Reviews

There are not many criticisms that can be made about this. The main criticism might come from someone expecting a sports anime. Yet, I was expecting a sports anime, and could not have been happier with what I received instead. This is not a pure sports anime in the same sense as Ace of the Diamond, for example. That is fine, however, because anything that can be so easily placed in a shallow category such as "Sport" is going to itself be shallow.

Cross Game is more of a trip of emotions. This is about a few core characters, about their relationships with each other, with their families, with their teammates. And it is quite the journey. We have plenty of time to see our characters grow, to see their low moments, and to see their highs. Many of the most emotional moments take place both on and away from the grounds.

It is definitely about baseball. However, in the end, it is also a story about a bunch of high-schoolers growing up. And while high school is overused as a setting in anime, it is helped by the fact that most of the important moments take place either some kind of baseball grounds, or away from the school.

There is little more to say without leaving major spoilers. However, I would urge anyone who has some interest in baseball to watch at least a few episodes, and see if they like it. This is one of the best stories I have had the pleasure to experience, period.