The World Ends With You The Animation: A Must-See Anime Experience

The World Ends with You The Animation: An epic journey from games to anime

"The World Ends with You The Animation" is a TV anime series based on the popular game "The World Ends with You It's a Wonderful World" by Square Enix. A total of 12 episodes were broadcast on the TBS network from April 10 to June 26, 2021. This work, which entertained viewers in a 30-minute slot starting at 1:25 a.m. every week, has been highly praised not only by game fans but also by anime fans.

The appeal of the original game

"The World Ends With You: It's a Wonderful World" is an action RPG released for the Nintendo DS in 2007. Players join the protagonist Neku in challenging the mysterious phenomenon known as the "Reaper's Game" in the city of Shibuya. The game has gained many fans thanks to its unique world view and storytelling, as well as its innovative touch-based battle system. In particular, the realistic depiction of Shibuya and the battle scenes linked to the music left a strong impression on players.

Background of the anime and production team

This anime project was long-awaited by fans of the original game. It was directed by DOMERICA's Ichikawa Ryoya. Animation was handled by DOMERICA and SHIN-EI ANIMATION, who faithfully reproduced the worldview of the original while successfully adding unique expressions that are unique to anime. Copyright is shared between Square Enix, The World Ends with You Production Committee, and MBS.

Story and Characters

The story of the anime version is told from a new perspective while retaining the essence of the original game. The main character, Neku, is a high school student who gets caught up in the Reaper's Game, and as he and his friends clear the game, he begins to find the meaning of his own existence. The anime depicts Neku's inner conflict and growth in greater depth, which has resonated strongly with viewers.

The main characters include Shiki, Neku's partner, Beat and Lime, participants in the Reaper's Game, and Konjo, the game's administrator. The worries and dreams of each character are carefully depicted, deeply moving viewers. Also, the placement of characters is well thought out, with Joshua, who was a minor character in the original game, playing an important role in the anime.

Evaluation and appeal of anime

"The World Ends with You The Animation" received high praise from fans of the original game. In particular, the visuals that faithfully reproduced the worldview of the original and the use of music were highly praised. The anime also used many new songs that were arrangements of the original game's background music, which had the effect of evoking emotions in the viewers. Furthermore, fans of the original game could enjoy the work as a combination of nostalgia and freshness.

On the other hand, the anime's original story and character development were also highly praised. In particular, the episode depicting Neku's inner conflict and growth left a strong impression on viewers. In addition, the careful explanation of the rules and background of the Reaper's Game made it enjoyable even for viewers who are unfamiliar with the original game.

Animation production techniques

The animation's production techniques were also highly praised. In particular, the realistic reproduction of Shibuya's streetscape and the dynamic direction of the battle scenes drew attention. The production team faced the challenge of how to express the original game's touch-based battle system in the anime, and they solved it with skillful direction. The battle scenes, linked to music, were an impressive reproduction for fans of the original game.

The anime was based on the character designs from the original game, but also incorporated original designs. In particular, the characters' expressions and movements were carefully crafted to successfully evoke emotions in the viewers. This is a work that highlights the technical capabilities of DOMERICA and SHIN-EI ANIMATION, the animation production team.

Audience reactions and impact

"The World Ends with You The Animation" was highly praised not only by fans of the original game, but also by anime fans. In particular, Neku's growth and the relationships between the characters sparked heated discussions on social media. Viewers who were not familiar with the original game also praised the interesting story and the appeal of the characters.

The success of this anime also influenced the release of the remake of the original game, "The World Ends with You: It's a Wonderful World Final Remix." The remake, released after the anime aired, was a huge commercial success, attracting not only fans of the original game, but also new fans who had seen the anime.

Recommendations and Future Outlook

"The World Ends with You The Animation" was an emotional reunion for fans of the original game and a new discovery for anime fans. It was loved by many viewers for its depth of story, charm of characters, and high production quality.

Looking ahead, the production of sequels and spin-off works is expected. In particular, viewers have voiced their desire to see works that delve deeper into the world of the Reapers Game and stories that focus on new characters. There is also hope for the release of sequels and remakes of the original game, and attention is focused on Square Enix's future moves.

"The World Ends with You The Animation" is a work that shows new possibilities in the fusion of games and anime, and has deeply moved and sympathized with viewers. Fans of the original game, anime fans, and new fans alike will all enjoy this work. Please give it a watch.