Enjoyable romcom with light angst and drama
I have to admit: typically, I don't prefer premises like this where the whole show (the whole historical aspect) is just part of a game/virtual reality, but there were many great things about this show that allowed me to disregard that fact! I'm so glad I watched this show because I was moved by the love story, the comedy, and the strong cast & just enjoyed it very much! This show is a perfect mix of romance, comedy, small doses of angst and suspense, and overall--just an uplifting drama about loving/caring for your significant other. (It's a bonus that the game is set in a historical setting so we get to see the great costumes and etiquette.)
LOVE STORY: The game and Tu Si Yi & Lin Zheng Zheng's journey is essentially about remembering what you loved about your significant other. The show did a good job in showing parallels between their strained relationship in the real world and their relationship in the game. Their love story and the way they find their way back to each other is just so well done. I thought I would get annoyed at seeing an established couple struggle and fight (because I'm used to dramas of boy/girl meets for the first time & fall in love & are shy around each other, etc.) but because Tu Si Yi & Lin Zheng Zheng are already a married couple in the game, they get to show their love for each other through kisses and dates. I cared about their relationship because I can see how much they love each other but are facing a difficult patch. Watching them overcome difficulties and relearn to trust and communicate was just so heartwarming and tender. They were not over-the-top with their jealousies. They were immature with each other at times, but it was never dragged out to the point of annoyance. The pacing of their love story (and overall story) was well done.
The two characters themselves too are relatable and understandable. Lin Zheng Zheng has insecurities because, well, her boyfriend is an idol and so she has a bad temper and throw fits sometimes because of always being in the shadows, being unable to be with the beloved fully. I never disliked her for this because it made sense and so she's presented in a sympathetic light. Same goes for Tu Si Yi. He's indecisive and his hesitancy has caused issues, but he grows from this and becomes a very good/strong character.
COMEDY: because it's a game, some hilarious stuff occurs between characters or characters 'invent' something throughout the show but it's not considered weird because, well, it's a game! NPCs are pretty accepting of whatever that's happening, which makes the whole thing even funnier. Also, all the characters are endearing and hilarious, such as the side couple of princess Siya and Cui Xun. Their fun bickering dynamic is enjoyable. Tu Si Yi & Lin Zheng Zheng's fights are also hilarious. There are some satirical things that made me laugh so hard. Also, even our villain prince is just so much fun and is hilarious.
SIDE CHARACTERS: they're great! The villain prince is hilarious and cute even though he's the villain. Princess Siya is a martial arts-loving girl who wears men's clothings and doesn't do too much girly stuff as she only cares about fighting--I love her. She's true to herself. Cui Xun seems unreliable at first, but he's actually really strong. He's a weirdo who's a bit oblivious, but he's a good man. Siya & Cui Xuns' dynamic is a delight because their dynamic is great. Shen Dai Fu was a cool character even though he's regarded as 'weird' for his doctor/herablist ways. Murong Qianyue was an interesting character and I loved/hated her.
SOUNDTRACK: It's all right. If you ask me to hum one of the songs, I could only hum the main theme one. Other than that, the overall soundtrack was just okay; didn't really make any lasting impact.
Overall, I ask you give this a chance! If you're looking for a good romantic comedy without a lot of heavy angst, heavy plot, heavy drama, then this is a good drama to watch. :)
LOVE STORY: The game and Tu Si Yi & Lin Zheng Zheng's journey is essentially about remembering what you loved about your significant other. The show did a good job in showing parallels between their strained relationship in the real world and their relationship in the game. Their love story and the way they find their way back to each other is just so well done. I thought I would get annoyed at seeing an established couple struggle and fight (because I'm used to dramas of boy/girl meets for the first time & fall in love & are shy around each other, etc.) but because Tu Si Yi & Lin Zheng Zheng are already a married couple in the game, they get to show their love for each other through kisses and dates. I cared about their relationship because I can see how much they love each other but are facing a difficult patch. Watching them overcome difficulties and relearn to trust and communicate was just so heartwarming and tender. They were not over-the-top with their jealousies. They were immature with each other at times, but it was never dragged out to the point of annoyance. The pacing of their love story (and overall story) was well done.
The two characters themselves too are relatable and understandable. Lin Zheng Zheng has insecurities because, well, her boyfriend is an idol and so she has a bad temper and throw fits sometimes because of always being in the shadows, being unable to be with the beloved fully. I never disliked her for this because it made sense and so she's presented in a sympathetic light. Same goes for Tu Si Yi. He's indecisive and his hesitancy has caused issues, but he grows from this and becomes a very good/strong character.
COMEDY: because it's a game, some hilarious stuff occurs between characters or characters 'invent' something throughout the show but it's not considered weird because, well, it's a game! NPCs are pretty accepting of whatever that's happening, which makes the whole thing even funnier. Also, all the characters are endearing and hilarious, such as the side couple of princess Siya and Cui Xun. Their fun bickering dynamic is enjoyable. Tu Si Yi & Lin Zheng Zheng's fights are also hilarious. There are some satirical things that made me laugh so hard. Also, even our villain prince is just so much fun and is hilarious.
SIDE CHARACTERS: they're great! The villain prince is hilarious and cute even though he's the villain. Princess Siya is a martial arts-loving girl who wears men's clothings and doesn't do too much girly stuff as she only cares about fighting--I love her. She's true to herself. Cui Xun seems unreliable at first, but he's actually really strong. He's a weirdo who's a bit oblivious, but he's a good man. Siya & Cui Xuns' dynamic is a delight because their dynamic is great. Shen Dai Fu was a cool character even though he's regarded as 'weird' for his doctor/herablist ways. Murong Qianyue was an interesting character and I loved/hated her.
SOUNDTRACK: It's all right. If you ask me to hum one of the songs, I could only hum the main theme one. Other than that, the overall soundtrack was just okay; didn't really make any lasting impact.
Overall, I ask you give this a chance! If you're looking for a good romantic comedy without a lot of heavy angst, heavy plot, heavy drama, then this is a good drama to watch. :)
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