“Hell Mode” Review: Is This the Next Big Isekai or Just Another Gamer Fantasy?

Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re scrolling through Winter 2026’s anime lineup and see Hell Mode: Yarikomizuki no Gamer wa Hai Settei no Isekai de Musou Suru (try saying that five times fast), you might think it’s just another “gamer gets isekai’d” cash grab. But after binging the first episode and diving into fan chatter, I’m here to tell you: it’s way more fun than it has any right to be.

The Setup: Gamer Bro Meets Isekai Tropes (But With a Twist)

Thirty-five-year-old Kenichi Yamada is your classic MMORPG addict—tired of casual games that hold your hand, he jumps at a “never-ending game” with a “Hell Mode” difficulty. Next thing he knows, he’s reborn as Allen, a baby in a fantasy world where his gamer skills actually matter. The catch? He needs 100x more XP to level up than everyone else. Ouch.

Fans on MyAnimeList are split on the start. One user called it “literally Mushoku Tensei x Shangri-la Frontier”—and yeah, the vibes are there: Allen’s family-focused like Rudeus, and his grind is as real as Sunraku’s. But don’t roll your eyes yet. Another fan summed it up best: “Came looking for trash and found gold.”

The Good: Wholesome Chaos & Gamer Energy

What makes Hell Mode stand out? It’s not just about being OP—it’s about the grind. Allen’s not a chosen one; he’s a guy who knows how to min-max. When he summons a grasshopper (yes, a grasshopper) to fight, it’s silly, but it’s also genius—this isn’t Pokemon; he creates his allies. One viewer raved, “Those status buffs stacking with each card? DEFINITELY going to work in interesting ways!”

And let’s talk about the feels. The show’s surprisingly wholesome. Allen loves his new family, and the small moments—like him bonding with his mom—hit harder than you’d expect. As one fan put it, “The title made me expect hardcore, but I love how wholesome it is.”

The Bad: 3DCG Monsters & Slow Starts

No show is perfect, and Hell Mode has its flaws. The 3D monsters? Yikes. “Absolute dogshit 3DCG,” one user ranted. “Is everyone’s animation standards rock bottom now?” Fair—those cartoony summons clash with the otherwise solid art style.

Then there’s the pacing. The first episode is slow, and Allen’s a kid for way too long for some viewers. “I hate literal children as main characters,” another fan griped. “A 4-year-old slaughtering monsters? No thanks.”

The Verdict: Worth the Grind?

Here’s the tea: Hell Mode isn’t reinventing the wheel, but it’s having a blast with it. The gamer humor lands, the characters are likable, and the XP twist keeps things tense. Is it for everyone? No. If you hate isekai or 3DCG, skip it. But if you’re down for a fun, wholesome grind with a protagonist who actually earns his wins? This is your jam.

As one fan said, “More isekai slop that I’ll love.” And honestly? Same. I’m sticking around to see Allen turn that grasshopper into a legendary beast.

Final Score: 7/10—solid start, with room to level up.

P.S. Ignore the MAL score (it’s at 6.46 right now). Fans swear it’s underrated. Give it a shot—you might just find your new favorite.