Berserk of Gluttony is not particularly revolutionary, but it is a very enjoyably dark fantasy watch that motivated me to go out and purchase the LN after just a few episodes and one of my favourite shows of Fall 2023. What do I mean when I say something is not revolutionary, but still very enjoyable? In simple terms, generic≠bad. Berserk of Gluttony has a lot of the usual fantasy tropes that we see in modern light novels and anime, but those tropes exist for a reason. Because they’re entertaining and when done right, make for a great viewing experience. For me, that’s how I felt aboutthis show. Yea, there’s the rags to riches MC underdog story that we’re used to, the shitty nobles who make life for everyone around them miserable, the dark plot going on behind the scenes, etc. But, it just works well enough for me here. There’s enough of an interesting dynamic between the MC and his weapon, as well as the main female lead and the MC, that makes things pleasant.
What specifically interests me so much in this world is the relationship between weapon and user. In a similar vein as tenken from last year, Fay has a unique bond with his sword wherein by exchanging his stats/levels, he’s able to upgrade his weapon and unlock new forms for it. The sword is able to communicate with Fay and they have a really fun dynamic with a ton of banter. Additionally, as a result of using the sword, Fay becomes “hungry” for souls and has to constantly replenish it. It makes for a unique set up since he has to go out and kill people periodically or risk being consumed by his own skill.
Over time, we see that the skill also affects Fay’s personality. Making him more irritable, forceful, direct etc. I really enjoyed seeing him go from a broke homeless loser for lack of a better phrase, to someone with a purpose and the means to protect himself.
Now, like most fantasy LN adaptations, you can definitely tell quite a lot was cut from this. I mean at several points in the story we legitimately skip what seem to be logical next scenes. Particularly between episodes 10 and 11 where the opening of the episode makes you go “wtf did I miss?”. I also have concerns about potential power creep issues which we began to saw towards the end of this show. Fay gets some power ups seemingly out of nowhere that kind of broke my immersion because they don’t seem to be consistent with the pace we’d established. I’ve heard this is an issue in the LN too, so that might just be a critique of the overall writing.
Cast isn’t too big in this one, but the characters that we do have are all pretty great to me. As I touched on before I’m a big fan of Roxy and Fay’s relationship. To me it feels like what people think Kirito and Asuna’s relationship is. Not to mention the similar designs. Roxy doesn’t feel like a pretty girl who just needs saving either, she’s actually a bad ass character in her own right who stands up for her sense of justice. Unlike many anime, I can actually understand why Fay falls for her. She isn’t just gorgeous, but actually gives him ideals to strive towards and inspires him to be a better person, which was cool to see. If you don’t like cookie cutter fantasy romance stories, I think you’ll enjoy this one.
Now, power creep and cuts aside, my biggest critique of the series is the production. The animation is pretty bad in here which is a shame. I think if it had better animation, several fight scenes would’ve been downright epic. Instead, they ended up looking like PowerPoint presentations. Episode 11 has a really cool scene which is arguably the highlight of the story so far, and they did deliver on that one. So maybe they were saving time and staff for the most important stuff? Regardless, it’s noticeable.
All that aside, I still really liked this show. I’m a sucker for edgy dark fantasy stories and berserk of gluttony is definitely one of the most true to form dark fantasy stories out there. It’s not overwhelmingly edgy though. It’s a genuinely interesting world with some cool concepts and mechanics. I’m very much looking forward to reading it, I’ll miss it.
Berserk of Gluttony gets 8, out of 10
LeLegionIscariot
October 17, 2024
Mixed Feelings
What could have been a dark badass story about a guy cursed with the sin gluttony, who devours the souls of the wicked to quell his hunger, instead spends alot of its time on some lame cringe-worthy "love story" between two very dull uninteresting characters. In fact there are no interesting characters in this. People are either wayyyy too nice, or the bad guys are @ssholes just because we need a cliche group of characters who are jerks to the MC. Its really forced. I was hoping this would be like The Seven Deadly Sins only good...but nope, its not. They both suck. Plot: The main character FateGraphite is cursed with the useless skill of gluttony. Meaning he is always hungry. However turns out he isn't hungry for food, he is hungry for souls. One night he kills a criminal and absorbs his skills.
But now that Fate's skill of gluttony has been activated it cant stop. He needs to keep slaying foes to keep satisfying his hunger. If not his eyes will turn red and he will eventually go on a frenzy and kill indiscriminately until satisfied.
This is actually a great setup.
But instead the anime focuses on this boring romance with a Holy Knight (Lady Roxy) who's only personality is "i want to spread joy". Its just a boring surface level character like every other character in the anime. There is nothing deep about her, so you dont care.
Fate also happens to find an old talking sword in a bargain bin called "Greed"...wow what a contrived coincidence.
This anime doesn't do anything great. Fights are dull. The romance is dull. Characters are dull. Its not deep. Its not funny.
The second half of the season does get better. This is mainly because the two characters are off doing their own things and are separated for a while.
So if you can suffer through the first half you will be rewarded with something a bit better later on.
But not enough to save the anime.
ShShiryuu8
December 23, 2023
Recommended
This is an extremely generic power fantasy that, as others have mentioned, does nothing remarkable. While it does hit all of the cliches, the show stands to be entertaining if you are seeking a mindless show where an overpowered MC does overpowered MC things. Since this is my favorite genre, I thoroughly enjoyed the show since it has everything I want in a fantasy show. If something more complex and beautiful is sought, then this is certainly not the show. But like all shows of this genre, it has a specific audience that will love it. This is not to be watched for groundbreaking animationor storytelling, but generic action and magic that is done entertainingly.
i-i-like-this
December 18, 2023
Not RecommendedFunny
Not Berserk. If you’ve ever felt slightly self-conscious about the name your parents gave you at birth, feel comfort in the fact that it will never be as hilariously stupid as “Fate Graphite”, the main protagonist of Berserk (not that one) of Gluttony, an anime 100% less generational manga than it’s promotional title font tries to emulate to trick weebs into watching it, and 100% more *sigh* light novel garbage. Fate is one of those born with a deadly sin. The sin of Gluttony leaves Fate in a constant state of hunger, always eating but never satiated. It's not until one night when his hunger takesover and he eats a man who tries to kill him that he suddenly feels full. After discovering this pleasure and satisfaction he goes out into the world, eating monsters and the corrupt holy knights who oppress the people, absorbing their powers after every meal. Nevertheless, he must live amongst the populous and alongside his childhood friend, Roxy, ever fearful that his hunger might take over and he’ll eat her.
What a cool premise for a story. Shame that I made 70% of it up and it is actually another *sigh* light novel medieval European fantasy anime with a world that operates on RPG video game logic with skills, levels and states none of which matter because the protagonist is always the strongest motherfucker in the room despite always being level 1. Fate may have the skill of Gluttony which leaves him in a state of hunger but he doesn’t satiate it by eating. He just has to kill monsters or the people who bully him. He then takes their states and abilities, some of which are super useful -like telepathy when touching someone- that the show will completely forget about.
The cast is just as vapid as the world-building. Greed the sword and Myne the carrier of the skill of Wrath are pretty much one-note for the entire season. The introduction of Eris the carrier of the skill of Lust could’ve made an interesting villain if the story knew what her motivations are.
His love interest Roxy is the only holy knight who isn’t corrupt, bullies Fate and the peasants in a cartoonishly evil manner and even has romantic feelings for Fate for some reason…
Despite this story possibly being an outlet for the author to get back at his past bullies whilst getting the girl, I will admit something is entertaining about this show that keeps you watching. The tension of Fate's Gluttony going berserk is there in the first couple of episodes, but if you’re looking for a show where consequences matter this won't be for you. It would be more accurate to call the show Mild of Gluttony. Honestly, I should've dropped the show around episode 7.
Berserk of Gluttony is not a good show. Mediocre art and animation, basic and braindead storytelling and characters, and a male power fantasy made to make you feel like you’re beating up your bullies. Whilst it is entertaining if you completely turn your brain off, this is the kind of show for that teenager in the trench coat who goes up to his crush and warns her not to come to school tomorrow.
3/10 Wasted Potential.
