ライアーゲーム Overview
Characters
Kanzaki (the main character) is extremely naïve and empathetic, which may need some suspension of disbelief at least in the beginning, as the author is pretty consistent in her writing. Throughout the story, it becomes clear why she is the perfect main character for this story.
Akiyama (the second main character) allows the story to exist, he is extremely intelligent and is not beneath trickery to achieve his goal. The main pair work with each other organically throughout the story.
Fukunaga (early antagonist) is a great introductory antagonist to the liar game and her character progression is subtle and satisfying.
Yokoya (main antagonist) is an amazing antagonist as he is written to be as smart as Akiyama but he isn’t held back by a moral compass. The best arcs in this manga include him.
Harimoto (main antagonist) another antagonist to match the likes of Akiyama and Yokoya. His methods and characterization create a good distinction between him and Yokoya. The arc he is introduced in, is the best arc in the manga. His characterization is ruined after his first arc
with the reveal of Kimura as the true strategist of the team. His progression thereafter is decent though.
The minor characters throughout the story are mostly weak and selfish with only a few standouts having only the former of these traits, like Akagi and Makizono. This is actually justified in-story and actually serves the narrative very effectively. The masked dealers of the Liar Game Tournament exposit the rules of each arc. They also act as commentators during the match and keep the characters on edge throughout the story with vague threats.
Plot & Pacing
The structuring of the story is rigid and predictable. Apart from the first and shortest arc, each arc starts with an infodump establishing the rules of said arc before the mind games ensue. This, however, is not a negative and even elevates the material when the main characters transition from being pawns into having a goal and choosing to continue the story.
Naturally, the structure slows down the pacing of the manga noticeably at the start of each arc. Some arcs also have multiple infodumps which also have the same effect. This is jarring in a few arcs. However, once the arc begins there is little to no exposition, allowing the author to progress the story interesting and dramatically for 2-4 volumes an arc!
Presentation
Liar Game is very wordy and cerebral as the focus is on the characters figuring out their situations, trying to deceive others characters to get ahead in the game (excluding Kanzaki), trying to figure out their opponents' next move and how to get themselves out of dire situations. When plans are formed or revealed the author usually includes real psychological principles or mathematics behind the characters plan. Which increase the believability of genius characters like Akiyama and Yokoya, as they don’t just predict the future. Also, both these characters are not always right or fail to take into account all possible factors when forming a plan or form the right plan too late.
The author sometimes uses minor or antagonists as POV characters to switch up the perspective of the story for various reasons, this keeps often keeps the tension high regardless of the reason it was used for.
With the masked dealers in the Liar Game Tournament acting as commentators during the match the author essentially uses them as narrators without breaking the fourth wall. There are a few times however when the commentary is a bit too heavy-handed or didn’t match the situation. This may somewhat be excused as they are characters and all have different personalities.
The way the themes are presented through the characters in this story are not subtle but are not really preachy either as Kanzaki actions and dialogue feels organic true to her character. Also, her character directly challenges other characters philosophy including Akiyama.
Art
The art is decent and suitable for the story and steadily improves throughout the series. The character designs of all of the minor characters are bland/understated which may be annoying at first but it is really in service of the narrative.
Additional Thoughts
Once I got into the story I often began to try to formulate plans alongside the characters, it's so engaging! The last few arcs have a noticeable dip in quality and the ending is rushed and convenient. The best arcs of the story alone make the story worth a read. I may do a review of this amazing manga.
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