Started amazing but slowed
I thought this one was going to be a 10/10, it started so strong and was so fun. But it petered out toward the end and got really slow. Then, while the ending was nice, it had too many plot holes. It was still a really good drama, and I'll probably give it another shot someday, but I had trouble finishing it the first time through, which is sad because it was seriously shaping up to be a favorite the first half or so.Was this review helpful to you?
A drama that leaves a lasting impression
I had so much fun in the beginning of Yong Ye Xing He, joining discussions on X (Twitter) here and there but as the show was about to end I couldn't even continue watching. One of the few times I felt so reluctant to part ways with a drama.Each character was written and portrayed very well especially our 4 main leads. Such chemistry between the 2 pairs and their team including CuiCui could melt any stone heart.
The premise itself is nothing new in cdramaland but for me what set it apart was the revelation in the end. How it was all tied up in the real world, how Ling MiaoMiao and Fu Zhuo are connected - their hardships and courage to keep moving forward...it was very touching.
Also very notable special element in the drama were their acting. This isn't the first drama I've watched from either YSX and DYX so it's very exciting to see so much growth in their acting. DYX especially never fails to make me fall in love with each of his characters. He's just wayyy ahead when it comes to acting. So much commitment, embodiment and respect he has to his roles. I'm sooo happy to witness him finally being seen by a bigger audience, being appreciated and lauded for such wonderful performance.
The OST are also perfect. Pleasing to the ears and can definitely bring so much memories from the drama whenever I listen to them on Spotify. The CGI and SFX are also perfect and definitely sticks to their concept of a game.
Overall, Yong Ye Xing He is one of 2024's best for me. Stood out among the rest due to their own brand of magic, pulling you into its own world and can make you understandably reluctant to leave.
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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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Highly recommend!!!
I was not expecting this drama to become one of my favs of this year. From the very first episode I was laughing so hard. I was not expecting it to be this funny but the moment I saw credit roll on the screen in the middle of the episode, I knew it this was my type of drama. Their is no dearth of humour in this one. Quite a contrast and definitely a much needed relief from all the open/sad ending dramas and the serious ones that have been in vogue recently.Acting wise I am very impressed with Esther here. I think this type of role really suits her well. Though I loved her serious role as well (my journey to you) but she fits perfectly in these types of roles. Her chemistry with Ryan Ding is outstanding. After Moonlight this is their second collab and as expected they are amazing in their roles. Their interaction will make you laugh throughout the episodes. Production value from costume to CGI is top notch. I can re-watch this type of drama numerous times and would recommend it to all the reincarnation/transmigration genre fans to watch this one. Storywise if you were a fan of 'Romance of Tiger and Rose' then you would definitely like it. Even if you think the plot has been used so many times in webtoons or anime or in dramas I would still recommend you to watch this one for its amazing cast. Even if you are not the fan of the cast you should definitely watch it for its amazing comedy. You will not be disappointed.
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This review may contain spoilers
You know that kind of drama that could’ve been better bou you still liked it? This is one of them
I think those who were active here probably saw me commenting practically everyday about this drama. I was soooo addicted and I found myself anxiously awaiting the episodes every day. The plot is good, the special effects in the fighting scenes was good, I loved all the characters they’re sooo cute and their chemistry was awesome. I was memorized by Esther’s and Yu Xi’s acting and their chemistry was good. I also looooved Esther’s style and hair acessories and YuXi, in special, really captivated me here. He’s so natural with his acting and his expressions are really on point. EP32 was so beautiful…ZiQi/Fu Zhou story was good and his final speech was cute! I think the OST was fine too!Unfortunately after episode 20 some plot holes and continuity flaws started to appear, and the development of the main couple became a bit strange. I had the impression that the director cut some scenes and because of that some things didn't seem to be connected. I was still enjoying the drama but I can’t totally ignore some things. For example and I believe many will agree with me, when Miao Miao recovers her memory and meets Ziqi again, nothing is explained. She simply understands that he likes her (probably by the flower decoration) and he simply accepts that she likes him (without questioning what happened before with the marriage thing). The whole thing about the bracelet that was important in the story before, was completely left aside later and no one questioned anything. Miao Miao’s and ZiQi’s relationship was simply growing up and I felt like they didn’t really confessed their feelings for each other which even the second couple did. Suddenly they were a thing but I felt like something was kind missing.
Also having a (hidden) kiss in the last minutes when the characters were rewatching their scenes together and making their final reunion in the real world hidden for us was definitely a choice. I mean they met but we don’t really see them meeting like WHYYYYYY? They robbed us for real.
I also felt like 32 episodes was too short as we had a lot of characters and story to explain. But yeah despite all of this, I still enjoyed this drama. It’s a good and excting watch and I agree with people saying that this is one of the best dramas of the year. It’s totally a drama that will make you addicted. I’m already hoping and praying for one more Esther and YuXi drama reunion haha
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Fast paced & binge-worthy storyline . Perfect for romantasy ethusiasts.
My review will be a comprise of what I liked the most and the least in Love Game in Eastern Fantasy.What I liked :
✅️ Enemies to lovers.
✅️ ML falls in love first.
✅️ Cold ML X Sunshine FL
✅️ Protective & obsessive ML.
✅️ CGI & cinematography : 10/10. Nothing to complain about.
✅️ Ding Yu Xi as a grey haired demon ❤. Made my wish after LYST come true.
✅️ Fast paced, addicting & binge-worthy storyline . I fully enjoyed the first 30 episodes. Only took 3 days for me to finish all 32 episodes which usually it takes me 5 days to 1 week to finish one 30+++ eps drama.
✅️ The acting. Yu Shu Xin as Ling Miao Miao & Ding Yu Xi as Mu Sheng they both perfect for their roles. Could not think of any other actors that can replace them.
✅️ Costumes,hairstyles : 9.5/10. I liked all Mu Sheng's duo color (black + red/blue) costumes with its metal & ribbon appendages . He looked so fine-looking here ❤. His hairstyle also suits his looking the most. Miao Miao hairstyles also so pretty.
✅️ Humor : 9/10. I laughed alot while watching this drama especially in 2/3rd of the story.
✅️ Romance : 8.5/10. Light , sweet and cute. Chemistry : 9/10. I've watched main leads before in Moonlight though I did not finished that drama for a reason but they definitely have good chemistry with each other. Did not mind if in the future we get to see 3rd collaboration between them.
✅️ OST : 8.5/10. My favorite is Reshape by Do Zhiwen. Gotta love the deep voice and its soulful vibe. I've been listening to this song non-stop after finishing this drama🤧.
What I liked the least:
☑️ Storyline in the last 2 eps , there were parts that was quite confusing. The editing also did not help. When you don't really understand what's happening, it made things less enjoyable. My enjoyment meter went down from 100% to 50% in the last 2 episodes.
✖️ The ending... is annoying. The kind that is typical if you're familiar with c-drama. Maybe they could have done it better if we got 1 or 2 more additional episodes.
❌️ I am totally dumbfounded that our main couple did not have even 1 kiss scene in this drama! When even second couple got 2 kiss scenes..
❌️ Towards the end, I think there were way too many scenes of second couple than the main couple. If only they focus more in main couple story at the end...
Overall, I enjoyed this drama alot. Made it to my top 5 favourite c-drama this year. If you like what I liked don't hesitate . Start watching it now.
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Disappointed
The show would have been very much ok , but the main FL acting ruined it - she presented her character as a 5 year old in an adult woman’s body with a baby-talk voice. I could not stand it and had to fast-forward her all the time. As those were supposed to n]be the “romantic” scenes, that was o disappointing as the main ML was great! He created such a good character! So sad that the FM dragged the show down.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Unraveling the writer's trauma through his feelings and inspiration | An overly entertaining drama.
"Be Optimistic, you hear? Young man, as long as you're alive, you'll find a reason to live on." - Lu Huai AnIt's been a while since the last time I watched and reviewed an Idol drama that I find it relatively challenging now to write a commentary—as I am stuck between writing objectively (which will surely make me rant) VS Subjectively (mainly base of my experience watching this drama in a fun and carefree way).
Anyways, considering that I enjoyed this drama's silly antics and clichė storyline, I will just turn a blind eye and take this as lightly as possible by writing subjectively. =)
The trajectory of the story went by surprisingly good considering how it started in a silly and ridiculous way. One thing I wanna mention is how the "10 days protection period" greatly impacted the story as it marks the end of the Female Lead's unserious and careless attempts in completing her mission inside the game. Because if the drama continued with her always getting ressurected everytime she dies for having unlimited life span then everything would have been bland and tiring in no time.
Their adventure is the part I enjoyed the most as it showcases their natural chemistry. I think it's one of the best part of the story as it allows us to see them improve their bond and overall relationship. It's just sad that it had to come to an end because they have "gone" far astray of the original storyline (when in fact, I think they're just considering their limitations in terms of # of episodes).
I would like to praise them as well on how good they unfolded the back stories, unsolved mysteries and plot twists. Although hints were given bits by bits throughout the story, the revelation of the past events didn't fell short even once. What a remarkable execution!
CG/CGI, Color scheme and Design were all incredibly done. I am out of words on how imprresive the edits were and how unnoticeable the green screens are. + The costumes looks fantastic on the artists. I don't know what is it but Yu Su Xin always looks good on whatever she wears to the point you will also notice how beautiful what she's wearing. It must have been her positive aura that's giving her clothes the extra shining spotlight and attention.
Chemistry and Synergy - Are insanely good. A bubbly Female lead partnered with a smug and savage Male lead + gentle looking and lovely 2nd leads and additional cuteness from Cui Cui made this drama light-hearted and very easy to watch. I also just want to say that I received overflowing positivity and pure happiness watching this whole drama.
Lastly, Ending - I honestly would've rated this drama a bit lower if it wasn't for the Finale—because although I truly enjoy and appreciate almost the entire duration of the drama, I have also come to a pont where I feel like something is just being conveniently put up together with the help of "It's only a virtual game" theme/set up. So I was really glad that the Ending was able to change my overall opinion and view of this drama. Thank you for giving us profound reasons when I have prejudice of this drama being shallow and lacking actual meaning. It created a huge impact to me in providing my review score for this show.
P.S. Mu Zi Qi's officious and annoying attitude turned me off so much at first, thank god Ling Miao Maio was present to make everything light, funny and entertaining.
Story - 8.5, Story started fun yet irritating because of the Male lead then at the latter half of the story it started to feel a little rushed as it was redirected to the capital for the reason of going against the books original plot (when they could've explored to developed their team work if they pushed through). Story then stabilizs in the capital, catching its phase and unraveling the story's hidden mysteries for the climax but towards the end the story started to feel shallow and random (during that Climbing through the stairs scene) if it wasn't for them revealing the hidden meaning of the books creation, this story would have crashed on the list of dramas with the most random and unsatisfying ending.
Acting/Cast - 10, I am really satisfied with the Actors/Actresses more so with their acting performances. Let me just mention as well how happy I am with the 2nd male lead. He's such a cutie. Made the story even more heartwarming and entertaining.
Music - 10, Love the soundtracks and overall music for this drama. Timing was perfect and songs are all beautiful.
Rewatch Value - 8.0, A drama I surely will not rewatch but would still recommend to people who love the casts starred in it. All of them looks charismatic and lovely in this drama. <3
Overall - 9.0, This is one of the stories that will captivate you because of its entertaining cast and tropey scenes. The drama was fun so long as you don't pursue it critically. Ending made the story make all sense—Without it, the ending would've been its donwfall.
IF you find my review helpful please let me know.
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This review may contain spoilers
Started for Esther, stayed for everything else.
I actually had no plans to watch this drama. I am not a C-Drama fan but I have slowly started to watch some Chinese dramas here and there. I really enjoyed Esther's performance in LBFAD and I needed to download something to watch for my 1 hour flight back to my hometown so I said "Okay, why not?" I had no idea that this drama would grasp my attention so quickly. I went from a one episode watch to another and another until suddenly I found myself paying for the express subscription on WeTV.The first half of the drama was amazing. This drama introduced Ding Yuxi to me and WOW what a face and what an actor! I had never heard of him before but I was blown away by his acting especially during episode 7-8 when Miaomiao pulled his ribbon off for the first time. His eyes are filled with a thousand words and now I am a 100% fan. Esther was great as always but this role seemed to fit her like a glove. I actually think that if it was another actress that played this role, they wouldn’t have captured my love for Miaomiao as much. And guys when I tell you about the CHEMISTRY BETWEEN THEM. I was really rooting for them since the first episode.
I think what the drama was weak on was the second half of the drama. I believe it is because Miaomiao loses her memories of reality in the second half so what gave the 1st half of the drama life was suddenly taken away from us. And from a story standpoint, I understand what they were going for. But as a viewer, it did feel like suddenly the drama lost its spark for a moment. They also stopped focusing on the main couple and they’re the reason why this drama was super enjoyable in the first place. This is why I deducted a point off. Now they do bring the magic back as the series nears its end, especially the last 3 episodes but I think it felt like those moment could’ve been more stretched and fleshed out. And I deducted another half point because THEY DIDNT SHOW THEIR REUNION AT THE END LIKE WHAT THE HELL?????
Like I feel like if they did show his face in the end of the drama I would’ve given the story score st least like 9 or 9 and half but NOOOO. Anyways rant over but I really did enjoy the drama. I actually even enjoyed the last episode up until the very last moment.
I am now such a big fan of the whole cast and I hope that Esther Yu and Ding Yuxi will work on another drama in the future (and they need to make out at least once please)
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Novel meets a game
The novel and transmigration stories aren’t new in CDramas but not many are as good as this one. This was a fun, amazing watch.The Good
The plot had a strong execution and was written well for about 95% of the drama with the exception of a couple of hiccups. Again, transmigration stories are common for CDramas but what made this one stand out was the integration of a novel into a game format and the acting. The drama had a great balance of story telling, romance and joy/fun and sadness. The characters were all interesting with our main 2 leads shining throughout. Their chemistry was just as good as it was in Moonlight. I also appreciated the production quality. The CGI, visual FX, costumes, sounds, and OSTs were all high quality and stands out from lots of 2024 dramas. Out of most CDramas in this genre, this one had a strong ending for me that wrapped up the story nicely.
The Bad
Had some throwaway episodes starting from around episode 18-26. The show took a slight downturn and had a couple of plot holes during these episodes that made it seem like they cut some scenes or just rushed some of the explanations. It made it difficult to watch especially since it was releasing an episode a day. I stuck it out for the leads.
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Esther and Yu Xi 's Chemistry is OFF THE CHARTS
Okay, so I started watching the drama mainly cause I loved the pair in Moonlight. But OMG, they have not disappointed me with this one. The story is really captivating and the whole time, I never felt bored.A lot of times watching C dramas, it gets lengthy. But this was appropriate. Everything was worked out so well. I wish in the ending Miaomiao would have called him out "Ziqi". Nonetheless, a very satisfying ending.
I 100% recommend this drama to everyone who loves a good chemistry.
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