Unveiling Shangri-La Frontier Episode #1: An Exhilarating Journey Filled with Mesmerizing Animation

Shangri-La Frontier is a recently released anime on Crunchyroll, premiering in Fall 2023, and it has already started off exceptionally well. The protagonist, Rakuro Hizutome, is dedicated to playing notoriously bad VRMMO games as a hobby, with the aim of mastering them despite their flaws and glitches. However, one day Rakuro decides to try out a highly acclaimed game called Shangri-La Frontier, and he is thrilled to finally experience a game without any flaws. His previous experience with "trash games" gives him an advantage over other players.

Although only one episode of Shangri-La Frontier has been released so far, it is already showing promise as a notable addition to the Fall 2023 lineup. While the basic premise of a VRMMO game may not be unique, the show distinguishes itself through its diverse cast and overall presentation, evident in its series premiere. The future direction of the series is unknown, but the first episode of Shangri-La Frontier offers plenty of excitement for those seeking a new anime to watch.

Shangri-La Frontier Doesn’t Have Any Stakes, And That’s Why It’s Fun

One of the main advantages of Shangri-La Frontier is that it doesn't seem to have any significant risks involved. Unlike other VRMMO anime like Sword Art Online, where the game poses a threat to its players and the protagonist must find a way to save everyone, Shangri-La Frontier focuses solely on the enjoyment of Sunraku and the rest of the cast as they play the game. This allows the show to prioritize delivering a good time without being weighed down by cliché story elements.

This approach works well due to Sunraku's character portrayal. Sunraku is depicted as someone who simply wants to have fun, regardless of the effort required to achieve it. This would be more challenging to achieve in a more serious show. It is through Sunraku's personality that Shangri-La Frontier's relaxed atmosphere stands out among similar shows. Additionally, the idea that Sunraku became skilled at mastering difficult games instead of relying on luck adds an interesting twist to the common trope of an overpowered protagonist in isekai settings. This roots the main character's abilities in hard work rather than mere chance, offering a refreshing approach.

Shangri-La Frontier’s Animation & Direction Are Among The Best Of Fall 2023

Shangri-La Frontier excels in its animation and direction, offering a captivating visual experience. The first episode showcases incredibly smooth animation, accompanied by stunning art and choreography. From beginning to end, it stands out as one of the season's best anime in terms of visual aesthetics. Director Toshiyuki Kubooka, known for his work on Gunbuster, Giant Robo, and Berserk: The Golden Age Arc, brings his expertise to ensure outstanding animation right from the start.

In addition to the impressive animation, Shangri-La Frontier's overall direction is worth commendation. The lighting and composition breathe life into every scene, whether it takes place in the game or real life. The vibrant score by Ryūichi Takada, Kuniyuki Takahashi, and Keiichi Hirokawa greatly enhances the mood whenever it plays. The effort put into the presentation of the series is evident in the first episode, and coupled with its compelling premise, it is sure to be one of the most successful shows of the Fall 2023 season.

Shangri-La Frontier releases new episodes on Sundays on Crunchyroll.