Seisen Cerberus: Ryuukoku no Fatalité

Cerberus

Characters

Hiiro

MAIN

Saraato

MAIN

Parupa

SUPPORTING

Sharisharuu

SUPPORTING

Bahharoppa

SUPPORTING

Tomitte

SUPPORTING

Erin

SUPPORTING

Giruu

SUPPORTING

Kismitete

SUPPORTING

Mumuu

SUPPORTING

Nanbuuko

SUPPORTING

A Unique and Informative Review of Cerberus Season 1: A Mixed Bag of Fantasy Ambition

Cerberus (also known as Seisen Cerberus: Ryūkoku no Fatalité), a 2016 anime adaptation of a Japanese role-playing mobile game by GREE, promised a high-fantasy adventure set in the vibrant yet volatile continent of Kunaaan. With its blend of swordplay, magic, and a looming draconic threat, the 13-episode series aimed to capture the hearts of fantasy anime fans. However, Season 1, which aired on TV Tokyo and was simulcast by Crunchyroll, delivers a polarizing experience—one that oscillates between flashes of potential and frustrating mediocrity. This review dives into the unique aspects, strengths, and shortcomings of Cerberus Season 1, offering a fresh perspective for both newcomers and seasoned anime viewers.

The Premise: A Classic Setup with a Vengeful Twist

Set in the continent of Kunaaan, Cerberus unfolds in a world where three kingdoms—Holy Kingdom of Amoria, Ishilfen, and Vanrodis—maintain a fragile balance of power. The looming threat of the evil dragon Daganzord, a force of destruction that no one can stop, casts a shadow over the land. The story follows Hiiro, a brash and overconfident young swordsman whose parents, Bairo and Kismitete, died in a failed ritual to seal Daganzord a decade prior, known as the “Balbagoa Tragedy.” Driven by revenge, Hiiro embarks on a quest to defeat the dragon, joined by a colorful cast of companions.

The premise is archetypal high fantasy: a young hero, a world-threatening beast, and a journey of growth. Yet, Cerberus attempts to distinguish itself with Hiiro’s unique characterization—a protagonist who is neither particularly skilled nor likable at the outset, which is both its boldest move and its greatest gamble.

What Makes Cerberus Season 1 Unique?

1. An Unconventionally Flawed Protagonist
   Hiiro stands out in a genre crowded with competent heroes. He’s loud, brash, and astonishingly incompetent, often making a fool of himself while his companions mock him behind his back. As noted in reviews on MyAnimeList and Draggle’s Anime Blog, Hiiro’s overconfidence despite his lack of skill is a refreshing departure from the typical shonen hero archetype. Early episodes lean into this, showcasing his bumbling attempts at swordsmanship and his refusal to use his latent magical powers, which he possesses but rarely taps into. This makes Hiiro a polarizing figure: some viewers find his incompetence endearing, while others, as seen in Reddit discussions, find him insufferable, describing him as “loud, rude, spoiled, dumb, and a know-it-all”.
2. A Diverse Ensemble Cast with Distinct Roles
   The supporting cast is a highlight, each character fulfilling a specific narrative function while adding flavor to the group dynamic. Giruu, a half-ogre who trained Hiiro after his parents’ death, serves as the stoic muscle. A cat-like information broker provides cryptic guidance, while a young thief leader and a weapons broker add layers of intrigue and moral ambiguity. The standout is Nanbuuko, a love-obsessed magic user whose erratic behavior injects humor and unpredictability. While the cast is archetypal, their interactions—often laced with witty banter or tension—give the series a lively pulse, even when the plot falters.
3. Daganzord as a Menacing Backdrop
   The evil dragon Daganzord is more than a generic monster; it’s a looming symbol of chaos that ties the world’s political and personal conflicts together. The show’s lore hints at a deeper connection between Daganzord and the failed ritual, which adds a layer of mystery. However, the dragon’s limited screen time in Season 1 leaves much of this potential unexplored, a point of frustration for viewers expecting a more immediate confrontation.
4. Visual and Musical Ambition
   Animated by Studio Bridge, Cerberus boasts vibrant character designs by Gō Tōgetsu and a colorful world that captures the fantastical essence of Kunaaan. The animation quality, while inconsistent, shines in key moments like magical duels or dragon-related sequences. The soundtrack, composed by Hideakira Kimura and Nobuaki Nobusawa, complements the epic tone, with the opening theme “Resonant Heart” by Maaya Uchida and the closing theme “Xenotopia” by Suzuko Mimori adding emotional weight. These elements elevate the series beyond its narrative shortcomings, making it visually and aurally engaging.

The Strengths: Moments of Charm and Potential

• Humor and Character Dynamics: The early episodes excel in comedic moments, particularly when Hiiro’s overconfidence leads to absurd situations. The banter among the cast, especially between Hiiro and the sharp-tongued thief leader, provides genuine laughs.
• World-Building: Kunaaan’s political landscape, with its three kingdoms and the ever-present threat of war, offers a solid foundation for intrigue. The inclusion of a ruthless weapons broker who thrives on conflict adds a cynical edge, hinting at deeper themes of greed and power.
• Hiiro’s Potential for Growth: While Hiiro’s incompetence frustrates, it sets up a clear arc for development. By the season’s end, subtle hints of growth—such as his rare use of magic—suggest he could evolve into a compelling hero if given more time.

The Shortcomings: A Lack of Cohesion and Depth

Despite its unique elements, Cerberus Season 1 struggles to deliver a cohesive narrative. Here are the key issues:

• Pacing and Plot Holes: As noted in a Reddit thread, the series feels rushed, with a 13-episode run that tries to cram in too much. The plot jumps between Hiiro’s quest, political intrigue, and side adventures without fully developing any. The backstory of the Balbagoa Tragedy, which requires “the power of 100 mages, a holy sword, staff of sealing, and a magic shield,” is undermined when Hiiro’s ragtag group makes progress with minimal resources, creating a sense of narrative inconsistency.
• Underdeveloped Characters: Beyond Hiiro, most characters remain one-dimensional. The cat-like broker’s motives are unclear, and Nanbuuko’s obsession with love feels like a gimmick rather than a fully realized trait. Reviews on Draggle’s Anime Blog echo this, giving the characters a D-grade for squandered potential.
• Hiiro’s Stagnation: While Hiiro’s flaws make him unique, his lack of growth by the season’s end frustrates viewers. His refusal to use his magical powers, despite their potential, feels like a contrived way to prolong his underdog status.
• Generic Fantasy Tropes: Despite its unique protagonist, Cerberus leans heavily on clichés—evil dragons, chosen heroes, and kingdom rivalries—without subverting them enough to stand out. Comparisons to Comet Lucifer in reviews highlight its forgettable nature.

Critical Reception: A Divided Audience

The anime community’s response to *Cerber personally, I found it just engaging enough to finish, but I agree with many Crunchyroll commenters who called it ‘awful’ after the finale”. MyAnimeList reviews reflect mixed sentiments, with some praising the colorful cast and others lamenting the lack of depth. The series holds a niche appeal for fans of lighthearted fantasy but struggles to compete with heavier hitters like *Frieren* or Attack on Titan.

Why Watch Cerberus Season 1?

Cerberus Season 1 is a flawed gem that shines brightest for viewers who enjoy underdog stories and vibrant ensemble casts. It’s worth watching if you:

• Appreciate unconventional protagonists like Hiiro, whose incompetence is both infuriating and endearing.
• Enjoy high-fantasy settings with political intrigue, even if underdeveloped.
• Don’t mind a series that prioritizes character banter over a tightly woven plot.

However, if you seek deep character development or a polished narrative, Cerberus may disappoint. Its 13 episodes feel like a setup for a larger story that never fully materializes, leaving viewers with more questions than answers.

Final Verdict: A Promising but Flawed Adventure

Cerberus Season 1 is a mixed bag—a show with a bold premise and a unique protagonist that stumbles under the weight of its ambitions. Hiiro’s journey, while flawed, offers enough charm to keep viewers engaged, and the vibrant world of Kunaaan hints at untapped potential. However, pacing issues, underdeveloped characters, and reliance on generic tropes hold it back from greatness. For casual anime fans or those craving a light fantasy romp, it’s a decent watch, but don’t expect a masterpiece.

Rating: 6.5/10
Stream it on Crunchyroll or the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel, and decide for yourself if Hiiro’s quest is worth following. If a Season 2 ever emerges, here’s hoping it refines the rough edges and delivers the epic tale Cerberus aspires to be.