AniWorth

I Want to End This Love Game

I Want to End This Love Game

Introduction

For four years, childhood friends Yukiya Asagi and Miku Sakura have been playing something they call the "love game." The rules are simple: they declare love to one another, and the first one to blush loses. Yukiya is set on winning against Miku, going as far as to read her favorite manga and change his appearance, but no matter what he does, Miku always seems to be one step ahead. Now in high school, Yukiya and Miku have slightly changed the rules of the game. They can do just about anything to fluster the other party and force them to admit defeat—but it usually ends in a tie. Their true feelings could not be more apparent—yet the stubborn pair refuses to stop the game, even if they can barely control their growing affection. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Where to watch & buy

As an Amazon Associate, AniWorth earns from qualifying purchases.

Audience ratings

MyAnimeList / Tenrai : 7.41/10 · 42694

1/10150
2/10134
3/10298
4/10924
5/102248
6/105909
7/1013621
8/1010932
9/104872
10/103590

Audience reviews

20 · Sample from the first available page, separate from the total number of ratings.

Hebi-Mikazuchi

ALL FLUTTER, NO WAR: I Want to End This Love Game It plays Kaguya-sama’s game without the mind games, but Miku and Yukiya make it a sweet, fun ride anyway. Romcom is one of my favourite genres, and Felix Film’s adaptation of Yuki Domoto’s manga takes it down a slightly different route. Back in sixth grade, childhood friends Yukiya Asagi and Miku Sakura started a game: they say “I love you” to each other, and whoever gets flustered first loses. Years later, they’re in high school, they clearly have feelings for each other, and neither one is willing to be the one who cracks. Wait a minute. Haven’t I heard this before? Oh yes. Kaguya-sama. Just not psychological enough. THE MIND GAMES ARE MISSING What worked for Kaguya-sama: Love Is War is exactly what I felt was missing here: the psy…

Read at the source

Esraa_nkb

I hate it when a manga has such a unique atmosphere and beautiful, easy-on-the-eyes artwork, while its anime adaptation turns out to be pretty average, with mediocre animation at best, like this one. There are so many beautiful details that didn’t make it into the anime, and the emotions aren’t nearly as strong or portrayed as well as they were in the manga. That’s my opinion on the studio’s work. As for the actual events, here’s what I think: Yukiya is sincere and genuinely loves Miko, but I think he’s lacking a little bit of manliness 😂 Okay, I’m joking. He just needs to be a little more decisive. I just want him to get this whole game over with quickly and give Miko the words she’s been wanting to hear for so long. There’s really no reason for him to keep dragging out the confessio…

Read at the source

Matthyxz

The complaints claiming "12 episodes went by with no real progress" completely miss the core appeal of Aishiteru Game wo Owarasetai. When held against the bloated landscape of modern rom-coms, Yukiya and Miku’s dynamic is significantly more engaging and honest. Most romance titles rely on exasperating hesitation, treating simple eye contact or hand-holding like catastrophic events. Here, the premise of the "I Love You Game" flips that formula: because both characters are actively trying to fluster each other into confessing, they engage in physical proximity, bold flirting, and couple-like behaviors that standard rom-com leads avoid for entire seasons. They don't stall out of puritanical embarrassment; they push boundaries under the guise of competition. The tension works because the mut…

Read at the source

Gnork

This was so bingeable ;o; It resonated idk Its not complex, its not deep, theres some development and thought but writing-wise its shallow. We see our main duo and just a handful of supporting characters with less screentime then the average cicada-chan. (There was none, damn =.=) Nevertheless, I really enjoyed it - its been a while since I last binged like that (3 days, yeah not one sitting but damn the past few years Im normally not able to watch more than 12ep a season lol) Anyhow, I recommend as long as you like a lighthearted romcom to indulge where you dont have to overthing, or actually, not think at all.

Read at the source

Squabbitt

I kinda wish i could call this a cute slow burn, but that's kinda rough, when there hardly even was a spark to begin with. There is only a single episode throughout this entire series where the relationship progress in any meaningful way, just for the two of them to return to their respective shells. I can hardly put into words, how frustratingly this show plays into the interruption of confessions. There are multiple times throughout this show, where they have finally decided to in some way progress their relationship, just to be interrupted and never take up the conversation again. It's not even a "will they won't they" kinda show, it's simply just a "they won't". It is very frustrating having to spend so much screen time on non-developing characters and then have the side-characters be…

Read at the source

Aan1m

Absolutely outstanding romcom and one of my favourites of the season - this was so damn wholesome and takes and replicates all of the best parts of kaguya sama - the animes are really similar and I love the concept of a romance that has playful games involved - it’s just so much better when there’s a pair that’s dead set one each other from the get go without any unnecessary drama or dragging out and I love all of the lovey dovey moments this anime creates - I really do hope this anime gets another season as it has all the ingredients to become even better

Read at the source

Vminh271

Aishiteru Game is an outstanding anime. It's incredibly sweet, and the emotions it delivers are absolutely wonderful. This series truly does everything a romcom should do well: the chemistry between the two main characters is excellent, the atmosphere feels comfortable and natural, the pacing is just right, and the climactic moments are captivating in every frame (especially in Episode 10). The romance scenes are incredibly strong—they made me blush, get excited, and roll around on my bed. On top of that, the comedy is genuinely funny and never feels forced, constantly putting a smile on my face. The series balances romance and comedy so well that I never felt like either aspect was lacking or overdone. The flirting scenes are both hilarious and engaging, while the more serious moments ar…

Read at the source

EnshourT_

I started reading it long before there was any talk of an anime adaptation. Back then it was simply another romance manga with a ridiculous premise and it only had 23 chapters at that time. I can still remember the very moment when I first discovered the manga few years ago. In a pirated website where I was looking for a romance to read before bed. The curiosity got the better of me and before I knew it, I was completely invested. What made me fall in love with the series wasn't the "game" itself, it was how the game slowly stopped being a game. The story is less about whether they'll become a couple and more about when and who will take to first step. When the anime adaptation was finally announced years later, I wasn't just excited because another manga I liked was getting animated. I…

Read at the source

ryuu_no_yoake

An unexpectedly good progression... almost. I was curious to see this anime, but I wasn't sure what to expect. When it started, it felt silly and not particularly original, but cute, so I continued. As weeks went by, it became kind of a feel good option. Then, finally, it unexpectedly peaked in episodes 9 and 10. For a moment there I thought it might get some unexpected depth. But then they messed up the pacing, rushed through the last 2 episodes, and the ending just felt flat. Should you watch it? If you enjoy romance animes, definitely. It's fun and cute and has several good scenes, despite not being particularly memorable. For any other reason? Not really.

Read at the source

RahulxMahato

COMPARING THIS CRAP TO KAGUYA-SAMA: LOVE IS WAR IS A HUGE DISRESPECT, FIRST OF ALL. Both main leads felt very cringey and lazy written, instead of leaning into a fun well-executed story it feels like the plot is running in circles and goes nowhere except the last few episodes. It's such a shame that many times even side characters takes limelight from them whenever they appear on screen. ​In my opinion, Miku and Yukiya should've been a small side couple like Nagisa Kashiwagi and Tsubasa Tanuma from Kaguya-sama whereas Kazane and Kakeru should've been the actual main characters instead. Honestly they are way better in every aspect, plus their charming dynamic is the only good thing of this show. They are the only characters with enjoyable moments despite not having much screentime. ​Whil…

Read at the source

00leka00

It’s a cute anime featuring characters who already like each other and are aware of it from the start, yet are too insecure and proud to admit it. It seems fun at first—I absolutely love *Kaguya-sama: Love Is War* and thought this would be similar, but I was mistaken. The show has very sweet moments, and you keep waiting for character development and growth... but it never happens. They do make progress regarding "shared experiences," though even that gets a bit distorted since they aren't officially in a romantic relationship. In the final episodes, the main character gains a bit more depth, but this is ignored, and in the end, everything goes back to square one. I give it a 6 for the moments of tension and cuteness that kept me glued to the screen, but I don't think it's worth watching…

Read at the source

Zepp_

Edging, The Anime is a fun High School romcom where you follow a likable and reliable boy trying to better himself to capture the heart of the cute popular girl who secretly very much wants his affections. Since they are childhood friends, they have easy chemistry and cute interactions without having to wait three episodes for them to catch each others' eye. Their daily ritual of openly and brazenly flirting in an attempt to get each other to doki shows off all the things you could have if you were watching a better anime. There is no doubt about it, though, you are not watching a better anime. You are watching the same episode over and over. Even when the story-line introduces growth moments, they inevitably lead to nothing and soon you are back to square one. Aishiteru Game is sandbag…

Read at the source

AnimeExplorer21

Sometimes an anime doesn't need some crazy plot to become a favorite. It just needs to feel warm. That's how I ended up loving I Want to End This Love Game after the 12 episodes. I jumped in for the fun premise, but honestly? I stopped caring about the game pretty quick. I just wanted to hang out with Yukiya and Miku every week. It's been forever since a romance made me grin like an idiot this consistently. There were scenes where I was straight-up blushing with them. If anime could give you diabetes, this one would be the culprit. The setup is simple: childhood friends playing a dumb first to blush lose game since middle school. It could've gotten old fast, but they kept finding new ways to twist it, and the way the two of them slowly crack just hits different. Yukiya might be one of m…

Read at the source

oceansummertime

I just finished watching this anime and somehow it made me imagine what it would feel like to fall in love during high school.. something i never got to experience myself. It gave me such a warm and bittersweet feeling Yukiya and Miku are honestly one of the cutest couples ever. I couldnt stop smiling whenever they were together. Their chemistry is so adorable and i found myself rooting for them the entire time. I really want to see them get married and have kids someday I honestly wouldnt mind watching another season thats just abt their everyday life as a married couple. I’d happily watch them being all lovey-dovey, teasing each other, and just enjoying their life together. I feel like i’d never get tired of them haha I had such a great time watching this anime and now i already miss…

Read at the source

kiyo_seibah

The premise wasn't something unique or not seen before. And tbh I don't expect anything from this anime. But quite surprisingly, i enjoyed it. The whole story sometimes a bit annoying, sometimes so wholesome. It starts to getting boring midway, but after the "pocky game" happened, things changed. For story, i don't find something so extraordinary nor bad. But for this anime, i really really want to appreciate the production. The graphics are so nice. The color grading and art style reminds me of peak 2014-2020 romance anime. And oh gosh the scoring are sooo beautiful, well made, and fitted so much. The opening too, really nice. Overall pretty enjoyable, but the biggest plus coming from the production. The story? Just decent.

Read at the source

steincs

"Nice try" is the first thing I thought after finishing this anime. It starts slow, really slow, and show nothing that any other romance anime haven't done yet. Still, it is not bad enough to justify dropping it, therefore, I kept watching and did not regret my decision. Around episode 10 or so the plot shifts gears and start picking up pace. What felt like useless scenes and wasted time at the beginning suddenly turned into actual good and engaging moments at the tail end of this season. The supporting cast does little and gets almost no attention whatsoever, so you barely care about anything that does not involve Yukiya or Miku in those 12 episodes. Luckily, they're almost omnipresent, but still, sometimes you wonder why some dialogues even took place. If you're okay with grinding th…

Read at the source

Basherj

This anime is a cute rom-com between two teens that have been friends since childhood. The game they play goes on and on to neg each other and it always works because they "secretly" love each other and have for a long time. It is filled with corny attempts to win and both characters getting flustered however, this show actually does advance the love story along little by little which is good. You can clearly feel the tension building throughout the season but it all comes to a "nice" and very even-keeled resolution. I guess I was expecting something a little more in your face considering all of the corny antics they try to pull on each other. Regardless, this felt like a run of the mill "will they, won't they" high school rom-com where they don't know how to express their feelings becaus…

Read at the source

Chuy_diazz

We could be looking at one of the best romances this decade has given us. Aishiteru has a fairly simple premise: "Characters who like each other but want the other to admit it first." To do this, they have the "I Love You Game," where the first to get emotional upon hearing "I love you" and admit it will be the loser. It's a simple, straightforward, overused, and, more than anything, limited premise. Just hearing it makes you think it will be just another run-of-the-mill anime. Repetitive, lacking originality, something to fill the season. The first few episodes are well-constructed. They introduce the protagonists, show how close and trusting they are, and how the game works. The first few episodes are a fairly standard story, with the same strategies and games we've seen in similar ani…

Read at the source

Sy_kiaaa

I don't think this anime is bad, it's relatable to today's times. Starting from the cringe, the insecurities, and so on. It's relatable in today's times, right? I think it's natural that some people hope this is similar to "Kaguya-sama." BUT THIS IS DIFFERENT The only thing they're similar about is being shy about expressing their feelings. In my opinion, Kaguya-sama wins in terms of comedy and story writing. While this anime wins in terms of relatability. But yeah, I can't ignore the quality of the animation in this anime. Sometimes it's just background images or CGI animation. At least it's still enjoyable.

Read at the source

Natsuki478

Fixing other misleading review to save you reader some time, IT IS NOT THE SAME AS KAGUYA LOVE IS WAR. It should be in a new category called romcorny or romridiculous I’ve seen pretty much most of modern day romcom and a lot of show starting way back from 2010 ish, I normally don’t leave review but I will here because I was misled by review that recommend for those who liked kaguya love is war, so I will say this 80% of kaguya fan will absolutely hate this and find it very hard to watch, only 20% would find it watchable, First thing first the story and everything involve : when you think of romcom, it gonna be a bit corny but also funny, but most of the time it just a little corny but the comedy usually save it and people usually recover from the corny part with that BUT THIS SHOW is…

Read at the source

Similar anime