English Dub Review: Shangri-La Frontier “Malice at 100 Meters Per Second”

Overview

Rakuro should be training for his tournament match, but finds himself succumbing to the call of SLF.


Our Take

Even with the main competition on the horizon, the episode carves out time for a brief return to the original VR world that started it all. This side excursion doesn’t feel like a distraction—instead, it enriches the larger narrative by offering a different kind of tension and pacing. The reappearance of familiar characters and settings brings a mix of nostalgia and new curiosity, giving fans a satisfying reminder of why the game world is so captivating.

During the episodes’ proceedings, there’s a strong sense of contrast throughout, from fast-paced duels to quieter moments of exploration and strategy. A unique new threat adds excitement without overwhelming the flow, while subtle character interactions suggest deeper connections forming just under the surface. There’s also a clever blending of tones—from action-packed sequences to charming slice-of-life moments—that helps balance the episode and keep it feeling fresh.

Overall, this episode does a solid job of blending quieter character moments with bursts of thrilling action. It manages to juggle multiple arcs without feeling overcrowded, giving a taste of what’s to come without losing the heart of the story. With only a couple of episodes left in the season, things are building toward a big finale that hopefully promises a bigger payoff compared to Season One, and I welcome it!