I'd say that's the best anime I've seen and in the list of them I'm comparing this , also stands "Deathnote". Hi-score Girl is a series that every generation after the Y one (80's +) can relate to and bring back sweet childhood memories. It's really well written and masterfully directed. Won't dissapoint any modern or even "retired" arcade gamer.
Looking forward for the even more romantic sequel , considering from the last episode. Won't say more . Give it a try now !
33 Reviews
Nostalgia!
Yuibass28 December 2018
Loved this anime! It was funny, it was cute and it brought me back to past! I got hyped as they started playing street fighter 2 in the start of the anime and haven't stopped watching since. The pace is really nice and there is a good mixture of humourous moments and real human feelings. It's a short series so it's easy even if this is not your genre. I really recommend this anime!
I loved this series, despite one nitpick
Emhilradim5 August 2019
The series is a loveletter to the 90s era of arcades and a coming of age tale of love between two girls and a boy. Harou is a young boy in elementary school in 1991, he's bullied by both teachers and classmates alike, told he's worthless and has no skills. So he seeks escapism in the fantasy of the game centers of Japan, while it would seem like he has little skills in life, at video games he's a pro. But one day he comes up against an opponent that utterly destroys him in his favorite game (Street Fighter II), only to find out that his opponent is a classmate of his .. and a girl. What's more she's a rich girl who he sees as an outsider in his world of escapism, so he uses exploitative strategy against her which starts off their love-hate relationship.
Her name is Oono Akira, a mute girl who feels like she is being crushed under the responsibilities of being the heir to the family business, and also seeks escapism for this reason. The two of them form a bond together, but her future has been planned since the day she was born with talk of an arranged marriage when she reaches maturity. Can Harou and Akira survive together? What's more, entering into the mix is another girl named Hidaka who, like Akira, resents and even hates Harou at first, but is also touched by Harou's kind (if stupid and oblivious) nature, and learns to stop worrying quite as much about the hardships of life and have fun... And along the way loses her heart to him. But what about Akira? Well that's up to you to find out.
Described as a "love comedy" as opposed to "romantic comedy" by the author, the series plays through cycles which is frustrating until finally beginning in the third cycle the protagonist finally asks himself "why do I keep resetting to zero?" at which point I couldn't help but exclaim "YES, WHY?" There's a greenlit second season in October of this year (2019), though the series is already completed in manga form at a rather light 63 chapters at 10 volumes. One could probably read through the whole thing in a single day if they were truly inclined. Which I set out to do, I did not successfully read it in one day, but that's neither here nor there.
Having watched the anime and not wanting to wait til October (though I'll watch the second season anyway), I decided to investigate the manga. And I was rather shocked by what I found. While the anime was mostly faithful and unswerving from most of the anime, the anime actually omits contextual scenes from the manga. For example, Akira who is mute and thus is never able to say words to express herself has a few scenes in the manga where her thoughts are conveyed. By denying her thoughts, she is denied of any real agency in the anime and thus we're forced to try and understand her reasoning when she blankly looks at something. Perhaps they will go back in season 2 and reveal these scenes of agency, but I felt the need to deduct a point for this because I found that to be frustrating.
The two characters I enjoyed most were Hidaka and Akira (not in any particular order, it'd be hard to pick one over the other). Harou's otaku (obsessive) nature makes him a character that I found hard to like, as he misses the obvious all the time, and when trying to express himself can't help but go into a roundabout conversation about some video game. I get that it's exaggerated on purpose, but that doesn't really make it better.
The OP I didn't much care either way, but that outro song is so good that I found it frustrating when Netflix kept trying to skip it. If you like love stories, this is quite possibly the most unconventional one I've ever seen. I liked it so much I decided I wanted to read the manga so that I didn't miss anything. Definitely worth a watch. Hidaka is lovable, and Akira are adorable, and any time they're on the screen you'll find yourself rooting for them.
Also of note, this anime does not rely on sexuality or fanservice of any kind. There's a couple of throwaway jokes here, and in the manga Hidaka's point of view on the sexism in the Game Centers makes sense, but Netflix chose to leave that particular scene out and focus on character development, if only they had taken the time to keep Akira's agency intact, considering how little of it there is.
Her name is Oono Akira, a mute girl who feels like she is being crushed under the responsibilities of being the heir to the family business, and also seeks escapism for this reason. The two of them form a bond together, but her future has been planned since the day she was born with talk of an arranged marriage when she reaches maturity. Can Harou and Akira survive together? What's more, entering into the mix is another girl named Hidaka who, like Akira, resents and even hates Harou at first, but is also touched by Harou's kind (if stupid and oblivious) nature, and learns to stop worrying quite as much about the hardships of life and have fun... And along the way loses her heart to him. But what about Akira? Well that's up to you to find out.
Described as a "love comedy" as opposed to "romantic comedy" by the author, the series plays through cycles which is frustrating until finally beginning in the third cycle the protagonist finally asks himself "why do I keep resetting to zero?" at which point I couldn't help but exclaim "YES, WHY?" There's a greenlit second season in October of this year (2019), though the series is already completed in manga form at a rather light 63 chapters at 10 volumes. One could probably read through the whole thing in a single day if they were truly inclined. Which I set out to do, I did not successfully read it in one day, but that's neither here nor there.
Having watched the anime and not wanting to wait til October (though I'll watch the second season anyway), I decided to investigate the manga. And I was rather shocked by what I found. While the anime was mostly faithful and unswerving from most of the anime, the anime actually omits contextual scenes from the manga. For example, Akira who is mute and thus is never able to say words to express herself has a few scenes in the manga where her thoughts are conveyed. By denying her thoughts, she is denied of any real agency in the anime and thus we're forced to try and understand her reasoning when she blankly looks at something. Perhaps they will go back in season 2 and reveal these scenes of agency, but I felt the need to deduct a point for this because I found that to be frustrating.
The two characters I enjoyed most were Hidaka and Akira (not in any particular order, it'd be hard to pick one over the other). Harou's otaku (obsessive) nature makes him a character that I found hard to like, as he misses the obvious all the time, and when trying to express himself can't help but go into a roundabout conversation about some video game. I get that it's exaggerated on purpose, but that doesn't really make it better.
The OP I didn't much care either way, but that outro song is so good that I found it frustrating when Netflix kept trying to skip it. If you like love stories, this is quite possibly the most unconventional one I've ever seen. I liked it so much I decided I wanted to read the manga so that I didn't miss anything. Definitely worth a watch. Hidaka is lovable, and Akira are adorable, and any time they're on the screen you'll find yourself rooting for them.
Also of note, this anime does not rely on sexuality or fanservice of any kind. There's a couple of throwaway jokes here, and in the manga Hidaka's point of view on the sexism in the Game Centers makes sense, but Netflix chose to leave that particular scene out and focus on character development, if only they had taken the time to keep Akira's agency intact, considering how little of it there is.
Came in with little expectation, came out hungry for more
Valcyclovir11 January 2019
This is the first anime that made me itch to know the ending of the story, so much that I couldn't contain myself and started reading the mangas and even going through raw non translated chapters to complete the story with Google Translate.
I never expected to get so hooked into a rom-com retro gaming story. I'm born in 1990 so I missed the arcade boom by a few years. Nevertheless, it still brought me joy and as a gamer who played later releases of Capcom and Sony.
I don't want to spoil the story but I finished the 12 eps on Netflix on one go, I just couldn't stop. The episodes are short and I know the CG put a lot of people down, but please, please, watch it until the end because it is so short anyway !
This is truly underrated and I don't say this lightly.
I never expected to get so hooked into a rom-com retro gaming story. I'm born in 1990 so I missed the arcade boom by a few years. Nevertheless, it still brought me joy and as a gamer who played later releases of Capcom and Sony.
I don't want to spoil the story but I finished the 12 eps on Netflix on one go, I just couldn't stop. The episodes are short and I know the CG put a lot of people down, but please, please, watch it until the end because it is so short anyway !
This is truly underrated and I don't say this lightly.
One of the best
play_do20044 January 2019
Last episode of season 2 was😢😭
PakistanFilmUpdates29 April 2020
I don't know but this is one of my most favourite romantic animes😭 and that last episode of S2 made me cry, I'm 28 years old and I'm still single but that ok, at least I get to watch about other character's love and struggle in animes 😭😢. I know in real life love is more complicated but fuck that anime is awesome😭.
The beauty of the arcades and romance
mparsos-7960120 January 2019
I just found this anime to be fantastic. Not only reminding me of when arcade where the centre of attraction but also of hopeless romantic high schoolers and all the awkwardness that brings. Beautifully
Portrayed with some surprisingly moving scenes. A must watch for all 80s & 90s. Season 2 please.
I love anime that completely lacks supernatural elements
axiomaticdrifting10 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Thoroughly enjoying this series so far, and I'm a little more than half-way through. It reminds me slightly of Welcome to the NHK (which was also briefly on Netflix, and then suddenly not). It's a coming of age story about a slacker who is too focused on video games to realize and/or care about the feelings of those around him. There are some pretty good characters in the show, my favorite being the kid's mom. The show falls short of being 'exceptional' for me, though. The main female character (the title character... the "High Score Girl") is largely frustrating, rather than being mysterious. She has a tendency for bizarre violence that ranges from a cute "I don't know how to really express my feelings" foot stomp to full-on inexplicable "I'm going to murder you". Her complete silence thus far has just been stupid, to the point where I don't understand how the protagonist can say "she get's along well with everyone".... what!?! Inside, I literally beg Haruo to realize that the blonde girl is a far better choice... we'll see what happens towards the end of the show with that story arc... finger's crossed. The other issue is that Haruo is nearly exclusively fixated on fighting games, which when I was his age, (also in the early 90's) I exclusively hated and considered "low brow".... that's, of course, a personal thing.
Nevertheless, the fact that I find myself hoping Haruo gets with girl B instead of girl A is reason enough for me to find the show above average. It's full of *mostly* relatable characters that you wind up rooting for, and there's enough humor to fill in the in-between parts.
Nevertheless, the fact that I find myself hoping Haruo gets with girl B instead of girl A is reason enough for me to find the show above average. It's full of *mostly* relatable characters that you wind up rooting for, and there's enough humor to fill in the in-between parts.
most amazing romantic/gaming combination
lida040713 January 2019
A lot of game referrences
sisubalan31 July 2022
Used to be a big game addict. Love retro classic arcade games, gameboy, snes n64, 3ds, etc. This anime brings back a lot of my childhood memories. Grow up playing street fights, final fights, etc. Great sense of humor, potrayal of friendship & romance. A gem for those that into slice of life anime with high school romance & comedy punch. Highly recommended.
Watching it for the 2nd time
shaikhf8815 January 2019
Hmmm....okay?
garabedian12320 February 2019
I watched the first 5 episodes..so loving and heartwarming and fun...but what happens after ep 5? Did i start watching another show by mistake...even IMDB is confused what happens after 5. It even got the name wrong (High Score Girl)
Also...what was with the girl feeling the guy's penis? that was way out of focus for the show..way way way off
Also...what was with the girl feeling the guy's penis? that was way out of focus for the show..way way way off
Gamer Fantasy
uwkram-0203714 January 2019
I stopped watching at Round 7. The main driver for me to continue watching is nostalgia. However, it could not overcome many issues I have with this series.
This story is about a gamer and his romance with his classmates. I was hoping for the gamer to grow into someone like a hero that has redeeming qualities. However, the gamer continued to be clueless, and the girls continue to fall in love with him.
Nostalgia is strong with this one, but unfortunately it doesn't have enough legs to carry me through the many problems with the main characters.
This story is about a gamer and his romance with his classmates. I was hoping for the gamer to grow into someone like a hero that has redeeming qualities. However, the gamer continued to be clueless, and the girls continue to fall in love with him.
Nostalgia is strong with this one, but unfortunately it doesn't have enough legs to carry me through the many problems with the main characters.
UGLY BOOHOO CRIED
peyton_johns10 April 2020
I went to the trouble of making an account to say this is one of the funniest/saddest/frustrating anime's iv ever seen!!! The second season came out today and iv already finished it!!! I was turned off the idea at first cause sooo many Lolis but I don't even care this show is so freaking good!! It may have a slightly slow start but seriously it is worth every minute!! Also seeing as games had a big part of my life the nostalgia was a perfect 10!! I prefer horror/grown up based anime but this is by far the exception. Both seasons will make you scream/cry/laugh simultaneously!!!!! Do yourself a favor. Watch it. NOW!! Stop reading reviews and just go watch it! Yes I'm talking to YOU!!!
Just beautiful
Hordesofmotz1 April 2021
It's a real bonus for those of us old enough to remember arcades in the 90s to see how well those old game characters are integrated into the lives of the characters. This is such an original and moving story with amazing characters. By the way I avoid romantic stories usually, but this is really special.
Happy tears
osymad14 April 2019
Amazing rememberers, fine mix of drama and cool gaming anecdotes, however I wondering how much cost to bring all the brands of arcade world in only one place, anyway I wait for more productions of this kind in order to allow immersion of new generations in this great and magical past.
Hi Score Girl: Love it a great story
gabrielmorenocorredor17 March 2019
Warning: Spoilers
A story that not only tells a story for the love of Video Games, before(some games) and after 1991, but also a love story that's pretty good. The story is one to watch were there are the main characters Haruo Yakuchi,Akira Ono,and Hidaka Koharu. The opening song is very good it reminds me of the old retro games( I have played 5 retro games). The drama is pretty good what enrages me is that teachers or people say that Video Games/arcades were degenerate things/places (which they are not it is a art from that tell story's and are not a waste of time it give good and bad memories ) the romance is realistic and gives the characters choices Ono is the best, true she doesn't talk maybe later she'll talk. Haruo is pretty much me when it comes to Video Games,Shows,Anime,and Movies and is very sympathetic .Hidaka is the people who have never played a Video Game and later learn from someone, but is still one of my favorites of this show. Another great thing is showing the rise of female gamers which now today is 20% it is not much ,but it is good to see strong female gamers ,population becoming more and more bigger (seeing change).
P.s the cgi is petty good
PP.s srry for being to long
Absolutely superb
mparsos-7960126 August 2020
Beautifully written and animated
elcomputon28 July 2019
Season 2 English Subtitles RUINED THIS ANIME!
paul-8091310 April 2020
I loved season 1 of this anime. Good story, love the art and the English subtitles flowed smoothly and did what they were supposed to do. The Japanese voice actors were all superb and helped make this anime a hit.
And then season 2 came out. Released first in Japan, all we could do in the US was wait and wait and wait for Netflix to finally finish putting everything together for a multi language release. And here it was today! I eagerly watched the first episode and for the most part is sounded and looked the same as season 1. I was mildly surprised by a few words in the English subs that did not show up in the first season. I wrote it off as an aberration and continued into episode 2. And there it was. Tasteless profanity where it has no place. Does the person who translated and wrote these subs have any idea at all about Japanese culture and language?? F-bombs and other profanity all over the place! THAT IS NOT WHAT THEY ARE SAYING!!! It felt a bit like switching religions as I found myself holding my nose while changing over to English audio. But it really was the only choice. At least whoever wrote the script for the English voice cast knew what they were doing. As tasteless as it is for die hard anime fans to watch a dubbed show (only way to get the true cultural feel is original Japanese), it became the only choice. Netflix sure missed the mark on this one. it would be extremely worth it for them to redo the English subs. And as great as this anime is, it will remain 1 star in my book until this is fixed.
And then season 2 came out. Released first in Japan, all we could do in the US was wait and wait and wait for Netflix to finally finish putting everything together for a multi language release. And here it was today! I eagerly watched the first episode and for the most part is sounded and looked the same as season 1. I was mildly surprised by a few words in the English subs that did not show up in the first season. I wrote it off as an aberration and continued into episode 2. And there it was. Tasteless profanity where it has no place. Does the person who translated and wrote these subs have any idea at all about Japanese culture and language?? F-bombs and other profanity all over the place! THAT IS NOT WHAT THEY ARE SAYING!!! It felt a bit like switching religions as I found myself holding my nose while changing over to English audio. But it really was the only choice. At least whoever wrote the script for the English voice cast knew what they were doing. As tasteless as it is for die hard anime fans to watch a dubbed show (only way to get the true cultural feel is original Japanese), it became the only choice. Netflix sure missed the mark on this one. it would be extremely worth it for them to redo the English subs. And as great as this anime is, it will remain 1 star in my book until this is fixed.
Masterpiece
CosmicChampion22 January 2019
Romance in the gaming world
Nonomemes11 October 2021
This Anime was really a surprise so this time I will try to be the as less spoiler and as more helpful as possible.
First and most important, this is not a romcom, this is a romantic story which span across 6 years from 6th grade till middle high school.
If it's "Comedy" or "Fun" what you are looking for, you should maybe turn to something else, and you should better decide first because once you start it's difficult to stop, the anime is intense and you will want to see the next episode as soon as possible.
If instead you are interested in the Arcade golden age (e.g. 80s, 90s, etc..) this is a must watch, or if you like Romance.
What I didn't like is the quality of the drawings and the sometimes too much attention of Haruo on the title release plans, but these are really peanuts if you are the right watch candidate because this anime feels like: "Take a big breath and go underwater to stay there a little for the first time in your life".
______________________________________________
I have finally decided to increase my rating because of the power of the message that this series comes with, I think that this should be shared and so now 9.
It has many graphical issues, also point of attentions, etc. But at the end what counts is what remains to you.
We are not machines that we can just do maths, although the contemporary society try to instruct to, we are humans after all (at least most of us).
First and most important, this is not a romcom, this is a romantic story which span across 6 years from 6th grade till middle high school.
If it's "Comedy" or "Fun" what you are looking for, you should maybe turn to something else, and you should better decide first because once you start it's difficult to stop, the anime is intense and you will want to see the next episode as soon as possible.
If instead you are interested in the Arcade golden age (e.g. 80s, 90s, etc..) this is a must watch, or if you like Romance.
What I didn't like is the quality of the drawings and the sometimes too much attention of Haruo on the title release plans, but these are really peanuts if you are the right watch candidate because this anime feels like: "Take a big breath and go underwater to stay there a little for the first time in your life".
______________________________________________
I have finally decided to increase my rating because of the power of the message that this series comes with, I think that this should be shared and so now 9.
It has many graphical issues, also point of attentions, etc. But at the end what counts is what remains to you.
We are not machines that we can just do maths, although the contemporary society try to instruct to, we are humans after all (at least most of us).
Nostalgia from the 80's and the 90's
WeAreLive23 April 2019
Well I wasn't really born in the the 80's or the 90's but this anime was a really good watch. It showed hoe games (mainly street fighters) evolved and how consoles got better.
Haruo Yaguchi is a carefree kid who does not care about studying or socialising as mostly spends his time at home playing video games or at the arcades. Then he meets a very attractive girl by the name of Akira Ono who is a very smart girl with good grades, rich parents and a stuck up attitude but is actually more interested in arcade games then Haruo Yaguchi see her as a rival. For an unknown reason she does not talk at all in the series and the protagonist has to read her facial expression to understand her.
The story was good overall I can't wait for season 2 and I hope they expand more on the characters.
Edit 14/02/2021
Season 2 did a good job with adding more to the story. I hope they make a season 3 someday.
Haruo Yaguchi is a carefree kid who does not care about studying or socialising as mostly spends his time at home playing video games or at the arcades. Then he meets a very attractive girl by the name of Akira Ono who is a very smart girl with good grades, rich parents and a stuck up attitude but is actually more interested in arcade games then Haruo Yaguchi see her as a rival. For an unknown reason she does not talk at all in the series and the protagonist has to read her facial expression to understand her.
The story was good overall I can't wait for season 2 and I hope they expand more on the characters.
Edit 14/02/2021
Season 2 did a good job with adding more to the story. I hope they make a season 3 someday.
One of the best anime that you would relate a lot
sagabergmann19 February 2020
Also screw the person who said that he wanted the protagonist to be a hero or have redeeming qualities. This is a romcom + slice of life kind of anime. This is not a BNHA or KNY sort of anime what do you expect?
Anyway for my review, there has been a lot of scenes in this anime that most of us can relate to and can apply in life.
These are:
1.) Escaping life problems through playing games
2.) Some people really are not aware about their feelings toward other people or how other people feel toward them.
3.) We should let our children set their own pace, it is their life, not hours. We should just guide them but not be strict to the point that they aren't free to move on their own. This would make them more happy.
Overall, I've only watched season 1, and I am going to watch season 2 next. This anime is one of the best there is when it comes to slice of life and rom com. You'll learn a lot and relate a lot. Also, bring some tissues with you, there are a lot of scenes where you'll be touched.
Anyway for my review, there has been a lot of scenes in this anime that most of us can relate to and can apply in life.
These are:
1.) Escaping life problems through playing games
2.) Some people really are not aware about their feelings toward other people or how other people feel toward them.
3.) We should let our children set their own pace, it is their life, not hours. We should just guide them but not be strict to the point that they aren't free to move on their own. This would make them more happy.
Overall, I've only watched season 1, and I am going to watch season 2 next. This anime is one of the best there is when it comes to slice of life and rom com. You'll learn a lot and relate a lot. Also, bring some tissues with you, there are a lot of scenes where you'll be touched.
surprisingly excellent
Kuldeep_Tiwari19 November 2019
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
