Our hero is an average schoolboy. Then he travels back in time to the Sengoku period. All the warlords are cute girls. Never seen this premise before.

Well, ok. Fine. It’s not the most original premise. But you know what? I still liked it.

Because unlike every other historical genderbender (Momoiro Paradox, Koihime Musou, Ikkitousen, Hyakka Ryouran, yada yada), with the exception of Sengoku Collection, Oda Nobuna doesn’t suck. It’s not boring and pointless like Momoiro, and it’s not all about stripping people like Ikkitousen. They actually stick to the story of Oda Nobunaga, but with girls, and make it interesting. I think I actually learned a bit about history from this version.

Now, the show does involve harem antics and lots of little girls. But as far as harems go, it does a pretty decent job. All of the characters are likable and interesting (with the possible exceptions of the lolis). They have distinctive personalities and unique clothing that more or less fits the time period.

Furthermore, our harem lead is neither an idiot nor a spineless wuss. He actually has a brain for once. It’s shocking how big a difference this can make.

On the negative side, the little girls can get annoying. And there are a lot of them. Plus, Oda Nobuna herself can be tiresome. She’s the usual tsundere. Combined with a warlord who is afraid of killing people. Our hero Saru always has to come to her rescue. She should always have to come to his rescue.

By the way, I’m shipping Mitsuhide. No contest here.

• Storytelling – C – Has weaker episodes, like the date with the lolis in Kyoto, but generally fairly strong.
• Voice – D – Not a particularly distinctive voice, but solid if generic.
• Characters – B – Excellent cast of characters.
• Attention Grab – B – Consistently drew my interest.
• Production – B – Looking fine.
• Overall – C+

Recommendations – Sengoku Collection, Samurai Seven, Utawaremuno