What's it about:
Imagine playing an MMORPG using which ships your consciousness into the game itself making it a really "immersive" game. Then imagine your worst nightmares when you find out that you can't logout of the game. That's what happens to main character Kirito and 99,999 other gamers who are stuck inside the game with only the small glimmer of hope that somebody gets to beat the game and reach the 100th floor.
The Good:
Characters - I'm impressed with the simplicity of the characters here in this film. W'eve got Kirito who's the bad ass loner type and then there's also Asuna who later in the series progresses from being Kirito's partner to becoming his cyber-wife.
The series took its sweet time developing characters in their own simple way. We see Kirito start losing his sanity after seeing witnessing the deaths of his fellow guildmembers known as the Black Cats of the Full Moon especially Sachi, whom he grows fond of.
Then there's also the budding romance between Asuna and Kirito on later episodes which is really laid out properly. Other characters such as Lizbeth the Smith and Silica require some added screen time but is only placed on the sidelines.
The Action Sequence
Utilizing the technology, SAO is filled with fast and ferocious action scenes. Some of the best moments early on in the series includes the first time that Kirito uses his "dual blades" skill which he then uses to beat the boss on that floor they were traversing earlier.
Utilizing the technology, SAO is filled with fast and ferocious action scenes. Some of the best moments early on in the series includes the first time that Kirito uses his "dual blades" skill which he then uses to beat the boss on that floor they were traversing earlier.
The last episode I've watched was the first part of another boss battle where the newlyweds rejoin their guild known as the "Knights of Blood" together with other high level players and guilds.
Character Design
Humor
There's not much to say about the comedy/humor in SAO but when it does appear, you'll surely laugh. One good example is when Kirito asks Asuna if he can sleep with her that night and after a good dinner, she disrobes...
That look in Asuna's face is definitely classic!
The Bad
Pacing
The biggest gripe I have with SAO is that the pacing is awkward at best and stupid at worst. Imagine spending so much time developing a plot point where Kirito catches the attention of two other "supporting" characters. Rather than move on after establishing each characters' feelings for the protagonist, we have to sit down and show more scenes featuring the two rather than focus on the action.
Character Design
Humor
There's not much to say about the comedy/humor in SAO but when it does appear, you'll surely laugh. One good example is when Kirito asks Asuna if he can sleep with her that night and after a good dinner, she disrobes...
That look in Asuna's face is definitely classic!
The Bad
Pacing
The biggest gripe I have with SAO is that the pacing is awkward at best and stupid at worst. Imagine spending so much time developing a plot point where Kirito catches the attention of two other "supporting" characters. Rather than move on after establishing each characters' feelings for the protagonist, we have to sit down and show more scenes featuring the two rather than focus on the action.
The Time Skips
There's more than a dozen different time skips in this anime series. Some would have a weeks, months or even a year. I love time skips but if it an important weapon or item in a character's inventory is obtained and not shown then I'll be definitely pissed. This is the case for Kirito's trademark sword Elucidator which is a level 50 boss drop weapon.
The story didn't even bother to build the back story between how Asuna managed to go from cloaked warrior to the vice captain of the Knights of the Blood...
VERDICT
Overall, I'm pleased as punch with SAO. I'm not the one to bitch about the more complex details about this anime series. I've been reading full reviews featuring comparisons between Sword Art Online and Accel World (which I haven't seen). Similarities might be abound but I can still say that this is pretty good anime series not just for diehard Otakus but also those like me, who have wandered once again into this realm.
I'm giving this my stamp of approval. Also, if you do want the full experience, you might want to read the manga and light novels.
VERDICT
Overall, I'm pleased as punch with SAO. I'm not the one to bitch about the more complex details about this anime series. I've been reading full reviews featuring comparisons between Sword Art Online and Accel World (which I haven't seen). Similarities might be abound but I can still say that this is pretty good anime series not just for diehard Otakus but also those like me, who have wandered once again into this realm.
I'm giving this my stamp of approval. Also, if you do want the full experience, you might want to read the manga and light novels.
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