Arifureta Shokugyou de Sekai Saikyou 2nd Season

So I loved Arifureta Shokugyou de Sekai Saikyou Season 1 (or most of it anyways). I'm a sucker for isekai, especially with a mix of harem involved. It was good enough that I would watch season 2. So how was it...????

Honestly, decent and enjoyable. It's not as good as the first few episodes of S1, but whereas S1 started strong and ended boring, the reverse is true here. S2's first 3-4 episodes are kind of yawners, but then towards the end they crank it up. Here's a quick run down.

Characters: 7/10
There's really just 3 great character in this anime. Nagumo, Yue, and Kaori. Yue is ... decent as Nagumo's main love interest. She doesn't say much, but her bluntness and simple words says a lot about who she is. Kaori surprised me the most. She was annoying S1 and she starts off annoying this season too, but she probably had the most drastic character development. I grew to like her quite well. And of course the MC Nagumo is great. That said, I've always been fond of MC's who aren't wusses and stupid idiots, so it's always refreshing to see an MC stick to his guns (pun intended). The rest of the cast are forgettable (well maybe not Yaegashi, Kaori's best friend- she is okay). Most annoying character is definitely their sensei Aiko. All she does is cry, complain, and then cry again. Really useless. But I guess since she has the label of "sensei", they have to keep her alive even though she has been completely irrelevant to the story.

Action: 7/10
There are some really cool action scenes, but the reason I don't give it a higher score is that a lot of magic and things that go on aren't really explain. Lot's of explosions and summons...if you can just ignore the logics and enjoy action scenes, then yeah you'll like it.

VA: 8/10
Mostly good, but I felt some of the girl's voices were too high.

Animation: 7/10
Some parts were really good, but for the majority you can tell it's kind of lacking. It's cool though- it's not terrible by any means. What really saves the show is the character designs. Some of the coolest outfits I've seen in a long time.

Music: 9/10
Really love the music. For sure adding a bunch to my play list.

Story: 8/10
And we get to what I think is the strongest part about this anime. No spoilers of course, but the second half of this season, a lot of things unwind and the plot begins to make more sense. There are betrayals and plot twists and everything. It's actually pretty well written. Not a mastery, but damn I found it enjoyable. It's such a shame the season starts off slow. The over all concept is still isekai, but I love how they only encompass that theme as the over all plot is much MUCH bigger.

Should you watch this show? If you like season 1, yes. If you like isekai's, yes. If you like harem animes, mmmmaybe (it's not really a harem tbh). But I can see why some are turn off by this type of show. Eh, give it a shot if you're on the fence I say. I think you'll be somewhat surprised like me.

**WILL KEEP THIS SHORT AND SIMPLE BUT AS ACCURATE AS I CAN BE**
Great anime,loved the 1st season and this one is just as good

Art and story have improved a lot.
Many plot holes have been resolved and fighting scenes are awesome and ofc enemies are even stronger so its not easy fights like before and everything else is quite better in my opinion
Character development is decent,as we see how much MC is growing as a person and others as well.Its not like they are completely different people but
its very clear that they are developing especially MC but also many other side characters from his school
Also we ... see a lot of romantic developments this season.
It may be part harem anime but nothing is wrong with that
and here they show that it works with real relationship
unlike most of other harem anime where MC doesn't really end up with anyone

Hope we get season 3 soon.

Overall feels better than the first season. Animation is a lot more polished too and the CGI is bearable. OST is pretty nice and fits the scene being presented. I liked the story progression a lot better than S1 although there are still some aspects that could be better. The twists definitely caught me off guard and spiced up the show a lot that it made me hope for a season 3. For the harem part it's still mostly the same as in S1 but this season has more character development moments rather than straight lovey dovey. If you can ignore the parts where his ... harem uses every opportunity to get close with the MC and the fact that he is literally pulling out Tony Stark inventions out of nowhere then yeah I think it's worth a watch.

Well the main character rocks and i am happy to see no one dies here !! Like some other random animes where the characters die for no reason !! The. Story build up was decent but the villain .. i mean the villain was good and all but the story makes him like Ben 10's willgax( sorry if I wrote it wrong ) who appears all the time !! In this case the villain is annoying for always escaping from heroes grasp ! Hope in next season he gonna be finally be defeated !! For now i guess the last episodes twists are good and ... badass !! At first it felt frustrating but overall it's good !! Well not as great as 1 st season but good in comparison! Hope i kept spoilers to the minimum cause in writing Review i can't help but say comments as that make the comment of mine more understandable!

I wasn't expecting such improvement in their season 2. The first season skips way too much and their fighting scenes is way to downgraded (it wont be an exaggeration to be called trash). However, during season 2 things seem to slow down a bit and their fighting scenes had improved a lot (super much). Especially the fighting scenes near the few ending episodes I would say it really suck me right in.

Of course on how the anime ended, it was fine and reassuring but there is this frustration built up that have nowhere to go (I will not spoil), seeing how it ended in ... an episode (it makes you feel like OMG COME ON JUST A ...... WILL DO something like this ;) ). Honestly after finishing the anime I now confidently say I CANT WAIT FOR THE SEASON 3. I really hope the creators would push through for a season 3. I fully support the anime.

I binged this along with S1 after being bored and not having anything else to watch. I was turned off S1 for a loooong time because of the bad reviews but it turns out to be pretty good. Maybe my standards were just low because of all the reviews but I enjoyed it a lot and found S2 to be even better. The MC is no longer extremely OP and seems to have great fights. There is also a lot of character development and we can really start to like the characters more. Story got a lot more interesting and not as trope-y. There's still ... lots of ecchi in it, but personally I was more okay with this than other animes like high school prodigy. There's just something here that makes it feel not overdone.

This typically isn't the type of anime I review. Generally I review anime with an enthralling story or, oppositely, ones that are complete garbage (looking at you Tokyo Revengers and Isekai Cheat Magician). However mediocre this anime may be in terms of plot development and overall quality, my enjoyment of this series is independent of any real thought or reason...I just love this series and no one can change my mind. That said I understand the divisiveness, because regardless of how much I enjoy this series, I can admit it would be difficult to rank it anywhere close to heavy hitters like Death Note or ... Fate.

To start out, I will be spoiling a little, so please be aware of that moving forward (although, story wise, I wouldn't say there's much to spoil). Arifureta to me is like a bad relationship: I know there's nothing of substance and I'm not in love with it, but I still keep coming back because of very specific moments of inexplicable joy...and out of familiarity I suppose. If you want to know on purely objective standard what is bad about this series, there are plenty of other reviews that drag it through the mud, which are not far off base, but I'd rather try and win you over by explaining what makes me so pleased as a viewer.

As I mentioned, the story is sub par. Basically it's like any other isekai where X protagonist gets "isekai'd" to another world, becomes immeasurably strong, and acquires a harem along with everything else he's ever dreamed that would have been unattainable in his previous life. Arifureta scratches a particular itch though. It's greatness boils down to quite a few things, but first and foremost, for me at least, is due to the characters and how they interact. The best example of this is the comeback story told in the first season. This weakling of a guy is betrayed and forced into becoming stronger in order to survive, and by the end of the season he not only puts those who did not support him in their place but redefines the meaning of comeback. Yes he "comes back" an edgelord, but it's with a sense of refinement that only this series can provide. Season 2 just carries on this legacy, but instead of a come back we are presented with a worthwhile follow up to how that strength and prowess can ultimately benefit someone like Hajime, the protagonist, after a given set of time.

A definite plus this season was getting to see how Hajime's powers have evolved, along with his fellow team members. Yue is OP as always, but we see a lot more from Tio and Shia this time around. This definitely changes the overall dynamic from the first season where everything fell on Hajime's shoulders (like pulling a Hummer or revolver from out of nowhere while having little to no knowledge of how they are actually constructed...I never understood this). Since everyone is basically competent this time around, I had a much better viewing experience getting to see pretty impressive fight scenes with characters I've grown attached to over time. As much as I trash the story and development, there was progress in quite a few aspects.

I also deeply appreciated the villains this time around. Last season it was made clear the gods of their world are evil and need to be put down, however nothing much came of that. I appreciated the return to this concept: gods creating a world in which humans carry on praising them without the knowledge that the gods are in fact the true enemy of humanity. It's just interesting to me. Along this line, the demons are equally interesting since they seem to be in cahoots with said gods or at least "the enemy of my enemy" kind of situation. Noint is an angel of sorts that we are introduced to within the very first moments of the second season, and she makes for an interesting "boss" with a cool yet subtle design. To be honest (spoiler here) I didn't want her to die, or at least her bad side. I kind of hoped to see her join the party, but we at least get the next best thing and have Kaori take over her form, in not so elegant terms. This was a double positive since I wasn't a huge fan of Kaori's design to begin with. This is a great course correction for me, otherwise how would she even begin to compete "looks wise" with Yue, Shia, or Tio. Another prevalent villain, the demon Freid is humorous as well and is actually successful in threatening the lives of Hajime and his party during their first battle. I didn't think it possible but had Hajime been on his own or had somethings not go how they did, it could have very well been the end for him. Regardless, a show is always more interesting with more stakes.

Now I'd like to address something that is commonly missing from harems that consistently annoys the hell outta me, which is the concept of desire. For some reason, possibly for comedic effect, the protagonist never "gets any" (censoring myself for MAL)! This applies to reverse harems as well...along with a specific woman/man never being chosen as best partner. Women fall at their feet and yet they never sleep with any of them! It's so frustrating. It's possible this is the difference between USA and Japan. Maybe we're deviants over here, but I find it hard to believe that NOTHING besides accidental bosom grabs and the occasional nip slip occur when it's clear there is a chemistry of the adult variety among the participants. Now Hajime doesn't actually sleep with all of his harem, but he does at least have a consistent partner for these matters in Yue, our favorite vampire (well one of them at least). This is where Horimiya and SAO do it right as well. Let's get real, over a certain age it's only natural for relationships to grow and activities of the adult variety occur, so if a show attempts to convince me otherwise... I get irritated. If they won't show it, they should at the very least elude to it as they did in SAO the first season with Kirito visiting Asuna's home for dinner. Apologies for that uncomfortable rant but I feel this is something that should be called out. The more dynamic the protagonist's relationship can be with their harem members, the more growth we can see from their relationships overall. Basically, I'm looking for more realism and at least Arifureta is honest with its viewers about how men really work. Get that bashful white knight crap outta here, and good luck convincing me any man below the age of 30 is not constantly on the hunt to get some, even if it is based in Japan.

I liked basically every episode, whether a battle was occurring or simple fan service (which they could have had more of imo). If I had to pick a specific moment that stood out to me, it would be, spoiler, Kaori's death and rebirth, or just Eri's betrayal overall. I can safely say I hate both her and that failure of a man Daisuke. This season did great building up that moment of betrayal to her classmates, and especially getting me to sympathize with those she attacked. I was definitely disappointed she did not get what was coming to her in the end and instead got away, and it's this feeling of empathy and concern for the characters where I can best describe why Arifureta is such a good show to me.

One quote from Hajime perfectly encapsulates why I enjoy this series: "It's not enough to just do what's within your power. You've got to want to do something so badly that you're willing to gain the power to do it". One of the heaviest quotes from an anime I didn't expect any depth from.

This series overall is just fun for me, and I realize there are plenty others that don't feel the same. It feels like watching a Nascar race or riding a roller coaster. Yes there are dull moments due to lack of certain elements, but generally it's a ride that can be enjoyed if the best elements are subjectively meaningful to you. Yes it's not a deep anime thriving with endless lore, where every character is crafted perfectly and every moment throughout to the Nth degree. That said, there is definitely enough wholesomeness, action, and unique development to hold your attention. Characters are great as well if given the chance. The main factor here is to let your own experience decide, and not let reviews or memes sway what you could potentially see as a good anime. Again though, I wouldn't blame anyone for feeling opposite to me. Arifureta is my guilty pleasure, but it deserves to be seen as more than that in my opinion if only given the chance. All I have to say now is hopefully we'll get to see a season 3 at some point, because I've had a lot of fun with what's been presented thus far.

Look, it's not high art. If you're even here in the first place you have a pretty good idea of what you like.
This is just well-aged chuuni cheesy goodness. The writer knows exactly what he's writing and why he's writing it. It's plenty self-aware, and it's just here to have fun. And the moments when it's depressing, it's serves to build up that satisfying "BOOM!" of emotional overflow when Hajime shows up and do something cool.
This just sets the inner chuuni fire inside me ablaze, as I never had that sort of phase in my teens. Watching it in my 20s feels oddly nostalgic, yet ... light-hearted and fun.
As for plot, it's basically boy with harem goes to fight god, pretty typical as anime goes.
Overall, just give it a chance. For all the cringey chuuni stuff out there, this one's pretty well paced and written as far as the genre goes. With all the different problems going on in the world and our lives, it's great that we can just wind down and enjoy this sort of shlockey tropey story.

This series is a combination of trash and actually good story
The story is really good with the MC being cold hearted after unfortunate events
He is a MC who isn't hesitant to kill and someone who sees no point in saving everyone from the villains in this story.
My problem is the harem part which really hurts the story telling and MC
There isn't a lot character development except at the beginning of season 1, but tbh it sometimes seemed as if there were some hints of character development.
To sum it up I would say the MC is some sort of anti hero
He isn't a bad guy but ... neither a good guy
Unlike a regular hero he doesn't care about other and will kill them if they stand in his way.
The MC is a 10/10

I, giving this season a 6.6/10
Main downside being the harem and sometimes mediocre story telling with the overall story being good

Arifureta Shokugyou de Sekai Saikyou follows a fairly established concept of an Isekai where an initially underpowered protagonist becomes overwhelmingly overpowered.

And of course there is a harem for all the female fanservice needs.

That said, the show does deviate from the standard in a few enjoyable ways. Namely that the protagonist isn't a pussy. Early on in the story he comes to a realization that in order to survive, anything goes. And anyone that stands in his way deserves a bullet between the eyes, no mercy given.

This makes the show quite refreshing as there's no endless morality, goody-goody Naruto like talking people to death in order ... to achieve an accord and have peace, nonsense. The MC of this show kills the villains ruthlessly unless they get out of his way, because ultimately he doesn't care beyond that. If they're in his way, they die. If not, they can piss off.

The harem aspect of the show is also not that bad. For one, the MC has a clear chosen lover. There's no excessively awkward courting and their sexual romance is confirmed early on, and will not falter.

Additional members to the harem are not welcomed but rather reluctantly accepted for their combat value or knowledge. And the MC simply chooses not to turn away anyone who chooses to be by his side. But romantically he does not branch out. So it's a rather one sided harem for once. One might call it similar to Highschool DxD, but less erotic. And the MC actually gets some instead of blue balling themselves indefinitely.

In terms of story, it's not particularly noteworthy, but serviceable and there's an interesting wider story that needs to be addressed in future seasons, as we are leaving off in the middle of the story in this Season 2.

Arguably the weakest part of the show is the very underdeveloped motivations and characters of the villains. Some of which are so laughable that it's hard to even wrap one's head around. Ultimately it doesn't drag the show down too much because the MC doesn't really care, and so we're not exactly incentivized to care either. But it does seem a bit silly when a villain who ends up killing thousands does so because of what can only be called a teenage crush. That seems rather ridiculous.

All in all, it's a fun Isekai for those that enjoy MC's who actually get stuff done and aren't perpetually doubting, blueballing and otherwise wasting their time.

Great show to shut your brain off and watch and has plenty of badass scenes to hype you up. Better than most new isekai. However, the show is pretty frustrating as well. But that is just me personally. For example, the classmates piss me off, especially that Kaori like she is soo extra. And also the classmates have strong generic ideals but are powerless to carry out those ideals and cry about when the MC does smt they do not agree with. But I guess that sort of adds some realism to the story and characters so I ignore it. BUT it is frustrating given ... I watch isekai to escape reality and get hyped up. Anyhow, alright show if you are into Isekai.

Too many flaws to reach the passing grade.

3 years ago I watched the first season of Arifureta and I ended up liking it a lot, so much that I gave it a 7/10 mark very close to the 8. Apart from the classical Isekai scenario, the plot is immediately directed towards an astonishing character development of the protagonist, Hajime Nagumo, fighting against everyone and everything just to survive and so becoming literally OP. Deserved. He lost and he gained. I have to admit that 6 marks out of 7 were thanks to Hajime's character and personality. The biggest flaw was CGI, undoubtfully: it's not a ... baby flaw, it's literally an eyesight ruiner, but as long as it was the main big flaw (there were other problems, but not so serious), I could live with that. And I also understand why most of people found this anime deplorable and obnoxious.
Now I decided to face the second season and I won't deny it: I had big hopes. At first, I noticed that the CGI had a little poor short minor baby improvement and I was happy about that. Then, I faced episodes from 2 to 10. I didn't imagine it could have been such a torture. It took me many days to watch these 8 miserable episodes, between a yawn and a disbelief. Nothing important happens and when it does, something stupid happens to resolve the problem and the shit is served. I fought against myself for so long. I was gonna drop it and I was suffering because of this. I didn't want to give up to everyone who said this anime was pure shit. I believed in Hajime Nagumo. Then suddenly, the 11th episode. Something happens. Plot twists, fights, revenges, drama, even some good chats between characters (such a piece of news)...
After all, I rearranged all of my thoughts and I couldn't manage to give more than 5 out of 10. I can't give a 6 to an anime that forced me to speed up the video in order not to lose too much time with useless shit. In particular becuase the useless shit lasted something like the 80% of the anime. I don't even know if I'd like to be alive when the 3rd season will be airing. I've already reach the bottom of delusions.

Arifureta season 2 continues smoothly from where we left off in season 1. In my opinion this is an important reason why many people prefer this season. Season 1 was rushed af to get the main cast together in order to be be ready for a second season. This was surprisingly my enjoyment in season 1 the ass pulls, the dungeons, the fights, him developing into a badass is what made season 1 such a thrill to watch. In the other hand we don't get much development or world building in the grand scheme because of this. This is where season 2 takes a slower ... pacing to actually build the story and give moments to each character.

Season 2 feels slower and won't be as fun, so if that was the reason why you enjoyed season 1 you might be slightly disappointed. I enjoyed the characters and moments in season 2 even if i prefer shit shows but hey the world building, animation, and ost is improved from the first season.

I just wanted to write this for those people who first watch harem anime/manga story and then talk shit about being it harem.I have seen a lot of review like that where they talk trash about story just because it's harem type. I mean if you hate harem type of story then you should stay away until you're fu**ing blind It clearly says on tag what kind of story is there. So please if you are gonna talk shit about story being harem then you should stay away from it. Everyone have their own taste for what kind of story they want to see. If ... harem type of anime not upto your taste then don't watch it.