The music was amazing, during certain scenes and moments, especially the intro. Even though I'm not a big fan of fantasy/ horror genre this old anime really got me shook. Damn I really underestimated it before I start watching it. "Shocking, thrilling, and compelling this anime really had me off my seats". But I'm sure that this will remain as the best adaptation. I just hope that someday all the whole great story done by Kentaro Miura get adapted into an animated format, considering how good it is it. In fact, the ending left me wanting to see more about this story (Specially considering that this anime doesn't cover all the plot from the original comics) Now that some new "Berserk" movies are being made, it was nice experience for me to re-watch this series, and I'm glad to say that this survived the test of time. "Berserk" kept a good level from the very beginning of the story, until the end of it.
The designs of the characters and sceneries were excellent, with many details and more mature aesthetic that gave this an "edgier" approach than other fantasy anime series with a more light-hearted tone. The animation was reasonable well made, despite having some obvious limitations, the overall result was still pretty effective. It's interesting to notice how the original "Berserk" anime only a had a few fantasy elements, having a "realistic" (but effective) approach of this story, which combined very well elements from epic and horror stories, resulting in something unique (At least for television) It had plenty of action, interesting characters and a fascinating background, that gave the story an incredibly appeal. It had all the fun and excitement of series such as "Lodoss", though it was done from a much grittier perspective. "Berserk" is simply one of the best action anime series ever made. There is no horror within, except maybe the last episode, but it is moving something inside for sure. Again, I noticed this series described as horror. Unfortunately I don't have the patience to read the comics, so I guess this is where the story ends for me. I have watched a few anime series start to end these days, including Hellsing, Tsukihime, Elfen Lied, but I liked Berserk a lot more than any of them. Unfortunately the story ends with a HUGE twist, without any hope of continuation, which leaves you wanting. You start understanding why some things happened a few episodes before and why some of the things will happened next. I especially liked how you can definitely find a character to identify with, even if it is not the main character. In the end it's the story that gets you hooked, with pretty well defined characters and interesting plot twists. Others have said it, as well as the fact that it doesn't really matter. The animation for this series is not so good. The story, which is actually shown in flashback is gripping and at no point did I feel bored or feel that the story was dragging and at the end I just sat stunned to say it is shocking is an understatement to figure out just who survived I may have to watch the opening episode again! These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles. Occasionally things do get a little disturbing most notably when a group of enemies try to rape Casca and towards the end of the series when the band find themselves in a demonic landscape these scenes mean it isn't really a suitable series for younger viewers. The numerous battles and skirmishes are all exciting even though they aren't all fully animated. The other main characters are entertaining especially Griffith and Casca. Guts might not be a jolly protagonist but the way he swings his huge sword means he is entertaining. If you like your anime packed with lots of bloody violence then this is the series for you. Obviously it isn't all fighting there is an element of romance involving Casca the second in command of the Hawks. We also learn more about Guts and Griffith's pasts.
Over the course of the series the group fight numerous battles and much blood is spilt.
This makes Griffith one of the king's favourites which upsets the aristocracy who believe he is getting above himself. They fight alongside each other and the Hawks have more and more success in battle. Normally he doesn't work with others but after meeting the enigmatic Griffith he joins his mercenary group the Band of the Hawk. This series follows Guts a mercenary who wields a huge sword.