"No Game No Life" volume 5 by Kamiya Yuu. This volume comes with two new games before finishing the dating game from volume 4, as well as the usual meta games of counter intelligence and counter-counter intelligence. It ends on a very positive note that does not betray the readers.
The first of the two games is some kind of card battling game but played with tarot cards. The author gave just enough visual imagery to spark readers' imagination on how such a game might work, although actual details of game mechanics aren't important -- the game is mostly just for show. Consistent with previous volumes, the real game is won at a meta level due to superior team strategy. Not the usual Sora+Shiro team, but Fil+Kurami. It's good to see that old characters are not forgotten, and their reappearance now in an otherwise inconsequential game is definitely a setup for later volumes.
The second game is labeled as hide-and-seek, but actually more like a 3D bullet curtain shooter with a power up system using anagrams. If it wasn't obvious from the card game already, this volume is clearly targeting the anime audience, including many aerial maneuvers plus a reference to Sakano Circus. Also, unlike the earlier games that are won by careful pre-game planning, this one was meant to demonstrate Sora and Shiro's gaming skills in fast responses and decision making. It was every bit as exciting as the shiritori game from volume 2, and also comes with lots things being blowed up.
The dating game from volume 4 ended rather comically, it's really the kind of anti-climatic ending typically expected from something like Nyaruko-san.
Games aside, there were interesting bits about the histories and personalities of of the Flügel race. My favorite dialog came from Jibril, who explained why physical books are important, and why they not be memorized, but should be read time and time again for the experience. I see that the meta games from No Game No Life have extended to us readers, although personally I have been very happy with all these philosophical bits as well. Looking forward to more in the next volume.
Previous (2014-10-10): "No Game No Life" volume 4 by Kamiya Yuu
Next (2014-10-31): "Kino no Tabi 18" by Shigusawa Keiichi