Key conclusions
-
Frontier of Shangri-La
emphasizes player skill over sheer power, making game mechanics more important. - The main character of
Frontier of Shangri-La
plays for passion rather than saving the world, offering a different perspective from
Sword Art Online. -
Frontier of Shangri-La
minimizes fan service, focusing on gaming experiences and realistic gamer communities.
The Sword Art Online The anime is a cult series known to many anime fans who love games and isekai. In recent years, various new game-themed anime have been released, but few can dispute the precedent set by Sword Art Online installed.
Among the few lies Shangri-La Border, series that takes the gaming genre in a new direction with a great representation of realistic game culture and skill-based gameplay. Unlike Sword Art Online, which is heavily influenced by themes of survival and saving the world, Frontier of Shangri-La portrays a protagonist who just wants to have a good time playing games, making it a strong addition to gaming anime. He even manages to black out Sword Art Online in several key ways.
7 Greater emphasis on mastering the skill of the player
Knowledge of game mechanics is best in game worlds
Kirito (SAO) is a talented virtual reality swordsman, and Sunraku (Shangri-La Frontier) is a talented player. This difference between these two personalities speaks to how they and their respective series approach defeating bosses and monsters. In a fictional world with monsters and bosses, being strong is necessary, but in a game it is much more important to know how the game works and manipulate the game mechanics, and thus, Frontier of Shangri-La makes it better than Sword Art Online.
Rather than focusing on grit, determination, and sheer strength that comes from willpower and legendary gear, the emphasis is more on the player's mastery of their own skills and chosen build. Frontier of Shangri-La.
6 The main character's love for games, not for saving the world
Games for passion, not for survival
Kirigaya “Kirita” Kazuto and Rakuro “Sunraku” Hizutome are depicted as individuals with a love for gaming; however, one seems to be more into clearing games and unlocking more dynamic ones, while the other is more into saving the world. Arch of Ainkrad in v Sword Art Online was mostly based on player survival, and for good reason.
However, the external influences and threats of the real world that are portrayed in games do not stop there Sword Art Online more of an isekai in the game world than an actual game anime. Having players immerse themselves in games without the fate of the world hanging in the balance will speak to gaming anime fans who can relate more deeply to a protagonist who just wants to have a good time playing games.
5 Minimal fan service
Shangri-La Frontier stays true to the games
Kirito and Asuna's relationship is undoubtedly the highlight Sword Art Online anime series. However, along with the exploration of their relationship came many moments that fans describe as “fan service.” This usually dilutes the plot of the series, making it seem more like placeholders and poorly thought-out slice-of-life pieces that detract from the central narrative of the games as a whole.
so far, Frontier of Shangri-La presents little to no fanservice, instead dynamically focusing on Sunraku and his obsession with gaming. This allows you to focus on the game and the gamer experience, rather than diluting the plot with distractions.
4 Realistic depiction of gamer communities
Sword Art Online is a poor reflection of the gaming community
When it comes to real games, casual gamers and hardcore enthusiasts are two different types of people. Sword Art Online treats all players in the game equally, rather than differentiating them based on their goals of passing the time, relaxing, or completing the game. Also, in terms of community engagement outside of the game, Frontier of Shangri-La has an advantage.
Sunraku is constantly checking the game's forums on how to handle certain challenges, looking for experience from players who have already done it, while Kirito often seems to break through obstacles with sheer force and talent. Gamer communities in Sword Art Online seem more isolated and individualistic rather than the more social forums that real games have.
3 Exploring multiple game genres outside of VRMMORPG
More game variety is shown
The Sword Art Online game in the title series serves as the cornerstone VRMMORPG in the series. It is interesting that before and after the game Sword Art OnlineKirigaya Kazuto is not featured in any game types other than VRMMORPG, despite being called a gamer.
Shangri-La Border, on the other hand, Sunraku explores different types of games, particularly “trash” games with lots of bugs, as he always finds a way to use those bugs to his advantage. Although the series is based on the Shangri-La Frontier game, exploring various other game genres is a refreshing change as Sunraku takes a break from the Shangri-La Frontier game every now and then.
2 Defeating bosses requires unique requirements
Strength alone is not enough to clear the bosses
With enough determination, strength and equipment, any boss at Sword Art Online the series will drop. However, this is not the case when it comes to Frontier of Shangri-La. Instead of prioritizing strength and resilience of character, Frontier of Shangri-La features incredible gameplay mechanics that allow you to use a number of methods to clear bosses.
In order to conquer Weathermon of the Seven Colossi, Sunrak and his group didn't need to “defeat” the boss, but to parry his Conquest of the Clear Sky, Clear Sky finishing move, as one hit would result in death regardless of the player's stats. Having unique requirements to overcome certain obstacles fits better with the game's narrative than having to force your way through bosses over and over again.
1 Having a story mode/world progression
Sword Art Online displays indeterminate endpoints
Despite being the main theme of the game's anime, none of the games feature it Sword Art Online take the form of a story mode, which is highly unlikely compared to real-world games.
Due to the lack of structure that a story mode usually brings to any game, the final point of the games Sword Art Online not definedand it seems like the characters are only playing for personal entertainment, not to complete a quest or progress through the game. Shangri-La Border, on the other hand, beautifully reflects the development of a world where events are triggered based on the completion of certain events, as seen in the defeat of Wethermon, where the world's history progressed by 20%.
