Shangri-La Frontier is an exciting anime series starring Sunraku as he looks to play his first ever ‘good game’ in the titular Shangri-La Frontier. He’s an experienced, near-expert-level gamer who only plays the worst games he can find. When he finally wants to try something new, he heads into the world of Shangri-La Frontier and uses his trash-gamer skills to dominate the world quicker than most. It’s a fun, light-hearted series with no real consequences, as everything is just a game.
Thanks to his friends Oikatzo and Arthur Pencilgon, Sunraku is able to fight some of the strongest enemies in the series early, earning him unwanted fame and attention. To be a good show like Shangri-La Frontier , a series doesn’t necessarily have to be set in a VRMMO, but it doesn’t hurt. The most defining traits that make Shangri-La Frontier so good are its amazing fights, intriguing in-game world, and fun moments between Sunraku, his friends, and the world around them.
10 Solo Leveling
Animated By A-1 Pictures, Based on the Web Novel By Chugong
Solo Leveling isn’t a series within a game, but main character Sung Jinwoo is chosen by the mysterious system, turning the world around him into a game. He’s given quests, daily rewards, and keys to access dungeons to make himself stronger. Solo Leveling is at its best when Jinwoo has his back against a wall and is fighting some of the strongest characters in Solo Leveling. He quickly becomes one of the most powerful characters around, taking out people ranked much higher than him early in the show.
Solo Leveling and Shangri-La Frontier are at their most similar in their fights. Both Sunraku and Jinwoo prefer to fight up close and personal, using small blades as their main weapons. They’re both fast, strong, and exciting to watch every time they’re in battle. While Sunraku’s series is much lighter than Jinwoo’s, their fights are what unite them.
9 Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online
Animated By 3Hz, Based on the Light Novel Written By Keiichi Sigsawa and Illustrated By Kouhaku Kuroboshi
Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online
Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online is the first-person shooter version of the popular Sword Art Online series. It’s set in the same universe and trades the main series’ swords for guns. Karen Kohiruimaki is the star of GGO. She’s a self-conscious college student who likes to play Gun Gale Online because she can control her character’s height, creating a short and cute avatar she likes to represent herself as.
Shangri-La Frontier and GGO are two solid VRMMO anime series. If a player dies in Gun Gale Online, like Shangri-La Frontier, they don’t actually die in real life. They may lose a bit of progress or money, but they get to log out at the end of the day. The two series have a lot more in common than just their premise, as they both feature stellar action sequences, two strong-willed characters, and a very interesting world ready to be explored.
8 Tower of God
Animated By Telecom Animation Film, Based on the Manhwa/Webtoon By S.I.U.
Tower of God is an anime series based on the South Korean webtoon by SIU. It follows a young boy named Bam who embarks on a perilous journey to ascend a mysterious tower, where each floor presents unique challenges and tests. The tower promises to grant the deepest desires of those who reach its top. Along the way, Bam forms alliances and confronts adversaries while uncovering hidden truths about himself and the tower.
- Cast
- Johnny Yong Bosch , Matthew David Rudd , Cherami Leigh , Scott Whyte , Valerie Rose Lohman , Chris Hackney , Trent Mills
- Release Date
- April 1, 2020
- Seasons
- 2
- Franchise(s)
- Tower of God
- Writers
- Erika Yoshida
- Directors
- Takashi Sano
- Creator(s)
- Lee Jong Hui
Tower of God and Shangri-La Frontier both feature expansive worlds that only seem to get bigger as time passes. The more Bam and Sunraku uncover about the Tower and Shangri-La Frontier itself, the more questions they have. Bam and Sunraku don’t share many traits in common. At the start of Tower of God, Bam is a quiet kid who doesn’t want to hurt anyone. After joining FUG, he becomes a lethal Slayer Candidate, willing to do whatever it takes to protect his friends.
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While ToG is much more serious than Shangri-La Frontier, both feature exciting fights and captivating power systems. They’re both set in mysterious worlds that give the main character an interesting space to explore. With the help of their friends, both Sunraku and Bam are able to face the most intimidating foes in their respective series without backing down.
7 Overlord
Animated By Madhouse, Based on the Light Novel By Written By Kugane Maruyama and Illustrated By so-bin
Overlord follows a salaryman who, after being trapped in a virtual reality game, assumes the role of an all-powerful skeletal overlord. As he navigates this new world filled with magic and mythical creatures, he seeks to understand the game’s mysteries and conquer its challenges. The series blends elements of fantasy and adventure, exploring themes of power and identity.
- Cast
- Satoshi Hino , Chris Guerrero , Yumi Hara
- Release Date
- July 7, 2015
- Seasons
- 4
Overlord is another series set in a DMMO-RPG game. Ainz Ooal Gown, the main character of Overlord, finds himself trapped in the game of Yggrdasil one day, unable to log out. Instead of panicking, he resolves himself to uncover the secrets of the new world he’s in by dominating it. He becomes the titular Overlord of the Great Tomb of Nazarick and looks to subjugate his enemies through fear and power. It’s a dark series with humorous moments throughout.
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While Shangri-La Frontier and Overlord have a few key, thematic differences, they both tell a story of a young man having fun playing a video game. Ainz and Sunraku are also both very powerful, smart, and strategic, using their abilities effectively against a range of enemies. Both of their worlds are filled with interesting enemies and enough mystery to keep both main characters on the lookout for what’s next.
6 Log Horizon
Animated By Satelight, Based on the Light Novel By Mamare Touno
- Cast
- Jad Saxton , Mike Yager , Jōji Nakata , Andrew Love , Luci Christian , Maggie Flecknoe
- Character(s)
- Akatsuki , Shiroe , Nyanta , Naotsugu , Minori , Marielle
- Release Date
- October 5, 2013
- Seasons
- 3
- Directors
- Shinji Ishihira
- Creator(s)
- Toshizo Nemoto
Log Horizon is another series set in a video game. Like the genre’s juggernaut, Sword Art Online, the players in Log Horizon aren’t allowed to log out of their game. Protagonist Shiroe decides to unite his friends under the titular Log Horizon banner to better understand their new world and to make it more livable for the players in it. Like Shangri-La Frontier, the entirety of Log Horizon takes place inside a video game, filled with new races, new enemies, and even more places to discover.
It’s a much more thought-provoking isekai anime series than Shangri-La Frontier as Log Horizon has more repercussions than the light-hearted series. Log Horizon and Shangri-La Frontier both feature a litany of traditional video game elements, like a class system, leveling up, and NPCs that can either help the main character or stand in their way.
5 KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on this Wonderful World!
Animated By Studio Deen, Based on the Web Novel By Natsume Akatsuki
- Cast
- Jun Fukushima , Sora Amamiya , Noucky Andriansyah
- Release Date
- January 13, 2016
- Seasons
- 2
- Writers
- Natsume Akatsuki , Aoi Akashiro , Touko Machida , Kojiro Nakamura , Makoto Uezu , Alexander Von David
- Directors
- Takaomi Kanasaki
- Main Genre
- Adventure
- Creator(s)
- Natsume Akatsuki
KonoSuba is the funniest isekai series around. It stars Kazuma Satou, a smart isekai protagonist who uses his intelligence to get out of any and all responsibilities. Both Shangri-La Frontier and KonoSuba are some of the lightest shows around. There are no real problems in either series and that’s what gives them both such great appeal. The writing in both series is superb too, allowing characters to develop fun, genuine relationships with each other through biting quips and backhanded compliments.
While Shangri-La Frontier is more centered on action than KonoSuba, that doesn’t mean the isekai series is a stranger to good fights. Darkness’s ability to tank damage, Aqua’s divine powers of protection, and Megumin’s insane Explosion magic make them a powerful squad that has taken down several of the Demon King’s strongest generals. For fans who just want to laugh, there aren’t many better series than KonoSuba.
4 Hell’s Paradise
Animated By Mappa, Based on the Manga By Yuji Kaku
- Cast
- Chiaki Kobayashi , Yumiri Hanamori , Ryōhei Kimura , Kensho Ono , Rie Takahashi , Tetsu Inada , Aoi Ichikawa , Chikahiro Kobayashi , Makoto Koichi , Daiki Yamashita , Mamiko Noto , Konomi Kohara , Junichi Suwabe , Yuhko Kaida , Yuu Wakabayashi , Yuichi Mizuguchi , Mugihito , Chō , Takahiro Sumi , Shunichi Maki , Makoto Furukawa , Takaaki Torashima , Hinata Tadokoro , Yu Okano , Volcano Ota , Kenji Nomura , Chafurin , Minami Hinata , Miyuu Ogura , Shunichi Toki , Yûsuke Kobayashi , Ryōta Suzuki , Kazuya Saji , Ryûnosuke Watanuki , Takayuki Nakatsukasa , Ritsu Takahashi , Satoru Ito , Ai Kaneta , Kyoko Chikiri , Masafumi Kimura , Hidenari Ugaki , Hayato Fujii , Taiki Yamashita
- Character(s)
- Gabimaru , Yamada Asaemon Sagiri , Aza Chobei , Yamada Asaemon Toma , Yuzuriha , Tamiya Gantetsusai , Yamada Asaemon Fuchi , Yamada Asaemon Shion , Nurugai , Yamada Asaemon Senta , Yui , Mei , Rien / Ju Fa / Zhu Jin / Mu Dan / Ran , Mu Dan , Jailer C , Disciple , Village chief , Hoko , Doshi B , Twisted Keiun , Yamada Asaemon Eizen , Adachi Matagoro , Rokurota , Official with flower , Yamada Asaemon Genji , Narrator , Tokugawa Nariyoshi , Aza Chobei (young) , Yamada Asaemon Toma (young) , Yamada Asaemon Kisho , Yamada Asaemon Tenza , Yamada Asaemon Shugen , Chief retainer , Criminal B , Tattooed criminal , Boy / Child , Feudal lord , Rokurota’s mother , Rokurota (young) , Nurugai’s grandfather , Kichiji (Sagiri’s father) , Townsman B , Samurai
- Release Date
- April 1, 2023
- Seasons
- 1
- Network
- TV Tokyo
- Writers
- Yuji Kaku , Kindaichi Akira
- Directors
- Kaori Makita
Hell’s Paradise is a heart-pounding action series with great fights. Main character Gabimaru is sentenced to death after a failed assassination mission, but the Shogunate will give him a chance at redemption if he finds the mysterious Elixir of Life on the dangerous island of Shinsekyo. He’s partnered with his own executioner, Yamada Asaemon Sagiri, and the pair venture into the mysterious land looking for the elixir.
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Both Hell’s Paradise and Shangri-La Frontier are set in expansive worlds with more questions than answers. They also both feature great close-combat fights that each animation studio brings to life well. Thematically, Shangri-La Frontier is a much lighter show because there are no real consequences for the characters involved, but that doesn’t make their fights any less thrilling. Gabimaru is learning to work with others to uncover the secrets of the island he’s on and, one day, escapes back to his wife.
3 Sword Art Online
Animated By A-1 Pictures, Based on the Light Novel Written By Reki Kawahara and illustrated By abec
- Cast
- Yoshitsugu Matsuoka , Haruka Tomatsu , Ayana Taketatsu , Miyuki Sawashiro , Ai Kayano
- Release Date
- July 8, 2012
- Seasons
- 4
- Creator(s)
- Reki Kawahara
Sword Art Online is the father of modern-day VRMMORPG anime. Main character Kirito finds himself, along with 9,999 other players, trapped in the world of Sword Art Online. They’re connected to the game through a new technology called NerveGear, and if they die in the game, they’ll die in real life as well. It’s a fairly different situation from Sunraku and his friends as they can leave whenever they want. While the seriousness between the two shows is slightly different, the worlds each character is in are fairly similar.
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Both Kirito and Sunraku find themselves in a vibrant video game world filled with interesting characters and plenty of areas to explore. With the help of their incredibly powerful friends, they’re able to get past the strongest of enemies and level up to become even stronger themselves.
2 The Eminence in Shadow
Animated By Nexus, Based on the Light Novel Written By Daisuke Aizawa and Illustrated By Tōzai
- Cast
- Seiichiro Yamashita , Asami Seto , Inori Minase , Suzuko Mimori , Fairouz Ai
- Release Date
- October 5, 2022
- Seasons
- 1
Shadow from The Eminence in Shadow might as well be a video game character. He was transported to his new world with some of the most devastating abilities in anime, as he’s able to defeat everyone in the series without breaking a sweat. While Sunraku needs to put in a lot more effort to defeat his enemies, they’re both strong enough to handle almost everyone that comes their way. They’re also two anime characters that enjoy battle more than most, heading into the toughest situations with a smile on their faces.
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While Shadow and Sunraku are both relatively independent, they do rely on their friends from time to time to help them get the job done. They’re also both trying to figure out more about the world they find themselves in, and are often at the center of most of their respective series’ plot points.
1 Bofuri: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, so I’ll Max Out My Defense
Animated By Silver Link, Based on the Light Novel Written By Yuumikan and Illustrated By Koin
Bofuri: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, so I’ll Max Out My Defense follows Kaede Honjou, who starts playing a VRMMORPG as Maple. Opting for maximum defense, she develops unique skills to overcome game challenges, making her an unexpected powerhouse.
- Cast
- Kaede Hondo , Ruriko Noguchi , Saori Hayami , Noriaki Sugiyama , Satomi Sato , Miyuri Shimabukuro , Satomi Arai , Ai Kakuma
- Character(s)
- Maple , Sally , Kasumi , Kuromu , Iz , Syrup , Kanade , May
- Release Date
- January 8, 2020
- Seasons
- 2
- Creator(s)
- Yuumikan
Bofuri is an adorable series that follows Kaede Honjo as she discovers the world of NewWorld Online, a VRMMORPG. In the game, Kaede goes by Maple and is one of the strongest characters in the series. Unlike Sunraku, Maple isn’t used to playing online video games like NewWorld Online so she puts all of her stats in defense, hoping to never get hurt. Her hope is very much fulfilled as she has become a tank that can’t take damage from nearly any source.
Both Bofuri and Shangri-La Frontier feature strong characters in near isekai settings. While Sunraku is a much more experienced gamer than Maple, they both have a ton of fun while playing with their friends. Their stories both detail their adventures in their new world, discovering the inner workings of the game worlds they find themselves in.
