Season 2 of High Score girl started from the previous season left off. Haruo is getting more confused about his feelings for both Akira and Koharu who also happen to be his opponents in Street Fighters. Koharu has openly admitted her love for Haruo. While Akira has shown some indications of her feelings although she has never spoken. It’s the arcade game that can help Haruo decide about his true love.
The second season of High Score Girl is set in 90s and so it has excellently portrayed not only how the arcade games have evolved in Japan but also some other trends as well. Gaming culture in Shibuyu might not be the same in the real world but back in 90s it used look exactly like it has been portrayed in High Score Girl. But one things that is still common is that Shibuyu is the hub for the youth culture. The beginning of the series we get to see the weird inclination of ganguro. Haruo seems to have fun in Shibuyu’s arcade and getting used to its fashion trends in the beginning of the series.
The most interesting and enjoyable part of this season of High Score Girl is the character development of Haruo and the development of his relationship with both girls. As bot Akira and Koharu are completely different from each other, the story becomes more interesting as their different characters makes Haruo decide who is best for him. Haruo is not a very social peron and rather an introvert ut his relation with his friends and his love for game that he shares with them helps him grow while understanding his own feelings.
Season 2 also uses games visuals like season of High Score Girl which makes it appealing and interesting. It uses actual pixelated images of the Street Fighter when the game is featured in the anime. Some other popular video games are also featured and mentioned like as Street Fighter Zero 2, Virtua Fighter 2 and Night Warriors. It’s quite nostalgic for those who have played arcade games. High Score Girl is definitely for those who love these retro arcade game. While those who are not much familiar to these arcade games, it is very informative as it portrays it very well and the younger viewers can learn a lot about it.
Season is the continuation of the first season and so the newcomers will have to watch the first season to grasp he plot and story. However, this season is all about the development of these characters and their relationship and it has also recapped the established story but it is still recommended to watch the first season before starting the second season so you’ll know how these characters and their relationship has evolved. It’s important to know the depth of Haruo’s character.
This anime is not for the viewers who like the best quality visuals. High Score Girl may disappoint them. From character design to the overall animation is very simple and not very attractive. If you do not mind watching the simple style animation, then you will definitely like High Score Girl but if it bothers you then might not be able to enjoy it.
It’s going to disappointing for those who wanted to watch to see them playing Street Fighters III. It was expected to be shown in the series as it was also mentioned many times but unfortunately it didn’t go that far as we get to see the first version of Street Fighter and all versions of Street Fighters II and some parts of Street Fighter Zero as well but the series ended before it could reach Street Fighter III.
High Score Girl is not for the viewers who want something serious and intense to watch. It I simple and lighthearted series. It is the story of love triangle but with the touch of its own that makes it a little different from other anime with love triangle. It is a great anime to recall the era of retro arcade game and portrays it very well that can be very informative about the retro trends.
