I came into this drama without any understanding of the source material or its other adaptations. In many ways, I think the drama is designed for this specific audience. It really takes its time with worldbuilding, and allows the viewer to learn the different aspects of this universe along with Tang San.

Things I really loved:

The pacing was lovely. I felt like I had enough time to understand everything clearly before moving forward with the story, and the screenwriter really takes his time introducing everything to the viewers. It's one of the only dramas I've watched all the way through (without skipping scenes); the plot points were introduced at the right time and the story kept me engaged.

The cinematography is gorgeous, especially in the first few episodes.

I heard the CGI budget was raised for this drama, and it really made a difference. It's so smooth and pleasing to watch; overall, the CGI is quite impressive compared to similar Chinese dramas.

I thought the cast all fit their roles really well. The dynamic between the 7 Devils and the Golden Triangle were especially amazing; I found myself laughing along with them a lot! I was really impressed by Calvin Chen especially; Xiao Gang is my favorite character. :) His relationship with Tang San and the headmaster were my favorites throughout the drama.

Things I didn't like as much:

I thought the fights weren't choreographed all that well for a martial arts drama. A lot of fights were segmented into solo shots, whereas I would have liked more interaction with the other team members. There are also a lot of "glamour shots" of them heading out to battle, which I feel could have been shorter.

Objectively, I think Tang San is less compelling than other main characters. I definitely like him as a protagonist-- I like his moral values, and the questions about his past keep me interested in the story. However, sometimes I feel as if he's a victim of circumstance; he doesn't seem to have a powerful drive in him. And as Xiao Zhan himself has said, I feel like Tang San is almost too perfect. I feel that a flaw could make him a more compelling character to root for.

Personally, I also think Tang San and Xiao Wu's relationship is overshadowed by some other characters in the novel. For example, sometimes I felt a little disconnect when Tang San wanted to protect Xiao Wu at all costs, especially shortly after they've just met--I think it may be due to the fact that I feel like their relationship developed too fast (due to limited screen time), but also the disparity between Xiao Zhan and Xuanyi's acting experience. However, this point didn't detract from my enjoyment of the drama.

I found the music choice to be strange sometimes. I think an electric guitar sound popped up at one point and I was confused (because do electric guitars even exist in that world?). But it's an artistic and innovative choice by the sound director, and I respect the decision.

Overall, I felt that Douluo Continent is a drama aimed at a younger audience (teens and young adults). It's a light-hearted and easily palatable coming-of-age show. Even if it's not heavily emotional, it does not, by any means, lack emotional depth or touching moments. I'd definitely recommend that you check it out. :)