Love Game in Eastern Fantasy

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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The fantasy love game plan, success

Fantasy idol drama on screen is not really my usual type of story. Love Game in Eastern Fantasy though, is surprisingly rather enjoyable, especially the front part of the story. Ling Miao Miao got sucked into a story world unexpectedly and was given a seemingly impossible challenge - increase the affection of Mu Sheng from -250% to 100%.

I love the humour that director has when executing the first arc of the story. These moments elicit a lot of laughters and made me interested to watch further, such as
- When the end credits rolled within 5 mins of Miao Miao arriving at Demon Catcher world, - plus 1 point
- When Miao Miao creatively interpreted the missions given and adaptively change her strategy to progress the story in various instances - plus many many 1 point.

Besides the humour storytelling angle, there is a number of added heartwarming touch to this TV series adaptation that were done well - such as Miao Miao’s dad, Little Bamboo, the water demon arc and Princess Duan Yang’s respectful pursue in romance.

Alas, I had probably outgrown the on screen fantasy idol genre. Somehow, I was not able to follow the continuity of the story world after Consort Dowager Zhao arc. There were glaring scene that were glossed over, Mu Sheng’s parents’ romance felt lackluster and the “turning point” / redemption of some demons felt abrupt to me, and thus, made me gradually lost interest in the story. It was also around this time when the romance progression between Ziqi and Miao Miao felt a little flat - when Ziqi’s affection for Miao Miao reached 99%. Don’t get me wrong, I love the message behind the 99% to 100%, and enjoyed the connection that Ziqi and Miao Miao shared. I just felt that the scenes didn’t draw me in as much as it did in the first few arcs.

Overall, it’s still a rather enjoyable and definitely one of the top period idol fantasy dramas for a long time coming. This show also got me interested to watch the other contemporary idol romance that Yu Shuxin and Ding Yuxi acted in, Moonlight and was glad to find the romance between Zhou Chuan Lao Shi and Chu Li. Wishing them have a third collaboration in a lovely story similar to Moonlight and Love Game in Eastern Fantasy.

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Funny and Addictive.

I am honestly not a fan of Esther, but for this drama she is the perfect fit. She makes the drama fun and so does the rest of the cast, they are all doing a great job. Although the premise of the story is cliche but the exexution of the plot is done wonderfully, it is funny and interesting. I am on episode 18, there hasn't been a dull moment in the drama yet. It has amazing action sequence and VFX is just brilliantly done.

I would recommend that you give this drama a fair chance, It won't disappoint you.

Edit: I hated the ending. Loved the plot. Deducting points for the ending.

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More than a romance, show is about ML's quest of self-love, confidence & finally his 'rebirth'

Firstly, I've been hooked from the very start. FL being sucked into a game, the need to complete missions to go back to the real world , the enemies turn lovers trope... that was a fun premise then came the Imperial Capital arc and my enjoyment suddenly took a nosedive...don't get me wrong, I still liked it very much but the lack of screentime of our leads and the way they stopped developping their romance put a damper on my excitement.

While I think the ending message is quite beautiful and meaningful, I still regret that the romance literally took a back seat in the second half of the drama making their relationship lose all spark after some time. Why branding it as romance as a main theme when you're not delivering on that promise? Not that my disappointment solely stems from it but it was such a bummer in the end. Chemistry has been so perfectly built in the beginning with all the banters, teasing, intense stares, tension , giving me all the feels/butterflies which is needed for a good romance and suddenly you decide to throw all that development away? Are you for real? Where is the pay-off here? I know kisses aren't always needed in dramas (I didn't mind it in Snowy Nights for example because drama main theme was 'missed opportunities', leads never got to confess to each other or even kiss because they were bound by guilt, duties and grief) but here I feel it could have added a beautiful touch to their reunion after the angst part for instance. Oh well. it is what is. First part was all kind of awesome and really addictive then show totally faltered in second half wasting time on uninteresting subplots (reducing the main leads screentime)
That comment above was my primary/raw impression (yeah I was pretty pissed)

Then after calming down a bit, I've come to the conclusion we've been fooled into thinking it was a romance when in fact it wasn't. Plot is merely about a long 'letter' written by our hero/ML expressing his gratitude/love for his long time crush/muse for being the light that brighten up his darkest days.It was thanks to her he could move forward and also find the courage to undergo surgery. She is his savior, his sun, his world. He just wants to let her know how much she means to him.

Thing is that his self-acceptance and courage come from the admiration he had for the FL while in middle school. They were classmates but never interacted with each other at that time, I dare say she probably didn't even notice him. He was just silently observing her from afar, lacking the confidence to approach her and missing the chance to convey his inner feelings (due to the bullying incident+school transfer)

It was his one-sided crush all along and maybe the reason why we didn't get a kiss in the end? ...they're basically strangers in real world, he never confessed to her hence it would be weird for them to smooch in the game I guess?? Does it make sense? haha (or is it an excuse to make me feel better? Maybe lol)
And even though Miao Miao is one of his biggest fan, she only admires his work (at least for now), she never met him after all or at least she's not aware he's her secret admirer from middle school.
I have so much to say about the parallels between the two worlds and on how she ended up stuck in the game but it would be so longgggggggggggggggggg

In a nutshell, her transmigration into the game might be due to the strong desire of the ML to convey his hidden feelings, he wanted her to understand in which state of mind he was when he wrote that first novel and see his true self. Her feedbacks definitely encouraged him to change the story into a happy ending. That first novel is like the reflection of the start of their story that ended badly and with regrets...it's like he's giving himself and her a chance to make things right this time around, an opportunity to get to know each other and create together that HE he's been yearning for.
The revision of that first novel will serve as a catalyst to the final acceptance of himself and his rebirth putting all his past grievances/hardships behind and finally be able to be with the girl he likes (properly confessing to her in real world too)
Oh well,I will stop here because imagination is running way too wild, I don't think I make sense anymore (sorry for rambling)

IMHO that's an open ending leaning on a future HE (this is just the beginning, the rest is up to our imagination or you can also watch 'Moonlight' which can pretty serve as a sequel lol, plenty of parallels in this one. Highly recommended!! )

I know many people were disappointed/angry after watching the final scene but all I could think of while watching it is that it reminded me of the song 'Once upon a Dream', it funnily fits the scene lmfao
'I know you I walked with you once upon a dream
I know you that look in your eyes is so familiar a gleam
And I know it's true that visions are seldom what they seem
But if I know you, I know what you'll do, you'll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream' lalalalaa (ok I totally lost it here)

She woke up from a long dream not remembering the face of his beloved then BAM he appears before her, she's stunned (hinting than her memories have returned) then smile and the END. (why not showing his face ffs? *still mad*



Acting:
Almost flawless. Ding Yunxi is the real MVP here (once again), he nails every scenes he's in effortlessly. I knew after MOGA I wouldn't be able to take my eyes off of him...I swear, man has betwitched me body and soul! And the way he's styled in this series is just chef's kiss *someone deserves a raise* His face card is insane and his acting is really good! Give him more gritty works or better scripts because boy he deserves it!

Esther Yu is delightful as the bubbly and sassy Miao Miao (much like her rl persona), she excels in those kind of roles (the cutesy ones). She's unfairly receiving criticism for her voice to the point some are even skipping her works just for that reason alone...that's a shame imo...ok, I won't lie, the first time I watched her, it also turned me off but with time, I got used to it and now think it makes her rather unique+ Industry/Experts seem to disagree with the haters because she's one of the rare actresses who is allowed to dub herself..'My Journey to You' proved she can modulate her voice when the role demands it.

Yang Shi Ze's role being very limited, he didn't have much to do but he did well with what he was given...

Zhu Xu Dan is a nice addition to the quartet...she did a commendable job as well.

I really love our Bamboo squad and the chemistry between our leads was sizzling in the beginning, kinda fizzled out in second half unfortunately...I also really like Cui Cui's character, he was such a cutiepie... like Miao Miao,I wanted to pinch his cheeks so badly xD *so squishy* Kudos to Lu Yu Hao *claps*

OST was good. I'm glad Ding Yuxi got to sing one of the ost, totally in love with his voice.

Rewatching value- Need more time for that but why not? (there will probably come a time where I will have nothing to watch with Ding Yuxi xD)

Review is in progress.....

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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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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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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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