Story(10/10) - Liar Game revolves around acquiring others' assets, primarily money. The methods to achieve this are diverse, but violence is strictly off-limits, ensuring there's no gore; instead, it's all about psychological tactics and mind games. The game begins with the master lending money to each player and collecting an equal amount at the game's conclusion. It progresses through multiple stages, where winners advance while losers are eliminated. Interestingly, outcomes can vary greatly—losers might exit with significant funds, or winners may choose to leave by paying compensation. The narrative follows the main characters to the final game, culminating in an eye-opening message. In my view, you'd be astonished by how the author crafts an ending surpassing any you could imagine. He had the entire story mapped out from the start, showcasing its tight coherence.
Art(8/10) - While not the best artistically, the expressions effectively convey their intended meanings. You won't dwell on the art when deeply engrossed in the storyline, twists, and intellectual battles.
Character(10/10) - Each major character symbolizes something profound for me. Nao Kanzaki represents an extreme of naively honest goodness, Akiyama Shinichi embodies a strategic thinker always several steps ahead, and Norihiko Yokoya portrays a dictator surpassing Hitler in extremity. Yet, I often relate more to supporting characters, finding myself overshadowed by the main characters' intense personalities—a truly unique experience.
Enjoyment(10/10) - It took me two weeks to complete 203 chapters, not due to boredom, but because I meticulously analyzed every chapter. Every dialogue offers valuable insights, and piecing them together after finishing an arc leaves me in awe of the game's resolutions. These moments are the most gratifying.
Overall(10/10) - This is the best manga I've ever read. I genuinely sense the author's emotions and messages throughout. Its impact is so powerful that it compels you to pause reading new mangas for a week or two to fully process its depth.
I watched part of the JDrama and found it quite enjoyable. However, I don't think I ever finished it because, while I like Erika Toda, I really disliked her character in it. Kanzaki Nao was incredibly frustrating in the drama, but surprisingly, she's much more tolerable in the manga, even becoming pretty awesome in the later chapters.
The manga goes into much greater detail than the drama, which kept me hooked from start to finish. I'd probably be out a gazillion yen if I had to participate in any of the Liar Game challenges because I can't figure them out. It's a very dialogue-heavy manga, with many pages dedicated to explaining the rules of each round, the characters' thought processes, counter-strategies, and so on. It's not for impatient readers, I guess—sometimes I just skim through the explanations because they're too complex for me to fully grasp. But despite being a talky manga, it's still highly addictive.
The art is probably the weakest aspect of this manga.
It's smart in a way that reminds me of Death Note, though Death Note is still the superior manga.
Personal review for my future self should I ever look back to see what manga I've dropped and consider picking up again:
Nao made me stop reading for a multitude of reasons that seemed to continue and essentially became a plot hole in her character development:
(minimal spoilers and half-assed predictions for not reading all the way through)
Her mother died when she was one year old, and her father has been diagnosed with terminal cancer for an unknown period, leaving him with only so many years to live. This kept bugging me; how can Nao not think for herself when she has been living alone during the most critical stages of her life? Additionally, the ability to discern whether or not she should place her trust in certain individuals should have developed as she aged. In fact, this is somewhat portrayed when she seeks possible outlets for help, such as friends and past reliable elders.
All of this was thrown out by the author: "I'm just too naive, innocent, unsullied, etc., to think for myself, so I rely on others, especially a swindler who's been held in prison for the last three years... Oh wait, the person that recommended this ex-convict to help me out of this situation is a liar and not a lawyer [not like they aren't the same]. He baited me into another game because he is actually one of the game's representatives (?) and then proceeds to belittle me, stating that I'm too gullible to the point of stupidity." Make note-to-self: don't think about my past experiences with those who took advantage of my character and continue with my ideals of always seeing the good in people, which is never concretely addressed, leaving readers to speculate that this is the reason for her ongoing naivety. The fake-lawyer comes by again, so let's just let him into my house after my initial refusal because he somewhat takes advantage of my feelings of discomfort/anxiety (Shinichi isn't answering my calls; I'm wondering if he's okay), which I haven't yet publicly talked about but for some reason he just conveniently knows [I don't have a problem with this as it happens so often across all genres of manga, it's just that there is no further reasoning the author gives the readers for her to unconditionally let him in.] Then let's listen to all he has to say about Shinichi and believe every word he says. Feel sympathetic because he had a hard past, so she resolves herself to do something for him for all the help he's given her. Oh snap, what about all the people in Round 2 of the game where more than half the participants are in further debt? Should I not empathize with them since I too was almost in a similar predicament? Nah, 'it's not my fault anyway since the people who take part in the games are also lying and deceiving others for their own personal gain,' right Shinichi? Yeah, you're so dependable; one line from you, and my moral compass seems to be back on track again. Well, even though I'm back into the game I dreaded and couldn't compete by myself for the previous ones because I always have a mental breakdown [again, don't mind this, but it gets really annoying when she's the reader's middleman to understand the other characters' thought processes, especially Shinichi's - we hardly ever get to understand hers other than wow, I'm having a hard time, look how innocent I am, please help me], I have decided to continuously take part but this time for someone else's sake. Yeah, let's keep in mind what the fake-lawyer said about this game being easier and unlike the others because you'll be competing with the losers from the previous rounds. OH WAIT, let's not consider the fact that you might be worse than all of these so-called losers because all you did was depend on a supposedly 'genius' swindler that you can't yet claim is true because you heard it from a liar, that's right, the fake-lawyer. However, I put myself into another pit-hole for the sake of Shinichi so I can relieve him of his worries that seem to do with his debt from the previous game. OH WAIT, nevermind the fact that he doesn't care about the debt and only pursues to further get involved in this massive scandal so he can get to the heart of why such a game which is 'preying on those who are weak or in a situation they can't get out of' is taking place. I wholeheartedly believed the fake-lawyer, who has fooled me a plethora of times, and his background story on Shinichi's past yet (1) can't believe that is Shinichi's motive for entering the game (2) my guilty conscience is taking over, and I have to return the favor (3) can't piece the story and the motive together and am unwilling to think for others but myself. Let's take my rather selfish reasoning and proceed through life again, burdening the one who has given it his all to make sure I get out of the hole I keep further digging into."
But without reading the rest of the manga, I'm pretty sure Nao is tied to the game one way or another, probably because her father, before or while he was bedridden, accrued a huge debt that the game was taking advantage of. Nao, of course, is oblivious and doesn't realize until she has to see the game through and reach a similar goal to Shinichi's. (I understand that most plot scenarios for manga are not concrete but developed as they go, and some plot holes should be overlooked possibly for material in the later chapters that would soon cover it - I mean, looking at some of the past manga I read, I'm sometimes baffled at how I got through them. I just don't like how the author approached the idea of keeping her tied into the game; it just made her character more flimsy as it progressed.) She also seems like the only outlier in the game and is a static character in which she only changes her mindset time to time depending on the game and carries out this ideal of hers: only see the good in people, don't consider the bad (not a clean-cut statement but the general idea).
The other characters themselves are not even that noteworthy and will likely make this story fall flat at the end, seeing as how almost all psychological/mystery/drama genres rely heavily on the characters to make even a decent ending.
The speech bubbles are something I have to ignore if I were to pick this up again, as they lack variety and make some scenes unusual, as if the people are always shouting. There are only two types actually: the normal circular shape and the loud spiky shape. Nao's dialogue is made up of the latter almost 80% of the time she talks, whether she is shouting (?), talking quietly (?), crying (?), etc.. It's an exaggeration but is really off-putting, considering it continues throughout its ten years without any changes to improve it.
Again, this is all speculation since I didn't finish reading it. How much of it is right? I probably won't know until my future self has developed enough tolerance to read it again all the way through.
Pros:
• Games adhere to rules. While I thoroughly enjoyed series like Kaiji and Kakegurui (though the latter was just decent), there were often instances of plot conveniences or cheating that led to victories, usually relying on luck rather than skill—something that wouldn’t hold up in real life. This somewhat diminished my satisfaction with the "wins." However, Akiyama, being the brilliant genius he is, triumphs through pure strategy and calculated tactics.
• The show is firmly rooted in its moral and thematic messages. In particular, the main character avoids the over-the-top arrogance seen in someone like Light from Death Note.
• I was genuinely thrilled to see actual game theory and psychological principles accurately represented rather than distorted or misused—a common issue in strategy manga. This adds to the grounded nature of the series.
• The writing is exceptionally clever and believable. When it comes to strategic and tactical manga, Shinobu-sensei stands out as the best.
Cons:
• There’s a noticeable lack of character development. With the focus primarily on the games, nearly 100% of the screen time revolves around them. Even Akiyama receives minimal humanizing development (aside from brief flashbacks), as the narrative centers on his intellectual prowess.
• Although the games are incredibly well-crafted and engaging, the repetitive format—with no breaks between rounds—can become monotonous.
***Spoiler***:
• Villains are introduced as formidable and intimidating, but their credibility is undermined by Akiyama's unwavering streak of victories. If the antagonist had won even once, it would have heightened the stakes significantly (Yokoya, for instance).
• Supporting characters fluctuate inconsistently in intelligence. They might have a moment of brilliance but otherwise appear bafflingly dimwitted at other times.
• Bad Ending - Rushed and inconclusive. This has been discussed extensively by others who have explained it far better than I could.
Conclusion:
Overall, I deeply cherished this manga due to its clever and authentic writing, along with the suspense it masterfully builds. Despite the rushed and unsatisfying conclusion, each game kept me hooked, binge-reading without realizing it.
A dull story filled with mediocre mindgames and characters that fail to spark any interest, leaving me utterly disengaged with the manga after 41 chapters.
The LGT Office is uninspiring, just a group of faceless characters in masks who never do anything remarkable or distinctive. Nao comes across as an irritatingly naive character who constantly distracts from the only mildly engaging aspect of the story—the mindgames. She shows no growth in learning to stop blindly trusting others and remains overly reliant on Akiyama, a textbook Gary Stu who lacks charisma but exists solely to resolve every problem and win every challenge for her and the rest. The other characters are essentially indistinguishable background figures, devoid of charm and intelligence, serving merely to highlight Akiyama's superiority without providing any real challenge.
While the games occasionally hold some intrigue due to their straightforward and open-ended rules, which could theoretically create tension and strategic depth, they often turn out to be one-sided affairs. There's never any doubt that Akiyama will effortlessly succeed for Nao. The mindgames, though conceptually interesting at times, are executed in the most unimpressive ways possible.
The art is decent; the character designs are generally bland and uninspired. A few characters stand out slightly, but overall, they're not particularly memorable. I can't fault the art style itself—it's simple yet functional and visually acceptable.
Perhaps character development occurs later in the series, or perhaps the opponents grow smarter over time. However, after reading roughly 20% of the series, I feel I should have found some enjoyment by now. I haven't. I'm neither invested nor curious enough to continue.
This feels like a watered-down version of *Usogui*, minus the fights, unique characters, tension, stunning art, and compelling narrative. If you enjoy mindgames, I'd recommend *Usogui* instead.
I had dropped it months ago, but one day two weeks back, I woke up with the urge to finally finish it.<p>
History (4/10):<br />
Let's be crystal clear – the manga lacks tension entirely thanks to Akiyama, who is your typical Gary Stu. The mangaka should have leaned into the spectacle and momentum like in "One Outs," another work by the same author. In "One Outs," the protagonist is also a Gary Stu but manages to fit within the showmanship of the story. Here, however, Akiyama is just a dull character, devoid of charisma, constantly resorting to flat "I've got a plan to destroy your plan" scenarios. This makes the manga unbearably boring and lackluster. While the games are more creative than those in "Kaiji," that doesn't redeem the overall writing. The final arc and ending hit a new low with their absurdity—basically concluding with "It was all a social experiment," paired with an infuriating cliffhanger that disrespects the reader.<p>
Characters (3/10):<br />
The entire cast is underwhelming. Nao shows no intelligence for the first 100 chapters, Akiyama is a bland Gary Stu, and the judges become monotonous and repetitive as the story progresses. The cult characters are equally forgettable. The only somewhat redeemable characters are Fukunaga and Yokoya.<p>
Art (5/10):<br />
The artwork is functional for what the manga aims to achieve.<p>
Enjoyment (5/10):<br />
At times, it’s entertaining (the chair game, the infection game), while at others, it feels unbearable (the poker game and the first fishing game). It’s a mediocre manga that overestimates its own cleverness.<p>
Overall (3/10):<br />
Highly creative games wasted on a poorly executed manga.
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This review contains high level spoiler
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Finally, I finished this manga. It was VERY LONG, and I feel like I'm dead... Before diving into this review, I must point out that this manga should not be read all at once; otherwise, it can become boring. Try reading one arc at a time, taking short breaks between arcs. Now moving on to the criticism, I have two main points about the Liar Game: First, the author had some very good ideas, which made for an exciting story. Second, the author made poor choices in how to develop the plot.
To understand what I mean, let's first explain what the Liar Game is...
The Liar Game is a game where a certain number of people are selected to participate. To simplify, these games revolve around lies—everything depends on how convincingly you can lie to others. Our main character (MC) is someone who lacks the ability to lie, meaning she isn't cut out for the game (which forces her participation). She gets tricked into joining and feels obligated to team up with a swindler.
This is the starting point for this long-running manga, where many things change over time, believe me...
At its core, the concept doesn't seem very appealing, but the author uses certain techniques to keep readers engaged, mainly by making the protagonist highly relatable and beloved by readers. This isn't necessarily a bad idea, but unfortunately, the way the author executed it made me extremely frustrated... In summary, the antagonists always celebrate victory prematurely, only to realize too late that the MC had already anticipated everything far earlier than expected. Unfortunately, this pattern repeats throughout most of the manga, becoming ridiculous. The author portrays the enemies as childish and utterly ineffective. Let's move on to the ratings:
1 - Story [6/10] - As mentioned before, the author’s ideas are solid, but the execution feels childish. If you're a 14-year-old full of self-importance, you'll likely enjoy it immensely. The antagonists often reveal their plans too early, giving readers a sense of satisfaction from guessing what they're planning. However, after the enemy discloses their winning strategy, the protagonist always comes up with an infallible countermeasure. Worse still, in every arc, there are usually two standout characters: the protagonist and the current antagonist, while other participants are easily influenced, making them appear incredibly foolish. Ultimately, the author introduces numerous ideas, but the plot development is extremely lazy, lacking twists, riddled with holes, avoiding risks, and reusing the same tactics repeatedly across arcs.
2 - Art [7/10] - Art wasn't a standout feature in terms of backgrounds, which remain quite simple (though it's worth noting that the best part of the manga, in my opinion, are the backgrounds). However, some characters have beautifully designed and pleasant appearances. Kudos to the artist.
3 - Characters [5/10] - As explained earlier, this is the weakest aspect of the manga. The development of some characters is superficial and deeply disappointing (especially important ones). The author fails to flesh out key characters, reducing their complexity and developing them lazily, which becomes tiresome.
3 - Enjoyment [6/10] - I suspect I might have approached this manga incorrectly. Its narrative is complex, requiring careful reasoning and dense logical thinking in each arc. Reading it all at once will likely make you despise the manga entirely. It demands significant time and effort for such short chapters of around 20 pages. You may enjoy reading this manga if you appreciate the style, of course, but for various reasons, some arcs can seem absurd when viewed from a certain perspective. The games devised by the author are brilliant, yet the character execution is abysmal.
5 - Overall [6/10] - As evident, I am quite disappointed with the author. They had plenty of great ideas to explore, but their application was overly simplistic. If you don't mind these flaws and enjoy protagonists who effortlessly solve everything, making you root for them, then this work is for you. Otherwise, you'll end up cursing the author and feeling let down by another promising idea wasted.
I wish I could give this manga a 10. The story absolutely merits it. Kanzaki Nao gets unexpectedly pulled into a game that could leave her deeply in debt, so she turns to a renowned swindler: Shinichi Akiyama.
Story (10)
The game is titled Liar Game, as it involves lying and deceiving—something Kanzaki Nao isn't cut out for—to avoid losing one's money and to acquire the money of rivals. The story is thrilling; it has mystery, quizzes, plenty of wit, and imagination.
There was one element that slightly troubled me. Midway through the manga, many of the characters' plans are explained by the game's hosts, who silently observe from a cabin and comment on the game. I found this approach somewhat forced. Too much explanation, and they seem to know too much for some unexplained reason. It wasn't like this from the start, and I thought it unnecessary... there are other ways to clarify things, through action with the main characters. I watched the dorama first, and they didn't rely on this method as frequently as the author does in the manga.
Still, aside from that, the story is genuinely excellent and keeps you hooked to the manga, eager to learn the outcome of each round.
Characters (7)
The characters are somewhat stereotypical, but you grow to adore them.
- The naive girl who wants to trust and help everyone. Kanzaki Nao's naivety can be frustrating... but you eventually warm up to her, and she grows stronger over time.
- The enigmatic and sharp male character who plays tough and indifferent but always comes to her rescue (though he has other unknown reasons for participating in the game).
- The "ultimate enemy," a truly bad individual with a history of bullying and manipulating people.
- Fukunaga is an intriguing character; you're never sure if you can trust him... at first, you don't know whether to love or hate him.
- And a collection of other quirky characters who come and go based on their success in each round... as winners get to leave the game, but losers must stay and continue playing or repay the money they lost in full (which is a substantial amount).
Art (3)
This is the primary reason I can't award this manga a 10. I genuinely dislike the art. It improves at some point, but I find it truly awful overall. There's an issue with proportions; the heads are too large, the necks too long, and their bodies too rigid. The characters resemble monsters, with mouths wide open... I can't even describe how wide they open their mouths when shouting or surprised... and this happens frequently. I seriously thought one of them might leap through the screen and eat me. Plus, why do they all have to sweat so profusely? The only one who never looks alien-like is Shinichi Akiyama, as he consistently maintains his composure.
Enjoyment (8)
The manga is extremely exciting, making it enjoyable and keeping you craving more. Initially, the art bothered me so much I even contemplated dropping the manga, as I had already seen the dorama and was familiar with most of the games. However, the story compensates for the art. And at some point, it becomes fresh even for those who've seen the dorama. Additionally, since the manga hasn't concluded yet, I assume new games are forthcoming.
I could've sworn that the author of Liar Game was the same as Death Note when I glanced at the front cover's style. It wasn't. And frankly, I'm glad because as much as I like psychology, I couldn't get through Death Note because I disliked Light so much.
Liar Game was much more in tune with my preferences. The story was pretty unique and full of twists and turns. Usually, I like to hypothesize and come up with a theory of how it's going to end on my own, but the characters' thought processes were so advanced that I just couldn't keep up at all and had to wait for the explanations. The manga completely tore down my confidence in guessing the outcome. The only thing I can say is that it's a good thing I wasn't in the Liar Game or I would have lost with a debt that beats everyone else's debt in the manga.
The art was pretty average—it's nothing glamorous but not the worst thing out there. And while I am not a fan of it, I admit that it gives the manga a nice psychological gothic feel.
I hated Nao Kanzaki at first; she was stupid, a crybaby, gullible to a fault, the type of girl that was detestable. However, she developed, and good thing she did or I would have dropped it. She's still pretty naive in the end but is no longer a crybaby and is much stronger. The real star of the manga in my opinion, though, was Akiyama. He's a boy genius with an IQ of over 9000 and manages to be comical at times with his nonchalance and constant trolling. Another honorable mention goes to one of my favorite characters in the manga, Fukunaga. Avoiding gender pronouns here, I'll just say the name. Fukunaga started out selfish and money-hungry and ended as a lovable character who also brings comedy to the table.
I enjoyed the manga a lot, but there are two things that unsettled me, both of which can be disagreeable. One, the ending—I won't spoil it, but the ending seems kind of a letdown. I read 201 chapters, and the ending was just like "wait...what...that's it?" It just seems like a not good enough excuse for the whole mess of the Liar Game, and I find it hard to believe the players weren't even angry. The second disappointment, and a disagreeable one to many, is the lack of romance. I seriously wished for some romantic development between Akiyama and Kanzaki, with Yokoya as a hinted love rival being the shoujo manga obsessed fool that I am. However, there was hardly even a smidge of romance—only two times Akiyama made Nao blush, and that was all. In the end, I was left to produce mental fanfictions between the characters as I read.
I consider myself fortunate to have started reading Liar Game when the manga was still in its early stages, allowing me to follow it chapter by chapter. Back then, I thought this manga was incredible, and I still hold that opinion. However, there are certain observations to be made when reviewing this manga. You must evaluate Liar Game in two distinct phases: prior to chapters 140-170, and after chapters 140-170. The reason for this will become clear when I begin reviewing the chapters following 140-170.
Liar Game is a controversial manga because the same aspects that some people praise are often criticized by others.
The story is remarkable. From the very first few chapters, you can tell the plot is unique. There are countless twists and unexpected turns in the development of the games in which the characters participate. As you progress through the story, you realize how challenging it is to write the intricate mental dynamics of this manga, ensuring each character's involvement in the game while still leaving room for those twists.
The artwork is intriguing because each character is drawn distinctly from another, yet not so exaggerated that they appear to belong in a fantasy anime. However, some people object to this, as in certain panels, characters may look odd when shouting, for example. Therefore, I rated the artwork a 9; the only reason I didn't give it a 10 is due to certain panel mistakes, like disproportionate bodies.
The characters in this manga are fantastic. Some criticize Nao because readers accustomed to shounen manga tend to project themselves onto the main character, expecting them to be the ultimate badass of the story, which Nao indeed is, but not in the typical shounen fashion. Nevertheless, character development sometimes falls short since, despite the relatively large cast, most of these characters are supporting roles—not as significant as Casca in Berserk, for instance—but rather subservient to highlight the growth of a select few main characters. In simpler terms, many characters are simplified or portrayed as dimwitted so that the main characters can shine with their exceptional intelligence. And whenever the main characters need those extras to not be idiots, they magically become competent, allowing the story to advance.
Despite this, these select main characters are extraordinary and truly captivating, so I feel it's acceptable to overlook the secondary characters being used as stepping stones for the narrative.
Everything mentioned so far has been largely positive... but much of it applies to the pre-140-170 chapters. What happens after chapters 140-170?
As the story nears its later arcs, you start noticing that certain plot points and pivotal moments are rushed to an extreme degree. Character reactions to specific events become inconsistent, but more critically, plot holes begin appearing frequently. When I say plot holes, I don't mean something trivial like "I didn't like what happened" or "My ship didn't take off"; I mean blatant contradictions to things that occurred earlier in the manga. Additionally, the intermission moments—the gaps between games—are poorly utilized in the later chapters. As someone who followed this manga from the beginning, I can clearly see that the author decided to conclude the series as quickly as possible. Why that decision was made, I personally do not know. Perhaps the editor canceled the series? Maybe the announcement of a live-action adaptation discouraged the author from continuing the manga? Or maybe the author simply grew tired and chose to move on to another project? Regardless of the reason, it's evident that the effort put into the later chapters does not compare to the effort invested in the earlier games.
This becomes glaringly obvious as you approach the story's conclusion, around chapter 170, where you realize the author must accomplish several tasks within 30 chapters: develop a qualifying game, craft the final main game, conclude character arcs, reveal all the secrets accumulated since the beginning, and wrap up the story—all within 30 chapters.
After the series concluded, two new chapters were released, revealing some additional pieces of "information" that seem entirely fabricated. It's a feeble attempt at improving a rushed ending, resulting in even more plot holes and making it painful to read. It feels more like fanfiction than an integral part of the story. What's even stranger is that these last two chapters were inserted not at the end but replaced chapter 201, now chapter 202, and became chapter 203. It feels bizarre that the author tried to insert one chapter between what was previously the ending and the second-to-last episode, attempting to make it seamless as if it had always been planned that way, except it doesn't look seamless at all. To summarize, it seems like the author wrote a poor ending, then, due to complaints, decided to tweak it slightly, ultimately making it worse.
[moderate spoiler ahead, only read if you've finished the manga]
Regarding the actual ending itself, it's a rather cliché conclusion, adopting the trope of a "global secret government behind the scenes," a concept so prevalent in conspiracy theories on the internet. But that isn't necessarily bad, as what stands out here is the lack of narrative to establish that ending. A well-crafted narrative might have improved the ending, perhaps not significantly, but certainly compared to what we received. Moreover, many characters are left unresolved. Where did they go after the story? Did the story alter their lives somehow? What will they do next? None of these questions are addressed. And the last page appears like a setup for a sequel, which is peculiar because why would you create a suggestive ending if the entire concluding arc was rushed and discarded? The purpose of a suggestive ending is to excite readers for a potential sequel, but in the case of Liar Game, the ending doesn't make me eager for a sequel; instead, it makes me cringe at the thought that the author might believe a sequel could compensate for the terrible ending of the manga. Either that, or the last page was an attempt to appear edgy.
In conclusion, Liar Game is definitely worth reading, but readers should approach it similarly to Berserk, meaning that regardless of the ending (or the unfortunate lack thereof, like Berserk), the story remains worthwhile. I would still recommend Liar Game to anyone, even if a reader chooses to stop halfway before the later arcs commence, as the journey up to that point is undeniably valuable.
Kanzaki Nao, an overly honest college student, receives a package containing 100 million yen and a postcard stating, "Congratulations! You are one of the 100,000 people entered into the Liar Game." This triggers a series of events that will lead Kanzaki Nao to uncover the dark, hidden side of human nature while testing her ability to "foolishly" trust others. Will she be able to survive the Liar Game?
Story: 9/10
The Liar Game has both entertained and disheartened me throughout my reading experience. For the most part, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The manga is filled with plot twists due to the numerous strategies devised by one of the series' protagonists, Akiyama Shinichi, and the antagonists in each arc. Be prepared to stay on edge for most of the time because of the sudden revelations of hidden stratagems throughout the story. Moreover, the manga does not proceed at a slow pace, as implied earlier, and there are no filler chapters. What slightly disappointed me was that each arc followed a somewhat formulaic pattern in its progression. While this formulaic structure might annoy some readers, it has its own advantages. For instance, it provides more opportunities for character development, which will be discussed later. It also allows the author to explore different aspects of human nature and behavior when placed in certain situations. As such, the Liar Game can be considered a manga more focused on its characters rather than the story itself.
Art: 8/10
I have no complaints about the mangaka's art style. In fact, I commend him for his skill in portraying the dark side of human nature through the facial expressions of the manga's antagonists. From creepy smiles to intimidating glares, these expressions can make one shiver either out of fear or anticipation for the next event. Although certain scenes lacked detail, especially at the beginning, the art gradually improved as the series progressed. Rest assured, the initially bland art will not detract from your enjoyment of reading the manga early on.
Characters: 10/10
Character development is where the manga truly excels, aside from the numerous plot twists and eerie facial expressions encountered. Remember, the characters in this manga are pitted against each other with money at stake. This setup is enough for them to reveal their hidden true natures within the survival-of-the-fittest system presented in the Liar Game. Different individuals employ various strategies to achieve victory in the Liar Game, adding to the bleak atmosphere of the game's mechanics. Additionally, it gives readers subtle hints about the purpose of the Liar Game.
Here are a few prominent characters featured in the manga, though I will avoid spoilers. First is the protagonist herself, Kanzaki Nao. She begins as an "overly" honest girl who inadvertently gets drawn into the Liar Game. Due to her honesty and tendency to trust others, she often becomes a target for exploitation. She represents the type of person one would least expect to succeed in the Liar Game, a fact that frustrates many readers. However, as the manga progresses, readers will come to understand the significance of Kanzaki Nao's role in the game. The second character is Kanzaki's partner for much of the game, Akiyama Shinichi, a graduate student in psychology and known as the legendary swindler. Unlike the trusting Kanzaki, Akiyama is logical and straightforward. Being an expert in human psychology, he frequently devises the intricate strategies found in the manga. Lastly, there is the series' main antagonist, Yokoya Norihiko. Yokoya is Kanzaki and Akiyama's adversary for most of the manga and employs more ruthless and domineering tactics to secure victory. Each of these characters undergoes significant changes as the purpose of the game is gradually revealed.
Enjoyment: 10/10
As someone with a keen interest in psychology, I thoroughly enjoyed this manga, even pulling all-nighters to finish all 203 chapters. This is the first manga since Shingeki no Kyojin that has made me do so. At times, I found myself constantly debating the possible outcomes of future chapters. For now, I can only hope that this manga will be adapted into an anime series in the near future (though I am aware there is already a drama series).
Overall: 10/10
In conclusion, I am incredibly grateful to have discovered this manga, as it has helped me understand various phenomena and trends in human psychology. Even though I prioritize plot quality over character development, I still found immense enjoyment in this series. Despite a few minor flaws, I give it a perfect 10.
The narrative of Liar Game revolves primarily around its two central characters, Nao and Akiyama, as they participate in a series of mentally demanding games. These games test the players' greed and challenge them to find solutions that maximize benefits for all participants. The main obstacle lies in human nature itself—other players often fail to adhere to pure ideals.
Overall, I consider the story to be an exceptionally original premise, showcasing immense creativity from the author. The rules governing the games are meticulously crafted to support the intricate solutions the characters ultimately uncover.
There's also a consistent sense of uncertainty for readers, as the perspective shifts between characters at a pace that enhances the eventual conclusions. However, there are moments where certain elements are unnecessarily repeated or over-explained, detracting slightly from the scene's impact. That said, this issue is rarely significant enough to disrupt the overall experience.
Characters: 8
Much criticism of the manga targets the protagonist, Nao. Her extreme honesty has rubbed some readers the wrong way due to its stark contrast with the story's themes. In my view, it wouldn't work any other way. Without someone challenging the logic of the Liar Game with their own moral compass, there wouldn't be much conflict. Akiyama provides sufficient depth through his clashes of intellect, balancing Nao's idealism.
Akiyama's skepticism and psychological insights form a perfect counterpoint to Nao's determination to save everyone. Despite their differing objectives and frequent disagreements, their chemistry drives the story forward, raising thought-provoking questions without clear answers.
Most supporting characters aren't particularly memorable and are treated more as groups than individuals. While this adds realism and tension, it's unfortunate when entertaining characters like Fukunaga are sidelined with unresolved storylines.
In summary, the key characters are well-developed, and those serving expository roles fulfill their purpose. Emotional investment in secondary characters isn't encouraged, as the focus remains on Akiyama, Nao, and Yokoya.
Visuals: 7
The art style is intentionally simplistic, ensuring the dialogue remains central. Illustrations are used effectively to clarify complex concepts, aiding comprehension.
However, occasional issues arise with panel perspectives, resulting in slightly awkward page layouts. The manga might have benefited from a novel format, as the visuals neither distract nor significantly enhance the narrative.
Ending: Brilliant
Liar Game concluded in 201 chapters with a controversial ending—some see it as genius, others as lazy. Some even interpret it as a cliffhanger hinting at a sequel. Personally, I found the conclusion fitting, aligning with the author's intended message. Few series dare to take such an approach.
Overall: 8
I'd recommend Liar Game for its engaging story and characters if the simple visuals and extensive dialogue don't deter you. Much of the manga focuses on exposition, cleverly interwoven with mind games. While the text-heavy nature might seem daunting, visual aids make it accessible. Predicting twists isn't overly challenging, but the story encourages reader engagement in unraveling its mysteries.
Liar Game may not be the most intellectually stimulating or visually stunning work, yet the effort invested in crafting its games and narratives makes it a rewarding experience. It stands out with a strong theme and message, offering a unique journey.
Popular Reviews
Art(8/10) - While not the best artistically, the expressions effectively convey their intended meanings. You won't dwell on the art when deeply engrossed in the storyline, twists, and intellectual battles.
Character(10/10) - Each major character symbolizes something profound for me. Nao Kanzaki represents an extreme of naively honest goodness, Akiyama Shinichi embodies a strategic thinker always several steps ahead, and Norihiko Yokoya portrays a dictator surpassing Hitler in extremity. Yet, I often relate more to supporting characters, finding myself overshadowed by the main characters' intense personalities—a truly unique experience.
Enjoyment(10/10) - It took me two weeks to complete 203 chapters, not due to boredom, but because I meticulously analyzed every chapter. Every dialogue offers valuable insights, and piecing them together after finishing an arc leaves me in awe of the game's resolutions. These moments are the most gratifying.
Overall(10/10) - This is the best manga I've ever read. I genuinely sense the author's emotions and messages throughout. Its impact is so powerful that it compels you to pause reading new mangas for a week or two to fully process its depth.
The manga goes into much greater detail than the drama, which kept me hooked from start to finish. I'd probably be out a gazillion yen if I had to participate in any of the Liar Game challenges because I can't figure them out. It's a very dialogue-heavy manga, with many pages dedicated to explaining the rules of each round, the characters' thought processes, counter-strategies, and so on. It's not for impatient readers, I guess—sometimes I just skim through the explanations because they're too complex for me to fully grasp. But despite being a talky manga, it's still highly addictive.
The art is probably the weakest aspect of this manga.
It's smart in a way that reminds me of Death Note, though Death Note is still the superior manga.
<p>
Nao made me stop reading for a multitude of reasons that seemed to continue and essentially became a plot hole in her character development:
(minimal spoilers and half-assed predictions for not reading all the way through)
Her mother died when she was one year old, and her father has been diagnosed with terminal cancer for an unknown period, leaving him with only so many years to live. This kept bugging me; how can Nao not think for herself when she has been living alone during the most critical stages of her life? Additionally, the ability to discern whether or not she should place her trust in certain individuals should have developed as she aged. In fact, this is somewhat portrayed when she seeks possible outlets for help, such as friends and past reliable elders.
All of this was thrown out by the author: "I'm just too naive, innocent, unsullied, etc., to think for myself, so I rely on others, especially a swindler who's been held in prison for the last three years... Oh wait, the person that recommended this ex-convict to help me out of this situation is a liar and not a lawyer [not like they aren't the same]. He baited me into another game because he is actually one of the game's representatives (?) and then proceeds to belittle me, stating that I'm too gullible to the point of stupidity." Make note-to-self: don't think about my past experiences with those who took advantage of my character and continue with my ideals of always seeing the good in people, which is never concretely addressed, leaving readers to speculate that this is the reason for her ongoing naivety. The fake-lawyer comes by again, so let's just let him into my house after my initial refusal because he somewhat takes advantage of my feelings of discomfort/anxiety (Shinichi isn't answering my calls; I'm wondering if he's okay), which I haven't yet publicly talked about but for some reason he just conveniently knows [I don't have a problem with this as it happens so often across all genres of manga, it's just that there is no further reasoning the author gives the readers for her to unconditionally let him in.] Then let's listen to all he has to say about Shinichi and believe every word he says. Feel sympathetic because he had a hard past, so she resolves herself to do something for him for all the help he's given her. Oh snap, what about all the people in Round 2 of the game where more than half the participants are in further debt? Should I not empathize with them since I too was almost in a similar predicament? Nah, 'it's not my fault anyway since the people who take part in the games are also lying and deceiving others for their own personal gain,' right Shinichi? Yeah, you're so dependable; one line from you, and my moral compass seems to be back on track again. Well, even though I'm back into the game I dreaded and couldn't compete by myself for the previous ones because I always have a mental breakdown [again, don't mind this, but it gets really annoying when she's the reader's middleman to understand the other characters' thought processes, especially Shinichi's - we hardly ever get to understand hers other than wow, I'm having a hard time, look how innocent I am, please help me], I have decided to continuously take part but this time for someone else's sake. Yeah, let's keep in mind what the fake-lawyer said about this game being easier and unlike the others because you'll be competing with the losers from the previous rounds. OH WAIT, let's not consider the fact that you might be worse than all of these so-called losers because all you did was depend on a supposedly 'genius' swindler that you can't yet claim is true because you heard it from a liar, that's right, the fake-lawyer. However, I put myself into another pit-hole for the sake of Shinichi so I can relieve him of his worries that seem to do with his debt from the previous game. OH WAIT, nevermind the fact that he doesn't care about the debt and only pursues to further get involved in this massive scandal so he can get to the heart of why such a game which is 'preying on those who are weak or in a situation they can't get out of' is taking place. I wholeheartedly believed the fake-lawyer, who has fooled me a plethora of times, and his background story on Shinichi's past yet (1) can't believe that is Shinichi's motive for entering the game (2) my guilty conscience is taking over, and I have to return the favor (3) can't piece the story and the motive together and am unwilling to think for others but myself. Let's take my rather selfish reasoning and proceed through life again, burdening the one who has given it his all to make sure I get out of the hole I keep further digging into."
But without reading the rest of the manga, I'm pretty sure Nao is tied to the game one way or another, probably because her father, before or while he was bedridden, accrued a huge debt that the game was taking advantage of. Nao, of course, is oblivious and doesn't realize until she has to see the game through and reach a similar goal to Shinichi's. (I understand that most plot scenarios for manga are not concrete but developed as they go, and some plot holes should be overlooked possibly for material in the later chapters that would soon cover it - I mean, looking at some of the past manga I read, I'm sometimes baffled at how I got through them. I just don't like how the author approached the idea of keeping her tied into the game; it just made her character more flimsy as it progressed.) She also seems like the only outlier in the game and is a static character in which she only changes her mindset time to time depending on the game and carries out this ideal of hers: only see the good in people, don't consider the bad (not a clean-cut statement but the general idea).
The other characters themselves are not even that noteworthy and will likely make this story fall flat at the end, seeing as how almost all psychological/mystery/drama genres rely heavily on the characters to make even a decent ending.
The speech bubbles are something I have to ignore if I were to pick this up again, as they lack variety and make some scenes unusual, as if the people are always shouting. There are only two types actually: the normal circular shape and the loud spiky shape. Nao's dialogue is made up of the latter almost 80% of the time she talks, whether she is shouting (?), talking quietly (?), crying (?), etc.. It's an exaggeration but is really off-putting, considering it continues throughout its ten years without any changes to improve it.
Again, this is all speculation since I didn't finish reading it. How much of it is right? I probably won't know until my future self has developed enough tolerance to read it again all the way through.
• Games adhere to rules. While I thoroughly enjoyed series like Kaiji and Kakegurui (though the latter was just decent), there were often instances of plot conveniences or cheating that led to victories, usually relying on luck rather than skill—something that wouldn’t hold up in real life. This somewhat diminished my satisfaction with the "wins." However, Akiyama, being the brilliant genius he is, triumphs through pure strategy and calculated tactics.
• The show is firmly rooted in its moral and thematic messages. In particular, the main character avoids the over-the-top arrogance seen in someone like Light from Death Note.
• I was genuinely thrilled to see actual game theory and psychological principles accurately represented rather than distorted or misused—a common issue in strategy manga. This adds to the grounded nature of the series.
• The writing is exceptionally clever and believable. When it comes to strategic and tactical manga, Shinobu-sensei stands out as the best.
Cons:
• There’s a noticeable lack of character development. With the focus primarily on the games, nearly 100% of the screen time revolves around them. Even Akiyama receives minimal humanizing development (aside from brief flashbacks), as the narrative centers on his intellectual prowess.
• Although the games are incredibly well-crafted and engaging, the repetitive format—with no breaks between rounds—can become monotonous.
***Spoiler***:
• Villains are introduced as formidable and intimidating, but their credibility is undermined by Akiyama's unwavering streak of victories. If the antagonist had won even once, it would have heightened the stakes significantly (Yokoya, for instance).
• Supporting characters fluctuate inconsistently in intelligence. They might have a moment of brilliance but otherwise appear bafflingly dimwitted at other times.
• Bad Ending - Rushed and inconclusive. This has been discussed extensively by others who have explained it far better than I could.
Conclusion:
Overall, I deeply cherished this manga due to its clever and authentic writing, along with the suspense it masterfully builds. Despite the rushed and unsatisfying conclusion, each game kept me hooked, binge-reading without realizing it.
The LGT Office is uninspiring, just a group of faceless characters in masks who never do anything remarkable or distinctive. Nao comes across as an irritatingly naive character who constantly distracts from the only mildly engaging aspect of the story—the mindgames. She shows no growth in learning to stop blindly trusting others and remains overly reliant on Akiyama, a textbook Gary Stu who lacks charisma but exists solely to resolve every problem and win every challenge for her and the rest. The other characters are essentially indistinguishable background figures, devoid of charm and intelligence, serving merely to highlight Akiyama's superiority without providing any real challenge.
While the games occasionally hold some intrigue due to their straightforward and open-ended rules, which could theoretically create tension and strategic depth, they often turn out to be one-sided affairs. There's never any doubt that Akiyama will effortlessly succeed for Nao. The mindgames, though conceptually interesting at times, are executed in the most unimpressive ways possible.
The art is decent; the character designs are generally bland and uninspired. A few characters stand out slightly, but overall, they're not particularly memorable. I can't fault the art style itself—it's simple yet functional and visually acceptable.
Perhaps character development occurs later in the series, or perhaps the opponents grow smarter over time. However, after reading roughly 20% of the series, I feel I should have found some enjoyment by now. I haven't. I'm neither invested nor curious enough to continue.
This feels like a watered-down version of *Usogui*, minus the fights, unique characters, tension, stunning art, and compelling narrative. If you enjoy mindgames, I'd recommend *Usogui* instead.
History (4/10):<br />
Let's be crystal clear – the manga lacks tension entirely thanks to Akiyama, who is your typical Gary Stu. The mangaka should have leaned into the spectacle and momentum like in "One Outs," another work by the same author. In "One Outs," the protagonist is also a Gary Stu but manages to fit within the showmanship of the story. Here, however, Akiyama is just a dull character, devoid of charisma, constantly resorting to flat "I've got a plan to destroy your plan" scenarios. This makes the manga unbearably boring and lackluster. While the games are more creative than those in "Kaiji," that doesn't redeem the overall writing. The final arc and ending hit a new low with their absurdity—basically concluding with "It was all a social experiment," paired with an infuriating cliffhanger that disrespects the reader.<p>
Characters (3/10):<br />
The entire cast is underwhelming. Nao shows no intelligence for the first 100 chapters, Akiyama is a bland Gary Stu, and the judges become monotonous and repetitive as the story progresses. The cult characters are equally forgettable. The only somewhat redeemable characters are Fukunaga and Yokoya.<p>
Art (5/10):<br />
The artwork is functional for what the manga aims to achieve.<p>
Enjoyment (5/10):<br />
At times, it’s entertaining (the chair game, the infection game), while at others, it feels unbearable (the poker game and the first fishing game). It’s a mediocre manga that overestimates its own cleverness.<p>
Overall (3/10):<br />
Highly creative games wasted on a poorly executed manga.
This review contains high level spoiler
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Finally, I finished this manga. It was VERY LONG, and I feel like I'm dead... Before diving into this review, I must point out that this manga should not be read all at once; otherwise, it can become boring. Try reading one arc at a time, taking short breaks between arcs. Now moving on to the criticism, I have two main points about the Liar Game: First, the author had some very good ideas, which made for an exciting story. Second, the author made poor choices in how to develop the plot.
To understand what I mean, let's first explain what the Liar Game is...
The Liar Game is a game where a certain number of people are selected to participate. To simplify, these games revolve around lies—everything depends on how convincingly you can lie to others. Our main character (MC) is someone who lacks the ability to lie, meaning she isn't cut out for the game (which forces her participation). She gets tricked into joining and feels obligated to team up with a swindler.
This is the starting point for this long-running manga, where many things change over time, believe me...
At its core, the concept doesn't seem very appealing, but the author uses certain techniques to keep readers engaged, mainly by making the protagonist highly relatable and beloved by readers. This isn't necessarily a bad idea, but unfortunately, the way the author executed it made me extremely frustrated... In summary, the antagonists always celebrate victory prematurely, only to realize too late that the MC had already anticipated everything far earlier than expected. Unfortunately, this pattern repeats throughout most of the manga, becoming ridiculous. The author portrays the enemies as childish and utterly ineffective. Let's move on to the ratings:
1 - Story [6/10] - As mentioned before, the author’s ideas are solid, but the execution feels childish. If you're a 14-year-old full of self-importance, you'll likely enjoy it immensely. The antagonists often reveal their plans too early, giving readers a sense of satisfaction from guessing what they're planning. However, after the enemy discloses their winning strategy, the protagonist always comes up with an infallible countermeasure. Worse still, in every arc, there are usually two standout characters: the protagonist and the current antagonist, while other participants are easily influenced, making them appear incredibly foolish. Ultimately, the author introduces numerous ideas, but the plot development is extremely lazy, lacking twists, riddled with holes, avoiding risks, and reusing the same tactics repeatedly across arcs.
2 - Art [7/10] - Art wasn't a standout feature in terms of backgrounds, which remain quite simple (though it's worth noting that the best part of the manga, in my opinion, are the backgrounds). However, some characters have beautifully designed and pleasant appearances. Kudos to the artist.
3 - Characters [5/10] - As explained earlier, this is the weakest aspect of the manga. The development of some characters is superficial and deeply disappointing (especially important ones). The author fails to flesh out key characters, reducing their complexity and developing them lazily, which becomes tiresome.
3 - Enjoyment [6/10] - I suspect I might have approached this manga incorrectly. Its narrative is complex, requiring careful reasoning and dense logical thinking in each arc. Reading it all at once will likely make you despise the manga entirely. It demands significant time and effort for such short chapters of around 20 pages. You may enjoy reading this manga if you appreciate the style, of course, but for various reasons, some arcs can seem absurd when viewed from a certain perspective. The games devised by the author are brilliant, yet the character execution is abysmal.
5 - Overall [6/10] - As evident, I am quite disappointed with the author. They had plenty of great ideas to explore, but their application was overly simplistic. If you don't mind these flaws and enjoy protagonists who effortlessly solve everything, making you root for them, then this work is for you. Otherwise, you'll end up cursing the author and feeling let down by another promising idea wasted.
Story (10)
The game is titled Liar Game, as it involves lying and deceiving—something Kanzaki Nao isn't cut out for—to avoid losing one's money and to acquire the money of rivals. The story is thrilling; it has mystery, quizzes, plenty of wit, and imagination.
There was one element that slightly troubled me. Midway through the manga, many of the characters' plans are explained by the game's hosts, who silently observe from a cabin and comment on the game. I found this approach somewhat forced. Too much explanation, and they seem to know too much for some unexplained reason. It wasn't like this from the start, and I thought it unnecessary... there are other ways to clarify things, through action with the main characters. I watched the dorama first, and they didn't rely on this method as frequently as the author does in the manga.
Still, aside from that, the story is genuinely excellent and keeps you hooked to the manga, eager to learn the outcome of each round.
Characters (7)
The characters are somewhat stereotypical, but you grow to adore them.
- The naive girl who wants to trust and help everyone. Kanzaki Nao's naivety can be frustrating... but you eventually warm up to her, and she grows stronger over time.
- The enigmatic and sharp male character who plays tough and indifferent but always comes to her rescue (though he has other unknown reasons for participating in the game).
- The "ultimate enemy," a truly bad individual with a history of bullying and manipulating people.
- Fukunaga is an intriguing character; you're never sure if you can trust him... at first, you don't know whether to love or hate him.
- And a collection of other quirky characters who come and go based on their success in each round... as winners get to leave the game, but losers must stay and continue playing or repay the money they lost in full (which is a substantial amount).
Art (3)
This is the primary reason I can't award this manga a 10. I genuinely dislike the art. It improves at some point, but I find it truly awful overall. There's an issue with proportions; the heads are too large, the necks too long, and their bodies too rigid. The characters resemble monsters, with mouths wide open... I can't even describe how wide they open their mouths when shouting or surprised... and this happens frequently. I seriously thought one of them might leap through the screen and eat me. Plus, why do they all have to sweat so profusely? The only one who never looks alien-like is Shinichi Akiyama, as he consistently maintains his composure.
Enjoyment (8)
The manga is extremely exciting, making it enjoyable and keeping you craving more. Initially, the art bothered me so much I even contemplated dropping the manga, as I had already seen the dorama and was familiar with most of the games. However, the story compensates for the art. And at some point, it becomes fresh even for those who've seen the dorama. Additionally, since the manga hasn't concluded yet, I assume new games are forthcoming.
Liar Game was much more in tune with my preferences. The story was pretty unique and full of twists and turns. Usually, I like to hypothesize and come up with a theory of how it's going to end on my own, but the characters' thought processes were so advanced that I just couldn't keep up at all and had to wait for the explanations. The manga completely tore down my confidence in guessing the outcome. The only thing I can say is that it's a good thing I wasn't in the Liar Game or I would have lost with a debt that beats everyone else's debt in the manga.
The art was pretty average—it's nothing glamorous but not the worst thing out there. And while I am not a fan of it, I admit that it gives the manga a nice psychological gothic feel.
I hated Nao Kanzaki at first; she was stupid, a crybaby, gullible to a fault, the type of girl that was detestable. However, she developed, and good thing she did or I would have dropped it. She's still pretty naive in the end but is no longer a crybaby and is much stronger. The real star of the manga in my opinion, though, was Akiyama. He's a boy genius with an IQ of over 9000 and manages to be comical at times with his nonchalance and constant trolling. Another honorable mention goes to one of my favorite characters in the manga, Fukunaga. Avoiding gender pronouns here, I'll just say the name. Fukunaga started out selfish and money-hungry and ended as a lovable character who also brings comedy to the table.
I enjoyed the manga a lot, but there are two things that unsettled me, both of which can be disagreeable. One, the ending—I won't spoil it, but the ending seems kind of a letdown. I read 201 chapters, and the ending was just like "wait...what...that's it?" It just seems like a not good enough excuse for the whole mess of the Liar Game, and I find it hard to believe the players weren't even angry. The second disappointment, and a disagreeable one to many, is the lack of romance. I seriously wished for some romantic development between Akiyama and Kanzaki, with Yokoya as a hinted love rival being the shoujo manga obsessed fool that I am. However, there was hardly even a smidge of romance—only two times Akiyama made Nao blush, and that was all. In the end, I was left to produce mental fanfictions between the characters as I read.
I consider myself fortunate to have started reading Liar Game when the manga was still in its early stages, allowing me to follow it chapter by chapter. Back then, I thought this manga was incredible, and I still hold that opinion. However, there are certain observations to be made when reviewing this manga. You must evaluate Liar Game in two distinct phases: prior to chapters 140-170, and after chapters 140-170. The reason for this will become clear when I begin reviewing the chapters following 140-170.
Liar Game is a controversial manga because the same aspects that some people praise are often criticized by others.
The story is remarkable. From the very first few chapters, you can tell the plot is unique. There are countless twists and unexpected turns in the development of the games in which the characters participate. As you progress through the story, you realize how challenging it is to write the intricate mental dynamics of this manga, ensuring each character's involvement in the game while still leaving room for those twists.
The artwork is intriguing because each character is drawn distinctly from another, yet not so exaggerated that they appear to belong in a fantasy anime. However, some people object to this, as in certain panels, characters may look odd when shouting, for example. Therefore, I rated the artwork a 9; the only reason I didn't give it a 10 is due to certain panel mistakes, like disproportionate bodies.
The characters in this manga are fantastic. Some criticize Nao because readers accustomed to shounen manga tend to project themselves onto the main character, expecting them to be the ultimate badass of the story, which Nao indeed is, but not in the typical shounen fashion. Nevertheless, character development sometimes falls short since, despite the relatively large cast, most of these characters are supporting roles—not as significant as Casca in Berserk, for instance—but rather subservient to highlight the growth of a select few main characters. In simpler terms, many characters are simplified or portrayed as dimwitted so that the main characters can shine with their exceptional intelligence. And whenever the main characters need those extras to not be idiots, they magically become competent, allowing the story to advance.
Despite this, these select main characters are extraordinary and truly captivating, so I feel it's acceptable to overlook the secondary characters being used as stepping stones for the narrative.
Everything mentioned so far has been largely positive... but much of it applies to the pre-140-170 chapters. What happens after chapters 140-170?
As the story nears its later arcs, you start noticing that certain plot points and pivotal moments are rushed to an extreme degree. Character reactions to specific events become inconsistent, but more critically, plot holes begin appearing frequently. When I say plot holes, I don't mean something trivial like "I didn't like what happened" or "My ship didn't take off"; I mean blatant contradictions to things that occurred earlier in the manga. Additionally, the intermission moments—the gaps between games—are poorly utilized in the later chapters. As someone who followed this manga from the beginning, I can clearly see that the author decided to conclude the series as quickly as possible. Why that decision was made, I personally do not know. Perhaps the editor canceled the series? Maybe the announcement of a live-action adaptation discouraged the author from continuing the manga? Or maybe the author simply grew tired and chose to move on to another project? Regardless of the reason, it's evident that the effort put into the later chapters does not compare to the effort invested in the earlier games.
This becomes glaringly obvious as you approach the story's conclusion, around chapter 170, where you realize the author must accomplish several tasks within 30 chapters: develop a qualifying game, craft the final main game, conclude character arcs, reveal all the secrets accumulated since the beginning, and wrap up the story—all within 30 chapters.
After the series concluded, two new chapters were released, revealing some additional pieces of "information" that seem entirely fabricated. It's a feeble attempt at improving a rushed ending, resulting in even more plot holes and making it painful to read. It feels more like fanfiction than an integral part of the story. What's even stranger is that these last two chapters were inserted not at the end but replaced chapter 201, now chapter 202, and became chapter 203. It feels bizarre that the author tried to insert one chapter between what was previously the ending and the second-to-last episode, attempting to make it seamless as if it had always been planned that way, except it doesn't look seamless at all. To summarize, it seems like the author wrote a poor ending, then, due to complaints, decided to tweak it slightly, ultimately making it worse.
[moderate spoiler ahead, only read if you've finished the manga]
Regarding the actual ending itself, it's a rather cliché conclusion, adopting the trope of a "global secret government behind the scenes," a concept so prevalent in conspiracy theories on the internet. But that isn't necessarily bad, as what stands out here is the lack of narrative to establish that ending. A well-crafted narrative might have improved the ending, perhaps not significantly, but certainly compared to what we received. Moreover, many characters are left unresolved. Where did they go after the story? Did the story alter their lives somehow? What will they do next? None of these questions are addressed. And the last page appears like a setup for a sequel, which is peculiar because why would you create a suggestive ending if the entire concluding arc was rushed and discarded? The purpose of a suggestive ending is to excite readers for a potential sequel, but in the case of Liar Game, the ending doesn't make me eager for a sequel; instead, it makes me cringe at the thought that the author might believe a sequel could compensate for the terrible ending of the manga. Either that, or the last page was an attempt to appear edgy.
In conclusion, Liar Game is definitely worth reading, but readers should approach it similarly to Berserk, meaning that regardless of the ending (or the unfortunate lack thereof, like Berserk), the story remains worthwhile. I would still recommend Liar Game to anyone, even if a reader chooses to stop halfway before the later arcs commence, as the journey up to that point is undeniably valuable.
<p>
Kanzaki Nao, an overly honest college student, receives a package containing 100 million yen and a postcard stating, "Congratulations! You are one of the 100,000 people entered into the Liar Game." This triggers a series of events that will lead Kanzaki Nao to uncover the dark, hidden side of human nature while testing her ability to "foolishly" trust others. Will she be able to survive the Liar Game?
Story: 9/10
The Liar Game has both entertained and disheartened me throughout my reading experience. For the most part, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The manga is filled with plot twists due to the numerous strategies devised by one of the series' protagonists, Akiyama Shinichi, and the antagonists in each arc. Be prepared to stay on edge for most of the time because of the sudden revelations of hidden stratagems throughout the story. Moreover, the manga does not proceed at a slow pace, as implied earlier, and there are no filler chapters. What slightly disappointed me was that each arc followed a somewhat formulaic pattern in its progression. While this formulaic structure might annoy some readers, it has its own advantages. For instance, it provides more opportunities for character development, which will be discussed later. It also allows the author to explore different aspects of human nature and behavior when placed in certain situations. As such, the Liar Game can be considered a manga more focused on its characters rather than the story itself.
Art: 8/10
I have no complaints about the mangaka's art style. In fact, I commend him for his skill in portraying the dark side of human nature through the facial expressions of the manga's antagonists. From creepy smiles to intimidating glares, these expressions can make one shiver either out of fear or anticipation for the next event. Although certain scenes lacked detail, especially at the beginning, the art gradually improved as the series progressed. Rest assured, the initially bland art will not detract from your enjoyment of reading the manga early on.
Characters: 10/10
Character development is where the manga truly excels, aside from the numerous plot twists and eerie facial expressions encountered. Remember, the characters in this manga are pitted against each other with money at stake. This setup is enough for them to reveal their hidden true natures within the survival-of-the-fittest system presented in the Liar Game. Different individuals employ various strategies to achieve victory in the Liar Game, adding to the bleak atmosphere of the game's mechanics. Additionally, it gives readers subtle hints about the purpose of the Liar Game.
Here are a few prominent characters featured in the manga, though I will avoid spoilers. First is the protagonist herself, Kanzaki Nao. She begins as an "overly" honest girl who inadvertently gets drawn into the Liar Game. Due to her honesty and tendency to trust others, she often becomes a target for exploitation. She represents the type of person one would least expect to succeed in the Liar Game, a fact that frustrates many readers. However, as the manga progresses, readers will come to understand the significance of Kanzaki Nao's role in the game. The second character is Kanzaki's partner for much of the game, Akiyama Shinichi, a graduate student in psychology and known as the legendary swindler. Unlike the trusting Kanzaki, Akiyama is logical and straightforward. Being an expert in human psychology, he frequently devises the intricate strategies found in the manga. Lastly, there is the series' main antagonist, Yokoya Norihiko. Yokoya is Kanzaki and Akiyama's adversary for most of the manga and employs more ruthless and domineering tactics to secure victory. Each of these characters undergoes significant changes as the purpose of the game is gradually revealed.
Enjoyment: 10/10
As someone with a keen interest in psychology, I thoroughly enjoyed this manga, even pulling all-nighters to finish all 203 chapters. This is the first manga since Shingeki no Kyojin that has made me do so. At times, I found myself constantly debating the possible outcomes of future chapters. For now, I can only hope that this manga will be adapted into an anime series in the near future (though I am aware there is already a drama series).
Overall: 10/10
In conclusion, I am incredibly grateful to have discovered this manga, as it has helped me understand various phenomena and trends in human psychology. Even though I prioritize plot quality over character development, I still found immense enjoyment in this series. Despite a few minor flaws, I give it a perfect 10.
The narrative of Liar Game revolves primarily around its two central characters, Nao and Akiyama, as they participate in a series of mentally demanding games. These games test the players' greed and challenge them to find solutions that maximize benefits for all participants. The main obstacle lies in human nature itself—other players often fail to adhere to pure ideals.
Overall, I consider the story to be an exceptionally original premise, showcasing immense creativity from the author. The rules governing the games are meticulously crafted to support the intricate solutions the characters ultimately uncover.
There's also a consistent sense of uncertainty for readers, as the perspective shifts between characters at a pace that enhances the eventual conclusions. However, there are moments where certain elements are unnecessarily repeated or over-explained, detracting slightly from the scene's impact. That said, this issue is rarely significant enough to disrupt the overall experience.
Characters: 8
Much criticism of the manga targets the protagonist, Nao. Her extreme honesty has rubbed some readers the wrong way due to its stark contrast with the story's themes. In my view, it wouldn't work any other way. Without someone challenging the logic of the Liar Game with their own moral compass, there wouldn't be much conflict. Akiyama provides sufficient depth through his clashes of intellect, balancing Nao's idealism.
Akiyama's skepticism and psychological insights form a perfect counterpoint to Nao's determination to save everyone. Despite their differing objectives and frequent disagreements, their chemistry drives the story forward, raising thought-provoking questions without clear answers.
Most supporting characters aren't particularly memorable and are treated more as groups than individuals. While this adds realism and tension, it's unfortunate when entertaining characters like Fukunaga are sidelined with unresolved storylines.
In summary, the key characters are well-developed, and those serving expository roles fulfill their purpose. Emotional investment in secondary characters isn't encouraged, as the focus remains on Akiyama, Nao, and Yokoya.
Visuals: 7
The art style is intentionally simplistic, ensuring the dialogue remains central. Illustrations are used effectively to clarify complex concepts, aiding comprehension.
However, occasional issues arise with panel perspectives, resulting in slightly awkward page layouts. The manga might have benefited from a novel format, as the visuals neither distract nor significantly enhance the narrative.
Ending: Brilliant
Liar Game concluded in 201 chapters with a controversial ending—some see it as genius, others as lazy. Some even interpret it as a cliffhanger hinting at a sequel. Personally, I found the conclusion fitting, aligning with the author's intended message. Few series dare to take such an approach.
Overall: 8
I'd recommend Liar Game for its engaging story and characters if the simple visuals and extensive dialogue don't deter you. Much of the manga focuses on exposition, cleverly interwoven with mind games. While the text-heavy nature might seem daunting, visual aids make it accessible. Predicting twists isn't overly challenging, but the story encourages reader engagement in unraveling its mysteries.
Liar Game may not be the most intellectually stimulating or visually stunning work, yet the effort invested in crafting its games and narratives makes it a rewarding experience. It stands out with a strong theme and message, offering a unique journey.
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