A background:

I love Horimiya, and i have not read the manga yet, but all of the characters in the main show are very charming in their own different ways

There are a lot of characters that are focused in Horimiya, and I'm very glad that the script for the anime had MORE than enough time to flesh out all of them, while still being comedic at the same time

MUCH LIKE WITH the Quints Special, when i heard announcements about this anime in particular, i was pretty skeptical about the future of anime as a medium, as it felt it was somewhat similar to the gaming industry (unfinished products that take a long while to release the parts the studios left out in production)

I still watched it though.

Animation:

Just like with the main show, the animation is full of colors, and all of scenes, comedic or not, just look visually stunning.
It just a unique flavor to it compared to the other slice-of-life shows, and it stayed that way in this anime as well.

Characters:

Excellent cast of characters, although I do think some of them fell shorter than others.

Starting with the titular couple, Kyouko and Izumi, they're less focused here, and to be fair, you MOSTLY watched this to see the other characters in the cast develop, however, they still have a great relationship, and all of their kissing scenes actually serve a true purpose this time around.

Yuki and Tooru, again, they're not really focused, it's understandable as why though, because they’re ALREADY are focussed in the main show.

however, the other not-focused characters in the main show, Akane, Shu, Sakura, Remi, AND EVEN Shin, now have individual episodes just ALL about them. and that helps them develop a lot better than just 13 episodes alone (in the main show), which is an aspect I really like.

There are also NEW things that aren't in the main show, like Kakeru's father, and a backstory to how Kyousuke and Yuriko met together.

Story:

Still basically the same as the original.
This time around, it covers a lot more subjects and themes, and it’s actually pretty unique this time around.

the pacing is still very fast, and the slow moments don't detract from the experience.

Overall thoughts

It's just as good as the main show, and it just does things, a little bit more different than usual.
(although the banner is a little bit misleading)
I just really wish they made the original just this mixed with the main show’s 13 episodes to form just 26 episodes, it would be a lot better that way, still though, i enjoyed this one, and i recommend you to watch it even if it’s a side story.