And you thought there is never a girl online?

And You Thought There is Never a Girl Online? or also known as "Netoge no Yome wa Onnanoko ja Nai to Omotta?" is a savvy, entertaining take on the trope of love in a digital world, brought to life with humor, heart, and a dash of cyberpunk aesthetics. First aired in 2016, this anime series focuses on gaming, online relationships, and the pervasive question of whether it's possible to find genuine romance on the internet.

The story pivots around Hideki Nishimura, an average high school student who pours all his energy and heart into the virtual world of the massively multiplayer online game (MMO) 'Legendary Age.' Hideki once proposed online to a character who turned out to be an older man in real life, leading to a broken heart and a vow to himself to never trust any 'girl’ online again. However, fortune decides to toss him another chance when a gorgeous female character named 'Ako' proposes to him in-game.

Ako, a seemingly shy, lonely gamer girl who can't quite distinguish the line between the game world and reality, forms the central heart of the show. The disconnection between Ako's online and offline persona forms an intriguing aspect of the show's narrative, and lends it an emotional depth over and above the comedy and romance.

But online vows and avatars continue to blur lines with reality when Hideki’s guild decides to meet in the real world. Looming at this peculiar crossroad, he discovers that his fellow gamers are not who they portrayed themselves to be in the gaming world, including his in-game wife, Ako. Remarkably, Ako is a girl in real life as well, which kickstarts an offbeat love drama that spins threads of comedy, romance, and a little taste of the harsh reality of online gaming frauds.

The series masterfully explores the social dynamics of online and offline interactions, blurring the lines between real and virtual worlds. It also investigates the psychological premises behind the way we stereotype and visualize others based on their online personas. A notable factor is how well they have represented the gaming universe, the adventures, guilds, game mechanics, and the obsessive devotion to the games.

Also noteworthy is the interesting ensemble that adds colorful layers to the narrative. Hideki's guild members like Akane Segawa, a popular beauty in school who is known for her horror for otakus yet secretly enjoys playing as a male character in 'Legendary Age', and Kyo Goshoin, the adorable student council president who is also the disciplined, sophisticated guild master in-game, create a varied range of characters with distinctive personalities that keeps the story intriguing and multifaceted.

Provided by FUNimation and covered over 12 gripping episodes, the series revolves around poignant humor, real-world social issues, and the challenges that come with straddling two parts of a single existence. And You Thought There is Never a Girl Online? is an immersive anime series that promises to be an exciting journey for fans of gaming and romantic comedy anime alike. Its modern, tech-focused love story is a surprising, delightful exploration of emerging romance in the age of the internet.

And You Thought There is Never a Girl Online? is an absolute treat for anime enthusiasts and gamers, packed with action, humor, and a hearty romance that makes the most out of its virtual setting. It embraces and examines the realities of the gaming world, online relationships, and the importance of communication in the digital age in a fun, yet touching way that resonates with its audience. Whether you're a gaming enthusiast or a fan of teen romantic comedy, you'll find something to enjoy in this intriguing blend of online fantasy and real-life drama. The anime's clever premise, engaging characters, and humorous twists make it an enjoyable series worth exploring.