Wow what an episode, man. So as people theorised last week, Mamoru did go back to 1985, the year that game we saw at the end of the last episode was made.
This was perfect for him as it’s the year his fave game developing tool, the PC98 came out. Now, the whole echo plot line is a little weird to me. Idk if they’re aliens or gods or what, but it seems like they have the ability to bring people across space and time. Likely the same as the old lady who gave Konoha that game at the beginning of the series. Echo 1 didn’t seem surprised at all to see Mamoru and he knew his name without him saying it.
It begs the question then, what did they want with Mamoru? Maybe just reinvigorating his imagination to help with the game development in the 90s? By teaching Echo about imagination, it reinforces it to Mamoru who in theory will go back to the 90s with a renewed enthusiasm for game development. Idk, definitely an interesting episode and the art during that teleportation sequence was really beautiful. It was cool to see how intensive game design was in the 80s. I mean, having to type out a musical score like that must’ve been tough, the cling wrap method, etc.
Mamoru and Konoha will now be able to relate to each other on a whole different level. Too bad Mamoru couldn’t keep all the stuff he bought :/
Mamoru and Konoha ship basically sailed, I can rest easy now 🙏🏾 really good finale to one of the most underrated shows of the year.
I felt like the alien subplot was kind of weird, but them happening to be fans and saving Konoha was nice. Also gave her the same type of pep talk they gave Mamoru during his time travel episode.
So nice to see the 90s Alcohol soft team again as well. Everyone’s grown up, but still stayed pretty much the same. Kiyoshi still has his mask on all these years later lol, yoko taro vibes lol. Fitting that they all came together for one last game to help Konoha get back to her time.
Now one thing that did confuse me, during Mamoru and Konoha last conversation, they talk about her going back to 1999 to give the letter to Mamoru and hopefully he’d understand what to do. But they never show us that, instead it’s just Konoha waking up in 2023. Would’ve liked to see 90s Mamoru again, but I guess they were running low on time at that point.
The 2023 Konoha wakes up in isn’t the exact same as the one she left, but otaku culture is thriving in akiba still, alcohol soft are still alive in America and Mamoru is waiting for her to make a game together. Very cute ending, loved that massive hug she gave him.
I would’ve liked to have seen Toya in this timeline to see what became of her as well. I hope the Americans didn’t get a hold of her in this timeline.. other than that, solid finale to a really good show that was chock- full of otaku lore and references. Very fun watch and Konoha is one of the cutest girls of the year, I’ll miss her.