In series one- the premise is fairly simple but in some ways does work. The first series does layout a few ground rules for the MMORPG even if to some point realistically it wouldn't work, but let's just say it would.
The real weight of the story comes from the consequences that would befall on a player if they achieve a game over- however at no point in the anime does it take the risks and make you feel like any of the main characters are at any peril. Oddly enough I find the main characters to be bland or forgettable- with the exception of the villain- who I gotta say is probably the most interesting character of the bunch. Now while the story on some levels, sometimes works- a lot of it is extremely far-fetched and the fan service for the main character is pretty degrading for actual females that play MMORPG'S- but I'm not gonna moan about that to much because the second series does it a lot worst.
So what do I like about the first series? The art for one- the animators knew what they were doing with this one and really went the distance with making everything really nice and colorful to truly give you the feeling of actually being placed in a fantasy land. I also liked the designs of the weapons and the expressions and movement on the characters faces are impeccable.
I also love the music- once again they really went with this one and chose a selection of sounds to really allow the viewer to plunge into the world.
However if I was just reviewing the first part the art and the sound would of rated higher.
Now let's talk about the second part. And I'm going to just come out and say it- I hate the second part. Okay let's go with it- on a premise that NO way on earth would be allowed to continue- the main character goes back into the virtual world but this time the safety nets on and while some of the characters seemed interesting in the first series, in the second series everyone here is a tool. The plot is essentially the recycled mess of the first series oh no wait- it's completely different because here they have wings.
And while the story was a little bit all over place in the first series- it still knew what direction it was heading. Here- it's a complete mess- you've got so many stories with characters you don't care for and so much fan service that at one point near the end GOES way to far.
Like I said before- the way women are shown here is INSULTING and degrading. Basically they're there to show uncomfortable touchy moments that would land a guy in jail and fill in the spots of damsel in distress and uncomfortable one-sided love interests.
I can recall little of the music in the second part- because for the most part it's all yapping and 'plot'. And while some of the art is still on par with the first series- I feel disappointed that most of it doesn't let us drink in the atmosphere for that long. With the exception of the end scene which does really well with the lighting- I can't recall many moments that made me go Wow! Like they did in the first series.
For the endings of both- they are both quite rushed. But with the first one series at least it was kinda smart and it was nice for a change that it enforced a kinda good twist.
If your looking for an anime that looks nice and has a simple plot- then I would definitely recommend watching the first part of Sword Art Online. And for those just wanting to know what happens next- then watch part 2. But for me personality- I'd just stick to series 1 and conclude that series 2 is just a bad ending
