I love video games, I've played them throughout my life. Seeing this web series was a dream come true, it was something I didn't think would ever be made in a million years but I'm proud to say someone had the guts to finally make it.
There really aren't many visual works that tackle the video game world, only ones I can think of are the underrated "The Last Starfighter" and "The Wizard". This web series is just a lot of things from a sports movie, fantasy, romance, action, drama, comedy, all of these like ingredients to a blender were all mixed in and the results were tasty. The production value was above average, despite a modest budget this didn't look or feel like a typical web series, it almost looked like it could of been a regular TV series. Special effects were on par even though this show really didn't use that much only in some details from the gun shot hits to certain games the students were playing, like in one scene a group was playing some holographic 3-D strategy video game, shame that wasn't a real game in real life. The action is well choreographed it really looked like everyone was trained and knew what they were doing. And I just simply like the concept alone, it's a cool thought having a high school based on video games as well as qualify if you win enough victories, I wish I went to that high school instead of my regular one which sucked. I like some of the dialog it has some clever verbal in jokes and even some visual humor, like one scene you see Brian runs up the stairs and jump to the flag pole, this is an easy guess for anyone that's ever owned or played a "Nintendo" system.
But what makes this web series unique is the fact that I actually found myself caring about the characters, the acting by the cast was actually good which is surprising, well OK not pitch perfect the was the occasion flat note but it's an amateur work I'm use to it. Even though the series doesn't take itself seriously there are times when it does get serious which I feel just makes the show feel a little more three dimensional.
I like the main character Brian D, this character is the typical underdog which makes him all the more relatable and sympathetic. He's shy, one of those people that don't stand out in the crowd, but he's never short of courage, charismatic, let alone is awesome in the game and out. But you feel sympathy for this character from beginning near the end because he gets crap canned left and right by most of the people of that school whom are supposedly the higher ups (what in the hell is their problem anyway) however the one person that gives him the hardest time is his rival "The Law". "The Law" is such an unlikeable villain he is just an narcissistic ego centric blow hole that thinks he's the center of the world. He's both a bad winner and loser, despite Brian defeating him fairly he has to constantly rub it in his face he's still the best. But this just all the more makes you want Brian to win, he clearly deserves it because he's never known victory much.
The supporting characters are also good Jenny Matrix whom is hot and has the persona to boot. At first her character is just a bit unlikeable because she seems like that popular girl that hangs out only with the cool kids. But that is really just an act by it's nature, she by her nature hasn't entirely found herself she feels that being on top is what defines her and who she should be. I really like the chemistry between both Brian and Jenny, Brian really gets her to open up and we see both grow closer let alone really do make a good team together.
I even like others like Dean Ernie Calhoun whom isn't in it much but he's hilarious, he can be a tough as nails boss but there is a slight oddness to him, even though you don't see it you sense it. And there is a subordinate villain named Games, he's a blow hole but a fun blow hole that wants to be on top as much as anyone. Just like Apallo Creed he is at first a rival but become a friend later on.
The show does have some good messages like the saying from the dean which is it's all about the game, which is another way of saying good sportsmen ship, it really isn't about being the best player but about how you play the game. And simply doing what makes you happy and that you do best.
The only problems I have is the first half of the season is a little slow, it's not until the second half things really get going. And yeah the development of the characters is just a bit rushed but it's a web series you can't expect much. Also this series might not be for everyone, if your a gamer then you'll enjoy this series more if not then this show might not be for you.
Overall, Video Game High School gets a big score for fun.
Rating: 4 stars
There really aren't many visual works that tackle the video game world, only ones I can think of are the underrated "The Last Starfighter" and "The Wizard". This web series is just a lot of things from a sports movie, fantasy, romance, action, drama, comedy, all of these like ingredients to a blender were all mixed in and the results were tasty. The production value was above average, despite a modest budget this didn't look or feel like a typical web series, it almost looked like it could of been a regular TV series. Special effects were on par even though this show really didn't use that much only in some details from the gun shot hits to certain games the students were playing, like in one scene a group was playing some holographic 3-D strategy video game, shame that wasn't a real game in real life. The action is well choreographed it really looked like everyone was trained and knew what they were doing. And I just simply like the concept alone, it's a cool thought having a high school based on video games as well as qualify if you win enough victories, I wish I went to that high school instead of my regular one which sucked. I like some of the dialog it has some clever verbal in jokes and even some visual humor, like one scene you see Brian runs up the stairs and jump to the flag pole, this is an easy guess for anyone that's ever owned or played a "Nintendo" system.
But what makes this web series unique is the fact that I actually found myself caring about the characters, the acting by the cast was actually good which is surprising, well OK not pitch perfect the was the occasion flat note but it's an amateur work I'm use to it. Even though the series doesn't take itself seriously there are times when it does get serious which I feel just makes the show feel a little more three dimensional.
I like the main character Brian D, this character is the typical underdog which makes him all the more relatable and sympathetic. He's shy, one of those people that don't stand out in the crowd, but he's never short of courage, charismatic, let alone is awesome in the game and out. But you feel sympathy for this character from beginning near the end because he gets crap canned left and right by most of the people of that school whom are supposedly the higher ups (what in the hell is their problem anyway) however the one person that gives him the hardest time is his rival "The Law". "The Law" is such an unlikeable villain he is just an narcissistic ego centric blow hole that thinks he's the center of the world. He's both a bad winner and loser, despite Brian defeating him fairly he has to constantly rub it in his face he's still the best. But this just all the more makes you want Brian to win, he clearly deserves it because he's never known victory much.
The supporting characters are also good Jenny Matrix whom is hot and has the persona to boot. At first her character is just a bit unlikeable because she seems like that popular girl that hangs out only with the cool kids. But that is really just an act by it's nature, she by her nature hasn't entirely found herself she feels that being on top is what defines her and who she should be. I really like the chemistry between both Brian and Jenny, Brian really gets her to open up and we see both grow closer let alone really do make a good team together.
I even like others like Dean Ernie Calhoun whom isn't in it much but he's hilarious, he can be a tough as nails boss but there is a slight oddness to him, even though you don't see it you sense it. And there is a subordinate villain named Games, he's a blow hole but a fun blow hole that wants to be on top as much as anyone. Just like Apallo Creed he is at first a rival but become a friend later on.
The show does have some good messages like the saying from the dean which is it's all about the game, which is another way of saying good sportsmen ship, it really isn't about being the best player but about how you play the game. And simply doing what makes you happy and that you do best.
The only problems I have is the first half of the season is a little slow, it's not until the second half things really get going. And yeah the development of the characters is just a bit rushed but it's a web series you can't expect much. Also this series might not be for everyone, if your a gamer then you'll enjoy this series more if not then this show might not be for you.
Overall, Video Game High School gets a big score for fun.
Rating: 4 stars