Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Ore no Kanojo to Osananajimi ga Shuraba Sugiru
"Ore no Kanojo to Osananajimi ga Shuraba Sugiru" – or "Oreshura" as it's often called – is a rom-com that I found myself surprisingly enjoying. It's a fun ride with a cast of memorable characters. While it leans heavily into the harem genre, it manages to offer something a bit different than your typical run-of-the-mill school romance.
First Impressions
Going in, I expected a fairly standard harem setup, and in many ways, it delivers on that front. You've got the good-looking male lead, the quirky group of girls vying for his attention, and all the comedic misunderstandings that come with it. However, what immediately grabbed me was the protagonist's aversion to romance. He's not just dense; he's actively avoiding relationships due to past family trauma, which adds an interesting layer to the usual harem antics.
What Works Well
The strength of "Oreshura" lies in its characters. Each girl has a distinct personality and backstory, making them more than just cardboard cutouts in a harem. The comedic timing is also on point, and I found myself laughing out loud at several points. While the story isn't overly complex, it flows well and kept me engaged, especially as I learned more about each character's motivations and vulnerabilities. It's the kind of lighthearted read that's perfect for unwinding after a long day.
Areas of Concern
While I enjoyed the series, it's not without its flaws. The plot can be a bit thin at times, relying on familiar rom-com tropes. The ecchi elements are present, so if that's not your cup of tea, it might be a turn-off.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
The ending is... something. From what I've gathered, the final volumes take some unexpected turns, including a somewhat bizarre epilogue set 11 years later. It sounds like the author leans heavily into the harem ending, with some rather unusual plot twists involving pranks, manufactured virginity, and potential pregnancies. It's a bold choice, to say the least, and one that might not sit well with every reader.
Final Verdict
Overall, "Ore no Kanojo to Osananajimi ga Shuraba Sugiru" is a fun and engaging rom-com with a likable cast of characters and a unique premise. While the plot may not be groundbreaking, and the ending is definitely divisive, the journey is enjoyable. If you're looking for a lighthearted harem anime to lose yourself in, you could do much worse than giving "Oreshura" a try. I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
