Overall Rating 8.7 out of 10 - Deep and Profound Psychological Anime about Gambling
I recommend watching.
This is the original show from creator of Gyakkyou Burai Kaiji. Similarities between shows are many, including art style and even looks of the main character. They are also similar in their use of metaphors to describe different game situations and actions of key players. Finally, they are similar in their psychological and philosophical aspects as well. More on that later.
When it comes to differences then Kaiji is more diverse and flashier than Akagi. Games there are different from each other and cast is more diverse as well. There are more show elements and everything is flashier.
In contrast Akagi is always about Mahjong. There is often rather somber, even dry mood. Sometimes it gets repetitive. However, at the same time it allows this show to maintain its unique grounded focus.
Finally main characters maybe look alike, but they have very different personalities. Kaiji is greedy and wants to get rich quick. That is what drives him to play all these games. Kaiji is both emotional but also charismatic, these qualities sometimes lead to mistakes, but they also sometimes allow him to pull together and get people on his side.
In contrast Akagi is very sober and dry. His biggest strength is in ability to face risk and death completely calm. Akagi is attracted to risk and thrill of putting one's life on the line, he deliberately seeks such situations. Personality wise Hyoudou is closets to Akagi character from Kaiji anime. Hyoudou's age fits too as Akagi is set in mid 20th century and Kaiji in modern times.
Now for the core value of this show. While it is about gambling it is not there to advertise gambling to its viewers. Instead, it uses gambling to showcase psychology and inner workings of its characters. Unlike Gyakkyou Burai Kaiji, that covered broad existentialist topics through events of the show, Touhai Densetsu Akagi is more grounded. It focused on gambling techniques and psychologies of players and what drives them to play or not play.
There are all sorts of people gamble in this show, from simpletons like Osamu to extremely skilled like Urabe and Washizu. They and others each have their own mindset and way to play the game. Some rely on tricks, others on calculated probability, some on downright cheating and others on ability to read the opponents. Akagi's own style is based on manipulating his opponents psychologically. There are also people who normally do not play themselves but instead look for talents and arrange games for them to a share of winnings. Some are smart enough to understand they are not that good themselves but capable of recognizing ability when they see one.
Show covers variety of techniques and tricks that players may attempt to use in Mahjong. How not to deal in opponents' hand, swapping tyles while distracting opponents, signaling between players and generally play collaboratively against the opponent.
Mahjong is played by four players, but the show often depicts it as duel between Akagi and one key opponents. Other two players are present but seen more as fillers. Only occasionally side players get any attention.
Overall, it is a very good and insightful show. It is only somewhat weaker and drier than Gyakkyou Burai Kaiji, but what it lacks in flashiness and existentialist philosophy it compensates in in depth psychology. I can certainly recommend watching.
