Let's Play

A little emotional, I'd say. A bit bittersweet, too, in some way. But also lowkey dumb, cause why are you all still stalling to talk when it's an emergency T_T Charles being a steady, comforting figure for Sam was pretty cool, though. I like that; I approve. Monica was so stressed about this whole thing, though. I feel sorry for her. She's so worried, too. Marshall's dream was a little funny as well, LOL. I'm kinda glad at how 'healing' was slowly introduced, or at least established in some way, but also with the game elements that I've been looking for since ep 1. I can't get enough, though. And I'm still pissed at Link; I'm not over it yet. Charles is charming; go for it, my dude. That aside, I'm glad it all turned out well for Marshall, Sam, and Charles. There's a charm to the little character developments, too. Bowser came around, too, able to tolerate Marshal, ahaha. Although it did feel like all that build-up ended with Marshall stealing the show, the development was good either way. I just wish we could've seen more from Monica in this episode. I wanted some form of resolution on her end, too, you know.

Is there any way for Ruminate to be real? I wanna play it too XD I'm getting swept up from the thrill watching Marshall play. Not really thrilled about the romance part again but, oh well, I guess that's just part of it all. Also, Link is so frustrating. Not only did he keep on bailing, but he also kept on sending mixed signals only to drop that crazy shtty explanation! Dude, you're so annoying; you say you don't want to hurt Sam AND YET! Fine, I'm rooting for Charles instead. No, honestly, why even bother with MLs when Sam can focus on her dreams instead? Seriously, it's so frustrating. Anyway, Ruminate game-wise, we're seeing both thrilling adventure play (Marshall's) and smart gameplay (Charles'). Well, at least Marshall finally understood Ruminate and its mechanics. It's great to really watch, but the princess' story was so sad T_T Even so, I really like how they built the story for this game. On the other hand, I feel sad for Monica and Marshall's relationship. I feel that they might grow even more apart, but hopefully, they don't. Really love them as a pair.

Yo, I was enjoying the gameplay! Why did we have to switch to the romance route again T_T aaaaaaaaaaaaa I'd rather Sam focus on the games instead. Same for Angela; I'd rather she focus on herself. WHY ARE WE GETTING A HEAVILY FORESHADOWED LOVE TRIANGLE?? Anyway, I don't think I've ever mentioned this, but I really love the portrayal of the different 'emotions', especially the ones each of them struggles with. The way they were 'personified' in a way was really smart, too. Also, I feel like I'm being scammed into rooting for Charles, LOL.

Just when I thought I'd get some gaming in this ep... ugh. Anyway, let's look at the brighter side instead! At least Sam's slowly learning things here and there; about fashion, about confidence, and the like. I think I also learned a few stuff from Charles in his mini lesson, LOL. I also think it's so endearing that not only Monica but also Charles had started to talk to Sam in some way using game elements/terms, things she can understand better than any societal terms out there. Also, I get to see Angela again, but at what cost T_T Though I appreciate the progress and the friendship.... why is my girl blushing, wtf, is this a foreshadowed rivalry??? Please don't be T_T, I didn't sign up for this Anyway, maybe I should backtrack as well. Though Link was a great guy for Sam, and his reasons were genuine, I feel like all that talk about 'light' and 'getting saved' is a bit... I don't know, kinda feel off. I hope it's just me, though. Lowkey missed Monica, though. Glad she's up to something again, yayy.

It's a little fast-paced to my own liking, but I really enjoyed the interaction between Monica and Sam. It's very refreshing. Meanwhile, Bowser wasn't too thrilled to see Marshall again, LOL. He's such a mood, ahahaha. Anyway, why the heck is the episode title so ominous!?? I'm seeing progress, at least, between Link and Sam's relationship, but honestly I wasn't too thrilled about it. I've been itching for more game-related subplots and some progress in her Indigineer problem. So, I guess the only good point here, for me, was the relationship between Sam and Monica. It's like Sam got adopted by another extroverted friend, lol. That, and the glimpse of how reality can be so cruel for artists or people in the creative field, like Jasmine.

Charles meant well, yeah yeah, I get it. I am pissed, rather, about how the focus somehow shifted now towards the potential MLs. It would've been fine for an episode or two, but yo, we're running on third now. I watched this anime specifically for its game elements, not romance T_T Also, I'm so confused about the sudden shift in personalities. I'd understand if it was a small burst of excitement that caused it, but a full meeting?? It kinda beats the already established personality for Sam. Though I guess I can also just think she's comfortable enough with them cause they're 'friends' in some way. The current relationship between Monica and Marshall was also frustrating to watch. Anyway, ANGELA MY LOVE, you're back. Though I wasn't exactly a fan of the 'resolution' in this ep. It feels like your dumb 'knight in shining armor' thing, but at least it made her feel better in some way. My fave for this ep was still seeing Sam's dad. He's adorable; I like his vibes.

Ah, okay, all of my hopes went down the drain. It's pretty decent, but once again, I didn't get any proper update on Angela. I mean, yeah, there's the little backstory and explanation to here behavior, but dang, bro. Worse, these 'moms' during the fencing scene looked annoying. Anyway, this ep is so Wattpad-y cheesy, it makes my stomach ache, lol. No offense, of course, but like, LOLOL. Also, Link, what the fudge, why say no jahajaja. You literally bailed, too, right before the moment. I feel sorry for Monica regarding their relationship, too. Although, yeah, that's the consequence of being famous, but girl... how much more can you endure? Really hope the best for her.

This feels weird... I really enjoyed the episode, but I was hoping to see some update or resolution, too, on Angela's side, especially after what happened. I really liked her, too, so I was worried when the episode didn't show anything after all that. On the other hand, Bowser enjoying the dog park was peak cuteness. That bully of a dog sure got what he deserved, though, after scaring off Bowser, tsk. It's good that we also got to see some progress here, especially with what looked to be the leading ML, but I was looking forward to seeing more about games. I mean, I guess I can give this a pass, but man... I really hope there's more about the game and other subplots in the next ep. Ah, and Sam really looked pretty back there. Not a fan of Link's outfit, but he looked cool anyway.

Oh? Crazy twist. I was betting that Charles was simply talking about himself, lol. Anyway, I was lowkey rooting for Angela to land that punch, but I guess it was good that she didn't for legal reasons XD I like this episode more than the previous ones only because it was chill and Sam had been actively asserting herself against Marshall. I'm also glad to finally see some backstories. This ep was more on Link's and a bit of from Charles about this other fencing dude he's talking about (related to the little twist). I mean, at least the other annoying characters were slowly having more 'role'. This ep probably sets the stage for that. I don't have any problem with Link for now, though. Lowkey rooting for him.

So...I tried to chill for a few days before picking it up again in hopes that I'd be able to view this episode in a better light. I really, really tried. I vibe with the opening song, I like the game references, even the art style passes T_T I just really, absolutely can't stomach the trope of this anime. This is so crazy, man... Though to be fair, I find Sam's circle of friends slash guild members to be really funny and nice to finally see. All their talk in that pizza (kinda arcade?) place reminds me of when characters talk about quests XD Anyway, my new fave is the butler, LOL I really feel bad for Sam about this whole thing, though, but Olivia sure cracked me up at that suggestion with Edgar XD That aside, I think Olivia's grown so fast on me. I like her; she's a menace but also very supportive of her friends.

Some unexpected moments happen at the beginning of this episode. The atmosphere in this episode is quite emotional. And then, there are moments happened that develops Sam's relationship with the other characters. Overall, this anime adaptation is good in terms of the story, though it is a bit of a shame that the art style didn't follow the original series style.

The atmosphere in this episode is relaxing and exciting. Sam finally gathers her courage and make some development to her character. But it seems some things better left as they are. And back to Marshall's adventure in Ruminate, there are some emotional moments happen. Overall, this episode is wholesome.

This episode begins with the continuation of Marshall's journey in Ruminate. His reactions while playing the game are amusing enough to enjoy. Furthermore, the relationship between Sam and Charles develops further. And they actually looks cute together.

The atmosphere in this episode is relaxing and wholesome. Besides that, some of the characters get a significant development. Furthermore, this episode delve deeper into some of the character's feelings. Overall, this episode is interesting and makes the next episode eagerly awaited.

Sam reflects on Marshall as if they've spent a lifetime together, doesn't she? Monica deserves better, really. She's a good girl. What I did like, though, is how some people are so deeply affected by a work of fiction that it helps them overcome or understand their own feelings or sorrows. Like I said, this story should have focused solely on video games; that's the only part that feels more real and well-executed. The ending is rather rushed and lacks charm; I understand they weren't going to cover the entire webtoon, but I think Sam's growth lacked a bit of epicness. It's as if Marshall stole the show in the final chapters.

Sam went from 0 to 1000 with Link... I wasn't expecting that. I'm very disappointed with how that scene played out; you'd think Link had several years to figure out what he really felt. I didn't think Ruminate was anything special (many indie games are like that), but I have to say the ending is moving, so kudos for that. I understand the criticism is directed at influencers who don't think before they speak and write thoughtless reviews just to stir up controversy, hurting creators and small businesses. But this story should also teach us that as creators, we need to build up our defenses against criticism, because everyone has the right to their opinion, and we have to be the filter for what we listen to and what we don't. This story hasn't shown us that yet.

We're still in the world of Ruminate, watching Marshall finally play the game properly. And honestly, it's impossible that a YouTuber with so many views and so much fame has never played a puzzle game. Go watch the most famous YouTubers; the games they play are always varied. So, "I didn't know fighting wasn't the only way to solve the game" isn't realistic. We have Charles, for comparison, who knows how to play Sam's game from the start. This gives the audience the point to say, "He's the one, only he could understand Sam's vision." It's a simple but effective device. Even so, Charles's character feels the most empty to me. His role as General Manager is way too romanticized.

Okay, so now we'll see Marshall seriously trying out Sam's video game. I have a question: How come the daughter of a businessman doesn't understand the concept of dressing formally for work? My dad is a greengrocer, and even he talked to me about dressing well for work. Do you know why this happens? Because this story is built on clichés, and now we have a Cinderella moment, where our protagonist, with whom we can easily identify, turns out to have always been beautiful, and now everyone can see it! And that could happen to you too! How is it possible that Link and Angela, who already knew each other, never bumped into each other at the same gym or ever mentioned it in a casual conversation? It's sweet how Link helps her, but I hate that the conversation makes you question whether his feelings are real. After so many years, you'd think he'd know by now. But we need to get rid of the secondary characters who are only there for fanservice and jealousy scenes. I must say that now I'm having doubts about who the ML will be; if it's not the one who appears in the opening, that would be a novelty.

HAHAHAHA, a YouTuber who chooses his words carefully to avoid being a bad influence on his young audience instead of grooming them. This anime should be tagged as Fantasy or Sci-Fi. Now, I must say that there is something I like about this episode, and that's the interaction between Monica and Sam, breaking the cliché of the girl who wears makeup being a bad person and superficial. One point for that, but I'm deducting points for the cheap jealousy scenes. I hate it when stories include the phrase "Why are you helping me?" emphasizing a romantic moment. Does nobody know what altruism is? By the way, the famous YouTuber who was an artist doesn't make art content...

The company General Manager buys the protagonist a computer and clothes so she looks professional, and from expensive brands. It's so endearing how media romanticize and fantasize about corporate jobs. However, there's a major inconsistency in this story. Sam is supposed to have social anxiety, but when it comes to a group meeting to discuss Indigineer, she doesn't have any problem with stuttering, awkwardness, or lack of poise when speaking. It's as if the protagonist's problems exist to elicit pity and empathy rather than genuine character development.