Saiyuki Reload (TV series)

Critical response

Animetion praised the first volume of the series gave it four stars out of five, described its animation as great with a rock music that supports the excellent characters. an action-packed adventure with a mix of comedy and tons of drama and strong characters. finds the ending of the first volume more emotional and interesting, and Sanzo's fight with a doppelganger in the third episode feels very tense.[20] Animetion graded the second volume 3 stars out of five, they described this volume as a fairly average sequel with a fairly clever, entertaining and mostly light story with a bit of drama and action, which doesn't move the story forward at all.[21] Nargis of Anime UK News gave an above average score to first volume of the series, called it brazen, stating that "it's [sic] attempts to be heartfelt comes across all wrong and what you get is a rather hilarious comedy. It's a nice change to see heroes who aren't perfect or noble. The anime is not intelligent but very funny."[22] Katherine of The Escapist Magazine praised the story, dialogue and animation, and found the animation style impressive to the point where even the darkest scenes shine brightly. she described the series like Rainbows and Sunshine of the demon slaying genre.[23]

Janet Crocker of Animefringe.com rated the third volume of the series 3-out-of-5, described the design of the characters of Sanzo and Gojyo as beautiful, the animation of the series as smooth, but she does not consider it revolutionary and finds the story of this volume very boring.[24] John Sinnott of DVD Talk gave a 3-out-of-5 score to the Story content of third volume, felt that between the middle of the first act and the middle of the next episode, the story grew a little and he sees Saiyuki Reload as similar to the first series.[25] Don Houston of DVD Talk in his review of volume six, described Sanzo's team as cantankerous as ever, which makes them vulnerable due to disrespect and inability to adapt to each other.[26] Sarah of Anime UK News gave a 7-out-of-10 Grade to the sixth volume and 8 to volume Seven of the series, praised the original artwork, described Saiyuki Reload as "a genuine dramatic tension", the last episode as unexpected and praises the English dubbing and calls the series, "a surprisingly satisfying and dramatic climax to an uneven series – which leaves many threads untied for the sequels 'Saiyuki Reload Gunlock'."[27][28]