The Girl in the Arcade (Volume 2) - A New Challenger Appears

Nanora is struggling to come to terms with the feelings she’s developed for Mobuo. However, Shigure has come onto the scene and is determined to win back her man. But, what’s this? A new challenger has appeared!

The Girl in the Arcade (Volume 2) – A New Challenger Appears

What happened?

Thanks to a staff shortage, the arcade is closing earlier than normal which is frustrating for Nanora as she won’t get to spend any more time with Mobuo, not that she wants to. Definitely not. Shigure asks Mobuo if they can go upstairs. Of course, Nanora doesn’t know what’s upstairs. So, the answer to why a high school kid is working in an arcade and has crazy gaming skills are revealed. Mobuo’s father owns the arcade and he lives above it. He takes Nanora and Shigure to his room, which is packed full of vintage gaming machines.

While there, they spot a ticket to the Game Expo. Mobuo, however, only has one extra ticket. So, they play a game to see who gets to go with him. Nanora easily wins this time and is delighted to be able to go with Mobuo, who she has absolutely no feelings for whatsoever. Anyhow, she puts on her cutest outfit and shows up. They have a great time and are all sweaty after a day of gaming. Luckily, Mobuo knows the perfect place – a love hotel!

However, Mobuo doesn’t realise what it’s really for as it has lots of gaming machines and a water park. Nanora eventually clues him in, but he’s already paid so they might as well stay until the time runs out. Once outside, they bump into Shigure who puts on a big display about how upset she is that they went to a love hotel. She demands Mobuo take her on a date too, this time to an escape room where you have to hold hands the entire time.

The Girl in the Arcade Volume 2 Nanora asleep in love hotel with Mobuo

What did you think?

I loved the first volume and I loved the second volume. I was a little concerned that it might get a bit repetitive, but that was completely unfounded. There were more than enough new games and events for Mobuo, Nanora, and Shigure to play with. I love the interaction between the characters and how wonderfully awkward it continues to make things for everyone. It’s hard to not like Mobuo despite his lack of personality. He’s honest and chivalrous to a fault, but that seems to fit with the sort of character he should be.

I was a little concerned about the introduction of yet another new girl, especially a “mewtuber” but she was great and the competition was a lot of fun, especially as they all got to go to the hot springs hotel anyhow. I literally laughed out loud when the owner of the hotel noticed that the curtains were on the wrong entrances to the hot pools. Of course, Mobuo had already gone into the wrong one and was relaxing in the hot water. Well, things got a lot hotter as the girls charged in. Then, other people came in, forcing them all to hide Mobuo, leaving the story in a brilliantly precarious position which will hopefully be picked up in volume three.

This series would also make a great ecchi anime. I’ve got my fingers crossed.