Shangri-La Frontier: Kusoge Hunter, Kamige ni Idoman to su

I was planning to wait until the final episode aired, but I couldn't control myself and I wanted to make sure more people are aware of this anime. C2C delivered a massive hit to this adaptation and with the attention it's getting, I think it's only going to get better from here.

I think when the term "Video Games" exists in an anime, isekais were the first genre to jump into this train, they usually shit out a huge exposition of RPG mechanics that means literally nothing with tasteless buffs the writers love to give to their characters without any meaning behind it. They also introduce ... the most tropey characters that receive no character development throughout the story and then make them cry out the MC's name during any dramatic clashes. Or they ultimately have to make the scummiest villains alive so that the story can somewhat progress.

As other genres jumped into it, it's treated as a niche topic that's used as a trigger point for the main plot of the story. For example, if the story is Romance, it's going to use "Video Games" just to introduce the character's love interest and make them fall in love with each other. Or if the story is purely Comedy, they'll use it just to create bland comedy between the characters thems4elves. The same could be said for Drama, going out of their way to play children's games so they could ruin long-lasting friends' relationships for no effing reason. It seems that any anime that has a Video Game theme in it, it's just there as a hook for the anime.

Shangri-La Frontier is entirely different from others that utilize Video Games by actually showing a player playing a Video Game without any major consequences. It's a guy that got his hands on Game of the Year after he played too many crappy RPG games in the past. That's all you need to know about this guy. What Shangri-La Frontier has to offer is that the video game world they present actually has lore and a realistic player base, and no, I don't want to hear how there are toxic players or griefers that ruin other people's experience. The main character doesn't have to fight his life over a game, he's still getting challenged but never feels overwhelmed, and most importantly, he's having fun without the presence of video game characters having to be present to talk and serve as unnecessary fanservice for the MC. On top of that, it also has good animation and the characters don't look generic whatsoever? This anime has been such a pleasant surprise that finally shows what a Video Game anime is actually about. I'm willing to say that this anime brings other predecessors to shame.

Looking forward for more of Shangri-La Frontier and considering it's going to have a 2-cour run, I only hope for C2C to keep up with their consistency in animation quality and pacing.

Shangri-La Frontier - Trash games are TRULY trash. However, God-tier games are TRULY the best of the best, for both newcomers and veterans like connoisseurs.

AniManga based on video games come in all sorts of flavours. Of course, that's not to say that every single one of them are good (I'm looking at you, Reki Kawahara with the SAO franchise), and most of them (like last season's Toaru Ossan no VRMMO Katsudouki a.k.a A Playthrough of a Certain Dude's VRMMO Life) are truly equally trash with no redeeming qualities whatsoever. However, while one can easily criticize the video gaming landscape when it comes to anime, few ... have come across as actual video games that have been done with much research and purposeful lore, mimicking virtual worlds and putting the viewers into their shoes as fellow gamers, even if you're not a seasoned player. And one of them is mangaka Katarina's Shangri-La Frontier: Kusoge Hunter, Kamige ni Idoman to su a.k.a Crappy Game Hunter Challenges God-Tier Game, or simply known as its namesake title: Shangri-La Frontier, SLF, ShanFro (whatever you want to call it), which won the 47th Kodansha Manga Award in the Shonen category last year.

In the world of Shangri-La Frontier, think of it as an evolution of the SAO universe where full-dive VRMMOs have become commonplace against the retro games which vary from old-school resolutions to game mechanic gimmicks that have been analyzed and beaten every single time. As a result, smorgasbords of VRMMOs are released through the mainstream, though you'd not know if the game is actual trash or not, from rushed plots, bugs from games being full of glitches to faulty gameplay, or simply game systems which have been rendered obsolete upon release with bad graphics that are simply not up to par with the current standard. And that is the mission of the eponymous MC Rakuro Hizutome of IGN Sunraku to route out all games as the aforementioned "trash game hunter", deciphering the play styles of all games alike and mastering them like a "Jack of All Trades, Master of All" character. But as is like typical gamers, there comes a point where the burnout syndrome really gets to them, and Rakuro feels the heat to try and break out from his rut. Fortunately, the game shop that he frequently visits has a new game in store: Shangri-La Frontier, which boasts as a full-dive VRMMO with a staggering 30 mil players, with the majority of players giving it rave reviews for an experience like no other. Rakuro, feeling enticed from the offer, gives it a try with his usual IGN moniker, and thus, begins a game that's truly like no other, with the skills harvested from his time playing trash games and being an expert at it, come into play critically as he progresses through Shangri-La Frontier.

Like all modern day Isekai reincarnation stories, Shangri-La Frontier got its start as a Syosetu novel in May 2017, which according to Katarina, he'd read novelist Tsutomu Satou's Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei a.k.a The Irregular at Magic High School on said Japan's most prolific novel website while living overseas, which inspired him to start writing novels. At the time, said Isekai reincarnation-type fantasy stories (like Mushoku Tensei) were popular, and the novelist took cues from it. But his Eureka moment was when he encountered a VR-type story, which took him completely by surprise and amazement, and thus, that inspiration became the birth of Shangri-La Frontier. The interesting tidbit: the anime project was announced back in Feburary 2020, which was before the manga's serialization from July the same year, which is mind-boggling that whoever was planning the series, took a massive risk that the anime would be a massive hit when it hits the small screen, and that gutsy gamble...really paid off.

If you're a gamer by any stretch of the imagination, you'll definitely come to love and appreciate Shangri-La Frontier as a whole. Sunraku as a character, is a limitless person who has expressed his potential to conquer each and every game out in the wild, be it trash or god-tier, and through him as the MC...to skip the tutorial stages and go straight for the big guns, I hear you say that "Sunraku is like me fr fr", and you're not wrong at all. Dangers of any immaculate depth don't scare Sunraku, for he challenges the damn near-impossible by putting and racking all of his brain muscles and brawn strength to the limit to test the game's system, and how much can he actually profit from unexpected loopholes that give him the edge when it comes to leveling up ASAP. All this in the effort of figuring out Shangri-La Frontier's real game progress, Sunraku's got the smarts once he actually figured out the game's main plot, and his gamer skills maketh the young man that he is, abash with confidence.

However, Sunraku's not alone in this regard. Unbeknownst to him, someone caught his attention, and it's Rei Saiga, the girl whom has her heart strings attached towards Rakuro, but is always shy to speak up to him about his gamer aesthetics. The coincidence with them both frequenting the same game shop allows Rei to stalk Rakuro in Shangri-La Frontier behind the scenes like a fangirl, but don't be fooled for her appearance in-game as she is Psyger-0, one of the strongest players, with a menacing appearance hiding a girl hypnotized in serious affections of love for the half-naked swimming trunk and bird-head masked young man. I love their banter, which especially in game, feels like they're like-minded comrades with similar interests, though Sunraku is always forward-looking at the big picture every step of the way enough to just plainly ignore her (as a "man" knight from external looks) before she could ever speak her heart out. Don't lose faith yet, Rei Saiga a.k.a Psyger-0!

If the gamer vibes can't get to you enough, then the private discovery of a doorway to limitless growth will. And that's how Sunraku found a portal to Rabituza, a land full of rabbits that can only be unlocked once players reach a certain level requirement, which Sunraku got lucky even though he was under-leveled to begin with. There, he finds the rabbits that will help him smolder his competition: the mascot NPC Emul, of which its leader is her boss-cum-father Vysache, who is ruthless on anyone not aligning to his goals or objectives, Sunraku included when he first stepped into the hidden area. But through the test of time, Sunraku proved himself to be a viable and trusted player enough to earn Vysache's respect and have him as their esteemed guest to improve his stability as and when he needs it. Again, Sunraku and Emul's relationship is quite the charm because she provides immediate help to him in all circumstances, and vice versa. Though Sunraku always likes to take Emul at her word and abuse it to his nefarious and hilarious game plans, these two have such good vibes going for each other, which is rare since most games don't usually emphasize NPCs for assistance, let alone even a little help at best towards the players. And that's generally true with most AniManga as well.

You know what they say: "Birds of a feather flock together", and Sunraku has gamer friends to help out in the game's both side and main issues. Player Killers, or more commonly known as PKers, are nothing new in games and is a rather common thing to have, and this describes Towa Amane of IGN Arthur Pencilgon. Her being the leader of a PK group and leading a pack of player executioners, Arthur doesn't take shit as sympathy: if she deems you a waste, you're in the chopping board of the entire group. On the other hand, there's Kei Uomi of IGN Oikatzo, which Sunraku befriended from another trash game as a hardcore trash hunter, alongside Arthur as well, whom they were both invited to Shangri-La Frontier by his recommendation as fans of Sunraku. The trio is like the quote "teamwork makes the dream work", and overtime, we get to see the real Arthur Pencilgon and who she really is, aside from her ruthless PK kills and more on compassion and roots as well. It's amazing how the quote "Don't judge a book by its cover" is done here, and is done exceptionally well.

Over the years (or rather recently), studio C2C has been defying expectations each and every time when they're called to the production table, showcasing stunning and exquisite animation, that like the studio's name moniker of "Challenge 2 (to) Challenge", has put them into the forefront as a sure-fire worthy production contender for best animated shows throughout the seasons. Such examples like Fall 2020's Majo no Tabitabi a.k.a Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina, Summer 2021's Tsuki ga Michibiku Isekai Douchuu a.k.a Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy (of which J.C.Staff is now helming Season 2), and Fall 2022's Tensei Shitara Ken Deshita a.k.a Reincarnated as a Sword, these 3 shows are quality titles put out by C2C. And I can purposefully say that Shangri-La Frontier is once again another crowning achievement in the ever-increasing catalogue, which is made an even bigger impact due to the studio's first-ever lone undertaking of a consecutive 2-cour run (not counting 2015's Aquarion Logos, collaborated with Satelight). Huge props to director Toshiyuki Kubooka and his entire staff team for the long commitment to Shangri-La Frontier, and with that being said: if you want a quality show, C2C is really up to the challenge.

For a game-based anime, music also is a key component of the show, and like its gamer roots, it has done that and much more. The OST is filled with so much gamer-centric goodness that it's respectfully composed and used throughout the entire show. And you wanna know something? Even the show's theme songs know that and play to their ultimate strengths. Speaking of which, this may be the masked avatar band FZMZ's (pronounced "Fathoms") Anisong debuts for the show, but you'll be even surprised to know some of its 5 members: JACK the rapper is (sic)boy, who gained attention not only for his unique sound that blends rock and hip-hop, GAVI the guitarist is Ivan of Survive Said The Prophet, and KAMATA the drummer is Pierre Nakano of Ling tosite sigure. Unsurprisingly, these people are not just talented musical artistes, but are also people who are deeply knowledgeable about anime, games, and VR culture, thus also bringing their songs into the Metaverse. Both songs of the 1st Cour's "Broken Games" and 2nd Cour's "Danger Danger" feat. Icy are great compliments to the anime as a whole, though I resonate more with "Broken Games" just by its sheer rap style and tidy musical resonance. The ED songs are mostly alright with Chico's "Ace" for the 1st Cour and ReoNa's "Gajumaru ~Heaven in the Rain~" for the 2nd Cour, but make no mistake: all songs here are fantastic in their own right, especially the OP songs which help set the tune of the anime.

At the end of the day, are we truly witnessing a revival of video game-based AniManga? I would like to think so, because Shangri-La Frontier has more than just captured the gamer hearts of everyone, it has a game-centric plot that captivates and encourages the gamer souls in us for further exploration. And let's face it in gamer terms: this shit is TOO GOOD to pass up for another season or 2.

If you're craving the gamer Hunger Games in you, I warmly welcome you to Shangri-La Frontier, where death is but a swing away, but living and breathing life is an out-of-this-world experience on its own.

This anime definitely deserves more consideration. It's not necessarily that the plot knocks it out of the park - it's a comedy with fundamentally lower stakes than Log Horizon or Sword Art Online. But at the same time, the action is very invigorating. It's like Bofuri meets shonen battle anime. The pacing strings episodes together effortlessly. I finished the nine episodes that exist at the time of this review in a single night and it barely felt like any time passed at all. It perfectly embodies the joy of MMOs other shows have failed to fully capture.

This is the best looking anime from C2C thus ... far, and has all of the qualities fans of those shows could hope for.

You know this one is kind of flying under the radar. I will be the first to say its not exactly a masterpiece. But I'll be damned if it isn't fun. Most RPG and Isekai animes are ass, lets be real. This is one that doesn't pull any weird stuff, no truck-kun sending some guy to another world where he is a hair straightener with the power of god and a harem of big tiddie anime waifus. Nope, just a dude playing a video game. And its WAY more relatable because of that. You can tell the person who made this *actually* plays ... video games. Its not just a plot device.

The animation isn't MAPPA slave labor level but its good. The story isn't the greatest of all time but its fun. I would definitely recommend this show for anybody who wants an easy watch.

To me, this is the surprise of the season. Nobody saw this coming, and now Shangri-La Frontier looks to be the most promising new Anime in terms of pure raw appeal. If you're still not sold on the show yet, may I suggest you go to YouTube and look for an extended PV of about 4 minutes. It'll be all anyone needs to be sold right then and there.

Plot: The synopsis more than adeptly summaries the plot without delving into spoiler territory. It's essentially, 'can you beat the game?' Though, that's just the initial hook, everything that follows can only be properly communicated through experience. ... It may seem like a standard isekai, though let me assure you it's not. It's much, much better than people realise.

Characters: With the few characters that have been introduced thus far, everyone seems to have a charm about them. For instance, a couple of minor characters, a boy and girl he has a crush on, with almost negligible screentime, have more to them compared to most MCs. Then there is our MC, who is a package of entertainment himself. Add to that a weird but crazy powerful knight, who has a secret agenda, and a whole host of interesting and unique characters. Even the NPCs look and feel awesome.

Animation: This is by far best Animated show of the season so far. Everything about it is just oozing quality. From the terrific backgrounds, to the subtle lighting, to the absolutely gorgeous motion, to fully animated 2d creatures and monsters, to the most promising combat animation in a while, you can't praise it enough for how good it is.

A special mention for the OP and ED, both looked as if they could have been part of a huge franchise without any problems.

Music: The background music is solid so far. It does it's job commendably without ever lagging or feeling dissonant. It does exactly what it should do, compliment what's going on in the screen.

For a moment, the OP really caught me off guard. It sounded so energetic and dynamic that it reminded me of what good J-Rock sounds like. It's very easy to mistake it for an AOT op, or a hardcore Shounen OP. The ending too is extremely well done in terms of music, quite a contrast to the OP.

Enjoyment: Without a doubt, I've thoroughly enjoyed it so far. There is something for almost anyone here, no matter what your tastes may be. I really can not recommend this Anime enough. Please do consider seeing the extended PV, you'll be sold more than my words can ever manage.

Solidly put together, decent writing, and above average animation. There is nothing about this show that is over the top special, but it is consistently good and enjoyable in about every measure. If "overpowered shounen level up in a fantasy world" is the kind of thing that sounds up your alley then just watch this show because it does the genre very well.

I have really enjoyed the feel of the show and general direction of the story. This show has all kinds of elements that I enjoy in an anime and it has very few things that I could criticize. I am generally a ... somewhat critical watcher but this show has me just sitting back and enjoying the show. If you can suspend you disbelief about how logical the game Shangri La itself would actually be with so much unique content made that only 1 person or group out of 30 million is ever going to experience, but besides that kind of inconsistency the show uses the video game angle pretty effectively as a plot device.

I have been impressed with some of the fight scenes, their length, and frequency. The first season so far has not lacked for action and the other pleasant thing is that the animation quality of fights and just in general has been consistently good and I haven't noticed them cut corners in one place to have time for something else, it seems like they took their time to make this show just how they wanted it.

I also appreciate the slow burn of a potential love-interest with the character. Making that a very small and slowly progressing aspect of the story is preferable to me to a lot of the love at first sight stories we often see, or worse yet, harem-building.

I didn't know anything about this show coming in and was ready to enjoy some random trash but this show turned out to be a great surprise.

This guy is what the chic from bofuri needs for a chance at kids with normal stats.
In a nutshell the mc is in an rpg. So fights give him xp and the usual stuff. Sunraku(mc) has no time for defense and armour and instead bets everything on agility, stamina and luck.
Thus, every decent enemy can ko him with a good slap but they first have to match his cat like reflexes and battle instinct. The result is some really tense battles. Every close miss feels so cool since it could have ended him. And of course the animation is amazing. Matches up to anything the ... big studios have.
The only crime is how low its rated here on mal, i think its at least an 8.4. great action, lots of it, great animation, decent story, minimal plot armour.
An edit: called it too early. Gets boring really fast esp exposition episodes. Fights have evolved into single frames of big moves; animation on martial arts moves almost non existant. Cant rate this 10 anymore its a 7 at best

This show is so bad that I have to wait 7 whole days to watch the next episode! Like how crap can you be to make a top tier anime, and then just make me wait after every new episode for another episode. It is a total nightmare! I want all the episodes now! BTW, I absolutely love this show! I'm on episode 5 and every week leaves me wanting the next episode more then the last. If you like isekai/video game world based anime, this anime is likely for you. Gamer/isekai needs ftw. This show is like Sao minus all the nightmares that Sao ... solely focuses on.

This actually surprises me. This is a very good anime that everyone should watch, especially if you also watch SAO. The concept is very similar to that of SAO, or should I say this anime is inspired by SAO? However, this anime is more creative in terms of the scenario in the game.

The MC is a veteran gamer, so he is very skilled in the game that he was playing. I think most people will love the MC for his personality or how he acts. The plot is very interesting so far and still manages to keep me watching the anime.

Even though the concept is ... very similar to that of SAO, the story itself seems more unique and interesting, with a good world building inside the game, and I'm hoping that this anime won't rush the main plot like SAO did.

Surprisingly a good and refreshing anime.

ENJOYABILITY:
Brings out that same excitement when you first play a new MMORPG and just want to explore the world. Overall, just great vibes from the very first episode.

ART and ANIMATION:
Pretty much THE best animation quality this season besides major triple A entries like JJK. Art-style is pretty good as well.

STORY:
Simple story and plot - which is fitting for this type of anime. The story sets up how vast the world is, which brings out more interest from the viewer. Not at all unique in terms of story, but is definitely refreshing as it is executed perfectly - it's ... basically a stress free and NO-BS version of SAO.

JUST WATCH THIS ANIME BRUH

Shangri-la Frontier is a refreshing departure from the high-stakes, death-game narrative prevalent in the VRMMO genre. Instead of the usual imminent danger of real-life consequences, the anime focuses on a quirky ensemble of characters enjoying the virtual world, offering a delightful and nostalgic portrayal of kids simply having fun in a game—a welcome contrast to the often intense and serious tone of similar titles like the .Hack series, SAO, and Log Horizon. What sets "Shangri-la Frontier" apart is its seamless blend of fast-paced battles and silly humor. The adrenaline-pumping action sequences keep viewers on the edge of their seats, while the lighthearted banter and comedic ... situations provide much-needed moments of levity. This balance ensures that the anime remains dynamic and engaging, appealing to both fans of intense combat and those who enjoy a more straightforward, humorous approach.

Just overall really fun!

It may be somewhat stupid in its premise and cringy/predictable with its execution sometimes, but it definitely managed the recreate the childish wonder and enjoyment I used to experience watching classic isekais when i was a lot younger. Not for anime snobs who are looking for refined writting and take themselves too seriously.

they want me to give more information to be able to publish this review, but i dont want to express more than I have with the beginning paragraph so here are some filler words that should make it possible for me to post this.

Shangri-La Frontier: Unveiling the Game-Changer

Genre Trio: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

A blend that's not just a cocktail of clichés but a masterclass in genre synergy.
Video Game Anime: Breaking the Mold

Shangri-La Frontier defies the 'isekai' norm, ditching RPG mechanics lectures and tasteless buffs.
No scummy villains, no over dramatic crying; just a guy enjoying a game without risking his real-life sanity.
Raw Appeal Unleashed: An Unexpected Surprise
...
Buckle up for an anime that's not only a visual spectacle but also a narrative powerhouse.
With animation that puts others to shame, characters with charm, and music that hits the right notes, Shangri-La Frontier emerges as the season's dark horse.
In a world where anime often falls into predictable tropes, Shangri-La Frontier is the breath of fresh air we didn't know we needed. Forget the clichés; this is the real game-changer! 🎮✨

9/10 For me.

Shangri-La is the complete video game experience that you can find in any anime.

What this anime did with its world was dedicate itself entirely to building a true MMORPG world. It is appreciated that he did not use the already cliché resource of "If you die in the game you die in real life." By removing this condition you allow the player to play with all their creativity without being limited by the fear of death.

From character creation, to attribute points, to boss fights, it feels like the anime really understands the players and their way of thinking. At many points in the story you ... will encounter situations where you would say "that is something I have done or would do" or "I know players who act this way. The anime takes into consideration factors such as leveling, grinding, items and lore. They take full advantage of their world because they know that it is the biggest attraction they have to exploit.

On the other hand, their characters have a lot of charisma and are memorable. The protagonists, the NPCs and even some characters used as background for a single joke have quite a bit of personality, they are not just background people. All the characters have chemistry with each other, there is no interaction that feels forced. The fact is that even the boss monsters have a strong presence, both within the game and the story. It feels like they use all the characters to the best of their ability.

Regarding the aspect of representing the video game experience, the best example is the fight against Wezermon. The fight begins before challenging him, because they repeatedly say that in Shangri-La the lore has the answers to defeat these monsters and it really is like that. That is why conversations have so much weight, because details are usually left that are later necessary to continue moving forward, as in any video game. The fight itself is spectacular, the fact that they decided to give it 4 chapters of development was the best they could do. Wezermon doesn't feel like a punching sponge, he really is a threat to the group. His skill set is far above the average player, it really took 3 characters with a lot of experience that cannot be considered "Average". And not only was their experience needed, rare and expensive items were needed, which took up the entire group's budget. Wezermon could sweep them away at any time if they were distracted, which is why the fight is so captivating, because you always have to pay attention to what's happening on the screen. The animation was brutal, you could pause at any point in the fight and each frame could serve as a wallpaper. Without a doubt, this fight is one of my candidates for a top 10 fight of the year.

In conclusion, if you are tired of the cliché where players are limited by death, Shangri-La is a good alternative. It has everything you can experience in an MMORPG video game, and if you don't play them, maybe the anime can convince you to try playing one. The wait for the second season will be quite long.

‘Shangri-La Frontier.’ What a wonderful name. It truly has a ring to it. Like what I’m saying is that even though this anime is kind of isekai, it isn’t one of those which will immediately leave your memory after completing the last episode.
Story: 7/10
Even though the same plot has been repeated in many anime before this, the generic plot of the MC playing a VR game, the one thing I loved about SLF is that it constantly gives us a reality check and shows that the characters actually have a touch with the real world, instead of being fully immersed in the game or ... being transported to that world. I'm glad it's not like the SAO plot wherein the headset cannot be removed. This type of storyline gives us some funny/cute 'shipping' moments between Rei Saiga and Hizutome Rakuro, done by the game shop owner. Even though that doesn't have any direct relations with the storyline, it does lighten up the mood after a heavy episode.
The little attention to details is very good. The depiction of the 'Trash Games (Kusoge)' is really good and funny. The little Faeria Chronicles roast at the beginning is hilarious as well. The glitches and bugs that are shown to be a part of the Trash Games actually seem impossible and insane, but the way MC exploits them and gains the title of the Trash Game hunter is super cool!
The GOD TIER game is also showcased in such a flamboyant manner. The game mechanics are legitimate and there are mostly no stupid shenanigans so far. Also, the complexity of the game Shangri-la Frontier is worth admiring. A game wherein every single move affects your story is really mind-blowing! In addition to that, the fact that the game involves many unique scenarios, the Seven Colossi, different sub-plots and other activities like research, mining, collecting, combat etc. makes it extremely intriguing too. That being said, the plot might seem mediocre in the broader sense, but at a closer look it is quite a fascinating one!
Art and Animation: 9.5/10
This is the thing which made me kind of fall in love with this series. The animation is just so high-quality and consistent, with the overall flashy touch on it always. The OP and ED are also really cool, with the aspect video ratio making them look awesome. The amazing battle choreography doesn't make you lose interest and the dynamic camera movements across a vast array of scenes makes it all the better. The studio with this top-tier animation, depicts each type of scene, as it is supposed to be depicted. The different landscapes and locations are really pretty and beautiful too. I haven't read the manga but I'm pretty damn sure that the studio did an extraordinary job with the anime adaptation!
Sound: 6.5/10
I don't really have much to say about this, except that the opening song is kind of thrilling and the ending is also good. Nothing over-the-top, nothing below average.
Character: 7.5/10
So far in the four episodes, we haven't been introduced to many characters. The MC is spectacular and smart. Sunraku is also portrayed as someone who is very skilled and his plays are not just flukes, but actually the result of years of playing games. The female character Rei Saiga has been annoying the viewers so far, so that's a con for me. Even though we have just seen a glimpse of the rabbit chief yakuza boss, Viceash, he looks savage and experienced. Emul, our new party member is really cute as well. The characters so far have no complexity or depth, so this category gets a 7.5/10.
Enjoyment: 8/10
I simply refuse to believe an episode of this anime can bore me. Even if the story gets boring, there's always the awe-inspiring animation to keep gazing at. Sunraku doesn't disappoint, the action sequences are great, the lore is enthralling and its just overall an enjoyable anime.
Overall: 7/10
I had kept expectations for Shangri-La Frontier, and I have to say, it has been successful in meeting them. In just a matter of 3-4 episodes it piques your interest. The story hasn't progressed much far, but I can say that SLF does have the potential to become a 9/10. Altogether, Shangri-La Frontier: Kusoge Hunter, Kamige ni Idoman to su is definitely one of the best anime this season. I highly recommend watching it, it won't be a waste of your time.

I initially thought I wouldn't like this.
Partially because there seemed to be no hook like, you die for real if you die ingame or whatever.
But its just so much fun to watch. It keeps me engaged because there are very clear goals.
And it sparks my enthusiasm because there are so many gaming tropes I recognise and I would be aiming for myself if I was playing.
And then even better; the humor is so great! I laugh out loud at least once per episode, and I really rarely have that nowadays.

Art style is beautiful!
World building, great!
Characters, fun and interesting!
This isnt really an isekai I guess since ... its all ingame, but its what I always like in isekai's and more!

The unique design of the MC first got me hooked onto the show. From the perspective of any big Manhwa reader, you would love this. They really delve deep into the video game mechanics, which adds layers to the story. I tend to not enjoy these kinds of manga or anime that have this no-risk (not death) game kind of concept, but this anime executes it wonderfully. The fight scenes are very well done, choreographed well and the animation itself is crisp. It's one of those shows where I can just shut off my brain and enjoy myself in any kind of environment. If you ... are on the fence about checking this thing out due to its premise, I would urge you to please give this a chance. I always have this 3-episode rule I like to follow: if you don't enjoy it after the first 3 episodes or aren't even the least bit intrigued, then perhaps it's not for you.

I feel the need to push my writing to the max, so I'll do just that for this gem of an anime:

Step into the world of the ultimate gaming isekai, where every aspect is finely tuned to perfection. Top-notch animation, a captivating story, a protagonist you can't help but root for, and battle scenes that leave you on the edge of your seat, what more could you possibly ask for?

Our protagonist is no ordinary mc; he craves a challenge and thrives on pushing himself to the limit. Nothing short of a brush with death can hold his interest. But it's not just about his raw ... skill; the story unfolds naturally, revealing new layers of depth as he navigates through this new immersive world. And yes, he's not afraid to lay down the law, even if it means drop-kicking a woman at a moment's notice. That's a win in my book!

Unlike cookie-cutter stories that merely serve as a drop into the protagonist's exploits, this one feels authentic. The diverse cast of characters, each with their own quirks and complexities, adds richness to the narrative. And let's not forget our adorable bunny companion, the true star of the show imo.

Humor is woven seamlessly throughout, with well-crafted jokes and character interactions that hit the mark every time. And while the battles are intense, they also carry a sense of direction/ purpose, each move carefully choreographed to express its significance. Like one move called 'clear skies something', a move which painted a picture of the beauty of the sky within it's effects. It's a visual spectacle that's hard to put into words, but once you experience it (if you notice it), you'll sit back in awe.

I'll admit, I'm not usually a fan of characters hiding behind masks, but here, it's integral to the protagonist's identity so I can let it slide. His identity mostly lies in his name, personality and skillset. And the ambitions that drive our main cast forward feel more grounded in a slightly gritty, yet relatable sense of determination. The camaraderie among the characters is another highlight, kind of reminds me of 'Luffy and his Straw-Hat crew', with teamwork that borders on the sublime, even when it's with the bunnies.

There's so much more I could say, but it's best experienced firsthand. Suffice it to say, the ratings this anime has gathered is well-deserved, and I wouldn't be surprised if we see a second season in the works. After all, a story of this caliber deserves to be told for seasons to come.

Just a guy, his online buddies, and an amazing video game world. And somehow it just works. While several other anime have done the "VR MMO" concept before, they typically rely on real world elements to "raise the stakes" and create some kind of dramatic tension (I'm trapped in the game and can't find out why, if you die in the game you die for real, etc). The show doesn't need any of that nonsense, and is able to keep it's simple premise compelling.

As the show consists of exploring a video game world, and lacks either complex characters or dramatic conflict, it is ... not going to be the deepest series you watch. But if you love games or are looking for a fun fantasy show, Shangri-La Frontier has you covered. I think its greatest strengths are it's likable protagonist, gorgeous animation, and interesting (if a little bit standard) game world.

At ten episodes in the supporting cast hasn't had time to shine, and the main narrative of the show is still coming together, but I'd still solidly recommend.

Shangri-La Frontier has an interesting premise where the virtual characters are the "main" characters more so than the physical characters. I find this anime quite engaging and it keeps us in suspense on what game mechanics or situation will appear as a new challenge to Raku. Whilst this anime has quite a number of issues - which I will get to later - as someone that has played in open world games, I think the writer has done a great job in combining elements of existing gaming tropes and mechanics and putting a fresh spin onto the adventure.

The introduction of Emul, Oikatzo and Pencilgon has ... really upped the ante and interesting team dynamics filled with different personalities and strengths of each characters. The animation itself is decent by today's standards (nothing amazing or jaw dropping), and the characters/ minions/bosses designs are quite interesting and unique.

Needlessly to say the 1st OP is definite banger and sets the mood of the game quite well going into every episode.

The small criticism I have for this anime is mainly 2 things:
1. Psyger-0 or Rei as a romantic element doesnt really work so far going into 16 episodes. She's quite one dimensional and quite frankly annoying. I hope she does serve an actual purpose the overall storyline much later on. Frankly, at this point, it's better removing her from the story altogether if she doesnt have any plot of progression elements in the future.

2. The pacing of the anime is frankly quite inconsistent. There are some episodes, where they drag out non-important elements and just drag out the episodes needlessly, and it just serves as a "filler" episode that dont contribute anything to the show efficiently..

Looking past some of the nitpicks I have, I think Shangri-La is a definite must watch for it's entertainment value and unique premise. Don't expect mind-blowing plot like AOT or actions like JJK or Demon-Slayer, and you will be fine.

8 out of 10