Failure Frame episode 3 review: Isekai’s best tropes arrive as series continues to drive home its dark themes

With the recent release of Failure Frame episode 3, fans who had connected with the series were filled with apprehension. There was a fear that the show would lose its distinctive identity and become just another generic isekai entry.

Despite beginning to incorporate some familiar isekai tropes, this review of Failure Frame episode 3 acknowledges that the series maintains its unique identity. These established tropes are some of the best that the genre has to offer and do not diminish the series’ distinctiveness in any way.

Review of Failure Frame: Episode 3 – Maintaining Unique Identity and Incorporating Isekai’s Best Tropes

In most isekai anime series, the main character usually encounters someone from the opposite world who becomes their first friend or ally. This is also the case in Failure Frame episode 3, but with a unique twist that keeps its isekai-inspired atmosphere, rather than following traditional isekai tropes, in its early stages.

The character, who has not yet been given a name, is believed to be the first ally of main character Touka Mimori. However, her pursuers refer to her as the “Princess Knight.”Mimori encounters these men, known as the Holy Watchers, before meeting the Princess Knight. He uses the same trick he used on the Soul Eater to easily defeat them. This allows him and his new Slime companion to secretly approach the Princess Knight and begin an interrogation.

Despite most of the actual interrogation being skipped in Failure Frame episode 3 for viewers, there are still key moments that show the pair building a strong rapport. Mimori’s brutal honesty is respected by the female lead, while he in turn admires her confidence in her abilities and rationality. This well-established companionship sets the foundation for future developments, and their unique and well-executed meeting is sure to leave a lasting impression on fans, and even make for a great selling point when recommending the show to others.

Failure Frame episode 3 review (Image via Seven Arcs)

It is once again emphasized that the isekai anime genre not only takes the best tropes, but also has the potential to mold and modify them into something fresh. This is exemplified by the introduction of Mimori’s Slime companion, whom he affectionately names Piggymaru in the episode. Instead of simply stumbling upon a friendly Slime, Mimori rescues Piggymaru from being bullied by larger Slimes, drawing a parallel to his own experiences.

This not only adds more complexity to Mimori’s character, but also gives Piggymaru’s debut in Failure Frame episode 3 an even greater significance and lasting impression. Just like the Princess Knight’s introduction and encounter with Mimori, it brings a subtle yet powerful twist to the typical context of this trope, leaving a lasting impact on viewers in the most effective way.

Similarly, the subtle changes and their influence on viewers are crucial in preserving the distinctiveness of the series, even as it starts to incorporate these common tropes. This deliberate approach, as evidenced by what fans have witnessed thus far, also safeguards the series from falling into the trappings of traditional isekai anime.

Despite the inclusion of trope twists, Failure Frame episode 3 still manages to maintain its distinctiveness. This is evident in the beginning of the episode where Mimori’s classmates are given a significant focus. It becomes evident that a situation similar to Lord of the Flies is unfolding as Asagi Ikusuba forces Kobato Kashima to join her side by making her kill a monster against her will. Kobato’s tearful reaction and thoughts of Mimori afterwards not only sets her apart from the other characters, but also sets the stage for a future reunion between the two, showcasing their character development.

The anime is also renowned for its incorporation of politics in the B-story, which goes beyond the conflicts between Goddess Vicius and Class President Ayaka Sogo (who once again clash in this episode). This distinctive approach has the potential to make the B-story just as captivating as Mimori’s primary quest for vengeance.

Review of Failure Frame Episode 3: Excessive and Disjointed Use of CGI

Despite a few minor criticisms in Failure Frame episode 3, the installment remains largely flawless, effectively advancing the story at a satisfactory pace with appropriate attention. The voice acting, though not extraordinary, remains well-suited and does not feel dull or out of place in any particular scenes, and the 2D animation maintains consistency, even if it lacks flashiness.

The main flaw of the installment can be attributed to its overuse of 3D CGI animation. This is particularly evident in the final scenes, where a CGI Mimori is shown walking through a 2D-animated forest in a slightly jarring manner. The integration of CGI into the 2D art style is also problematic, worsened by the decision to use a low camera angle from Mori’s back-left, which only adds to the choppiness of the scene.

Despite the financial benefits that may have been gained from using CGI instead of 2D animation, the implementation in this episode is confusing and poorly executed. It gives an unsettling feeling, which is especially frustrating considering the previous episode’s use of CGI for monsters was at least acceptable, if not exceptional.

Despite a proper integration, the inclusion of confusing and jarring CGI would still be equally perplexing. This is especially true in the early stages of a season, where potential viewers may be more likely to lose interest. Ending an episode with unnecessary CGI is certainly intriguing.

Failure Frame episode 3 review: In summation

Despite some shortcomings, Failure Frame episode 3 still has more positives than negatives, similar to the first two episodes. The few negative aspects seem to stem from a desire to save money rather than a lack of enthusiasm or attention to detail. As a result, fans can look forward to the series’ future with anticipation, although there may be some concerns regarding the use of 3D CGI.