Infinite Dendrogram

Infinite Dendrogram is a 2020 anime (13 episodes) based on the light novel series, set in a highly advanced full-dive VRMMORPG released in 2043 that perfectly simulates all five senses and offers "infinite possibilities" through unique mechanics.

The story follows Reiji Mukudori (in-game name: Ray Starling), a college student who joins the game nearly two years after launch. Guided by his experienced older brother Shuu (Shu Starling) and partnered with his personal AI companion/Embryo weapon Nemesis, Ray dives into this immersive world.

Unlike typical VRMMO tales where player death carries heavy stakes, here the real tension comes from the lifelike NPCs (called "tians") — if they die, they're permanently gone, adding emotional weight to events and quests. Ray explores the game, makes friends and rivals, tackles adventures (from goblin fights to deeper conspiracies), and discovers the game's unique Embryo system, where each player's partner evolves based on their personality and choices.

It's a mix of action, world-building, and exploration in a realistic virtual realm, with a focus on consequences for the in-game inhabitants rather than a typical "death game" for players.