Watch Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World

Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World is a Japanese light novel series adapted into an anime in 2020 and streaming on AT-X. The show is a fantasy action romantic anime with great attention to details and beautiful artwork in terms of animation. The story is set in a world where there are two sides. One side is the Empire and the other is the Nebulis Sovereignty. The two powers are constantly in conflict due to a magical energy source called "Lagaard," which they both seek to control. The story starts with a meeting between two characters named Iska and Aliceliese, both from different sides of the conflict. Iska is a soldier from the Empire with the nickname "Saint Destroyer," and Aliceliese is the princess of the Nebulis Sovereignty.

Iska is initially introduced as a powerful fighter, a man who has taken down many powerful magic users with his unparalleled skill with a sword. Aliceliese is initially introduced as a stern princess, one who is dedicated to her country and determined to follow in the footsteps of her predecessors. However, over the course of the series, these two characters develop deep feelings for each other, and the plot largely revolves around their story while still delving into the overarching conflict between the two powers.

The show is interesting because it is not a simple, black-and-white good vs evil fight. Both the Empire and the Nebulis Sovereignty have their own strengths and weaknesses, and both sides have characters that are relatable and likable. One theme that stands out is that of communication and trying to understand each other's perspectives. The show emphasizes that sometimes, conflicts arise due to misunderstandings, and that communication can go a long way towards resolving those conflicts.

One of the standout aspects of Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World is its animation. The character designs are well-crafted, and the backgrounds are intricate and detailed. The fight scenes are impressive, as well, often highlighting the power and beauty of magic and swordplay. The show also has a great use of color, making it a visually appealing watch.

In terms of pacing, the show moves along at a nice clip. The relationship between Iska and Aliceliese is developed over time, and the show gradually builds towards its climax. The show is not afraid to take time to develop its characters, which greatly enhances the emotional stakes of the story.

The show also has a great score, which complements the action and emotional beats of the story. The opening and ending themes are both incredibly catchy and well-animated, making for a great overall experience.

One criticism of the show is that it can be formulaic at times. There are certain patterns that emerge in terms of how conflicts arise and how characters interact. However, even when the show seems to follow a predictable pattern, it still manages to execute on those patterns in a way that is engaging and enjoyable.

Another criticism is that sometimes the reasoning behind the conflict can seem a little murky. While it is understandable that the Empire and the Nebulis Sovereignty would be in conflict over Lagaard, sometimes the specifics of the situation can be difficult to follow.

Overall, Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World is an engaging and enjoyable fantasy-action anime with a strong romantic subplot. The animation is beautiful, the score is great, and the characters are likable. While it can be formulaic at times and the logic behind the conflict can be vague, the show makes up for these shortcomings with its emotional depth and attention to detail. If you are a fan of the fantasy-action and romance genres, this is definitely a show worth checking out.

Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (12 episodes). The series first aired on October 7, 2020.