In 2017, Weekly Shonen Magazine (not relation to Weekly Shonen Jump) published a web novel series titled, “Shangri-La Frontier.” Set in the near future where traditional video games compatible to a screen are labeled as retro are replaced by virtual reality becoming a staple within the gaming community. One gamer named, Rakuro Hizutome spends his spare time playing poorly finished games. After completing a panned game, he tries out a Triple A critically acclaimed RPG open-world game known as, Shangri-La Frontier or SLF for short. Rakuro plays it under a username, Sunraku. He challenges himself to see if a great game’s worth the hype. Six Years Later, Crunchyroll produced an anime adaptation.
Season 1 officially streamed in 2023 (same year Oppenheimer came out) earning positive reception from critics and streamers alike. Season 2 is also streaming. A third season is currently in development. First time I heard about Shangri-La Frontier was from a voting poll on Facebook. Choosing which anime I should watch before the upcoming Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2025 stream on May 25. Special shout-out to one of my followers, Christopher Wheeler. Thanks for the request. I’m officially hooked.
By the way, Eric Vale’s coming to Fan Expo Dallas 2025 on May 30-June 1. I got plans to attend. After I take my pics, I’ll write an editorial about my three-day experience as I did last year.
This review contains no SPOILERS.
Powerful & Weak Aspects
Powerful: Eric Vale (Trunks from DBZ and Shigaraki from My Hero Academia) did a decent job for his voiceover performance as Rakuro Hizutome/Sunraku.
Animation brings several elements to life such as the titular world, character models, fluid movement, lighting etc.
Action Sequences showcase a player’s unique skills.
A ton of Funny Moments made me laugh so hard. I can picture Trunks saying gamer slang and pop culture references. Eric earns Bonus Points for his delivery. Sunraku has officially become one of my favorite anime protagonists next to Spike Spiegel from “Cowboy Bebop” & Yusuke Urameshi from “YuYu Hakusho.”
Sunraku’s chemistry with his fellow players, Pencilgon & Oikatzo serve as the main highlight. Sunraku befriends an NPC bunny, Emul. We learn about their daily lives besides playing games.
Psyger-0 (Rei Saiga) tries to get to know her classmate, Sunraku. She attempts to overcome her shyness by playing SLF so she can find him within the game.
Unlike a ton of anime, there’s no high stakes conflict involving a malevolent A.I. like XANA from “Code Lyoko” turning against its creator. A breath of fresh air. SLF’s best described in one word, chillax.
Two Opening and Ending Theme Songs listed below.
- Opening 1 – Broken Games (my personal favorite)
- Opening 2 – Danger Danger
- Ending 1 – Ace
- Ending 2 – Heaven in the Rain
Every single episode contains a mini segment under, “SLF Theater.” A few of ’em gave me a chuckle.
My favorite episode is the four-parter, “Putting Feelings Into a Moment.”
Before the four-part episode, there’s a recap of the first half of Season 1 with Sunraku, Pencilgon & Oikatzo providing in-game commentary. You can tell Mr. Vale and the others were having a good time recording their lines.
The “trash games” are buggy and amusing. I wish they were real. It would be hilarious to see Joe Vargas/Angry Joe pitifully playing these games.
The Season Finale sets up Season 2.
Weak: Not really a con. In the tenth episode, there’s a boss battle involving a giant spider. This is the second time in an anime series seeing a giant spider. I saw one in Solo Leveling’s first season. I friggin’ hate spiders. Every time I see one, I always shout David Arquette’s legendary one-liner from “Eight Legged Freaks.” “Get back, you Eight Legged Freaks!”
I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving the cast and crew an Extra Point for making a flawless season as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
I didn’t expect Shangri-La Frontier to be so good. A unique anime series catered to gamers. It’s gonna sound controversial, I think Shangri-La Frontier’s better than “Solo Leveling.” Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed Solo Leveling’s first season. It almost got a perfect score. If you’re a gamer who likes anime, it’s definitely worth your spare time. Which anime should I watch and review next? Please leave a comment and don’t forget to subscribe.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 