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Arcana Famiglia



The island of Regalo is watched over by an organization called Arcana Famiglia, the members of which have made contracts with the Arcana cards. Each card comes with an ability bestowed on the user. Arcana cards are what is commonly called Tarot cards. The symbols on them represent the role and weapon/power granted to each Famiglia member. 



In this anime adaptation of the visual novel and video game, 12 cards are represented. One of these, The World, has a contract with Mondo, the boss of Arcana Famiglia.

In Mondo's birthday celebration, he announced that he is staging a tournament to decide the next boss of  the organization. His reasons for wanting to step down will be revealed later as the tourney nears. Included in the prize is a wish granted to the winner and his daughter's hand in marriage. However, Felicita refused to become a prize and instead joined the Arcana Duello. The other Arcana users vying for the prize are also contending for Felicita's affections. In the forefront are Nova and Liberta. The other are Debito, Pace, Luca, Dante, and Jolly.    




Most of the episodes are allotted to the back stories of the main characters. Romance is definitely more than just a hint if you have seven boys grabbing for your attention. That outcome however is left for the audience to decide. If romance isn't your thing then  the duels might be something to look forward to at the beginning of the series. However, the anticipated fight scenes were skipped and downplayed as the focus shifted to the acclamation of the lead female's desire to choose her own path. Like most series  based on female-oriented romance novels and dating games, the series is plagued by male characters exalting the lead female. Then again, if it has been consistent with most series of its genre, then it has probably fulfilled its purpose.

For me however, the series was a disappointment because I was expecting some good fights (after all the supposed highlight was the Arcana Duello). Besides, the romance part isn't more entertaining than other series of this type that I've watched. On the other hand, the animation isn't bad and the other characters seem interesting enough.

Rating: 6 out of 10

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