Love Game in Eastern Fantasy

A perfect 10 from Me!

I don't usually write a review, but seeing so many haters trying to downvote this beautiful drama so I write how I feel when I first watch it and my very honest opinion.
Story: It's the first time I watch Xuanhuan genre, so I feel this is like a new genre for me. And Guess What: I LOVE IT AT FIRST SIGHT.
Acting/cast: With Ding Yuxi, the multitalented star here, of course it is perfect. I can feel his emotion just looking at his eyes. And bonus points, he is so handsome as Mu Sheng.
Music: The OSTs are beautiful. From the cheerful Ji Ming Yue (Send it to the Bright Moon) which is originally Sing' song to Stare Intently (especially Ding Yuxi's version).
Rewatch value: As I write this review, this is my fourth time watching it. I love the story, the CGI. For me it's perfect
Overall: Of course it is a solid 10. If possible I will give it 100.
Please watch it guys, ignore the haters and bad reviewers, follow good reviewers just like me and give this series a perfect 10.

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LOVE RYAN IN EASTERN FANTASY

This is my third Ryan Ding’s drama, and I love it so much. This is by far the best Ryan Ding’s drama (I have only watched 3 of his drama so far). Ryan Ding is a super MULTI talented actor. I just knew he can also sing and dance when I watch the OST of this drama. I really love Ryan and Esther chemistry as a couple in Love Game in Eastern Fantasy. Once again, I always adore how beautiful Ryan is with white hair. And I think Ryan is perfect as a demon character. He becomes the most attractive demon ever. I hope I can see more Ryan as a demon with white hair in the future
Story: 10/10
Acting/Cast: 10/10
Music: 10/10
Rewatch Value: 10/10
Overall: 10/10 because I Love Game in Eastern Fantasy

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Fantasy, Feels, and a Hint of Missing Logic—Still a Must-Watch

The story? Solid. The OST? A full-on banger—10/10 would loop it in the shower. But that ending? Excuse me, where was my emotional payoff? They didn’t even hug. Not even a dramatic backlit stare with wind blowing their sleeves—nothing! And don’t even get me started on Liu Fu Yi and Mu Yao just vanishing from existence like side characters in a budget cut.

Also, Yu Shu Xin, I love you, I do. You're adorable, you're charming, you're practically a walking heart emoji—but please, I beg you, give us another serious drama like My Journey To You. The talent is there. The face is already doing 90% of the work—just add a little murder and emotional trauma, and it’s perfection.

Still, I recommend this drama. And hey, if you're still craving more, go watch Moonlight right after Love Game in Eastern Fantasy. Ding Yu Xi is an author in both, and honestly, it kind of feels like an unofficial sequel. You’re welcome.

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Ending felt rushed and chaotic

Feb 2025
Lots of colourful varied characters, sub plots, and slow burn romance. Also beautiful sets, costumes and cast, which are a standard of costume fantasy C-dramas.

I enjoyed this more than I didn't. Whilst the FL character unfortunately spoke with the usual childish voice, her personality after ep.1, thankfully, was generally anything but. Yes, she had a child-like fascination and bubbly excitement for things, but she also often had a very mature and thoughtful outlook, which kept her the right side of my "you irritate me to death" line! 😅

The early episodes set scenes, build the main characters, and lay the story's foundations. There are lots of vengeful spirits and demons for the hunters to round up, once the main small group of characters eventually go off in search of a top demon, called The Resentful Woman.

Throughout the story, Miaomiao, the character who has been sucked into her favourite author's latest novel, as the villainous main supporting character, has to try and stay alive. At the same time, she has to complete tasks set by the novel's 'system', and fit into the storyline, but she also wants to change her character to a good one whilst doing so.

All the MCs carry guilt of some kind, and all find themselves becoming more and more connected to the demon they are pursuing, to save the 'world'. There are some very poignant scenes, and I especially liked Mu Sheng's back story.

It did linger far too much in certain parts, and in comparison to the build-up, I found the closing episode very rushed and chaotic.

I honestly just didn't get some aspects, at the end, at all! The twist was just a bit too much so.

However, the cast was good, I liked a lot of the characters, and it was very funny at times (especially the character Marquis Qing Yi).

The music was mixed, but I disliked some of the overpowering electric guitar riffs, which just didn't fit for me.

Not disappointed I watched it, but not as good as some I've seen recently, mainly due to the previously mentioned ending,

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well found it overrated

so what I liked :
- the friendship
- the acting was good
- beautiful setting, cinematography
- the costumes are great
- romance was still cute, the chemistry was there
- the characters are interesting I guess
- very minimal love triangle, almost nothing, which is good
- mostly centered on the leads
- I like the scene with ML and his hairband and demon moments. I was here for ML, I just like this actor and he’s very handsome to me. FL is a good actress.

but I don’t know :
- this was mostly boring to me. first few eps were interesting, we were setting the plot and the characters, but I was mostly bored from almost eps 8 to 20. I was watching at 1,5x and not always paying attention. I dislike eps 17-20. (i don’t remember exactly, but the eps she was under the bracelet). Got a bit more I interesting after ep 20 for a few eps. last few eps were okay i guess, but i was still not that into it
- the romance wasn’t really giving to me, even if we got some cute moments
- a bit too childish to me
- second couple wasn’t really interesting, but the scene were he was controlled and we learned that he was actually dead, I think that was good and interesting, I was actually sad when he was dying
- classic unsatisfying ending, but I was expecting it. Classic meeting for 2 sec, we don’t see both of them, they don’t even have a conversation. I don’t think I can consider HE, it’s definitely more an OE to me. like they don’t know each other in the real world, (he knows her from childhood, but at the same time, they don’t know each other, she doesn’t know him personally, she knows he is an author) so it’s like meeting for real and getting to be together, she wasn’t interacting with the real him in the dream. Well or maybe he was and I misted something, but I don’t think so. but the backstory with the book was interesting

So, do I recommend, maybe it okay to pass time

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Not happy with the ending

The beginning of the drama might feel boring because it seems fake and disconnected from the script. Initially, it comes across as a fairy tale, more suitable for children under 15. However, things take a turn around the 10th episode when they accept her into their team to capture the devil. From this point, the story becomes more engaging. It starts to feel realistic when her memories begin to fade, adding depth to the plot.

From that moment until the final scene, the drama is captivating. Even the secret, though guessable, adds an element of intrigue. As a viewer, you might predict the twist, but it will still surprise you.

My only issue with the writer is the lack of a subplot showing their reunion. A proper closure would have made the story more satisfying.

Because of the unsatisfactory ending, I wouldn’t recommend watching it. It feels like a waste of time after investing so much in the drama.

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One of the best c-dramas in this genre released this year

This drama started out strong and ended strong and that is something we rarely get to see these days.

PROS:
1. Realistic reactions to unrealistic situations
2. Great world building
3. Great acting
4. Amazing chemistry (despite the lack of skinship)
5. unique backstories to all characters
6. Amazingg ost

CONS:
1. I felt like the ending could have been less rushed? Even though I loved the ending I wish they gave us a lot more time to process everything
2. The fantasy - reality connection didn't really make sense....The logic behind it was completely left open ended (or un-logical) and I was really interested to see how she transmigrated there
3. lin fuyi felt very unnecessary: I dont know if this is a personal bias but I felt like his acting was lacking compared to his co-stars

Overall I really loved the drama and the cons were very insignificant compared to the pros and this drama is definetely something memorable...I would definitely recommend that you watch this provided skinship (or lack of it) is not a deal breaker (there were only 1-2 kiss scenes and that too wasn't in reality *sigh* )......The plot is not very unique but very well executed and the main cast did a great job and all supporting cast had their own stories to tell...

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Why did this show have to have Esther Yu????

After watching melody of Golden Age, I was looking forward to another drama by Ding Yu Xi. I loved him in all the dramas I have watched with him so far, except moonlight, which I couldn’t finish because of Esther Yu, but I still wanted to give this one a try, despite Esther Yu, just because of Ding Yu Xi. I just managed to watch a trailer and that was enough to put me off the show completely. I am sorry Ding Yu Xi, but you need to choose carefully who you are being cast with, if you want your work to be appreciated. As for Esther Yu, what do I say, I feel she jinxes every male lead that she works with, by overshadowing their hard work with her kiddish, silly acting and her toddler-like voice, which is frankly like pouring burning hot oil in one’s ears. I mean the woman is almost 30, acting in a drama where she has been cast as an adult, can she not act her age for once? Do people seriously like her so much that they can overlook her pathetic acting and baby voice and keep showering her with false praises? Nothing against those who think this drama is worth ten stars, I seriously wanted to give it a sincere try, even if it was just for Ding Yu Xi, but the trailer was sufficient to put me off it forever! My sincere apologies to Zhu Shu Dan and Yang Shi Ze as well, I love you guys, and I wanted to watch you so much, if it was not Esther Yu I had to watch you guys with. Please do more dramas minus Esther Yu and I promise to watch all of them!

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(Warning! So many spoilers here) Showing Appreciation to Emotionally Relatable Characters

I loved all the characters in this drama. I always enjoy analyzing each character and comparing them to myself and the relationships I encounter in real life. That’s exactly what I plan to do here as well. I didn't see anyone talk about side characters that much, so I might talk about some of those I found interesting. This is my first time writing a review!

Let's start with the novel's FL (SFL), Mu Yao is someone who shoulders every burden by herself, always protecting others but neglecting her own well-being. Her overwhelming sense of responsibility is both extraordinary and excruciating. In today’s world, she represents those hardworking individuals who feel guilty or fearful of taking a break, constantly worried they might not be strong enough to face life’s challenges and protect what they ought to protect.

Then, the novel's ML (SML) Liu Fuyi is a character driven by a desire to repay the kindness he has received. I deeply connected with him in the sense where I often feel the need to repay those who have supported and strengthened me and sometimes feel tied/chained, especially when I do them wrong. Despite his background, he strived to be good to others. However, when he has failed and felt like he betrayed those he values, he shoulders the blame entirely, even to the point of self-destruction. His principle of "forgiving oneself is difficult, instead focus on atonement" is admirable, but a powerful reminder to let go of unnecessary guilt. He taught me that while our actions can have serious consequences, not everything is under our control. I actually really liked his back story. I don't know why some say it was boring and unnecessary.

Cuicui was the most innocent character, and I loved how he was designed as a bamboo shoot incapable of hiding anything. Him giving the letter to Ziqi was the best and most relieving thing that happened in the whole show for me. I felt so thankful to him, he saved our CP hahah! They relied on him so much, in the forest with the water demon and at the end, to help save the "novel world", it was sooo cuteee! Cuicui is the real hero! He is the cutest, the best!

Fuyi’s master and Mu Yao’s father’s friend was the most tragic character for me personally. The friendship fallout between him and Mu Yao's dad was a reflection of how friendships often falter after deep disappointment. Some might say, “Well, then it wasn’t a strong friendship to begin with,” but pride and failed expectations can make reconciliation incredibly difficult. His regret was heartbreaking.

Now the leads, (ML) Mu Sheng/Ziqi, a half-demon, struggles with self-acceptance. He is an insecure character, distrustful of others because he doesn’t trust himself. I can relate to this in the context of social interactions—how we sometimes hesitate to reveal our "inner demons," fearing judgment of being different. His journey felt deeply personal, reflecting the challenges of self-love. There will always be parts of ourselves that we must learn to love and accept, despite how hard it is. There are people who will accept us and love us, no matter how ugly this "inner demon" is, which was kindof shown in episode 7 (this was my favorite episode).

(FL) Miaomiao was the most relatable. She was tired of her mundane everyday life. Her days are brightened by reading novels, a feeling that resonates with me (and probably most people here). We often rely on dramas as an escape from the stress and monotony of reality. I believe her purpose in traveling to that alternate world was to reflect on her conscious and unconscious desires:
1. Rewrite the ending of her favorite author’s novel and feel less betrayed by giving a HE instead, (even at the end, her desperation for a HE remained strong, also because she felt all the characters' genuineness)
2. Fulfill her longing for her late father (this was the most emotional part of the show for me, this made me cry the most)
3. Experience a sense of accomplishment in her job (to compensate for feeling overworked and unappreciated with her real world job as an office worker). In the novel she becomes a demon catcher who helps fight against Revengeful woman. Even got the Apocal Power (she was so cute trying to brag about her powers hahhaha).

I feel like it wasn't just a world Fu Zhou created to fulfill his 3 wishes, but also for Miaomiao to fulfill hers. that's why both of them got sucked in it. Plus, Miaomiao experienced love and met Fu Zhou as Mu Sheng/Ziqi, who she overlooked and didn't interact with in the real world. It was a chance for him to show his love, her chance to feel that love, and theirs' to experience the love they both deserved. I didn't read the novel, so all of these are based on my understanding of the drama alone, so I'm not entirely sure I'm making a point.

Some other aspects of the drama that I LITERALLY ADORED TO THE CORE:
Showing the favourability percentage WAS SOO EXCITING!
Everytime it was shown, i felt so giddy, it's so unique, don't you think? It showed the development of their relationship in a more "quantitative" way than a "qualitative" way HAHAHH as a science person, numbers just makes everything right! haha
Also, -200% was HILARIOUS!

The reflection domain made me scream! IT WAS JUST AMAZING, I can't find words with how incredible it looked, the contrast colors (i don't know what you call that), how the transition was done! WAAAHH, I was just in awe!

The soundtrack is also really good! I am also biased, but when Ding Yuxi sang his version of "stare intently", I just cried of happiness.

Ding Yuxi, i've been his avid fan since 2020. I have been waiting for this drama since I saw the news of them being cast, it was like waiting for a lifetime, but the show ended too fast, I needed more. I totally loved Moonlight, (I think I've rewatched it at least 5 times including the time after watching LGIEF hahaha). I have been watching all his dramas, never has he disappointed me, EVER!!! I fell in love with him at first sight as Zhou Shiyun in "Intense Love", were in delusional relationships with his other roles like Chu Kong in "Love you seven times" and this year, I married Shen Du (Melody of Golden Age) in my head (haha) and again fell crazy in love with Mu Sheng/Ziqi (his Fu Zhou appearance was drop dead hot, him with those glasses just made me go crazy). I think they really did a great job with his costume in this drama. He looked so good in other dramas as well (like in Love you seven times ) but he looked 100x more handsome in this one! His chemistry with Esther Yu is again no doubt exceptional, they slayed in both dramas : Moonlight and LGIEF.
I hope Ding Yuxi gets more dramas, he had so many this year, which made me so happy. I'm now waiting for "Black and White Forest", him in another type of role, I just cannot wait!

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A vibrant, heartwarming, and funny series that delivers

This is easily one of my favourite dramas of the year!
A vibrant, heartwarming, and funny series that delivers everything I look for in a transmigration show.

What I Loved About This Drama:
-Relatable Premise: The story of a day-to-day corporate slave escaping into the world of fiction immediately drew me in. It’s a setup that feels so grounded yet perfectly whimsical.
-Stunning Visuals and Costumes: The costumes in the game world are incredible. It’s clear that the production team put a lot of thought into them, as they beautifully reflect each character’s personality.
-Comedy and Storytelling: This show has excellent comedic timing and clever storytelling that hooked me from Episode 1. The humour is consistently on point, keeping the mood light and enjoyable.
-A Bubbly and Funny Female Lead : Esther absolutely shines in this role! She brings her character to life with hilarity and charm, making it impossible not to root for her.
-FL vs. "The System": Watching the FL constantly fight and scoff at the "system" is hilarious—those moments had me laughing out loud!
-A Tsundere Male Lead : If you get past the first few episodes, the ML evolves into such a lovable character. DYX was born to play this role—his portrayal made him insanely attractive to me!
-Off-the-Charts Chemistry: The leads’ dynamic is pure gold. Their bickering and banter are endlessly entertaining, and their chemistry has only gotten better since their previous collaboration in Moonlight.
-A Wholesome Team: The supporting cast adds so much to the story. Their camaraderie and adventurous journey together are delightful.
-Unexpected Twists: The plot is far from simple. I loved the twists and reveals sprinkled throughout the series, keeping me on my toes.
The Flaws (Because No Drama Is Perfect):
Of course, the show isn’t without its shortcomings. I wish they would’ve showed more romance and kisses of the leads instead of focusing on subplots and backstories that were not that interesting to me, after all, it’s so rare to find a pairing of actors that instantly make you smile when you see them together, but even that did not make me dislike this drama.
For me, the drama hit a lull between Episodes 21–25. These episodes felt less compelling, and I found myself skimming through them.

That said, the story picked up again around ep.26, and the finale—though rushed (as is common with C-dramas)—provided a satisfying closure for me. I suspected the ML is the author of the novel and somehow got sucked into his book, but it is so much more than that. It transformed the drama into a profound journey of self-healing and acceptance. The overarching message that you can only truly love someone if you first love and believe in yourself was deeply moving.

Final Thoughts:
Despite its flaws, this drama is one I’ll re-watch countless times. Kudos to the cast and crew for creating such a memorable series! While I’m still mad af that we didn’t get a proper kiss between the leads (a forehead peck doesn’t count!), skipping this drama because of that would mean missing out on a fantastic show. Highly recommended!

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