New Game!! (Double Plus) Episode 11: Reflection

There were some big scenes throughout the episode…and then there was the blockbuster.

I know a certain someone who LOVES smug anime girl grins.

I bet Nene has the ability to turn herself into  a balloon.

The first big moment we’re going to highlight is the resolution between Nene and Tsubame.

Nene spotted some issues with the code in Tsubame’s work.

We kicked off with Tsubame finishing her work really fast and smugly rubbing it in Nene’s face. Tsubame still looked down on Nene for not taking things super seriously. She was then surprised when Nene spotted some issues with her code. Sensing things were getting tense with Tsubame she excused herself to the cafeteria.

Momo letting Tsubame’s secret out of the bag.

Nene spotted Momo and took the opportunity to ask her about what kind of person Tsubame was. She started off by saying how cool, laid back and cheerful she was. She noticed Nene sulking and then pretty much told Ko (who also showed up for a break) and her Tsubame’s backstory. Tsubame’s parents run an inn at Hokkaido and she’s set to inherit it. However, she wanted to work in the video game industry. Her parents were very much against it. She kept on pushing until they let her go for it but the catch being they wouldn’t support her financially. Basically Tsubame’s goal was to get a job in the video game industry and prove her parents she could make it on her own by following her dreams. Momo of course left out the other important reason Tsubame was working so hard but I’m sure Tsubame will tell her when the time is right.

Remember her?

Momo was then curious about whether Aoba followed a similar path as her to get into Eagle Jump. Nene then technically repaid her for helping clear things regarding Tsubame by telling her about Aoba and Hotaru. Basically Hotaru’s mad artistic skills influenced Aoba to follow her own dreams. As we all know Hotaru went to a different college than Nene and Aoba. It was sad parting ways but they agreed that they would still be together in spirit by working hard on their dreams. These words had an effect on Ko.

Nene and Tsubame did good.

Umiko-kun then called Nene over for an important meeting. Turns out all of Tsubame work up till now was riddled with bugs. Tsubame had lost all hope but thanks to Nene’s big heart they worked together and BOTH got extensions in their contracts. Nene TECHNICALLY got the praise she yearned for so all was well for them.

Lovely background ladies for Director Hazuki to fawn over.

Before we get to what I want to discuss in detail let’s cover another lighthearted segment.

How Umiko-kun best described Tsubame and Nene.

While discussing their respective kouhai Umiko-kun discussed with Ko how she should try and get more involved with guiding them. Yes, there’s Hifumi and others who could help them but Ko WAS both Aoba and Momo’s inspiration so she could at least instill the two, especially Momo, with words of wisdom. She then invited Ko and the rest of the graphics team to playtest the game. Momo “won” the opportunity to play the game in front of everyone, much to her embarrassment. From what we got to see I’d love to play a real version of PECO.

Cannibal Bears, aka Cannibears, by Aoba.

Highlights include the addition of the Cannibal Bear tribe, created by Aoba.

Hifumi’s reaction to Ko questioning Aoba’s dark imagination.

The final boss. Reminds me of Bibury and Iru.

At some point Ko asked Aoba what it was like seeing her designs come to life. Aoba of course was overjoyed but most importantly was thankful for getting to work with such amazing brahs and her future purple haired spouse.

Momo entranced by Ko’s sexiness.

Ko gave the two ladies words of encouragement and this was how Momo saw her. Yet another cutie turned on by unintentionally seductive woman who prefers sleeping without pants.

Rin having heard something very troubling.

Now for the serious part of the episode. Remember last time where Ko was acting all strange. Turns out she’s considering quitting Eagle Jump. My best guess is she feels there’s not much else left for her to contribute to the company. She pointed out to both Umiko-kun and Christina that there were already many great employees who already had everything covered. As the above image showed Rin overheard Ko telling Christina the bad news. What will she do? We’ll find out next time.

Okay so here’s the thing. What I’m hoping for with all my heart is for Rin to be the one to ultimately convince Ko to stay since it’s highly unlikely she’s leaving. People who read the manga, NOT ONE WORD! Okay so back to Rin. I personally feel that of all the ladies on the show Rin was the one who stood out the least this season. Other than fawning over Ko and helping out here and there she has had the no standout moments to speak of. This is it. Her last chance to have that one moment to shine. Of course I’d want her to confess her love for Ko but I don’t think the writers want to do that just yet. The last thing I want is for Aoba or Momo to be the one to convince her to stay. Aoba because it’s too predictable and Momo because she hasn’t really had any “squee” moments with Ko other than that one seductive glance.

All I’m saying is it would be a shame for Rin to not have a defining moment the entire season. I truly hope this will be it.