Hell Mode: The Hardcore Gamer Dominates in Another World with Garbage Balancing [Season 1 Episode 2]

“Hell Mode” Episode 2: The Grind Starts Now

Let’s cut to the chase—if you thought Episode 1 was just setting the stage, Episode 2 of Hell Mode: The Hardcore Gamer Dominates in Another World with Garbage Balancing is where the real game begins. For those who missed it, our protagonist Kenichi (now reborn as Allen) is stuck in a fantasy world with a brutal catch: he needs 100 times more XP than everyone else to level up. Yeah, you read that right. And after Episode 2, we’re finally seeing what that actually means.

First off, let’s talk about the vibe. The title “Hell Mode” had me expecting edge-of-your-seat chaos—like, constant monster attacks, life-or-death stakes, the whole shebang. But here’s the twist: it’s actually… wholesome? One fan on MyAnimeList put it best: “The title makes me expect something much more hardcore, but I actually like how much wholesome it is.” And they’re not wrong. Allen’s still a kid, learning the ropes of his new life with his family, and there’s this cozy, almost slice-of-life feel to it. But don’t let that fool you—underneath the cute moments, the grind is real.

The big reveal this episode? Allen’s summoning ability. Instead of taming monsters like Pokémon, he creates them using cards. Think of it like building your own team from scratch—except each card gives him a status buff, and stacking them is where things get interesting. One viewer noted, “Those Status Buffs for him stacking with each ‘card’ he keeps is DEFINITELY going to work in interesting ways!” But here’s the kicker: his first summon is a grasshopper. Yeah, a grasshopper. Some fans were underwhelmed (“Eh… if it’s only that”), but wait—stick around for the opening credits. The monsters and summons there? Way cooler. Fingers crossed those show up soon.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the 100x XP requirement. In Episode 2, we see Allen struggling to level up even a little. One fan ranted, “The author clearly has never played anything close to hard mode ‘cause nothing in this is hard mode so far.” But hold on—others defended it: “An actual hell mode would be constant attacks even at the beginning, but this is just the start.” Fair point. It’s like starting a new game on Hard difficulty—you don’t face the final boss in the first hour. The “hell” here is the long game: grinding for hours just to get a single level, while everyone else zooms past you.

Animation-wise, it’s a mixed bag. The character designs are solid—Allen’s family looks warm and detailed, and the world itself is vibrant. But the monsters? Oh boy. The grasshopper summon is… well, let’s say it’s not winning any awards for creativity. One fan groaned, “The summons’ designs being mostly CGA is [a letdown].” And the 3D CGI? Yeah, that’s a sore spot. Another viewer complained, “Nothing wrong with being ‘biased’ against terrible out-of-place 3DCG—it ruins the experience.” But hey, not everyone hates it. Some think it’s “ok to good,” and honestly, for a show about a gamer, the slightly cartoony summons might be intentional. Who knows?

Story-wise, Episode 2 is all about setup. Allen’s figuring out his skills, his family’s supporting him, and we’re getting hints of what’s to come. One fan summed it up: “Decent first episode, but I really hope the protagonist doesn’t stay a bum forever. Losing to a girl his own age? C’mon, man.” But let’s be real—Allen’s a kid. He’s got time to grow. And with that 100x XP grind, when he does level up, it’s going to feel earned.

The best part? The community is split, and that’s a good thing. Some are calling it “isekai slop” (but admit they’ll love it anyway), while others are already hooked. One user even said, “Came looking for trash and found gold.” And hey, isn’t that the fun of anime? Discovering something that surprises you.

So, should you keep watching? If you’re into slow-burn isekai with a side of grind, absolutely. The characters are likable, the world is interesting, and the “hell mode” twist adds a layer of tension that keeps you invested. Just don’t expect non-stop action—this is a show about the journey, not the destination.

As one fan put it: “Great for first epsd, the animation is ok and enjoy story.” And honestly? That’s all you need sometimes.

Final Verdict: Episode 2 is a solid follow-up—wholesome, grindy, and full of potential. Whether you’re here for the cute moments or the XP struggles, there’s something to enjoy. Just don’t forget: in hell mode, patience is key.

Now, let’s see if Allen can finally beat that grasshopper. Or, y’know, summon something cooler. Fingers crossed for Episode 3.

— A fellow anime fan who’s already invested in the grind.

P.S. Ignore the MAL scores. They’re just haters. This show’s worth a shot.