High Score Girl: Extra Stage

Following straight after the final episode of the series, these three OVA are in no rush to complete the story, which is surprisingly a good thing.
We get new interesting characters introduced, development for the existing characters and the story continues at a steady pace that makes you want more.
Like the series, the art, music, opening and closing are the same. Though I do feel Oono has gotten even more expressive.
If you loved the series, you will love the extra episodes too, they are just as great.
What more is there to say, except here's hoping we get more High Score Girl in the future.

“High Score Girl: Extra Stage” is the sequel to the TV Anime “High Score Girl”. It chronicles the life of gamer Yaguchi Haruo growing up as a teenager in the mid to early 90s.

Story: 7/10

The story in itself isn’t anything too special in these three episodes. It wraps up the loose ends that were left behind by the initial 12 episodes. This includes Yaguchi’s final duel with Hidaka and the ever increasing strictness in Ono’s home life. It can get pretty cheesy at times but there’s some charm to it that will keep you interested.

Art: 8/10

One of the first things people probably see about this ... show is the strange art style. It uses CGI bodies with hand drawn heads and faces. It’s a strange combo but I didn’t find that it hurt the show. It actually started to grow on me if anything. I think the biggest positive I can give to the art is Ono’s expressions all throughout. She doesn’t have any dialog outside of non-verbal noises so her body language is all you have to go on. The studio has done a fantastic job at getting her emotions across as she’s very expressive.

Sound: 8/10

The intro and outro are superb. As for the the score during the show itself, they do a solid job at helping to build the atmosphere or mood of a specific scene. I never really felt like it chewed the scenery which is a good thing.

Character: 9/10

One of the biggest strengths of this show has always been the characters and that fact holds true here. Everyone in the show is lovable and memorable so I enjoy watching them interact with each other. I even enjoyed a couple of the new characters introduced within this OVA such as Ono’s sister.

Enjoyment: 10/10

What can I say? I’m a total sucker for all these video game references. The best part is that it never really comes across as if it’s forced or cringy, it does it’s own thing and I really enjoy it for that.

Overall: 9/10

“High Score Girl: Extra Stage” is an enjoyable affair that you’re sure to enjoy if you like slice of life. I especially recommend it if you have an affinity for retro video games as I do.

Sometimes an OVA is considered a filler and the place for the discarded episodes. In this case, it is different. The Extra episodes of High Score Girl are a prelude of what we're going to watch in the second season. YES, a second season that was already announced.

The episodes continue with the same structure from the main series. As a significant development, we can appreciate Yaguchi and Hidaka's fight and their perseverance towards their feelings. Furthermore, the relationships are not dull or repulsive even if some persons think they are a cliché. The series continues following the main idea from the main series, the ... manga, and that is a plus for the spectators.

The extra episode's denouement is right. Even if some persons consider it as a waste of time, the plot only seeks to set up the events that are going to happen in the second season. The pacing is right, and the art is the same.

As a positive aspect now I am eager for more and I want to be ready for the second season.