"EX-ARM" Review and Impressions: A disappointing sci-fi action anime

EX-ARM - A story of future technology and the human spirit

overview

"EX-ARM" is a TV anime series based on the original manga by HiRock and Shinya Komi. It aired on TOKYO MX and BS Fuji from January 11 to March 29, 2021. It consists of 12 episodes, each 30 minutes long, directed by Yoshikatsu Kimura and animated by Visual Flight. Copyright belongs to Shinya Komi, HiRock, Shueisha, and the "EX-ARM" Production Committee.

story

"EX-ARM" is set in Tokyo in 2014. The protagonist, Natsume Ryo, dies in a traffic accident, but his soul merges with an AI and is resurrected as a new being called EX-ARM. EX-ARM is a combat system that utilizes futuristic technology, and Ryo will use its power to fight against the terrorist group "Alchemist" that threatens the world.

The story depicts Ryo gaining a new body and new abilities and fighting alongside his allies. Through his interactions with his partner Miu Sakakibara and other EX-ARM users, the story makes you think deeply about the relationship between humans and technology and the value of the soul.

character

Ryo Natsume

The protagonist. After dying in a traffic accident, he is resurrected as EX-ARM. As a new being fused with AI, he fights against terrorist groups.

Miu Sakakibara

Ryo's partner. A skilled hacker, he acts as Ryo's support.

Alchemist

A terrorist group that threatens the world. They misuse EX-ARM technology to carry out destructive activities.

Animation and visuals

The animation for "EX-ARM" was produced by Visual Flight and makes extensive use of CG to depict futuristic technology. EX-ARM's battle scenes in particular are notable for their fluid movements and realistic depictions. However, some viewers have commented that the texture of the CG and the facial expressions of the characters seem unnatural.

In terms of visuals, the depiction of the futuristic city and the design of the EX-ARM are impressive. The design of the EX-ARM in particular faithfully reproduces the image of the original work while adding the anime's own unique interpretation. The background art is also beautiful, enhancing the futuristic worldview.

Music and Sound

The opening theme "Mirai no Yume" and the ending theme "Promised Place" were used. The opening theme is an up-tempo song that gives a sense of hope for the future, while the ending theme is a melancholic song that reflects the feelings of the characters. The background music is also used effectively to match the battle scenes and dramatic scenes.

In terms of sound, the combat sounds of EX-ARM and the environmental sounds of a futuristic city are realistically reproduced, and combined with the visual images, they draw the viewer into the world of the story.

Evaluation and Impressions

"EX-ARM" has attracted the attention of many viewers as a work that depicts the relationship between future technology and the human soul. In particular, the setting in which the main character Ryo merges with AI and is reborn as a new being was fresh and fascinating for science fiction fans. In addition, the battle scenes of EX-ARM and the depiction of the futuristic city are also impressive and provide visual enjoyment.

However, some viewers commented that the texture of the CG and the facial expressions of the characters looked unnatural. Some also felt that the story development was a bit predictable. Overall, however, the film has been well received as a work that depicts the relationship between futuristic technology and the human soul.

Recommendations and related works

For viewers who enjoyed "EX-ARM," we also recommend the following works:

• "PSYCHO-PASS" - A work depicting future technology and human ethics. It depicts the story of people living in a surveillance society.
• Ghost in the Shell - A work depicting the fusion of human consciousness and AI. The main character, Motoko Kusanagi, fights against cyber terrorism.
• Digimon Adventure - A story about the friendship between children and digital monsters, and the relationship between the digital world and the real world.

Conclusion

"EX-ARM" has attracted the attention of many viewers as a work that depicts the relationship between future technology and the human soul. The setting in which the main character Ryo merges with AI and is reborn as a new being was fresh and appealing to science fiction fans. In addition, the battle scenes of EX-ARM and the depiction of the futuristic city are also impressive and provide visual enjoyment. However, some people have commented that the texture of the CG and the expressions of the characters feel unnatural. Overall, it has received a certain amount of praise as a work that depicts the relationship between future technology and the human soul. Other recommended related works include "PSYCHO-PASS", "Ghost in the Shell", and "Digimon Adventure".