Shinmai Maou no Testament: DEPARTURES

The Testament of Sister New Devil DEPARTURES

Aired Date:2018-01-27

Status:FINISHED

Ratings:66/100

Genres:Action, Ecchi, Fantasy, Romance

Season:2

Total Episodes:1

Duration:60 min/ep

Studio:Production IMS

Source:LIGHT_NOVEL

Format:OVA

Director:Mami Imai

Review:50/100

Watch Online: Official Site Twitter Crunchyroll

Synopsis

The cast takes a vacation after resolving the conflict in the demon world.

Trailer

Characters

Mio Naruse MAIN

Yuki Nonaka MAIN

Basara Toujou MAIN

Chisato Hasegawa MAIN

Yahiro Takigawa MAIN

Maria Naruse SUPPORTING

Kurumi Nonaka SUPPORTING

Zest SUPPORTING

The Testament of Sister New Devil: Departures – A Steamy Continuation of an Ecchi Fantasy Saga

The Testament of Sister New Devil: Departures is a 2018 original video animation (OVA) that serves as a sequel to the popular anime series The Testament of Sister New Devil and its second season, The Testament of Sister New Devil BURST. Directed by Hisashi Saito and produced by Production IMS, this hour-long feature, released theatrically in Japan for a limited two-week run starting January 28, 2018, and later on Blu-ray/DVD on March 28, 2018, loosely adapts the eighth volume of Tetsuto Uesu’s light novel series. Known for its blend of action, fantasy, harem, and heavy ecchi elements, Departures dives back into the provocative and action-packed world of Basara Tojo and his demon stepsisters, delivering a mix of fan service, emotional stakes, and supernatural battles.

Plot Overview

Departures picks up after the events of BURST, where Basara Tojo and his companions—Mio Naruse, Maria Naruse, Yuki Nonaka, Kurumi Nonaka, and Zest—helped stabilize a fragile peace between rival demon factions in the Demon Realm. The OVA begins with the Tojo household attempting to return to a semblance of normalcy, indulging in lighthearted moments like a trip to a waterpark. However, the peace is short-lived as new challenges arise. Yuki and Kurumi receive a message from the Hero Clan, summoning Basara and Mio to address their actions in the Demon Realm and their potential as a threat. Meanwhile, Basara and Chisato Hasegawa share a romantic and introspective moment at a hot spring, discussing his past and the importance of resolve in facing tough decisions.

The OVA introduces anime-original elements, such as a battle against a character named Lars and a “wedding” scene with the girls, which deviate from the light novel’s narrative. Notably, it skips certain plot points from the source material, like Zest’s adjustment to the human world and Basara’s visit to cultural shrines with Chisato, while portraying Mio as a competent cook—contrasting her nervous kitchen skills in the novels. These changes create a mix of fresh content for anime fans and some inconsistencies for light novel purists.

Characters and Dynamics

The core cast returns, with Basara Tojo (voiced by Yuichi Nakamura) as the heroic yet often flustered protagonist, navigating his role as the master in magical contracts with his harem of demon and hero clan women. Mio Naruse (Ayaka Asai), the demon princess, and Maria Naruse (Kaori Fukuhara), the mischievous succubus, remain central to the story, with their relationships with Basara driving much of the ecchi humor and emotional depth. Yuki Nonaka (Sarah Emi Bridcutt) and Kurumi Nonaka (Iori Nomizu) bring the Hero Clan perspective, while Zest (Seiko Yoshida) and Chisato Hasegawa (Yuu Asakawa) add further layers to the harem dynamics. The OVA leans heavily into the series’ signature master-servant contract mechanics, where disobedience triggers aphrodisiac effects, leading to the franchise’s trademark risqué scenarios.

Maria’s playful antics, such as snapping suggestive photos of Mio and Basara, keep the tone light and fanservice-heavy, while Basara’s interactions with Chisato explore deeper themes of responsibility and past trauma. The controversial romantic subplot between Basara and Chisato, his older cousin, has sparked debate among fans due to their familial ties and age difference, pushing the boundaries of the series’ already provocative content.

Production and Reception

Directed by Hisashi Saito, with character designs by Yoshihiro Watanabe and music by Yasuharu Takanashi, Departures maintains the visual and auditory style of the TV series. The OVA was licensed by Peppermint Anime for German audiences and aired on ProSieben Maxx on July 5, 2019, with Crunchyroll later adding it to their catalog for streaming. The soundtrack features the series’ signature flair, though specific theme songs for Departures are not highlighted in the same way as the TV series’ “Blade of Hope” or “Still Sis.”

Reception for Departures is mixed, reflecting the polarizing nature of the franchise. On Anime News Network, it holds a weighted mean rating of 6.317/10, with fans appreciating the continuation of the story but criticizing its lack of narrative depth and heavy reliance on fan service. Some viewers, particularly on platforms like Reddit, praise the OVA for its ecchi appeal, with one user humorously noting it delivers for those “here for the tiddies,” while others lament the omission of key light novel details and call for a third season to provide a proper conclusion.

Themes and Appeal

Departures continues the series’ blend of action, fantasy, and harem tropes, with a heavy emphasis on ecchi elements that border on hentai, as noted by some fans. The OVA explores themes of loyalty, protecting loved ones, and confronting past mistakes, particularly through Basara’s reflections on his banishment from the Hero Clan. However, these themes often take a backseat to the series’ hallmark suggestive content, which has drawn both criticism for its lack of substance and praise from fans of the genre.

The OVA’s appeal lies in its unapologetic delivery of fan service, paired with just enough plot to keep the story moving. For fans of the Testament series or similar shows like High School DxD, Departures offers more of the same: steamy interactions, supernatural battles, and a harem dynamic centered on Basara’s growing relationships. However, its divergence from the light novels and limited runtime (roughly 60 minutes) leave some narrative threads unresolved, fueling fan demand for further adaptations.

Availability and Legacy

The Testament of Sister New Devil: Departures is available for streaming on platforms like Crunchyroll and Amazon Prime Video, with physical releases in Japan and select international markets. Its theatrical run and presence at events like AnimagiC 2018 underscore its cult following, particularly among fans of ecchi and harem anime. While not as critically acclaimed as other anime in its genre, Departures succeeds in catering to its niche audience, delivering the provocative and action-packed content the series is known for.

For those new to the series, watching the first two seasons (The Testament of Sister New Devil and BURST) and the prior OVAs is recommended, as Departures builds directly on their events. The OVA’s mix of anime-original content and light novel roots makes it a divisive yet fitting addition to the franchise, leaving fans hopeful for more adaptations to conclude Basara’s story.

Sources:

• Wikipedia: The Testament of Sister New Devil
• IMDb: The Testament of Sister New Devil: Departures
• MyAnimeList: Shinmai Maou no Testament Departures
• Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha Wiki
• Anime News Network
• AniSearch: The Testament of Sister New Devil Departures
• Crunchyroll posts on X