This series, both the original and the sequel, have some of the sameaspects as the original Shuffle! series. Namely, the first series episodes ofZero no Tsukaima are a light hearted, slightly hentai romp. The sequel forZero takes a dark, very serious turn. So dark that the increase in hentaiscenes are almost lost, but they actually do have a reason for being there.
In the original episodes we meet Saito, a high school student that isaccidently called to a different universe by Louise ,a magic school studentthat is unable to do simple magic. Saito becomes her "familiar", an entitythat both helps and protects the magician that calls it up. Together they gothrough adventures where Louise's magical ability and Saito's strength as a"Gandalf" must be together to work correctly. A beautiful Princess, buxommaid, and very accommodating female students abound.
Then we come to the continuation episodes of Zero 2. Immediately we arethrust into a different set of circumstances. The Princess becomes theQueen, Saito and Louise up the level of their attraction, and the war beginsin earnest, all in the first episode. Death, honor, destruction, non-violenceand the characters you thought you knew change, and that's not for thebetter in most cases. The Nobles sense of "honor" takes a front seat inthis one. Death before dishonor, if you are asked to die for the Queen youdo so with a smile. Sound familiar? Think Japan in World War 2 and youhave a good basis for the action in Zero 2.
Based on the end of Zero 2 I would expect a third series to be in the works.There were several loose ends that were started and never finished.
Do Saito and Louise make it through all of this still together as a couple?You need to watch and find out. I recommend this one.

Review by Jay