The OVA ;;

Released in 2004, the two episode OVA of Enzai thankfully features the same seiyuu cast as the game. (On a random note, the drama CDs do as well.) The OVA also retains all original music from the game, which does, in fact, make the entire atmosphere very recognizable to those who have played the game. Every single character in the game is featured in the anime, but some of them do not have speaking roles. These characters include: Shion, Belbet and Bollanet. While Bollanet is spoken of and somewhat clearly defined, Belbet and Shion are not. In fact, they are minimal background characters, two, who if you haven’t played the game, you won’t even notice! The two are so badly ignored in the anime’s scenario that Belbet is given no time to go insane and die, therefore living and shown during the credits as becoming an actor. Shion, on the other hand, is shown opening a restaurant, faithful to his scenario in the game, but completely random to those who have no idea who he is. I mean, the two weren’t even given speaking roles, yet they are shown in the credits as if they were vital characters in the anime! It’s all very, very odd to me.

As far as the chosen scenario, the OVA is a mixture between Lusca’s and Vallewida’s endings. Vallewida is given enough attention to explain his story and the abuse he suffers at the hands of Durer, but just barely. Lusca, on the other hand, is the one Guys becomes romantically linked to, but very little is done to establish their growing attraction to each other, so when they do end up together, it feels quite random (and this statement is coming from a rather loyal Lusca/Guys fangirl). On a positive note, however, Guildias is given a great amount of attention in the anime, which allows the viewer to understand his motives more. And, unlike in the game, Myuca is shown alive, and it is very pleasing to see Guildias and him interact both at the beginning of the first episode and the very end of the second. It certainly helps fans understand the timeline of the Myuca’s murder a bit more. Also, Guildias’ ultimate fate is revealed in the anime: he commits suicide. Although it can be debated if this is “game canon,” many fans have grown to accept that it actually is, but I suppose the argument can continue.

The most criticism fans give the OVA is how rushed the storyline is played out. While Guys literally spends three years in prison in the game, the anime makes it seem as though he’s only spending a couple of months there. His first failed trial is not portrayed and neither are at least half of the sex scenes and the more intriguing conversations between characters. And, yes, as already mentioned, there has been much criticism for the way the writers chose to push some characters into the background rather than revealing anything about their connections to the game’s conspiracies. But, what is worse, is that even those who are giving fair screen time still do not retain their memorable game quirks and uniqueness. It’s disheartening.

Many fans enjoy bashing and criticizing the animation to a crazy extent. I will admit that it does get a little sloppy here and there, and no, it doesn’t hold a flame to the game’s beautiful artwork, but it’s not that dreadful. I have seen worse. I personally believe the color scheme matches the game’s atmosphere just beautifully and the settings are wonderfully familiar.

It’s plainly obviously that the best thing Langmoar could have done was produce more than just two episodes so the storyline would not have seemed as rushed. Then us insane fans could have seen more of our favorite characters. I suppose it’s useless to hope one day there will be a “remake” (after all, anime has never been known for doing “remakes” like us Westerners are familiar with when it comes to adapted movies), but that’s not to say us fans can’t expect a little something more, like a manga. But being a pessimist, I won’t hold my breath. Besides, it has been years since the game's release, and I am sure with a combination of the drama CDs, book novelization, and of course, the OVA, Langmoar feel as though they have told the story enough times. ~~I disagree. Enzai's story can never be told too much!~~ Well, maybe one day the OVA will finally be released in America...

One fantastically positive thing I can say for certain when it comes to the OVA, however, is that I absolutely loved seeing Myuca in drag. He’s way too cute, and I could seriously just faint over my twisted adoration for the Guildias/Myuca pairing.

"Enzai" and its characters are © to Langmaor, JAST USA, Will and the artist, Yura. I am notaffiliated with anyone or anything by any means. Fanlisting design, content and coding, however, belong to the webmaster, Bianca, and should not be redisturbritued without permission.