Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions English Sub & Dub

About Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions

Here is what Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions (Hai to Gensou no Grimgar) is about, retold in plain terms: an action, adventure and fantasy anime by A-1 Pictures (2016). In short: Fear, survival, instinct. Thrown into a foreign land with nothing but hazy memories and the knowledge of their name, they can feel only these three emotions resonating deep within their souls.

As things develop, a group of strangers is given no other choice than to accept the only paying job in this game-like realm—the role of a soldier in the Reserve Army—and eliminate anything that threatens the peace in their new world, Grimgar. When all of the stronger candidates join together, those left behind needs to create a party together to survive: Manato, a charismatic leader and priest; Haruhiro, a nervous thief; Yume, a cheerful hunter; Shihoru, a shy mage. Despite its resemblance to one, this is no game—there are no redos or respawns; it is kill or be killed.

As an action title, fight choreography, pacing and sound design carry much of the weight. This one is best suited to viewers who like fast, high-impact fights.

Production & Appeal

Animation is handled by A-1 Pictures, so the studio's house style defines how Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions looks and moves on screen. Because it leans on action, fight choreography, pacing and sound design carry much of the weight. At 7.7/10 it earns a solid reception, a safe pick for fans of the genre. It aired in 2016, which makes it easy to place in the wider anime calendar.