It's got a nice premise, and the build up isn't that bad, but I feel like the characters are missing something. They simply aren't that cool, or easy to identify with, or likable.
The guy's alright, but aside from his obvious smarts, we don't know much else about his personality, which leaves him quite bland for now. The Death Note comparisons really stop at the smarts, because otherwise, Akiyama still has ways to go before catching up to Light's appeal.
As for the other characters? No comment.... is what I would like to say, but I can't help myself: the female protagonist is just plain ANNOYING, wow. Terrible.
To be honest, I think the mangaka does a good job in making the games and strategies look smart and complicated, but they really aren't. If you think about it a little, some of the stuff really isn't all that impressive.
In the end, Liar Game is a decent read for those with time on their hands.