The Arcade is My Sanctuary
- Episodes : 12
- Genre : Comedy, Romance, School, Seinen
- Airing Date : July 2018 - September 2018
- Studios : J.C.Staff
Contains Spoilers
High Score Girl Introduction
Haruo Yaguchi is a lover of video games and spends most of his free time at the arcade. Yaguchi takes great pride in his skill and finds solace in his video game prowess. One day while playing at the arcade after school, Yaguchi plays against somebody who not only was able to beat him but was able to beat him 30 times in a row. The person who beat him turned out to be Akira Oono, a girl from his class that is his complete opposite. At first, Yaguchi resents Oono's skill at video games, but after he starts competing with her every day, he learns to respect her abilities and thinks of her as a rival. The duo form a deep bond and are able to truly be themselves around each other as they play games and have a momentary reprieve from their everyday responsibilities.
1. 90’s Nostalgia
If you grew up or just loved the 90's, you're going to appreciate High Score Girl's focus on the games released around that time. The anime delves deep into the histories of the arcade games and video game consoles, giving you a deeper insight into them. While the nostalgia may not be enough to keep your interest for 12 episodes by itself, the role it plays within the anime's story makes it so you can get your fill of 90's nostalgia in each episode without the anime spending all of its time focusing on it.
2. The Characters
The characters in High Score Girl are wonderful in both design and attitude, and there are many characters that feel really unique. The anime does such a great job with its characters that even a somebody like Oono is able to have so much expression and character development without saying a word. Even side characters like Onizuka and Doi are given some really unique personalities and are part of some of the funniest parts of the anime.
3. The 3D Animation
High Score Girl is one of the best-looking anime that has used 3D Animation to date. The characters are all really expressive and the 3D truly looks the best when the characters are visiting the arcade. Everything looks so smooth there are times you may forget the show is even using 3D animation.
1. The Ending
The story of High Score Girl covers a large portion of the manga, but the anime never reaches a real conclusion. With so much going on in the story and the love triangle, the anime ends just as the feelings of all the main characters are revealed. While this may not be a problem if you are willing to read the manga for the rest of the story, the anime really feels like it doesn't reach a satisfying conclusion.
2. The 3D Animation
Despite High Score Girl's 3D animation being one of its endearing qualities, it also serves as one of the main reasons to avoid this anime. If you are not a fan of 3D animation, High Score Girl isn't going to be the anime to change your mind on it.
3. The Early Pacing
High Score Girl is all over the place with its story in the first few episodes. Throughout the first six episodes the anime introduces its two female leads and establishes their relationship with Yaguchi, first with Oono and then after the time skip with Hidaka. The story covers multiple years over the first few episodes and may be a little too much to follow.
Final Thoughts
High Score Girl is one of the most obscure anime of the Summer 2018 season and hasn't gotten the exposure most of the other anime have. There is plenty here to enjoy if you are a fan of romance stories or old school video games, but the anime also has some qualities that may not be for everyone. If you watched through High Score Girl, what are your thoughts on it? Is it worth watching? Share all of your thoughts on High Score Girl in the comments.
Author: Robby
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