Tomodachi Game, also known as Friendship Games, is an anime that is frequently compared to the well-known Korean survival drama Squid Game. Here's our Tomodachi Game review to help you understand the series better.
Both of these shows are concerned with money and betrayal. Tomodachi Game, on the other hand, has been around for quite some time, even before Squid Game was founded. It should not be compared to Squid Game, because Tomodachi Game is a unique psychological thriller unlike any other.
Related: Amazing Manga that are Getting an Anime in 2022
Tomodachi Game Anime Review
The pacing of the Tomodachi Game anime initially surprised me. The first episode of the anime isn't particularly impressive, especially if you're unfamiliar with the series. It will feel as if you are being forced to absorb the series' premise from the start. There were no formal introductions!
In any case, it's understandable given that the anime will only have 12 episodes.
This is one of the most serious issues with manga adaptations into anime. They have a tendency to cram so many chapters into an entire season that the pacing clearly feels rushed.
The remainder of the events in the first episode of Tomodachi Game revolves around the game's mechanics. We were given backstory on the events leading up to the games in subsequent episodes.
Although I wish it had been done in the first episode, the anime did a good job of incorporating the back story when needed.
Regardless, the story of the Tomodachi Game is very interesting and compelling. The first episode may appear worrisome to viewers, but the subsequent episodes successfully redeem it.
If you think you can predict what will happen in the anime, think again, because you will be in for a nasty surprise at the end of each episode.
Squid Game and Tomodachi Game are frequently compared. On that point, I must respectfully disagree.
Some dismiss the Tomodachi Game as an anime version of the popular K-Drama, despite the fact that the anime was the first to be conceptualized.
The anime is also compared to Battle Royale, a Japanese high-stakes game where the main theme is survival of the fittest. The Tomodachi Game is nothing like these two shows!
The anime relies on wit rather than force. Money, betrayal, friendship, and individual schemes all play a role in this mind-bending psychological warfare. It is unlike any previous survival show, such as Darwin's Game, Danganronpa, and King's Game.
The anime's visuals are also good. It has a clean appearance with no unnecessary backdrops or designs that will take your attention away from the show. The CGI on the mascot, Manabu-kun, is also noteworthy because the design actually makes it eerie.
However, I wish the anime had placed more emphasis on the characters' facial expressions whenever there was a dramatic change. It's a good adaptation, but I wish they had done more.
The anime's main strength is based on the main character, Katagiri Yuichi. He is one of the most endearing main characters. He is perfect in his own way, which many anime viewers may find offensive.
He's not your typical main character. Anime fans may see him in a different light because of his depth, complexity, and perplexing personality.
The Tomodachi Game anime is a worthwhile watch. It's not as good as the manga, but I highly recommend binging both. Trust me, it will be worthwhile.
Related: The Best Mystery Anime to Watch