Baka to Test to Shokanju Episode 01

The premise of the story is this: Akihisa attends an aademy where test results determine classes. In A class, prodigies can enjoy reclining seats and air conditioning, but Akihisa's F class sports decrepit tables and broken windows. He rallies F class to take on higher classes and claim school supremacy by summoning fantasy creatures to battle.

But there's more to that. The school, utilizing the latest and most advanced technology, allows each student to summon a Chibi-Fantasy Version of themselves in a pseudo-Yu-Gi-Oh! 3D Arena (that can be anywhere in the school). They use these 'Avatars' to challenge other students from higher classes and if a lower class wins, the two classes switch rooms.

How are the attack points for the Summon Beasts determined? The marks in tests become the attack points! Simply put, the higher you score in a test, the stronger your Summon Beast gets. During battles, you can take 'Recovery Tests' to regain Attack/Hit Points.

However, unlike shows like 'Pokemon' or 'Yu-Gi-Oh!' more emphasis is placed on the main characters. Interestingly enough, the Summon Beasts are not of particular focus at any time and again, that is very refreshing. The characters use their Beasts as mere extensions of themselves. You really have to watch it to see what I mean.

The premise of the show is so invigorating and refreshing. Never has an Anime made me feel like studying more so than this one. And I like it. Just imagine if this was implemented in real life! As a social commentary about the modern school education system, it's quite hilarious as well. If my school had implemented this system, I wouldn't mind spending my days just studying. At least it will be for something worth while. (^.^;)

SPOILER WARNING!!!

So, the story begins as the new school year begins and everyone takes a placement exam. The lead male:

Akihisa Yoshii ends up in the F class and we soon meet the other members of the class.

The F class contains the students who scored the lowest on the placement exams. Still they decide to challenge the E class to a battle as they are sick of their accommodations.

As expected, they are defeated easily,

but not before Mizuki Himeji steps up to the plate. You see, she's a A class student who happened to fall ill during the placement test. So, while she scored 0 and was placed in F class,

she was able to take the Recovery Test during the battle (like a magic spell, Recovery) to raise her Summon Beast's attack to ridiculous levels.

SPOILERS END!!!

The jokes in this episode did successfully make me laugh and were brilliant.

Production quality wise, top notch. Gorgeous eye popingly fluid Animation coupled with CGI environments.

Finally, the characters themselves are all really charming and interesting and the Summon Beasts are really cute. Wouldn't mind a Nendo Petit set from this series. Ya hear me GSC!!!

This first episode perfectly encapsulates everything this Anime is about. Great characters, intriguing premise, amazing production values and overall a fantastic comedy. This show has everything going for it.

Make no mistake, this is an excellent series. Kinda like how last season’s Sora no Otoshimono turned out to be surprisingly epic.. (^o^)

Best show this season? Most likely. Well, in this genera anyways.

Actar's Verdict: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.