
© Maho FilmKōji Bandai
Overview
'A Playthrough of a Certain Dude's VRMMO Life' follows Taichi Tanaka, a 38-year-old salaryman who escapes his mundane life by diving into 'One More Free Life Online,' a sprawling VRMMO game. Using a youthful avatar named Earth, Taichi embraces unconventional skills like cooking, medicine, bowmanship, stealth, and wind magic—abilities often overlooked by other players. Despite his underpowered build, Earth carves out a niche through clever strategies, crafting, and resourcefulness, earning respect and forging friendships along the way. Blending slice-of-life charm with gaming adventure and lighthearted humor, the series explores how creativity and perseverance can lead to success in unexpected ways.
Opinion
'A Playthrough of a Certain Dude's VRMMO Life' offers a refreshing twist on the VRMMO genre by focusing on a middle-aged protagonist navigating a virtual world with wit and ingenuity rather than brute force. Directed by Maho Film, the series stands out for its relaxed pacing and emphasis on character-driven storytelling. Kaito Ishikawa delivers a standout performance as Earth/Taichi Tanaka, capturing the blend of humility and determination that defines the character. Supporting characters like Fairy Queen (Reina Ueda) and Zwei (Tasuku Hatanaka) add depth and charm to the narrative, creating memorable interactions and moments of camaraderie. While some viewers may find the lack of intense action or high-stakes drama less engaging compared to traditional VRMMO anime, the show compensates with its unique approach to gameplay mechanics and its heartfelt exploration of personal growth. Visually, the animation captures the vibrant and whimsical essence of the game world while maintaining a grounded tone during quieter moments. For fans of slice-of-life stories and unconventional protagonists, this series is a delightful watch that proves even an ordinary salaryman can shine in extraordinary circumstances.
Characters
Earth / Taichi Tanaka
Voice: Kaito Ishikawa
Fairy Queen
Voice: Reina Ueda
Zwei
Voice: Tasuku Hatanaka
Milly
Voice: Miho Okasaki
Taichi Tanaka (real self)
Voice: Daisuke Namikawa
Credits
Author
Kōji Bandai
Studio
Maho Film
Cover Art
Yūko Watabe, Yūko Oba
Publisher
AlphaPolis
Producers
Yomiko Advertising, KlockWorx, King Records, Stay Luck, AlphaPolis