I’m really not much of a Type-Moon fan. I’ll give the studio credit for finding success, but as far as their works are concerned, I’ve never been all that impressed.

And while I understand Type-Moon’s popularity in Japan, I’m often perplexed by the studio’s apparent popularity here in North America. Let’s be honest: how many non-Japanese Type-Moon fanboys have actually played the studio’s games? And, of those who have, how many actually understood what the hell was going on? After all, unless one’s Japanese reading skills are well developed, even the simplest bishoujo game can be extremely difficult to follow. As for a Type-Moon game? You might as well be reading the manual to the Space Shuttle. In pig latin.

So, for those of us not well-versed in crazy moon language, our acquaintance with Type-Moon is made through its games’ anime adaptations. Do those impress?

Yes and no. The Tsukihime TV series is generally regarded as a disappointment - an attractive disappointment, but a disappointment nonetheless. Despite high hopes, I was far from impressed with how the show turned out. It was almost enough to put me off Type-Moon from there on out. But, it was just a matter of time before Fate/Stay Night (and its associated hype machine) came along, bringing promise of redemption. Obviously, I had to watch. And?

It’s better than Tsukihime, at least.

The show definitely gets things right in the production department. The animation is extremely detailed, and the character designs are easy on the eyes. On the other hand, the action sequences (which are no small part of the show) aren’t particularly flashy. This actually came as a surprise. I suppose it’s less a question of budget and more a matter of direction. Regardless, I expected better than grunting, speed lines, and close-ups - at least in the early episodes.

Kenji Kawai’s score is really something, though, and perhaps my favorite element of the show thus far. I especially enjoy his take on the OP, which gets the old school fan within me crying tears of joy. And, thankfully, the voice acting thus far is superb. They really pulled together a talented cast. It’s worth noting, however, that I only hear Asa-sempai when Fujimura-sensei opens her mouth. I can’t shake it.

As for the story? Well, it’s Type-Moon. In other words, it’s ten times more complicated than it needs to be. And, unfortunately, the pacing is clunky to match. It’s nowhere near as dull as Tsukihime, that’s for sure, but it’s still a chore to watch in spots. I’m not expecting wall-to-wall action, mind you (that would probably be worse, actually), but when the story is so dense that the first few episodes are half exposition, you’ve got a problem. I suspect I’ll enjoy the show more once it settles into a groove. For the time being, however, I watch with bemused detachment.

Still, it’s all good. Rin is hot, after all.