact, Tori is naked nearly every episode except some final moments when he realizes that the show is about to end. The artwork of the series still retains its generic design. It looks like more of the modern computer generated graphics than hand drawn but otherwise looks just so-so. There isn't much to say on the art itself since everything remains the same from the prequel. The science fiction aura that it gives off is there with its architectures, space vehicles, and mecha warfare. The backgrounds still has its natural feeling of the futuristic style courtesy of Horizon. On the other hand, music is what made this series epic. By epic, I mean it's like sound vibrations having sex with your ears. Well, that's a bit exaggerating but it gets the point through. The soundtrack of the prequel and this sequel, Horizon II, presents a catchy score that mixes in techno, emotional, and those action ost you can only listen to in this series. The OP song, "ZONE//ALONE" is executed well that shows many of the montages of the cast of characters and their excitement of lusting for battles. Minori Chihara (Horizon of the Middle of Nowhere I, Busou Shinki, Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu) performs the opening song once again that presents some thrilling sound vibes. All in all, Horizon II is one of the strangest series I've ever seen such like the original. It gave me more of those “wtf” moments than nearly every show that I've watched so far this year. And by “what the fuck”, there is no question mark to it because the reaction is exciting. The flaw I do see in Horizon and this sequel is that perhaps the story is a bit too blend, nonexistent, and just thrown into pieces scattered across...everywhere. The story is naked (blend) like Tori and still “in the middle of nowhere” that has a weak exposition. If you can ignore that part though, this sequel is an exciting watch especially those looking for an action packed adventure.

"Why is her butt so round?" Man has pondered this question since the dawn of the First Age. As we look upon the history of earth - whether it be during the construction of the pyramids, the French Revolution, or the day skin tight spandex was invented; the answer to this question has been sought. Thousands of years into the future, when humanity has fallen from the heavens, this very question will be answered. "Who cares? Lets make her my girlfriend." Backed with his army of loyal friends, Tenzo Crossunite embarks on a journey to obtain a Big Busty Blonde of his very own. Story The belovedninja takes center stage this season as he attempts to woo a certain well-endowed English woman while Musashi simultaneously defends England from an invasion by the Spanish Armada. The overarching plot is still present as Horizon and Toori continue to pursue the automotons scattered emotions, but though it is present, Tenzo's antics greatly overshadow it. The setting is infinite, the romance is touching, the story is interesting ( if not cliche), what more could you ask for? Oh wait, that's right... Art The first season of Horizon bore a seed. Not just any seed. It was the Money Tree Seed, which blessed Sunrise with unlimited cash. Where did this cash go? It went into crafting this wonderfully animated sequel. From fanservice to fightservice, everything in season two is well animated, choreographed, and directed, leaving nothing to be desired. Unless you dislike the art style and design in general. And to those who dislike those skin-tight tight body suits and balloon chests I say - I respect your opinions but they are wrong. If you're going to hate though, I'm sure you can hate on the... Sound Wait what? The music of Horizon is exceedingly fitting and filled with a kaleidoscope of variety? Well shit. I can't really complain about the up-beat and carefree flutes accompanying the daily lives of Musashi's student council, nor can I jeer at the soft-tempo'd yet emotionally rending melodies setting the mood for romance. Hell, I could say I actually liked the determination felt as Ketsui wo Himete paced alongside the rising action, and the euphoria I felt as the song resonated in tune with the climax of the episode. The ONLY tracks I could say that underwhelmed me were the English themed ones. Yet with this minor gripe in mind I can personally guarantee the OST will save you from anything. Characters When you have a pervert whose sadness will be the death of him, a ninja who's emotions are depicted by his hat, a mechanically armored half dragon eroge enthusiast, an all knowing erotic dancer, and a flat chested werewolf it's hard to keep the other 300 members of the cast interesting. Wait, shit. They're ALL that interesting. Whether it's our lovable protagonists, or the equally lovable antagonists, care is taken to show both sides of the story. You could hardly call the antagonists villains if they didn't oppose the main cast for the sake of history recreation. Honestly in the Horizonverse the main cast are kind of the bad guys. What with the whole "Conquering the world" thing Toori's got going on. Enjoyment Something of this level isn't churned out mechanically. Great care and detail is put into crafting every scene perfectly. Laugh worthy comedy, magnificently choreographed conflicts, beautifully integrated music, and compelling characters are thrown into a vast and detailed world to pursue their own goals. And you know what? I enjoyed every fucking second of it. Why exactly is it again that her butt is so round? I forgot because everything else in the series was too mind-blowing.

[This is my first review, please go easy on me] This is a review of the two seasons of Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon, which I will abbreviate with "Horizon" from now on. I decided to treat both seasons as one, as the producers immediately anounced a sequel after the first season was over and it leaves with a cliffhanger. So let´s dive right into the story of "Horizon" Story - 3 From what I understand, this anime is based on a light novel series where each novel consists of more than 1000 pages and there´s eleven of them up to this point. So it comes as nosurprise, this story could only end up in a mess. I don´t really know which parts of the light novel got incorporated into the anime and I don´t know if the story makes more sense in the light novels. All I can say is that the story in the anime itself is a convoluded mess. Most of the time you will be struggling to remember all kinds of different terminologies and names. I had to stop several times just to catch my breath and trying to understand what´s going on. The whole story about reenacting the world´s history, the students on the ship Musashi trying to regain the emotions of Horizon (the character Horizon) and preventing some sort of apocalypse does sound interesting, but none of them are really explained very well and will leave you with a big questionmark on top of your head. Everything just seems kind of random and pops out of nowhere, haha. Get it? The title of the anime translates to "Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere" and that just sums it all up. You literally feel like this story is getting nowhere as there are far too many different plot lines that are loosely connected to each other and often don´t really make any sense. I can at least say that the story of the anime pretty much sucks, but I will hold my horses for the light novel series. Maybe it made sense there, but it´s definitely not true for the animated version. Art - 7 I think this is the only real redeeming quality this anime has. I thought the animation was pretty decent in the action scenes and the scenery looks pretty good. So the visuals definitely make watching the anime a bit easier. Sound - 5 Not much to say here. I found the OP songs were pretty forgettable and most of the BGM tracks didn´t really leave an impression on me. But I have to say the ED songs were beautiful. Music always depends on your own tastes, so if you did like all of the music tracks in the anime, no hard feelings. Characters - 2 OMG! Never ever have I seen an anime with a lead character this annoying as Aoi Tori in "Horizon". I felt something was wrong, like he didn´t really belong to this anime. He is just a huge goofball with a playful and perverted nature that will soon get on the nerves of any sane person. I couldn´t comprehend how this was our main character, the one you are supposed to cheer for all the way. Most of the time he goes around with this big smile on his face that just makes me want to punch him and in the second season he runs around stark naked for the most part. Yes, you heard right! I didn´t understand this, like was there any reason for him to do this? Did he lose a bet? I don´t care if he is meant to be a pervert, most of the perverted characters I´ve seen in other animes seem fairly normal in comparison to him. And while he manages to be somewhat helpful to his friends at the end of season one, he is considerably downplayed in the second season, which isn´t really as bad as ist sounds. This leads us to the other characters, but to be honest, there´s really litte to tell about them. Just that there is a lot of them. While the main character is fairly easy to remember just because he is him, you will find yourself scratching your head looking at the other characters. Very rarely will you get background information about them, e.g. for the main character´s sister Kimi and the automated doll Horizon, but most of the other characterst just have one or two personality traits, which is supposed to count as full characters. I think for the sake of this anime, it would have been a good idea to just leave some of them out. For example this curry-throwing Indian guy and this slime dude. They have no purpose whatsoever. But if you are a huge sucker for boobs then this is for you. Most of the female characters wear skin-tight jump suits or revealing costumes to entertain you. But it does leaves you wondering, is there some kind of drug in the atmosphere that makes your breasts grow faster? Characters with flat chests are really limited and middle-sized breasts seem to be nearly extinct as most of the female cast has ridiculously huge breasts. Not that I am really complaining, but it does get kinda absurd to the end. But aside from that, there are some pretty forgettable characters. How about this guy who is supposedly a crown prince or whatever and this girl in a wheel chair, who happen to care for a ghost girl, which appears in the middle of the first season. Except for a few comedic moments the crown prince later starts off, all three of them don´t have anything to do with the story. In fact, the girl in the wheel chair doesn´t seem to even leave her room. What´s the point of that? I could point out numerous other problems with this show´s characters, but I will leave it at that. The thing is, we have this complex story line to cope with and then the anime throws all these characters at us, most of them with little to no impact on the story. I liked some of them, but mostly because of their "two features" and not really because of their personality. And if everything you have to offer with your characters are their big busts, then this is truly dreadful. Enjoyment - 5 It may seem like I didn´t enjoy this flick, which is not the case. Even though the story and the characters are lacking in every aspect, it does leave you wishing to know what will happen to them. The anime doesn´t develop a connection with the characters, which is a big mistake for any kind of story in my opinion, but if you are like me (the kind of person that just automatically forms a bond with the main cast, just because you want to see the "good" guys win over the "bad" guys), you will watch till the end. The anime lacks the tension and suspense necessary for it to truly enjoy it, but it´s not that bad either. Overall - 4 At the end you will be left with a mixed opinion about this show. Even though it fails at so many aspects, it does leave you with the feeling you want to see more even if it´s just to see if everything makes sense at the end. I think the main problem lies in the convoluded story and the big character cast. I think it´s nearly impossible to adapt a series of light novels into a 26-episode anime, if there is so much material to work with. For the animated version, you should have chosen either more story and less characters or vice versa, but not both of them. Maybe it´s just me, but it takes the fun out of it for me, if I have to look everything up when I don´t understand something. Maybe the story did make sense, but it doesn´t change the fact that it is poorly told and has uninteresting characters.

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