I watched Fruits Basket (2019) till episode 6 before dropping it.
It’s decent, but up to where I stopped, it doesn’t stand out from typical romcoms. (perhaps it gets better later?)
I don’t have much time, so even good - but not amazing - anime goes on the chopping block.
I tend to prefer shows that have a strong continuity between episodes, and that’ll grab you and make you binge the rest of the show (or at least the arc) in one go though.
I feel you my man. I love this kind of shows too - though I noticed drama, suspense and thrillers tend to fit the bill.
+1 on the AoT and Makeine recommendations from @ReluctantZen@feddit.nl (haven’t watched the rest)
Of anime that aired this decade, I think you may also like:
86 (started in 2021)
Vinland Saga (season 1 aired in 2019; season 2 in 2023)
Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song (aired 2021)
Terminator 0 (2024)
Pluto (2023)
Heavenly Delusion (2023)
Apocalypse Hotel (2025)
Medalist (2025)
These anime starred high-schoolers as the main characters but you may like them anyway:
Beastars (season 1 aired in 2019; the rest are more recent)
Oshi no Ko (came out in 2023)
Umamusume: Cinderella Gray (2025)
Umamusume: Pretty Derby Season 2 (2021; can be watched without season 1 IMO)
Any preferences in terms of genres or themes?
That was anti-climatic. It’s obvious how the match is going to end, but I guess it’s the only way forward.
If this is a dating sim / visual novel, having Mai or Satsuki win would have been the way to go about their individual routes. However, Renako - being the true gamer that she is - is gunning for the true “happy” ending, harem route.