Shangri-La Frontier (2023-2024)

[シャングリラ・フロンティア～クソゲーハンター、神ゲーに挑まんとす～]

Director: Toshiyuki Kubooka
Studio: C2C
Starring: Yuma Uchida, Azumi Waki, Yoko Hikasa
Episodes: 25

Synopsis:
A gamer who specializes in playing the worst of the worst is enticed to try the famed god-tier full-dive MMORPG Shangri-La Frontier.

Impressions:
Although I saw a PV for this before it came out, I didn't really understand the premise. Gaming stories are by no means uncommon, but few are particularly satisfying from a gaming perspective. This is an exception. It's quite rewarding to watch protagonist Sunraku get ahead in a mix of pure skill and sheer audacity (with no small helping of him taking his lumps along the way). His accomplishments never feel cheap or unearned, unlike so many other stories. Add in a colorful cast (particularly best girl Emul, who has great chemistry with Sunraku) and gorgeous animation and you've got a winning formula. Although this series was set against some strong competition, it was right up there in the top ranks for me. I immensely enjoyed it and strongly encourage you to add it to your collection.

Rating:
Own It