Written By: Seishi Ogata
Studio: Asread
Original TV Run: July 7, 2005-January 5, 2006
Episodes: 24
Before we begin, I must preface this review with the definition of a “Light/Visual Novel”. These “novels” are not actually books, but video games featuring heavy narratives and little to no gameplay other than moving a cursor to choose an option from a first person perspective. A majority of visual novels feature branching storylines and endings that need multiple playthroughs or a guide to get that “perfect” ending. Over the years, light novels have mostly become associated with the dating sims featuring either high school students or adults (the adult versions being pretty explicit at times). Now that’s out of the way, on to the review.
Sometimes it’s hard getting simple things done. There are also moments when we are in need of a little help. And then instances come up that leave us helpless and needy. When it comes to Rin Tsuchimi, it’s obvious the guy needs great assistance making it through an average day. Kaede Fuyou proves to be Rin’s housemate, high school classmate, and, most importantly his personal assistant. But why would someone dedicate herself to practically babysitting an able bodied man? Because for Kaede, making Rin happy makes her happy. Fuyou’s existence is based on her need to satisfy Rin by making sure he attempts to act like a person his age when it comes to responsibilities.
But all is not good in Rin’s world. Being taken care of by such a beautiful woman draws the ire of many a student just hoping to talk with Fuyou, let alone live with her. After escaping the potentially deadly grip of Kaede’s potential suitors/pursuers, we are introduced to Rin’s longtime friend Asa Shigure (who somewhat alludes to the fact she too has feelings for Tsuchimi after slapping him in their first onscreen interaction), Itsuki Midoriba (the delusional “ladies man” who believes he can figure out a woman’s cup size with only a glancing look), and Mayumi Thyme (Itsuki’s favorite source of abuse due to his mockery of her small breasts because, you know, small breasts are meant to be laughed at in anime).
During the classmates’ interactions, it becomes rather noticeable that almost everyone is a little different. From Mayumi’s heterochromia eyes to certain students’ pointy ears, something is not normal about this world. We soon discover portals to the Demon World and the Realm of the Gods opened to allow both demons and gods into the realm we’re used to – you know, the human realm/world. Rin’s homeroom teacher – the busty and somewhat belligerent Nadeshiko Benibara – halfheartedly warns her mostly oblivious student in Rin that he should, “…stay strong,” following the rumor of a transfer student entering their class soon. Of course the two ladies Rin randomly and unknowingly encounters on his way home after the school day turn out to be the answers to everyone’s questions about who could be the newest students. In an interesting twist, the fiery, chair-swinging redhead named Lisianthus (a.k.a. “Sia”) is the King of the God’s daughter, while the much quieter songstress Nerine, of course, is the Demon King’s offspring.
The main reason for their transfers is to wed Rin (reasons are explained so it doesn’t just apparently out of nowhere that Rin is “Mr. It”). With two new girls in the running, the race for Rin’s heart begins. As with any harem style anime, wackiness ensues as Rin comes face to face with feelings he never realized he could have; not for just his potential love interests, but also his best friends and “family”.
The Perfect Mix: “Shuffle” is a harem comedy that’s known for, what else, humorous moments featuring five pursuing girls and one guy. Laughs are aplenty during the show’s first half, but the series feels like it’s missing something. Then something incredibly shocking for this type of show happens, and the series’ lead characters are forced to confront a dire situation that could result in death. One of the series’ biggest, earliest flaws might be watching all five girls seemingly be fine with the others trying to steal Rin’s heart. The final arc of “Shuffle!” destroys that feeling as one character has a true breakdown and causes an entire atmosphere change that creates such a dark, almost disturbing tone that makes long-time anime fans join the writers in asking the question, “Why wouldn’t any girl feel this way in such a chaotic circumstance?”
A Great Lead: While all of the girls are given a distinct, if not stereotypical personalities for the harem genre, Rin feels like a guy who deserves the attention he receives. Rin displays time and time again that he’s a great guy who truly cares about the people around him; doing anything in his power to make sure his friends are safe. Rin is probably one of the most likeable male leads in the harem genre.
Breaking the Harem Code: Not to spoil too much, but “Shuffle!” actually breaks one of the genre’s biggest codes/taboos by having the main character actually choose a girl in the end. Even characters during the series confront Rin about “stringing the girls along” – something rarely seen in a harem style anime. Though Rin is a strong lead, he’s still a teenage boy who doesn’t understand what all of his actions cause. Once Rin understands what needs to be done, Tsuchimi makes that much-needed decision. If you’ve been turned off by previous harems because of the male lead not manning up and choosing his girlfriend, you don’t have about that problem worry here.
Sticking to its Roots: Remember that visual novel explanation earlier. Well, the pacing of “Shuffle!” at times suffers because of its want to give you the visual novel experience during certain arcs. There are times during the series where one girl becomes the main focus alongside Sia and Nerine. We learn a little about their past, the reasons for their dedication and love for Rin all the while solving key emotional problems. You’ll become attached to certain girls due to these specific arcs, only for them to either go away or fade into the background while we’re encouraged to just move along and accept them as nothing more than supporting characters.
Striped Panties: In Japan, it’s called “ecchi”. In America, it’s referred to as “fan service”. You know the moments when a camera pans up to reveal a panty shot as the girl is having to ignore the advances of a member of their respective, unwanted fan club, or that voyeuristic scene where the girls are bathing. And that’s not even mentioning the recurring argument over whether guys like plain or stripped panties more. “Shuffle!” is full of instances where the female characters are objectified for the viewer’s enjoyment. Though it might not bother everyone, some viewers might be overwhelmed; turning you off to the series because of just how weird it is to ogle teenaged, animated girls. If you’re a fourteen-year-old boy, this could be your dream anime without the need to clean your family’s computer’s browser history.
In the end, “Shuffle!” is the tale of two stories. The first half is for you comedy lovers. The second half is for people who love emotional melodrama. Depending on who you are, you might struggle to get through either half because one is exactly what you want while the other is not. The story and animation isn’t the strongest. You won’t laugh that hard throughout. And your heart might not skip a beat. But “Shuffle!” is a genuine experience that doesn’t change the harem genre, but nicely adds to its somewhat controversial history and crowded pack while being a worthy streaming binge session.
