Whether it be three pointers, fakes, dunks, or passes each play is valuable.
Aces are prominent as usual, but now regular players are given much more spotlight. Other basketball players too, receive a hefty amount of attention.
Kuroko, "the shadow", cheering along with his team speaks volumes about how much character development takes place. Kuroko gains more expression and passion, and remains a glowing catalyst. To top it off, the anime captures viewer's attention by further expanding in the realm of character depth. The entertainment level has reached an all new high, various jaw dropping moments are wisely incorporated to avoid repetition. As stated before, the games have gotten longer, meaning there are less games played but more detail to each specific match. Although shounen abilities are bound to be unrealistic, the anime counteracts some of this illogic by offering thorough explanations behind some abilities such as Kuroko's misdirection.
The shounen aspect of the anime often shines during the intense moments of the game-where players are at full potential. This constant change of pace and strategy creates a fast paced, entertaining battle. However, all teams must bend their play style in order to counter their opponent. Each team has a unique play style, some specializing in more specific areas such as defense, offence, or speed. There are no more "easy" opponents in this Winter Cup. The level of play has increased to a higher caliber. Games are now longer, more intense, and developed. If anything, the anime has adapted an even faster pace and incorporates an unexpectedly drastic increase in the amount ofĪction per episode. The most notable difference the time-skip offers would be the physical improvement of the players all other improvements-such as unique skills-are publicly developed in season 2. Seiren High-no longer the underdog-is now of equal footing in terms of basketball recognition. The new season begins with a mild time-skip after the inter-high matches. Sequel to season one, Kuroko No Basket 2 does not disappoint. "Even if we lose by 100 points, there’s a chance a meteor will strike the other team’s bench in the last second."-Kuroko Tetsuya