I've been following this damn manga since it's first chapter release and I've become obsessed. I swear I'm starting to think like one of the contestants and I'm probably on the same mental level as Nao. Haha.
You never know what's going to happen, this manga always keeps you on your toes even though there are moments you can't fully understand what's going on. It seems like the games become a little to intricate and it's hard to follow sometimes. Especially when trying to understand Akiyama's explanations and plans. But, regardless, you're still engrossed in the games.
There will be moments where it seems like Akiyama and Nao will lose, but somehow Akiyama will turn it around! There are moments when you feel like all hope is loss but everything will shift. There are moments when you think that Nao has really f-ed up this time, but it actually works out in the end.
And this is because Akiyama and Nao make a brilliant team. Everyone keeps saying how they dropped this series because of Nao, but I think she's an amazing character. Okay, she's not a genius like Akiyama, but she has redeeming characteristics. Nao is foolishly honest, but because of this people let their guard down around her. She's won games before without Akiyama's help and she's even f-ed with people's mental state because they only see her as a weakling and they end up slipping up in the game or revealing something important or joining team NaoAki.
I also think that she serves as something to "protect". Akiyama sees his mother in Nao, which makes him want to protect and help her because she's so naive. It's the whole reason he started playing the game, though he says his reason for continuing is to bring the organization down. But, the point is, it's a reason for him to work hard.
Well, that and the fact that they are shouldering billions of dollars in debt. Hahaha.
Anywho, it's a great manga. Very original, intriguing, mind blowing and deep. There are just moments in the story that make you take a step back and say "damn, didn't see that coming"
Give it a try. You might like it or it might not be your thing, but this manga at LEAST deserves a try.
Too much work has gone into this intricate story to be overlooked.