Hakuouki - Shinsengumi bishounen!

If I were to ignore the fact that the main female character is extremely irritating, frustrating, ignorant and useless (the super typical damsel in distress type), Hakuouki is a pretty good series. The number 1 charm point of Hakuouki is of course its cast of bishounen! . Though 12 episodes of Shinsengumi guys are not enough, it's definitely a good break from the irritating female character. A second season was announced at the end of episode 12 and it will start airing in Oct 2010. I can't wait for it! ^^

Plot: (6/10) – Fair
Based on a female dating sim game, Hakuouki takes place during the late shogunate period of the Edo era. Yukimura Chizuru, whose father works in Kyoto as a doctor practicing western medicine, travels to the imperial capital to search for him after losing contact. There, she’s attacked by a blood-thirsty monster and saved by the Shinsengumi. She stumbles upon their dark secret in the process and is taken into custody by them as a result, but they help her search for her father as the mysteries continue to unfold.

The main story about Shinsengumi, oni (demon) and the irritating girl is not too bad but the execution is somewhat lacklustre. I suggest you don't expect too much from the story.

Characters: (8/10) – Good
It could have been 10/10 if not for the girl. She simply gets on my nerves.

Anyway, let's forget about her and move on to the Shinsengumi guys!

Here are some characters I like:

Hijikata - whether it's Gintama or Hakuouki, my favorite Shinsengumi character is Hijikata! He's so charming!

Saitou - he's simply too beautiful... I love the way he draws his sword!

Harada - I like swordsmen but a spear-wielding guy is cool too!

Okita - Okita in Hakuouki is not as sadistic but is as lovable as the one in Gintama!

Art/Animation: (8/10) – Good
One can easily tell that more attention is paid to the male characters designs. The result is the Shinsengumi eye-candies! Though I wouldn't say that character designs are unique, it's definitely easy on the eyes. Also, the animation for the battle scenes is pretty well-done.

Music: (8/10) – Good
I like the Ending theme ('Kimi no Kioku' By Mao) more than the Opening theme 'Izayoi Namida' by Aika Yoshioka). Both themes suit the mood of the series well.

Enjoyment: (8/10) – Good
I enjoy watching the Shinsengumi guys a lot!! The battle scenes are pretty cool too!

Overall: (7/10) – Fairly Good
Frankly, this is not a series for everyone. If you want a series with a good story, please do not even bother to start on Hakuouki. However, if you like bishounen, this is the perfect series!