Anime Like Rising of the Shield Hero
Sword Art Online
While .Hack is one of earliest examples of Isekai anime, it’s unarguably Sword Art Online that popularized the genre. Sword Art has enjoyed enduring popularity ever since the first series aired in 2012, and the latest series, Sword Art Online: Alicization may be the best one of all.
The franchise revolves around a young boy named Kirito, who plays a central role in each and every series.
In the original Sword Art Online, Kirito was an elite player in a game of the same name. One day a mysterious event traps 300 players within Sword Art Online, blocking them from logging out, and turning the game into their reality.
If they’re killed in the game, the virtual reality headset they’re wearing in the real world, called NerveGear, will also kill them in real life by releasing a toxin into their body. The same happens if the NerveGear is forcibly removed from their body. In order to escape the game, the 300 players must clear all 100 floors of Aincrad, a giant castle set in the middle of Sword Art Online.
The first season of the show is a gripping story that has a phenomenal first half, although it definitely stumbles in the second half. Further seasons would iterate on the idea with new video game genres, like the gritty shooter world of Gun Gale Online.
If you enjoy Isekai shows like The Rising of the Shield Hero, Sword Art Online is the epitome of what the entire genre is all about.
Anime Like Rising of the Shield Hero
That Time I Got Reincarnated As a Slime
That Time I Got Reincarnated As a Slime is one of the newcomers to Isekai, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most unique. The show stars a corporate worker named Mikami Satoru, who one day is stabbed on the street by a stranger and dies. His death isn’t the end, however, as Satoru suddenly wakes up in a fantasy world, reincarnated as a squishy slime creature.
The main hero of the show shares a lot in common with the main character of Shield Hero, Naofumi, as they’re both unlikely heroes that start as serious underdogs. Coincidentally, both shows are also based off of a series of light novels.
Given the new name of Rimuru, Satoru sets off into this new fantasy world trying to change it for the greater good. Although the show certainly has some fan service-y elements, it actually has an engaging story and message at its core. Rimuru’s entire motivation is to create a peaceful world where monsters and humans can live in harmony.
This is a far cry from the usual violence and war-themed stories of other Isekai shows. That’s not to say there isn’t plenty of action, but Reincarnated as a Slime is refreshing purely because of the wholesome goal of its main character.
All of this, combined with solid animation and an incredibly fitting soundtrack, make Reincarnated as a Slime a fun take on Isekai.
Anime Like Rising of the Shield Hero
In Another World With My Smartphone
In Another World With My Smartphone has a much lighter tone than that of Shield Hero, but similarly, the main hero Touya Mochizuki is transported to a fantasy world after he’s killed in the real world. What makes it really interesting, however, is that Mochizuki was accidentally killed by God.
In order to make up for the mistake, God reincarnates Mochizuki in an alternate world with one special request, which he uses to take his smartphone with him. The phone is altered to work in this new world, and Mochizuki’s physical, magical, and cognitive abilities are all boosted as well.
The smartphones is, of course, what makes this anime stand out from the rest of Isekai, and there are some fun situations that crop up for Mochizuki to use his phone to solve.
The show leans a bit more on the harem side of things than something like Shield Hero, but there’s still enough personality and character development to make it worthwhile.
In Another World With My Smartphone isn’t the most unique Isekai show out there, but it’s a quality experience that should help scratch that itch if you’re needing something else to watch.
Anime Like Rising of the Shield Hero
Overlord
Overlord is a lot darker than most shows in the Isekai genre, but it’s oppressive violence and theming help it stand out among the pack.
As the online game Yggdrasil hits its final day before shut down, a high-level wizard and leader of the guild Ainz Ooal Gown, named Momonga, spends his final moments in the game before servers shut down.
To his surprise, however, once the time has passed, Momonga is still fully conscious within his characters and, somehow, NPCs within the game have started developing personalities of their own.
Momonga uses his guild to investigate the situation, and ultimately ends up becoming the ruthless Overlord of Yggdrasil.
Overlord holds nothing back with its violence, with almost absurd amounts of blood and gore in all of its fights. This alone separates it from most Isekai out there, but the real interesting thing is how its hero, Momonga, is really the villain of the world of Yggdrasil.
We see everything from his perspective, but he’s really the one trying to take over the world, and willing to do anything to get there. There’s more depth to his character, however, as Momonga is a real human trapped inside his skeletal avatar, and that takes its toll.
The writing of Overlord can sometimes dip in quality, but stellar animation helps keep everything together. If you want a different take on Isekai, with a ridiculously overpowered main character, this is the show for you.
Anime Like Rising of the Shield Hero
No Game No Life
No Game No Life is technically an Isekai, but it’s much different from the usual stuck in a game world plotline. The show revolves around Sora and his younger stepsister Shiro. The pair are both hikikomori who make up the online identity Blank, an undefeated group of gamers.
One day, the two are challenged to chess by the god of games, and they win. The god then summons them to Disboard, an alternate reality that revolves around games. Intent on keeping their undefeated title, the siblings plan to conquer the sixteen species of the world and usurp the god.
No Game No Life has some brilliant ways of playing with video game logic, and even makes a ton of references to some of the biggest video game franchises out there like Gears of War, Phoenix Wright, Dragon Quest, and more.
Perhaps the best aspect of the show, however, is its gorgeous animation. Crisp and clean, everything is tinged in a gorgeous neon aesthetic that really makes the show pop, especially when coupled with some of the more ridiculous game elements.
The show can, at times, deliver a little too much fan service, but for the most part, there’s genuine character interactions and development. No Game No Life is an ode to video games, and any fan of Isekai, or gaming in general, should take the time out to give it a watch.
We have plenty of other anime content for you to dig into, if you’re so inclined. Check out our recommendations for other shows, including anime like Mob Psycho 100, Parasyte, and The Seven Deadly Sins. Or you can check out our massive list of the best 2018 anime, to add to your list of need to watch shows.
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