I knew nothing about Hi Score Girl when I came across it on Netflix, and took a chance on the first episode. I finished the final episode in Season 1 today. I'm glad I found this little gem.
Based on the manga Hai Sukoa Garu by Rensuke Oshikiri, the story takes place in 1991 Japan, centering around middle school student Haruo Yaguchi, who is more interested in the arcade scene than his schooling. While hanging around the arcade, he comes across Akira Ono, a sheltered rich girl who finds comfort from her regimented life by playing arcade games. The two strike up an odd friendship, with Haruo oblivious to his feelings for Akira because he can't stop thinking about games, and Akira being so tightly wound and silent that her emotional outbursts always seem to involve violence. Along the way Haruo encounters another girl, Koharu Hidaka, who finds herself drawn to the oblivious Haruo, and learns to appreciate games by being around him.
The Japanese gaming scene plays a large role in this series, with Haruo and Akira playing Street Fighter and Darkstalkers, Ghosts and Goblins and many other games from back in the blessed day. The differences between Japanese and American arcades are made quite clear, with the prevalence of Versus machines and arcade cabinets being set outside liquor stores. Having spent a large part of the Eighties in North American arcades, I found this fascinating. I can't imagine a Street Fighter game surviving staying outside in a Canadian winter.
But back to the story. The first season extends over a few years, with the three main characters moving from middle school to high school as the gaming scene evolves alongside them. There were some very heartfelt scenes here, ones which surprised me. I wasn't expecting to be caught up in the story as much as I was. I found myself caring for these three characters, especially as their own personal worlds accelerate around them. For a show about old video games, there is a surprising amount of tenderness here, delivered quietly through lingering glances, barely repressed tears, or sighs of quiet resignation.
I look forward to Season 2.
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