Season 1 |
Season 2 |
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Episode Guide
Episode 13: Worthy New Opponents
Episode 14: The Door to One’s Soul
Episode 15: Camelot Cup Competition!
Episode 16: An Awakened Power
Episode 17: The Brits Go Into Overdrive
Episode 18: The Way to Victory
Episode 19: The Dark Nobleman
Episode 20: Monsters
Episode 21: An Approaching Destiny
Episode 22: Heart of Glass
Episode 23: Awaken!
Episode 24: A Contest of Gift
Episode 25: To the Top
Episode 26: See You Again!
Rising Impact Season 1 gave audiences a satisfactory-level anime about the calm and strategic sport of golf. It had its share of ups concerning its likable characters, intriguing golf-centric information, and slightly engaging scenarios. Despite its highs, Season 1 had its share of low points.
It suffered from having weird humor, instances of plot convenience, and an unrealistic portrayal of golf via its characters’ supernatural talents. All that said, many fans went into Rising Impact Season 2 expecting more of the same. Although this season is an improvement over the first in ways, it’s not quite at the level of “peak performance.”
Rising Impact Season 2 continues following the golf-centric outings of Gawain and his friends at Camelot Academy. Picking things up where Season 1 ended, our protagonists head to the United Kingdom (UK). In the UK, they must compete against Camelot Academy’s UK and United States (US) teams in the Camelot Cup tournament. From problematic familial relationships to moments of self-doubt, it’s up to Gawain and his allies to overcome it all if they hope to take home a victory.
First and foremost, Season 2’s storyline tackles concepts no different from those found in Season 1. These themes include companionship, determination, and maturation. Gawain’s all-night solo training session in episode 14 is a great example of the series’s exceptional portrayal of perseverance.
Gawain loses one of his important skills after a US competitor wipes the floor with him during a quick golf game. Seeing Gawain mope over this loss and overcome it later through extensive training and emotional support will appeal to many fans. The three notions above carry over to the other characters’ mini-arcs in Season 2. This will entice fans to appreciate the time spent on their journeys.
Next, Season 2’s Camelot Cup-centered story arc is more gripping and captivating than most of Season 1’s offerings. From golf amateurs like Kate to professionals like Lancelot, the Camelot Cup pressured everyone.
Moreover, Season 2 introduces new formats for the characters to compete in like the 6-player skins match. The courses the characters play on wreak creativity and difficulty, some more so than those found in Season 1. Like Season 1, this forces the characters to develop outside-the-box strategies to defeat each course’s share of hurdles in Season 2.
Also, Season 2 offers fans a payoff for the breadcrumbs the series’s creator, Nakaba Suzuki, dropped in Season 1. Some Season 1 subplots that receive attention include Platalissa’s golf-centered goals and the mystery surrounding Gawain’s parents. Season 2 introduces interesting lore and obstacles for its new talents like Quester, Tristan, and others too.
The humor in Season 2 is more tolerable. Most jokes, gags, and arguments between this Season’s character roster won’t bother folks. This may be due to the lack of screen time Kurumi and Kiria receive. Mostly, fans shouldn’t expect any Gawain and Kiria, or Kurumi and Lancelot shipping segments to occur in Season 2’s storyline.
While all seems well for Season 2’s plot, some issues from Season 1 remain present. For instance, Season 2 suffers from missed opportunities, instances of plot convenience, and poor pacing in specific chapters. Platalissa’s family drama with her sister Sfida is a great example of the former issue.
Although this rounds out Platalissa’s character fairly well, the story doesn’t focus too heavily on this plot point as much as it could. Instead, like others, it feels thrown into the narrative to give fans something to latch onto with her character. It makes the instance between Platalissa and Sfida in Season 2’s finale feel rushed, unrewarding, and lifeless.
The same can be said about the lack of focus given to Wanglian, Quester, and Bridget’s characters in Season 2. Wanglian achieves something phenomenal by Season 2’s finale so the lack of attention he receives throughout it feels bizarre. As for plot convenience issues, ironically, many fans won’t adore what specific characters achieve throughout the Camelot Cup.
From hitting golf balls through tiny tree holes to a certain player receiving a skill boost after a painful injury, it’ll be tough for diehard golf fanatics to let this anime’s unrealistic aspects go uncriticized. Although some won’t mind this story’s supernatural traits, some outcomes can be difficult to swallow.
Although several subplots aren’t given proper care, the pacing issues only arise in a few chapters. For instance, people may have problems with episodes that introduce new golf-centered terminology and activities. Some examples include Aria’s breakdown of the 6-player skins match or some of the unnecessary character-driven flashback scenes.
While one can argue for the latter, Season 2 could’ve opted for better ways to deliver its informative golf material to audiences. Story aside, Rising Impact’s returning and new cast members will leave some folks entertained and others disappointed. Season 2’s biggest standouts from the returning cast were Gawain and Lancelot.
Gawain is still an inspirational and wholesome protagonist like in Season 1. From his passion for golf to the support he offers his friends and rivals, Gawain remains a lovable goofball with a strong will. Although Gawain undergoes a sudden personality switch that’ll leave fans mixed, others will admire the subtle development he experiences in Season 2.
As for Lancelot, he receives an upgrade in Season 2! Mostly on the development front. This is due to Suzuki pitting Lancelot against golfers who are on par, if not, more formidable than him. This causes Lancelot to embark on a short and meaningful journey of self-discovery and growth. This quest grants viewers access to Lancelot’s past experiences.
It also indicates how most novice and skilled golfers influenced Lancelot to improve despite his exceptional capabilities. In conclusion, many fans will love how much love and care Lancelot’s character receives here. Unfortunately, the other returning characters don’t receive much attention. As mentioned, Platalissa, Wanglian, and others have their moments.
Yet, their tales aren’t as riveting or well-developed as Gawain or Lancelot’s journeys. The same can be said for the antagonists in Season 2. Tristan is one of the few new additions with an arc as compelling as Lancelot and Gawain’s. This is because Suzuki gradually builds upon Tristan’s character throughout Season 2.
From Tristan’s saddening fatherly tale to his dominant presence in the Camelot Cup, it’d be hard for folks not to forget about him. Quester, Percival, and Sfida are worthy of praise too. They have memorable moments and likable personalities. However, when stacked against Lancelot, Gawain, and Tristan, one can tell who Suzuki favored more in Season 2.
Lay-duce Studios returns to animate this part of Suzuki’s manga series. Much like Season 1, the visuals and animation remain superb in this season. Never once did a character look off when they responded to things happening around them. From characters’ golf swings to the different golf course designs, Lay-duce Studios made everything look polished.
Granted the visuals weren’t on par with works you’d see Ufotable, Madhouse, Mappa, or Cloverworks Studios produce, but fans looking for a good time won’t mind. The soundtrack bears similar fruit. From the voice acting to the background music, the soundtrack does its best to keep people invested in Gawain and the others’ activities.
Rising Impact Season 2 is a step up from Season 1. The events that transpire throughout it are suspenseful, touching, and informative. Some returning characters remain intriguing to follow, with one arguably outshining Gawain. Although Season 2 earns itself a “par,” and possibly, a “birdie,” it has ways to go if it wants an “eagle.”
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Verdict - - 7/10
7/10