Aria the Scarlet Ammo
Synopsis — from MyAnimeList
In response to the worsening crime rate, Japan creates Tokyo Butei High, an elite academy where "Butei" or armed detectives hone their deadly skills in hopes of becoming mercenary-like agents of justice. One particular Butei is Kinji Tooyama, an anti-social and curt sophomore dropout who was once a student of the combat-centric Assault Division. Kinji now lives a life of leisure studying logistics in order to cover up his powerful but embarrassing special ability. However, his peaceful days soon come to an end when he becomes the target of the infamous "Butei Killer," and runs into an emotional hurricane and outspoken prodigy of the highest rank, Aria Holmes Kanzaki, who saves Kinji's life and demands that he become her partner after seeing what he is truly capable of.
Audience Consensus
Audience reception for Hidan no Aria is highly polarized, with many viewers finding it to be a nonsensical, clichéd, and poorly written harem series. However, a segment of the audience acknowledges its action sequences, comedic moments, and Rie Kugimiya's performance as saving factors. Despite significant flaws, it's sometimes viewed as an enjoyable, if not deep, distraction.
Strengths
- The action sequences and fight choreography are often described as exciting and well-animated.
- The balance between action and comedy is noted as a positive by some viewers.
- Rie Kugimiya's voice acting for Aria is frequently praised, even by critics who dislike the character, highlighting her iconic performance.
- The art and sound design are generally considered decent to good, with some reviewers specifically mentioning good BGM and character fit.
Weaknesses
- The plot is frequently criticized as nonsensical, directionless, overly clichéd, and containing illogical plot twists and character motivations.
- The reliance on historical and fictional character names (Sherlock Holmes, Dracula, etc.) as descendants is seen as absurd, forced, and insulting.
- The characterization is often called generic, with the male protagonist being a weak, perverted trope and the female characters falling into tired archetypes (especially Aria as an annoying tsundere).
- The "Hysteria Mode" is widely seen as a stupid and lazy plot device for fan service, triggered by sexual arousal.
- Animation issues such as stiff movements, characters being off-model, and bizarre hair physics are noted.
- The humor is described as repetitive, falling flat, or relying too heavily on established gags.