Young Ladies Don’t Play Fighting Games Vol 1 is one of those manga that comes out swinging—literally—and surprises you with how much heart it packs between the punches. At first glance, you might think it’s a typical high school comedy with an oddball premise, but by the time you finish the first volume, you’ll realize it’s a hilarious and sincere love letter to gaming culture, friendship, and the struggle to balance your passions with societal expectations.
The story follows Aya, a proper young lady at an elite girls’ academy where etiquette and refinement are the top priorities. But behind that polished facade, Aya harbors a secret obsession: competitive fighting games. And not just casual play—Aya is a hardcore arcade warrior who knows combos, frame data, and mind games better than she knows tea ceremony etiquette. Watching her try to maintain her perfect image while sneaking out to game centers is both laugh-out-loud funny and surprisingly relatable. Who hasn’t had a hobby they were a little embarrassed to show off in public?
The heart of the story really kicks in when Aya meets another student, Mio, who turns out to be a fighting game savant herself. Their shared love for the genre sparks an unlikely friendship—and rivalry—as they bond over joystick battles and epic matches. Their dynamic is electric: Aya is uptight and tries to hide her passion, while Mio is bold, brash, and completely unapologetic about her love for gaming. Together, they form an unstoppable duo that you can’t help but root for.
What’s especially charming about Vol 1 is how it treats fighting games not just as a hobby, but as a legitimate way for the characters to express themselves. There’s a genuine love for the genre in every match, every trash talk exchange, and every ridiculous in-game combo. Even if you’re not a huge fighting game fan, the energy and excitement of the matches are infectious, and you’ll probably learn a thing or two about the culture along the way.
The comedy is sharp, leaning into the absurdity of prim and proper girls brawling it out in virtual arenas. But it also has a sweet undercurrent about finding people who understand your passions. Aya’s inner struggle—to be true to herself or fit in with her high-society peers—gives the story just enough emotional depth to keep things from being pure slapstick.
The art style strikes a great balance between elegant character designs and dynamic gaming action. The contrast between Aya’s delicate, refined appearance and her intense gaming persona is played for great comedic effect. And the exaggerated reactions during matches? Pure gold. You can practically hear the arcade buttons mashing and the crowd roaring.
If there’s one critique, it’s that the story plays things pretty safe in this first volume. We get the setup, the friendship, and the beginning of their gaming adventures, but the plot doesn’t push too far beyond its initial premise yet. That said, it leaves plenty of room to grow in future volumes, and honestly, sometimes you just want to sit back and enjoy the ride.
In summary, Young Ladies Don’t Play Fighting Games Vol 1 is a charming, energetic, and laugh-out-loud start to a series that celebrates the joy of gaming and the importance of being yourself. Whether you’re a hardcore fighting game fan or just love quirky school comedies, this one’s worth picking up. Just be warned: you might feel the sudden urge to dust off your arcade stick and throw down a few combos yourself.
English