Grisaia: Phantom Trigger [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 13]

Grisaia: Phantom Trigger – A Bittersweet Farewell to Season 1

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The Grisaia series has always been a rollercoaster of emotions, blending action, psychological depth, and a touch of dark humor. Grisaia: Phantom Trigger, the latest addition to the franchise, wrapped up its first season with Episode 13, leaving fans both satisfied and hungry for more. As someone who’s followed the series closely, I dove into the online discussions to see how the community reacted—and let’s just say, opinions are as varied as the characters themselves.

The Final Showdown: Haruto vs. Kuroe

The season finale delivered an intense battle between Haruto and Kuroe, a confrontation that had been brewing since the early episodes. Fans praised the animation quality, with one Reddit user noting, “Haruto vs. Kuroe looked amazing both animation and art style-wise. Dunno who they brought in for this episode, but they cooked.” The fight wasn’t just about flashy moves; it symbolized Haruto’s growth as he faced his past head-on.

However, not everyone was sold on the execution. Some viewers felt the finale leaned too heavily into tragedy, with one MyAnimeList commenter calling it “a waste of everything, from the scenery to the logic.” Others, though, appreciated the bittersweet tone, arguing that it stayed true to Grisaia’s roots.

Aoi’s Legacy and the Aftermath

Aoi’s fate was another major talking point. Her death left the Mihama Academy girls—and fans—divided. While some found her arc emotionally resonant (“Aoi can finally rest in peace”), others criticized the writing for feeling forced (“The attempt to add tragedy turned out to be a waste”). The ambiguity around Haruto’s survival also sparked debates, with theories ranging from “Surely he’s out there somewhere living peacefully” to outright denial (“No way Haruto died tho, right?”).

Comparisons to the Original Series

As with any sequel, comparisons to the original Grisaia were inevitable. Some fans felt Phantom Trigger paled in comparison, with one bluntly stating, “Haruto may be not as good as MC comparing to Yuuji.” Others, however, appreciated the fresh take, arguing that “they are different” and should be judged separately.

The lack of fanservice also divided opinions. While some missed the playful tone of the original (“With fanservice it would’ve been way better”), others welcomed the shift toward a more serious narrative.

The Future of Grisaia

The finale’s closing moments left room for speculation. Did that post-credits scene hint at a new season? Some fans are convinced (“Is it just me or they announced a new season indirectly?”), while others remain skeptical. Either way, the demand for more Grisaia content is undeniable.

Final Verdict: A Solid, If Flawed, Entry

Grisaia: Phantom Trigger Season 1 wasn’t perfect, but it delivered enough highs to keep fans engaged. The action was top-tier, the character arcs (mostly) satisfying, and the emotional beats hit hard—even if they occasionally missed the mark. As one fan put it, “It’s not the best VN adaptation, but as an anime-only fan, I enjoyed it a lot.”

If you’re a Grisaia veteran, temper your expectations. If you’re new? Dive in—just don’t expect a carbon copy of the original. Either way, this season proved that the Grisaia universe still has stories worth telling.

Rating: 7.5/10

What did you think of the finale? Let’s discuss in the comments!

Stream Grisaia: Phantom Trigger on Crunchyroll.