Bofuri: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, So I’ll Max Out My Defence

Release date: 08 Jan 2020
Current episodes available: 5
Where to watch: AnimeLab

When I first assembled this list, Bofuri wasn’t among my top picks. Short clips hadn’t drawn me in, and the ongoing VRPG trope was wearing thin. But here we are—and I’m glad it made the cut.

The premise sounds simple: a high-schooler tries her first VRMMO, New World Online. Afraid of getting hurt, she puts all of her points into defence—yes, all of them. On paper that seemed dull. In practice, Bofuri quickly won me over with laugh-out-loud gags and smart use of its video-game setting.

Through her tank-first build, Maple finds creative ways to beat enemies and even stumbles into truly game-breaking mechanics that make her nearly unstoppable—even against other players. The developers’ in-world balance patches reacting to her exploits feel very true to modern online games.

Across the early episodes, Bofuri builds a likable supporting cast and expands New World Online with a depth often missing from VRPG-based anime. If you enjoyed Sword Art Online or The Rising of the Shield Hero, this should be on your queue.

Darwin’s Game

Release date: 03 Jan 2020
Current episodes available: 4
Where to watch: AnimeLab

A mysterious phone app drags a high-school student into a kill-or-be-killed world.

On the winter slate, Darwin’s Game wasn’t high on my list—and the 47-minute premiere had me ready to waive my two-episode minimum. That same night I binged all available episodes and immediately subbed it into my weekly queue.

The app pits players against one another in real-world encounters that end only in surrender—or death. Each player has a unique ability called a sigil, ranging from invisibility to plant control. The show centres on Sudou Kaname, thrown into the chaos after a friend’s disappearance. He scrambles to survive, forges unlikely alliances, and discovers his own sigil.

The feature-length opener gives the world and its rogues’ gallery room to breathe. Kaname’s sigil (once revealed) paints a target on his back and escalates the stakes. Darwin’s Game has quickly become a season favourite; I’m keen to see the full range of sigils.

ID: Invaded

Release date: 05 Jan 2020
Current episodes available: 6
Where to watch: AnimeLab

ID: Invaded is one of those shows that demands full attention. I learned that quickly during a late-night binge, paused, slept, and came back fresh the next day.

In this world, a specialised unit tracks serial killers by detecting “intent to kill.” From that, they generate a virtual space—an ID-Well—where an agent can dive in and gather clues from the killer’s subconscious. Inside the Well, famed detective Sakaido explores these surreal mindscapes; outside, we learn that to enter a Well, you must be a killer yourself.

Even well-rested, I found some of the finer points intentionally opaque—likely to heighten mystery and pay off reveals. Sakaido/Narihisago is compelling from the jump, while the supporting cast gets less early focus. The contrasting visuals—fractured CGI Wells against traditional real-world art—really sing. I’m hesitant to slot it weekly, but I’ll return when I can give it the attention it deserves.

Sorcerous Stabber Orphen

Release date: 07 Jan 2020
Current episodes available: 5
Where to watch: AnimeLab

A reimagining of the beloved 1999 Orphen series. Did I know that before pressing play? No. Did it change how much I enjoyed the opening episodes? Also no.

Former Tower of Fangs prodigy Orphen left after a freak accident turned his sister Azalie into a dragon. Years later, he’s scraping by as a moneylender when his path crosses Azalie’s dragon form while he’s mid-scam at a wealthy estate.

Orphen isn’t your typical clueless lead; his clear grasp of the situation and unwavering determination to save Azalie put him at odds—and in step—with former comrades. The show subverts expectations with several character choices. I’m unfamiliar with the original, but this makes me want to seek it out after finishing to see how much is remaster vs. reimagining.

The narrative already steps away from familiar tropes, and the magic system’s aesthetic—more Arthurian than VRPG—helps Orphen stand on its own in winter 2020.

Plunderer

Release date: 08 Jan 2020
Current episodes available: 5
Where to watch: AnimeLab

Plunderer might be the most unique idea of this guide. Imagine a world where your life revolves around a personal count—branded on your body—that ticks up or down based on a specific rule: compliments received, miles walked, rejections endured. Hit zero and you’re dragged into a dark abyss. There are more rules, but that’s the gist.

The story centres on Hina, tasked by her dying mother to find a legendary Ace—a war hero from 300 years ago with supernatural powers. Along Hina’s journey, we meet characters defined (and confined) by their counts, and learn how they live within those rules.

Hina soon meets the Red Baron (Licht), the Ace himself, who hardly matches her expectations. The opening episodes do strong world-building and rule-setting. Episode three even steps away from Hina to introduce military-side characters—borderline filler for some, but it humanises the forces painted in a poor light early and broadens the scope.

Pick of the season: If you only have room for one new series, make it Plunderer.