As everybody else on this planet, I have an opinion. As many people do too, I like to write about it. Share it generously. And I am excellent at keeping score (mentally), so I will try tallying up my fondness of things according to balance.

Deca-Dence

I am not an avid gamer, but I am a fan of dystopian worlds any day. Deca-Dence mixes both elements very cleverly and spins it into a heartfelt, although slightly rushed tale.

Natsume seems like your usually spunky girl with a mechanical hand. Looking for her place in the world, which is spend in a giant moving fortress that needs constant defending from monsters called bugs. Instead of becoming a coveted Tanker, the strongest fighters of the people, she gets stuck with the cleaning crew.

However, after the first episode, a very clever twist adds another element to the story. This not only affects the plot, but also the look of the series, it’s a very interesting and early addition that makes you consider all of the proceedings from a different perspective.

Saying too much would give it all away, but the series spins a beautiful tale of purpose, self-reliance and independence from its dystopian and futuristic look.

The main characters really shine, with especially Kaburagi being a complex and multifaceted character. Natsume also manages to become less traditionally spunky and quirky female, really growing into herself and becoming someone worthy of sacrifice. And even with the difference in style, you eventually start rooting for characters that you don’t see portrayed in the anime look.

It’s a shame the ending feels a bit rushed and wrapped up too neatly. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just reset the world, find our new purpose in it and a fulfilling job. But even though it could have used some more time, this is still a real gem of a series  I rate it providing more hope for the future and a very clever way to spend a couple of hours.