Official Phi Brain Website is the official website for the anime series. Every new episode that airs features an accompanying puzzle that was featured in that specific episode. What's particularly amusing about the show is that it stars characters who are not exactly suitable candidates for being on an educational channel, but this doesn't detract from the enjoyment of watching the show.
The show's setting itself cannot be taken too seriously, as it is set in a reality where puzzles are essentially everything. In this world, being exceptionally good at a particular puzzle can make you a celebrity or a target of some kind of organization. However, if you've played many Professor Layton games before, you will quickly become used to this kind of setting. This unique aspect of the show makes it stand out from others that focus more on who is the number one master/champion of the world, rather than the art of solving puzzles.
Overall, if you enjoy puzzles and want to see how they are incorporated into an entertaining story, then The Phi Brain Show is definitely worth checking out.
The show is not about the puzzles themselves, but rather how they relate to the characters and their lives. While some may think it's a typical setup for a shounen show with POG people (Power Outsiders) challenging main characters, the story is actually quite different. There are plenty of random things in the show that do go on, which adds to the overall randomness of the show.
In the end, the story is no longer just about the puzzles and how wrong it is to make them dangerous. Instead, it's about friendship, childhood trauma, emotions, and the true meaning of trust. This makes it stand out from other shows in its genre.
Puzzle-wise, I enjoyed several of them. The show starts off with ones you would sort of expect, but then, some of them do become ridiculous hard to your brain. They don't always explain how the puzzles work, but I don't mind that at all. You can always try it yourself online (and this clearly improves with the second season).
The first OP of the show was awesome, while the May'n's Brain Driver from season one was a fitting and solid song for the animation style presented. However, the second season's OP, which is available if you watch the entire series, takes May'n's to a whole new level. (Overall, both OPs are great.) As for EDs, I like both seasons' tracks equally.
When it comes to art, it's what you would expect from Sunrise animation. It's nothing too spectacular, but it serves its purpose well. The studio did extensive research into puzzle designs and managed to convey character expressions quite effectively.
In terms of sound, Sunrise does their job as any other anime production company would. I have already expressed my opinions on OPs and EDs, so there is no need for further comments on those aspects.
Finally, the characters of Death Note are what really make the show stand out. They are complex and well-developed, with each character having their own unique backstory and motivations. The story is gripping and keeps you hooked until the very end.
Out of the zillion anime character archetypes to use, Phi Brain has put together a diverse cast. From a semi-grouchy puzzle prodigy to a photographic memory tomboy, from a baby face computer genius to a super convincing cross-dressing artist, from a high strung tough crazy/ sadistic (?) biker guy to an apple juice loving student president, each character is lovable in their own way.
The personalities of these characters are different, and so are their antics. Even if some of them display "fan-service"-ish qualities, this is not necessarily bad compared to the shounen manga/anime that displays fanservice purely for guys. =__=;;
One interesting aspect of this cast is Kaito's childhood friend who is yet to be revealed. As such, I won't be saying anything about him.
Overall, the cast of this anime is unique and offers a wide range of personalities and traits to explore. Whether you're looking for humor, drama, action, or romance, there is something for everyone in this cast.
originally wasn't sure what to expect from these characters, but the people behind the show were able to play with these personalities in order to make the show engaging. Sometimes, they used the characters to poke fun at themselves so I like that. So much for some cliches....
We're also able to get into a backstory with some of them, even though Kaito's past is the main focus. I think season 2 will continue with flexing out some of the other characters' pasts, from the looks of it, even if it's still Kaito-focused. The side characters, for this show, are never forgotten in any way. They each get a role to shine in, whether it's a backstory or not.
Side note: A lot of people wonder what's wrong with the main character, Kaito, and why he treats all these other characters, supposedly his friends, the way he does. There is a reason for this, and it's all part of his character development. People need to be patient with him, because his original personality was really.......*spoiler spoiler*
Enjoyment ~
If you've reached this far in my review, you can clearly tell that I have enjoyed this show immensely right into the second season. Things got pretty good by the end of the first season, and the second season just leaves the main characters without too much break/mercy.
Overall ~
If you can understand that this show....
+ Shouldn't be taken too seriously while still having its serious parts (which reminds me of Poke'mon Black/White, the game, just a little bit).
This is a show that's worth a shot, but don't expect the puzzles to be fully explained out or solved slowly. At least in season 1, they're not. Don't mind the cross-dresser character either, as he's extremely convincing even after you know the truth about him. It's still hard to believe.
The antagonist, Kaito, might seem a bit "creepy" with his actions towards Kaito and possibly some other people too. However, it's important to recognize that isn't all black vs. white in this series, as there are a lot of gray areas with the characters.
One thing to note for Kaito is that his own actions are influenced by "something" (presumably supernatural forces). In addition, while the show itself may not be the level of "Fantastic Children", it's still one of the better shows for me, at least, as oppose to a show full of Harlemns, stupid fanservice, meaningless comedies, pointless fighting, undeveloped characters, and magic girls.
