With no popularity and future in the music industry Hayama Hiyori ends her relatively short and upcoming singing carrer in the midst of her rejection there comes the opportunity to participate into a wellknown tournament that revovles around music but thats only the reward as she has to get there through her and her teams efforts throught several sport competions in a tournament. There starts her journey along with her comrades proving that everyone has a chance as long as they keep fighting. Extreme Hearts offers an extremely heartful journey full of spirit hope along with vibrant and colorful visuals very charmful production and character designs leading to a finale exceedingly touching and emotional. Characters An enseble cast of 5 girls make of this storys main characters and team RISE. Hayama Hiyori the main protagonist is a very kind person always looking out for others resulting bottling up her feelings so that everyone is bright and happy making for a selfrestrained and strong yet fragile personality. Kodaka Saki being Hiyoris very firstand only fan she makes for the teams soul along her energetic honest attitude. Maehara SumikaSakis childhood friend and neighbor being there out of curiosity at first but initially changed her mind after witnessing the duos bond of friendship she is the teams most exprienced player and strategist with her logical yet cunning personality. Tachibana Yukino being extremely hesitant at first due to her family circumstances but finally giving in at the end joining them to create memories together similiar to Sumika she is also an extremely exprienced athlete and she completes her dynamic with Sumika along her elegant serene personality. Kohinata Lisa having a similar personality with Saki she complements their relationship as the youngest of the team. Also not to forget the 5 adorable androids who serve as the teams practice buddies and manager adding that wholesome feeling that defines the series. Of course to close things of there are the antagonist teams that feel very realistand not over the top edgy and antagonisting and surprisingly human especially Snow Wolf being exceptionally good natured people and competitors creating a bond with RISE that feels well deserved and earned. Story This story portrays the bonds between a team and the passion one feels for their hobby. Refusing to accept reality moving forward in their own pace demonstrayting results greater than expectations that is achieved through simple story structure and character writing. The tone of the story is lighthearted and optimistic yet it can be at times serious and tense showcasing an exceptionally great balance. The setting is simple as well being somewhat scifi where owning a robot/android is commonplace creating an atmosphere unique to itself and pleasant to sit through. Lastly the pacing is very well put together as it doesnt rely on the sport element making the slice of life and music moments all that impactful. Visuals Direction Visually the series looks very simple with charming designs and art directon that feels pleasant to the eye that is accomplished by using rather gentle and soft color pallete. There are a variety of different design creating a colorful and unique cast. The animation is decent as it moves when it needs to without relying on too much animation. That is being carried out by the veteran and extremely experienced director Nishimura Junji along his team in Seven Arcs proving that its a studio with talented individuals full of passion. Music Being an idol anime this series has sufficiently good songs and soundtrack as well. From ballads to rockpop and full pop music for each unit and a calm tense soundtrack orchestrating the atmosphere and tone of the series. Lastly the sound directing is decent too featuring great voice acting music perfomances and sufficient sound effects. In conclusion Extreme Hearts offers a package of drama and wholesome moments while being tense with its sport moments. Accompanied by heartful music great main cast and sincere writing resulting in an impactful experience that makes worth the journey of its cast and the viewer lisewise.