Aldnoah.Zero Part 2
Synopsis
The war between the Terrans and the Vers Empire of Mars has ended, allowing humanity to blissfully enjoy their lives in a time of peace. Nineteen months later, however, the Vers princess makes a shocking public declaration: "the Terrans are a foolish race that covets resources, destroys nature, and are devoted to the pursuit of pleasure." And so, to protect their precious Earth, she calls upon her knights to take up arms, and the raging battle between the two civilizations reignites. Slaine Troyard has found a place among the Martians, giving Earth a short respite from the war against the Vers Empire. However, a peaceful resolution seems inconceivable. The various people who fought desperately for survival in the past now find themselves in the midst of yet another bloody and chaotic conflict, one that will forever alter the fate of humankind. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
The second season of Aldnoah.Zero is overwhelmingly considered a major disappointment, failing to live up to the potential of the first season. Reviewers criticize the nonsensical plot, poor character development, and rushed ending, with some even suggesting skipping the second season entirely. While the soundtrack and some visual elements are appreciated, they are not enough to salvage the overall negative reception.
Strengths
- Soundtrack by Hiroyuki Sawano is well-received, especially the opening themes.
- Some reviewers appreciate the animation quality, particularly during battle scenes.
- A few reviewers found the political scenarios and plot twists engaging.
Weaknesses
- Story is criticized for being predictable, cliché, and illogical.
- Many find the characters, especially Inaho and Slaine, poorly developed or outright ruined.
- Plot holes and inconsistencies are frequently mentioned.
- The ending is widely considered rushed, nonsensical, and unsatisfying.
- Some reviewers feel the art style is inconsistent or that the CGI is poorly integrated.
- Lack of character depth and emotional resonance.
- Over-reliance on Inaho as a 'plot-win button' diminishes tension and stakes.