Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Charming anime mixes comedy, romance, and violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Hi Score Girl
What's the Story?
Based on the popular Japanese manga series of the same name, HI SCORE GIRL is an anime series about a young gamer who meets and befriends his unexpected match. It's 1991, and Haruo Yagushi is a sixth grader who is bad at school and sports, but considers himself the best gamer at the local coin-operated video arcade. But his life suddenly changes when the popular Akira Oono, his beautiful, rich, and intelligent classmate, shows up at the arcade and beats him at his favorite game, Street Fighter II. Soon the two forge a strange, rocky relationship that centers around their love for video games, and perhaps for each other.
Is It Any Good?
This series offers lots of goofy moments as the two young gamers find a connection that goes beyond video games. The story is told from Haruo's point of view, which leads to lots of humor as he slowly comes to terms with the fact that Akira is his equal in the gaming world, and that he might even like her. Meanwhile, as the rather-reserved Akira slowly reveals details about herself, it becomes less difficult to understand why the two are able to relate so well to each other. Hi Score Girl is an entertainingly odd twist on a romantic comedy, but one that teen anime fans may find appealing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the popularity of the Hi Score Girl manga (graphic novels). What makes this story different from other anime series you may have seen?
Haruo and Akira are two very different people, but what things do they have in common? What does Haruo learn about himself as he continues his friendship with Akira? Does Akira change after meeting him? How?
TV Details
- Premiere date : December 24, 2018
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Anime
- Topics : Friendship
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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