And You Thought There Is Never a Girl Online?

Step into the vibrant, pixelated world of "And You Thought There Is Never a Girl Online?", a captivating 2016 anime series from Project No.9 that masterfully weaves together comedy, romance, and ecchi elements within the endlessly immersive realm of MMORPG gaming. At its heart lies Hideki Nishimura, a quintessential high school student whose online persona, Rusian, is a seasoned veteran of the fantasy game "Legendary Age." Scarred by a past online romance that tragically revealed his 'girlfriend' to be a man in real life, Hideki has sworn off trusting any female avatars he encounters. Yet, fate, or perhaps algorithmic matchmaking, intervenes when he finds himself in an in-game marriage with Ako, a charming but enigmatic healer from his guild, Alley Cats. The true adventure begins when the guild decides to bridge the digital divide and meet in person. Hideki is utterly dumbfounded to discover that his entire guild—the shy Ako, the assertive guild leader Apricot (Kyou Goshouin), and the pragmatic Schwein (Akane Segawa)—are not only girls but his actual classmates! The narrative brilliantly navigates Hideki's hilarious and often awkward struggle to reconcile his carefully constructed online reality with the chaotic, unfiltered truth of his high school life. Ako, with her endearing but extreme inability to differentiate between the game and real life, becomes a constant source of both affection and comedic misunderstandings. This anime is a delightful exploration of how digital friendships bloom into tangible bonds, dissecting themes of trust, identity, and the surprising depth of relationships forged in the glow of a computer screen, all wrapped in a charming 13-episode package that captures the quirks and charms of modern gaming culture and burgeoning young love.

“And You Thought There Is Never a Girl Online?” presents a refreshingly honest, albeit light-hearted, examination of the blurred lines between virtual and real-world relationships, a common trope elevated by its charming execution. Project No.9’s animation, while not groundbreaking, is consistently solid, effectively distinguishing the vibrant, fantastical landscapes of "Legendary Age" from the more mundane, yet equally engaging, high school settings. Character designs are expressive, particularly Ako's endearing clumsiness, and the occasional ecchi elements are tastefully integrated, serving the comedic tone without overshadowing the narrative. The voice acting ensemble, led by Toshiyuki Toyonaga as Hideki and Rina Hidaka as Ako, truly brings these characters to life. Hidaka’s portrayal of Ako’s game-reality confusion is a comedic highlight, perfectly capturing her naive charm and making her both relatable and incredibly funny. The story pacing is generally well-managed, allowing for a gradual reveal of the guild members' real identities and sufficient time to explore the ensuing social dynamics and romantic entanglements. While some supporting characters like Apricot and Schwein could benefit from deeper exploration, their personalities contribute significantly to the guild's chemistry. Thematic depth revolves around identity, trust, and the evolution of communication in a digital age, making viewers ponder the genuine connections formed online. Despite some predictable romantic comedy tropes, the anime succeeds in delivering a heartwarming and genuinely amusing experience, making it a highly recommended watch for fans of gaming culture and slice-of-life romance.