Information:
Other Names: Chivalry of a Failed Knight, Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan, A Tale of Worst One & 落第騎士の英雄譚《キャバルリィ》
Studio: Sliver Link & Nexus
Writer: Shogo Yasukawa
Director: Jin Tamamura & Shin Ōnuma
Music: Kōtarō Nakagawa
Type: Light Novel Adaptation, TV Series
Length: 12 episodes, 23 min per episode approx.
Genres: Action, Ecchi, Fantasy, Romance, School
Rating: PG-13
Air Dates: 3rd October 2015 -
Alternate Recommendations: Absolute Duo & Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei
Synopsis:
The "school sword action" story revolves around Magic Knights, modern magic-users who fight with weapons converted from their souls. Ikki Kurogane goes to a school for these Magic Knights, but he is the "Failed Knight" or "Worst One" who is failing because he has no magical skills. However, one day, he is challenged to a duel by Stella, a foreign princess and the "Number One" student. In this duel, "the loser must be obedient for life." (Source: MAL)
Review
Rakudai, is it an Absolute Duo rip off or does it take the concept and make it better?
Well let me tell you Rakudai, takes that concept and shoots for the stars with it, though the premise may be the same: high-school students that fight each other in tournaments using blades formed from their hearts, the rest of setting is completely different and far superior having a much better plot that is well thought out, having various twists and turns that are unexpected though the ending of series was a complete cliff-hanger and left you wanting more, but as of at the moment no second season has been scheduled which is a let-down.
An interesting point that I will note about this anime, it's not a harem but instead a romance which is extremely refreshing as there is really only one love interest and then one other person but the feelings never get across for the latter, the series is still prone to its occasional ecchi moments but I felt that they didn't ruin the anime as much as they could have done.
While we're on the topic of things that ruined, I found the art style used to be a disappointment, it just didn't fit with the show well but the overall art itself was good, especially in when it comes to using colours which becomes more prominent as the series draws to a close sadly but it also used well in the opening animation which I must say is one of my favourites of the year due to great presentation and evolution as the series goes through different arcs, as well as a great song choice that fits the tone of the show well, which can be said of the soundtrack as well.
Though on the other hand the ending not as desired, as while the song is good the animation used is boring and nothing worthwhile which is unlike the rest of the animation as that is fairly good and has great flow during fight sequences.
But getting back on track as said before the plot is broken down into a few arcs with each centring around a girl usually but the meat that comes out is the development of the two main characters Ikki and Stella through each arc whether it be emotional or romantic development, as each arc tests the two characters to change and evolve, which I found to be a breath of fresh air and be highly exhilarating.
Next and finally the characters, who are very likeable and have great designs with exception to Stella who is a girl who uses fire and has red hair, yeah how original, but aside from this the rest are great, one in particular I like was Alice, who had an interesting personality and the design of the things they wore was great and fit them well. The development for the characters was also well crafted, mainly in the main two characters as other rest of cast barely get any with Shizaku getting the most but not much, though in the case of supporting characters their personalities are what shine best, though some are a bit boring but most of the main ones have great back story that levels them out.
In conclusion, I would recommend this if you want a good romance or action series, watch this. But to others who want a more story driven anime I'd give this one a miss.
Final Score:
Story/Setting: 7.5
Characters: 7.9Animation/Art: 8.1
Sound: 8.2
Final Score: 8.2/10
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