As of writing this comment, I am at chapter 76, eagerly waiting for the next chapter. May update in the future.
Sections:
1. Recommendation (for readers)
2. Synopsis (minor spoilers)
3. Perspective (storytelling)
4. Characters/Character Depth (realism and reality)
5. Pace ( Romance development and a bit of perspective/storytelling)
6. Notes (just a couple details I wanted to add for anyone who needs a final push).
7. Tldr (basically a conclusion)
1. Recommendation:
This series is for people who like romance and have experience/understanding of gaming, mostly that of MMORPGs, specifically the Dragonquest series. There are frequent references to the games of Dragonquest, but it is not as if the manga cannot be enjoyed without a large amount of prior knowledge. I would say that the manga sufficiently introduces relevant game topics in an easily digestible way for both gamers and nongamers alike. I say this coming from a background with little to no knowledge of the Dragonquest series but with a gaming background.
2. Synopsis:
As for a brief (not really brief) synopsis with minor spoilers, the story takes the reader on a journey with a lighthearted perspective on the events surrounding the main character, Takumi Satsuki, more frequently referred to as Pow-san. Pow-san essentially develops a slow-burn romantic relationship with his roommate and explores relationships with people both in the game and in real life. Although the story is centered on the main couple, it is not without side couples, which are given attention occasionally. This story is more of a slice of life with romance than it is romance.
3. Perspective:
The author: author , maneuvers the story around Pow-san initially, but later on we get a more shared/switching perspective between the main couple. From whatever perspective, the author keeps a distance that is unlike for example, Korean Romance Manwhas, which is to say there is a certain respect given to the privacy of characters' romantic affairs, although it is very much possible to read into the hints that are occasionally given about their romantic progress (when it is not blatant). It is more a slice of life with a sweet romance than a display of a romantic relationship.
4. Characters/Character Depth:
This might be an aspect that is of concern to certain readers, and I would say that there is most certainly a sense of depth. Characters tend to be introduced with a direction/personality, and that personality as a whole remains mostly without major change, excluding character development (much like real people). Characters tend to speak their opinions on topics of discussion that are brought up, and there are no say "illogical" characters. The cast has beings that have unique characters and tastes, but there are no infuriating villains/opposing relatives that have no reason to exist.
The characters tend to act as the adults they are, although with their own flaws and giving way to each own characteristics, there is no unexplained anger or endless conflict that remains unresolved for extended periods of time. I cannot remember any sort of conflict where they avoid each other and do not communicate for no reason.
The characters are modern adults, and the most prominent topic brought up is gender; essentially, the story embodies the fact that genders shouldn't be stereotyped, mostly in the context of video games. The characters will not demand a right, wrong, or reason but accept things as they are and are able to form perspectives, learn, or move on.
5. Pace:
The story starts with their meeting in real life and begins with their life as roommates. The first 30-40 chapters are more build-up of realization/development of feelings amongst a mixture of world-building and story. The following chapters contain more romantic development.
Initially, the pace is slow, but after the first stage or so, the pace picks up much more, and although the amount of exposure readers get to their romantic relationship feels relatively the same, there are hints of development behind the scenes, and although it might seem a little too fast, I am personally anticipating that as a perspective thing, maybe the pace will slow down in the next phase of their relationship (or perhaps not, as time seems to go by fast when people enjoy themselves).
6. Notes:
There are some interesting discussions on things like divorce, personal choice vs others' opinions, and happiness of oneself vs happiness of others, among other things. I personally enjoyed the smooth ride and pacing, although if you don't read it all in one go, the pacing might seem very fast. As a final note, I like the art style and choice, there are no splash/closeups of faces in cutscene style pages. The art is focused on what is important, relevant, and what seems to be the mc's perspective on things, which I think is a great choice for the way the author guides this manga.
7. Tldr:
Overall, I would say that this is for sweet romance enjoyers who enjoy the little things over the big things.
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