Mar 13, 2015
If you liked the concept of SAO but HATED the execution then look no further, this is the anime for you.
After watching almost every single 8+ scored anime on MAL, I decided it was time to broaden my horizons and hit the 7's. After watching this anime, it occured to me that I can't let reviews let me decide what I like, but rather have to decide on my own... even if it means one day watching the 6's.
Story: 8
The story doesn't start off too original, MC is a basement dweller who's really good at a certain video game (title). However
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where I feel this story shines is its combat system and survival aspect and how the players were forced into this game. Players are ONLY given grenades rather than over-dramatic swords and guns. While you may not agree with it, once you watch it, you'll realize how much more of an intense atmosphere it gives this anime. It also gives it a layer of strategy that you would never see in a sword/gun game which makes the strategies THAT much more enjoyable. The conflicts in this show are actually very believable and it outlines human nature so incredibly well. And although a bit rushed, the romance in this anime was done very well; at least MUCH more so some other romance animes out there.
Art: 9
I'm never really that picky on art but in this anime I found it pretty attractive. The colors were very vibrant, the backgrounds looked great, the character designs were really nice as well. They weren't too "out there" but were realistic enough where you'd be able to distinguish the main characters and other cast apart.
Sound:
Some really neat OST's were played in this anime. They were always played in perfect situations and often got me on the edge of my seat. Voice acting was pretty good but Ryouta's voice sounded kind of strange, almost as if it was a native Japanese speaker when he said certain words like "Btooom".
Character:
Although one of the weakest points in the show, the flaws in each other characters are made up for in the other ones. I really feel like Ryouta and Himiko were "whole" when they were together, alone they never worked that well. Himiko is one of the less annoying female leads you'll see in an anime. Although she can be dramatic, it's for good reason; she was nearly raped twice during the show and grew a bad androphobia. Her fear is what drives her resolve, and although at times it's noble the other times it just seems unnecessary.
Enjoyment:
This is the first anime I finished in a whole day without a break. Don't be shy by the score, watch the anime and see for yourself if you like it, I learned not to do that after watching this anime.
Overall:
It was a great anime. Like I said; if you like the SAO concept but hated the anime itself, watch this. It's a much more mature and intense version of it, and in my opinion is much better.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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