Light novel adaptation by Statelight
Simulcast on Crunchyroll

Premise: Some friends get trapped in an old MMO they used to play.

Lifesong’s Verdict: I’d Like To Be Trapped Here

And just like Sword Art Online that is what Log Horizon is counting on; However, unlike Sword Art online there is no GM to spell out the rules and this isn’t just a game, but a real world in the shape of a game. I had fun meeting the characters and getting introduced to Elder Tale, the world this all takes place in.

There seems to be hints that the story will focus on the strategy that goes into playing an end game MMO and if that were not obvious enough all of our main characters are introduced at max level. Log Horizon‘s first episode does a good job at capturing the elements that make an MMO fun to play, which at it’s core is really all about exploring a fantasy with friends. I look forward to seeing where it will go from here.

Marlin’s Verdict: How it should be done.

It’s no secret that most of the Glorio crew were, how to say this nicely, not the biggest fans of SAO. From the complete mary sue of a  protagonist to its inexplicable plot developments it gave a bad name to the trapped in a fantasy world genre. That’s why it’s so refreshing to see the main character here act like a normal friggin human being, or hell, a normal MMO player. He freaks out a bit initially because of what’s happened, but you know what he does after that, look through his friends list and looks for his bestie because at least some author around here remembers that that second M stands for friggin’ multiplayer. He isn’t even super powerful, as all he is is a support and relies on his tank friend and their attacker friend as a group, y’know, like how you’re supposed to in an MMO.

It’s amazing how much the concept is improved by putting some actual personality into its characters. The MC is smart, but that’s his job to be smart. He isn’t overbearing about it and gets along pretty well. His friend is the token pervert, but I honestly found that refreshing because that is seriously how a lot of people act on the internet. The best part of the entire episode was when they high fived and set out together. You could feel the camaraderie between them from just a few short scenes. Here’s to hoping this world and these characters can create a story good enough to make everyone forget SAO ever even happened.

Iro’s Verdict: Is This The Real Life, Or Is This Just Fantasy?

I liked Sword Art Online, I just think it sucked (and you can read what I thought in more detail here), and while the comparisons between it and Log Horizon are inevitable, I’ll do my best to stay on topic. The biggest compliment I can pay to Log Horizon is that it feels realistic, which may seem like a silly thing to say considering the source material, but it’s important. Shiroe has trouble walking because his avatar is taller than he is in real life, there’s no taste engine so all the food tastes like crackers, the plot was caused by a new expansion so everyone is already at the level cap, Akatsuki played as tall male character to be taken seriously and needs a one-time distribution promotional item to customize into an appropriate shape… All of these small details serve little purpose other than to reinforce the suspension of disbelief, and they go a long way towards making Log Horizon an entertaining show. I can only hope it stays consistent, both internally and externally.

Gee’s Verdict: Smooth launch

As a guy who never watched or cared much for Sword Art Online, I can’t really make any comparisons. I don’t care much for the, “transported to another world” premise, but this coming from the author of Maoyuu means I had to at least check it out. And indeed, Log Horizon has managed to do more to get me interested in it than anything SAO did. As the others have said, Log Horizon’s best trait is its consistency and ability to engage the viewer. I can’t really say it does anything truly unique, but it’s the little details that really make the show shine.

The main character isn’t some powerful chosen one, he’s playing as his game’s worst soloing class. Sure, he’s smart and a little aloof, but he’s not some kind of edgy loner. He has friends and allies who like and respect him, but don’t worship him. When Shiroe high-fived his tank bro as they went off adventuring, I knew this was going to be something special. And he’s got a pretty great supporting cast too. Aforementioned tank bro might be a little pervy, but no more than your average MMO player, and he’s already proven himself to be a good reliable friend. And the token loli is only like that because that’s her actual height. Overall, Log Horizon probably had one of the better openers of the season and I’m hoping it manages to keep it going.