Summary
When it comes to various anime, power systems are as varied as they can be. They have no reason to follow rules or have any form of logic behind them as long as it’s what the creator wants. However, for power systems that do have a form of logical understanding and approach, fans often receive them well as the extent to which a character’s power and how their power can grow is understandable and not left in a gray area.
With most isekai anime,power systems are often based on magic, but rather than leave the interpretation of how the series’ magic works up to fans, some shows have helped make it clear, understandable, and with clear limitations, making them stand out.
This isekai anime serieshas a rich power system with the existence of wild magic, tier magic, martial arts, talents, and runecraft. The varying forms of power make oOverlord’spower system rich and highly diverse but still within the confines of a system, just a much broader one than is typically seen in other isekai stories.
Focusing onOverlord’swild magic and tier magic, the former is much more ancient and requires the sacrifice of souls, in game terms, HP. While it produces more power it is also highly dangerous and inefficient compared to tire magic which focuses more on an individual’s connection to the world. The balance between the varying kinds of power systems inOverlordportrays the intentionality behind each form of power.
So I’m A Spider, So What?
This anime series runs a magic system with a semi-game-like structure that includes the use of things like MP, which is a finite resource, and stats, which can be increased. In the series, most of the magic used is as a form of assistance granted by a system as long as the user has the necessary level of Magic Power Operation and Perception.
The former allows the user to control and channel magic power effectively, while the latter allows the user to ‘sense’ and understand the basic principles behind a spell. Aside from these two, the ability of the caster to also construct a spell circuit through which spells can be executed plays a great importance. The thoughtfulness behind the prerequisites for using magic makes the series' power system solid overall.
6Maou 2099
A Blend Of Technology And Magic
As a currently airing anime series,Maou 2099’spower system hasn’t been fully fleshed out. However, combining technology with magic and giving it restrictions makes it stand out. Except for the protagonist who defies the trope, the general process of casting magic includes having the mental capability to run through a five-step process of initialization, construction, expansion, incantation, and proclamation to cast various spells at a high speed.
However, with the use of a magi-gadget called Familia, most of the calculations are done automatically, allowing humans to use magic more quickly and efficiently. With this, magic has reached new heightsin the current cyberpunk worldofMaou 2099as most technology and AI now significantly make it easier.
Grimgar Ashes and Illusions
The world ofGrimgar, Ashes and Illusionstakes a different approach to its world-building and power system, unlike series likeCautious HeroandI Got a Cheat Skill in Another World.InGrimgar, Ashes and Illusions, the protagonists start from the ground up and have to discover magic and skills themselves or through their respective guilds.
In essence, they don’t automatically know how to wield magic and must learn the varying principles behind it, whether it be through elementals, skills particular for certain classes, or the gods behind each form of magic. In Grimgar’s world, magic has various fundamental principles, and certain things can only be learned from guilds rather than the “magic is magic” approach many series use.
While it has a much deeper focus on Myne’s journey to make books more accessible and affordable to the world at large, this series has a magic system that is well thought out and explained. InAscendance of a Bookworm, magic is simply the use of mana to create supernatural effects. In its raw form, mana is only limited to basic mana attacks and physical enhancements.
Using more profound spells and mana applications requires a feystone or a schtappe which serves as conduits for channeling mana. Simply channeling mana is not enough as mana can be given precise instructions for a desired effect through the use of prayer, schtappe incantations, and even magic circles. The overall application of mana is very well thought out and the level of detailing for the application of mana and magic makes the seriesmagic system stand out.
3Log Horizon
A Game World With Structured Magic Rules
As an isekai seriesthat takes place in a game world,Log Horizon’spower system is much more held together by certain rules. Because of its class-like system, depending on one’s class, mana can only be used as spells in certain ways, and mana in itself serves as a finite resource.
Most ofLog Horizon’smagic usage is in the form of combat and lifestyle subclasses. This helps segregate individuals based on what they can and can’t do, showing that not everyone can use magic as they wish, as different builds have differing strengths and weaknesses, adding a form of magic specialization in the isekai world.
Re: Zero’spower system is great as it remains highly consistent and understandable throughout the series. The series incorporates normal magic, which consists of the elements, and then spirit magic, blessings, and of course, the infamous witch factor. With normal magic, mages draw upon mana internally, meaning a user’s capacity for mana is important.
However, spiritual arts users do the exact opposite. They draw upon mana from their environment, making it more efficient and powerful in general. When itcomes to the infamous witch factor, this functions more as authority over certain things rather than conventional ‘evil’ magic. With gates serving as conduits between a mana user and their environment, magic can be utilized, showing just how well-grounded and understandable the series' power system is.
Mushoku Tensei Jobless Reincarnation
As a fantasy world with swords and magic,Mushoku Tenseiexplains its power system very well through the eyes of the protagonist, Rudeus Greyrat, rather than simply introducing magic and expecting fans to understand how it works. Aside from the various magical elements and the inner workings of magic,Mushoku Tenseialso applies the laws of physics to its magic.
For instance, to enhance the penetrating power of his stone canon, Rudeus adds a spin. To enhance the potency of his fireballs, Rudeus adds oxygen to the flame. Overall,Mushoku Tenseiadds rulesto its magic system and a lot of things are discovered through research, trial, and error, making the entire magic system very structured and foundational.
