Autumn 2013: First Impressions – Log Horizon & Kuroko no Basuke S2
Up next are SAO MK2 & BL-ball S2 – Log Horizon and Kuroko no Basuke S2.
Log Horizon
Okay so this was decent enough, but still nothing to get excited about. There is no getting away from SAO comparisons and Log Horizon certainly isn’t as pretty as SAO, even if the characters are a bit more interesting. I do like that the characters aren’t told what the hell is going on straight away and have to spend time figuring things out – like the combat controls – and by the end of the episode they’re still none the wiser as to how the hell they ended up inside a computer game.
However that still doesn’t make Log Horizon very good – this first episode was pretty boring and didn’t really give me any reason to continue watching – way too much time spent talking and browsing control menus. The production values are pretty decent, going for a much more stylistic approach to the character designs, the OP & ED are pretty cool and the voice acting solid.
I’ll give Log Horizon another two episodes to see if it wants to do anything interesting with the setting, but if not I’m bailing – do not want another SAO on my list.
Kuroko no Basuke S2
YAY more Kuroko! I have been waiting for this ever since the first season ended! KuroBasu is loads of fun, and rife with shipping potential for fujoshi – this first episode didn’t disappoint in that department, immediately introducing Kagami’s BFF from the US with whom he has paired rings! Ah the amusement~! This first episode didn’t really waste any time on recapping thankfully – the extent of that was two reporters running through the notable players – before we launch right into Kagami backstory & basketball.
The production look to have been stepped up slightly from the first season, but otherwise it is the same show. Loved the new OP & ED – some great shots in the OP really whet my appetite for what’s coming up this season. But yeah, as a sequel the fanbase is already established for this show – and I personally can’t wait for more!
Caraniel's Ramblings 
I’m finding myself wanting to like Log Horizon, despite it’s obviously bland first episode. But then again, I’m a bit of a sucker for this kind of stuff. Here’s to hoping it separates itself from SAO for the better!
I’m giving it a few more episodes since I’m hoping it will distinguish itself soon – but not getting my hopes up.
I think Log Horizon is more interesting than SAO at this point. I’ll admit that SAO looked better, but the story of of SAO was essentially that of a loner who was able to fight really well, whereas Log Horizon seems to be developing into a story about a team of people who have different abilities, with the main character being described as a “tactician”.
Of course, all I can say at this point is that they means Log Horizon has potential. Whether they actually use the setup in an interesting way is something for future episodes to prove.
SAO isn’t really a high hurdle to overcome, all it had going for it was the fact it was really pretty and accessible. Log Horizon certainly has more interesting things going on at this stage, but it is still lacking in the excitement department. Will be giving it a few more episodes anyway.