It's almost as if there are 2 JC Staffs. 1 studio known for flashy/shiny animation in shows like Excel Saga, Rune Soldier, Ikki-Tousen, Starship Operators, and Shana, and another for low-key, "washed-out" shows like Honey & Clover, Bokura ga Ita, Kimikiss, and Hatsukoi Limited. Not that the second style is inherently bad, it's just not what I think of when I think "JC Staff."
Kimikiss was all right, but I didn't care for the glacially slow development of the main relationship. Ending felt a little forced, but not that bad compared to similar shows I've seen. But I have to respect it for introducing anime-original male characters that actually get involved with some of the girls. A lot of VN-based anime stray too far into cheesy harem territory when they try to include numerous female characters who fall for the lead in completely separate game story paths. And I've never liked how those "male sidekick" characters usually get treated. I mean come on, cut a guy a break already, damnit! Think Youhei Sunohara in Clannad, Jun Kitagawa in Kanon, and Taro Yamada in Sister Princess. Granted, they're amusing, but with all these girls around, you'd think they should catch some luck somewhere.
True Tears also did the same thing with original male characters, and did better on the dramatic front.
