Senran Kagura Estival Versus – Festival Eve Full of Swimsuits is an OVA that was released along with the game (the game even has a trailer for it as part of its extras). Unlike the first season, it contains characters from the four shinobi schools. As the trailer from the game had called out on as one of the OVA’s highlights, it removes the strategic censoring of the first season. It also removes the over-the-top shining spots from the games and just straight up uncensors the characters. The first time it happens, if you weren’t expecting it, it is quite the surprise.
Anyway, the OVA only runs just shy of 30 minutes and as expected, the story is an excuse plot for all the fan service. The four schools each get an invitation to a spa resort, for whatever reason. Once they arrive, they realize that it was private invitations only and so there are only the twenty of them. The four schools call for a temporary truce in order to enjoy the day and play around in the water. However, after some jabbed insults and verbal sparring, they decide to face off against each other in the traditional way, via a cavalry battle (aka the leader on top of four characters, the aim is to grab the other’s headbands). Needless to say, this is to show the characters off in their swimsuits, sparse clothing and in odd (but lewd) poses.
The OVA takes to the exaggerated towards its ending. It throws caution to the wind as the characters go into full Frantic Mode and shed all. This was an expected direction it was heading towards. Overall, Senran Kagura Estival Versus – Festival Eve Full of Swimsuits is a pure fan service OVA. Apart from one short foreshadowing scene, it doesn’t really link to the game but it had its goal, and it achieved it.
-----------------------------------------
For other anime reviews, have a look at this page.