Story: 5
Based on the title and Opening and Ending songs, I presumed this would be about how Morioka would meet her online friends in real life. Who would mend her past emotional trauma (that led her to become a NEET), and help reintroduce her back into society. But again I was deceived... although I wouldn't have been so disappointed had the direction of the show were for the better.
Instead around the first half it shows Morioka, as Hayashi, after quitting her job, having fun with her MMO pals in Fruits de Mer. Especially with Lily, who she forms a close bond with online. Through a series of coincidences she unknowingly meets Lily's real life counterpart Sakura. And blah, blah, blah later they fall in love.
Although I liked most of the beginning as with the humor of Hayashi constantly getting killed by a giant hamster, or when Kanbe took over the guild because it was maxed out, or when the team were trying for loot boxes. They were things I could relate to (even though I have never played an MMO before). However it never dived too deep into the MMO, like Log Horizon or other shows. It was more of a platform of expressing the idea of the show, which were online and real-life connections. But even so its portrayal of this was superficial and mediocre. Even though there is a colorful cast (literally) we have very little screen time for them. Mainly focusing on Sakura (and Koiwai I guess). Which I felt was for shame, as this show could have been more!!! Showing the intricate web of connections Morioka has made, and how she has changed as a person from it.
And with the present story I was frustrated, empathetic, and equally as awkward at Sakura's shrewd attempts to get close with Morioka. Which I kinda liked, as it isn't easy to meet with online friends. Although I was very skeptical at the highly coincidental events and relations between the two, but it was something I got over quickly. Since they have to progress the story somehow...
Also the love blossoming between Morioka and Sakura is a very bland and boring It's almost as if they intended to make the most short and superficial rom-com love story. I won't deny I was rooting for them to get together, but I admit it was pretty shoddy.
Art: 4
It's there??? I guess...
It has very simplistic backgrounds.
Animation looks okay when still, but there are many frames when the characters look out of model.
Characters look slightly awkward when moving, especially involving some sakuga (fighting) scenes.
Character design is ok, but I really hated it when Hayashi and Lily wore black armor. As it didn't match their avatars hair.
The design of the monster in the MMO were uninspired, but some are kinda hilarious (again giant Hamster).
But it becomes very expressive when switching to cartoonish faces. So 1 point for that!
Conclusion: Nothing amazing
Sound 4:
The opening was good. I liked the guitar riffs that occur sequentially throughout the song, but otherwise 5/10
The conclusion I didn't like so I always skipped it.
And the OST I vaguely remember... It was pretty generic. A few fantasy/gaming songs there, a few sad piano songs there...
Characters 5:
Morioka/Hayashi:
At first she was fine. But I couldn't get back on how she viewed herself and brought herself to the NEET lifestyle. As all we get was that she stressed past the breaking point. I don't need some deep backstory, but just a little bit more wouldn't help. As it would better justify her actions, especially in the real world.
Sakura/Lily:
He seemed too perfect: Kind, Caring, and Empathetic, and most importantly PLAYS VIDEOGAMES!!
This kinda eerked me, but don't get me wrong he has communication issues so he isn't "perfect". However, there wasn't much for him except I play female characters online, "I like cute stuff", and I'm super nice and understanding.
Everyone else: doesn't really matter... they don't have a lot of screen time anyway except Koiwai. And Koiwai is the BEST wingman.
Overall and Enjoyment: 6 & 6
It was ok, nothing amazing, new, or groundbreaking. I won't deny I enjoyed it, but there is better content out there that grasped the ideas that I yearned for in this show. Then there are also better romantic comedies that have more "romantic-based" comedy than this one (most of the jokes are based on the MMO, who guessed...).
Edit: I know this is pretty late from when the show finished. I originally wrote this a few months ago but neglected to finish some parts. I thought it would be pointless to post it now; however, I didn't want my hardworking to go to waste.
