The anime “Shingeki no Bahamut: Genesis” also known as “Rage of Bahamut: Genesis” was released in year 2014. It is in the following genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy. It has 2 seasons with a total of 36 episodes (1st season 12 ep., 2nd season 24 ep.). So, Get ready to buckle up, and join us on this anime’s incredible journey!
A Comprehensive Review
“Rage of Bahamut: Genesis” (also known as “Shingeki no Bahamut: Genesis”) Set in a world where gods, demons, and humans coexist, this anime explores themes of destiny, redemption, and the eternal battle between good and evil. Below, we analyze multiple reviews to present a comprehensive critique of this anime.
The Storyline: A Familiar Yet Fresh Mythological Tale
The narrative of “Rage of Bahamut: Genesis” centers around the potential resurrection of Bahamut, an all-powerful dragon whose destructive rampage nearly obliterated all life in the world. To prevent this catastrophe, the gods, demons, and humans formed an unlikely alliance to seal Bahamut away, with Zeus and Satan sacrificing themselves in the process. The story begins when a young girl steals one of the keys that could potentially unleash Bahamut once again, setting off a chain of events that brings together a motley crew of characters, including bounty hunters and mythical beings.
One reviewer praised the anime for its easy-to-understand plot: “It wasn’t super convoluted and was easy to understand. Yes, it’s kind of a generic (seal the big bad dragon before we get wrecked) story, but the journey and backstory behind the characters separated this one from the rest.” This sentiment reflects the strength of the show’s narrative simplicity, which allows viewers to focus on the development of its rich cast and the vibrant world it inhabits.
However, not all opinions are as favorable. Another review criticized the plot for being too straightforward and even predictable: “The story didn’t offer much depth at all. While Favaro’s random musings about what his father said were interesting, all his talk about fate and changing your fate just sounded very clichéd and fell on deaf ears.” This reviewer points out that while the anime sets up an engaging premise, it doesn’t fully deliver on the promise of a deep and nuanced storyline, with some characters feeling underdeveloped and certain plot points lacking complexity.
Animation Quality: A Visual Feast
Where “Rage of Bahamut: Genesis” truly shines is in its animation quality. The series is lauded for its beautifully animated sequences and meticulously crafted backgrounds, which bring its mythical world to life. The dragons, in particular, are a standout element, depicted with a level of detail that makes them both majestic and terrifying.
One reviewer captured this perfectly: “The animation was so clean I could have eaten off of it. Nothing but stunning. The atmosphere and backgrounds are well-flushed and polished. Details can be seen in the smallest of things on the scene that most people won’t even be looking at.” This level of attention to detail, from the radiant illuminations of angels and demons to the smoke and debris during battle scenes, demonstrates the high production values that went into creating the anime.
Despite the high praise, some critics felt the animation didn’t always hit the mark. One review noted: “I thought Bahamut himself was quite poorly animated and made him a lot less threatening than it could have been. He continued to seem frozen in stone because Bahamut never moved anywhere away from his original location.” This highlights a slight inconsistency in the animation quality, where certain key elements did not receive the same level of attention as the rest of the series.
Soundtrack and Sound Design: Enhancing the Epic Experience
The soundtrack of “Rage of Bahamut: Genesis” is another aspect where the anime excels. The music, composed of orchestrated tracks, helps set the tone for various scenes, enhancing the emotional impact of the story and making battle sequences even more exhilarating.
One review eloquently described the soundtrack as “EPICNESS itself… outstanding, you can’t get enough from it, very passionate, so powerfully emotional.” This level of praise reflects how integral the music is in crafting the anime’s atmosphere, making it an unforgettable auditory experience.
However, some reviews pointed out that while the music was exceptional, there were moments where it didn’t always align perfectly with the narrative’s emotional beats. A critic mentioned, “The OP Sequence sounds good at first, but after a while, gets jarring, and I kept skipping it after that. The ED Sequence was as boring as the animation they put for it.” This mixed feedback suggests that while the overall sound design is strong, there are areas where it could have been more cohesive with the visual storytelling.
Character Development: A Mixed Bag of Charm and Missed Opportunities
Character development in “Rage of Bahamut: Genesis” receives mixed reviews. The anime features a diverse cast, each with unique personalities and backstories, which contribute to the overall narrative in different ways.
Favaro, the main character, stands out as particularly unique with his carefree attitude and unconventional hairstyle (an afro mullet, no less!). One reviewer noted, “Favaro is one of the most unique characters I have ever come across. More than just having a weird afro, his constant switching between serious to playful, his style of not wanting to do more than he should, yet knowing that he will regret it, and his general ability to joke around even in the most dire situations make you want to love him.” Favaro’s character arc, involving themes of redemption and self-discovery, adds a layer of depth to the anime that many viewers appreciate.
On the flip side, other characters did not receive the same level of development or attention. One critic highlighted, “The main antagonist, Martinet, the ultimate manipulator’s, real motives were basically to watch the world get destroyed, which is a very shallow explanation of his evil schemes. The protagonists, on the other hand, simply want to do the opposite – prevent the world from getting destroyed, and nothing much else. It lacked a lot of complexity and depth in this area.” This lack of depth in character motivation and development means that some of the story’s emotional beats do not hit as hard as they could have, leaving certain arcs feeling unfulfilled.
Overall Enjoyment: An Epic Journey Worth Taking
Despite some of its shortcomings, “Rage of Bahamut: Genesis” has received generally favorable reviews for its entertainment value. Many viewers have described it as a thrilling ride that keeps you engaged from start to finish. One enthusiastic review summed it up perfectly: “I enjoyed watching this anime. I binged through the entire thing in a day and wasn’t dissatisfied. It’s an anime that truly shocked me, and I believe it to be one of the better animes of 2014. If you like action animes, then this is a must-watch because you will be blown away.”
However, not all reviews were entirely positive, as some felt the anime could have done more with its premise. “The show is very promising from the beginning, builds up a lot of excitement in the middle, but ultimately ends in a rather anti-climactic fashion with insufficient resolution,” noted a less impressed viewer. This critique highlights that while the anime does many things well, there are areas, particularly in its conclusion, where it could have been stronger.
Conclusion: A Mythical Adventure with Highs and Lows
“Rage of Bahamut: Genesis” is an anime that, despite its flaws, offers a captivating and visually stunning adventure for fans of fantasy and epic battles. With its unique characters, beautiful animation, and powerful soundtrack, it’s easy to see why this series has garnered such a dedicated following. While there are areas where the story and character development could have been deeper, the overall experience is one that many viewers find unforgettable. For those seeking a mythical adventure filled with gods, demons, and dragons, “Rage of Bahamut: Genesis” is worth the watch.