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Shangri-La Frontieris as fun and gorgeous in its second season as in its first, even if it encounters minor sophomore syndrome issues. Still, Sunraku is ready to carve out his adventures in the game. The anime continues to follow multiple threads as the world story progresses, prompting opportunities to unearth more lore with the Library clan, repair the Ether Reactor, and more. But as Sunraku continues to split his time among NPCs, gathering materials and exploring the world, he occasionally laments his low social skills inShangri-La Frontier.
Part of Sunraku’s charm inShangri-La Frontieris thathe is the anime embodiment of a solo gamerin the eponymous popular multiplayer-accessible action RPG, and it makes a good deal of sense. But as he occasionally causes misunderstandings among real-life players or even mistakes innocuous friendly behavior like from Psyger-0 as concealed manipulative intent, it’s increasingly clear thatSunraku shows no intent of engaging in that part of his life. Sunraku’s passion for trash games, a noteworthy problem with the gaming industry, and his willingness to accept it, shows itself inShangri-La Frontier.
Shangri-La Frontier’s Protagonist Often Overlooks Human Connection
Sunraku’s Solo Adventures Leave Little Room for Real Friends
Shangri-La Frontiercenters on a full dive VRMMORPG with record-setting concurrent players. With its world story barely budging since its release, so much of its experience is driven by player engagement, with Sunraku as no exception. Sunraku’s real-life alter ego, Rakuro Hizutome, thus spends his days exploring the game’s rich world,spending increasingly large amounts of time with Vorpal Bunnies and Cat Fairieslike Emul, Binac, and Aramys, instead of even other players he’s met. It’s gotten to the point where his solo adventures land him in hot water, as teased inShangri-La Frontierseason 2, episode #1’sending.
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Shangri-La Frontieris not presenting Sunraku as intentionally isolating himself. But in season 1, episode #9, he misreads Psyger-0’s invitation to help him through the game as a way to ingratiate herself with him in exchange for what he knows.Sunraku spends periods entirely separate from other players in numerous arcs, questing only with game AI in the form of NPC companions. InShangri-La Frontierseason 1, episode #13, he leaves the game, spending time with his family effectively as a break from the game, otherwise spending his summer vacation inSLF.
It’s not as if Sunraku doesn’t have meaningful connections inShangri-La Frontier.Arthur Pencilgon and Oikatzo are frequent allies, and Sunraku even plays with them in the various trash games they mutually enjoy. Still,his careless actions with the Inventoria and Emul draw unwanted consequences upon Pencilgon and Oikatzo. Perhaps driven by his love for games that are infamously bad and thus far less populated, Sunraku limits his social pool while highlighting another issue inShangri-La Frontierand the game industry.
Sunraku’s Trash Game Obsession Highlights Problems with the Game Industry
Shangri-La Frontier Explores the Depressing Aspects of an Oversaturated Market
WithShangri-La Frontieralready embodying a popular genre staple as a series set within a VRMMORPG, part of its core is how Kusoge, or “trash games,” are seen as gems and worthy challenges, inspiring lateral thinking. While this is certainly a valuable insight, the series also implicitly acknowledges an oversaturated video game market in the real world, withthe MMO genre especially inundated with low-effort projects lacking innovation or forethought. Sunraku’s views of these poorly designed games as opportunities to overcome them based on skill are admirable but misguided inShangri-La Frontier.
Sunraku’s Kusoge enthusiast mindset is endearing, with entirely different types of players flocking to games likeBerserk Online PassionorBERPinShangri-La Frontier.Games likeBERPbecome ironic gems for the unorthodox gameplay that emerges from its countless bugs. However, appreciation for this type of game is misguided because some real-life trash games can be far less accidental. After all, it’s doubtful even Sunraku would appreciate a bad game when part of its notoriety comes from being harmful or scamming the players, like inthe case ofThe Day Before.
Awkwardness Is Part of Sunraku’s Appeal in Shangri-La Frontier
Likely Simple Introversion
Sunraku, on one level, can’t help himself, as it’s part of his playing style inShangri-La Frontier. Fandoms draw parallels between his character and u/KleinTsuboiOW on Reddit, best known asElden Ring’s"Let Me Solo Her,“and it’s no accident, withAnime News Network’sinterview withSLFcreator Katarina confirming its inspiration fromDark Souls. Sunraku’s decision to cut down his armor to a half-naked state is a pragmatic choice to reduce his resources to the bare essentials in episode #1, locked in by Lycagon’s Marking later, with his bird mask concealing his face for modesty’s sake.
InShangri-La Frontierseason 1, episode #20,Sunraku laments his lack of social skillsyet balks at honing them in theLove Clockdating sim game mentioned throughout the series. His unwillingness to interact meaningfully with others outside “gaming buddy” relationships can partially be explained as introversion and a carefree attitude. However, he is still just a 17-year-old. Sunraku has a whole lifetime ahead of him to practice his social skills, but for now, he has no time for romance or frivolous personal ties; he merely wishes for more adventures inShangri-La Frontier.
Shangri-La Frontier
Cast
Rakurō Hizutome, a high school student known for mastering poorly made games, takes on the challenge of a highly rated VR MMORPG. Diving into the complex and immersive world, he bypasses tutorials and jumps straight into action, uncovering hidden secrets and formidable monsters along the way.
