Overview of the Work
At the center of the story is the protagonist Tohya Senji, who strives to catch up with his talented brother. One day, a new classmate tells him that he possesses talent in Musashi's swordsmanship, piquing his interest. He then acquires the thieving talents of Goemon Ishikawa. Determined to steal others' abilities with this talent, the story is enveloped in the chaos this brings.
A Story That Derails with Excessive Momentum
To say that the storyline of this anime is 'out of control' would not be an exaggeration. Mid-series, there is a sudden turn of events that overturns the previously established story structure, both surprising and confusing the audience. Furthermore, the intentions of the 'Returners,' who are part of the main characters, are placed at the center of the story but require considerable patience to comprehend.
Problems with Characters and Production
The protagonist, Tohya, often takes unpredictable and illogical actions, which might occasionally entertain viewers, yet other main characters do not capture attention in the same way. With numerous side characters, it becomes difficult for them to make an impression in their brief screen time. Regarding the animation, the backgrounds are particularly disappointing, with an overuse of filter effects.
Music and Voice Acting
The music is not noteworthy enough to leave a lasting impression after viewing. While the Japanese voice cast handles their roles adequately, the English dub seems to focus too much on maintaining accents, resulting in a performance that can appear flat.
Conclusion: Lost Intent and Identity
It feels like 'Petals of Reincarnation' has lost sight of the core of its story in its pursuit of complexity. It attempts to incorporate elements reminiscent of 'Fate/stay night' but fails to grasp the essence of successful works, resulting in a series that feels hollow and devoid of meaning.
