English Dub Review: Rising of the Shield Hero “Infinite Labyrinth”

Overview

Naofumi wakes up in a strange prison to find him and his party at level 1, and Filo missing. They start to raise their levels in order to escape, but things quickly turn against them when a dangerous monster suddenly appears…

Our Take

The Hunting hero Kizuna is introduced, which is kinda interesting. Seems she’s a friendly person, unlike the arrogant Book Hero. Understandably, I can’t blame Naofumi for having doubts about her since she claims that she’s best friends with Glass, but his doubts were quickly laid to rest, thankfully. The world they’re stuck in after jumping into Kyo’s Portal seems to be a “Prison/Labyrinth” of sorts with marshes and a forest outside of it they can freely walk out to and hunt animals for food and level up a bit, yet there are no Guards or even a Warden?

Not to mention Naofumi Raptalia and Rishia being down leveled to 1 as well. It would make sense that Raphtalia and Filo would revert to their original forms but man that’s a form we haven’t seen in ages and there is now a mystery about where the heck Filo is. Also, I can’t help but notices that Raphtalia’s attitude when in contrast to her size actually makes her more endearing than usual. It was also great how Naofumi solved easily the problem and got outside the labyrinth with Kizuna, which just shows that sometimes you need the right person or help.

The show feels once more like an actual adventure during the proceedings. I also feel with this episode that we’re going back to the roots of the show, focusing on the “game mechanics” and having more slice-of-life elements and world-building and not a straight-up battling arc. Kizuna is pretty likable and was a great introduction episode for her as she fits seamlessly into the Naofumi group, while still getting some background and characterization from her. I don’t know what direction it should take next, but it should be a wild ride after all this.