Unveiling the Truth: The Controversial Phenomenon of KamiErabi GODapp!

Highlights

KamiErabi GOD.app is a low-rated anime with big names attached to it, making the negative reception surprising.

The story is engaging, featuring captivating elements of mystery and secrecy. However, the execution is weakened by inadequate storytelling.

The visuals and direction in the anime lack consistency, hampering the impact of key moments and resulting in an overall mediocre experience.

Warning: The following text contains spoilers for the first episode of KamiErabi GOD.app, titled "Unnoticed by Anyone, in the Place of Which Everyone Dreams," which is currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

KamiErabi GOD.app has garnered the least favorable ratings among anime releases this season. Typically, a show like this wouldn't pique much interest in understanding the reasons behind its poor reception. However, the involvement of renowned individuals in its creation, such as Yoko Taro (known for Drakengard and NieR: Automata), adds an unexpected element to the negative feedback.

Story vs Storytelling

: KamiErabi is helmed by Hiroyuki Seshita, the mastermind behind several of Polygon Pictures' renowned hits, such as Ajin and Knights of Sidonia, as well as the Godzilla trilogy. This extraordinary series is penned by JIN, a skilled sound producer and the creator of Mekakucity Actors, incorporating a captivating concept conceived by Yoko Taro. Additionally, the fascinating character designs are meticulously crafted by Atsushi Okubo, the brilliant mind behind Soul Eater and Fire Force.

KamiErabi offers a comical and outrageous twist to the death game genre as it follows the journey of Goro Ono, a young man who unexpectedly receives a peculiar app on his phone informing him that he has been singled out. Fascinatingly, his personal and risqué desire is miraculously fulfilled the very next day, unravelling the truth that he has been chosen as a contender in a deadly game with the goal of becoming God.

The premise lacks originality and seems like a "new-age" version of Mirai Nikki. However, in the death game genre, it's the small details that make new stories unique. KamiErabi's tone greatly benefits the story, from Goro's irreverent opening monologue that criticizes the plot, to the crude yet casual dialogue that contrasts with the exaggerated designs. Whether for better or worse, it captivates the viewer.

Many viewers start their reviews by acknowledging the show's fascinating ideas. Goro possesses a strong power that manipulates the world's karma to ensure his victory. However, to win, he must make his life extremely difficult by altering people's perceptions and interactions with him. This simple give-and-take concept adds a potential mix of triumph and tragedy, making it compelling.

Additionally, numerous seeds are planted early on, indicating that the viewer is being kept in the dark, not only about the other characters but also about Goro himself. The subtle indications of his mental health issues create a captivating sense of curiosity about his past and the secrets he is concealing. In interviews, the creative team describe the narrative as an "Obsession Battle Royale," with the focus on people's deepest secrets, known only to God.

However, it is important to note that many reviews that acknowledge these elements do so selectively. Labeling a story as having good ideas implies that the execution falls short, and unfortunately, that is the case here. It is vital to distinguish between the story itself and the way it is told. A compelling story can be hindered by poor storytelling, just as a weak story can be elevated through clever narrative techniques.

It’s Not Because of the CGI (But It Also Is)

This concept holds true for all aspects of filmmaking, but it particularly resonates in animation, where meticulous attention is given to every single frame. The fusion of lines, visuals, music, and directing in animating a story holds just as much significance as the dialogue in a script. While KamiErabi's narrative sparks some curiosity, its effectiveness is hindered by its subpar visuals and direction.

In recent times, there has been an increasing tendency to defend anime shows that receive criticism solely because they are rendered in 3D animation. It is a fact that anime studios faced challenges in effectively incorporating CGI, particularly when animating characters, for a considerable period. However, it is also undeniable that the industry has progressed significantly and has become more adept at producing high-quality 3D animations. Studios like Orange serve as solid proof of this advancement.

KamiErabi doesn't suffer solely from being in 3D, but rather because it seems to have ignored lessons from past mistakes, resulting in many familiar issues. One major problem is the stiff and awkward character posing, as it tries to imitate the dynamic nature of 2D anime.

However, there are moments when the character animation becomes incredibly expressive, almost mesmerizing. The key lies in maintaining consistency throughout. On a positive note, the color design and lighting are fairly decent, particularly during the intense battle scenes. As sunlight fades, the shadows envelop the surroundings, making each character's individual color stand out even more. Additionally, the background art is quite impressive.

Okubo’s character designs in Fire Force, particularly Akitsu's mischievous expression and sharp teeth, resemble those of other characters in the show. However, the strange Chippendales-style school uniforms that the characters wear seem out of place and detract from their coolness. The series' key artwork is intriguing, but it seems like these designs could benefit from a different visual style, which doesn't necessarily have to be 2D.

Surprisingly, the average visual quality of the show comes from a director who was previously associated with Polygon Pictures, a studio known for its pioneering work in CGI anime. When shows like Knights of Sidonia and Ajin first premiered, many people criticized the animation. However, credit should be given to the studio for their improvement over the years. It is perplexing to witness a show that appears so plain, especially coming from a studio that was supposedly established to push boundaries in animation.

The directing of the visuals poses as a hindrance to capturing moments that are intended to captivate the viewer in the story. An example of this is evident at the conclusion of Episode 1, where Goro's karma is twisted, resulting in his mother developing alcoholism and him being labeled as a pervert. However, even by the end of Episode 2, it remains unclear what actions Goro undertook to deserve such treatment. The consequences of his wishes are acknowledged, yet they lack significant impact.

While KamiErabi GOD.app may receive excessive praise, it is also subject to valid criticism. Despite its intriguing concepts, they fail to salvage the overall experience, and the flaws within the creation should not be grounds for attacking its creators. In all honesty, it can be deemed as average, and during a time when only truly extraordinary works are embraced to validate 3D anime, being labeled as "mediocre" is practically a fatal blow.

Source: Anime News Network