Hatsukoi Limited

-------------------------------------------
Hatsukoi Limited is definitely one of those light-hearted animes I will direct anybody feeling moody to watch.Released in Spring earlier this year,HL narrates the sweet stories of several adolescences who had just experienced their first taste of romance.

While it may look like another high-school harem archetype,HL atypically takes on different stories pertaining to a few character in each episode and advance their development and story in that manner.This may swing to complexity in the later half but luckily the quality of well-narrated episodes produced maintained a smooth and steady flow which won't make awkward viewing.It all starts to pick up around the last quarter,followed by a befitting ending which wrapped everything up nicely.HL may turned out too short and unsatisfying for your taste but be aware that it is adapted from a manga with only 32 chapters.

HL also boasts good story coordination despite dealing with a huge cast of fifteen characters(or even more).I believe even the supporting characters received a decent share of screentime.Not only that,HL also follows its manga very closely,staying true to its genres,providing a balanced amount of comedy and romance with drama that doesn't go too far and of course some fanservice to boot.Now this is what a light-hearted anime should be like.

Unlike its fellow same-genre animes,HL doesn't stop at silly rancid comedy or mindless fanservice before moving on.HL fully understand its aims and progresses steadily towards where it wants.Because of this,HL managed to assert a certain extent of depth in its stories which viewers will still hold a level of seriousness when watching.

My only gripe on this entire series is that when I want to watch more of that one particular story,it ends like some cliffhanger then throws the spotlight to another set of characters in the next episode and I probably have to wait another two or three episode to see what happen next. Although it does generate anticipation,the atmosphere,tension and excitement built up during that episode will most likely not follow as new characters and story are brought in. Skipping any episode is out of the question as the stories in HL are interconnected. However,it would also makes no sense when one of the story is about to end while the others have not even premiere.The flow of everything will be a mess when things that had already happened got reverted during the second/third story,like Higurashi no Naku Koro ni in a sense.The arrangement of episode is appropriate but I would certainly hoped for better presentation.

Regardless,you won't know unless you finished the series,HL just stands out from the rest.Although neither extraordinary nor sensational,it is one anime that will bring smiles to your face and leaves you in good spirits after watching.For some,they might even be reminded of their first love.For others,you will come to like these types of anime more.

Recommended. Younger audience will definitely appreciate HL more,like myself.

--------------Animation---------------
HL's unique artstyle comes from the same author who produced Ichigo 100% so you should be able to spot striking resemblance from both works.In addition,HL was animated by J.C Staff,a renowned company who had previously animated many famous titles down the years.So you can expect to see some quality animation in HL.

I will also take the time to compliment the common use of warm colours which added much radiance to create a cheery atmosphere.Every moment shines like summer here.

-----------------Sound------------------
I always don't have a lot to say about sound.But like the usual me,I went to find mp3 and lyrics of the opening and ending song.Don't you find the ending song sweet and catchy?

Just for your information,the opening song is Future Stream by Sphere while the ending song is Hatsukoi Limited by marble.Yes,same title.No complains regarding voice acting (I never had),they all did a good job in my opinion and I would be biased if I just pointed a few which I took some notice.BGM is there when necessary.

Overall,sound is above average but apart from the opening and closing songs,nothing else really caught my attention.

---------------Character----------------
We seriously have characters with all sorts of personalities here but they are ones whom we can possibly relate ourselves to.Not to mention they are all lovable in their very own ways.I had a tough time choosing my favourite character so I'll leave you to judge yourself.

Best character:Misaki(to many),Dobashi(for me)
Worst Character:None

Might be too cheesy for some ;)

------------------Extra---------------------
If you can't get enough of Hatsukoi Limited,search around the web for its manga.I'm sure mangafox has it but don't expect too much since the anime adaptation pretty much covered 90% of the contents appeared in the manga.

Otherwise,look for an anime named Kimikiss Pure Rouge.If you like what you see in HL,you will like what you see in Kimikiss too.Coincidentally,marble also sang the opening song of Kimikiss.

I will hope for a sequel.

Looked like another love story, romance anime series, yet in HD.
Most of the story, is cute,sad, funny, and a lot more, OP/ED was cute, Animation was HD, so it was great!
Characters; funny, scary, cute, and all different kinds, you would have never guessed what was going to happen until the end.