First Impressions – Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate
A sweet addition to the Summer lineup!~
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Well, in the overload of harem shows coming out this season, I’ve decided to tag this one with Hawt. Why? … I like chocolate. This show has chocolate in the title. It seemed like a good enough reason at the time. (Though after actually watching the show, I kind of regret my reasoning.) |
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Right on Kara, chocolate ftw!~ KoiChoco might just be the tastiest show of the Summer, but it takes more than just a catchy title to keep us watching. So, on to the show!~ |
Meet the Cast!
Chisato, The Childhood Friend
Chisato is a rare surprise in anime, a childhood friend who can be seen as the “main girl”. She’s shown us her tsundere side, and is comfortable enough with Oojima to even sneak into his house in the morning. She seems to have a bad past with chocolate and refuses to eat it, and it might have something to do with a boy from a photo in her house. She hasn’t exactly stood out the most so far, but with the potential for a very touching back-story she might just come out the most likable of the group!
Satsuki, The Enemy
Satsuki is the food club’s opponent in the elections and if she succeeds the likelihood of the club disbanding is very likely. She’s shown so far her influence within the school and seems to have a very powerful role among the other students. With such skill it’ll be difficult for the food club to overcome her, especially since she has experience. She’s also related to one of the teachers who frequents the food club. Still, we don’t know much beyond that yet.
Mifuyu, The Gentle One
For me Mifuyu stood out the least of all the characters. She’s very soft spoken and with so many vocal and energetic people around her it’s easy to fall into the background. Most of all I love her closeness with Oojima and Chisato, and their dramatic public skit was easily one of the funniest moments of the episode.
Michiru, The Strange One
Michiru! <3 She’s the odd one of the group (well, I guess they’re all odd in some way or another) and doesn’t seem to care very much about her surroundings. She doesn’t pay attention all that much, but when she does she supports the club and Oojima.
Isara, The Yayoi
While only having a small role in the first episode, Isara actually got a fair amount of development. She’s defined as a “special” student because she’s on the poor side, but despite that she seems very determined. I get the feeling her side story will be coming up soon, especially if she joins the club!
The Side Cast
A strong point of KoiChoco is its enormous side cast, from the other members of the club to student council and beyond. For the most part they all fit comfortably into a specific trope, but they bring a level of fun I feel the main cast failed to do this week. It also appears as though some of them will play important roles in the plot, such as the council president and his sister.
I also made these, but the text came out blurry so. -_-‘ Show ▼
★ —————————— —————————— ★
Plot wise, the beginning looked at least somewhat promising even though it wasn’t nearly what I expected. Sure,I wasn’t completely into it since it’s hard to take a character exposing a scandal (or whatever) seriously when she’s eating pocky and looks/acts like she’s 12 , but it was something different at least. …And then the club happened. The transition from some loli dramatically getting hit by a car to having some guy get woken up sexually by the girl next door was waaay too abrupt. I don’t blame the student council president or whoever for shutting this club down (which I’m sure will be the plot premise for at least a couple of episodes). It just looked like a bunch of high school students sitting around, doing generic harem-ish things and eating snacks. I can’t see myself getting into the plot at all in the future either. I as a viewer don’t see a point to the club, so why would I care if the members manage to save it or not? Overall, the plot is forgettable and falls below most of the other generic harem shows that are out this season.
Characters were pretty forgettable too. Bland MC? Check. Though he might have potential since that performance in the middle of the street with harem members A and B was pretty amusing. On that note though, the harem members seem pretty bland as well. I imagine that that one girl disliking chocolate will become an important (and maybe even interesting) plot point later on, but for now, I want to know more about ponytail guy and his comatose sister rather then if lead guy keeps his club. Really, only the green haired ‘yaoi stick’ guy and the drunken teacher were the only ones who stood out to me and only because they made me laugh momentarily. The character designs are a bit less appealing to me too. I still like the game art, but the transfer to the anime doesn’t look like it went so well. …And I haven’t even played the game. This is just me looking at screenshots.
I can’t say that this was a complete failure though, since the world itself is at least mildly interesting. I like the high tech setting at least. …But other then watching tables flip sides like that, I can’t say that this was very interesting. I …I just can’t see a point to this anime. I’ll give it a few episodes, but KoiChoco has far from convinced me that it’s worth watching yet.
★ —————————— —————————— ★
While watching KoiChoco I realized there are two distinct sides to this anime with varying levels of entertainment. One side has fascinating school politics and the shady dealings of the members involved, and the second has mundane club activities painted over with bright colors to give off an imitation of fun. Not surprisingly the plot of KoiChoco involves these two sides coming together through an election, and it doesn’t help that after watching I’m now actually rooting against the club. The points against them are reasonable and can’t really be argued considering the food club does nothing but eat away the school’s resources, and neither the harem lead nor the harem (nor the yaoi sticks) have convinced me otherwise.
The cast as a whole is also very dull, and it seems as though the side characters are not only far more interesting, but also more fun to watch. The blue/orange duo were hilarious, and yaoi-dude was also way more comical then Oojima could ever hope to be. Echoing after Kara, I too am more curious in the background behind student council guy and his sister, who are involved in something sketchy. I do wonder if there will be romance involved in the story, or if the anime will focus on the whole election/student council business. (Likelihood of harem end: very high.) Anyway, overall I’d say the show is right on the line between boring and enjoyable, and whether or not it hits its stride will depend on how it manages to set itself apart from every other harem-club anime out there, which after seeing so many can get mundane. I fully expect the usual staples of adaptations like these (beach episode, episodes focusing on each of the main girls, etc), but the darker mystery from the start of the show will always linger with me as a high point.
I guess I sound less than enthused, but I’m actually still looking forward to future episodes. There’s enough going for it to become an entertaining show, as long as it doesn’t prioritize the boring daily routine of the club and instead focuses on the plot points that have potential to evolve into something much grander than candy and pocky. Well, until next time!~
PREVIEW
Looks as though Satsuki will be visiting the food club!
About Tag Team
We live, laugh, enjoy and strictly believe on "more the merrier". When together, we usually come up with very chatty, conversation-based episodics and interesting posts.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
I’m just going to call this The Michiru Show and get angry when not enough time is spent on her. Kinda like Guilty Crown was the Tsugumi Show.
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
I’m with skylion. Michiru’s the only one who had any sort of character shine through the opening. And not just cause of her scene with Sunbeam-chan. She actually seemed interesting and worth watching. The rest of the cast really seems forgettable, like they just took a bunch of trope-dice, put them in a cup, and rolled up characters. Yahtzee!
POWUH: 700-799 and Horror Expert with 701 comments
I’m glad more people have taken the path of Michilove. ´▽｀
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Well, Hawt, we’re just kinda awesome that way, aren’t we? We might even be too awesome…
@Highway. Well, character narratives are a neat trick. As you say so very well, trope dice! With Michi, she’s kinda blank slate. Almost. But, because she is so moe, we kinda put what we want her to be on her.
To me, she’s soft spoke, neat, organized, and good to people. But don’t make her angry, it would be hard, but just don’t. I’m guessing her Berserk button is yet to be found.
Ah, conjecture, when does it stop!?
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
Yeah, but it doesn’t particularly bode well for a cast when the blank slate is everyone’s favorite character. 🙂
Hopefully they’ll fill them out and we can like more of them.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
True. For the show’s sake, they’ll have to be filled out (or the story) as soon as possible or it’ll a waste of a show. Shining Hearts, anyone?
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
She’s easily the favorite here. Here’s to hoping she has a fair amount of screen time. Damn, Sunbeam-chan. He invaded High School DxD and now he’s made his way here. He’s infamous. Other than her, I think Satsuki has potential.
POWUH: 700-799 and Horror Expert with 701 comments
Just watched episode 2, and Sunbeam-chan seems to have taken a liking to Michiru. That’s it, I’m shipping it.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
RE: Sunbeam-chan shipping…
https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSg-UE_zBA3hXmnl5DIvPCepAy1MubkicEvyVr9bmp4HfMW0phi
Motherfoshing Gandalf has spoken!
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
At least we know we are not alone in trying to halt Sunbeam-chan’s advancements. Thank you, Motherfoshing Gandalf.
By the way, awesome new title there, skylion.
POWUH: 700-799 and Horror Expert with 701 comments
If Sunbeam-chan falls in love it may stop its reign of terror over better shows! This is a necessary sacrifice!
I agree, cool title. ;D
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
This show might be the one that’s falling by the wayside out of the multitude of shows I’m watching this season (right now it’s 14, what the heck is wrong with me?!?!). It had a lot of the same problems, logistically, as Arcana Famiglia: Pile of characters thrown at you all at once so that even if they have distinctive characteristics, you can’t figure them out. I used to get a little annoyed at the ‘New Harem Member of the Week’ method of introductions, but at least that gives you time to get comfortable with characters. The ‘Throw Them All at the Audience and See Who Sticks’ method is a lot more confusing and really doesn’t let you make any judgments about the characters.
I also found the cloak and dagger stuff a little bit too much like high school kids playing at a spy movie and “Serious Business”. How big a scandal can it be involving a high school student government? You really need to freakin’ bump off a girl because of it? I didn’t mess up and watch Eden of the East or something, did I?
Like the other shows, I’ll keep watching and I want it to get better. Just right now it’s falling between the cracks, because it’s not really got anything to grab on with.
POWUH: 700-799 and Horror Expert with 701 comments
14!? Woah, I would never be able to keep up with that many. XD This is just me speculating, but I get the feeling it will end up being a mixture of the two methods you mentioned. First throw all the characters at us, and then week by week focus on a different girl and reveal each of their backgrounds and whatnot. (That’s how most adult VN adaptations I’ve seen go, but who knows! ><) I'll laugh if the scandal somehow involves chocolate smuggling or something ... because like you said, how serious could it be for such a lighthearted show?
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
Woo hoo, a comrade in arms!
After a run through the first episodes, I’ve whittled down my list to a more manageable 12 (maybe 13 with Ebiten) from 18:
Rinne no Lagrange S2
Tari Tari
Binbougami ga!
Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate
Kono Naka ni Hitori, Imouto ga Iru!
Hagure Yuusha no Estetica
Dakara Boku wa, H ga Dekinai
Campione!
Dog Days’
Sword Art Online
Kokoro Connect
Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon II
Haven’t watched yet: Ebiten: Kouritsu Ebisugawa Koukou Tenmonb (it’s airing today!)
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
My list is close to yours, so far. I take off Dog Days’ and Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon II (mainly because I never saw the first series of them). Then add:
Hyouka
Natsuyuki Rendezvous
Oda Nobuna
Yuri Yuri
UtaKoi
Arcana Famiglia
Muv-Luv: Total Eclipse
Accel World
Criminy! That’s up to 18. That’s all the ones I’m current on that are now airing. The ones in most danger of falling off the list right now are Hagure Yuusha no Estetica and… actually that’s about it. I might have some disagreements with some shows, but right now they’re not enough to give up on them.
Oh and I’m also catching up on old shows, too. Working through Hanasaku Iroha, Shinryaku! Ika Musume, and have taken a look at Cromartie High School.
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
Oh and Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita.
This is my life…
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
Oh, I forgot Oda Nobuna for the new shows this season! I’m liking it so far.
POWUH: 700-799 and Horror Expert with 701 comments
You’re both crazy. -_-‘
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Nah, I wouldn’t say crazy. More like daring. Speaking of which, how are you guys going to squeeze all of those shows into your daily schedules?
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
It only works out to like an hour and a half per day, if it was spread out. Since the other stuff I do doesn’t take up that much time, and I don’t sleep enough, it hasn’t been a problem to fit them in so far. If it’s something I enjoy watching, it’s not a chore, it’s a recreation activity.
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
I only watch on average 4-6 shows as they air. The rest, once approved through my initial new season review, gets watched over a longer period of time. It’s why I have such a huge backlog, because books, manga, and games also get added to that list.
POWUH: iLurker with 1 comments
[…] First Impressions – Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate […]
POWUH: Meta Resident and Yōko Fanboy with 1246 comments
Hey you want a taste of my Yaoi stick? –‘
POWUH: Meta Resident and Werewolf Chaser with 1270 comments
……………….Is this lk those capping the pencap on pen stuff?
POWUH: 700-799 and Horror Expert with 701 comments
Sounds smutty. fufufu
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
I’d be careful around that guy. He looks obsessed and capable of anything. He might have even spiked that Yaoi stick.
POWUH: 700-799 and Horror Expert with 701 comments
DEATH BY YAOI STICK.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Yes. Bet you didn’t expect that!?
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
I certainly didn’t expect that. My mind went blank the moment that scene came up. I was like “Dude, are you serious? A Yaoi stick?”. He kind of reminds me of Hastur from Haiyore! Nyaruko-san.
POWUH: Metanorn Lover with 207 comments
I do have to agree that the cast all seem stereotypically generic, filling in all their obvious roles and all. I do agree the technology is interesting, though after seeing the live action Pheonix Wright movie, it doesn’t really impress me too much. PLUS WITH AN OBJECTION LINE BEFORE D:
Overall, I don’t hate this plot, though I think the only reason I would stay around is that I’m also a sucker for animes centered around food, though still trying to debate whether or not snacks count DX. Though that freaking car accident at the beginning fucking fooled me into thinking this was going to be like an intense thriller anime. Like seriously with that happening at the beginning and then going into this snack eating club or whatever, that change of pace was just way too dramatic for me.
But saying that, it was actually the only thing interesting in this episode. I honestly don’t care about the harem here. (AND THIS IS A FREAKING HAREM SHOW FOR CHRIST SAKE >.>)
Though I do have to agree that the side characters are WAYYY more interesting than the main. I mean, how can I forgot the guy that tell’s the main character to suck on his yaoi stick? That whole scene made me crack up a little XD.
I think I’ll watch this just for the heck of it, hopefully it doesn’t get too unbearable for me to drop it any time soon.
POWUH: 700-799 and Horror Expert with 701 comments
Pheonix Wright movies!? *googles* Must … watch …
Maybe the producers are trying to trick us, and the snacks/candy are all just a distraction from the oncoming death and intensity … or that scene was just one big tease. >< I agree though, I hated the pacing and perhaps that scene would have been better at the end of the episode. yfw when the harem is actually different brands of candy and not the girls. XD
POWUH: Metanorn Lover with 209 comments
I’m only watching this because Mifuyu sounds like Mami XD
POWUH: 700-799 and Horror Expert with 701 comments
Woah, same VAs. I didn’t even realize. ><
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Gah, too many good looking shows at once!! Next, I gotta check out Oda Nobuna no Yabou. There are some good things being said about it.
Whoa. I didn’t think the stakes to gain student body power would be raised so high. It kind of makes sense when think back to the girl who got run over at the beginning. She had blackmailing leverage on the camera. This show has my vote. I intend to keep watching.
Right now, the cast is generic but I’ve already taken a liking to Michiru. Her character design is unique from the others and makes her stand out easily. I was indifferent when they said they were in the “food club”. It made me think of Ben-To.
POWUH: 700-799 and Horror Expert with 701 comments
Somehow student council elections are like the equivalent of presidential elections except with even more drama … just wait until you watch episode two when bodyguards get involved. -_-‘ And true, that scene will definitely be important in these elections! Most importantly is who that person in the car was … if it was the loli scientist I will commit seppuku.
Michimichi is easily the best girl. <3 Oh, and Ben-to's club puts this one to shame.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Oda Nobuna wins for sheer enthusiasm! And….
THIS. IS. ANIME!
The student council is the end all be all. They have the power to shape time and space as we know it. Trifle not in the affairs of these wizards..for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup….
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
seconded on Oda Nobuna!
Student Councils run nations, you know.
POWUH: 400-499 with 489 comments
I dub this show Chocolate the animation, after the long lost
even though it kinda just endedbread the animationPOWUH: 700-799 and Horror Expert with 701 comments
Good choice in name! XD
But, Chocolate >>>>>>>> Bread (Taste wise, and hopefully anime-quality wise too. ><)
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
THIS DOESN’T HAVE KAMIYAN IN IT. I’m skeptical.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
True. But maybe we can settle for Yuichi Nakamura this time around. He’s played a few good roles (Dance in the Vampire Bund: Akira; Guilty Crown: Gai; Hyouka: Houtarou Oreki).
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
…and Oreimo. Don’t forget that broken soul of a siscon. And the histrionics of a certain Mykage from Aquarion EVOL.
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
Watching Episode 2, I realized that he was not any of those characters, but that he was Kousaka Kyousuke from OreImo, and seems to be playing Oojima close to the same way. So now in addition to the 8 girls they’ve already introduced, he’s got Manami, Ayase, Kuroneko, and Kirino in the harem, too!
POWUH: 400-499 with 489 comments
Indeed I agree with you all the way with that statement
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Hopefully this won’t suffer the same fate by following its path. It’s seems unlikely even if it turns out to be mediocre.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
I think this show will pull out just ahead of mediocrity. I mean, I watch two to three random harem comdedy/dramas every season. This one isn’t bad at all.
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
Yeah, this seemed a lot better second episode. It’s definitely not a terrible harem comedy/drama (yet). Heck, there’s already been more action than happened in the first 10 episodes of Shiny Bread.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
@Blackbriar, since I cannot reply to the comment above. Thank the Boss Lady for giving me the title, and to Ana-chan for the ultimate suggestion. My first choice was Middle-Aged Otaku, but Kyo went with Gandalf.
I guess that makes you guys my hobbit, or my dwarfs.
Gandalf has a short posse.
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!? Isn’t this a comedy romance???
3 minutes in and I see some political plot and a girl run over by a car??! I was expecting happy thoughts… I’m traumatized right now ><
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
Ok, I got over the trauma and finished the first episode…
I don’t get the fascination with Michiru. I think she ranks at the bottom of the character list for me.
I’m enjoying the show so far, it’s made enough of an impression on me that I’ll follow it to the end, short of it going School Days mode.
I like the “Likelihood” pics, thought they were pretty cute and funny.
POWUH: 700-799 and Horror Expert with 701 comments
Don’t be traumatized, that wasn’t blood! It was … um … melted chocolate … *cough*
But Michiru is so adorable! Do you have a favorite character as of now?
Thanks. I’m glad someone found them funny. ><
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
If I had to pick one, it would be Mifuyu. I loved the skit (I’m silly and like to do things like that with friends, though not usually in the middle of an intersection).
POWUH: 400-499 with 428 comments
I remember wanting to play the VN when my bro first showed me this but I never got around to it because of hectic uni times… 🙁 but now, instead there’s an anime for it! First off, could definitely see that AIC came back to do Koichoco, especially since the art’s a dead giveaway I think (which was great for Amagami, and will be the same here 🙂 ).
Though, didn’t expect the beginning mystery of what happened. I THOUGHT THIS WOULD BE INNOCENT HIGH SCHOOL HAREM STUFF, but I was wrong…which is great! Though I don’t expect too much of ‘serious serious business of story’ with Koichoco, it’ll probably end up as something I’d enjoy to watch in a relaxed and comfortable position (upside down on my chair, or lying sideways to watch my laptop screen sidewards too 😀 )
POWUH: 700-799 and Horror Expert with 701 comments
You should still give the VN a shot if you find time, I heard it’s actually really good! (And there’s adult-oriented material, if you’re into that.)
The bonus mystery aspect of the show was surprising to me as well, but it does add an extra layer of entertainment to an otherwise simple premise. Mysteries are always a nice addition. It’s a good thing it’s summer, you’ll have tons of time to spend comfortably watching. ´▽｀
POWUH: Meta Resident and Werewolf Chaser with 1270 comments
Why do I find green hair boy is more interesting then the most of them?? (Okay Chisato is mildly interesting with her dislike of chocolate.)
Ppl been telling me this is not just a generic harem show so I hope they r rught….
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
It’s definitely not a generic harem show, imo. I really don’t think it’s put a foot wrong, and if you keep watching, you’ll find out a lot more about the characters that make them more interesting than Yume (he did start out strong, but he’s kind of a one-joke guy).
POWUH: Meta Resident and Werewolf Chaser with 1270 comments
Thk for the tip, Highway. I will give it a few more shot.
POWUH: Meta Resident and Werewolf Chaser with 1270 comments
Help, swallowed comment.