The Heroic Legend of Arslan

SANZIGEN Spring 2015
ActionAdventureDramaFantasyHistoricalMilitaryShounen
7.6
Quality Score
0.26 (Mild Positive)
Audience Mood
6 / 10
Controversy
174,226
MAL Ratings

Synopsis

The year is 320. Under the rule of the belligerent King Andragoras III, the Kingdom of Pars is at war with the neighboring empire, Lusitania. Though different from his father in many aspects, Arslan, the young prince, sets out to prove his valor on the battlefield for the very first time. However, when the king is betrayed by one of his most trusted officials, the Parsian army is decimated and the capital city of Ecbatana is sieged. With the army in shambles and the Lusitanians out for his head, Arslan is forced to go on the run. With a respected general by his side, Daryun, Arslan soon sets off on a journey in search of allies that will help him take back his home. However, the enemies that the prince faces are far from limited to just those occupying his kingdom. Armies of other kingdoms stand ready to conquer Ecbatana. Moreover, the mastermind behind Lusitania's victory, an enigmatic man hiding behind a silver mask, poses a dangerous threat to Arslan and his company as he possesses a secret that could jeopardize Arslan's right to succession. With the odds stacked against him, Arslan must find the strength and courage to overcome these obstacles, and allies who will help him fight in the journey that will help prepare him for the day he becomes king. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Audience Consensus

Audience opinions on Arslan Senki are mixed. While some appreciate the strategic warfare, character development, and medieval setting, others find the pacing slow, animation inconsistent, and story uninspired. The show is generally considered enjoyable for fans of the genre but falls short of expectations set by the creators' previous works.

Strengths

  • Well-planned battle strategies
  • Intriguing story with revenge and betrayal
  • Good character development, especially Arslan's growth
  • Enjoyable for fans of military affairs and historical settings

Weaknesses

  • Slow pacing in some episodes
  • Inconsistent animation quality
  • Some characters are one-dimensional and lack development
  • Story can feel uninspired, reminiscent of other series
Available on: Hulu (availability varies by region)