The dream for anyone who games is to find a partner who also plays. It almost feels as if it’s finding a four-leaf clover. You have to get really lucky.
Synopsis
Haruo is a guy who only cares about video games. After school, you can find him at the arcade playing Street Fighter. Playing video games is his only “talent” that he jokingly says will be something he does to make a living.
After dominating his opponents, he comes across a fighter who is able to use the character’s abilities perfectly. When he is beaten, he sees Akira and considers her his rival.
Despite Akira not speaking at all and her violet personality, Haruo and Akira have a rocky relationship at first. Eventually, over time we begin to see our first glimpse at how much both care for each other. Right before Akira is about to leave for the States, Haruo runs to the airport to see her one final time. As a parting gift, Haruo gives Akira the ring he won from a claw machine the day before. Akira is touched by this gesture and runs into Haruo’s arms crying.
Eventually, Akira comes back and they begin to spend more time together. It isn’t until Akira’s big sister, Makoto, helps Haruo realize his feelings for her. She gives Haruo a dating simulation game and asks him to create an RPG game for Akira.
Haruo begins to realize how much Akira means to him and he vows to confess to her if he wins the Street Fighter tournament. Unfortunately, he loses to Akira in the finals thus never being able to express his feelings. He later finds out that Akira is leaving for the States to finish her studies there, and through the power of love and gaming, he arrives at the airport. Luckily, her plane had to fly back and right as the gates open, Haruo is finally able to confess to Akira as they both are crying in each other’s arms.
Thoughts
When first seeing the synopsis of the anime, I thought it would be rather interesting. Unfortunately, I was rather disappointed. Part of the reason is that Haruo is the one who is talking while Akira is mute.
While this anime had a lot of potential of being great, the use of game characters seemed a bit corny. I understand that it’s because of gaming they were able to build a connection, but I wish they were able to utilize the characters better.
If you’ve been a long-time gamer, you will appreciate the nostalgia for sure. I’m sure a lot of games that are shown remind viewers of their childhood.
Hi Score Girl – 6.8/10
