FEATURE| Let the Games Commence!

FEATURE| Let the Games Commence!

By Roxan C. Resuello

Nothing seems to bring pandemic-weary audience together like a well-written,high-octane survival of the fittest series.

Living a thrilling adventure while sitting motionless on a couch is what entertains viewers these days. Some productions stepped in and provided what everyone didn't realize they needed.

The release of the highly-rated Korean series "Squid Game" in mid-2021 had people binge-watching for hours in many countries.

The thriller-fueled vibe of the show, combined with the right emotional and logical stardust, propelled the 2020 Japanese fiction drama "Alice in Borderland" back up the charts.

As both shows offer almost the same adrenaline and tear-jerking scenes, the buzz is stuck on whether which of the two Asian prod screams "best." One might argue one is better than the other.

Some might say both are unique in their own way, and indecisive viewers would say both are equals. Nonetheless, here is a rundown of the significant differences between the two shows.

Gameplay Mechanics

Few details revealed the plot of "Alice in Borderland" in the series. The origin of the game, its purpose, and the player selection process remain a mystery.

Yet, the players must keep playing to renew "visas," a primary key for their survival. The lack of knowledge about the situation enhanced the viewers' consumption experience. This creates a sense of curiosity and anticipation.

Unlike in "Alice in Borderland," "Squid Game" provided a more concise background of what's at stake and what profits there is to gain. In a game consisting of 456 participants, the player who will beat the odds would be taking home KRW 45.6 billion.

The gameplay revolves around the idea of "best one, takes all." More so, K-series gave a highlight to morality and decency. A set of rules propels the game. Before participating, all the players must sign a legal contract, which "Alice in Borderland" lacked.

Game Variations

One of the things that differentiate both Asian series is the concepts behind the games. To categorize each game type, "Alice in Borderland" makes use of the suit marks in a deck of cards. Each pattern corresponds to what aspect of human nature the game requires most.

As the show progresses, players become aware of these variations. Spade Cards are physical strength games that involve agility, endurance, and the like. Heart Cards, though, are games that play with the emotions of the players. Diamonds need sharp intellect, while Club Cards are team battles.

Detailed information like this is one of the determining differences it has against "Squid Game."

The Korean survival drama is more straightforward. It is well known that the games in "Squid Game" are a hybrid version of Korean childhood games—-a little gorier and graphic at all times.

Even so, as compared to "Alice in Borderland," no distinct clues differentiate each game.

Visual Aesthetic

Set in dystopian Tokyo, "Alice in Borderland" gives a futuristic, urban-tech vibe throughout the show.

The set design incorporates much of what Tokyo looks like these days---LED screens in every corner and somber-lit buildings poking the skyline.

The city is empty of civilians, marking the difference. The eerie ambiance it presents matches the intense playoffs they have in every passing episode.

Its blue color scheme plays a vital role in the dramatic insinuation that the players are in a harsh life and death environment. Squid Game pays homage to the childhood games of the past.

Their visual aesthetic is carved out to be livelier and more enthusiastic compared to Alice in Borderland's dark, rigid tones. The use of chromatic color palettes is noticeable. It is presumed to or show what theme the show is trying to portray.

Playful, solid shapes were also a sight to see in the series. A unique prop is the pink stairs shown in most of the episodes. Unlike "Alice in Borderland," everything on the set seems to be a live-action representation of the virtual gaming world. Squid Game's stages switch from a cheery playground atmosphere to a surrealist, pastel-colored interior.

Character Arc: The Protagonist

Aside from a tuned storyline, another element that keeps viewers sit back for another episode is a lead figure of great dynamism and relatable persona.

Arisu, who appears in Alice in Borderland, is a stereotyped Asian video-game fanatic who suffers from a quarter-life crisis. Slim-framed, shaggy hair, and most, unemployed.

Although Arisu's character is introduced to be wholly devoid of real-life ideals, his character arc began to move up when he battled his way into the Borderland.

Him, regaining his will to live after embarking on a heart-wrenching face-off with a couple of players, triggered the button for this development.

His early 20s character is not as likable as Squid Game's Gi-Hun, who bids fairer grounds of survival motivation.

Gi-Hun, a financially challenged divorcee living off his mother's house, has many characteristics of someone going through a mid-life crisis, similar to Arisu.

As seen in Japanese and Korean hit shows, the more signs the protagonist exhibits are wrecked, the more attractive they appear.

Gi-Hun appeals to the majority of the viewers because of his backstory. Most of his drive comes from his intention of becoming a better father to his child.

Unlike Arisu, who had a complete change in his arc, Gi-Hun did not reach that point because he changed his mind at the end of the series.

Nonetheless, audiences prefer him because of his exceptional emotional touch and relatability.

The Shows' Heroines

"Alice in Borderland" and "Squid Game" both presented a powerful portrayal of women in their series.

These heroines owned the spotlight with their well-placed traits, deductive game-sense, and pure boss energy, bringing more tension and a flare of excitement to the show.

Alice from Borderland's Usagi captivates audiences with her independence and exceptional physical prowess. Wrapped in apparent ingenuity, it goes without saying that she would bring a lot to the table from her first appearance, despite her quiet nature.

Squid Game's North Korean defector, Sae-Byeok, shares the same subtle trait. She places a closer space in the audiences' heart and gains much more attention than her Japanese parallel.

Though reserved and distant, she is revered for being her brother's loving and selfless parental figure.

Something similar between both characters is their ability to stay somewhat focused while being in the heat of the game.

With their flamboyant demeanor and charismatic upbringing, they've had a sensational run in both series.

Character Appeal: The Supporting Characters

Sure, the main characters will always be the backbone of every story. But the unusual grip supporting characters hold over the audiences never fails.

Both shows introduced a roster of unique characters with distinctive personal histories and a sense of style. One of the remarkable people presented in "Alice in Borderland" is the silver-haired, cunning player named Chishiya.

Although not much is revealed in his backstory. Chishiya is well-accepted by viewers primarily due to his striking gaze and unfazed bearing---a common trope for mysterious characters of significant importance in animes and mangas. "Squid Game" also has a list of emotionally investing characters.

Audiences' favorite, Ali Abdul, a somewhat naïve, soft-hearted Pakistani, gained sympathy from his tragic encounter in one of the show's last games.

Viewers have been taking in Ali's demise as a life lesson and a reminder never to be too trusting, for the world is harsh, and so are its people.

Emotional Punch

In a survival game, betrayals and manipulation are bound to be present just as much as the bloodshed. With all the cerebral scenes making up both shows, emotional scenes come in handy to maintain the balance in the plot.

Japanese manga writer Haro Aso, and Korean-born writer, Hwang Dong-Hyuk, delivered an emotionally wrecking twist. They kept viewers successfully ingrained and involved. Even though the emotional punches in each series range in rigor and frequency, it's clear that "Squid Game" has more dramatic baggage in its tale than "Alice in Borderland."

Series Cliffhangers

Ending with an abrupt turn of events, "Alice in Borderland" and "Squid Game" left viewers awe. Each of their final episodes concluded with an open-ended act.

The premise of the games and its "game makers" laid out gripping revelations without giving away too much before the frame cut to post-credit.

With some of the questions answered, there's more left untended for viewers to theorize in anticipation of another season.

Netflix confirmed that the second season of "Alice in Borderland" is in the works, with a teaser trailer uploaded in December 2020.

Still, no official word has been spoken of Squid Game's renewal as of date. Both shows excelled in telling a compelling story set in a gruesome backdrop.

With the attention "Alice in Borderland" and "Squid Game" is gaining, it is not a surprise to see comparisons floating around. Not everyone has the same media preference anyway.

Have you watched it yet? Which show do you vouch for?

Graphics by: Jasmine Bernadette Bembo