Džaku-chara Tomozaki-kun - 2nd Stage

I really appreciate how this series takes the chaos of high school life and puts it into relatable video game terms. It's like a guidebook for the socially awkward, offering up tips and tricks that could genuinely work. Most of what the series presents feels believable to me, and that's part of what makes it so enjoyable. The first half of the second season, with its focus on bullying, was particularly captivating. The solution to the problem, centered around gradually shifting the overall atmosphere within the class, felt genuine and likable. It was an engaging and satisfying arc. Moving into the second half, where the main hero finally chooses his girlfriend, I found myself somewhat conflicted. My main issue lies in the portrayal of rational thinking in matters of romance and emotions. Love doesn't always follow a logical path, and while there were some good pieces of advice sprinkled in, I struggled to fully buy into the portrayal of romance as so calculated and drama-free. This second half felt a bit off to me. Even though everything tied up relatively neatly, and the winning girl made sense to me as a girlfriend for the main hero, as a romance, it just didn't feel as heartfelt as I hoped, though that might be more reflective of my own romanticized notions. Despite this, my overall impression of the second season remains positive. It's an above-average series with plenty to offer, and I wouldn't rate it any lower than 7/10. (27.03.2024)