Domination of the Aristocratic Dynasty After a Body Swap with the CEO

It's yet another gambling story from Nobuyuki Fukumoto—what else is there to say, really? If you've read anything by Nobuyuki, you already know what to expect, and this one is just a worse version. This review covers Part one and two of Zero.

Tabaku Haouden Zero is a mix of Kaiji and Akagi; it takes the plot and characters from Kaiji while the main character (MC) resembles Akagi more closely. However, it sacrifices the best aspects of both stories it draws from. Instead of Kaiji being the worthless trash determined to reinvent himself, here he’s already a genius who wants to save the world... or something. And instead of Akagi being the complex and daring man who walks the line between absolute genius and complete madness, we have this washed-up nothing MC with pre-existing talent and no real motivations or character at all.

I really can't understand why this manga was even made, unless Nobuyuki has simply run out of any interesting ideas. Maybe he just wants some easy money since this is what he's known for—who knows. The plot either seems directly ripped from his older creations or consists of 88 chapters of filler, as in the case of part two. To give a brief idea, just take a look at what actually happens in this manga:

(skip this paragraph if you don't want spoilers)

Part one is very "Kaiji-esque": Rich man hosts a tournament that risks life or death -> MC enters tournament -> MC has pathetic and worthless "friends" -> MC takes them along for the ride -> friends are too pathetic, so moves on without them -> round two begins -> MC falls off cliff for an "epic" cliffhanger -> ?????.

Part Two is different, and by different, I mean nothing really happens: Time skip (why?) -> Tensai MC mysteriously loses tournament -> is still famous but has no money -> looks to make cash from "bad guys" -> ?????? -> nothing else actually happens in 88 goddamn chapters -> wut?

It's boring, plain and simple. Even the puzzles/games are boring, which are usually a highlight in Nobuyuki's works. It felt like he literally just ran out of ideas during the first part and said, "Fuck it, we're going to do a jeopardy game show section." Save yourself the time and don't bother reading it. If you haven't already, watch/read Kaiji/Akagi instead.

I've read Liar Game, parts of Kaiji/Akagi/Gamble Fish, and a few other psychological or game-based series. Personally, Gambling Emperor Legend Zero stands out as the best among them in my opinion. I'll go through each aspect: story, art, characters, and then share my thoughts on enjoyment and overall impressions. There may be spoilers for some of the games.

Story

A group of individuals gather to participate in games of intelligence, risking their lives to earn three rings that will advance them to the next stage. If they succeed entirely, they'll gain immense wealth, and many strive for this goal. Zero joins in as well, but these games are far from simple. A "medium" level game might involve risking your fingers (and nearly losing them), while other medium or hard levels could require betting your life.

While I don't think the premise is groundbreaking, the setup works effectively for these games, and I genuinely enjoy the various challenges and clever solutions. Many of the games are unconventional, which I find even more entertaining. The pacing surpasses manga like Kaiji, as it flows smoothly without being overly psychological; it strikes a good balance between Zero's internal struggles and the external problems at hand. The high stakes compared to Liar Game heighten the tension for me, making this one my preference. Additionally, the main character fails occasionally despite his brilliance, which I appreciate.

Art

Consistent with the author's style. In my view, the characters and designs appear unattractive. However, I don't mind since I value the trials of intellect and wit much more. The action sequences and backgrounds are clear enough for me to understand what's happening, which suffices. I do appreciate how some characters look, like Zero and Shirube.

Characters

Many have likened Zero to a modern Robin Hood, and I concur to an extent. I enjoy watching him consistently save others and strive to prevent deaths. This is reinforced by the series starting with a suicide pact, which Zero intervened in. It created a satisfying loop back to the beginning.

Zero is highly intelligent, yet his humanity shines through as he makes mistakes such as being overly trusting, and you can see him occasionally falling short to others. One side character in the mafia is also incredibly smart and almost outsmarts Zero in one of the trials. Shirube, in particular, serves as a superior rival, as Zero never manages to surpass him. Characters like Suezaki and most others feel rather bland, but again, I find the characters tolerable given the enjoyable gambles.

Enjoyment

Based on what I've mentioned, you should have an idea of whether this might be enjoyable for you. I strongly recommend this only for those who enjoy gambles and games as I do. The high-stakes gambles are intense and exhilarating, and they're the primary reason to read this manga, even if you need to suspend disbelief.

Overall, I'd say this is highly worthwhile if you appreciated the mind games in Liar Game, but if you're seeking deeper characterization or realistic storylines, you might want to explore elsewhere.

P.S. I DO NOT recommend the sequel, as it drastically differs and, in my opinion, is extremely poor. This first series is very enjoyable and concludes on a peculiar, unresolved cliffhanger, but I personally found satisfaction in Zero's achievements.

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NOTE: This review only covers Part I of the Zero saga.  

Tobaku Haouden Zero represents Fukumoto's effort to craft a more fast-paced, shonen-oriented series of intense gambling games in his signature style, resulting in an enjoyable yet somewhat uneven experience.  

When it comes to characters, the main protagonist Zero deserves particular attention. While not the most "memorable" character from Fukumoto's repertoire, Zero is still compelling and worth rooting for. He’s a genius, but unlike the cold, calculating types we're accustomed to, Zero aligns with the shonen demographic by being a more morally driven individual. His altruistic tendencies often place him at a disadvantage, as other characters exploit his intelligence or rely on him excessively. It’s clear that if he were to abandon his principles, these challenges might be far easier for him. However, this moral compass adds depth to his character, making the narrative more engaging. In moments of crisis, Zero frequently takes charge, showcasing his leadership skills, which is both entertaining and impressive. Whether others heed his advice remains undisclosed here. Reminiscent of Robin Hood, Zero displays enough emotion throughout the series to feel genuinely human. Although he embodies several familiar shonen archetypes, Fukumoto manages to create unique drama around him, keeping things intriguing.  

The setup for the games is unremarkable but sufficient to set the stage for the wild events ahead. Without giving too much away, it revolves around collecting stars, amassing one trillion dollars, adhering to a countdown timer, and dealing with a sadistic old man. While Fukumoto revisits elements from his past works, they’re just serviceable enough to provide context for the games, which are undoubtedly the highlight of the series. The games themselves are concise and varied, though some clearly received less attention than others during their creation.  

The standout games in Tobaku Haouden Zero are straightforward yet devilishly clever (the Quarter Jump stands out as my personal favorite). There’s no shortage of cheating and underhanded tactics employed by the antagonists, which, while occasionally excessive, serve to push Zero to his limits, allowing us to witness his thought process under pressure. Several games offer multiple solutions, adding another layer of interest.  

Other games diverge significantly from what Fukumoto has previously offered, potentially polarizing audiences. Some rely on basic high-school math but manage to include enough twists to remain engaging. Others incorporate Japanese riddles, which may prove tedious for non-Japanese readers. Additionally, Fukumoto sometimes attempts to heighten tension through predictable means. In previous works, dangers involving body parts or lives were generally justified within the story or even benefited the protagonist. Here, however, danger seems gratuitously added, leading to scenarios like spiked walls threatening the characters or a random ally becoming a hostage simply to motivate Zero further. Such contrivances make the games feel less sophisticated compared to Fukumoto's earlier efforts.  

Regrettably, the later stages of the series suffer from a decline in quality and creativity. The final few games are disappointingly simplistic, almost lazily constructed. One feels akin to a quiz show, while another resembles an imbalanced scavenger hunt. These are resolved hastily and implausibly, relying on Zero's seemingly supernatural intuition rather than logical reasoning. These two games left a sour impression, detracting from my overall enjoyment.  

In conclusion, Tobaku Haouden Zero is a commendable addition to Fukumoto's catalog of high-stakes gambling manga, venturing into fresh territory despite its reliance on familiar components. The collection of games fluctuates between mediocrity and brilliance, roughly balancing one lackluster game for every strong one. Though not a masterpiece, it satisfies curiosity and encourages exploration of subsequent installments in the series.

I really like where this is leading.  Her awakening is coming! Keep going! Need more chapters!

OK am only 5 chapters in but I can't wait to read more later as it's 2.30am here in Scotland. I hope your staying safe and obeying the rules wherever in the world you are. 😷❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

In summary, the main character's development falls short of expectations, and the world setting may leave readers wanting more. The plot growth can be described as lackluster, and the side characters feel like mere fillers. While the novel may have had potential, it ultimately fails to deliver a satisfying reading experience.

I did love the journey through this .. I came across it again looking for something to read and felt obligated to post something. Enjoy the read everyone who's freshly picking it up!