Mai-Otome 0~S.ifr~ - Episode 1

Yes, I know the title of this anime looks like whoever named it had some kind of seizure half-way through, but for some reason Mai-Otome 0~S.ifr~ obviously seemed like a good naming convention to someone. Anyway, for all the bizarreness of most of the title, doubtless the Mai-Otome franchise will ring a bell with many of you, with this OVA turning out to be some kind of prequel to everything that has gone before.

The focus of the story is a young girl named Sifr, who has dreams of becoming an Otome herself. Apart from that, there's not really a huge amount I can tell you about the plot, as it's all rather confused at this juncture to be honest. Maybe I should have just been paying more attention during the last series?

Despite being a bit confusing, Mai-Otome 0~S.ifr~ manages to cram plenty of high octane action into its first episode, mixed with a few doses of fan service for good measure - A mix which works surprisingly well in all honesty. Although I can't see this series coming close to the majestic Mai-HiME which started this whole franchise, it may at least have more to offer than Mai-Otome and Zwei, which fell rather flat. Until I really get to grips with the plot in future episodes though, I shall have to reserve making a full judgement on this show.