(This review may contain spoilers for the following series. If you have not seen the series before, please exercise caution before viewing this post. You have been warned.)
As you may know, I really enjoy story-driven anime, and that’s where the heart of my favorite anime lies. However, there are quite a number of shows that have little story, and still manage to keep my attention and drive. D-Fragments captured my attention and managed to entertain me throughout the entire ride with its unique characters, simple plot, and fantastic humor.
The story begins with our protagonist, Kazama Kenji, a self-proclaimed delinquent, as he gets caught in the affairs of the Game Development Club, who are in desperate need for members, as their club is going to be shut down. Kenji initially declines the offer, but the members of this club persuade Kenji and the story of his adventures in the Game Development Club begin.
The main story follows the members of the club and makes no effort to hide their quirky personalities. Their time at the club generally consists of playing games, role-playing, or just sitting around eating snacks. The club consists of three members before the inclusion of Kenji. Shibasaki Roka, the president of the club, uses her cute personality to mask her demonic presence. Karasuyama Chitose, the student council president, makes no attempt to hide her dominant personality and uses her power to keep things moving her way. Lastly, we have first-year Mizukami Sakura, who unfortunately doesn’t get too much screen time, and as a result, character development. Throughout the series we meet other fantastic characters such as Takao, the president of the Real Game Development Club, Noe, Kenji’s little sister, and Ataru, the masochistic vice-president of the student council.
Despite its name, the Game Development Club never actually develops games. (Okay, they make role-playing games and board games, but never actually video games, which is what one would expect the club to do) This results in crazy events where the club has to compete with the real Game Development Club, deliver a lunch for Kenji’s sister, or participate in a wild competition where the stake is one of Roka’s bags that she uses as her weapon. There isn’t much logic in this world, and the anime will take every chance to point this out.
D-Fragments definitely knows where it stands, and doesn’t stray from what works. The series never makes an attempt to be serious, and constantly makes fun of itself throughout the anime. The characters all work fantastically together, and there’s something new every episode, which prevents the anime from becoming stale in the middle of the series. Even characters who are forgotten about early on in the series make an appearance later on, and the anime even introduces new characters near the end of the game. While the characters aren’t as fleshed out as they possibly could be, their interactions more than makes up for it and the anime improves because of it.
The shortcomings of D-Fragments lie in the expectations and the relationship aspects of the anime. There are areas in the anime where one expects romantic encounters, or even some intimate time between the characters. However, as most comedies go, the relationship aspect is never driven, leaving much to be desired for viewers of the anime.
In short, D-Fragments shows that it can provide a mindless entertainment and a good laugh throughout the series. While there is little plot progression, character development, or badass action scenes, the anime gives a good laugh, and is definitely worth a watch. If you’re looking for a good comedy, this anime is for you.