Log Horizon focuses on the MMORPG “Elder Tales”, which enjoys a considerable popularity, because it has to offer not only a great deal of classes, but also a fantasy/post-apocalyptic world. With guilds, NPCs, special quests, and all the other RPG trappings, the game is just a great way to escape the daily routine. However, everything changes with a new patch: unable to log off and to die in the game, “Elder Tales” becomes a new reality for those unfortunate adventurers trapped in the game. While many are about to give up, a group of adventurers decides to unveil the mystery of the game they areplaying and find a way to govern their town.
Story wise it is difficult to say that it has anything unique about it: just your average series about an MMORPG; guild halls, guilds, guild wars, trading, and so on. While it does sound boring, since you all know what a MMORG is about and what an anime focused on it is going to be about, however, the difference is that Log Horizon has a very interesting world, the protagonists of the show will explore. The story-line gives you the reason of why the players are trapped in the game world, why they are fighting the monsters, almost everything. And this tremendous world is the reason Log Horizon is worth the time. Yet, there is one big ‘BUT’ about it, which I will address later on.
Log Horizon has a standard art style and looks similar to many other MMO series. The attention paid to details is average, as well as skills the players use leaves much to be desired. Yet, one would appreciate the fact that with these many characters in the series, they all look somewhat unique. In addition to this, Log Horizon has some beautiful background, however, which looks amazing and helps you understand how big the world of Log Horizon is.
There are 3 main protagonists and many-many supporting characters. The trio of protagonists is Shiroe, Akatsuki and Naotsugu. Shiroe is a lone wolf, meaning he does not appreciate the idea of being in a guild, however, his skills, playstyle, as well as class imply that he is a team player. Naotsugu is a friend of Shiroe, who has not played the game for awhile. A tank and a person that is always there with his ‘oppai jokes’. Akatsuki is an assassin. Before being trapped in the game, she played as a male character. Because of this, she did not use voice chat to speak with other players. After drinking Shiroe's Appearance-changing potion, she adjusted her character to be closer to her real self. Because of that, she follows Shiroe and helps him unveil the mysteries of the new world. With that being said, the whole cast is okay, even supporting characters receive the development needed.
Long story short, Log Horizon is a very questionable anime to assess. While it has its portion of clichés, it also has enough unique elements, with quite an interesting world building. Yet, there are still quite enough things, which are yet to be touched upon in the third season. Yet, there has still been no confirmation that it is going to air one day. And because of that, I cannot say that it is an absolute masterpiece. Indeed, it is an enjoyable watch for those who enjoy MMORPGs, but do not get your hopes too high, because of the reason mentioned above.
All in all, Log Horizon deserves to be there as a worthy MMORPG based on anime. Indeed, there is no information on the third season and the series has a very slow start, which might influence your opinion on the whole show. Yet, fans of the genre will surely enjoy the huge world Log Horizon has to offer its viewer. If you are a fan of SAO, .Hack, Log Horizon might be an okay watch for you.
A very weak 8/10.