Blue Archive the Animation [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 12]

Blue Archive The Animation: A Heartwarming Yet Flawed Adaptation

When Blue Archive The Animation first aired in April 2024, fans of the popular mobile game were buzzing with excitement. The anime promised to bring the chaotic, gun-toting world of Kivotos to life, where schools function like city-states and students solve problems with bullets instead of textbooks. But did it live up to expectations? After watching all 12 episodes, the answer is… complicated.

The Good: Wholesome Chaos and Memorable Characters

One thing fans unanimously agree on is that the anime nails the charm of its characters. From the lazy yet lovable Hoshino to the determined Shiroko, the Abydos Countermeasures Committee carries the show with their chemistry. The final episode, in particular, delivers a satisfying climax as allies like Problem Solver 68 and even Trinity students join forces to rescue Hoshino.

“The scene where everyone comes together to save Hoshino was peak hype. The OP playing in the background? Chef’s kiss.” — Reddit user

The anime also excels in its lighter moments. Whether it’s the absurdity of Problem Solver 68’s helicopter running out of fuel mid-battle or the infamous “Iori feet scene” (yes, that’s a real talking point), the show knows how to balance action with humor.

“Cute and funny. That’s all I needed.” — MyAnimeList comment

The Bad: A Rushed Adaptation with Missing Pieces

Unfortunately, Blue Archive The Animation stumbles in its storytelling. Many fans criticized the lack of world-building, especially for newcomers. Key details—like the significance of halos, the role of Sensei, or even basic explanations about Kivotos—are glossed over.

“They skipped the prologue entirely. How am I supposed to care about Abydos if I don’t even know why it’s important?” — Game player

The animation quality is another point of contention. While some fights are decent (like the Kaiser PMC showdown), others feel stiff or rely too heavily on in-game assets. The absence of the game’s iconic soundtrack, particularly Target for Love, was also a missed opportunity to elevate emotional scenes.

“The anime was mid at best. If you’re not a game fan, good luck understanding anything.” — Disappointed viewer

The Ugly: The Sensei Problem

For a character who’s supposed to be central to the story, Sensei feels oddly sidelined. In the game, his relationships with students like Aru and Mutsuki are fleshed out, but the anime reduces him to a passive observer.

“Sensei might as well be a cardboard cutout. They removed all his key moments!” — Frustrated fan

This decision baffles many, especially since the game’s narrative hinges on Sensei’s bond with the students. Without that emotional core, some scenes fall flat.

Final Verdict: A Mixed Bag with Potential

Blue Archive The Animation is a classic case of “for the fans, by the fans.” If you’re already invested in the game, you’ll find plenty to enjoy—especially the character interactions and callbacks. But as a standalone anime, it struggles to justify its existence.

“It’s not perfect, but I still loved it. Hoping for a Season 2!” — Optimistic viewer

The ending leaves room for more, teasing future arcs like the Eden Treaty. If a second season happens, here’s hoping the studio learns from its mistakes and delivers a tighter, more inclusive adaptation. Until then, Blue Archive The Animation remains a fun, if flawed, addition to the franchise.

Rating: 6.5/10 – Cute, chaotic, but could’ve been so much more.

What did you think of Blue Archive The Animation? Let’s discuss in the comments!