TKA introduces the tale of Ye Xiu who is forced into early retirement from pro-gaming and his progress towards a new avatar and team on a different server. I would have to dock points for his characterization since he's almost too OP and no one can touch him which does make a cool intro but less impressive conflict in the series. He meets a variety of different cast members from total Newbies to returning veteran players who challenge him at every opportunity.
However, I like how they handled the two halves of his life the online and IRL portions which show him working at the net cafe and meeting up w/old friends along vs speedruns in-game. Too often MMO series just focus on one aspect and tune out the real world which makes it extremely awkward as someone who has played MMO games and have met others who are too into them. Ofc it's debatable if eating, sleeping, and playing Glory is a good lifestyle choice in the first place.
Next I would like to say I'm glad how everyone is a adult and there's a lack of bizarre love subplot which tend to drag down the my overall enjoyment. TBH, it's more realistic to ship the MC w/anyone else since the majority of the cast are male who are just super into rivalries. Out of the entire cast there's only 3 female characters and 10+ male characters which I thought was depressing since in reality a lot of women play MMO games but that's for another day.
Finally, I liked the CN VA which is a nice change of pace from all the JPN and they suited the characters well. TL is good and they did a great job w/all the specific MMO terms and not slowing down the pace during fights. Animation is a bit patchy in some sections but the fights are always interesting to watch. I would have to say the character designs are pretty dull other than a few characters which stood out beyond the standard MMO armor sets. Sound and OP/ED were OK but nothing to write home about but the fanart was cute. Here's to hoping for a good S2.
