Lay back, get comfortable and log on.
Based on the novel and manga by Katarina, Shangri-La Frontier is about the virtual reality (VR) space and all the adventures we can escape and immerse ourselves into.
Rakuro Hizutome, self-proclaimed Master of Trash Games, is a man who thrives on beating the most absurd, glitch-ridden VR games out there. Where others saw broken mechanics and laughable graphics, Rakuro saw challenges waiting to be conquered. He has built his reputation by mastering the worst of the worst, turning trash into triumph, just like his motto “so bad it’s good”.
Intrigued by a game hailed by every gamer as the next evolution in VR games, Shangri-La Frontier which promises endless possibilities, outstanding graphics, more polished and refined. This ‘god-tier’ VR game is the pinnacle of an immersive experience for all gamers. Curious and determined to test his skills in something he’s never been interested in, Rakuro is ready to disembark on this new VR experience.
Adapting his new in-game persona of Sunraku, he is ready to see if this god-tier game could live up to its hype, diving headfirst into the vibrant world of Shangri-La Frontier as a rouge adventurer, with nothing more than his sharp wit and knowledge from his trash games. It didn’t take long for him to realise that this game is unlike any he’d encountered. With each passing moment, he finds himself drawn deeper into a journey unlike anything he’s experienced.
I had to admit, when I started watching Shangri-La Frontier, I was not sold on this being a series I would enjoy. With a slow pace build up and character development, I was losing interest fast. Who would have thought watching a half-naked birdman and his bunny companion Emul would lead into an epic adventure? Enter PK (Player Killer), Arthur Pencilgon and hot-blooded Oikatzo and you get an unlikely power trio.
Midway through season one, our three players unite to face Wethermon the Tombguard, a unique monster and one of The Seven Colossi. The action intensifies, and it’s clear why these episodes were highly anticipated. Don’t skip this arc and jump straight to season two as you’ll miss an exhilarating battle that sets the stage for their next adventures.
With unresolved mysteries, new characters, and the lingering questions about the truth of this world, season one has left us eager for the next chapter that Sunraku is about to explore.
Opening this next arc in Shangri-La Frontier is ‘QUEEN’ by LiSA, and for those who are anime fanatics, LiSA is no stranger to anime opening themes. With her powerful and electrifying vocals, could this be the introduction to one of the best arcs we can anticipate?
Continuing their journey with new curiosities, Sunraku is out to power up and claim victory. The first episode in this next arc (labelled episode 26) has Sunraku and his comrades from Rabituza in Golem Paradise.
Visually, the action intensifies and the graphics are able to really draw out the thrill-seeking battle Sunraku and his comrades partake in. I have great expectations that this next arc will surpass the dramatic showdown with Wethermon the Tombguard. Blending in its signature flares of action, teamwork and comedy, it’s not without the reminder of his actual foes. Not his NPC comrades, but Pencilgon and Oikatz.
Will Sunraku and his comrades uncover the truths hidden within Shangri-La Frontier? Will Sunraku experience a PK himself? And will Psyger-0 finally confess her one-sided love? The anticipation is thrilling!
Shangri-La Frontier illustrates that VR games can appeal to a diverse audience of gamers by showcasing the realistic and relatable nature of gaming relationships. The game effectively engages players through various activities, such as participating in guilds, being able to send messages to friends in-game and executing tactical plans. This multifaceted approach ensures that players of all types find enjoyment and connection within the world of Shangri-La Frontier.
Shangri-La Frontier, illustrated by Ryosuke Fuji and directed by Toshiyuki Kubooka is now streaming with weekly releases on crunchyroll.com.
Art supplied by Crunchy Roll, ©Katarina, Ryosuke Fuji, KODANSHA/ “Shangri-La Frontier” Production Committee, MBS.