Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• LoudIdris52

  Overall 9.5

  Story 9.5,  Acting 9.5,  Music 5,  Rewatch Value 7.5

  A delightful romantic series that offers a refreshing twist with its focus on the world of online gaming, injecting a touch of fantasy into the storyline. The interactions among friends living on a campus add to the charm of the show, making it a welcome break from the complexities of other love stories out there. Prepare to find yourself grinning throughout most of the episodes - one smile is alluring, but a multitude of smiles is simply excellent! Kudos to the writer, who also crafted...

  the endearing romance drama Shan Shan Comes to Eat, which is definitely worth checking out as well.
  
  Initially apprehensive about Zheng Shuan's portrayal of Wei Wei, given the character's description in the novel, I had envisioned someone more conventionally beautiful for the role. Nonetheless, as the story unfolded, any concerns about appearances dissipated, with the focus shifting towards the engaging narrative. Yang Yang truly shines in the series, showcasing his youthful charisma and carrying the chemistry with his co-star, especially during the initial moments when Zheng Shuan appeared slightly reserved. Keep an eye out for the picturesque and romantic sequences, along with some heartfelt kisses that add to the overall appeal. While the music might not be a standout feature, the endearing love story compensates for it, making the show highly re-watchable with its multitude of sweet moments.
  
  Addictive, heartwarming, and guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, this series recreates the nostalgia of university days and the excitement of falling in love anew. A definite recommendation for those seeking a light-hearted and captivating watch.

• BrightHwang

  Overall 9

  Story 9,  Acting 8.5,  Music 7,  Rewatch Value 9

  I'll admit, I typically don't dive into dramas from this particular region, but this series truly surprised me in a couple of ways. Firstly, I discovered that I can easily immerse myself in lengthy narratives when the story is engaging. Patience is key when the plot and drama are well-crafted. From the opening scenes to the closing credits, this show is simply delightful, charming, and grounded in reality. By "normal," I mean it showcases a simple love story between two individuals, sans the over-the-top twists...

  or unnecessary antagonists (though some familiar tropes do make an appearance, which can be oddly comforting). This aspect is exactly what I had hoped for. Sometimes, while I appreciate the escapism offered by the world of dramas, I also crave something genuine and heartwarming, mirroring the everyday relationships we see around us.
  
  For those in search of a light and breezy series, look no further! While there's room for improvement in the production value, the overall presentation is solid. The storyline, though straightforward, brings a breath of fresh air, and the chemistry between the main characters shines through effortlessly. To all fellow fans, get ready to dive in and enjoy the ride! See you in the world of entertainment!

• sunnygao39

  Overall 4.5

  Story 2.5,  Acting 1,  Music 3,  Rewatch Value 1

  My faith in the entertainment industry suffered a severe blow after sitting through this series. Despite its inexplicably high rating, I couldn't help but wonder if the glowing reviews were orchestrated by some robotic feedback loop. The show purportedly champions equality and intelligence, but underneath its facade lies a foundation of outdated patriarchal values. The female lead, touted as a genius in the tech world, frequently finds herself overshadowed by her less-than-impressive male counterpart. Their relationship, lacking in depth and chemistry, feels as lifeless as...

  a cardboard cutout. The plot meanders through irrelevant scenes and lackluster conflicts, leaving viewers grasping for substance. While the supporting characters provide occasional comic relief, they fail to salvage the show's sinking appeal. In the end, this series offers little more than a superficial facade, catering to those seeking mindless entertainment devoid of depth.

• shylalaland99

  Overall 3

  Story 3,  Acting 3,  Music 4,  Rewatch Value 1

  What a disappointment! I hesitantly rated this drama, and I'm starting to think I was too generous. I know my view might not be popular, but I have to speak my mind. Everyone has their own opinion, and I hope sharing mine might help someone make an informed decision before watching the show. Another reviewer summed up many of the issues with the drama accurately, and I'm relieved to know I'm not alone in feeling let down by its numerous flaws.
  
  Initially, I was intrigued by...

  the premise of the series, particularly as someone familiar with MMORPGs. The first few episodes were enjoyable, but my interest began to wane around the third episode. One major flaw that irked me was the unrealistic portrayal of in-game relationships, where marriage automatically equated to dating. As someone who has experienced in-game relationships, this was a glaring misrepresentation. I longed to see the characters' feelings for each other evolve naturally over time, rather than appear as though they were in love with each other's avatars. Furthermore, the shift away from the college setting, which I adored in another favorite show, was a significant disappointment. While some aspects of the plot held my attention, many parts felt tedious, slow-paced, and lacking in depth.
  
  Let's delve into the main characters: the female lead, Bei Wei Wei, initially appeared strong-willed but quickly transformed into a passive character overshadowed by her boyfriend. Her unwavering admiration for the male lead felt contrived, and her lack of agency was off-putting. While it's common in dramas for female leads to rely on their male counterparts, I was disheartened by Bei Wei Wei's lack of independence and growth. Additionally, the male lead, Xiao Nai, turned out to be an overrated character. Despite his good looks, his lack of personality and robotic demeanor made him unappealing. His flawless nature, coupled with effortless success in all endeavors, left me yearning for a more relatable and dynamic character arc.
  
  The lackluster chemistry between the main characters further dampened the viewing experience, especially during awkward romantic scenes. However, the pleasant surprise of a burgeoning BL storyline between Hao Mei and KO injected much-needed charisma and depth into the show. Their endearing interactions and protective gestures held my interest, even though their story felt underdeveloped.
  
  While the drama's soundtrack failed to leave a lasting impression, there was one song that resonated with me. Overall, I have no desire to rewatch this series or recommend it to others. Proceed with caution if you choose to watch it, as there are glaring flaws that cannot be overlooked. I wish I had heeded the warnings and avoided this disappointment altogether.

• bravecharlize

  Overall 5

  Story 3,  Acting 5,  Music 5,  Rewatch Value 2

  An Unconventional View...
  
  What I Appreciate (+):
  - Yang Yang's talent shines in the kissing scenes, though he lacks a partner to match his skills.
  - Old Man Yu steals the spotlight as the most captivating character, thanks to Niu Jun Feng's outstanding performance, reminiscent of his excellence in Battle of Changsha.
  - Zhang Vin's portrayal of the brooding KO is captivating, despite limited screen time.
  - The interactions are engaging with no major annoyances.
  - Surprisingly, the villains show some growth, adding a positive twist to the storyline.
  - The game...

  sequences are well-shot, adding to the overall visual appeal.
  - The cast boasts good looks that add to the show's charm.
  
  What Falls Short (-):
  - The plot is practically non-existent, lacking drama and substantial development.
  - Characters come off as one-dimensional, lacking depth and complexity, with the exception of Old Man Yu.
  - The lead actress's frozen reactions and excessive pouting detract from emotional scenes.
  - The hinted mystery around Mr. Beautiful and KO's relationship could have been explored further, rather than remaining on the surface.
  - The character Er Xi's overly bubbly persona feels forced, reminiscent of a manga caricature that misses the mark.
  
  Recommended for viewers who enjoy:
  - A light-hearted love story without love triangles or intense drama, centered around a trusting couple who communicate openly.
  - Fluffy and adorable moments.
  - Absence of strong antagonists.
  - Those unbothered by the lack of a robust plot or complex character arcs.
  
  Not recommended for those seeking depth, intricate character development, or a compelling storyline.
  
  Overall Ratings:
  - Plot: Lacking substance.
  - Acting: Decent performances, with Niu Jun Feng standing out.
  - Visuals: Suitably vibrant, though leaning towards excessive "pop."
  - Rewatch Value: Low interest to seek out for a second viewing.
  
  Ultimately, the series falls into the category of mediocrity, neither stirring strong emotions of love nor hate. The appeal mainly lies in Yang Yang's captivating kisses, overshadowing other aspects of the show.