Mahoutsukai no Yakusoku (Promise of Wizard) [Season 1 Episode 12]

“Promise of Wizard” Season 1 Episode 12: A Rushed Yet Satisfying Finale?

Mahoutsukai no Yakusoku (Promise of Wizard), the anime adaptation of the popular mobile game, wrapped up its first season with Episode 12, leaving fans divided. Some praised the finale for its action-packed sequences and emotional moments, while others criticized its rushed pacing and lack of depth. As someone who followed the series week by week, I found myself somewhere in the middle—appreciating the effort but wishing for more.

The Plot: A Climactic Battle Against the Great Calamity

The episode centers on the wizards’ final stand against the Great Calamity, a supernatural threat embodied by the monstrous Umbra Volans phoenix. The stakes are high: the kingdom’s survival hinges on the wizards’ ability to unite and harness their magic. Akira, the protagonist, plays a pivotal role in rallying the group, though her leadership feels underdeveloped compared to the game’s portrayal.

Fans noted that the finale tried to cram too much into one episode. The battle scenes were visually engaging, especially the Western wizards’ coordinated attacks, but the pacing suffered. One Reddit user pointed out, “It’s a save-the-world type of finale, but it feels rushed. The monster bird and undead stuff were just filler to give the wizards something to fight.”

Character Dynamics: Hits and Misses

The wizards themselves were the highlight for many viewers. Their unique magic styles and personalities shone during the battle, particularly Cerberus and Arthur’s moments. However, the lack of backstory for some characters left newcomers confused. A MyAnimeList commenter lamented, “If you don’t play the game, you’re lost. The anime doesn’t explain anything properly.”

Akira’s role was another point of contention. While the game fleshes out her inner thoughts and emotional resilience, the anime reduced her to a passive observer in many scenes. One fan on MyAnimeList expressed disappointment: “Akira’s personality was stripped down to flashcards. She deserved better.”

Animation and Direction: A Mixed Bag

Studio Liden Films, known for mid-budget productions, delivered decent animation for the finale. The magic effects and creature designs (like the dragon from Episode 5) were praised, though some fans compared it unfavorably to the game’s promotional videos. A comment on MyAnimeList read, “The animation was pleasant, but it’s clear the budget wasn’t A-1 Pictures level.”

The direction, however, had its moments. The scene where Nova disappears into Mithra’s gate was a standout, blending humor and tension. Yet, the overall execution felt uneven. As one viewer put it, “The finale had care put into it, but the series as a whole was too rushed to leave a lasting impression.”

The Verdict: Who Is This Anime For?

Promise of Wizard seems tailored for existing fans of the game, leaving newcomers struggling to connect the dots. The finale wrapped things up on a hopeful note, but the lack of clarity about Nova’s motives and the Great Calamity’s origins left many unsatisfied. A Reddit user summed it up: “No plot, no characters, no depth. This abomination is over.”

Yet, not all feedback was negative. Some fans appreciated the finale’s energy and the wizards’ camaraderie. “The final third of this anime was actually decent,” one commenter noted. For them, the series was a fun, if flawed, adaptation.

Final Thoughts

Mahoutsukai no Yakusoku had potential, but its 12-episode runtime was its downfall. The finale tried to deliver spectacle and emotion but fell short due to pacing issues and underdeveloped storytelling. If you’re a fan of the game, you might enjoy seeing your favorite wizards in action. For everyone else? It’s a pass.

As one disillusioned viewer put it: “I wouldn’t watch a second season even if they made one.” Ouch.

Rating: 6/10 – A decent finale for fans, but a confusing mess for newcomers.

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