BOFURI: I Don't Want to Get Hurt, so I'll Max Out My Defense.

I had a giant smile plastered on my face basically the entire time I was watching this. It's been a while since I've watched a show that was just a whole ton of fun, and I loved it! Usually I reserve spots at 9 or 10 stars for shows that are amazing in every department and especially story, but this shows lack of emotional stuff didn't hinder it in any way shape or form. Man I just LOVED THIS SHOW! I cannot stress that enough! I though this was just going to be a run of the mill fantasy vrmmo show, and it is, but it turns the awesomeness up to 11! There aren't any characters that you dislike (it is a game, after all), the main characters are all awesome and lovable, the action is a blast, and there are some good laughs! I cannot recommend this enough, and I'm really looking forward to season 2!

The artwork, animation and soundtrack are very well done. There's nothing complicated about the storyline, and no deep character development or emotional scenes. It's sweet, light and funny, and I couldn't stop grinning while watching it. Maple's antics are so far-fetched that it's absurd, but you can't help but root for her.

The opinions on this anime are polarized. People either enjoyed it for its goofiness and warmth or they hated it because it's not an accurate representation of an MMORPG. To the latter group I can only tell you this: it's not really supposed to be accurate.

The whole premise is based on a good natured girl, who hardly played any video games, that opted for a personal approach rather than an established one for her VR MMORPG experience. So expecting things to go according to gaming standards would be a fool's errand.

Although the protagonist's unique progression path is taken initially because of inexperience and aversion to pain - she maxes defence and ignores every other stat at character creation - she sticks to it even after witnessing "the right way" to play the game. Her capacity to think outside the box leads her to overcome insurmountable obstacles in the most unconventional of ways.

For a very inaccurate show about MMORPG's, this anime nails class roles surprisingly good though. The protagonist is a "tank". Most of her base skills are standard to defence classes, like blocks, counters and taunts. Her good nature intertwines perfectly with the great shield class she chose. Like for instance in some MMO's the tank acts also as a bodyguard for its frailer companions.

The female MC picks skills suited for this selfless play style throughout the show. She does that either actively, because of her desire to protect her in game friends. Or by chance, because she can't ignore even an NPC if it's in distress. Her few very overpowered and accidentally aggressive skills are gained by unorthodox and hilarious methods.

All of her abilities combined turn her into a power house that really should not work at all. Yes it's convenient verging on the absurd. But people! She's breaking the game with kindness and ridiculous counters! Much to the shock and admiration of just her real life friend at first, a girl that is actually well versed in video games. But as the show progresses the MC attracts a few other players to her side. She wins them over first with her altruism and afterwards nurtures their unique qualities. So the social aspect is used to depict a necessary game component as well as a delightful story of friendship.

My one criticism is directed at the Asian MMORPG industry rather than the show. The anime just incorporated two elements that I truly dislike from said industry. First is the insertion of concepts that clash with the fantasy theme of an MMO: I couldn't help but sigh when seeing what the protagonist got from the level 3 area boss. Second being some very... generous body features characters tend to have. A certain healer from the show would make even adult entertainment actresses agree her figure is unrealistic.

But even with that in mind, everything else was thoroughly enjoyable! The PVE related antics were funny, especially when the protagonist resolved things by being unintentionally quirky. The PVP portions of the show (which were the most important) were gripping and touching at the same time. That's because beside the action and the strategy elements they also explored subjects like loyalty, determination for the sake of your friends and not holding grudges.

Truly a superb show if you enjoy watching a heroine bring out the best in herself and the people around her - video game related or otherwise!

This show is definitely not perfect. Its mechanics are inconsistent (though some are very cool (like skill training on use(final fantasy II anyone?)), some lines.. are like as if the character just spent 5 minutes being the opposite of who they are, and then they say something as if to try to convince you they are this thing. And there is no way such a person would become so overpowered..

But still, its ridiculousness is part of its charm. It's a beautiful fantasy world, and the hi-jinks the character gets into are so fun and hilarious.. I cant help but really enjoy watching this. So silly and dumb. But so cute and fun. I cant help but cheer for this lovable main character.

I would love to just binge seasons of this show, it looks like they are past the manga? I tried finding more.

Also, thank God, there is no smutty fan-service. Its just adorable moe goodness.

I gave it an 9. But I love it like its a 10.

Thank you to all who helped to bring us this wondrous, bright, fun, good-hearted and silly world.

EDIT: Season 2 is out Yay!, the graphics seem worse (or were they sometimes that bad?) regardless. I get to binge another season as I wished. The OP protagonist is still killing it and having hardly no difficulty, making this show still a warming respite.

It's a simple anime that's just fun. Nice to take your brain off things for a bit.