If you've seen the first season, then this is what your probably thinking: Is there anythin new?
To answer your question, I'd have to say both yes and no.
Here goes...
Story 7/10
Lets get the facts straight, this is a recap episode of the 1st season including SAO and Alfeim Online. That being said they have managed to do what most other anime couldn't by adding a bit of new content into the mix.
The story is set post season 1 where Kirito, Asuna and their friends are going to their school for SAO survivors. The pretext for the recap is an investigator asking Kirito about what went on in SAO and Alfeim Online. Sounds boring right, well they also added a new underwater quest in Alfeim Online that Kirito and the whole gang decide to go on. If I had to compare this episode to any other anime, the closest thing would probably be the beach episode you normally see, with a SAO twist to it.
Art 10/10
SAO had had one of the most stunnig visual and art styles I have seen, and its at par with if not better than most of the other great anime. If nothing more its at least as good as it was in the 1st season.
Sound 9/10
I guess you'd be expecting too much if you thought there was a new opening song. Its the same as in the 1st half of season 1, but i still enjoyed listening to it just as much. The voice acting and background music are also just as good as before.
Character 7/10
We don't get to see any new character development here. Same old Kirito taking the lead, Asuna who's got his back and his little sister still chasing him (sighs).
Enjoyment 8/10
For a recap episode it was surprisingly enjoyable. Although the new story isn't much, it still quenches the thirst of fans who have been waiting for something since the first season ended and before the second season begins.
Overall 8/10
They managed to do a descent job with this episode. And a must watch for those who loved this series.
