However, there are downsides, there's a lack of character development for the most part and that's my biggest gripe with it. You have this strong female lead "Asuna" who really drops off the radar halfway through and then becomes replaced with more female characters which diminishes the development seen between her and Kirito.
As for story, it's good overall until you reach Fairy Dance. Once you reach Fairy Dance the story takes an awkward sharp turn for the worse because it brings the anime to borderline ecchi which is not what this anime is about. I'm now currently watching SAOII and it's vastly improved the story.
Art style is absolutely fantastic. Be prepared for a lot of sun glare and sunsets because you will be mesmerized by them. Same goes for sound, the music sets the mood really well, it's almost on par with Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, but just like that series, it repeats the same songs throughout the series.
