This review may contain spoilers
A pleasant surprise
Having completed the series this is an edit on the review I did while still watching the show!
The show only got better as I watched it. Xue Kai as Chessman was amazing, although you did want to throw things at the TV at the characters attitude at times (but I think that was part of the idea:). The interaction between Chessman and Smiling only gets better and the interaction with the five main actors of the team does to. The main OST is great and the whole just travels brilliantly from one part to another without seeming to bog down as some Chinese shows can do in the middle.
As for the rest of my original review I stick with it. I'm still not a big fan of the game CGI used in the show but that's a small thing compared to everything else it does so brilliantly. I do admit that having to begin reading the novel some things are beginning to make a bit more sense regarding the game in the series than were explained, but that does not take away any enjoyment I got from this great show.
(Original review)
I must admit when I came across this show I was of two minds if I should watch it. I have loved 'The King's avatar' and 'Love 020' Since they came out and wasn't sure if this could reach the same level. I'm glad to say that even though it didn't reach that high bar it wasn't because it couldn't it was because it doesn't seem to even try. This show is happy going it's own way and doing its own thing which I find great.
The chemistry between the two leads is great and really carries the show so far. The almost constant bickering between them while at the same time seeing Chessman obviously falling for, and protecting her all the time, is sweet. The story is good but the actors make the story really come to life in a believable way. The supports and second leads are just as great, with smilings best friend giving her great advice that doesn't always work, and the other guys in the team giving reactions that are hilarious.
The music is fun to, being upbeat and modern. One thing I don't enjoy is the type of CG used for the gaming, its very cartoonish and the rules of the game are not spelled out clearly so its hard to understand how it could ever be a real esport. However as I said at the start this is one of the ways this show goes its own way, it never even tries to make its CG realistic but rather goes in the opposite direction.
This show is defiantly worth a watch and I will be looking forwards to the new episodes.
The show only got better as I watched it. Xue Kai as Chessman was amazing, although you did want to throw things at the TV at the characters attitude at times (but I think that was part of the idea:). The interaction between Chessman and Smiling only gets better and the interaction with the five main actors of the team does to. The main OST is great and the whole just travels brilliantly from one part to another without seeming to bog down as some Chinese shows can do in the middle.
As for the rest of my original review I stick with it. I'm still not a big fan of the game CGI used in the show but that's a small thing compared to everything else it does so brilliantly. I do admit that having to begin reading the novel some things are beginning to make a bit more sense regarding the game in the series than were explained, but that does not take away any enjoyment I got from this great show.
(Original review)
I must admit when I came across this show I was of two minds if I should watch it. I have loved 'The King's avatar' and 'Love 020' Since they came out and wasn't sure if this could reach the same level. I'm glad to say that even though it didn't reach that high bar it wasn't because it couldn't it was because it doesn't seem to even try. This show is happy going it's own way and doing its own thing which I find great.
The chemistry between the two leads is great and really carries the show so far. The almost constant bickering between them while at the same time seeing Chessman obviously falling for, and protecting her all the time, is sweet. The story is good but the actors make the story really come to life in a believable way. The supports and second leads are just as great, with smilings best friend giving her great advice that doesn't always work, and the other guys in the team giving reactions that are hilarious.
The music is fun to, being upbeat and modern. One thing I don't enjoy is the type of CG used for the gaming, its very cartoonish and the rules of the game are not spelled out clearly so its hard to understand how it could ever be a real esport. However as I said at the start this is one of the ways this show goes its own way, it never even tries to make its CG realistic but rather goes in the opposite direction.
This show is defiantly worth a watch and I will be looking forwards to the new episodes.
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