REVIEW: ‘Reincarnated as a Sword’ Episode 3 – “The Grizzled Old Blacksmith”

Reincarnated as a Sword Episode 3 is a lot better than the last, at least narratively, as we’re given information on how some aspects of its world works and introduce the viewers and the protagonists to new characters. While these two aren’t exactly executed satisfyingly, their inclusion is important regardless. 

The episode starts with Fran and the sword looking for proper armor for Fran after securing their position in the adventurer’s guild, and they luckily meet a world-renowned blacksmith dwarf named Garrus. He not only quickly discovers the duo’s secret but also offers to make armor for Fran in exchange for learning more about them, reinforcing his newfound friendship with the two. Through Garrus, we also learn that there are several types of powerful swords in this world and that the titular sword isn’t even considered one of the best, at least for now. 

We learn about intelligent weapons and the category the sword fits into. These swords are crafted by mythical “Godcrafts,” who forge potent weapons. Then there are divine weapons that are even more powerful and are mostly shrouded in mystery. We’re unfortunately not told much else about these legendary weapons or their origins and creators. Still, we now know that there are more powerful weapons out there that make for potentially stronger foes and also give us insight into how powerful the sword can get.

We also get an insight into Fran and the sword’s budding pseudo-father-daughter relationship as they go forging, quest hunting, cooking, and shopping together. Through these scenes, you can tell their relationship is less of a sentient object babysitting a catgirl and more like an unconventional father figure looking after a child that desperately needed one. On one of their quests, the duo encounters a group of low-ranking adventurers cornered by a bunch of goblins which is never good news in an isekai anime. Our protagonists jump in to save them but are faced with their most brutal battle yet.

While the first part of the episode focuses on narrative development, the second half is where all the action takes place and where Fran flexes her newly learned combat skills. The fight scenes in this episode aren’t anything to write home about, as it’s still on par with what you’d see in prior episodes. However, the animation quality is still thankfully consistent. Additionally, a fact that I may have failed to highlight about the anime is that it doesn’t use 3D/ CG monsters, unlike most of its counterparts in the genre, which, for me, a person who hates the bad use of CG and 3D in anime, is a blessing. My only gripe with the production in this episode is the repeated use of the same music featured in every episode during fight scenes, which is now starting to wane on me.

All in all, Reincarnated as a Sword Episode 3 was a well-rounded viewing experience. While its plot points could’ve been better fleshed out, their existence alone made the episode stand out so far.

Reincarnated as a Sword Episode 3 is streaming now on HI DIVE.