Liar Game Season 1 Ends with Criticism of Its Animation and Confirms Sequel

The first season of the Liar Game anime (The Liar Game) has ended with its 26 episodes already aired and a continuation confirmed. However, the close of this first block is leaving more doubts than celebrations: much of the audience is criticizing the stiffness of the animation and the rushed pacing of the early parts of the story.

The adaptation is handled by Madhouse, the studio behind beloved titles like Frieren: Beyond Journey's End. The original work is the manga of the same name by Shinobu Kaitani, a psychological thriller centered on a game of deception where participants must use logic and manipulation to survive.

The series began in April 2026 with considerable anticipation. The manga has been winning over readers for years with its mental duels, and Madhouse taking on the project suggested a polished production. But the comments being read now, collected by ComicBook, point to that confidence not translating into results.

What the first season is being criticized for

The most repeated complaints focus on two fronts. On one hand, the visual side: action scenes feel stiff and the character designs don't quite feel natural. On the other, the narrative: the early episodes move too quickly and dilute the psychological tension that sustains the manga.

It's curious that this production is being compared to Frieren, also from Madhouse. The difference in care between the two is evident to those who have seen both, and that comparison is fueling the disappointment. It's not that Liar Game is a disaster, but a different level of attention to detail was expected.

The author of the 3DM article points out that the sequel is already confirmed and hopes it will serve to correct these problems. The narrative foundation remains solid, and if the studio adjusts the pacing and strengthens the animation, the story has room to bounce back.

What's coming next

There's no date yet for that continuation, but the announcement is already official. It remains to be seen whether Madhouse takes note of the criticism and gives the new batch the care that manga readers had been asking for for some time.

The first season of Liar Game is complete with its 26 episodes. If you haven't started it yet, it might be worth going in with adjusted expectations: the story hooks you, but the visual finish isn't up to par with other recent works from the studio.