High Score Girl, which underwent a lengthy process before being adapted into an anime, was finally released in 2017 to critical acclaim. Based on '90s arcade games, it's a beloved work for gamers, featuring a variety of games. But it also boasts heart-warming romance scenes between the protagonist Haruo and two heroines. We've compiled a ranking of these memorable scenes!
[High Score Girl II] Romance Scene Ranking #8: "Exchanging Gifts Just the Two of Us"
During his junior high school years, Hidaka is invited to a Christmas party by a classmate on the eve of winter break. Hidaka, not particularly fond of such events, was reluctant to attend, but when he found out that Haruo was also attending the Christmas party, he decided to join in. As he was leaving the house with a gift to exchange, he spotted Haruo intently playing a game at the game arcade in front of Hidaka's house.
The Inside is a Game Master
When Haruo finds out that Hidaka's father has received the new game, Super Street Fighter II, he no longer has time for the Christmas party. In the end, the two of them don't attend the Christmas party, and Hidaka watches Haruo play from behind, enjoying the experience. At Hidaka's suggestion, they end up exchanging gifts just the two of them.
The Unwavering Man
Hidaka's blushing face after exchanging gifts is incredibly cute, as he tries to join the Christmas party because Haruo is coming. It's a typical scene of the unwavering Haruo who ultimately prioritizes gaming over parties.
[High Score Girl II] Romance Scene Ranking #7: "Even at the Amusement Park, Games Are Important"
Haruo is invited to the amusement park by his classmates, but he can't keep up with the atmosphere of the group and it seems like something terrible is about to happen, so he escapes to the slightly worn-down arcade that's typical of amusement parks.
Two People Who Can't Get Along
Oono, who had also fled to the game corner like Haruo, was there. The two, similar to each other but unable to keep up with the "everyone-together" vibe, somehow managed to have a good time playing Final Fight and shooting games. Feeling concerned about Ohno's preoccupation, Haruo also tried out the rides at the amusement park, and the two ended up having a good time.
Tired and Sleeping
Haruo initially thought Ohno was his sworn enemy, but he was considerate of her after learning that she was dealing with all sorts of issues. I also think the scene where Ohno falls asleep from exhaustion is a cute and lovely one.
[High Score Girl II] Romance Scene Ranking #6: "In the Same World as Ohno"
Haruo's final summer vacation of middle school is coming to an end, and he has little time left to play games with Ohno. Still, spending time at the arcade with Ohno is fun and exciting for him. He begins to want to continue being with Ohno, and recklessly tries to apply to the same high school Ohno is applying to.
Haruo, do your best!
For Haruo, addicted to gaming, studying for entrance exams becomes a battle against his desire to play games. Even so, Haruo gives up his beloved arcades and console games and becomes more devoted to his studies, surprising those around him. Meanwhile, Ohno feels lonely that Haruo no longer comes to the arcade.
The Fateful Day
On the day of the exam, thanks to Uncle's arrangement, Haruo heads to the same exam venue as Ohno. He tells him that he wants to watch the evolution of video games together with Ohno, and that he's taking the exam at the same high school Ohno is applying to, and that he's been putting his gaming away for that reason. It's a touching scene as the two shyly hold hands. But then a shocking turn of events unfolds...
[High Score Girl II] Romance Scene Ranking #5: "The Fateful Showdown"
Haruo and Ohno face off in the finals of a Street Fighter II tournament held during a school trip. The two continue to fight back and forth, but in the end, Haruo emerges victorious. However, immediately after Haruo is presented with his award, it is discovered that none of the punch buttons on Ohno's machine work.
Overtime Begins
Haruo's pride as a gamer is hurt, so he immediately chases after Ohno and berates him for tarnishing the serious game. However, Ohno, enraged by Haruo's call to him "a thorn in his side," also enters into a real fight. Haruo is beaten to a pulp, but when Ohno tells him that he's been looking forward to Ohno's return, he stops punching him and realizes that Haruo is still treasuring the prize he gave Ohno in the past.
Maybe I went too far
After that, Ohno calms down completely. After the fight, he goes to the bathhouse and changes into the shirt he won as a prize. The two then head back to their accommodation for the school trip. It's cute to see Ohno calm down so much after the fight. It's also cute to see Ohno later regretting his excessive punching.
[High Score Girl II] Romance Scene Ranking #4: "Left Behind on the School Trip"
Haruo is on his way to Kyoto on a school trip by Shinkansen. While running an errand for his teacher, he gets flustered and misses the train. Hidaka comes running to him out of concern, leaving him and Haruo behind. Hidaka is upset, but Haruo, who has always been adversity-savvy, is unconcerned. Learning that the local trains are unavailable due to an accident, the two decide to travel by bus, traveling around Lake Biwa, to Kyoto.
Like a Date
On the way, Haruo spots a game arcade and becomes completely absorbed in playing games, forgetting that he's on a school trip. Although Hidaka is confused, he also enjoys spending time alone with Haruo. Thinking it's like a date, Hidaka wants to take this opportunity to ask about Haruo and Ohno's relationship, but the hurdle is a bit too high and he ends up not asking.
One-way?
A sudden mishap turns it into a date, and in contrast to Hidaka's attention to Haruo, Haruo is completely focused on the game. It was a truly adorable scene, showing just how cute Hidaka is.
[High Score Girl II] Romance Scene Ranking #3: "Revenge Match with Hidaka"
Hidaka confesses his feelings to Haruo, and in exchange for a rematch, he offers to step aside quietly if he loses, but if he wins, he'll go out with him! This is a complete surprise to Haruo, and he's confused, but he makes up his mind to settle things with Hidaka.
Losing is disappointing
After three fierce matches, the two teams came down to one-on-one in the final, where Haruo emerged victorious with a last-ditch effort and an EX Kien Slash. Both teams gave it their all, but Hidaka, who lost both the match and love, was so frustrated he cried and patted Haruo.
Phobos' Blessing
Still, Hidaka, filled with regret for losing in a serious contest after all his efforts, was ultimately unable to give up on either side. The scene in which Phobos congratulates Hidaka is memorable. But it's also a little sad.
[High Score Girl II] Romance Scene Ranking #2: "Haruo Takes Refuge in Runaway Ohno"
Ohno's upbringing becomes increasingly harsh, with even a little free time not allowed. Reaching his limit, Ohno runs away from home without a penny. Upon hearing this from his uncle, Haruo travels everywhere in search of Ohno. He encounters all sorts of temptations along the way, and his journey often deviates. However, he eventually finds Ohno, guided by Guile and Dhalsim.
With Ohno's Help
Haruo finds Ohno safely and tries to take him home, but he headbutts him and before he can get anywhere, he misses the last train. With the help of Haruo's mother, Haruo and Ohno end up staying at a business hotel together. Seeing Ohno's situation, Haruo wants to help him in some way.
Make a funny face to cover it up
The next day, as Ohno leaves the hotel, he notices a recently opened photo booth. Ohno wants to try it, so Haruo reluctantly joins him in the photo booth. Feeling embarrassed, he makes a funny face to cover it up. Ohno then headbutts him, and the moment is captured on camera. The lack of closure at the end is a typical Haruo-esque scene.
[High Score Girl II] #1 Romance Scene Ranking: "Goodbye Ohno"
As an elementary school student, Haruo initially viewed Ohno as an enemy who disturbed his sanctuary. But eventually, he began to see him as a comrade who shared the same values as him. However, he was shocked when he soon found out Ohno was going abroad.
Is that all you feel?
The day arrives when Ohno departs for overseas without even a proper farewell. Haruo still doesn't know what to do. However, it's his partner, Guile, who sends a sonic boom through Haruo's back. Pushed by Guile and the others, Haruo runs to the airport where Ohno is about to depart.
For the Day That Will Come
Haruo arrives at the airport just in time for Ohno's departure. He expresses his regret that he won't be able to see the evolving gaming industry with Ohno. Since he couldn't buy anything due to budget constraints, he gives him a toy ring he'd previously won with a Gashadokuro. Ohno then bursts into tears. Seeing Ohno depart with a crumpled face, Haruo decides to strive to compete on equal terms with Ohno without resorting to throwing traps or waiting.
[High Score Girl II] Ranking of Heart-Pounding Romance Scenes
We've ranked the most heart-melting scenes from High Score Girl. High Score Girl is complete, and the final scene of the final episode is also incredibly heart-pounding, but we've left it out this time to avoid spoilers before it airs! It's a fitting final scene, so be sure to check it out for yourself!
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