Haibara's Teenage New Game+
Synopsis
Although college student Natsuki Haibara has already secured a stable future for himself, he frequently thinks back to his high school days. At the time, he was socially anxious and overweight, and his attempts at becoming outgoing fell completely flat. One evening, Natsuki prays to be able to redo his teenage years and finds out the next morning that he has traveled back in time before his high school debut! Having one month before the entrance ceremony, Natsuki immediately uses this chance to get himself into shape. When the first day of high school finally arrives, he makes a good first impression and befriends familiar faces, including Hikari Hoshimiya, his high school crush. Natsuki quickly realizes that his feelings for Hoshimiya have not changed and makes going out with her his new goal. While enjoying time with Hoshimiya and his other friends, Natsuki rekindles his love for basketball and even secures a part-time job at a local cafe. But with new friends come unfamiliar challenges, and Natsuki must overcome them if he wants to enjoy his adolescence to the fullest. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Audience reception for Haibara-kun no Tsuyokute Seishun New Game is largely mixed, with many finding the premise interesting but the execution deeply flawed. While some appreciate the romance and relatable themes of regret, a significant portion criticizes the shallow messaging, underutilized time travel element, and predictable love triangle. Production values are seen as average, with a notable exception for the final band performance.
Strengths
- The final band performance in the last episode was amazing and a high point for production.
- The premise of time regression to redo high school is intriguing and relatable for some.
- Character designs are distinct and recognizable, with some liking the artwork.
- The ending theme was a favorite musical aspect for one reviewer.
- The MC's emotional maturity retained from his adult life is a well-handled aspect.
Weaknesses
- The show devolves into a predictable and uninspired love triangle, adding nothing substantial.
- The message of losing weight and becoming 'hot' to attract others is seen as shallow and unproductive.
- The MC's adult mindset combined with pursuing high school girls is morally uncomfortable for some.
- The time regression premise is underutilized and feels more like a plot device than a meaningful part of the story.
- Many supporting characters are underdeveloped and their relationships with the MC feel less meaningful.
- The writing is often bland, filled with tropes, and lacks creativity, leading to a feeling of emptiness.
- The animation quality is considered average at best, with noticeable issues in character proportions and stiff movement during certain arcs.
- The ending features an annoying and unearned cliffhanger, seemingly designed solely to push for a second season.
- The band arc felt random and shoehorned into the narrative.
- The MC doesn't act maturely despite having adult memories, often acting like a clueless teenager.