Review of New Game!!
New Game is back in action for a second season, and this time, it focuses on the development of PECO, with art by our favorite purple haired employee, Aoba! Story: Much like the first season, New Game!! focuses on an episodic formula. Although most episodes have events that are separate, some do impact the overall end of the season. Episodes usually vary between the workplace, and episodes that encompass days off, such as the episode where the cast goes to watch a show. Episodes that are at the workplace show the majority of New Game's storybuilding and character development. Story-wise, the content itself is not deep,and serves mostly to progress the characters. However, as you would most likely be watching for the characters, this shouldn't be much of a problem. What story it does have, the show handles fairly well, although a few certain points may feel a bit lacking and in need of a little more. For instance, we don't really get to see much of character thoughts when it comes to certain instances.
Art: The art in this show is easy on the eyes and uses soft, but bright colors. This really helps compliment the mood of the show, since it's a laid-back show with slight yuri undertones. This artstyle is effective in its selling point as it matches character designs, which I may add, are all unique and contrast well. The moe-factor within this show is amplified with the character design and art. However, shading is a little awkward with the faces, as there really isn't any when the characters are at work. However, that isn't too much of a problem, because the faces they do make are extremely varied and show lots of emotion. This can be seen as you compare the Hifumi death stare to whenever Ko goes chibi.
Sound: The background music in this show is true to the premise. This show uses music that you can tell are video game inspired, reminiscent of older gen consoles. Voice acting is great, as usual, and the opening is also great. In terms of anything else, the show gets it right.
Character: This is what New Game puts its emphasis on, and it can be seen. Characters aren't just a shallow addition, even if they're supporting. Most of the cast shows a growth or change throughout the show, and backstories are given for most of them too. Even Hajime gets some sort of backstory, even though she doesn't change during this season. You see a real development when it comes to position changes with the show. As Aoba adjusts to her role as art director, she becomes more open towards people in the company and also starts to stand up and lead. Ko shifts from the easy-going person she was used to being to becoming someone who wants to continuously keep getting better, with Aoba being her rival. The biggest change has to be with Hifumi, and her speaking ability growing each episode in this season. Although some aspects are flawed, the character portion within this show is enough to make it a strong selling point.
Enjoyment: There were some times that I was wondering "where will this episode go", and was a bit worried that the episode wasn't going to go anywhere. This, I would say, was resolved fairly quickly as the episode's premise would usually take a scene that doesn't feel like it's progressing the plot, and change it so that it's actually developing characters. Most of the time, the show was great at what it did. Would recommend 10/10
Overall: New Game!! took the formula from the first season, and improved it in certain areas, while keeping it the same in others. If you enjoyed the first season, there is no excuse not to watch this season.