[DreamSword]

I am currently up to "Swordsman Chronicles 3" in terms of the watch order I'm using for Kamen Rider Saber, and thus almost done with the first act of the show.

If you want the short version of my thoughts so far: It's decent.

Similar to my experiences with Gaim and Ghost though, I can't help but make special note in the back of my head about all the common things I remember reading about the show as it was airing as I go through it.

For example, a common complaint about the first act is that it has terribly fast pacing, and like, sure, I could definitely see a version of this story that's about twice as long as it is, and there being a few episodes where there's like three separate plots going on doesn't make it difficult to conceptualize.

But on the other hand, I literally just got done watching Kamen Rider X, a show that, in most episodes, moves at such a breakneck speed that you're barely left with any time to think at all(and I love it for it), so by sheer comparison, the pacing of Saber's' first act feels positively quaint. While more time and elaboration would be nice, it's nothing super damning.

Heck, with the common complaints I've been seeing about Zeztz, I'd argue this exact pacing is what many online are wanting Zeztz to have, despite it being complained about in the case of Saber. But for the record, my personal take it that the way both shows have approached their first acts is valid, and I found things to enjoy in both. Zeztz's' slower, more dreamlike pacing fits it's story so much better than the "something is always exploding" pacing of Saber would.

With that all out of the way, I don't exactly have anything super specific to say about the story itself so far? It's rather straightforward, and despite the world already being under threat of getting blown up, the first act very much has been setting up alot of pieces with which to be moved forward at a later time in terms of characters; Act 1 very much more plot and action focused. And in terms of the latter, the different styles of swordplay on display are fun to watch, and every suit is rather cool too, especially in motion.

My current favorite character in this season in Ren. I love how energetic he is and I am very interested in seeing where his arc goes moving forward; especially since his crush just got his soul taken away.