Cross Game

Synopsis: In Cross Game, baseball was probably the furthest thing from Kitamura Kou’s mind. Aside from partaking in the occasional pickup game or two, Kou preferred to live a normal childhood, relaxing with his school friends and his neighbors, the Tsukishimas. One fateful summer, tragedy strikes. This event comes as an absolute shock, but it would serve as the catalyst that would awaken Kou’s desire to live out that person’s last dream: to see him and his group of friends reach the Koushien, the final stage of Japan’s national high school baseball tournament.

Cross Game’s Highlights

Episode one: Once you watch it, there’s no stopping.
Characters: Interactions are engaging, exhibiting great chemistry.
Soundtrack: Nakagawa Kotaro delivers an enjoyable, light-hearted score.
Pacing: The baseball games never feel like they drag on and on.

Cross Game Review

The fun, idyllic days that marked Cross Game‘s first episode seemed like they would last forever. Its disarming atmosphere teases you into thinking that the show is nothing more than a light-hearted, coming-of-age story. While the latter part remains true, it tosses a wrench in the works in the form of a tragedy. The absorbing backstory then reels us in hook, line and sinker. Turning away is no longer an option. We feel compelled to find out how the characters come to terms with the event as its effects continue to ripple within the narrative.

Cross Game isn’t a departure from the sports genre, but it sure executes the formula flawlessly. It features the usual group of gritty underdogs who toil and sweat, but are able to climb the ladder towards respectability. The story doesn’t waste time dwelling on the easy games. Seishuu’s results during difficult games are never tainted by fluke events. Bad things do happen once in a while, and when they do, the team is forced to roll with the punches. For example, when a star player falls ill the day before an important tournament game, the mangaka, Adachi Mitsuru, lets the chips fall where they may. No reprieve is granted. Better luck next time.

Despite the setbacks, the characters continue to persevere, and it’s during the course of baseball practice and non-game situations that these characters demonstrate their charm and cohesive chemistry. Cross Game boasts one of the more likable casts in recent memory. It derives a large part of its strength from their personalities that interact in a natural and genuine manner. Though there are too many great characters to count, the protagonist, Kitamura Kou, sets himself apart with his nonchalant demeanor and quiet self-assurance. Of the major characters, only Tsukishima Aoba feels somewhat static. She is marked by tsundere tendencies which eclipse her other personality traits, but makes up for that with her dedication to ensuring everyone can perform to their potential.

You can’t have a sports anime without a blossoming romance or two. With 50 episodes, there’s plenty of time for romances to fully develop alongside the baseball in Cross Game. I liked how the primary romantic focus slowly progresses. Oftentimes, people in love really don’t know what’s going on between them, and this trait is on display throughout the series. The point at which it comes to fruition is endearing, and when you take into account the tragic conundrum that functions as the major obstacle, makes the end result all the more fulfilling.

Through the highs and the lows, the show never falters, never loses its rhythm. All heart, Cross Game reveals the magic that can happen when every aspect of the show fits together just right, and in so doing, delivers a fantastic experience.

Final Score: Excellent