Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Hundred
Alright, let's dive into Hundred. After hearing some buzz about it and seeing its mix of genres – action, ecchi, fantasy, harem, mecha, and sci-fi – I was definitely intrigued. It sounded like a wild ride, and I was curious to see if it could pull it all off.
First Impressions
My initial impression, after digging in, is that Hundred treads familiar ground. It’s the kind of story that feels like it fits neatly into a well-established category of battle academy harems, similar to Infinite Stratos or Rakudai Kishi. That's not inherently bad, but it does mean it has to work harder to stand out.
What Works Well
The core concept – fighting alien invaders with specialized exosuits called "Hundreds" – is pretty cool. I appreciate the action sequences and the world-building, even if some of the details could be fleshed out a bit more. There is an undeniable entertainment value to the series.
Areas of Concern
Honestly, the biggest issue I see is the protagonist, Hayato. He comes across as fairly bland, and a bit of a "self-insert" character. Some readers might find him difficult to connect with, and his relationships with the female characters can feel a bit…strained. Also, while the story is tagged as "harem," some readers might be disappointed if they expect a true polyamorous ending. It seems like the focus is primarily on one main love interest, which could frustrate those looking for a more even distribution of affection. The power system based around the "Hundreds" themselves, while interesting, isn't explored in as much depth as I would have liked.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Okay, let's talk about Emilia. Some find her character a bit one-dimensional, with her entire personality revolving around her love for Hayato. Others might feel that characters like Claire are unfairly sidelined, despite having more compelling arcs. This can lead to some frustration with the overall romantic dynamic.
Final Verdict
Overall, Hundred is a decent read if you're a fan of the battle academy/harem genre and are looking for something relatively straightforward. However, be prepared for a somewhat generic plot and a protagonist who might not be the most engaging. It's not a groundbreaking novel, but it can be an enjoyable way to pass the time if you're in the mood for some lighthearted action and romance. I'd give it a solid 3 out of 5 stars.
