Anime "High Score Girl" ROUND 13-15, new characters revealed! Comments from 16 cast members!

The OVA "HIGHSCORE GIRL" ROUND 13-15, which will be distributed on Netflix and released on Blu-ray/DVD on March 20 (Wed.), will feature guest characters and cast information.

HIGHSCORE GIRL" is a popular comic series written by Rensuke Oshikiri and serialized in the monthly magazine "BIG GANGAN" (published by Square Enix). The story takes place in a video arcade during the heyday of 2D fighting games such as "Street Fighter II" in the 1990s, and depicts the interaction between Haruo Yaguchi, a main character whose only talent is video games, and his classmate Akira Ohno, a rich young lady with excellent grades. The anime adaptation was announced in 2013, but was put on hold until it was successfully "relaunched" as a TV anime with the cooperation of various game companies.

The six new characters/guest characters are Shiori Izawa as Nikotama-chan, Kenta Miyake as Zangief, Kenichi Suzumura as Takadanobaba Sagat, Takuatsu Terashima as Oimachi Orbus, Junichi Suwabe as Kuhonbutsu Blanca, and Kensho Ono as Tamagawa Gakuenmae Sasquatch. In addition to this, character setting pictures of Nikotama-chan, Takadanobaba Sagat, Oimachi Orbus, and Kuhonbutsu Blanca were also revealed.

And prior to the distribution & release of ROUND13-15, 16 cast comments have arrived, in which they talked about the highlights of ROUND13-15. The full text of the cast comments can be found on the official anime website, so be sure to check it out.

New Character/Guest Character Setup Pictures

Cast Comments】 【Cast Comments

--Please tell us about the highlights and recommendations for ROUND13 to 15.

One of the highlights is the duel scene between Koharu and Haruo.
Usually, Haruo's feelings are depicted in monologue in the game, but here, Koharu's feelings are fully depicted.
I love this scene because it shows the strength of Koharu's feelings.
The other character that really comes into play is Makoto, Akira's older sister!
Makoto is also a very good character, and Ms. Akasaki, who plays her, fits my image of her perfectly.
There are also a lot of new characters in the cast, so I hope you are looking forward to them! The recording was a lot of fun!

--Please tell us about the highlights and recommendations for ROUND13 to 15.

I was so excited to see the end. There are also new characters with strong personalities, a touching scene with Haruo's mother, and most importantly, Koharu's love life...! What will happen to the relationship between Haruo and Akira...! You can't take your eyes off any of the rounds! Enjoy!

--What are the highlights and recommendations for ROUNDs 13-15?

Haruo and Akira will be quite nice! In the midst of all this, Koharu is doing quite well!
Koharu has been working hard by herself up until now, so having someone around her to cheer her on made me quite happy and dependable during the recording sessions.
I remember I was very happy and confident during the postrecordings.
I hope you will watch it!

--What memories do you have from the postrecording sessions?

We always talked about games during the waiting time at the recording studio. Many of the cast members were video game enthusiasts, and we had a lot of fun talking about the video games of our childhood! I used to play games a lot as a child myself, but there were many deep gamers and I was just amazed by everyone's stories. ...... I was especially moved by Shizuka Ito's story!
Real High Score Girl!

--You participated as a guest character in ROUND 13-15, was there anything memorable about the recording sessions? Also, what kind of conversations did you have with the cast members at the recording studio?

I was very excited and enjoyed the postrecording because Nikotama-chan's fellow cast members were all eminent. I remember how interesting and exciting it was that all the cast members, including myself, were wearing glasses and watches made by the same manufacturer. I also enjoyed talking about games with the senior cast members.

-What memories do you have of the postrecording throughout the whole process?

The full-power monologue by Kohei Amasaki as Haruo was always a highlight.
I was impressed that he always brought more soda water than he could drink for some reason.
I was impressed that he was taking all possible measures.

--Please tell us about any memories you have of the postrecording sessions throughout the entire production.

I could clearly feel the excitement of the staff and cast members, especially the older men of the same generation. I felt that these people were probably more like boys and girls when they were doing the postrecording than those of us in our 20s and teens (laugh).
(laughs) We also learned something new, and it was a very precious time for us because it is a sight that is not often seen.

--Please tell us about your favorite episodes or scenes from ROUND 1 to 12.

I can't help but think of it from Namie's point of view, but the part where Haruo started to devote himself to studying for the entrance exam was unique! And, I thought it was cool! I thought it was cool.
Haruo is in Jiya's car on his way to the exam site, talking to Akira about his thoughts and feelings...isn't he just the best?
Oh...Mom, Haruo is so cool, I can't stop my nose from bleeding...

--What is your favorite episode or scene from ROUND 1 to 12?

ROUND2 is my favorite.
Ohno-chan is so cute when she goes to visit him and gets into the game.
The gasha-doro date is a page from my youth...!
I think it is a good episode where Haruo's casual Han-ness shines through.

--Please tell us about your favorite episodes or scenes from ROUND 1 to 12.

I love Jiya's heart that always keeps thinking about the young lady throughout the whole episode.
There are not so many servants like him nowadays.
He is like an Edo period (1603-1867) house servant.

--What are the highlights and recommendations for ROUND13-15?

Both new characters and guests are greasy. However, Haruo and the others are not defeated by it.
I want you to feel various things in a moment of small foot.

--Did you go to game arcades when you were a student (or now)? Do you have any memories about game arcades?

When I was in high school, there was a Virtua Fighter cabinet in a used bookstore in my neighborhood, and I often went there with my friends. I often watched my friends play, and when they got too passionate about playing and lost a battle, they would try to take it out on the machine.

--You participated as a guest character in ROUND 13 to 15. Is there anything that you remember from the postrecording? Also, what kind of conversations did you have with the cast members at the recording studio?

I was very happy to be invited suddenly as a guest. Moreover, the members knew each other so well that I felt comfortable as if we were regulars. They asked me to make the performance of the Mizonokuchi group, the Takadanobaba Sagats, "cool for nothing" (laugh). I remember it because I was going to the arcade in Mizonokuchi at the same time as that worldview, and there were indeed many dramatic people who talked coolly (laugh).

--You participated as a guest character in ROUND 13-15. Is there anything you remember from the recording sessions? Also, what kind of conversations did you have with the cast members at the recording sessions?

I was listening to everyone's arcade memories.
It was interesting to hear how everyone had different times of getting into arcade games and different titles, but they all had some memories in common.

--Did you go to a game arcade when you were a student (or now)? Do you have any memories about game arcades?

When I was in college, I worked part-time at a game center for about two years. It was right around the time "Street Fighter II" was released. I have good memories of playing free-play games after closing time until the morning, and holding tournaments at the store after they introduced the Megalo 50 cabinet.

--You participated as a guest character in ROUND 13 to 15. Is there anything that you remember from the recording sessions? Also, what kind of conversations did you have with the cast members at the recording sessions?

What a name! but when Mr. Suzumura told me that everyone used to play it in the arcade under this name, I was convinced. I never had a chance to go to the arcade, so I just listened to Suzumura-san and Suwabe-san getting excited. LOL!

BD & DVD information
■High Score Girl STAGE 1 ＜First Edition＞ (Blu-ray/DVD)
Release date: Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Price: 12,800 yen + tax
Number of episodes: 4 episodes (ROUND 1-4)
<First edition special features
Original soundtrack CD composed by Yoko Shimomura
A collection of original soundtrack songs by legendary composer Yoko Shimomura, known for her work on Street Fighter II!
All songs are recorded in full size!
High Score Girl - Urugi Daigyorin - STAGE 1 (60 pages including cover and back cover)
Gorgeous booklet explaining the behind-the-scenes of the anime!
The booklet is packed with introductions to the games that appear in the anime, special interviews, and more!
STAGE 1 includes a special interview with former Gamestop editor-in-chief Zenji Ishii!
＜Product Specifications
Video Benefits
Video extras HIGHSCORE GIRL gameplay video (with staff commentary) Part 1
Commentary game players: Ikeda Minorock, TMF, TZW, Leshio
Making program "Project H - Close contact! Behind the Scenes of Animation Production" Complete Version
Game collaboration CM #1-4
Video messages of support from professional gamers Daigo Umehara and Zangief Itabashi
Non-merit OP & ED
Audio bonus
Audio Commentary
ROUND 3: Kohei Amasaki (Haruo Yaguchi) & Sayumi Suzushiro (Akira Ohno) & Hiroki Yasumoto (Mr. Guile) ROUND 4: Kohei Amasaki (Haruo Yaguchi) & Yuki Hirose (Koharu Hidaka) & Taketora (Koharu's father)

■High Score Girl STAGE 2 <First Edition> (Blu-ray/DVD)
Release date: January 30, 2019 (Wednesday)
Price: 12,800 yen + tax
Number of episodes: 4 episodes (ROUND 5-8)
<First Edition Special Features
Complete reproduction! Doi's teeth T-shirt
A complete reproduction of the impressive "tooth" T-shirt worn by Haruo and his classmate Genta Doi in the film!
Printed from the actual text data of the film! (Size L)
High Score Girl - Urugi Daigirin - STAGE 2
Gorgeous booklet explaining the behind-the-scenes of the anime! Full of games that appear in the anime, special interviews, and more!
The booklet is packed full of volume, including an introduction to the games that appear in the anime, special interviews, and more! Capcom's producer Motohide Eshiro (a member of the STO II development staff at the time) and Tomoaki Ayano
Included is a special interview with Capcom producer Motohide Eshiro (a member of the Strike II development staff at the time) and Tomoaki Aya (current Street Fighter series PR producer)!
＜Product Specifications
Newly illustrated anime jacket
Video bonus
Actual recordings! HIGHSCORE GIRL gameplay video (with staff commentary) Part 2
Commentary game players: Ikeda Minorock, TMF, TZW
Variety program featuring voice actors and professional gamers "Let's Play in the Arcade! Complete Version Part 1
Cast: Kohei Amasaki (Haruo Yaguchi), Sayumi Suzushiro (Akira Ohno), Yuki Hirose (Koharu Hidaka)
Itabashi Zangief (professional gamer)
Game collaboration CM #5-8
PV & CM collection
Audio Benefits
Audio Commentary
ROUND 5: Hiroki Yasumoto (playing Mr. Guile) & Yuichi Nakamura (playing Dr. Numata)
ROUND 7: Satomi Arai (playing Namie Yaguchi) & Shizuka Ito (playing Moemi Nigita)
& Kana Ueda (Playing the role of Ms. Tono)

HIGH SCORE GIRL STAGE 3 <First Edition> (Blu-ray/DVD)
Release date: February 27, 2019 (Wednesday)
Price: 12,800 yen + tax
Number of episodes: 4 episodes (ROUND 9-12)
<First-run special bonus
Ohno Akira Diamond Mini Blocks
You can have Akira Ohno as a dot (block).
High Score Girl - Urugi Daigirin - STAGE 3
Gorgeous booklet explaining the behind-the-scenes of the anime! The booklet is packed with information on the games that appear in the main anime, the cast, and interviews with the staff!
The booklet is packed full of information about the games that appear in the anime, as well as interviews with the cast and staff!
STAGE 3 includes a special interview with professional gamer Daigo Umehara!
＜Product Specifications
Newly illustrated anime jacket
Video extras
Video extras HIGHSCORE GIRL gameplay videos (with staff commentary) Part 3
Variety program featuring voice actors and professional gamers "Let's Play in the Arcade! Complete Version Part 2
Cast: Kohei Amasaki (Haruo Yaguchi), Sayumi Suzushiro (Akira Ohno)
Yuuki Hirose (Playing the role of Koharu Hidaka), Kana Ueda (Playing the role of Mr. Tono)
Game collaboration CM #9-12
Audio bonus
Audio commentary by the splendid cast members
ROUND 10: Kohei Amasaki (Haruo Yaguchi) & Kazuyuki Okitsu (Kotaro Miyao)
& Daiki Yamashita (played by Genta Doi)
ROUND 12: Kohei Amasaki (Haruo Yaguchi) & Sayumi Suzushiro (Akira Ohno)
& Yuki Hirose (Playing the role of Koharu Hidaka)

■HIGH SCORE GIRL EXTRA STAGE <first spec. edition>.
2019.3.20 ON SALE (Simultaneous release with Netflix distribution)
Included episodes: ROUND 13～ ROUND 15
Blu-ray/DVD: ¥9,800 + tax
First edition special features
Original manga by Rensuke Oshikiri (8 pages)
Completely new original episode manga drawn by the original author, Rensuke Oshikiri. Included in the booklet.
High Score Girl - Urugi Daigirin - EXTRA STAGE
Gorgeous booklet explaining the behind-the-scenes of the anime!
The booklet is packed with information on the games that appear in the anime, interviews with the staff and other people involved, and much more!
EXTRA STAGE includes a special interview with the original author, Rensuke Oshikiri.
Common specifications
Three-way BOX, Digipak specification
Jacket illustrated with new animation drawings.
Video benefits
Video special feature: Rensuke Oshikiri, the original author, and pro-gamer Flame's game showdown program.
(OPENREC distribution video, special edited version with newly shot discussion)
Video clip of HIGHSCORE GIRL gameplay! HIGHSCORE GIRL gameplay videos (with staff commentary) Part 4
EXTRA STAGE related PV collection
Non-drop Avant-garde & ED #15
Audio Benefits
Audio Commentary
ROUND 14: Kohei Amasaki (Haruo Yaguchi) & Yuki Hirose (Koharu Hidaka)
& Hiroki Yasumoto (Playing the role of Mr. Guile)

WEB Radio Information
WEB Radio "High Score Girl Dojo
Program: "HIGHSCORE GIRL DOJO" radio
Main Personality: Kohei Amasaki (played by Haruo Yaguchi)
Update: Irregular

What is "High Score Girl Dojo"?
It is a dojo where the appeal of the 90's arcade love comedy anime "High Score Girl" is introduced, while learning about games in general, including the anime, games that appeared in the anime, and other games, as well as discussing the love of games.
Program URL http://hi-score-girl.com/special/radio.html
00th Personality: Kohei Amasaki
https://youtu.be/55VPEQY7JEw
Episode 01 Personality: Kohei Amasaki / Guest: Hiroki Yasumoto
https://youtu.be/30UbZiu7ec4
Episode 02 Personality: Kohei Amasaki / Guest: Hiroki Yasumoto
https://youtu.be/8f_C_e9R-8g
Episode 03 To be released soon!
Personality: Kohei Amasaki / Guest: Daiki Yamashita (tentative)

©Rensuke Oshikiri/SQUARE ENIX/High Score Girl Production Committee