Originally released in 2004, Ragnarok: The Animation is based on the relatively popular Ragnarok Online video game. True to its MMORPG roots, Ragnarok is more or less an animated representation of the video game genre and it's something that fans of Ragnarok (obviously), Worlds of Warcraft and the like may be interested. What about the rest of us? If you're looking for a solid fantasy anime you're going to be disappointed. Actually, if you're just looking for a solid anime you'll probably be let down as well.

Ragnarok's release and license has been handled by FUNimation since 2007, and while three volumes containing the show have already been released, a complete collection has recently been compiled as well. All 26 episodes of the series are presented on four discs in a nice little boxed set that should appeal to anyone interested in the show. However, even though the show features some nice, clean artwork and offers up a well-versed fantasy setting, it's a paltry effort from start to finish and it's something that ultimately leads to disappointment.

The reason for this discontent has a lot to do with the show's video game background. Rather than use it as a backdrop or attempt to do something new with it, the show painstakingly goes through the most diminutive details. That means you'll watch in wonder as the lead characters gather party members, accept missions, fight monsters, and meander about their daily routines while fumbling through something of a plot. It's not well constructed in the least and while it does stay true to the MMORPG roots it's just flat-out boring.

The show begins following the adventures of Roan and Yufa, who are childhood friends out to make a big adventuring name for themselves. Predictably Roan is infatuated with Yufa and there are many moments in the show where this is quite evident. In likewise expected fashion Yufa has feelings for Roan as well, but she decides to show them in other ways. Throughout the show Roan and Yufa provide plenty of entertaining commentary and they are fun enough characters at times, but the problem is that they just aren't strong enough to carry the show. Sure Yufa has the background of her missing brother, and Roan has his own goals and desires. Sadly neither is really compelling enough to really make them standout. Because of that the characters feel flat and do not stand out in the least. I suppose that's why they start forming a party early on.

Right from the very first few episodes Roan and Yufa find themselves in situations that necessitate the need for other assistance. While they tend to stumble upon the support characters "accidentally" it feels far too forced and predictable. Even these other personalities add little to the show and for the most part they play to specific stereotypes within either anime, the fantasy genre, or video games. Sufficed to say if you've ever played an RPG you'll instantly recognize the character archetypes for what they are and know exactly what their roles are going to be.

Once the cast is more or less assembled Ragnarok sets out to tell its story through episodic means. There's a certain "mission of the week" vibe running throughout much of the show, and though there's a backdrop of a plot bubbling beneath the surface, it's once again wholly predictable and unsatisfying. Let's see, this is a fantasy anime based on a video game. Does that mean a Dark Lord is coming back to life and our heroes have to stop it? Yep.

Though I have been doom and gloom, all is not lost with Ragnarok. There are some genuinely funny moments here and the show does present some nice action every now and again. It's just a shame that these moments are few and far between, because if the show had been restricted to 13 episodes and the script were made tighter than it is, things may have been different. As it stands this is a droll experience that is wrought with ill-thought ideas, lackluster character development, and far too much focus on the MMORPG aspect of Ragnarok. The focus should have been on making a memorable script with well-developed characters, rather than getting the game's details right.

Ragnarok: The Animation is presented on DVD with a 1.33:1 full frame aspect ratio. Sadly, though the show was produced by a division of Gonzo, it's not the greatest to look at. The artwork and design may be decent, but the animation leaves something to be desired and I can honestly say this is probably one of the lowest quality Gonzo shows I have watched. As far as the technical quality is concerned the DVDs are hindered by grain and compression artifacts. This may have something to do with the way the episodes were packed onto the four DVDs, but a lot of the problems look as though they were from the source material.

As far as the sound quality in Ragnarok is concerned, the show is presented with 2.0 stereo language tracks for both English and Japanese. Both dubs do a decent enough job with the material they've been handed, but let's just say that the script they had to work with wasn't the greatest. Equally unimpressive is the technical quality. The show just comes across as being very flat and lifeless. There weren't any flaws to note other than the lackluster output that kept things firmly rooted on the front channels.

Want some FUNimation trailers? You've got them. There's nothing else here.

Ragnarok: The Animation is not the worst anime I have ever seen. Not even close. Unfortunately it's just not a very good show either. The 26 episode series does absolutely nothing to make itself standout or be remembered in any way. The characters are flat, the story is predictable, the presentation is average at best, and all around things just have a wholly generic quality. It feels like it was trying way too hard to be just like the video game it's based on, which is almost always a bad thing. If you like Ragnarok the game you may want to consider renting this, but everyone else can just skip it.

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