Our Last Crusade, Anime Recommendation of the Week!
Article at a glance:
- Despite some contrived elements, Alice and Iska’s relationship is enjoyable and drives the story.
- The world is interesting, though it doesn’t fully explore its potential.
- While flawed and predictable, the anime is enjoyable with good fights and decent animation.
I will be the first person to admit that this anime has flaws. It is also a little too predictable and contrived at times. But I think there is enough good here to set your mind aside and enjoy. If this was a review, I would’ve ripped Our Last Crusade apart but since these recommendation articles are purely based on the enjoyment factor, I can talk some good about it as well. Don’t go in expecting a crazy story, just set your mind aside and you will enjoy it.
So welcome back to another edition of our anime recommendation series! This week we are talking about Our Last Crusade or The Rise of a New World. Again, this anime does have issues but I think it is enjoyable enough to give it some time. So let’s get started.
Introduction
Our Last Crusade is based on the LN of the same name by Sazane Kei, illustrated by Nekonabe Ao. The LN has been sterilized online since May 2017 and is still ongoing. As for the anime, it is made by Silver Link. The first season of 12 episodes aired back during the Fall 2020 season. The second season is currently airing and I think as of now, it has 5 or 6 episodes out. I have not yet started watching the second season yet but I will make an article on it as soon as I catch up.
Plot
Something called the Astral Power runs throughout the world and certain individuals called Astral Mages are capable of harnessing this power. The Empire though, fears Astral Mages and persecutes them calling them “witches”. So the mages established their own country, the Nebulis Sovereignty. As you might expect, ever since then, the Empire and the Sovereignty have been at non-stop war. Our story follows two individuals on opposite sides who just want to stop that war.
So I think that the world itself is quite interesting. There are a lot of unique things about it but they just don’t go far enough with the world-building. If they did, the plot would be a lot better. I think you can imagine how the story between the two MCs, Alice and Iska ends up playing out. Despite being predictable most of the time, there are still a few good plot twists in the story that I really enjoyed.
Characters
Alice and Iska are pretty good as the MCs. Their dynamic is good and I like how it takes a few episodes for them to build a mutual respect things go on from there. But, the way they go about building their relationship is rather contrived. They just keep running into each other “coincidentally”. I do wish that the side cast was a little more interesting though. The only interesting side characters are Risya, Rin, and Salinger. I like what they tried to do with Mismis but her character isn’t well-written at all…
Animations and Soundtracks
I like the art style of this anime. It is Silver Link so the animation and overall production quality is pretty decent. It is not god-tier by any means but it gets the job done. The character designs are good and I like the location designs as well. The soundtracks are decent too but nothing stands out. Certain fights are really good though.
Summing Up
Here’s why you should watch Our Last Crusade
- Good dynamic between the main duo
- Decent world-building
- Good fights
- Enjoyable
Again, I am well aware of the flaws of this show but I still find enjoyment in it and I hope you see what I mean too. Sometimes junk food is exactly what you need, right? But yeah, that is all for now and I will take my leave here. See ya!
