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If you've read one dungeon outbreak novel, you've read them all and Solo Leveling does not escape that fate. It's definitely a good intro to the subgenre, but it doesn't do anything aside from animation particularly well. The system is just a package to deliver things right on time, and it does fail the systematic nature needed to be a good litrpg. The characters feel a little shallow and don't get too much focus, but they aren't irritatingly one dimensional. However even without a special spark, nothing is lacking, so if you're not familiar with this sort of story, you can start here.

I've got to take the time to give this at least one positive review, since the other guy has misunderstood it. No, it is not a perfect 1:1 recreation of D&D. It takes a bit from 5e and a bit from 3e, it has faith bonuses more reminiscent of roguelikes. It has some things that definitely look like house rules, albeit extraordinarily reasonable ones. We aren't presented with a rulebook, and some of the numbers may be fudged or silly, but none of it is beyond the bounds of common sense. This is the callout portion of the review saying to disregard the other commenter ... who has probably only ever played 5e and doesn't remember half their class features anyway, someone who likes 'the narrative' and made a habit of ignoring mechanics.

And that is where Isekai Munchkin shines. Maybe not the brightest, but it does utilize many combos that fit the vibe. An enlarged octopus octo-wielding daggers each with a different poison? A very sensible TTRPG tactic. It falls short because the author does tend to use these as entertaining gimmicks. The octopus does not become a staple of their fighting style(although it remains as a mascot). Many of the conflicts feel episodic, the lessons and tactics used being unlikely to show up again. Even so, wight level drain scamming, and converting religion for maximum benefit, all have the charming feel of a munchkin very new to the game.

The plot so far is average and decently executed so far. Nothing particularly special, but it stays mostly on task in a fun way. The MC is off to find/save his sister inadvertently gathering more and more evil compatriots along the line. The story stands to gain something by committing a little harder to some of the grim points. Maybe it's because the last few things I've read weren't shy with gore, but it feels a little too clean for a campaign steeped in evil. The shapeshifter was a step in the right tonal direction, so I'm hopeful.

The characters themselves have a little bit of depth, not fleshed out to make them stunning, but they're not simple caricatures. The MC expresses mild hesitation working with 'Evil' to save his sister, but not really that much. The paladin is stubborn in following her code.but willing to bend rules to do good. Yet we don't get a whole lot of characterization outside of what's directly relevant. Very like a wargaming group, but not so great when reading a narrative.

In summation: A worthy gimmick read for TTRPG players, and if the author continues to improve even slightly, the mostly sufficient story and characters will be outright good for anyone to read.

I went into this expecting something a bit above average from the author of Overly Cautious Hero... I can't make it through an episode without pausing several times due to how painful it is to watch. The first few episodes aren't bad, maybe even good. The protagonist is pathetic, but there are clear paths for him to change and improve, his friend IRL seems like a good dude with depth.

But instead we get to watch a dumb fairy interrupt every moment, sabotage every possible thing that could have been good about the show, incoherently flip between 'look at the realism bro' and 'follow this obvious ... game path'. Despite the somewhat nonsensical nature of the game, I still might have given it a 6 or 7, but she personally is responsible for dropping it all the way down to a 4. Her erratic knowledge of the game torpedos any sense of disbelief, her lines ruin any potential comedy, she takes away from screen time the MC might have to develop, and is just insufferable.

Without her there might have been something good to watch. But she is there, so don't bother.

Have you ever seen a story involving star crossed lovers? Vampires? An authoritarian regime? If so, you can skip this, because it was likely executed far better there. A bowl of oatmeal has more personality than this show. The production value is fine, the backgrounds are nice, but I can't bear to give it a 4 because for me I might still recommend a 4 to someone if it's in their wheelhouse. But this show has nothing, its the most formulaic waste of time that make your 2D waifu look like a three dimensional character. There's hardly anything else to insult because so little actually ... happens, a girl and a vampire run around for a bit, and the world makes no sense except as set dressing.

This is more of a vent than a review, spare yourself the trouble and find something else to watch.

It looks nice, but before anything else can be considered, it is absolutely crippled by the amateur fansub that makes machine translations look reliable. The story itself has a few gaps and jumps, which can be partially inferred, but in combination with the lacking translation leads to a lot of points just being meh.

I appreciated the visuals, but the cadence of characters talking to each other and the timing of reactions and such is offputting.

The world itself is quite interesting, a classic case of xianxia/xuanhuan being carried by their setting.

Overall, it's decent if you can handle the poor translation, but I don't think I'll be ... keeping an eye out for any more Exorcist Edward Elric.

An extremely well done piece of art that will be remembered for many years. The story is short, but is an enthralling tale of taking risks and meddling with dark forces to fulfill one's desires. As opposed to many other works, Akuma no Kimuraa-hen has a darker tone and fully embraces the use of demonic summoning and empowerment. The art is likewise captivating, the energy in the picture resonates with the music with what I would call one of the 'most hype' OSTs of the season. Unfortunately, it tried to be a little too experimental with a lack of dialogue which hurt the development of ... the characters. The art and story does help carry them to some extent, but the characters and their personalities are probably the weakest aspect. All in all, this was a highly enjoyable release.