More from the Yatogame-chan Kansatsu Nikki series:
The Set-Up
As of this post going live, I have heard no news of a Yatogame-chan Kansatsu Nikki 4. Having now watched all three of the currently released seasons, do I think another installment likely? The short answer is, “yes.”
The long answer is, “Yes, but not because this series needs a chapter four.”
No, I think another installment is probable because all the other continuations seemed so unlikely after the first season. If things are just going to stop now, why?
Does that mean Yatogame-chan has been bad? Not at all. Seasons one and two were fun for how quick they were, and I didn’t go into season three expecting anything different.
With that said, remember, this is NOT a review post. The following are simply my impressions of Yatogame-chan 3.
Impressions
Maybe it was always going to take three seasons to do this, but this series finally found a good middle-ground for its pacing. Seasons one and two – especially two – were rapid-fire info-dumps that were sometimes hard to follow. Unless you are ultra-familiar with Japanese geography, many of the jokes are most likely going to fly over your head.
Yatogame-chan 3 was as area-specific as its predecessors, but its delivery was slowed way the hell down. So, that was an improvement.
Now, is that the same as me saying this was the best installment of the batch? No, not in the slightest.
Yatogame-chan 3 began to suffer from the affliction I saw coming after season one. This series was running out of material; it could no longer be entirely dependent on its location. So, although Nagoya remained a predominant figure throughout this show, the characters and their personalities had to step it up.
In that sense, Yatogame-chan 3 put more emphasis on its cast, which, by this point, had become rather extensive. Sure, the core of everyone’s identity centered around where they were from. But, fortunately, watching longstanding regional rivalries spring up can be entertaining, as proven by this series.
There was only one problem. This cast isn’t what I would call memorable.
Instead, I would say the characters of Yatogame-chan were functional.
Everyone was funny when they needed to be; they all had something worth laughing at. Still, let me issue a challenge. Watch any of the seasons and as soon as the last episode finishes, try to recall five characters’ names.
Yatogame-chan is a quintessential in-the-moment anime. When you’re watching it, yeah, everything is entertaining; you’re not hating your time. You’ll get a good chuckle and will probably do so more than once. And then, as soon as it is all over, I’m willing to bet you’ll forget all about it.
Yatogame-chan 3 was the epitome of this.
For example, Yatogame-chan 3 introduced a new character, Serura Dobe.
First, I thought I was being a little hyperbolic when I said, “you won’t remember anyone’s name.” However, I legitimately forgot Serura’s when writing this segment, and it was a real pain in the ass trying to figure it out. She is on the freaking cover photo of this post, and yet, I had trouble with her name.
Second, Serura added nothing to this series. While it is commendable that she fit in so well with everyone else, this season would have been no different without her. Heck, ask me about it again in a few months and I might even forget Serura was from season three.
To ensure there are no misconceptions, I didn’t hate Yatogame-chan 3. On the contrary, I got what I expected out of it – a short break.
It doesn’t hurt to watch a safer than safe show now and then. It’s like a palate cleanser, a soft reset.
Yes, I will only remember this show should a fourth season ever rear its head. And if that never happens, I seriously doubt I will give this series a second thought. Nevertheless, as I was watching it, I had fun.
Final Thoughts
I think I would be more surprised if there isn’t a season four. Like I said, why should we stop after three?
Regardless, as it stands, we have come to the end of the Yatogame-chan franchise. Was it worth it? Well, I don’t regret watching it, so, ultimately, I would say that it was.
True, season three was the least impactful in an already subdued franchise. However, this installment and its predecessors were not the worst things I’ve spent thirty minutes doing.
But these were just my thoughts. What are yours? Have you seen this series? What were your impressions of Yatogame-chan Kansatsu Nikki 3? Leave a comment down below because I would love to hear what you have to say.
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For Anime Hajime, I’m LofZOdyssey, and I’ll see you next time.
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