Yamada-kun to Lv999 no Koi wo Suru

What happens when you mix gaming, love-hate relationships, and misunderstandings together? You'll get Gamers! the Animation...nah, that's a joke altogther, calm your button-mashing and keyboard-warrioring shtick down!

But on a serious note, mangaka Mashiro's Yamada-kun to Lv999 no Koi wo Suru a.k.a My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999, has been one of the manga series that I have been wanting to read for quite a while now (that was put on hold due to the anime announcement during Aniplex's Online Fest late last year), and I have to say that with Madhouse's anime adaptation, it has been quite the pleasant experience from start to finish. ... And in a season where there's no shortage of rom-com shows, I'd like to believe that Yamada-kun stands aloft at the top of the pack, being, in my opinion, single-handedly the best rom-com of the season, bar none.

Love-hate relationships can come in a variety of forms, from coincidental school meet-ups to even being nurtured through online gaming, which has happened before and can result in either a loving and growing relationship between partners of the same common interest...or in the case of college student Akane Kinoshita, end in the worst of situations. Through the MMORPG Forest of Savior a.k.a FOS game, that is where Akane experienced both heartbreak and heart-pounding feelings in simultaneous succession, for once when she was cheated on by her ex-boyfriend Takuma Furukawa for another girl online in FOS, she wants to find a shoulder to lean on to rant about her heartbreak, which leads her IGN sheep-like avatar of the same name (because she uses her real name as her avatar nickname) to an avatar by the IGN of a simply named "Yamada", who's someone of an aloof and emotionless, afro-haired "Dumbledore"-like male elf character. That's where Akane's new and renewed love story starts by noticing that she still has her online friends who will stay by her side, though paying close attention to this "Yamada", who in real life, is a pro-gamer and a gaming legend that's known to everyone around the gaming circle. With that, the unlikeliest of relationships ensues as the two central male and female MCs get ever so close to each other, with their own hurdles and issues to cross towards unlocking the key to each other's hearts, leading to the typical heart-thumping romance for the ages.

Yamada-kun has a pinch and slice of everything that we've seen in AniManga for a few years now within the rom-com genre, from the video game thematics (which are similar to Spring 2018's Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii a.k.a Love is Hard for Otaku and Fall 2017's Net-juu no Susume a.k.a Recovery of an MMO Junkie) to the rom-com and slice-of-life genres (which are similar to Winter 2021's Horimiya), so the core essence of the premise isn't anything new. So, in a saturating market of rom-coms that increases in number and gets more competitive by the day, there's a need for Yamada-kun to stand up to the game and attract the audience in its own way, and it's very interesting to see how Mashiro pulled things off to create the experience that is the anime, from the original source material (that is the manga). 

For one, if you start comparing the show to many others like it, you get the following results, and if you can identify it the same, it's up to your discretion and judgement.

Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii a.k.a Love is Hard for Otaku:
- Same romance in an adult setting, but differs in the gaming aspect as opposed to the former's Otaku-laden plotline.
- Both likeable MCs are gamers, and shoot out funny jokes from time to time, with the relationship being insanely cute but also mature as well. They do have similar personalities with not much difference in the relationship segment, though the female leads lose their ex and gain a new love interest with the black-haired introverted male leads who love games and get roped into the outgoing personalities of their female counterparts, whom they share a common interest with.

Net-juu no Susume a.k.a Recovery of an MMO Junkie:
- MCs finding themselves meeting in-game, then (by coincidence) IRL, being romantics that relate to their IRL selves with their in-game characters.

Horimiya: 
- The female leads are attracted to the male leads, because they are outlandish and caring, with the same level of humour and romance; they are both fluffy and relaxing, whereas if the situation were reversed, the male leads would be hardly talkative, soft-spoken, and more introverted, while the heroine would be really outgoing and extroverted. 
- The two MCs meet and fall in love in a slice-of-life setting with friends and family as likeable supporting characters, despite being opposites attracted to one another, with the core theme being getting to know each other and developing a friendship, which leads them to recognise and love each other more, with the biggest benefactor being no awkward tsundere moments (because there sure as well will be one), and most importantly: no unnecessary drama. 

There's a lot to like about the characters as well, heck, this ensemble cast is one of the most endearing cast of characters that I have seen over the past few years, and each and every one of them deserves a good hefty amount of mentions.

Akane, for one, is not like many other similar female leads who are all about the jealous, tsundere moments when the female lead falls in love and gets all annoyed about her crush interacting with other girls than herself, she is rightfully mature, though therein lies a bit of naiveté that she can be gullible enough to be cheated out of. Her compulsive hoarding, also known as hoarding / Plyushkin's disorder, is both a curse and a blessing to her well-being, because she treasures everything that she is given. Akane has a friend in the form of Momoko Maeda, (nicknamed "Momo or Momo-chan") acting as her confidante, and best and closest friend both in the best and worst of times, from her breakup with Takuma to finding a fresh and new start with Yamada, giving her the courage to express her feelings to him, even during times when she was feeling unsure or hesitant, offering words of encouragement and motivation, inspiring her to take action and pursue what she truly wanted.

In FOS, Akane belongs to the "Chocolate Rabbit" guild, and plays the Paladin role, who exudes a warm and welcoming aura within her personable and vivacious individual traits, often described as someone who is approachable and easy to converse with, making her a popular figure among her social circle. Despite her upbeat demeanour, Akane is not afraid to express her opinions in a candid manner, which Yamada finds particularly appealing.

Speaking of which, Yamada, whose real name is Akito Yamada, is basically everything that Akane seeks in communion: a pro-gamer who is a computer geek, he is mostly known as someone who is more interested in playing video games (FPS-centric games, to be precise, that he's even sponsored, before the romance shtick with Akane). Yamada's stints in real life, though, show that he's of a tall and slim build, which adds to his overall attractiveness. In fact, most people who encounter him, whether male or female, tend to describe him as exceptionally good-looking, along with his many admirable qualities such as being kindhearted and empathetic towards others' feelings, and always trying his best to help those around him whenever possible, without expecting anything in return, that make him stand out from the crowd.

However, despite his good looks and charming personality, Yamada is an introvert by nature, and often feels uncomfortable with the attention he receives from others due to his appearance. This can be overwhelming at times, as he prefers to keep a low profile and avoid drawing too much attention to himself, and as a result, he tends to keep to himself most of the time, often preferring to spend time alone or with his team playing online games rather than socialising with others, especially if he doesn't know them. This, initially, hinders Akane's progress with him as she doesn't understand his ways, but despite his aloof nature (which was sorely mistaken because he has a fear of engaging with individuals who try to approach him), the latter's concern for the former's well-being is what eventually won her heart towards him. 

However, since this is a rom-com, there is no shortage of drama, and this comes in the form of Yukari Tsubaki. Being Yamada's classmate in high school and the president of their class, she is a complex individual who possesses a unique blend of personality traits. While she may not be the most outgoing person, she is far from aloof or unapproachable, and has a keen intellect, to the point of often spending time observing her surroundings in order to gain a better understanding of the world around her. Her observational skills come into play, especially in regards to Yamada. She witnesses firsthand how he handles situations where girls confess their feelings to him, and despite being aware of his tendency to reject these advances, Tsubaki still finds herself drawn to Yamada, and wanting to know more about his behaviour. In fact, her intelligence and perceptiveness make her an ideal match for Yamada — someone who can appreciate her analytical mind and ability to read people. And while she may not always be forthcoming with her emotions or thoughts, there is no doubt that Tsubaki has much to offer in terms of insight and understanding when it comes to matters of the heart. In spite of her quiet demeanour, Tsubaki has a passion for gaming that is anything but subdued: an avid gamer who loves nothing more than immersing herself in virtual worlds and exploring new realms of adventure, providing an escape from the stresses of everyday life and allowing her to tap into her creative side. Whether playing solo or with friends, Tsubaki finds joy in the challenge of mastering new games and discovering strategies within them.

In FOS, Yamada is an Afro-haired character who wears a Noh mask and plays the role of a wizard. He is joined by his fellow Chocolate Rabbit guildmates, of which there are the notable few: 

Starting off with Eita Sasaki, more than him playing the Senpai role towards Yamada as a mentor, he plays the role of Ruri-hime, the guildmaster, who just watches the rest as they take on quests within FOS, with the only motivation being that he exudes an infectious energy that is reflected in his overall trollish demeanour (which I live, laugh, liao a lot at the hilarity of it all), along with his lively and vibrant personality evident in the way he carries himself. This quality may be attributed to the fact that he has a female in-game character, which was inspired by the appearance of his younger sister, who loves to wear dresses like a lolita, and has a way of speaking that is so animated that people can sometimes visualise heart emojis popping up around him, almost like he's his actual in-game character. And that, in essence, interweaves his personality and appearance, creating a unique and captivating persona that draws people towards him. Despite being a gaming addict, Eita is kind-hearted and empathetic towards others, making him someone who is easy to approach and talk to, and is one-of-a-kind, making him stand out from the crowd in the best possible way. 

Eita's sister, Runa, is exactly who he implies her to be: a middle-school girl who dresses up in lolita fashion (which acts as her older brother's Ruri-hime in-game character), something for which she is known for her unique fashion sense, which often incorporates elements of the popular lolita style, which is heavily influenced by Victorian clothing and the Rococo period. Of course, she possesses an introverted personality trait that often causes her to act awkwardly and rudely towards people she has just met or recently become acquainted with. This was exactly the case when Akane was new to the guild at that time. Due to her older brother being the founder and owner of the guild, Runa had the privilege of scolding Eita for not informing her beforehand about Akane's arrival, which consequently resulted in the initial rocky relationship between the two. However, as time passed, they were able to put their differences aside and become friends, largely due to the former's acceptance of Akane and her willingness to trust her enough to treat her like an older sister. And just like that, her former tendency to be maligned for being unwelcoming towards new members was overcome bit by bit by this unbehavioral trait, thereby creating a more positive environment for everyone involved. 

Last but not least, the Chocolate Rabbit guild's deputy Takezo Kamota, who, despite his avatar being a small, cotton-like creature which grows to monster-size, claims to be a strawberry farmer, which may be his primary occupation outside of being the oldest and only known adult in the guild, with a vast amount of connections. Acting as the elderly adult within the guild of young players, he is an active member who takes charge of the guild meetings, and at one point, even shielded Akane from Runa's attempt to drive her off the guild in real life, demonstrating his protective nature towards those whom he cares about. 

It's a great feeling to once again, see Madhouse back on the podium studio stage, because despite the once-prolific studio losing more of its core identity of years past, nonetheless, it's a return to form for all the good things in life. And would you believe that they got one of their best in-house directors to helm Yamada-kun's adaptation? That's right, acclaimed director Morio Asaka of Chihayafuru, Ore Monogatari!! and Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card-hen fame is tasked with the biggest role of his career, something that has been perfected with both Chihayafuru and Ore Monogatari!!, it's very clear that what Morio Asaka is doing, is doing the anime a lot of justice to the manga, even down to the Chibi-fied moments that add hilarity and substance. And that is a definite W in my book: if the anime is just as good (or even better) as the manga counterpart, with great animation and gorgeous visuals, we can see the possibility of a sequel season (just as is with Chihayafuru) in the future docket. Spectacular work to director Morio Asaka and his staff team.

The music, dare I say, fares even better and fits the anime to a T overall. Ryujin Kiyoshi's ED "Trick Art" is kind of so-so, but it's a generally good reliever to the episodic endings, that's just it. But the OP song? It's. A. Certfied. BANGER! Who would've thought that the unexpected collaboration of KANA-BOON and Yuho Kitazawa, vocalist and guitarist of "the peggies" band (which brought you banger songs from Seishun Buta Yarou a.k.a Bunny Girl Senpai's OP "Kimi no Sei" to Kanojo, Okarishimasu a.k.a Rent-A-Girlfriend's Season 1 OP "Centimeter", which the band is now on indefinite hiatus since last September) would produce one of the season's most catchy, bopping and banger songs, Yamada-kun couldn't have asked for such a perfect masterpiece of an OP song. Literally, my ONE AND ONLY OP of the season that evokes fun, happiness, and excitement, there is no debate that would convince me otherwise (yes, even above YOASOBI's massive global hit of her OP song "Idol" for Oshi no Ko).

There is no question in my mind that Yamada-kun will become one of AniManga's modern-day rom-com favourites, and while this naturally comes as a total double thumbs-up recommendation from me, I'd understand if you feel otherwise about the show's (and the manga's) wonky execution. But for what it brings to the table, it's nothing but a pure and unadulterated romance story that's both mature and expressive to the bone. 

Rom-com fans, both casual and hardcore, do NOT miss or whizz past Yamada-kun! It's a rom-com show that sticks to its origins yet delivers at a level that's impeccable for even the best rom-coms out there (except, say, Tonikaku Kawaii and Kaguya-sama, of course).

Got to say this anime was surprisingly good! At first looking at the title, I was like what the hell is this. But I was glad I gave this one a chance. Won't give a huge essay because I know no one likes to read those ♥

Story talks about a girl in university, Akane, who was dumped by her boyfriend. Through the online game Akane and her ex played, she meets Yamada, a highschool senior who is good-looking but somewhat a shut-in. Then the story goes on to be a romcom, Akane and Yamada becoming closer and closer as the story progresses.

The story kind of ... reminds me of Horimiya. This funny romcom has the casual slice of life atmosphere but also mixed in with humor that anyone would like. The animation is great and also has the funny Chibi-styled animation when things turn funny 😂.

Give it a try! Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Anime is about taking all kinds of concepts. From realistic, to unrealistic. Which is what you have here, a mixture of the two. As let's face it, if this was many years ago, this would be playing fantasy. But with today's world, it's more real then one would realize.

Story and characters: 7
The story and characters may seem flat floot at first, but over time, the show really shows it's charm and attitude. It reminds me of the Ice guy from the previous season, under a different context, and a little more expressive. It's the charm of the show that really carries it, as ... if this wasn't like that, it'd be quite a boring romcom. But due to it's a bit more expressive in nature, it'll come a bit more entertaining then that. Something you want from these kind of shows, that make it worth watching, rather being just a sleeper. Long may it continue in that regard.

What helps also, is the cast. With the cast being more expressive, and in other cases, being able to bounce off each other, and adding to the overall atmosphere, it makes for a good and likable main cast line. Chemistry is always important, and if characters can bounce off of each other like that, then it adds more to the enjoyment of the show. Even to someone like Yamada, who may seem way too densely serious, can come out more, due to having someone as characterized as Akane is,and for anyone else like that around him.

The story feels like todays dream, being able to game with a guide, to befriend and chat with them, and possibly even more. It's a gamers paradise. With the underline context of our two MCS, Akane, one who recently got dumped, and is trying to overcome such, and Yamada, one who she has drawn to, who ends up being quite serious and calm,compared to most other males. As we learn more about who is in their guide and how these two will progress after meeting each other. It's a nice story,and a likable watch.

Art and sound: 8
Can't really fault it in all fairness. There are times where it looks really beautiful, and at other times, it not only looks fitting for the scene, but very bright and colourful to boot. Even matching more night scenes very well. But what it does well also, is how it's expressed, as the anime is very expressive with it's content. With a great matching sound quality to go with it, to really add to the whole show.

Lv999 can be a joy to watch, but it all depends on your taste. As I can see it also not hitting for others, but if you like a nice relaxing show to watch, then you've found the sow for you.

Alright, folks, let's talk about "Yamada-kun to Lv999 no Koi wo Suru." This ain't your run-of-the-mill rom-com – it's got a gaming twist, and it's pretty darn good.

So, you've got Akane, our main gal, nursing a broken heart after her ex dumped her. But don't you worry; she's got a plan. She dives headfirst into the MMO world, and that's where she bumps into our gaming legend, Yamada. You know, the guy with the charm, the looks, and a lot of girl troubles. They team up, and well, you know how these things go. Romance, here we come!

What sets this show apart is the characters. ... Akane ain't your usual anime leading lady. She's not all tsundere and jealousy. No, she's mature and downright likable, with a thing for hoarding stuff. Yep, she's a real person, quirks and all.

Now, let's talk about Yamada. Dude's a pro gamer, and he's got it all – looks, fame, and a heart of gold. But he's also an introvert, not your typical heartthrob. The chemistry between these two is something else.

And the supporting characters in the Chocolate Rabbit guild? They're a riot. Eita and Runa, with all their quirks, add a good dose of humor to the mix.

Madhouse's animation is on point, and the opening theme? It's a certified banger. Director Morio Asaka does a bang-up job adapting the source material.

Now, the plot ain't exactly groundbreaking, and it moves at a leisurely pace. But that's the charm here. It lets you savor the development of the central romance.

In a sea of romance and gaming anime, "Yamada-kun" is the real deal. It's a mature, expressive, and heartwarming rom-com that doesn't mess around. Whether you're a casual fan or a die-hard rom-com junkie, you'd be missing out if you didn't give this one a shot. It's gaming, it's love, and it's all that jazz. Don't miss it! 🎮💖✨

This was more or less a trip down memory lane to me, a popcorn session with nostalgia by my side so that may or may not have clouded my judgment.

I came into this anime not expecting a lot, to be honest. I had prepared my phone and all in the possibility that it gets tedious and easily boring. It's funny, really. Yamada-kun to Lv999 no Koi wo Suru was one of the first shoujo manga I genuinely fell in love with, and it was also one of my first heartbreaks. The manga was fun at first but I soon found it a chore to read, ... I even find myself skipping some panels. I dropped it so long ago I didn't even remember why exactly, and with the anime in the corner of my TBW- I thought it'd just be reading the manga all over again. Which sounded boring, reiterating my case that I grew tired of reading the manga. I was so glad to have my expectations be wrong.

I came into this anime finding myself falling in love with all the characters all over again- Akane, Yamada, Eita, Runa, Kamota-san, and even Tsubaki, Ruka, and Momo who didn't appear as much but I remembered instantly the moment they appeared on screen. I read the manga so long ago but memories of the 3AMs I spent under my covers with a lamp and night light by my side, carefully flipping the page to not disturb the silence came rushing to my mind as this anime takes me for a ride. I even surprised myself by catching the slight differences the anime took leisurely from the manga.

I kind of predicted how it was going to end seeing how the anime is pacing itself, but it was a fun time nonetheless. Akane is everything I imagined her to be- I particularly love how she was voiced, but overall, everyone did a great job. Honestly, there were some things that I was kind of neutral about (like the pacing haha), but overall, this was very fun! I had so much good feelings after finishing this series I even picked up the manga again and caught up to the latest volume! (which surprisingly wasn't that far off from where I dropped it)

Anyway, the TL;DR is I don't know what magic they placed in this, I'm normally very cynical about romance anime but this shoujo-ed in ways I haven't seen anime shoujo-ed in years. I don't know, maybe it's the nostalgia but I had fun and that's all that matters.

Just going to say while a 7.6 is not a bad score I'm absolutely baffled this isn't at least an 8.2 with how high "My Dress Up Darling" (not saying i didn't really like it too) and some others are. I've read that apparently some of Akanes depth is missed in the anime but still come on. This is such a nice change from all of the typical rom com tropes from the interactions and character dynamics and Yamada manages to rebrand the "bland quiet mc" role he is actually a really great character. The animation and subtle thought texts and mannerisms of the characters ... also adds so much to the comedy and immersion into the conversations. I loved The Angel Next Door but I'd still say this is my favorite Rom Com outside of Love is War. I love side characters too and the attention they get, even Yamadas little high school foodie buddy lol. I want this whole darn thing adapted so give it a fair freaking rating lol. Seriously if you love a good rom com with side characters you don't hate and with hilarious and cute interactions and mannerisms this the one of the season.

When a new Anime airs, usually people who are spoilt for choice look for a few things before considering it. These are, who is making it, how is the source material, who are in it, and on a scale of 1-10 how bored are you. If the first three categories have some stellar names attached to it, chances are the fourth metric is useless at that point. So is the case with Yamada Kun.

First of all it is made by Madhouse. They might not be what they used to be back in the early 2000s, but even now they are one of only a ... handful of studios who have a proven standard attached to them. So check that box.

Second would be how is the source material. For specifically that purpose check out the manga, atleast 10 chapters to get a feel of how is it. You'd be pleasantly surprised why this isn't much talked about. Since the manga is certainly worth your time over most of other similar things.

Third is the people behind it. Let's just say, way too many absolute masters are working on it. So a huge tick for this box.

Now having got that out of the way, let's talk about the anime proper.

Plot: After the initial three episodes, the plot that has been laid out is enough to grab you on for the ride. It is mostly about people in and around the MMORPG world, their almost daily shenanigans, and people who are one way or another sucked into it.

Although much has happened, and much is going on, you'll feel not much has been told, as there is still a lot to come. The world is being woven carefully with each new stroke of interraction. So much so that the episodes feel shorter and shorter everytime. More on this upon the season finale.

Characters: Both the leads are interesting in their own way. They are very ably supported by an amazing cast of other cool characters. Though they aren't even fully introduced it, you can tell by what little has been shown that they are quirky and charming in their own way. If anything, a little too charming at times, which is, to put it mildly, not so far from the real life archetypes they are supposed to represent.

Animation: It is Madhouse, so you'd expect nothing less than a standard, well animated and directed show. The visuals are clean, the cuts are decent, and the movement is fluent. Couldn't have asked for more. Considering how many absolute legends are working on this, this is only to be expected.

Music: For most part the music does it's job just fine. It is mostly subservient to the actual plot, which is probably a fair reflection of the quality. Though one may complain there is nothing that stands out, and at times feels rather lightweight. The Opening and Ending themes are catchy and enjoyable. Probably the portion of music that stands out a little.

Voice acting: Great casting choices to begin with. Uchiyama Kouki fits the profile of Yamada a little too perfectly, and so does Minase Inori for Akane. Though who stole the show whenever she was there was Oonishi Saori with Momoko. The third episode introduced a few more of the heavy hitters so it'd be a little premature to make a comment on them as well. For now let's wait and see where this goes.

Demographic: Though it is not mentioned anywhere, it seems to be more of a Shoujo or probably a Josei Anime, rather than a pure romance. Obviously it is romance, anybody can see it for themselves, but it somehow has a strong Josei vibe to it, which would work well in the long run, separating it from the more run of the mill romances.

Enjoyment: Yamada Kun has been pretty enjoyable thus far. If you liked let's say something like an Wotakoi or Nozaki Kun, this would be right up your alley.

Note: Ambiguous spoilers on theme of the anime
TLDR: semi-slow burn, good ending, slice of life, good plot + characters

This was a slow burn for me... It started off as a 7 but the more i watched the more i got addicted to the plot. This finally got a 10 for me because of the satisfying ending that I rarely see in animes nowadays. I dont even know if the manga is completed or not but even if the last episode was the end I would be fine with it.

Bonus: There is some gamer lingo but you dont have to play games to ... watch the anime, they explain things as the anime goes, and the mc herself is a beginner at gaming

Would people dislike this anime (adding more to add more- read if you want to)?
If you are looking for a slice of life, romance as the anime implies itself to be you will be left satisfied. However if you come her with misconceptions thinking this has action in it or something else then you will leave dissaponted.

(Green flags all the way)

I had good hopes for this one, and I was right.

The story is modern gamer girl meets gamer boy, a classic-shut highschooler which makes his character a bit basic but feels different at the same time. The main character, a university student has a fun personality which I love.

The story is realistic with a twist so finding out where the relationship of these 2 duo's go make me excited to watch more.

Art is nothing special it's good enough.

Overall it is enjoyable and interesting, worth a watch, if I'm too impatient might go ahead and read the manga tbh.

... 8.5/10

Update: Got impatient & read the manga and its amazing, love this anime!

It's not the perfect romance one would expect.
At first, the plot may seem intriguing, but personally, I felt that the concept of video games was underutilized. They could easily remove that element from the story, and everything would remain the same. Instead of being a standout feature, the video games merely serve as an occasional backdrop for the protagonists' interactions.

Regarding the characters, I can only say one thing: the supporting characters outshine the main ones. The protagonists felt flat, dull, and, above all, wasted. The concept of a college student who ends a relationship and seeks solace in video games was initially interesting, but ... it ultimately devolves into a generic girl you'd find in any typical romantic comedy (and I do enjoy those). Unfortunately, it falls short of its potential.

The cold streamer who struggles with handling girls does deliver on its promise and carries the weight of the story.

The animation is adequate, as one would expect from an Aniplex production. The anime itself doesn't demand exceptional animation quality, but the artistry is noteworthy and stands out.

The soundtrack is rather forgettable, with the exception of the opening, which is the only moment when the music shines. Beyond that, it feels like playing through a visual novel where the music doesn't play a significant role.

In conclusion, would I recommend it? Yes, it remains entertaining, and if you overlook some minor points that aren't crucial, it can still offer an enjoyable experience.

Madhouse may not be the same studio they were back in the day, but shows like Yamada999 prove they’re still capable of making anime with great direction and art. One of the best shoujo adaptations in recent memory.

I have been loving this shoujo resurgence that we’ve seen over the past few seasons and I hope it continues. The latest series in this trend, Yamada999, is basically the fulfilment of every gamer’s dream. Meeting a cute girl online and falling in love. Now, the premise isn’t the most original thing ever, the writing and characters really make up for it.

I’ll admit, I wasn’t the biggest fan ... of the romance for the first half of the show. It seemed like Akane was only into Yamada because of how attractive he is. It’s shoujo, so the romance is predictable, but it ended up being way deeper than I thought it would be. As we get to know the characters better, we learn there’s way more to both characters than originally thought. Their relationship isn’t purely based on physical appearances, but actions and personality. The pillars of a healthy relationship. This made the eventual pairing much more satisfying, believable and fixed the biggest issue I had with the story.

Obviously, it is still a shoujo, so there is quite a bit of female wish fulfilment going on. You also have to suspend logic a bit to accept that Yamada, who is a damn near perfect physical specimen, has never had a girlfriend, really talked to girls or anything. Put that aside, and you’ll have fun with the show. Comedy, character interactions and the overall vibes of this show are top tier.

Side characters are great in Yamada999. A big aspect of this story is the guild that Akane and Yamada are in. The guild leader and other members are integral parts of the story and make the show much better when they’re in episodes. When you know the inevitable outcome of a ship already, you need to have other characters in the mix to spice things up and add a degree of mystery. They did just that. The guild leader basically stole the show every time he was in an episode and I honestly liked him more than Yamada for a while.

Madhouse have to praised for the job they did with the anime original game scenes as well. With this story revolving around an online relationship and gaming guild, the game is of course a big part of the story. It’s not a full dive game either like in most other anime these days. This is a proper WoW MMORPG style game that doesn’t even have VC. So the fact that Madhouse managed to bring the avatars to life, add voice acting and make the game world feel like a living breathing environment was awesome. It works a lot better in anime form than it does in manga thanks to the studio’s hard work.

The name madhouse is synonymous with great art, and they don’t disappoint in this. This is one of the prettiest looking shows of the year. They took what’s already a really good looking manga and made it even better with a really bright colour palette, great designs and some gorgeous background art.

I think this is a must watch for shoujo fans and romance fans in general. It’s not the best romance story ever, but it is a really good batch of characters and a fun time.

Yamada999 gets an 8, out of 10.

If you enjoyed Horimiya, you sure will love this.

Loving Yamada at Lv999! follows the story of Akane Kinoshita, a college student who is left heartbroken after being cheated on by her boyfriend. Her only solace is the online game Forest of Savior, where she meets a high-level player named Yamada, who is mysterious and difficult to read.

One of the interesting aspects of the show is its parallels to the popular anime Horimiya. Both series feature the same voice actor, Kouki Uchiyama, as the male protagonist, and both protagonists start off as cold and aloof characters who eventually warm up to their love interests. However, ... Loving Yamada at Lv999! offers a unique twist on this familiar trope by placing the characters in an online gaming environment, which adds a fresh perspective to the story.

Moreover, the show also incorporates elements of gaming culture, which will resonate with viewers who are gamers themselves. The unique blend of romance and gaming creates a captivating and refreshing viewing experience, which is further enhanced by the show's stunning animation.

Loving Yamada at Lv999! is a promising anime with an intriguing storyline that will keep viewers hooked. Its relatable characters, combined with its unique take on the online gaming world, make for an enjoyable and entertaining watch. With the animation studio Madhouse at the helm, viewers can expect stunning visuals and exceptional production quality. If you're a fan of romcoms, especially those set in the world of online gaming, then Loving Yamada at Lv999! is definitely worth checking out. This show is bound to become another memorable anime produced by Madhouse.

7/10

"Yamada-kun to Lv999 no Koi wo Suru" is a romantic anime about two people who met online through a game. The main characters are that same old cliché: the cute cheerful girl becomes infatuated with the handsome quiet boy. Then, there's still all the stereotypical romantic scenes, like when he saves her from falling. I personally don't dislike clichés, I think that they're inevitable, but the rest of the series must have some originality. This plot does harbor some originality, by revolving around the video games world. My overall opinions of the anime is:

- I didn't find any of the characters ... annoying, I think they're all quite likeable or at least easy to tolerate;

- I initially didn't knew if I would like the video games theme, but it turned out to be quite interesting; the fact that the main couple met online is kinda uncommon to be portrayed on TV and, since we're always listening about the dangers of internet, this anime shows us that it can also have a good side, because the main character makes a lot of friends online, whom she meets in real life;

- I think it's interesting that in this anime the girl is the one who is older (just 2 years), because, generally, it's always the boy;

- I think that the main couple didn't have a very good development, because, in my opinion, we didn't see them interacting enough to confess their feelings in the end, I felt that before they realized they wanted to be together, they should've developed more their friendship (since they barely talked);

- the comedy is very nice, there's nothing offensive, just some silly situations and funny faces that the main lead usually does.

Overall, I'd recommend this anime to anyone who wants to watch a romantic comedy, because, although it's not amazing, it's a good watch, and it only has 13 episodes, so I'd say it's worth it.

This is one of my favorite animes. The plot was a 7.5/10, like other reviewers said, it was inconsistent at times and the relationship was weirdly paced. But I LOVED this anime.

You just have to watch it for yourself. If you want a wholesome love story with a little bit of everything, this is perfect for you. Yes, it’s not 10/10 from an objective standpoint but if you take the emotional impact and emotional investment you have with the characters, it deserves nothing short of a 10/10. It’s a feel good anime that’s really f-in good at doing so.

This show is a masterclass in storytelling, character development, and emotional depth. Yamada's journey from apathy to vulnerability is raw and relatable, and Akane's unwavering dedication is inspiring.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Nagi being the ultimate best friend goals. The animation is stunning, with vibrant colors and expressive character designs. The music is catchy and perfectly complements the tone of each scene.

What I love most about this show is its honest portrayal of love, relationships, and adulthood. It's not always easy to watch, but it's real. The struggles, the heartbreak, the moments of pure joy – it's all so beautifully captured.

This show is ... a reminder that love is worth fighting for, even when it feels like everything is falling apart.

My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999 is a neat reminder of why I love the romance genre, especially when you add a nerd angle to it. Add some really strong backstories and you're on your way to a strong anime series!

Story & Characters: My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999 introduces Akane Kinoshita, who was recently dumped by her now-ex-boyfriend. He claims to have found a new girlfriend in the MMO game they played together, known as Forest of Savior. Depressed by this notion, Akane decides to go to her guild's in-person meet up, where she sees Akito Yamada, who is ... a big name in the Forest of Savior world. After some initial meetups, they continue to hang out until we get to the point where Akane and Akito realize that they might have feelings for each other.

Akane is a really likable characters - she's bubbly, funny and tries her best. She very clearly knows that she's not an A+ gamer, but she doesn't care as long as she has fun doing what she does. One of my favourite moments was when she tried really hard to get a piece of gear, eventually got it, then was told it wasn't the right kind. Without spending more than a few seconds being a little bummed out, she goes on her merry way to grind another piece. Nothing seems to phase her. Akito, however, is a little harder to get accustomed to. He's a pretty typical gamer-introvert, as lacks any real social skills. This doesn't mean that he doesn't care, but it doesn't show up to our other characters as much as they'd likely want. He develops really nicely as a character as the series goes on, so even if his voice doesn't really change tones much, he certainly grows as a person.

Eita enters the picture with his kid sister Runa not long into the series, and they're excellent, though for very different reasons. Eita reminds me of Akane, in that he's super bubbly - especially for a dude. He's way more observant than anyone in his group gives him credit for, and he adds to the high-energy that our group gives off. Runa has a lot of developing to do in the series because of the problems she creates. She has issues trusting people, but because of Akane and her brother, she really finds a cozy spot in our group. Sometimes it's about how you treat people, even if they don't always deserve it. Mr. Kamota is another prime example of the highs of meeting people online. You kind of wonder how he got to be so happy all the time, but some old people are just like that. He's incredibly sweet and an awesome add to our cast. Yukari enters the picture further in, and I didn't love the way her story was initially integrated into our main plot. It felt kind of forced at times. You can clearly tell why they added her in, but I didn't think it meshed with the rest of the series very well. Momoko is Akane's best friend, but she certainly got less screentime than the rest. I'm on the fence about her, but she provided a different perspective on Akane's life than our other characters. She was fine.

Throughout the series, there are a few plot points that point to meeting up with your online friends when you eventually feel like you can trust them. This takes hold in a few episodes, and really drives home the point that people might act like they do in-game, and others really don't. They touch on a lot of these and drive home the dangers of what happens when you don't take every precaution necessary. Outside of the romantic aspects, these were easily the best parts of the series.

Let's talk about those romantic aspects! Look, being dumped isn't fun, especially because of how much Akane seemed to treasure her ex. So watching how she deals with it is kind of heartbreaking. Still, her ability to move past that was enjoyable to watch on all levels. She knows where she wants to go from there. Akane's not exactly the shining example of a big romantic, but her ideals are fantastic. So when Akito and her start to get close to each other in certain situations, you can't help but cheer for them. This goes from beginning to end, to the point where they've been through a fair bit together. In fact, certain actions that Akito attributes to just being a "friend", really means a lot of Akane. This was a little curious to me because Akito doesn't really come off as someone who is super close with his friends and goes out of his way for them. He feels like more a person who'd help out of convenience, and he certainly didn't feel like that around Akane's situations that she was in. The fact that Akito doesn't realize that he's getting close to Akane really makes the story pop for me. We know it's coming, but he doesn't.

I really wish this series kept going. I'm enough of a nerd to know that the nerd-aspects felt real, and the romantic aspects were super cute. Who knows if it keeps going, but this ending leaves room for more. (Story: 9/10, Characters: 8/10)

Art: Madhouse is a big name, mostly known for their action series. Still, they do solid work on this series, keeping a high level of quality throughout. It never really wavers and even though it's not ufotable level, it doesn't really need to be. (8/10)

Sound: I could take or leave the OP and ED, but I did like the OST. There's some gamer-focused tunes and some others that were strong. Voice work was strong. Stephen Fu (Akito) has a character that is likely not easy to portray, and I thought he was a little up and down. Abby Trott (Akane) was exceptional, giving me very Laura Bailey vibes with her ability to act out our favourite bubbly girl. Landon McDoanld (Eita) and Brook Chalmers (Mr. Kaomta) also impressed with those happy-vibes. I have a hard time finding weak points here. (9/10)

Overall: My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999 is one of the better romance series that I've seen in a year when we've had a lot of excellent couples. Akito and Akane are near the top, for sure. Add in a gamer aspect to it, and you have my attention. I'm glad I checked it out! (9/10)

this anime is a charming romcom that focuses around an awkward high school boy and a first year university student. In the first episode Akane is left by her boyfriend for a. "hotter " girl. I really connected with the characters. The growth of Yamada growing to like akane was slow but didn't feel overly drawn out. the ending was incredible it made so many drawbacks to the first episode to show where their relationship first started. the characters are very likable, even the ones that start off as unlikable such as Runa My favorite characters were Yamada, Souta or Mr Kamota. I think that ... personalities were so lovely and brighten the show. only problem I have with the show is that it took a while for them to confess their feelings. I wish for a season 2 to explore their relationship more. this anime made me want to read the manga. I highly recommend if you want a cute shojo romance.

It's good, but not great. The animation style is very simple, but well drawn and very clean. There really isn't much for flashy animation, but things are very fluid throughout. The characters have some depth and bounce well off one another, but I really would have liked to see them more fleshed out and with more depth. The story is kind of simply, but well executed. Would have liked to see more twists, but overall it's decent. Pacing is solid, and doesn't drag things out like many other anime of this genre. Voice acting is decent, like actually decents not "okay for dubbed" decent. It ... has some, but not amazing emotion and performances, and isn't really grating. Thumbs up for me, but could be better. The soundtrack is interesting using some lofi inspired tracks along with some decent instrumental tracks. The op id good and the ed is decent. Overall, a decent anime. If you like this genre, you'll like this aniome. However, it's really not earth shattering, or particularly unique, and lacks in a few areas. Namely, I would like to need more depth, and some slightly flashier animation. 7.05/10 Dubbed

A masterpiece for those who were heart broken after Horimiya.

This series is so good I feel obligated to write a review for the first time. If you previously enjoyed Horimiya then you will absolutely love it. This is slice of life / rom-com at its best. It feels refreshing. The animation is good, the OST is amazing, and each piece of the story is meaningful. There is a perfect balance between humour and emotions. The characters are absolutely gorgeous and you may recognize your younger self in them. Their experience and development feels real, this is something we can all relate to in some way. ... I highly recommend you read the manga afterwards (available on Mangamo). The author, Mashiro, is a genius that never fails to deliver.

Pro tip: watch ALL episodes until the very end (after credits). There is always a bonus that adds a lot to the story.

This was actually unexpectedly charming and delightful. This show had a unique and quite charming blend of humor and romance development spread across the thirteen episodes. Natsuki Hanae was perfectly cast in his supporting role because you can hear how much he relishes playing these kinds of characters and it comes across in his performances. But aside from that, this show has a solid cast of characters that perfectly complements each other and aids in the development of both the characters and plot. The final scenes of the season felt rushed but it still would be great to see a season 2.