Hai to gensó no Grimgar

If you watch this and then Phantasy Star Online 2 The Animation, you might understand what I am referencing in my review for PSO2. You might get it because even though they are both anime series set in an RPG world, there is an astonishingly massive difference between them. This difference can be seen right off from the first episode, despite the fact one is science-fiction, and the other is a fantasy adventure. The world and the narrative of Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash present something new that has not been seen even in shows like in SAO, Log Horizon, or Overlord. It has some enjoyable characters who build suspense. However, we have not seen one important extra thing before; the main protagonists do not remember anything! In every previous anime series with this setting, characters are obviously trapped in the game, and it is clear from all the references that they are from our world. However, the characters always knew they were in the game, knew the gameplay, knew exactly what to do. In this show, they are just more or less clueless. So far, we have always gotten concepts focused on what to do when you know you are stuck in an RPG (try to escape, adapt, take over the world); however, now we have something that begs the question: "What would you do if you were in an RPG game and did not know it?". This question is both intriguing and original, and for that, I am pretty interested in watching how it unfolds. Like PSO2, the anime's creators wanted to lure us in with combat right from the start, although in this show, they did not show us how "cloying" the main male protagonist would look at the end. They just showed us a bunch of characters getting it on with two goblins. I was immediately amused and liked this. Then when they explain how it is with the characters, one understands exactly why they cannot do it. Plus, we have a bunch of teenagers in this show, so even though there are hints of disappointing looks and silly sex-themed crap and subtext, you find them believable in this regard too. They are believable because they are not old enough to know that hormones are crap. So this show does not feel as cheesy as other fantasy adventure anime series. Overall, the whole anime series feels incredibly believable for where it takes place. The characters are not over-the-top; they have their weaknesses just like everyone else and come across more like wimps, even though, to be honest, that is what almost everyone from today would probably be like if they were thrown into this harsh world. The soundtrack and animation are great, the narrative style is enjoyable and unique considering where this narrative takes place. I really would not expect a slower and relatively calm pace with an emphasis on the characters' psychology in an anime series in such a setting. Well, indeed, this leisurely pace and male protagonists who are fighting with themselves much more than with monsters will not be to everyone's taste. I am lucky enough not to be one of them, so I really enjoyed this unique work. 9/10. (2016.01.11) (kevesebbet) (több)