Love Game in Eastern Fantasy

THE BEST CHINESE FANTASY DRAMA IN 2024

*This is my first time writing a review here in MDL*

Although this might contain spoilers, it's actually not that much of a spoiler. But I just stated it here incase you hate 'hints'.

I just want to say how this was created perfectly. They added the explanations I wanted and showed me what I wanted to see. Ranges of emotions bursting inside me (not exaggerating, literally cried then laughed). Even a minute, I don't want to skip but instead, replay it for multiple times. How could I not, it was fascinating to see those scenes. Even as a huge fan of Ding Yuxi, I assure you that this is not a bias review. From the story to the rewatch value, it is exactly 10/10. If possible, it'll be 100%.

Starting with the STORY:
*Take note, I did not read the novel

[I LOVED THE FATHER-DAUGHTER SCENE, IT MADE MY DAY. I WAS ALWAYS IN AWE WHEN I SEE THOSE TWO TOGETHER. ] Actually, I loved many parts especially the entrance and episode 7.

In every part, there's a connection. One huge connection is when MS/ZQ was able to make a swing just by the explanation of MM and it's because it is _____. The story has a nice flow, which you can easily go through. Your questions in mind can be answered in the latter parts. DON'T OVERTHINK. The build of the love story of LF and MY is really lovely. I love how ZQ and LF loves MM and MY. They'll do everything for them. AND LIKE, HOW ON EARTH THEY CREATED THOSE SWEET LINES? Everything in this drama is on point. JUST HOW I WANTED! I really thought that MS would be that ruthless man at first, but bit by bit, we get to see his true-self. The ending part of MM, showed us the reality. This drama did not forget to serve us with the fighting, romance, friendship, and the bond. It's actually fulfilling if you just put yourselves in the shoes of MM, you'd understand the story more. CUICUI, the best cupid out there with his loyal grandfather. -will not introduce the other characters, see them yourselves. The drama is like when you ate something in the restaurant, and you loved the food then you'll say, "Compliments to the Chef". That's what I felt with this one, but instead of singular (Chef), I'll say 'Chefs'.

ACTING/CAST:

ACTING was superb with their micro expressions -- if you paid attention, you'll notice this. They made us feel happiness, sadness, sorrow, disappointment, anger, and etc. They were also funny in their own ways, may it be in acting or in real life. Casting of the actors and actresses were perfect, they match so well together.

MUSIC:

BGM was another way for a drama to get to you. Those background music when they start to 'save the world', it's like I was with them too. Props to the actors and actresses in participating in the making of the osts and also doing covers. They also made a Music Video for this. The effortttt!!! TRUST ME, WITH THE MUSIC, YOUR HEART IS HEALED. SOMETIMES BURNING WITH ENERGY/FUEL.

REWATCH VALUE:

- I seldom see a story like this in a cdrama.
- I also love watching their costumes.
- Fighting scenes is what I live for.
- I also want to focus in looking at their expressions so that I'll feel the story more.

So yeah, no doubt, I'll rewatch this drama.

OVERALL:

THIS DRAMA IS WHAT I ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO AFTER A VERY TIRING DAY. VERY THANKFUL FOR THIS DRAMA.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
[I really appreciate Ding Yuxi for doing/making the 'easter eggs' for us. It also presents how he really carried his character and how he cares.

You can watch those here:
https://kisskh.at/discussions/black-lotus-tactics-manual/131698-ziqi-s-mini-theater?page=1

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Haveninmuse - for compiling and posting this for us to know. 'Kudos' <3]

Disclaimer: We have different opinions and reviews, if this did not seem up to par with you. It means, you/we have different preference/s.

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it’s fun to watch

This drama is cute and funny.
I laugh out loud in first episode because I did not expect that comedy scene of closing credits.
I was not a fan of Esther Yu, because in her previous dramas especially her famous one with dylan wang, her acting of cuteness and voice is so cringe to watch. But in here, I think she tone down her way of acting cute and that’s why it became natural and isn’t cringe at all. I love her in this drama.
For yu xi, he is always one of the best.
The plot is really fun to watch and no boring at all. Chemistry between the leads is awesome.

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Worth watching!!

This drama has been trending on social media and overall, it was a really fun and touching drama to watch!! It is also the second work of Esther Yu and Ding Yuxi as main leads, they have worked together before in Moonlight, which I haven’t watched yet.

The drama includes a variety of creative elements/settings you have never seen / heard before, which were honestly also kinda creepy sometimes.

However, for me there were times where it got a bit too complex and too “chaotic”, if you get what I mean, especially towards the end where I could not really keep up anymore, which is mainly the reason why I only gave it 8 stars... Maybe other pp can but for me it was just a bit too much

Moreover, the whole series reminded me A LOT of asian video games and it lowkey felt like I was watching people playing a video game (uh actually the whole series was kinda like a video game…?)

Considering of when starting the drama it can get a bit boring and you gotta get used to the female lead bc it could be a bit "cringe" for pp (which is quite normal for chinese dramas) but time after time you'll get used to it and it also gets quite emotional...

In addition to that I personally really loved the makeup styles and the hairstyles, it was a perfect mix of modern and tradition. Many people think the cinematic was very beautiful as well, which also is, but sometimes it got a bit too AI-generated for me and looked really unrealistic…

Coming to the ending of the series, the ending is very open ended (which is also quite typical for historical cdramas), but for me it was actually very beautiful but definitely shocking as well (the series ends with a big plot twist)…

Just FYI, the main lead does not have any kiss scenes except for like the outro (song/credits) of the last episode.

Well all in all, I def think it was worth a watch!!

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The romance is questionable

This is going to be controversial, but I've really given this show a chance and I dont understand why its rated so highly and so popular, aside from the fact that the show overall looks visually good and has a pretty cast. Especially for being a romance show, it is really lacking in that department. The romance is so lackluster. I'm at the part where the leads are supposed to be together, but they just seem like really good friends. They have chemistry, but I dont feel the romance. I'm not expecting them to kiss every 5 minutes but they haven't even kissed. It just seems like a romance that's made for kids imo.
I have a love-hate relationship (it's obviously not that serious) with any show Esther Yu is in because she always plays the same kind of FML. While her character here felt mature some times, she would also soo childish too to the point that it was getting ridiculous.
One thing I will give this show a point for, is that the plot is somewhat engaging. And I think that might be why people like it so much. Otherwise I really dont think the show should be rated this highly.

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the best drama this years?

the long awaited drama is finally here ... i saw this couple in the modern drama MOONLIGHT. and I really liked them, I wanted to see them again and now I see them in a beautiful historical drama. which is very interesting fun, they have such a great chemistry they could be a couple in real life.... the story is very interesting, there are many great scenes, I like to see them together, I also like the other couple .. I love dramas for example, in the era with from the modern world to the ancient historical one, if you like this genre, definitely check it out. This is exactly the kind of drama I needed in this winter weather, with a cup of tea and candles, relaxation and lots of fun, let's go! ester is an actress who never disappoints, all her dramas are interesting, I don't know how she does it... but I'm not a big fan of her.. I only fan the actress DILRABE, so my review is not because of the idol, but because of the interesting drama and ester IS very beautiful cute girl She look like a doll

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This just completely rewrote my entire lore. - There’s no getting over this drama.

To put it simply, this drama was beautiful.

Everything from the costumes, effects, osts, story, and cast was just so well thought out.

When you first begin the drama and watch the first few episodes you can figure out the gist of where it’s heading, and it did end up how I envisioned it, but more. The journey to that ending was something I wasn’t expecting, and that’s saying a lot, because I personally pride myself as a someone that has a fair amount of experience with dramas and books, so although the main crux of the final major plot point at the end was what I had predicted, the story surrounding it was outstanding.
- I don’t say that in the sense that it was a crazy twist I never expected, but rather the connection between how the game/book came to be was so sentimental and touching.

Not to mention the actual main plot of the drama which was so fresh in its ideas and execution, when secrets and mysteries slowly began to reveal itself, the intricacy in the details was so entertaining to watch. The yearning between the main couple and the second couple was so sweet to witness, the plot for Liu Fuyi and Mu Yao was also such a joy to watch since you could see as a viewer how they weren’t together just for the sake of it, but the author curated them for a reason and how their story has their own body, of which Zhu Xudan and Yang Shi Ze showcased incredibly well since they are very talented actors. But in saying so, although they were so well written the author was able to showcase their story without overshadowing the main couple’s, which I’d say is a very difficult thing, as if you gave too little or too much attention on the second couple, viewers may lose interest in the main couple, now from what I believe and what I’ve seen, no one so far for this drama has come to love them more than Miao Miao and Ziqi, which I have to say that a big reason as to why, is because of the crazy chemistry between Ding Yuxi and Esther Yu.

The reason as to why this drama initially caught my interest was because of Ding Yuxi (who’s work I’ve been into since the Romance of Tiger and Rose), Esther Yu (who really surprised me with her acting prowess in My Journey), and not to mention their previous piece together, Moonlight. Their chemistry in that was spectacular and just as I expected, it was spectacular in this as well. The transition from -200% to 99% favourability on Ding Yuxi’s part made my heart and cheeks hurt from laughter and/or giddiness, his attitude at the beginning towards Miao Miao compared to the end was such an enthralling progression to watch since Ding Yuxi is such a great actor.
- Ding Yuxi is one of the few actors in my opinion in the chinese drama/film industry right now, that can capture such detailed and minuscule emotions just with his eyes, the first change in character you see in Ziqi’s favourability towards Miao Miao is all in his gaze. You know how in books author’s describe how the mmc’s “gaze softened”? That’s exactly what we see happen to Ziqi, and I don’t think many actors could’ve pulled it off as well as Ding Yuxi.
- Don’t even get me started on Esther Yu, because you could really see her improvement as an actress here, because although I was drawn to the drama for the reasons I stated, when I saw Miao Miao’s character I was slightly hesitant since Esther has done variations of this type character before, but I must say, I’m not sure if it’s because she’s improved, or it’s because of the story, or even both- but her performance in this (other than My Journey) was probably her best work yet, there are so many moments where we see that Miao Miao isn’t just a bubbly, childish character, but a person with very mature values and way of thinking when it came down to it, which Esther portrayed really well, plus the small scenes during the first few episodes where we see what the character Lin Yu is suppose to be like, reminded me of her abilities yet again.

Lastly, the underlying messages in this drama of treating people without prejudice, accepting and loving oneself before you love others is the other reason why I sing such high praise for this drama. Every twist and turn left me with the idea that loving and caring for others, respecting their decision and life is important to ensure happiness and peace for everyone, found-family and friendship is a trope I adore and this drama executed it so well.

I haven’t been this struck by a drama in so long, I love this drama with everything I have, and accept NO criticism on it. Like the reoccurring ost that’s played throughout the drama, you won’t understand it until the very last episode, and I’m a sucker for poetic stuff like that.

- But if there’s anything to take away from my very long review, is WATCH THIS DRAMA, YOU WON’T REGRET IT.

“When do people love the other one 100%?
It is not when I love you more than I love myself, but only when I truly like myself, and believe in myself can I love you whole heartedly and truly.”

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THIS DRAMA IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR NEWBIES AND WHO WANTS TO START A NEW C-DRAMA!

This is my first time writing a review here. The moment I knew that Esther Yu and Ding Yuxi will act in this drama, I know that it will be a masterpiece + Zhu Xudan and Yang Shize. I'm not exaggerating but Love Game in Eastern Fantasy is truly the Best C-Drama of 2024. No boring episodes + It will give you all sorts of emotions. You will laugh, smile, and cry in this drama. Even the supporting and minor roles left a big impact to me. I'll surely watch it again! Even the ost's are so beautiful.Salute to all the casts and staffs of this drama. It was PERFECTLY WRITTEN. A MASTERPIECE INDEED.

ps. hoping for some special episodes hehe

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Writing this review to get things off of my chest like Miaomiao did

First things first: THIS DRAMA IS INCREDIBLE!

I've been in a drama rut both for K-dramas and C-dramas. I don't see anything worth the watch anymore. Then I saw AvenueX recommending this, and of course, I gave it a shot. The pilot episode sealed the deal for me. I loved the humor, and the story was really interesting. It's the first time I've seen Esther Yu and Ding Yuxi's pairing, and at first, I was skeptical about their chemistry. But the more I watched it, the more I understood and liked their dynamics. All of the characters, both leads, supporting leads, and extras, are also well-written, and they all act very well. My personal fave was the actress playing Mu Yao. They don't have a lot of the OSTs, but the opening and the ending ones definitely sufficed.

Now here's the catch. I would've given it a perfect 10 if the context about Zi Qi being Fu Zhou was established in the earlier episodes. The moment Miaomiao and Zi Qi met, I knew that he's probably the same as Miamiao who's also "teleported" to a fantasy world. They've shown scenes where ZQ was questioning the origins of MM and I think that could've been a good tool to establish the said context. I just felt like the ending was a bit rushed and there was too much information divulged in one setting. I just found it funny because the last episode was straight-up a fantasy in a fantasy drama. There are just so much unrealistic things that happened in one setting that I just couldn't bear but laugh.

I never would've minded if the ending ended like that as long as they didn't end it abruptly. Although I know that the operation was successful and that they ended up seeing each other in the end...but why in the world would they not show FZ face? They even showed Cuicui and his grandpa but not the main lead? But then again, I guess their tactic worked because now I'm here complaining about it, making a commotion about the ending, while adding into the engagement that they wanted.

Nevertheless, I'm just glad I finally found a good watch after all this time. I definitely recommend it to those who are looking for a light and refreshing watch.

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No romance and super boring, overrated? who is rating this 8?

the first few eps like every chinese drama were good in mid when ml was almost going the to confess plot story becomes absolutely nonsense worst boring I skipped till end and no romance no confession? after manwha I'm ending up in CDRAMA with 0 romance?😭 waste of time I'm coming to watch romance and these people are fooling me , I watched only because of Esther, the rest of the character and plot are so boring I had to skip the 2nd couple is really boring,and in the end FML literally becomes side character and whole story surrounds around ml and all side characters her roles becomes less less the 2 star I'm giving to only only ml and FML rest of the characters were so bad aslo the kid is exception

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The fantasy love game plan, success

Fantasy idol dramas aren't usually my go-to genre, but Love Game in Eastern Fantasy proved to be a surprisingly enjoyable exception, especially in its first half. The premise is immediately engaging: Ling Miao Miao is unexpectedly sucked into a story world and given a seemingly impossible mission—to increase the male lead, Mu Sheng's, affection for her from a disastrous -250% to a perfect 100%.

I was thoroughly charmed by the director's sense of humor in the initial story arcs. These clever moments elicited genuine laughter and kept me eagerly watching. Highlights include:
· The hilarious meta-touch of the end credits rolling just five minutes after Miao Miao arrives in the Demon Catcher world. (Plus 1 point!)
· Miao Miao's creative and adaptive interpretations of her missions, constantly finding clever loopholes to progress the story. (Plus many, many points!)

Beyond the humor, the series adds several heartwarming touches not found in the original source material. The adaptations of Miao Miao’s relationship with her dad, the Little Bamboo, the water demon arc, and Princess Duan Yang's respectful pursuit of romance were all executed very well.

Alas, I may have simply outgrown the on-screen fantasy idol genre, as my engagement began to wane after the Consort Dowager Zhao arc. The narrative continuity started to feel fragmented, with glaring plot points glossed over. The backstory of Mu Sheng’s parents felt lackluster, and the redemption arcs for some demons struck me as abrupt. This gradually caused me to lose interest in the overarching story.

It was also around this time that the romantic progression between Ziqi and Miao Miao lost some of its spark for me—ironically, just as his affection meter reached 99%. Don't get me wrong; I appreciated the poignant message behind that final 1% and enjoyed the unique connection the leads shared. I just found that the scenes themselves didn't captivate me as powerfully as those in the first few arcs.

Overall, Love Game in Eastern Fantasy is a rather enjoyable show and stands out as one of the top period idol fantasies to come along in quite some time. It actually piqued my interest enough to watch Yu Shuxin and Ding Yuxi's other collaboration, Moonlight, where I was delighted by the romance between Zhou Chuan and Chu Li. I sincerely hope this duo gets a third collaboration in a story as lovely as Moonlight and the first half of Love Game in Eastern Fantasy.

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