Shangri-La Frontier season 2 episode 1 review: A visual spectacle dampened by niche humor?

Modified Oct 13, 2024 06:30 GMT

Sunraku as seen in Shangri-La Frontier season 2 official trailer (Image via C2C)

Shangri-La Frontier season 2 episode 1, titled Half-Naked Birdman and the Gang in Golem Paradise, is set to release on October 13, 2024, at 5:30 pm JST. This season, consisting of two consecutive cours, is highly anticipated by fans, largely due to the impressive animation quality. Viewers have been eagerly waiting for the adaptation of key story arcs, including the Ether Reactor and Nephilim Hollow arcs, which are expected to be covered this season.

At first glance, the premise may not seem particularly exciting, as it revolves around a protagonist who enjoys playing poorly made games but decides to try a good one called Shangri-La Frontier for a change. However, the series has garnered a significant fanbase, despite being released in a year with strong competition from other popular anime like Freiren and Solo Leveling.

Thus it is no wonder that this fall fans have been excited for the episode. To put it shortly, it does not disappoint the fans.

Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers.

Shangri-La Frontier season 2 episode 1 review: Impressive visuals with storytelling that caters to only to fans

Shangri-La Frontier season 2 episode 1 review: A visual spectacle that might only get better

Oikatzo and Sunraku as seen in Shrangri-La Frontier trailer (Image via C2C)

In Shangri-La Frontier season 2 episode 1, viewers see Sunraku and his group venture into a new territory and quickly find themselves in a challenging situation. The episode will captivate even casual viewers with its impressive action scenes, where the animators really excelled.

The dynamic action sequences, combined with a fitting soundtrack, amplifies the intensity of these moments. The studio effectively shows how even minor battle scenes can be made highly engaging for the audience.

Shangri-La Frontier season 2 episode 1 review: Humorous character interactions

Aramyis as seen in Shangri-La Frontier (Image via C2C)

Shangri-La Frontier season 2 episode 1 keeps up its characteristic silly humor, particularly through the playful interactions between Aramiys and Bilac. The lighthearted exchanges provide a nice balance to the intense battle scenes, though they do not significantly contribute to character development.

While the anime has many fans, its humor is quite a niche. The show's comedic style may be appreciated by some, but it may not resonate as well with others.

Shangri-La Frontier season 2 episode 1 review: Well-paced narrative and a nice tension

Still from Shangri-La Frontier season 2 official trailer (Image C2C)

While there is not much in the way of plot development in this episode, this is to be expected given that it is part of an ongoing story and only the start of a new season. However, it is far from being slow-paced and keeps viewers on their toes. Furthermore, there is a little bit of set-up at the end of this episode which suggests there will be trouble for the protagonist in the future, but the reason is again hilarious.

Final thoughts

Rakuro Hizutome as seen in Shangri-La Frontier season 2 trailer (Image via C2C)

Shangri-La Frontier season 2 episode 1 demonstrates what great technical work can do for a series even within the oversaturated isekai genre. However, this well-executed episode may not be enough to sway viewers who were not already hooked on the series. While there is nothing negative to say about it, the episode does not seem to break new ground or take the series to the next level, except for the visuals.