Fall 2023 Anime Season Review: Final Ratings, Surprises & Disappointments
- Feb 15
- 4 min read
As the Fall anime season wraps up, it feels a bit like finishing a long campaign in Sword Art Online, surviving the chaos of Attack on Titan, or stepping out of the shadows with The Eminence in Shadow. Some series lived up to the hype, some surprised me, and one in particular fell far below expectations. Here’s a breakdown of the shows I anticipated, whether their ratings changed, and the reasons behind those decisions—along with a hidden gem I didn’t expect to love.
Kage no Jitsuryokusha ni Naritakute! 2nd Season
Previous Rating: 5 Stars
New Rating: 5 Stars
My Review:
This anime exceeded my expectations, with Cid Kageno once again stealing the spotlight. It also highlighted the appeal of the other Shadow Garden members, especially Delta, whose childlike innocence contrasts with her striking presence. The beach and water park scene added an extra layer of enjoyment that many viewers likely appreciated. Overall, it remains an excellent anime that I consistently recommend.
Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari Season 3
Previous Rating: 5 Stars
New Rating: 5 Stars
My Review:
I’ve long been a fan of Shield Hero and followed the manga closely. However, the anime has now surpassed the manga’s progression. This situation reminds me of Fullmetal Alchemist, where the first adaptation diverged before the source material was complete. I wish the studio had waited for the manga to advance further, though financial considerations may have influenced the decision.
Despite this, I still love the anime. It presents a strong role reversal: the Shield Hero now receives widespread support, while the sword, spear, and bow heroes are manipulated, rejected, and unable to cope with the backlash. There’s a saying—“If you want to ruin someone, build them up so that when you destroy them, it hurts even more.” That idea reflects what happens to the other heroes, whose fall leads to depression and significant struggles.
This season takes a darker turn, exploring themes such as slavery, depression, and manipulation. These elements may be difficult for some viewers, but if you can look past them, the story remains compelling and impactful.
GOBLIN SLAYER II
Previous Rating: 5 Stars
New Rating: 5 Stars
My Review:
Like Shield Hero, Goblin Slayer has now surpassed its manga source material, meaning the writers are exploring new territory. In my view, it remains an incredible anime and stays faithful to the manga up until the final three episodes. I find the storyline even more engaging than Shield Hero, and I’m eagerly anticipating its continuation.
Dead Mount Death Play 2nd Season
Previous Rating: 5 Stars
New Rating: 5 Stars
My Review:
This anime blends humor and horror while exploring themes of death, life, and secret organizations. The new cour introduces stronger magical elements within its contemporary setting. It offers a twist on the isekai formula, with the protagonist bringing real-world items—sometimes unusual choices like lotion—into a magical environment.
What truly sets it apart is its consistent humor and memorable comedic moments. I thoroughly enjoyed the second season and look forward to what comes next.
Boushoku no Berserk
Previous Rating: 3 Stars
New Rating: 3 Stars
My Review:
I went in unsure of what to expect. The fight scenes and animation are impressive, but the story feels familiar to other fantasy and harem series. Typically, a protagonist’s growth is either immediate or steadily developed over time. Here, that pivotal growth occurs around episodes three or four.
The protagonist gains a powerful weapon early on and later obtains a mask that hides his identity and abilities, reminiscent of Superman’s glasses. After these moments, character development slows significantly.
That said, the concept of the seven deadly sins offers an interesting twist. While I recommend giving it a chance, it’s not something I would revisit multiple times.
Hametsu no Oukoku
Previous Rating: 4 Stars
New Rating: 2 Stars
My Review:
I had high expectations for this series, imagining a compelling story centered on witches versus humans, with a human defending the witches. Unfortunately, it didn’t meet those expectations.
While the animation is visually impressive, the plot lacks clarity. The world’s rules aren’t clearly defined, multiple kingdoms are introduced without sufficient explanation, and certain scenes feel disconnected from the main narrative. It attempts to handle too many elements at once, resulting in a confusing execution.
Toaru Ossan no VRMMO Katsudouki
Previous Rating: 4 Stars
New Rating: 5 Stars
My Review:
This anime surprised me. It’s charming and heartwarming without unnecessary sexualization. The protagonist’s goal of playing solo adds depth to his character development.
The immersive treatment of the game world—cooking, crafting, and interacting with NPCs as if they were real—enhances the experience. The suggestion that the NPC fairies might be real people, or that the game world itself could be real with players teleporting into it, adds another layer of intrigue. Overall, I appreciate its simplicity, warmth, and steady progression.
Boukensha ni Naritai to Miyako ni Deteitta Musume ga S-Rank ni Natteta
Rating: 5 Stars
My Review:
I discovered this series unexpectedly, and it turned out to be a hidden gem. The story follows an S-rank adventurer daughter who deeply admires her father. Initially, I expected the dynamic to feel uncomfortable, so I overlooked it.
Instead, it delivers a heartfelt story centered on family. The father is calm and kind, navigating life alongside his exceptionally talented daughter. The series focuses on warmth and familial bonds, and I’ve grown genuinely fond of it. I highly recommend it.
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