You literally don't feel the 26 episodes pass you by. Despite everything that's happening, viewers won't get lost in the plot because it is clearly presented. There is never a dull moment in VOE, and this is the way an anime series should be. Every moment is packed. You get a combination of great dialogue, mecha and human fighting action, magic, romance, humor, and drama.
Character development is at a high level.
There are no ornamental characters, everyone has a distinct personality and purpose in the story. The art and animation are excellent. Some of the scenes are even enhanced with a bit of computer wizardry. The music is superb from start to finish, effectively enhancing the mood swings of the plot. The main characters have a realistic feel to them.