Arifureta Season 3 Episode 4 Review: Haulia Tribe’s Counter-Attack and the Introduction of CGI in the Anime

Review of Arifureta Season 3, Episode 4: The Haulia Tribe Strikes Back Against the Hoelscher Empire

Released on November 4, 2024, the fourth episode of Arifureta Season 3 continues the intense narrative surrounding the Haulia tribe’s rebellion against the oppressive Hoelscher Empire. Under the leadership of Shea’s father, the Haulia tribe orchestrates a counter-offensive initiated by ongoing imperial oppression. Notably, Hajime permits Shea to actively participate in this pivotal conflict.

The episode also introduces CGI animation, marking a significant moment in the series. Although the quality of the CGI animation, particularly regarding Shea’s hammer, was deemed mediocre, it did provide a fresh visual twist amid a compelling storyline.

Note: This article may contain potential spoilers for Arifureta Season 3, Episode 4, along with the author’s perspective.

Episode Breakdown: The Empire vs. The Strongest Rabbits

Hajime and Yue as seen in the anime — Hajime and Yue as depicted in the series (Image via asread)

Titled “The Empire vs. The Strongest Rabbits,” this episode opens with a vibrant marriage celebration for Princess Liliana, an event attended by Hajime and his companions. The festivities take a lighthearted turn as Hajime invites Yue to dance, while other female characters compete for the next dance in a playful game of rock-paper-scissors.

During this joyful interlude, Princess Liliana expresses gratitude towards Hajime for ensuring her safety from the Empire’s prince, prompting an emotionally charged dance. However, the romantic atmosphere shatters when the Haulia tribe launches their surprise assault, coinciding with a power outage that plunges the celebration into chaos.

Shea as seen in the anime — Shea leading the charge (Image via asread)

Seizing the opportunity, Shea departs from Hajime’s side to combat Imperial soldiers attempting to infiltrate the party space. Armed with a new hammer crafted by Hajime, Shea showcases her prowess as she defends her tribe. Concurrently, Shea’s father confronts Gahard, the prince of the Empire, demanding serious reforms to avert further bloodshed.

In a tense exchange, Gahard is pressured into agreeing to four critical vows concerning the rights of beastmen. Despite the dire circumstances, the initial demands are met with defiance, resulting in violent repercussions, including the beheading of his own son. The escalating conflict puts tremendous pressure on Gahard, eventually forcing him to consider the Haulia tribe’s demands as the tide of battle turns.

Animation Quality and Story Engagement

CGI Animation scene from Arifureta — Shea and her epic battle moments (Image via asread)

In this episode, the introduction of CGI animation marks a notable shift in the visual landscape of the series. Primarily applied to Shea’s hammer during key battle sequences, the CGI was met with mixed reactions from fans, prompting concerns regarding the anime’s future. Typically reserved for larger objects or economic constraints in 2D animation, this use of CGI did not enhance the viewing experience. However, despite its shortcomings, the plot remained engaging enough to overshadow visual quality issues.

Fans eagerly anticipate the continuation of the Haulia tribe’s fight against the Hoelscher Empire, hoping that the narrative’s strength compensates for any animation flaws. The focus on plot development, particularly in Shea’s conflict and her tribe’s struggles, sustains viewer interest through the episode’s progression.

Concluding Thoughts and Future Episodes

The next episode, titled “The Hero Returns,” could potentially pivot the series in a new direction. Despite a few drawbacks, such as the brief use of CGI, the overall episode was solid. Many viewers speculate that the series will only thrive if future episodes refrain from frequent CGI utilization. With the looming introduction of monsters in the storyline, uncertainty remains regarding the trajectory of Arifureta Season 3.

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