Name: Log Horizon SPOILER FREE REVIEW Season 1 Episodes: 25 Premiered: Fall 2013 Studios: Satelight Source: Novel Genres: Action Game Adventure Magic Fantasy Log Horizon An isekai with a true MMORPG setting. The story begins in the midst of action with our main characters fighting off monsters and then quickly cuts off to present time this was probably done to quickly catch the attention of the viewer as Ive seen most times that even good anime dont usually bother with any dramatic stuff in the first few episodes which often leads to people putting it off despite it being good. That being said the start wasnt bad it was good enough. Much like the gamethemed isekai of recent times Log Horizon starts with the protagonist Shiroe realizing he has been transported to another world which at first looks very similar to the game he played Elder Tales or so he thought and has the same looks and abilities of his character as in the game but worry not he wasnt one of those OP main characters actually no one was or I have to win because friends kinda guy. He was a strategist he won his battles with the help of his teammates as you would see in any MMORPG by using very clever and thoughtout tactics and strategies for which he was already famous among the other players before the game turned into reality for all of them. The whole story or concept wasnt that complex it was simple and easy to understand as you would expect from a MMORPG players leveling up through battles questing exploring the new world establishing a base but that doesnt mean it was any less entertaining No it always had a trick or plot twist hidden up its sleeves which was a pleasant surprise. Though at times it would get dialogue heavy because Log Horizon isnt an isekai focused mainly on action it had its battles with the sword but it was more focused on the battles of the minds rather than some flashy battles on the battlefield we got the battles behind the scenes the mechanics of battles you could say. It was a lawless world where any option could be opted for victory. I would say one thing that Log Horizon is an isekai done right by that I mean it takes on the whole spirit of MMORPGs right down to the core mechanics and follows and implements the rules as one would expect in a game. Like for example the difference of classes and levels the use of spells and skills with cool down time or MP drain tanks and healers etc probably easier to understand if you have played some similar games. There wasnt a moment where a character would bend the rules of the world because of his feelings or something just some goodol skills and tactics. They did a pretty good job of keeping it as close to a MMORPG as they could definitely a plus in my book. Now for the characters the main characters other than Shiroe werent too bad but some of them felt unused in the latter half of Season 1. This was a shame because they had potential as shown in the beginning but were mostly used in some comical stuff or minor roles later on like Akatsuki and Naotsugu. Though the side characters were good enough as side characters can be they had their roles in the plot progression had good interactions with the main characters. The anime mainly focused on Shiroe and honestly I dont think it would matter that much if the other characters were involved because Shiroe was the one pulling the strings behind the scenes. His plans though simple to understand when explained were executed complexly and in ways youd mostly be unable to see for the most part. Dont wanna spoil so what do you think you could do with the knowledge of being able to make some tasty food? Make some profit? Shiroe had a keen sense of observation and picked up on small details others missed. He wasnt all that powerful but he was more intelligent than the average person. His devious plans earned him the title of The Villain in Glasses. Oh on that note there were a lot of those adjusting your glasses in success moments wouldve liked to tone them down a bit. The animation the character designs closeups and expressions were good. The background was detailed and perfectly showed the fantasygame like world setting. Though the character animation would become lazy at times and the action sequences felt short I did say it wasnt all that on the action part but nothing that would come in the way of watching the anime the animation was good enough considering this is an anime from 2013 were talking about. Again I am not usually big on judging OSTs very much but I think it was lacking on the OST part the OST was good dont get me wrong but that single OST was used a lot I guess it didnt have that diversity in OSTs. The Opening had that Lets Go vibe but I absolutely loved the Ending it was fun cute and relaxing the kinda music Id like to end my episodes on keeps reminding me of kawai ninja Akatsuki. Id give it a RATING of a solid 8/10 Its been a LONG time since Ive enjoyed an isekai as much as this and with some good plot twists. FUN FACT: Took me almost a week to complete it and in that time its MAL rating went up from 7.98 to 8.07 which was nice to see as it at least deserved an 8. Ill be saving its Season 2 for later hoping thats a good watch as well. If youre a fantasy or adventure fan then this anime is a good choice for your next watch or if youre just looking for a fun watch which keeps you entertained with decent plot twists then pick this up as well. Oh and best girls Serara the Maid Healer and Akatsuki the Kawai Ninja.