Log Horizon
Isekai, an anime set in game worlds, became more prevalent after the success of Sword Art Online. While some came off as blatant rip-offs and others as heavily inspired by it, many were set in their own fantasy worlds. All of them featured staple elements of action and adventure, and it's undeniable that, given the right opportunity, there were some truly exceptional series among them. So, among the many, which were the real hidden gems?
Log Horizon is a 25-episode anime series that aired on TV from the 5th of October 2013 until the 22nd of March 2014, as a Fall 2013 title. It was produced by NHK, licensed by Sentai Filmworks, and brought to life by Studio Satelight. The primary staff involved with its creation are Ishihira Shinji as Director, Hata Shouji as Sound Director, Shirahata Nobuo as Episode Director, and Andou Takashi as Episode Director. It features Action, Adventure, and Fantasy genres, with gaming as its central theme. It received a PG-13 rating for teenagers 13 years or older.
Log Horizon is based on the Light Novel of the same title. It is still under publication, starting on April 13, 2010, by author Touno Mamare and artist Hara Kazuhiro. It has been published in English by Yen Press under the Yen On imprint since the 21st of April 2015, in French by Ofelbe since the 26th of November 2015, in Polish by Studio JG since April 2016, and in Brazilian Portuguese by NewPOP. The anime series adapts the first five volumes. A summary was released in a single special episode titled "Imanara Maniau!" "Log Horizon" (also known as "Log Horizon Recap," "Log Horizon Episode 6.5," and "Log Horizon Special") was released in November 2013, recapping the first six episodes of the anime. Log Horizon Season 2 was also released as a 25-episode TV series in Fall 2014 by Studio Deen, which adapted Volumes 6 to 9 of the Light Novels. Finally, Season 3 was recently released in Winter 2021 by Studio Deen, titled “Log Horizon: Entaku Houkai” (Log Horizon: Destruction of the Round Table), which spanned 12 episodes.
In the world of Log Horizon, the MMORPG Elder Tale remains ever popular. Suddenly, the game whisks 30,000 Japanese players from their everyday lives into their beloved Gameworld. This unprecedented phenomenon occurred following the game's latest update, leaving the gamers bewildered and unable to log out. Among the many lost and confused players is the series protagonist, the socially awkward but brilliant college student Shiroe. What sets him apart from the rest? His confusion and shock from the sudden displacement lasts only a few moments. As a seasoned veteran of the game, he manages to calm down. He logically assesses the situation for a moment and immediately sets out to explore the unknown limits of his new yet familiar reality.
Shiroe, like many others, must learn about and adapt to their new world. Many factors must be considered, resources managed, and compromises made if they ever wish to bring stability to the virtual city of Akihabara, where they now find themselves. They face the challenges of living there, leading the other gamers, and negotiating with the NPC (Non-Player Characters) "natives" of the game. Shiroe is a pioneer in the struggle, and he makes sure he knows what he’s doing. He is not alone either; joining him are Naotsugu, who had unfortunately logged in the game for the first time in years only to find himself trapped within it, and Akatsuki, who is a petite but fierce and capable assassin who sees Shiroe as her only master. Their tale is one of fantasy, adventure, mind games, and politics, as Shiroe traverses the vast new world and explores its many gaming elements through the eyes of a master strategist and “evil genius” who aims to make the best of a puzzling and troublesome situation.
The Story of Log Horizon is its greatest strength. It is unique and built differently from a typical Shounen series. It heavily relies on political and economic themes that fit well with its core themes: settling into and building a new world. To this end, there are a few episodes with heavy and intense dialogue and battles fought with intellect and words rather than weapons and magic. These moments are highly entertaining and serve to keep the story consistently engaging. The execution, pacing, and structuring of the arcs are well implemented and a pleasure to watch. Almost everything the characters do holds meaning and leads to greater ends. Despite starting as a typical Game Isekai focused on combat and gameplay mechanics, the anime only lays the foundation for the bigger story. The story relies heavily on action and combat, yet it bases them on logical tactics and strategy. Shiroe is not an OP protagonist who pummels through all opponents and challenges; he is a team player and Support who relies heavily on his intellect and teammates to reach their goals collectively.
The Characters of Log Horizon are not spectacular but are significant nonetheless. They all do their parts and complement each other well. They all react to their predicaments in their own ways, realistically. Each character holds promise for the future of the show, and all of them get decent development. Despite the Politics and Economics, the characters do not fail to show their own brand of humor and wholesome moments, making for a fun and relatable cast.
The Art and animations for Log Horizon are decent. It is in no way terrible and is actually good and consistent. This aspect doesn't scream GAME, which is good because their presence in the game is uncertain. The Character designs are generic but also attractive and fitting. Shiroe’s design, in particular, is unique and suitable. The Sounds and Music of Log Horizon are decent, too. The Opening theme is "database feat. The opening theme is "TAKUMA (10 Feet)" by MAN WITH A MISSION, and the ending theme is "Your song*" by Yun*chi, both of which are great after a bit of getting used to. The OSTs are not as great or memorable, though; they are simply there, fulfilling their purpose. While they are decent, viewers would seldom even notice their presence or absence.
Overall, Log Horizon will definitely not be the kind of series you expected when you first got into it. It has a lot of realism, economics, and politics within a fantasy world, making for a fascinating series. The spontaneous nature of their new world, along with the diverse and vibrant characters, coping mechanisms, compromises, and adaptability, makes this anime worth watching. Granted, there are a few flaws and plot holes, but these are barely noticeable when you're engrossed in trying to comprehend the scale of Shiroe’s plans and schemes. The selling points are the well-executed story, the pure entertainment factor, and the unique vibe. Even if the featured genres and themes don't appeal to you, this drama is simply delightful and highly recommended.
