Juni Taisen: Zodiac War

Graphinica Fall 2017
ActionGoreHigh Stakes GameSuspense
6.5
Quality Score
0.14 (Mild Positive)
Audience Mood
6 / 10
Controversy
148,967
MAL Ratings

Synopsis

Every 12 years, mercenaries who possess the highest caliber of brute strength, cunning wit, and deadly precision gather to participate in the Zodiac Tournament. Each warrior bears the name and attributes of one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. With their pride and lives on the line, they engage in vicious combat until only the victor remains. The 12th Zodiac Tournament begins in a desolate city, devoid of any evidence of the half million people who recently lived there. To raise the stakes, each warrior ingests a poisonous gem, thus setting a time limit on the tournament—and on their life. With one wish for the victor up for grabs, the Zodiac Warriors start their cutthroat battle for survival. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Audience Consensus

Juuni Taisen receives mixed reviews. While appreciated for its unique premise, character designs, and occasional fight scenes, the show is heavily criticized for its predictable plot, overuse of flashbacks, and inconsistent animation. Many feel the show had potential but failed to fully capitalize on it, resulting in a disappointing experience for some viewers. Ultimately, audience enjoyment hinges on overlooking these flaws and embracing the show's darker elements.

Strengths

  • Diverse and interesting character designs, making them visually appealing and fun to watch.
  • Well-choreographed fight scenes with fluid action and attention to detail in character designs.
  • Intriguing premise blending action, strategy, and character exploration.

Weaknesses

  • Predictable plot and character deaths due to the show's adherence to the Chinese Zodiac order.
  • Overuse of long flashbacks that take up too much screen time and hinder character development.
  • Inconsistent animation quality, with some episodes having wonky art and sluggish animation.
Available on: Crunchyroll, Netflix (availability varies by region)