Tales of Zestiria (OmU)

Tales of Zestiria (OmU) is a stunning anime adaptation of the popular Japanese role-playing game of the same name, created by the prolific animation studio, ufotable. The studio notably thrives in creating vibrant fantasy worlds, and Tales of Zestiria is no exception. The series, exemplifying its unique charm, walks the perfect line between familiarity and novelty, delivering both conventional narrative punches and refreshing turns to keep viewers consistently engaged.

The story is set in a high-fantasy universe, bathed in a heartwarming, medieval feel. The world is filled with “Seraphim,” supernatural beings invisible to the human eye, cohabitating with mankind in an equilibrium carefully maintained over centuries. However, the balance has been upset by a burgeoning maleficent influence referred to as the "Malevolence” - negative human emotions that crystallize into a creeping corruption which turns humans and even Seraphim into hellish monsters. The only antidote to this plague lies in the hands of the "Shepherd", a figure of legend chosen by the Lady of the Lake, to wield her sacred blade and cleanse the world of this menace.

The narrative is sharply centered around Sorey, a kind-hearted young man raised amongst the Seraphim. With his unique ability to interact with these beings since his childhood, he's always been fascinated with ancient lore about the Shepherd and believes in their journey to rid the world of the Malevolence. After a chance encounter with a young knight, Alisha, Sorey’s life takes an unexpected twist, changing his destiny forever.

As the newly appointed Shepherd, Sorey takes the solemn vow to eradicate the world from Malevolence and restore peace amongst humans and Seraphim. Thus, begins an epic journey with colourful landscapes to cross, battles to fight, friendships to forge, and much to learn. The trials and tribulations of Sorey and his friends both captivate and entertain, providing the audience with a captivating blend of drama, comedy, and high-octane fantasy action.

A major attribute of this show, as synchronous with ufotable’s reputation, lies in its artwork and animation. The immersive world of Zestiria is beautifully depicted with lush landscapes, detailed character designs, and grandiose architectures complete with weathered ruins and enigmatic temples. The action sequences are exhilarating, complemented superbly by top-notch animation quality and special effects that add a sense of realness to Sorey's fantastical journey. Lighting and camera work play an important part in establishing the depth of the scenes, giving the anime a lifelike feel.

The character roster in Tales of Zestiria intermingles human characters with Seraphim, offering an array of personalities to get attached to. Each has their own strengths, flaws, dreams, and fears, creating a spectrum of human emotion and relatability against the weight of the grand fantasy narrative. The focused character development, particularly for Sorey, showcases a variety of themes such as self-growth, friendship, responsibility, and the consequence of war, which adds depth to the narrative.

Furthermore, ufotable gifts the series with a compelling soundtrack, that seamlessly merges with the narrative to bring out a wide range of emotions. Epic orchestral anthems lend gravity to battle sequences, while subtler tracks underline the softer moments of character interaction and introspection. This superb aural accompaniment serves to enhance the overall immersion in the vibrant world of Zestiria.

In its entirety, Tales of Zestiria (OmU) is not just a standard fantasy adventure. While it adheres to some traditional tropes of the genre, it also manages to stand its ground with a unique storyline, well-fleshed characters and a cohesive world with its own mythos. The series weaves a compelling tapestry of action, drama, and emotion, all beautifully wrapped up in a visually mesmerizing package by ufotable.

However, viewers new to the franchise may find it helpful to have some background knowledge of the original game for a smoother understanding of the anime's universe. Yet, its undeniable charm lies in the fact that even without it, the complexities of the series can be enjoyed and appreciated by both fans of the game and newcomers alike.

Overall, Tales of Zestiria (OmU) is an engaging anime, rich in both storyline and visuals. It is undoubtedly a treat for the lovers of fantasy genre and a testimony of ufotable’s command over creating beautifully crafted animation pieces.