No Game No Life
Episode 3: Expert

Stephanie lost her chance to be King, there’s no getting around that fact. By the rules of her own country, Kurami is now King. More accurately, she’s about to be. Which provides Sora the perfect opportunity to look cool and dramatically storm the coronation ceremony. Having resolved last episode to fight for Stephanie’s ideals and prove that her grandfather was a wise king, the sibling pair do the only thing they know how to resolve a situation, the only thing they’re allowed to do: play a game.

You’d think that a world based on unwavering rules and regulations would have some kind of order right? Nope. Having been in Disboard for roughly two days, Sora has already manipulated his way from pauper to possible King. It’s pretty damn impressive when you think about it. Especially since he skipped the entire round robin tournament organised for King contenders. Just one of the flaws in the system. As Sora notes, if one were to receive outside help from another Exceed race, they could win unopposed. This, in turn, would create a Puppet King and doom Elkia. Seriously, how has no one figured out this weakness before? No wonder the other races are winning. Hell, Kurami is so impressed by Sora’s deductive reasoning that she believe that he is also getting help from another race, a fact he cleverly allows to remain uncertain. Yet another example of how, though he seems to act somewhat rash, Sora has actually thought out every eventuality before making a single move.

What better way to decide the next person to ascend to the throne than with chess, the game of Kings. See what they did there? However, as we already know, Disboard isn’t exactly a normal kind of world. As such, the rules are a little bit different for this match, at least they are after Kurami has her way. Though the pieces remain the same, each possesses a will of their own and reacts to their master’s commands in the manner they see fit. It is due to this reason that we witness Shiro begin to panic for the first time. Though she possesses an incredible analytic brain, she is unable to cope with the rules, which render her unable to perform her best moves. To her credit however, Shiro has more than one back up move and continues to fight until the pressure becomes to much. In a truly telling moment of character, we also see that her first thought isn’t about losing the game, but of disappointing her brother. As one half of Blank, her defeat becomes his defeat, the mere thought of which brings her to tears. It is at this point that Sora intervenes to comfort his sister, showing that even in times of trouble, they can always count on each other. It’s pretty darn sweet.

Having been sitting in the background observing, Sora’s entrance into the chess match is one of purpose…and humour. Turning the game on its head, Sora rallies his troops together, promising monetary rewards, exemption from tax and the right to bang anyone they desire. Needless to say this is answered with a resounding battle cry and Sora begins to make his move. So unexpected was his tactic that Kurami herself becomes flustered as she loses control of the game she rigged in her favour. Serves her right. In fact, Sora changes the game so much that it becomes confusing to us. Hear me out. Though just a “chess” game, the battlecries and speeches hark to a much more dramatic scene. A climactic battle that will determine the course the world takes. Which it kind of is, though you wouldn’t have guessed when they began. The drama continues to follow a steady increase until we’re left witnessing a war in its purest form. Bravery, loyalty, manipulation, corruption, fear…love. All of these emotions clash when Kurami just can’t accept the fact that Sora is the better player. Truly, I have to give NGNL credit for turning what promised to be just another game into something this awesome. What other anime would have love be such a crucial factor in a chess match?

With Kurami’s Queen having defected to a less manipulative side of the board, things are looking up for Sora and Shiro. Of course, it’s not over ’til it’s over and knowing Kurami she’s bound to have another card up her sleeve. Plus Sora and Shiro risk losing their pieces should they even attempt to attack. But, much like Steph’s grandfather, Sora believes in another method. A way to win without fighting. And if anyone can achieve that, it’s Blank.

Check out more No Game No Life Impressions HERE.

No Game No Life
Episode 1: Beginner

Life is complicated. As you make your way through the day to day mundanities of life, you cross paths with countless others who call this big blue marble home. You form bonds, be they friendly or not, and build a complex mesh of ideaologies that form the foundation for life…Then there are those beyond that. Whether intentional or not, some forgo a connection to the outside world in order to delve deeper into their own psyche…Or they just don’t like people. Regardless of the reason, forcing an introvert into society isn’t the best idea. That is unless there existed a world specifically tailored to their mindset…

Meet Sora and Shiro, a brother and sister duo who pretty much define the term shut-in. Wearing their NEET classification with pride, the two spend all hours of the day playing various games. From MMOs to chess, they utilise their genius intellect to dominate all who would dare oppose them. Having built a name for themselves as the enigmatic Blank, an unbeatable quartet of fighters, the two are able to overcome even cheating foes with sheer skill. It’s honestly very impressive. Not to mention the fact that both Sora and Shiro manage to control two characters at once. Hell, Shiro uses her feet to play…though I don’t recommend staying awake for five days straight for any reason. Poor girl.

After receiving a mysterious e-mail, Sora and Shiro are invited into a chess game that proves surprisingly difficult for the gaming savants. It is at this point that the anime takes a rather sharp turn into the realm of seriousness. After being asked his honest opinion on the world, Sora explains how, to him and his sister, life is nothing but a crappy game. With no absolute rules, existence is nothing but a pit of chaos that should be avoided, hence their shut-in lifestyle. Though not even 10 minutes into the first episode, we’ve already jumped from quirky family who love video games, to ostracised siblings who only have each other. While this lends credence to their obviously close relationship despite the age gap, it also provides insight into their gaming habits. In the virtual world, people respect their power, stare upon them in awe. Even those who would dare to cheat are unable to compete with their power. Who wouldn’t want that? Yet they always leave their name blank. Despite their obvious desire for connection with other people, their introversion still dominates their choices. The duo almost  relish in the disconnect that anonymity provides them. Like looking at humanity through a window. Close enough to witness, but not participate.

Naturally the e-mail received was far from ordinary and the siblings soon find themselves plummeting from the sky above a foreign world. It is during this unexpected freefall that we meet the One True God, a rambunctious little chap known as Tet. Being the God of Games and sole surviving member of his race, it is Tet who imbued upon his world a set of easy to follow instructions, intended to appease his love of playing: the Ten Pledges.

1. All murder, war and robbery is forbidden in this world.
2. All conflict in this world will be resolved through games.
3. In games, each player will bet something that they agree is of equal value
4. As long as it doesn’t go against number three, what they bet and the rules of the game will not be questioned.
5. The challenged party has the right to decide the rules of the game.
6. Any bets made in accordance with the pledges must be upheld.
7. Conflicts between groups will be conducted by designated representatives with absolute authority.
8. Being caught cheating during a game is grounds for an instant loss.
9. In the name of God, the previous rules may never be changed.
10. Let’s all have fun and play together!

Being a world practically designed for them, Sora and Shiro have no trouble comprehending (and subsequently manipulating) the irrevocable rules of the world. Though from what we’ve seen so far, it doesn’t come as much of a shock. Despite living in isolation, Shiro expresses the same boldness he exhibits when playing as Blank. Combined with the fact that he does not give his name to those he meets, he seems happy that he can fully adopt his online persona. Becoming his “true” self. Following his train of thought in response to Tet’s e-mail, he even ponders why the protagonists of stories long to return to Earth, should they find themselves lost. This creates an interesting story element, in that, at this point, we have no idea where Sora and Shiro are heading. They have no grand goal to drive them forward, nor a desire to do anything but play. Even Sora’s self made list of objectives included nothing more than “Find a place to stay”. All things considered, it’s rather interesting to see characters who, though lost, are actually content. If anything, they’ve already come home after being lost for years. Quite a clever inverse of a traditional story type.

Well with their first objective completed, Sora and Shiro are one day into their brand new lives. Having already showcased their prodigious talents and witnessed the lengths other will go to in order to cinch victory, the games have only just begun in the world of Disboard. If that wasn’t chaotic enough, the girl Shiro informed regarding her opponent’s cheating turns up in the middle of the night clad in nothing but a blanket.

Check out more No Game No Life Impressions HERE.