Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?

The Gods have descended upon the world to live among the mortals. Those who worship them are known as Familia. Bell Cranel is a low level adventurer and the only member of the Goddess Hestia's Familia. She is lustfully obsessed with him. He is an admirer of high level adventurer Aiz Wallenstein and gets rescued by her often. As Bell continues his adventures, he is joined by supporter Liliruca.

I don't know much about anime but this ridiculous title drew me in. It sounds like a silly adventure series and it is exactly that. The characters are fun. Hestia is a ridiculous sex kitten. Bell's boy scout persona doesn't get me until the end of episode six. Saving Liliruca despite everything is an emotional high point. The plot isn't much but it has just enough story to let the appealing characters work. The overt sexuality is silly fun at first but that does wear thin. Overall, it isn't a great series but it is a bit of fun.

Despite the title, the anime is quite serious. Like several modern anime series, this one is also plagued by some tropes. As of July 2022, the main character is a generic anime protagonist. I don't dislike that but I'd prefer if future titles would add something unique to their protagonists. For instance, they could have gotten a voice actor with a unique voice for Bell whiles still keeping his kindness and naivety. That would have made him stand out in comparison with the cliché shy protagonists in numerous anime shows. I have nothing against Bell because he works well for the plot. However, after watching countless anime, Bell is just a shade of the several generic protagonists I've seen. As a result, he's forgettable.

The side characters, in contrast to the main protagonist, are rather complex. I enjoyed their moments. My only problem is some of the female characters. They don't all have to fall in love with the main protagonist. If you've watched lots of anime like I have, this forced harem gets too old and cliché. Look at Avatar the Last Air bender or Attack on Titan. The females in those shows are simply human. Not all of them exist just to fall in love with the main character.

The strongest point this series offers is its plot. In the first season, it felt like your typical plot where the low ranked protagonist climbs up the ladder and becomes powerful. From there the show becomes complex. It explores its world setting and introduces engaging arcs that are perfect to binge watch. The show isn't perfect or top tier. However, its plot makes a good argument.

Going by the name and a lot of the early interactions within this series you would think this was just a dungeon exploration anime with plenty of over the top breasts and a whole host of girls in love with an adorably clueless and well meaning adventurer.

But the latter does subside and the side characters are actually interesting rather than just pointless harem bimbos.

The plot becomes way more complex and interesting and the world building is actually quite expansive.

My biggest issue really (having watched seasons 1 - 4 and the film) is the level of plot armour that is going on. Is completely removes any sense of threat because you pretty much know who is going to survive all the time.

Given how people are ripped to shredds, limbs and body parts can go flying, etc, I would have expected this anime to be more willing to remove the plot armour on occasion and if it did then I would certainly give it a higher rating.

A good story with unique and endearing characters. Action situations that, combined with good dialogue and background music, detonate into epic moments that will leave you with goosebumps. Witness the birth of a great hero.

In a mythical world where God's live among men, adventurers choose a God to follow and join their Familia. Then they explore this huge, multi-levelled dungeon and kill the monsters inside to gain crystals (in exchange for money) and to help build their skills. Bell Cranel is the sole member of the Goddess Hestia's Familia and he's an adventurer of modest skill. He does have a lot of courage, heart and potential though and learns fast. He meets a woman of immense beauty and strength and vows to become stronger so he could be considered worthy of a woman like her.

There's a lot to like about this show. It has humour, action, a good plot, interesting characters and great animation. I only scored it a 7 because it's a bit 'young' for my taste (I'd have liked a darker, more serious tone) and at one season, it does seem a little pointless. I'd like to see a 2nd season to flesh things out more. Worth a watch.