Picking up where Season 1 left off, teenage gamer, Sunraku/Rakuro resumes his journey to master an MMO open-world video game, “Shangri-La Frontier” or SLF for short. this time, he joins a multiclan along with fellow players, Pencilgon/Towa, Oikatzo/Kei & Psyger-O/Rei. What’s their goal? To unlock unique scenarios within the game. Sunraku and his pals also prepare for a pro game competition.
Shangri-La Frontier’s second season officially streamed in 2024 (same year Sabrina Carpenter’s album, Short n’ Sweet came out) on Crunchyroll earning praise from critics and streamers alike. A third season is in development. It’ll stream in 2026. As an anime enthusiast, I wanna share my thoughts on Shangri-La Frontier’s second season. By the way, video game developer, Netmarble is working on a Shangri-La Frontier game. It’s currently in the works.
Today’s review contains no crucial SPOILERS whatsoever.
Mighty & Weak Aspects
Mighty: Voice Actors including Eric Vale reprise their roles and they all did an excellent job for their respective voiceover performances.
Animation brings a few elements to life such as the titular game’s world, character models, fluid movement, lighting and environmental locations.
Action Sequences showcase Sunraku’s gaming skills.
Funny Moments made me laugh so hard. Especially Sunraku speaking gamer slang. I can already picture Trunks (from DBZ) on Twitch recording a playthrough. You can tell Eric Vale was having a blast recording his dialogue.
Random Thought: I think Shangri-La Frontier is better than “Solo Leveling.” Don’t get me wrong, I like the latter. It’s on the same level as the former. If C2C produced a movie, I would definitely be the first in line.
As I’ve mentioned on my previous review of Season 1, the show doesn’t revolve around saving the world. It’s a unique anime series with players just having fun. Best described in one word, “Chillax.”
Pacing for each episode didn’t feel like a slow burn at all. I was immediately hooked since the Season Premiere. To quote Jim Carrey in “Dumb and Dumber.” “I like it a lot!”
Sunraku’s chemistry with his pals serve as the main highlight. They put their gaming skills to the test if they wanna unlock unique scenarios as well as mastering SLF. Sunraku has more interactions with Psyger-0. The latter’s a schoolgirl who has a crush on him.
SLF features unique scenarios and new locations.
Besides SLF, Sunaku also plays other games. I wish they were teal. Would’ve been fun play ‘em.
My favorite episode is the five-parter, “Embrace the Lamplight of Ambition.”
Season 2 features two Opening and End Credits Songs.
- Opening 2: Queen by LiSA (Episodes 26-37)
- Opening 3: Frontiers by Awich (Episodes 38-50) (my personal favorite)
- Ending 2: Dancer in the Dark Night by otoha (Episodes 26-37)
- Ending 3: realitYhurts by CVLTE (Episodes 38-50)
A Post-Credits Scene often contains very short segments, “SLF Theater.” They’re played for laughs.
Season Finale sets up Season 3. A point of no return.
Weak: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving the crew an Extra Point for making a flawless season as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Shangri-La Frontier’s second season is another big hit. Some of the positive stuff listed above, indicates why it’s a unique anime. If you’re curious to watch the series. I strongly recommend it. Get caught up on Season 1. Then, Season 2. I cannot wait for Season 3.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 