This is just a slight observation that I have found while watching the anime “How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend”. There were themes related to this that made me relate to our current situation in the real world, especially when asked “how relevant is gaming to your life?” or anything similar to the topic. The story of the show isn’t centered around it but taking notice of this make me realize the issue that I have discussed. Contrary to the serious discussion, the show is paced on comedy and fanservices to make the story light. Don’t mistake it for the entirety to focus only on comedy since the story presents background for the main characters.
Story: 6/10
The story wasn’t disappointing at the least and the plot is interesting. If you are wandering why the score is a bit lower than my usual, it was a cliffhanger that contributed to the low score. Other than that, the story and the concept to its plot is interesting in its own way. If I’d say, at least novel for me.
The story begins with a spark of inspiration sought by the main protagonist after meeting the heroine atop the high street. This inspiration encouraged Tomoya to make the best dating-sim game, so he began to gather the best “creators” he knew. They are all the most capable creators that anyone could ask for with Megumi as an exception since Tomoya promised that one day he would turn her into the heroine that would make others envious of her. There are comedies and fanservices around, and the show ended as the members of the circle are gathered while finishing part of the game – so, it was “just the beginning” as anyone would have guessed.
Characters: 7/10
There are common types that are easily observable among the main characters. First, the main protagonist who has a caring side and is locked with the determination to appreciate his otaku life. Then there are the main deres: The classic tsundere type with twin tail blonde hairstyle and somewhat flat front, Eriri; the sadodere type who is often mean to protagonist, Utaha; the kuudere type who is mostly emotionless and barely even noticed by anyone, Megumi; and the deredere type who is always cheerful and talented, Michiru. Considering how these five are the circle members of the circle, it consists of an interesting group of characters where at least one of them could attract the audience. Personally, I like them with no annoying vibes at least. Overall, they have interesting personalities, fun interactions, nice voice acting, and great character designs.
Art: 7/10
The art style consists good animations and beautiful scenes that are detailed in nature and architecture involved. I’d say it was more than good from average; however, the CGI, even though only used when typing on keyboards, still gave me a bad impression since it could have been animated better. In other words, it gives a bad taste to the already smooth and great art style. I understand that it is only a miniscule portion of the content and that I observed that the anime is going for a varied style of presenting its show, but I’d be honest about it and say that it isn’t good anyway. Overall, only CGI had me disappointed; but the whole art style portrayed in the show is better than normal.
Sound: 9/10
The sound effects aren’t easily noticed. The opening and ending themes are great that they are nice to vibe with. Not only that, but the background music in the whole show is not bad either especially when the fanservices and comedy occurs that we would identify the cues to what is currently happening. It is fun that way and I enjoyed it as much. I was attached to the ending song prior to hearing it from the anime because of osu!; however, it is also worth mentioning that there were good songs played during the last episode. It shocked me as it brought nostalgia. Not that it is much of a spoiler anyway (but you can still ignore this or skip to be surprised as well), I can’t overlook the music cover of the gurren lagan op 1 at the last episode including the other song played after. Overall, the sound quality is not the best, but it is great and almost flawless.
Enjoyment: 8/10
I’d say that I enjoyed watching the show. The comedy was hilarious as they fool around, and the characters can be preferably enjoyed and appreciated. Even if the ending led to a cliffhanger leaving things unfinished, their interactions and the time spent together were fun to watch. Including the 4th wall being bypassed, it was funny and alluring to see many light fanservices throughout the show. Some are misleading; but if not as sensitive against inappropriate and self is considered innocent, then it is funny and not annoying to say the least. However, it is also worth mentioning how too much makes it distracting to focus on the main material anyway, or is it really the main material of attraction? Either way, the overall enjoyment of the show depends on how one would enjoy the fanservices and comedy of the show which would eventually stir your perspective of the characters. Personally, I enjoyed the show.
Overall, the show is not that bad, and it is fun. I would continue to watch the sequel soon and it is interesting to watch, so I would recommend anyone to add this on their anime list if they are interested in good anime visuals with comedy and light fanservices. Otherwise, things might be mundane especially at the start since there are many conversations that may bore you, at least that’s what I think.
