Date A Live II: Kurumi Star Festival
Synopsis — from MyAnimeList
On the day of the Tanabata festival, Shidou Itsuka happens to meet the eerie Kurumi Tokisaki, who proceeds to ask him out on a date. Although nervous, Shidou accepts the offer. The two spend their time visiting to a planetarium, buying food at the festival, and trying out a mock wedding ceremony. Meanwhile, Shirou's friends—Tooka Yatogami, Yoshino, and Kotori Itsuka—are looking for him, while also enjoying the festival themselves. As Shidou spends the day with Kurumi, he begins to notice an unexpected softer side of her. He knows that Kurumi is infamously called the "Worst Spirit," but the girl standing before him is a gentle soul. However, as the day draws to a close, Shidou finally begins to understand the truth behind it all.
Audience Consensus
This OVA is overwhelmingly praised by fans, especially those who are fond of Kurumi, for its emotional depth and character exploration. While the art quality receives some minor criticism, the narrative impact and the 'What If' scenario for Kurumi are highly celebrated, leaving viewers with strong feelings and a desire for more.
Strengths
- Excellent focus on Kurumi's character, providing depth and emotional impact.
- Emotional resonance and 'feels' generated by the plot twist and ending.
- Strong character development for Kurumi and a positive impact on Shido.
- Well-executed 'fan service' through a compelling 'What If' narrative for Kurumi fans.
- Good voice acting, particularly for Kurumi.
- Effective use of Kurumi's personal theme music.
Weaknesses
- Art quality is noted as dipping compared to previous seasons, with some awkward animations.
- Some plot elements and the twist felt predictable or underdeveloped to some.
- Minor characters (Tohka, Kotori, Yoshino) felt underutilized or served little purpose.
- The OVA's plot doesn't always fit seamlessly with the main series timeline.
- Some viewers found the ending overly tragic or questioned the necessity of such drama.
- The main plot can feel somewhat standard for the series, relying on character depth for interest.