Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Who Are You Calling Gege? (Esports)
"Who Are You Calling Gege? (Esports)" promised a fluffy, comedic esports romance, and for the most part, it delivered. I went in wanting something light and entertaining, and I wasn't disappointed, though it does have some quirks.
First Impressions
Right away, I was drawn in by the promise of a shameless MC and a doting ML. The premise is simple: a streamer who's bold online but shy in person falls for a pro gamer. It's a classic setup, but the execution is where this novel shines and, occasionally, stumbles. I found myself chuckling pretty early on.
What Works Well
The humor is definitely a highlight. The MC's online antics and the reactions of his fans are genuinely hilarious. I especially appreciated the fans who egged him on or hilariously called him out on his antics. The romance is sweet and fluffy, and I enjoyed watching the MC and ML navigate their feelings. The characters, while not groundbreaking, are entertaining and have enough depth to keep me invested. The story focuses more on the characters' interactions and romance than the esports aspect, which is nice if you are not looking for a lot of technical gameplay information. I felt that the translation was well done and easy to read.
Areas of Concern
My main issue is the similarities that the novel has with "I Can Do It". The similarities made the novel feel like a knock-off in some areas. I also felt that the age gap was a bit much for me to ignore. The MC's streaming persona was also unrealistic. I also felt that the side characters were underdeveloped.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers might find the level of secondhand embarrassment induced by the MC to be overwhelming. Be warned that the MC's fans sometimes engage in over-the-top behavior.
Final Verdict
Overall, "Who Are You Calling Gege? (Esports)" is an enjoyable read if you're looking for a lighthearted and funny romance with an esports backdrop. While it may not be the most original story, the characters and humor make it worth a read. I'd recommend it, especially if you need a break from heavier novels. Just be prepared for some serious secondhand embarrassment!
