The appeal and evaluation of Arpegio of Blue Steel -Ars Nova-: New possibilities for maritime science fiction

The appeal and evaluation of "Arpeggio of Blue Steel -Ars Nova-"

Overview

Arpeggio of Blue Steel -Ars Nova- is a TV anime series based on the manga by Ark Performance. It aired for 12 episodes on Mainichi Broadcasting System from October 8 to December 24, 2013. It is directed by Seiji Kishi, assistant director is Kodai Kakimoto, animated by Sanzigen, and produced by Arpeggio Partners (FlyingDog, Ultra Super Pictures, Sammy, Clockworks, Sotsu, Shogate, Shonen Gahosha). Copyright belongs to Ark Performance/Shonen Gahosha/Arpeggio Partners.

story

The setting of "Arpeggio of Blue Steel -Ars Nova-" is the near future Earth, where a mysterious fleet called the "Fleet of Fog" suddenly appears and becomes hostile to humanity. This fleet has capabilities far beyond the scientific and technological capabilities of humanity, dominating the oceans and driving humanity to land. The story begins when Gunzo Chihaya, a high school student living in this environment, encounters the submarine "I-401", one of the ships of the Fleet of Fog, and becomes its captain.

As the captain of the I-401, Chihaya fights against the Fleet of Fog while also exploring the true purpose of the Fleet of Fog and the meaning of their own existence. The story progresses with a mix of battle and human drama, drawing viewers in.

character

The game features many unique and attractive characters. Below are some of the main characters.

• Chihaya Gunzo : The protagonist. Although he is a high school student, he will fight as the captain of the "I-401", one of the ships in the Fleet of Fog. He has a calm and rational personality, but he also cares for his comrades.
• I-401 : A submarine of the Fleet of Fog. Chihaya's partner, she fights according to her orders. She is portrayed as a character who has both the calmness of an AI and human-like emotions.
• Takao : A heavy cruiser in the Fleet of Fog. He fights alongside Chihaya and I-401. He has high combat abilities and is very loyal, but sometimes shows human-like emotions.
• Haruna : A battleship of the Fleet of Fog. She often acts together with Takao and is like an older sister to her. She has very high combat abilities and is calm in her judgment.
• Kirishima : A battleship of the Fleet of Fog. She is like a younger sister to Haruna and often acts together with her. She has high combat abilities and cares for her comrades.

Animation and performance

The animation for this work is 3DCG animation by Sanzigen. 3DCG animation can realistically depict battle scenes set in the ocean, giving it a visual impact. In addition, the character movements and expressions are drawn in detail, allowing for a rich range of emotional expression.

In terms of direction, the show has been praised for the intensity of the battle scenes and the delicacy of the scenes depicting the characters' feelings. In particular, the scenes depicting the relationship between Chihaya and I-401 have captured the hearts of viewers. Additionally, the scenes depicting the mystery of the Fleet of Fog and the future of humanity also serve as elements that make viewers think.

music

The music for this work was composed by Koji Takanashi. The opening theme "SAVIOR OF SONG" is sung by TRIGGER, and its powerful melody and lyrics are impressive. The ending theme "BLUE FIELD" is sung by Eir Aoi, and its beautiful melody and lyrics will soothe the hearts of viewers. The background music also enhances the tension of the battle scenes and the emotions of the scenes depicting the characters' feelings.

Evaluation and Impressions

"Arpeggio of Blue Steel -Ars Nova-" has attracted many viewers with its beautiful images that make full use of 3DCG animation technology, its attractive characters, and its deep story. In particular, the relationship between Chihaya and I-401 and the story that explores the mystery of the Fleet of Fog serve as elements that make viewers think. In addition, the intensity of the battle scenes and the delicacy of the scenes that depict the characters' feelings have also been praised.

However, some viewers said that the storyline was a bit complicated and difficult to follow. Also, because 3DCG animation technology is still in its infancy, some viewers felt that the characters' movements and expressions looked strange. Nevertheless, the series was loved by many viewers, and sequels and film adaptations were made.

Recommended points

"Arpeggio of Blue Steel -Ars Nova-" is a work that is attractive for its beautiful images that make full use of 3DCG animation technology, its attractive characters, and its deep story. In particular, the powerful battle scenes set in the ocean and the scenes depicting the relationship between Chihaya and I-401 capture the hearts of viewers. In addition, the story that depicts the mystery of the Fleet of Fog and the future of humanity function as elements that make viewers think.

This work is recommended for viewers who like science fiction and action anime, viewers who are interested in 3DCG animation technology, and viewers who want to enjoy scenes that depict deep stories and characters' feelings.

Related Titles

The following works are related to "Arpeggio of Blue Steel -Ars Nova-".

• "Arpeggio of Blue Steel -Ars Nova- DC" : A sequel to this work, the OVA series. A total of four episodes were released between January 31, 2015 and June 22, 2016.
• "Arpeggio of Blue Steel -Ars Nova- Cadenza" : The film version of this work. It was released on October 3, 2015.
• "Arpeggio of Blue Steel -Ars Nova-" Comic : The manga on which the series is based. It is illustrated by Ark Performance and published by Shonen Gahosha.

summary

"Arpeggio of Blue Steel -Ars Nova-" is a work that is attractive for its beautiful images that make full use of 3DCG animation technology, its attractive characters, and its deep story. In particular, the powerful battle scenes set in the ocean and the scenes depicting the relationship between Chihaya and I-401 capture the hearts of viewers. In addition, the story depicting the mystery of the Fleet of Fog and the future of humanity serves as elements that make viewers think. This work is recommended for viewers who like science fiction and action anime. It is also recommended for viewers who are interested in 3DCG animation technology. It is also recommended for viewers who want to enjoy deep stories and scenes that depict the characters' feelings.