log horizon. By far one of my favorite shows, for multiple reasons. If you’re not familiar, the show is about a group of players from a popular MMORPG who suddenly appear inside the game, except it’s not a game anymore. Somehow, the world they knew as “Elder Tale” has become a reality and they have to learn how to survive in this world. Between learning how to fight with their new bodies, which resemble their old avatars, to figuring out how to manage the relationship between the Adventurers (players) and the People of the Land (NPCs). Log Horizon covers it all, and it does it brilliantly.

So what makes it so good? For me, it’s the details. Unlike most programs, Log Horizon digs into the details, and I love it for that reason. The fact is that they are inside a game world. The author explains the story from the perspective of the players of the players, using terms such as “party” or “attack”. However, it is also his new reality. We can see the characters struggle between this “reality” and think that it is still “just a game”. More importantly, the show focuses heavily on player interactions, to the point of self-governance. Behind it all is Master Shiroe, probably the best main character I’ve ever seen.

So… that’s all very well, but you’re probably reading this because you know how amazing it is. You want to know what you can see that will give you that same feeling. I understand you. Let’s go to the list, okay?

sword art online

Where Log Horizon is, there is SAO; That’s how it is. However, I am putting it here for a slightly different reason. SAO and Log Horizon are similar, but they focus on different aspects. SAO has the “game” feel that Log Horizon has, but takes it to the next level based on the fact that death is absolute. SAO represents the dramatic side of being stuck in another world very well, so I think you’ll like it.

Of course, there is more to SAO than that, but I want to focus deeply on the first season (Aincrad). We get more of the amazing fights that are far and few in Log Horizon; Mainly boss raids. Although SAO doesn’t go into as much detail as Log Horizon in these raids, the fight scenes are still quite interesting.

I recommend you check out SAO, at least the first season, if you want the series to have more drama and don’t mind getting caught up in the main character (unlike LH, where we follow a lot of characters).

no game no life

So you like Log Horizon for the depth. You’re in love with him, just like me. Well, you’ll probably like No Game No Life. If you go crazy, fan girl, with some of Master Shiroe’s plans, you will definitely like this show. I’m not going to lie, this is more of a comedy show, but the depth of the games the main characters play is second to none.

Basically, the two main characters are beast gamers and they get trapped in a world where games decide everything. You can guess what happens. We can agree with these two on some amazing, high-stakes games. Some of which you have no idea how they won until after the end. The only thing you have to know about this anime to enjoy it: Blank never loses.

I recommend giving No Game No Life a try if you’re in a lighter mood, you know, in the mood for some comedy. This anime doesn’t have as much drama attached to it, but the thoroughness of the games they play is something to marvel at.

Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash

I love something about Grimgar. This is one of those programs that generally goes unnoticed, you know, because it’s not a big money program. This has a very similar premise to LH, meaning the main characters just appear in another world. Except Grimgar is far from a game. It has gameplay qualities, like guilds or abilities, but it’s definitely a reality, and our characters pick it up very quickly.

This show doesn’t go as deep into things like combat or strategy, but focuses more on the struggle of life. They take us on a journey where these teenagers are thrown into a world where they must kill to survive. They have to kill to make money, and as the main character Haru says, “everything costs money.”

I’d say give Grimgar a try if you want an adventure that’s real, not fantasy. The drama present in this show is that of real life and death, and it is not masked by a video game. He tries to ignore the fanservice in the first few episodes, it dies down after a while (they use it too much as comic relief at first).

Konosuba

This show. Let me tell you, it will make you die laughing. If, like No Game No Life, you’re looking for a more fun twist, this is the show for you. Quite simply, it’s more or less a parody. There is not a single serious moment in this anime, well maybe the beginning. Basically, the main character dies and has the option to be reborn in a game-like fantasy world. Of course, she takes it, and the goddess grants her wish with it.

Chaos ensues. Hilarious, glorious, chaos. We see a dysfunctional group form, including an explosive mage who can only cast one spell a day. Even the fights with the “evil” guys on this show aren’t very serious, if that tells you anything. Of course, with fantasy/comedy often comes fan service, and this show is no exception.

Konosuba is a great breath of fresh, comedic air after the intense and dramatic shows like LH. Give it a try if you are a fan of game worlds and want to have a good laugh. Not to mention that it will also have a season 2.

Spoiled

Lastly, we have Gate. Gate is an interesting show, to say the least. Basically, the modern military meets a medieval fantasy world. A portal is formed in the modern world of Japan, connecting the modern world with this other world with wizards, dragons, and the like. They may have magic though, but they are no match for guns and tanks!

This show is great because you have a little bit of action, a little bit of politics, and a little bit of almost everything. You get to follow the perspective of the main characters as a foot soldier, but you also get to see what’s going on with the leader of Japan and the political pressure he’s under. This show also accurately depicts the slanderous ways of the media.

Check this show out if you’re a fan of a good story that covers more than one angle. You get to see so many different perspectives on this show that it’s quite refreshing. Also, we learn that war is not just about fighting, there is a lot going on behind the scenes. Also, Rory is an amazing character.

conclusion

There you have it, the best anime that I would recommend if you are a fan of Log Horizon. You can love or hate some of these, but that just comes with the territory of anime shows and people’s personal tastes. I personally enjoyed them all and thought I’d share my thoughts on each show. Happy watching anime!