Shironeko Project: Zero Chronicle Season 1 – A Tale of Light and Darkness

By SON HAK, The Thunder Beast

Released in April 2020, Shironeko Project: Zero Chronicle is a 12-episode anime adaptation of the “Zero Chronicle: Hajimari no Tsumi” (The First Sin) event from the popular Japanese mobile game Shironeko Project by Colopl. Animated by Project No.9 and directed by Masato Jinbo, the series dives into a fantastical world divided by light and darkness, weaving a story of tragedy, romance, and destiny. While visually stunning and ambitious in scope, Season 1 has sparked mixed reactions due to its pacing and narrative choices. Here’s an in-depth look at what Shironeko Project: Zero Chronicle Season 1 offers.

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The Premise: A World Divided

Set in a universe where the heavens and earth are split into two opposing realms, Shironeko Project: Zero Chronicle introduces the Kingdom of White, a celestial domain ruled by the benevolent Queen Iris (voiced by Yui Horie), and the Kingdom of Black, a desolate land under the tyrannical King of Darkness. These kingdoms, representing light and darkness, are locked in an eternal conflict, with the balance of the world hanging in their delicate coexistence.

The story follows two central characters: Iris, the Queen of Light, who strives to protect her kingdom from encroaching evil forces, and an unnamed boy from the Kingdom of Black (voiced by Yûki Kaji), who becomes the Prince of Darkness. After his village is obliterated by monsters, the boy is saved by Skeer, a knight who recognizes his potential and names him heir to the throne before dying. Driven by grief and a desire to change the Kingdom of Black’s destructive path, the boy vows to become a ruler who protects rather than destroys.

As Iris and the Prince of Darkness cross paths, their fates intertwine in a tragic romance that challenges the prejudices and wars dividing their worlds. The narrative explores themes of balance, sacrifice, and the cyclical nature of conflict, all underscored by the looming threat of monstrous forces that endanger both kingdoms.

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Strengths: Visuals, Music, and Ambition

One of Shironeko Project: Zero Chronicle’s standout features is its visual presentation. Project No.9 delivers vibrant animation, particularly in the ethereal Kingdom of White and the gritty, monster-ridden Kingdom of Black. Action scenes, though sparse, are well-choreographed, with the Prince of Darkness’s swordplay standing out for its intensity. Character designs by Yousuke Okuda are appealing, with fan-favorite characters like Groza (voiced by Chise Nakamura) stealing hearts with her charm and emotional depth.

The soundtrack, composed by Taku Iwasaki, elevates the series’ emotional and epic moments. The opening theme, “Tenbin -LIBRA-” by Takanori Nishikawa and ASCA, captures the story’s themes of balance and duality, while Rei Yasuda’s ending theme, “through the dark,” adds a melancholic touch to the series’ heavier moments. Together, the visuals and music create an immersive atmosphere that draws viewers into the world of Shironeko Project.

The anime’s ambition to adapt a mobile game’s prologue into a standalone story is also noteworthy. Rather than focusing on the game’s main storyline, Zero Chronicle serves as a prequel, exploring the origins of the game’s lore. This bold choice aims to appeal to both fans of the game and newcomers, though it comes with challenges, as discussed below.

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Weaknesses: Pacing and Narrative Flaws

Despite its strengths, Shironeko Project: Zero Chronicle struggles with pacing and narrative coherence, which have been frequent points of criticism among viewers. The series attempts to condense a complex backstory into 12 episodes, resulting in rushed character development and plot progression. For example, the Prince of Darkness’s transformation from a grieving boy to a determined heir happens within the first episode, leaving little room for viewers to connect with his loss or motivations. Similarly, Iris’s role as the Queen of Light is established quickly, but her internal struggles are underexplored until later episodes.

The romance between Iris and the Prince of Darkness, a central pillar of the story, feels underdeveloped due to limited screen time and interaction between the two. While their connection is meant to be a tragic, star-crossed love story, the lack of buildup makes the emotional payoff less impactful. Secondary characters, such as Groza and the talking cat Sima, add charm but are underutilized, with their backstories only briefly touched upon.

The series’ ties to the Shironeko Project game also create barriers for non-players. As a prologue, Zero Chronicle ends on an inconclusive note, with major plot points—such as the fate of Iris and the Prince of Darkness—left unresolved to tie into the game’s main story. This has frustrated some viewers, who felt the anime served more as an advertisement for the game than a self-contained narrative. Posts on platforms like Reddit reflect this sentiment, with one user calling it “a big ad for a gacha game” after the finale.

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Reception and Impact

Shironeko Project: Zero Chronicle received mixed reviews from fans and critics. On MyAnimeList, it holds a modest score, reflecting its polarizing reception. Some praised its beautiful animation and intriguing premise, with fans on X expressing excitement for characters like Groza and the series’ emotional ending. Others, however, found the story hollow and the pacing awkward, with Anime News Network reporting a low weighted mean rating of 3.803, ranking it near the bottom of 2020’s anime.

The English dub, featuring Zeno Robinson as the Prince of Darkness and Sarah Anne Williams as Iris, was well-received, adding depth to the characters. Funimation’s streaming of the series, later moved to Crunchyroll, made it accessible to a global audience. Despite its flaws, the anime sparked curiosity about the Shironeko Project game, particularly among viewers intrigued by the world’s lore.

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Should You Watch It?

Shironeko Project: Zero Chronicle Season 1 is a visually captivating but flawed fantasy anime that may appeal to fans of tragic romances and game-based stories. If you enjoy lush animation, a moody soundtrack, and characters like the endearing Groza, the series offers moments of brilliance. However, its rushed pacing, underdeveloped characters, and inconclusive ending may leave you wanting more.

For fans of the Shironeko Project game, the anime provides context for the game’s prologue, though it may not fully satisfy without playing the source material. Newcomers might find it harder to connect with the story unless they’re willing to overlook its narrative shortcomings and embrace its aesthetic strengths.

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Final Thoughts

Shironeko Project: Zero Chronicle Season 1 is a bold but imperfect attempt to bring a mobile game’s lore to the anime medium. Its tale of light and darkness, love and war, holds potential, but pacing issues and an incomplete narrative hinder its execution. While it may not rank among 2020’s top anime, its visual and musical merits make it a worthwhile watch for those curious about its world. For a deeper understanding, consider exploring the Shironeko Project game’s “Zero Chronicle” event, which offers a more detailed version of the story.

As of June 2025, no second season has been announced, leaving the fates of Iris and the Prince of Darkness unresolved. Whether you’re drawn to its beauty or frustrated by its flaws, Shironeko Project: Zero Chronicle remains a unique, if polarizing, addition to the fantasy anime genre.

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Where to Watch: Available on Crunchyroll and Hulu, with both subbed and dubbed versions.
Rating: 6.5/10 for stunning visuals and music, tempered by pacing and story issues.

Sources: Information compiled from MyAnimeList, Anime News Network, IMDb, and posts on X.

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What did you think of Shironeko Project: Zero Chronicle? Share your thoughts, and let us know if you’re hoping for a Season 2!