Synopsis
This is the tale of two office workers. There is the handsome, popular and skilled newcomer Sugita, and then there is Yumihara, the strict and meticulous assistant manager and Sugita’s superior. One day while out on a lunch break, Sugita finds “Dead Copy”, a small and secluded cafe which features special tables that hold retro games.
It is there that he finds to his surprise, none other than Yumihara herself, playing games and looking the complete opposite of the image she holds in the office. Thus begins the daily encounters of the two at the arcade cafe and how their relationship develops from it.
The Good
For those who have a liking to retro games or simply games itself, there are quite a few nods to be found in the game. From history to appeal, the gaming trivia that the series dishes out is rather interesting. Added to the way that there is a clear thought to detail in the games introduced presents a nice touch to the series. Basically, the detail, style, and connection to the story give some unique qualities for the series.
Then there is Sugita and Yumihara. Individually, they are rather interesting and for the most part, they don’t show large cliche characteristics. What really makes the two interesting, however, is their dynamic with one another and how their relationship develops through the games that they play. It’s subtle but it works. And the fact that it doesn’t just touch on the two’s relationship but also their perspective of things is rather nice as well.
The Bad
The biggest thing that can be said against the series so far is that it tends to get repetitive with them meeting and bonding over games. It’s not bad how the series does it, but a slight variation of scenes would have been nice. There was that one scene of Sugita helping Yumihara home, but it was only towards the latest chapters. It can’t be denied though that there is potential to the series. Still, the repetition and the way that the comedy can either be hit or miss are somewhat noticeable for the series.
Conclusion
Before reading it, you would think that it was a shoujo that had a theme of retro gaming. The latter is true but for the most part, the series presents a subtle development in the relationship without the cliches of a romance story. The scenario of them meeting in the cafe and bonding over retro games can get repetitive but there is a show of growth between the two at least as well as the story at least.
Rating: 6/10