Sword Art Online Episode 1 Discussion

Offline

Feb 2012

1569

Paul said:

Tyrel said:

Paul said:
I'm so behind on tis season.

28 pages... not gonna read a single one.

Ep1 was incredibly weak. That one guy, the GM, reason for causing all this mayhem... seriously?

Well at the very least the animation is spectacular so far.

Well he is the CREATOR of both the virtual world (SOA) and the NerveGear what do you expect.

I was expecting an actual reason and not him going "I'm gonna screw around with all you players because I felt like it" reasoning, which is what I got and which it pretty much is, him playing god. He seemed like a extremely intelligent person but who wasted their talent, though it's a anime so I don't think people would care in the end since he's a fictional character.

A lot of times smart people will hide information within information or "the truth within the truth"

Jul 9, 2012 10:49 PM

#554

Josh

Offline

Mar 2012

17649

Nothing we haven't seen before, but seems to be well employed. Gorgeous visuals. Looks to be this season's Fate/Zero, and by that I mean absurdly overrated.

LoneWolf said:
@Josh makes me sad to call myself Canadian.

Jul 9, 2012 11:06 PM

#555

Firixizu_Mint

Offline

Mar 2011

995

Yeah. it's a bit overrated (just one episode)

It could be due to many people have a soft spot for this kind of anime (including me)

Jul 10, 2012 12:09 AM

#556

heldrix

Offline

Dec 2008

188

What is people loving so muh about it? It was pretty clichè... same plot as .hack?

^_~

Jul 10, 2012 12:13 AM

#557

ernst

Offline

Nov 2011

508

Being intelligent does not mean being good.

"Why do I always realize it... when I've already lost it..." -Guts, Berserk
"Some things are beautiful because they cannot be obtained." -Gilgamesh, Fate/stay night
"We are constantly living in a peaceful world that somebody else won for us. Even if it were only a day of peace, I will be grateful for its value." - Minashiro Tsubaki, FAFNER
"Screw you, future me!" -Makise Kurisu, Steins;Gate
"We used to show off by waging wars and whatnot." -Watashi, Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita
"Call me Moses. I'm going to part the sea of students before your eyes." -Moses?, Valvrave
"Time is guilty." -Andō & Tomoyo, INOU-Battle

Jul 10, 2012 1:41 AM

#558

Saineria

Offline

Jul 2012

27

helderplus said:
What is people loving so muh about it? It was pretty clichè... same plot as .hack?

In the LN, Reki writes a lot about the conditions, what people tended to do and establishes the norm. The aspect of what other players are doing adds a pretty good dimension to the LN - as what the players tend to do change over time.

What occurs in Starting City, a major guild and its transformations, the smaller guilds, how players take advantage of several system loopholes, and basically the psychological aspect of the LN is what really strikes me.

I've played about half of .hack// GU, and it felt like that the main enemy was some sort of supernatural being (though it most likely isn't) - SAO, IIRC, seems to have its enemies more of a traditional MMORPG style. No, there isn't any AIDA coming to strike you, or supernatural effects occurring everywhere. PKing was also just a part of the "game" whereas in SAO it's akin to murder.

Death is death. HP is zero from a single boss swing (reminds me of Dark Souls and Demon's Souls), you're dead. The guy you partied with for several years? Dead. Not in a coma. Dead. You're not seeing him again once you get out. Not any of those 2000 who died in the first month.

When I initially read it out of pure curiosity, I felt that Kirito and the clearing group was akin to something like soldiers on the frontlines. They're constantly in danger, and if even one mistake occurred, a whole party may be wiped out.

SAO makes it seem as if they put 10,000 people into a dangerous world without adults or guidance. The main enemy isn't just the monster. It's also the people. These people are prone to creating many mistakes through a variety of emotions. And those mistakes could cost them - and others - their lives. They have to live through the guilt of all it, if they survive.

In a sense, it's like throwing 10,000 people into a war as children. They aren't hardened to hold their emotions in, and they aren't organized like the military. They'd be highly inefficient, and many deaths would occur.

Kirito is pretty amazing, too. Especially if you like overpowered protagonists, you'd like him. Although it's not just his strength that is high, but also his actions tend be assertive in many situations.

It's pretty late, so this post might not be really coherent.

Jul 10, 2012 1:57 AM

#559

I3rawler

Offline

Jan 2009

1080

Impressive starter episode in my opinion. The atmosphere was just right to my mind.

Jul 10, 2012 2:06 AM

#560

"Whether it's the real world or the virtual world, life is essentially the same."

Offline

Dec 2009

460

Saineria said:

helderplus said:
What is people loving so muh about it? It was pretty clichè... same plot as .hack?

In the LN, Reki writes a lot about the conditions, what people tended to do and establishes the norm. The aspect of what other players are doing adds a pretty good dimension to the LN - as what the players tend to do change over time.

What occurs in Starting City, a major guild and its transformations, the smaller guilds, how players take advantage of several system loopholes, and basically the psychological aspect of the LN is what really strikes me.

I've played about half of .hack// GU, and it felt like that the main enemy was some sort of supernatural being (though it most likely isn't) - SAO, IIRC, seems to have its enemies more of a traditional MMORPG style. No, there isn't any AIDA coming to strike you, or supernatural effects occurring everywhere. PKing was also just a part of the "game" whereas in SAO it's akin to murder.

Death is death. HP is zero from a single boss swing (reminds me of Dark Souls and Demon's Souls), you're dead. The guy you partied with for several years? Dead. Not in a coma. Dead. You're not seeing him again once you get out. Not any of those 2000 who died in the first month.

When I initially read it out of pure curiosity, I felt that Kirito and the clearing group was akin to something like soldiers on the frontlines. They're constantly in danger, and if even one mistake occurred, a whole party may be wiped out.

SAO makes it seem as if they put 10,000 people into a dangerous world without adults or guidance. The main enemy isn't just the monster. It's also the people. These people are prone to creating many mistakes through a variety of emotions. And those mistakes could cost them - and others - their lives. They have to live through the guilt of all it, if they survive.

In a sense, it's like throwing 10,000 people into a war as children. They aren't hardened to hold their emotions in, and they aren't organized like the military. They'd be highly inefficient, and many deaths would occur.

Kirito is pretty amazing, too. Especially if you like overpowered protagonists, you'd like him. Although it's not just his strength that is high, but also his actions tend be assertive in many situations.

It's pretty late, so this post might not be really coherent.

It's mostly the psychological aspect of the LN that really helped skyrocket this series to an instant fave for me. Yes the concept itself was already immersible, but the introspective dialogue truly helped flesh out the characters. Although I do wonder if such things will translate over the anime... :<

Jul 10, 2012 4:27 AM

#561

The_Mad_Wizard

Offline

Sep 2011

564

^ In our country, we play this song in this kind of situations: XD
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKzoQoueFZA

I miss my RO days now.

The_Mad_WizardJul 10, 2012 4:30 AM

Jul 10, 2012 6:27 AM

#562

5layer

Offline

Sep 2008

11495

shadowtsunami said:

LOLOLOLOL So True.

MMORPG = Many Men Online Role Playing Girls

Jul 10, 2012 8:08 AM

#563

"Whether it's the real world or the virtual world, life is essentially the same."

Offline

Dec 2009

460

The_Mad_Wizard said:
^ In our country, we play this song in this kind of situations: XD
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKzoQoueFZA

I miss my RO days now.

Ah I miss my pRO days days too, it's still my first and favorite MMO. While it had it's bad MMO tropes, it's not as pronounced and fragmented play like today. I mean I sometimes play with friends on Private servers, but it doesn't have that feel of uber lag with 10k players logged in at once in the old Chaos server. XD

Jul 10, 2012 8:26 AM

#564

ZeroKamikaze

Offline

Jul 2011

1223

shadowtsunami said:

LOLOLOLOL So True.

lol i was laughing when i saw that, everyone got older and some even changed sex XD

Netto_Azure said:

Saineria said:

helderplus said:
What is people loving so muh about it? It was pretty clichè... same plot as .hack?

In the LN, Reki writes a lot about the conditions, what people tended to do and establishes the norm. The aspect of what other players are doing adds a pretty good dimension to the LN - as what the players tend to do change over time.

What occurs in Starting City, a major guild and its transformations, the smaller guilds, how players take advantage of several system loopholes, and basically the psychological aspect of the LN is what really strikes me.

I've played about half of .hack// GU, and it felt like that the main enemy was some sort of supernatural being (though it most likely isn't) - SAO, IIRC, seems to have its enemies more of a traditional MMORPG style. No, there isn't any AIDA coming to strike you, or supernatural effects occurring everywhere. PKing was also just a part of the "game" whereas in SAO it's akin to murder.

Death is death. HP is zero from a single boss swing (reminds me of Dark Souls and Demon's Souls), you're dead. The guy you partied with for several years? Dead. Not in a coma. Dead. You're not seeing him again once you get out. Not any of those 2000 who died in the first month.

When I initially read it out of pure curiosity, I felt that Kirito and the clearing group was akin to something like soldiers on the frontlines. They're constantly in danger, and if even one mistake occurred, a whole party may be wiped out.

SAO makes it seem as if they put 10,000 people into a dangerous world without adults or guidance. The main enemy isn't just the monster. It's also the people. These people are prone to creating many mistakes through a variety of emotions. And those mistakes could cost them - and others - their lives. They have to live through the guilt of all it, if they survive.

In a sense, it's like throwing 10,000 people into a war as children. They aren't hardened to hold their emotions in, and they aren't organized like the military. They'd be highly inefficient, and many deaths would occur.

Kirito is pretty amazing, too. Especially if you like overpowered protagonists, you'd like him. Although it's not just his strength that is high, but also his actions tend be assertive in many situations.

It's pretty late, so this post might not be really coherent.

It's mostly the psychological aspect of the LN that really helped skyrocket this series to an instant fave for me. Yes the concept itself was already immersible, but the introspective dialogue truly helped flesh out the characters. Although I do wonder if such things will translate over the anime... :<

Jul 10, 2012 9:22 AM

#565

ernst

Offline

Nov 2011

508

kamikaze_1996 said:

shadowtsunami said:

LOLOLOLOL So True.

lol i was laughing when i saw that, everyone got older and some even changed sex XD

Netto_Azure said:

Saineria said:

helderplus said:
What is people loving so muh about it? It was pretty clichè... same plot as .hack?

In the LN, Reki writes a lot about the conditions, what people tended to do and establishes the norm. The aspect of what other players are doing adds a pretty good dimension to the LN - as what the players tend to do change over time.

What occurs in Starting City, a major guild and its transformations, the smaller guilds, how players take advantage of several system loopholes, and basically the psychological aspect of the LN is what really strikes me.

I've played about half of .hack// GU, and it felt like that the main enemy was some sort of supernatural being (though it most likely isn't) - SAO, IIRC, seems to have its enemies more of a traditional MMORPG style. No, there isn't any AIDA coming to strike you, or supernatural effects occurring everywhere. PKing was also just a part of the "game" whereas in SAO it's akin to murder.

Death is death. HP is zero from a single boss swing (reminds me of Dark Souls and Demon's Souls), you're dead. The guy you partied with for several years? Dead. Not in a coma. Dead. You're not seeing him again once you get out. Not any of those 2000 who died in the first month.

When I initially read it out of pure curiosity, I felt that Kirito and the clearing group was akin to something like soldiers on the frontlines. They're constantly in danger, and if even one mistake occurred, a whole party may be wiped out.

SAO makes it seem as if they put 10,000 people into a dangerous world without adults or guidance. The main enemy isn't just the monster. It's also the people. These people are prone to creating many mistakes through a variety of emotions. And those mistakes could cost them - and others - their lives. They have to live through the guilt of all it, if they survive.

In a sense, it's like throwing 10,000 people into a war as children. They aren't hardened to hold their emotions in, and they aren't organized like the military. They'd be highly inefficient, and many deaths would occur.

Kirito is pretty amazing, too. Especially if you like overpowered protagonists, you'd like him. Although it's not just his strength that is high, but also his actions tend be assertive in many situations.

It's pretty late, so this post might not be really coherent.

It's mostly the psychological aspect of the LN that really helped skyrocket this series to an instant fave for me. Yes the concept itself was already immersible, but the introspective dialogue truly helped flesh out the characters. Although I do wonder if such things will translate over the anime... :<

"Why do I always realize it... when I've already lost it..." -Guts, Berserk
"Some things are beautiful because they cannot be obtained." -Gilgamesh, Fate/stay night
"We are constantly living in a peaceful world that somebody else won for us. Even if it were only a day of peace, I will be grateful for its value." - Minashiro Tsubaki, FAFNER
"Screw you, future me!" -Makise Kurisu, Steins;Gate
"We used to show off by waging wars and whatnot." -Watashi, Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita
"Call me Moses. I'm going to part the sea of students before your eyes." -Moses?, Valvrave
"Time is guilty." -Andō & Tomoyo, INOU-Battle

Jul 10, 2012 9:58 AM

#566

Offline

May 2011

26

I'm sure someone's already mentioned this, but I'm afraid they'll leave out the whole "need to be on life support or you'll die anyways" thing.

At the very end of the episode, it mentioned that in the first month, 2000 players died.

What about the one's that'll die from starvation or dehydration in the first few weeks?
I mean, I know that Kirito said something about having to eat IRL, because eating in the game only made you feel like you weren't hungry anymore, but...
I really hope they don't leave that part out. Even as smart and visually awesome as SAO is, I think that would kind of kill it for me.

Jul 10, 2012 10:09 AM

#567

Offline

Feb 2012

1569

DaedalusExNovem said:
I'm sure someone's already mentioned this, but I'm afraid they'll leave out the whole "need to be on life support or you'll die anyways" thing.

At the very end of the episode, it mentioned that in the first month, 2000 players died.

What about the one's that'll die from starvation or dehydration in the first few weeks?
I mean, I know that Kirito said something about having to eat IRL, because eating in the game only made you feel like you weren't hungry anymore, but...
I really hope they don't leave that part out. Even as smart and visually awesome as SAO is, I think that would kind of kill it for me.

There was already a debate on this as you thought and, the anime hasn't mentioned this yet but, I read the first 4 Chapters of the LN ( Which is episode 1 of the anime ) and, it did mention that the government was contacted and, told they have 2 hours to put players onto life support. As I had mention in previous posts players of the game were most likely treated as if they were in a coma for more information regarding treatment for patients in a coma and, what happens after they wake up read here

http://kidshealth.org/kid/talk/qa/coma.html

Jul 10, 2012 10:16 AM

#568

Offline

May 2011

26

Yeah, I figured they'd mention that, but I thought was kind of odd that they left it out in the first episode, of all things. I mean, just one extra line could have cleared that up. Just one.

I do know how they treat comatose patients, which is why I was wondering how they managed to leave the bit out about needing life support and stuff.
(My dad's a paramedic, so these things tend to come to mind pretty quickly.)

If that's taken care of, though, SAO might deserve more than #33 on the MAL rankings if it's done well.
After all, Steins;Gate started off good, but now now it's practically considered a masterpiece.
Madoka Magica had deceptive opening episodes, and it got awards. XD

Please, for the love of all things good, let this one be done right too. *crosses fingers*

Jul 10, 2012 10:28 AM

#569

TKaya

Offline

Feb 2012

192

DaedalusExNovem said:
Yeah, I figured they'd mention that, but I thought was kind of odd that they left it out in the first episode, of all things. I mean, just one extra line could have cleared that up. Just one.

I do know how they treat comatose patients, which is why I was wondering how they managed to leave the bit out about needing life support and stuff.
(My dad's a paramedic, so these things tend to come to mind pretty quickly.)

If that's taken care of, though, SAO might deserve more than #33 on the MAL rankings if it's done well.
After all, Steins;Gate started off good, but now now it's practically considered a masterpiece.
Madoka Magica had deceptive opening episodes, and it got awards. XD

Please, for the love of all things good, let this one be done right too. *crosses fingers*

Why would you worry about plotholes after only 1 episode?
There is enough time to still explain it. If it hasn't been mentionaed after episode 5 or so, then it's time to get a little bit worried

Jul 10, 2012 10:29 AM

#570

Offline

Feb 2012

1569

DaedalusExNovem said:
Yeah, I figured they'd mention that, but I thought was kind of odd that they left it out in the first episode, of all things. I mean, just one extra line could have cleared that up. Just one.

I do know how they treat comatose patients, which is why I was wondering how they managed to leave the bit out about needing life support and stuff.
(My dad's a paramedic, so these things tend to come to mind pretty quickly.)

If that's taken care of, though, SAO might deserve more than #33 on the MAL rankings if it's done well.
After all, Steins;Gate started off good, but now now it's practically considered a masterpiece.
Madoka Magica had deceptive opening episodes, and it got awards. XD

Please, for the love of all things good, let this one be done right too. *crosses fingers*

It's the same with me my mom was a paramedic so I have read a lot of medical books xD so I know all the basics for things and, I agree with you they should have included that in the anime there is also the rules explanation which is much better in the LN and, includes some important factors which the anime left out such as...

I think those two things could have changed the understanding of the game a lot more. I have no clue why they left out those two things but, if anything they should have included them :S

Jul 10, 2012 10:31 AM

#571

Offline

Feb 2012

1569

TK8 said:

DaedalusExNovem said:
Yeah, I figured they'd mention that, but I thought was kind of odd that they left it out in the first episode, of all things. I mean, just one extra line could have cleared that up. Just one.

I do know how they treat comatose patients, which is why I was wondering how they managed to leave the bit out about needing life support and stuff.
(My dad's a paramedic, so these things tend to come to mind pretty quickly.)

If that's taken care of, though, SAO might deserve more than #33 on the MAL rankings if it's done well.
After all, Steins;Gate started off good, but now now it's practically considered a masterpiece.
Madoka Magica had deceptive opening episodes, and it got awards. XD

Please, for the love of all things good, let this one be done right too. *crosses fingers*

Why would you worry about plotholes after only 1 episode?
There is enough time to still explain it. If it hasn't been mentionaed after episode 5 or so, then it's time to get a little bit worried

Considering the fact that kayaba said {see image} I think it's safe to assume that he won't be mentioning it...

and, there is like 3 more minutes to the episode before the ending started lol

Jul 10, 2012 10:44 AM

#572

Offline

May 2011

26

Yep, see, when it's a little thing that gets left out like that, that's when I worry, because it can mean that either they were rushed, or they overlooked it, and either one of those options is not good.

And like Midnight said, it's pretty much a given that Mr. All-Powerful GM isn't going to be stopping by for a quick chat to let everyone know how things are going in the real world.

Something else that I'd like to know is if they have access to wifi.
See, if the signal gets cut from the NerveGear helmet, they die, right?
I noticed that Midnight said that Kayaba says "In a moment, using the two hours I have given", which implies that he gave them time to move the bodies. However, this does not explain how the players are still obviously connected to the game and can move around and interact with each other during that time period.

I get that it's anime, but maybe Japan is taking for granted the idea that their wifi is practically omnipresent. I'm just worried that they'll leave some huge plot hole and then try to sweep it under the rug.

I was just expecting it to be more of a "we'll let your families know so that they can hook up wifi at home for you" kind of thing.

Jul 10, 2012 10:52 AM

#573

Offline

Feb 2012

1569

DaedalusExNovem said:
Yep, see, when it's a little thing that gets left out like that, that's when I worry, because it can mean that either they were rushed, or they overlooked it, and either one of those options is not good.

And like Midnight said, it's pretty much a given that Mr. All-Powerful GM isn't going to be stopping by for a quick chat to let everyone know how things are going in the real world.

Something else that I'd like to know is if they have access to wifi.
See, if the signal gets cut from the NerveGear helmet, they die, right?
I noticed that Midnight said that Kayaba says "In a moment, using the two hours I have given", which implies that he gave them time to move the bodies. However, this does not explain how the players are still obviously connected to the game and can move around and interact with each other during that time period.

I get that it's anime, but maybe Japan is taking for granted the idea that their wifi is practically omnipresent. I'm just worried that they'll leave some huge plot hole and then try to sweep it under the rug.

I was just expecting it to be more of a "we'll let your families know so that they can hook up wifi at home for you" kind of thing.

Seeing as kayaba said he made NerveGear and, Sword Art Online for this very purpose I think it's safe to say he has taken that into account and, the NerveGear has a built in wireless. You may ask why would it have that? but, then you would also have to ask why something like NerveGear weight is 30% covered by the battery (mentioned in the LN) why even have a battery? NerveGear isn't something that is meant for mobile and, if the electricity is shut off or something then it's no big deal you get disconnected from the game and, the NerveGear is shut off.

Jul 10, 2012 10:57 AM

#574

Offline

May 2011

26

Good point. I guess the issue here is that whoever made the anime is probably expecting me to have read the LN first, heh.

So I guess it's my fault, really, for not knowing. Still, I really hope they fill in the holes, even if they do it really quickly, like in a background news broadcast within the show or something.

If this is done right, it's heralding an entirely new level of quality for anime.

Then again, if they're adapting this closely from the LN, and the LN covers these details, I guess there's nothing to worry about, huh?
I'm expecting Ghost in the Shell-level detail on the technology, but maybe it doesn't need to be that complicated.

Jul 10, 2012 11:03 AM

#575

Josh

Offline

Mar 2012

17649

I'm sure that if you try you can think of an infinite amount of things that, while not plot holes, are questionable. For instance, how come there are no features for someone on the outside to interact with someone playing the game? Such features would have to exist for obvious reasons for the game to be legalized/ for the vast majority of people to actually play it. This is under the enormous assumption that a game like SAO would be legalized in the first place.

At the end of the day it's fiction. When they start contradicting their own logic it's no good, but they can create whatever crazy logic they want.

LoneWolf said:
@Josh makes me sad to call myself Canadian.

Jul 10, 2012 11:04 AM

#576

ricardocsc

Offline

Jan 2012

984

Nice first ep. 2k players died already. 8k to go!

...

Jul 10, 2012 11:05 AM

#577

Offline

Feb 2012

1569

DaedalusExNovem said:
Good point. I guess the issue here is that whoever made the anime is probably expecting me to have read the LN first, heh.

So I guess it's my fault, really, for not knowing. Still, I really hope they fill in the holes, even if they do it really quickly, like in a background news broadcast within the show or something.

If this is done right, it's heralding an entirely new level of quality for anime.

Then again, if they're adapting this closely from the LN, and the LN covers these details, I guess there's nothing to worry about, huh?
I'm expecting Ghost in the Shell-level detail on the technology, but maybe it doesn't need to be that complicated.

Considering how popular the LN is in japan I think the makers were assuming that the people have already read it ( which is without a doubt a bad thing ) It should be made assuming that the viewer has never read or even heard of SAO. However even in the LN which is (obviously) more detailed they may say the death count but, it isn't really focused on what's going on in the outside. If we were to assume this is done in real life. The answer would be simply and, that is to deep fry the NerveGear with a small EMP or cause EM interference to make the machine completely shut down for a minute or two. Bringing players back to reality. Regardless of how advanced a machine is it's still a machine. I think it's best not to worry to much about the little details that may not add exactly up in the anime and, focus on the greatness of the plot and, intensity the anime gives to the story. :)

Jul 10, 2012 11:09 AM

#578

Offline

May 2011

26

Fair enough. I meant to mention that being hooked up to wifi would mean being able to communicate with the outside world, though.
Between that and the fact that you could supposedly take of the helmet to get them out of the game, I don't doubt that it would have no real trouble being legalized- after all, they do mention that it's not the first NerveGear game, and that this technology has been around for at least a few years now.

Any issues with legalization would have been taken care of long ago, since you're the one who's liable after you put that helmet on voluntarily. And one can only assume that nothing like this has happened before.

The reason I'm trying to figure out which holes are really there or not is because I have the feeling that this could really be the next step up in anime- great quality, good human elements, and attention to detail that is largely unheard of.
I just have such high hopes for this one... TT_TT I don't wanna see it start contradicting itself out of nowhere.

I do like how just one episode of this already has 30 pages of discussion, however.
Can you say biggest hit of the year?

Ah, and @ Midnight, about the EM pulse to deactivate the helmet- I'm sure it's shielded against that, as part of the safety regulations. After all, the NerveGear affects brainwaves, and you don't want random interference screwing with your brain, so I'm sure that was part of what was required to legalize it.

DaedalusExNovemJul 10, 2012 11:14 AM

Jul 10, 2012 11:18 AM

#579

Josh

Offline

Mar 2012

17649

DaedalusExNovem said:
The reason I'm trying to figure out which holes are really there or not is because I have the feeling that this could really be the next step up in anime- great quality, good human elements, and attention to detail that is largely unheard of.
I just have such high hopes for this one... TT_TT I don't wanna see it start contradicting itself out of nowhere.

It could be good, or great even, but I highly doubt it can be a masterpiece (there would have to be some crazy and unexpected events). The premise has just been done too many times before, and it doesn't look like they are going anywhere new with it. Obviously it's too early to judge, but I assume it's going to be another Fate/Zero. Badass and entertaining, but no one's going to say "it's a milestone work that changed the way we think about anime".

LoneWolf said:
@Josh makes me sad to call myself Canadian.

Jul 10, 2012 11:20 AM

#580

Offline

Feb 2012

1569

DaedalusExNovem said:
Fair enough. I meant to mention that being hooked up to wifi would mean being able to communicate with the outside world, though.
Between that and the fact that you could supposedly take of the helmet to get them out of the game, I don't doubt that it would have no real trouble being legalized- after all, they do mention that it's not the first NerveGear game, and that this technology has been around for at least a few years now.

Any issues with legalization would have been taken care of long ago, since you're the one who's liable after you put that helmet on voluntarily. And one can only assume that nothing like this has happened before.

The reason I'm trying to figure out which holes are really there or not is because I have the feeling that this could really be the next step up in anime- great quality, good human elements, and attention to detail that is largely unheard of.
I just have such high hopes for this one... TT_TT I don't wanna see it start contradicting itself out of nowhere.

The technology behind nerve gear itself isn't all that "world changing" when you read about it in the LN it gives a basic idea of how it works and, is about 90% plausible until they get to the game part the basic idea of it is

Brain sends electric signals to the spine > Nerve Gear picks up signals and, redirects them to the game rather then, the spine > signals are used to control the in game character.

The only problem with this is that I don't think you could pick up and, cancel the signals with just a helmet I think you would need some sort of needle connected to the spine for that to work. The next being your senses there isn't any real way I can explain it and, neither does the LN but, somehow your senses are connected the NerveGear which to my understanding is something we don't know how to do ( i think? ). The next being in game view and, that is you wouldn't feel like your actually in a location but, rather like your staring at a big tv screen. ( since the senses can't be connected )

From what I understand the general idea of NerveGear is completely due able if you had a strong enough computers , medical equipment and, somehow made a game which responds to nerve impulses. So it's not that far out if someone did a legitimate research on the theory I'm sure someone within 10 years could easily create this machine given the proper work is provided.

Jul 10, 2012 11:21 AM

#581

fimbu1vetr

Offline

Sep 2010

155

Rabadash said:
Anyone noticed how they re-characterized Kirito? In the LN he just went along with the flow, where in this he screams "Im going to survive!". I think, coupled with the fact they didn't mention that one person beating the game saves them all, do you thin they might be going with a individualistic thing or whatnot?

Also, I always wondered from when I read the LN, why don't they just arrest the creator? I mean, everyone knows who he is, its 2022 so forensic technology is pretty far ahead, so they could just force him to free everyone. I'm sure 10000 hostages is reason enough right?

Yeah, there is no way the government or military in Japan will just sit around with 10,000 hostages. That guy would be dead before you know it. Also IIRC the MC said eating in game makes you full in game, not IRL. Wouldn't all the players starve to death?

Jul 10, 2012 11:23 AM

#582

Offline

Feb 2012

1569

Post-Josh said:

DaedalusExNovem said:
The reason I'm trying to figure out which holes are really there or not is because I have the feeling that this could really be the next step up in anime- great quality, good human elements, and attention to detail that is largely unheard of.
I just have such high hopes for this one... TT_TT I don't wanna see it start contradicting itself out of nowhere.

It could be good, or great even, but I highly doubt it can be a masterpiece (there would have to be some crazy and unexpected events). The premise has just been done too many times before, and it doesn't look like they are going anywhere new with it. Obviously it's too early to judge, but I assume it's going to be another Fate/Zero. Badass and entertaining, but no one's going to say "it's a milestone work that changed the way we think about anime".

I've seen my fair share of anime and, yes a few of them had amazing plots but, none of them felt "revolutionized" to me. In the end I'm still seeing all the anime as basically the same there are some plots that are unique and, amazing and, see I would like to see more like them but, again none of it felt unique to a amazing level :S The only anime I saw as truly unique was the monogatari series which game me a headache at the start but, was most amazing.

AvereJul 10, 2012 11:33 AM

Jul 10, 2012 11:33 AM

#583

Offline

Feb 2012

1569

Side note I just did some research on redirecting brain signals and, it is something that has been done before so if you can redirect brain signals to a fake arm. Having those signals inputted into a computer then, used as values in a game and, displayed on a monitor in a first person view is theoretically possible. However the technology and, training required to doing that would be enormous and, as such you would be able to make one if founded properly but, having it as a every day item or something you can find locally is a very low possibility

Never mind the military use for such technology... It most likely already exists and, is being kept on the down low for obvious reasons

Jul 10, 2012 11:35 AM

#584

Offline

May 2011

26

Revolutionary it might not be, but I still think that SAO has the potential to raise the bar in terms of anime quality to the next tier.

It certainly started well enough. Maybe I'm just overreacting because I liked it so much, and wanted it to be near-perfect, but it does have potential.

Part of the reason that I feel like it's going to be at least somewhat groundbreaking is the cinematic scope of the show.
It doesn't look so much like T.V. animation as it does movie animation, to me.

Anyways, I feel like I'm running out of steam, and I need sleep, so I'm off for a while.
If the thread's not dead when I get back, I'll see where it goes from there.
If it is, then I'm sure I'll see you guys next week, am I right? XD

With any luck, this will at least become the virtual-reality anime we've always wanted.

Jul 10, 2012 11:45 AM

#585

"Whether it's the real world or the virtual world, life is essentially the same."

Offline

Dec 2009

460

DaedalusExNovem said:
Yep, see, when it's a little thing that gets left out like that, that's when I worry, because it can mean that either they were rushed, or they overlooked it, and either one of those options is not good.

And like Midnight said, it's pretty much a given that Mr. All-Powerful GM isn't going to be stopping by for a quick chat to let everyone know how things are going in the real world.

Something else that I'd like to know is if they have access to wifi.
See, if the signal gets cut from the NerveGear helmet, they die, right?
I noticed that Midnight said that Kayaba says "In a moment, using the two hours I have given", which implies that he gave them time to move the bodies. However, this does not explain how the players are still obviously connected to the game and can move around and interact with each other during that time period.

I get that it's anime, but maybe Japan is taking for granted the idea that their wifi is practically omnipresent. I'm just worried that they'll leave some huge plot hole and then try to sweep it under the rug.

I was just expecting it to be more of a "we'll let your families know so that they can hook up wifi at home for you" kind of thing.

In terms of Internet Connectivity, I would think that 10 years from now very fast Mobile Speeds (4G is technically supposed to be 100 Gbps) would be available for the mass market. I think in terms of emergency, the government would subsidize the communications/Internet Connection. The subsequent LN's do portray how phones are able to teather large amounts of Data online.

Turns out the author based Sword Art Online on his time playing Ragnarok Online and Ultima Online. My life is made. ;_______________;

Also ANN interview with the Director,Tomohiko Ito :
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/anime-spotlight/2012/summer/sword-art-online

"How was the original author, Kawahara-sensei involved with the anime?"

First of all, he joined us for nearly every one of our script meetings. There were times he couldn't attend due to a cold, but otherwise he joined us for all of them. He did more than just answer our questions for his opinion, and we were very grateful for the way he joined us as a member of script development. He also decided on a lot of things that hadn't appeared in the original work, like town names, for us, and giving us detailed explanations of Kirito's equipment stats. He even had names for each of the default equipment Kirito wore when he first logged in to the virtual world (smile). We were also happy that Kawahara-san took the initiative to tell us all these things.

Now this has seriously increased my hope that the series will be executed beautifully to it's potential.

NettoAzureJul 10, 2012 1:33 PM

Jul 10, 2012 12:04 PM

#586

1lau

Offline

Nov 2010

2047

Great Game! Er... I mean Show

https://twitch.tv/animesenshi

Jul 10, 2012 12:50 PM

#587

falsaai

Offline

Jul 2012

50

The premiere was good actually. The idea/concept of the story is really interesting, but I really hope they don't ruin it. I'm gonna give this show a chance, and I think -since Yuki Kajiura is the composer- I'm gonna enjoy watching it.

falsaaiJul 10, 2012 6:52 PM

Jul 10, 2012 1:08 PM

#588

JerichoxBarrons

Offline

Jul 2011

126

AWESOME! BEST THIS SEASON! It's already 40th in the top anime list.

To see my full review of this episode go here: http://animeordie.blogspot.com/2012/07/first-impressions-sword-art-online.html

Jul 10, 2012 2:40 PM

#589

TKaya

Offline

Feb 2012

192

Just a heads-up for myself, but
I'M ALIVE

While looking at the table in the end I saw my last name ('Kaya', if anyone wants to check) and it wasn't crossed out.

Jul 10, 2012 3:30 PM

#590

Dement

Offline

Oct 2007

2

MidnightPride said:
Side note I just did some research on redirecting brain signals and, it is something that has been done before so if you can redirect brain signals to a fake arm. Having those signals inputted into a computer then, used as values in a game and, displayed on a monitor in a first person view is theoretically possible. However the technology and, training required to doing that would be enormous and, as such you would be able to make one if founded properly but, having it as a every day item or something you can find locally is a very low possibility

Never mind the military use for such technology... It most likely already exists and, is being kept on the down low for obvious reasons

John Carmack... You know that really famous (Former NASA rocket scientist) and co-founder of id Software is developing a virtual reality headset in his spare time. It has sensors in it to simulate all head movements and displays them in game. Youtube some videos of John Carmack E3 2012 he was there showing off his homemade vr headset. Obviously its far from using brain waves as an input, but its something.

Jul 10, 2012 7:53 PM

#591

EOTW

Offline

Jul 2011

514

Hmmm, not bad shows promise, but holy shit 31 pages, didn't think this series was so popular.

Jul 10, 2012 9:46 PM

#592

Kryomatics

Offline

Jul 2011

3568

EOTW said:
Hmmm, not bad shows promise, but holy shit 31 pages, didn't think this series was so popular.

I dunno but in the general area I live and at school, right now this and Horizon 2 are the two shows most talking about...

Jul 10, 2012 9:57 PM

#593

ihateeveryone

Offline

Jul 2012

2652

That animation. Wow, wasn't expecting it to be that well done. Reminds me of Shaft, which is always a good thing.

Anyways, this seems really promising. I have high expectations for this. Does anyone know (or have any idea) of how many episodes there'll be?

ihateeveryoneJul 10, 2012 10:01 PM

Jul 10, 2012 10:16 PM

#594

Offline

May 2011

26

Aaaand the thread's not dead. Nice to know that the creator is having a lot of input into SAO.

The possibility of other worlds is awesome too, though I'm sure they've got more than enough material to work with in Sword Art Online alone.

It's also nice to know that another MMO gamer is actually making this anime, since they're actually know what's what.

@ Netto_Azure-
What's ALO? Something else from the light novels?

@noyoureinsane-
I'm hoping for multiple seasons since it's based off of light novels that are ongoing, but I think it's supposed to be at 24 episodes for now.
And yeah, this is what SHAFT stuff would look like if they actually had a good production shedule and stuck to it. Mawaru Penguindrum gave me the same feeling.

DaedalusExNovemJul 10, 2012 10:21 PM

Jul 10, 2012 10:23 PM

#595

Tomodachi5

Offline

Nov 2011

190

I have a feeling this show is not gonna end well. Im feeling a bittersweet ending

Jul 10, 2012 10:57 PM

#596

Saineria

Offline

Jul 2012

27

DaedalusExNovem said:
Aaaand the thread's not dead. Nice to know that the creator is having a lot of input into SAO.

The possibility of other worlds is awesome too, though I'm sure they've got more than enough material to work with in Sword Art Online alone.

It's also nice to know that another MMO gamer is actually making this anime, since they're actually know what's what.

@ Netto_Azure-
What's ALO? Something else from the light novels?

@noyoureinsane-
I'm hoping for multiple seasons since it's based off of light novels that are ongoing, but I think it's supposed to be at 24 episodes for now.
And yeah, this is what SHAFT stuff would look like if they actually had a good production shedule and stuck to it. Mawaru Penguindrum gave me the same feeling.

Jul 10, 2012 10:58 PM

#597