The King's Avatar (2019)

One Word: VISUALS

Edit: I finished this a while ago and my thoughts remain the same!

Ok, so I’m actually still in the beginning of this drama as I have watched only about 1/4 of it, but I already have some thoughts that I figured would be worth sharing.
•So far this is definitely ranking up pretty high on my drama list. Love the concept, love the acting, love the graphics. Don’t have any complaints!
•I read some ppl were saying Yang Yang doesn’t fit his role here or that he’s the same as in Love 020 and I’m just like excuse me??? This feels like a whole new and fun side to him that only makes me love him even more!
•Lastly... omg the visuals! Everything and everyone is such an eye candy! From the graphics to the actors I am in awe during every episode I’ve seen so far!

Leia Mais

A GOOD ESPORTS DRAMA TO WATCH

This drama is so good to watch! The graphics and the acting made it so good. Throughout the drama, Ye Qiu recruits people to be part of his team. His character and the way he looks at things is very inspirational, as he always never gives up, despite the circumstances looking bleak. It is super motivational to watch.

There isn't a lot of romance but the whole drama does keep me hooked, even without the romance side of things. I really love to watch romance dramas; even though this doesn't have much romance, hopefully the second one does. This drama is something that I recommend people to watch. It goes back and forth in terms of the game and the real world. The characters' faces in the game really looks like the people.

Leia Mais

the king's avatar is very different with yangyang's other drama love o2o and i think it's better from the story, acting, cinematography. the story is slightly different with novel (background story character) but i like it. i also like the opening song, it looks like anime ost. i also like the song when yexiu found his weapon umbrella, it's very touching. I can watch it many times without bored. this drama is very recommended.

Objectively, Yang Yang deserves an applause for immersing to an interestingly-woven role. Because it's really hard to give distinction to how he suits up as Ye Xiu and his in-game character Lord Grim. Capturing Ye Xiu's intellect, humor, bluntness and conviction, while flashing those adorable smirks was just a done deal.

The storytelling of The King's Avatar is a gift. Every nuance of the hero's emotions was captured in an engaging tone that is graspable even by E-sports newbies like me. The friendship stories and all those celebrations from the game victories tacitly remind us of how it is to find happiness in the small things. Moreover, Ye Xiu's inspiring persistence pushes the importance of not giving up on your personal dreams. These and more have created a binding link to its viewers.

So far, the drama has capitalized on its underdog theme while strictly following the flow of the original content. Therefore, cheering for the multifaceted hero to claim the redemption he deserves.

Little by little, getting accustomed to dungeon clearing, arena battles, levelling up sessions, becomes a natural thing to do once you have become immersed in the world of Glory. The E-sports game has layered the vibrancy of The King's Avatar's projected fictional place. A great deal of hard work to present Glory is evident from the visual effects team. That's another reason for this series to get the appreciation it deserves.

Halfway through the series, differences from the novel presentation is evident. We don't see Ye Xiu with a cigarette stick yet. But that's actually for the benefit of the young audience I think. When watching something that you read, it is normal to have varying imaginations. Character-wise, I am happy that so far the characters, especially my favorite blabbermouth Huang Shaotian (Jiang Long), were all justified.

When Maggie Jiang Shuying, who portrays Chen Guo finally learns of Ye Xiu's identity, her fangirl moments were just utterly cute looking back at how she used to bicker carelessly with her idol. Her zesty character blends well with Li Muchen's Tang Rou, who has been consistent with her determined and stubborn personality.

Inevitably forming the quirky Team Happy are Lai Yumeng's Su Mu Cheng, and Lai Yi's
Bao Rongxing. Rounding up Ye Xiu's support team are Fan Jinwei's Xiao Yi Fan and Sun Ning's Luo Ji.

Swiftly moving, Ye Xiu's adventure highlights have been contrived efficiently with enough room for the second half stretch of the story. From first kill to dungeon records, the ambitious shift to real and game worlds has fully recreated the game character skills that were once only described in words into reality.

Traversing the selling guide arc, All-Star weekend, Happy Guild establishment, Ye Xiu's entrance to Heavenly Domain and the participation to the relegation tournament to enter the PRO-league - the future episodes are strengthening the road to realizing Ye Xiu's dream.

Leia Mais

I loved it!

I loved the graphics!

The game play. The relationships, which weren't about romance at all, but about friendship.

I loved how the game characters looked like the actors that played them so that we as the audience knew who was who. I really enjoyed the game play. It reminded me a little of LoveO2O but it was far superior (because it was actually animated and seemed more like gameplay interaction than liveaction).

I know there's supposed to be a romantic undercurrent between Ye Xiu and Su Mucheng, but it's not at all apparent in the show. You wouldn't think they were anything other than really good friends.

I wish there was more! I loved the actors in this show as well: Leon Lai, Jiang Long, Sun Ning, Li Jun Chen, Kido Gao (oh gosh, this man is so good looking with glasses)!

From the storyline to the motivation to the way Ye Xiu overcomes everything, recruits everyone, builds a family. Its all so great. I love this show so much. If it wasn't so gosh darn long I'd watch it again. I definitely wanna watch the anime now.

Leia Mais

What fresh hell is this?

Yang Yang's acting is mainly him keeping a straight face or speaking with his mouth barely open while standing around looking like a god who was benevolent enough to let the viewer gaze upon his chiseled jawline. But that only works in a romantic drama not one where he alone has 80-90% screentime that's supposed to serve as a bridge that brings the other characters in line. Look, I know he has an insane number of fans who will no doubt rave about his dramas despite the fact that his performance was mediocre at best. However, what he does have going for him is that Tom Cruise-like face and height which will probably keep him on the idol pedastal for a long while. So, really, no one will ever complain because he brings in the money and keeps the womenfolk (and men) happy with his face alone.

Naturally, the story sucked but I can see why and how it appeals to men because it has minimal romance and plenty of games, so, I guess that's all that matters.

Leia Mais

One of the reasons I love this drama is because of the story. But given it's a novel and an anime series, you have to give credit to the writers of those mediums first but also recognise that whomever wrote these screenplays did extremely well. Then add the visual effects employed to be able to represent in-game play and character/actor representation in the game and it turns into a drama that's a feast for the eyes.

The effects were amazing, and the main characters/actors were awesome. You hated the villains and rooted for the good guys. There was also some character development thrown in there for good measure but it wasn't every bad guy that turned their back on the dark side nor every good person that got better. Everything had a reason.

In terms of the 'My Drama List' ratings, I should have scored this a 9.5 because I put the rewatch value at 8 and the only reason for doing that is it's 40 episodes long. They're all good as collectively, they make a great show but for me, some episodes are better than others. Personally, episodes with Jiang Long as Huang Shaotian were my favourites as his character is hilarious, and for evidence of this, I direct you to episode 10.

Episode 10 is a favourite for lots of reasons but that is one whereby more than 50% of it, the viewer is following players in the game and it showcases everything that is good about this show as per the above (great VFX, my favourite characters) as well as the beginnings of lots of the relationships that are needed to build out the story.

The whole show actually introduced me to online role playing games as well as e-sports as a medium and this show did a great job of representing the industry although, if I'm honest, the anime did better but this is only important, if like me, you liked the premise and plot of the story as much as I did.

I could say more, but if you haven't seen it... Don't delay and do it now. You won't be disappointed.

Leia Mais

Fresh, entertaining, and glory !

Three key words I think could describe the King's Avatar : Fresh, Entertaining and Glory!

The sory is original, unique and modern. It is also very well written, from the begining to the end. I truly enjoy the idea of a top egamer being forced to leave his company and being/working on his own. I also appreciate the fact it also portrays other aspects of life and values which are not to be forgotten like family (near the end with the grandpa it made me cry so much), friendship, goals, and also what I find interesting the topic of age gap.
The actors and actresses did a very good job. The main actor Yang Yang did a brilliant job ! I truly appreciate his acting in this drama !
The music is also great, honestly the OSTs are superb it attracts me where it want to attract me!

Overall, I highly recommand this drama, at least for its originality (the story), for its acting (mostly for the main actor I promise you will not be disappointed by him), for its values, for its music! I am re-watching it for the second time, I can't get over this, it is super good!

Leia Mais

A well-crafted masterpiece that delivers a powerful message, keep fighting never give up! 10/10

What a triumph this was, I don’t think I have ever seen such perfection before in all forms: production, story, cast, music, CGI bam bam bam all integrated into a consistent coherent and powerful story. I stumbled upon this one by accident and thought I’d give it a go. I was not expecting it to be this good, it exceeded my expectations a hundred times over and I can see why so many people have fallen in love with this. I actually can’t fault it and am so impressed by how well-crafted the drama is and how much thought was given into every scene, every battle, every game and strategy, the timing, balance between light and heavy, character contrast and dynamics. Watching online gaming may not be your thing (it’s not mine), but The King’s Avatar immerses you into the world of Glory and makes you never want to leave it again.

Story
I wasn’t all too familiar with the background of this (this live-action being based on a novel and anime), but no matter, I found myself drawn in immediately from the first gaming scene. We follow Ye Xiu’s rise and fall in the professional e-sports arena, and his journey to forming his own Xing Xin team, meeting a lovable and unique bunch of fellow Glory enthusiasts. The story arc was beautifully done and was very consistent (you may feel it drag in some places, but please just stick it out and keep watching, it’s worth it). From beginning to end, the story, the plot and the message was there and strongly delivered.
There is no romance in this, but it doesn’t need it at all. It purely focuses on commaraderie, friendship, never giving up despite when all odds are against you, believing in yourself and your ability, it’s okay to make mistakes we’re only human, the value of teamwork and every good thing we can all learn a thing or two from.
The production, the online gaming component was all spot on. And also the script was so smooth, all the conversations had double meanings within in them and were deep and complex.

Acting/Cast
You know what, I was pleasantly surprised by Yang Yang’s performance. From Love020, I thought he was just a pretty face and acting subpar. But boy was I impressed. He was the perfect cast for Ye Xiu and I commend his acting ability. He embodied Ye Xiu’s character so well, I didn’t feel like he was acting, it felt so real and fit him so well. He was able to bring out Ye Xiu’s cheeky side yet tad arrogant self, serious gaming face, and the feelings of hopelessness, loss and triumph simultaneously.
As for Maggie Jiang’s character Chen Guo, I can totally understand the comments on her looking older and also being annoying at times. In the first few episodes we see her, she does come off as clingy, hot tempered for no reason and annoying and also later on, making foolish and stupid mistakes. She wasn’t my favourite character, but I appreciate her persistence and positivity and her belief in the team.
The whole team’s acting was spot on and I couldn’t fault anyone’s performance. Everyone did their character justice and I loved seeing the team dynamics and interactions. For those burning for romance, you can maybe see a very subtle romantic undercurrent between Ye Xiu and Su MuCheng. And I loved seeing them to be able to help each other and comfort each other during tough or sad times, they were always there for each other.

Music 100% on point again and fit in so nicely with the whole production. Listening to the OST on repeat.

Rewatch value 10 again. After just finishing it, I’m already going back to the beginning and rewatching it again. I am pining for Season 2, please come out soon!

I just want to stress again, of all the Chinese dramas I’ve seen, this is by far the best thing I’ve watched. Pure glory in every form. Every scene had a message or meaning behind it, everything fit in so well and I was on the edge of my seat gunning for team Xing Xin. I felt everything Ye Xiu felt and was with him every step of the way. Do yourself a favour and watch this drama now. Keen to hear your thoughts as always! xx



Ponderings and Musings *SPOILERS*
- Why didn’t Ye Xiu ask Qiu Fei to join his team if he was his apprentice from before?
- Please explain why they put up Lu Ji and Chen Guo up to play despite them having zero skills
- If I’m nitpicking, I would have loved to see more vulnerability and character development in Ye Xiu’s character. He was able to help out so many other people in different and unique ways. I wanted him to rely on his team a bit more and just show a little bit more of his vulnerable side. He is not always invincible and that’s okay.
- The brother thing was a bit weird, I know they were trying to stick with the original content
- The final battles got a bit technical and I had trouble following every single move, had to rewatch it a couple of times. Appreciate the easter egg in episode 1, but would have preferred if they did a bit of reminding in the later episodes so we would be ready for it.
- Character development and growth. Would have of course loved to see more of this from each team member. But understand the nature of 40 episodes (felt so short, it went by so fast) and the fact they had so many people to introduce. I commend them for being able to break into a new character in around 3 episodes.

Leia Mais

Let's go team!

It has been a year since I watched this drama, and I still have very positive feelings about it, which convinced me to finally write a review. I'm not sure why it took me so long to finish this drama. At the time, I think I was distracted with other shows. Once I finally dug in, I couldn't stop! If you love shows about friendships and teamwork this show is for you! If you love gaming, with the aforementioned, then move this up your watchlist!

I really loved how Team Happy became a unit, the gameplay in the show was incredible, and no romance was ok! Even though handsome Yang Yang is the lead, it was nice to see him not play the ideal boyfriend, but instead a leader who finds himself struggling after getting kicked out of the league. His team of "misfits" were a perfect challenge and the resulting camaraderie was infectious.

Season 2 -- I really hope the entire cast returns with Yang Yang. It won't be the same without them.

Leia Mais