Now about the story, the MMO setting can lead to pretty interesting plots about treasure in dungeons and people killing each other (which translates to actual murder). Plenty of mystery surrounds the story as well, like who set this trapped MMO up? Can they actually escape the MMO? Does killing another player in game really kill the IRL? Now I'm not saying this series doesn't take advantage of the MMO setting and offer plots that can only happen there, but there are SO SO SO SO SO many other things they could have done with this premise. That said, I'm perfectly satisfied with what story is there. Why? Well because...
Kirito and Asuna's relationship. This is by far what made the series for me. The whole MMO premise is really just icing on the cake if you ask me. Now it can be argued that their characters aren't the most inspired on their own (though they certainly aren't the bland people they're sometimes made out to be). They can both hold their own and battle, and are both charming in their own way. But together, precious. 100% precious. Especially when they get a 'daughter' Yui. The show even takes a couple episodes break just to build on their relationships. Admittedly this show is very poor at balancing all of it's other characters. They are all fairly interesting as well but I only wish they got their time in the spotlight.
It seems like the show is not very interested in its original premise. There are a ton of awkward time jumps thrown in to speed things up. This does allow for some deep discussions about virtual life versus real life though. Like the characters begin to forget their 'real' lives because they've been in this 'fake' one for so long. But yeah, half-way through the series, the original premise has basically concluded and a new one is thrown in. Sword Art Online never allows anything to stagnate (which I'd say is good). Because I actually liked the second story arc way more than the first, EVEN WHEN it's more cliche than the first one (I don't know how they do it). Perhaps it's not surprising when I say it revolves around Kirito and Asuna's relationship. It embellishes their relationship more than I would've thought possible, so you want them to be together so desperately. Kirito also develops another relationship that comes out of nowhere, but is still very good as well.
Overall, everything just accumulates into something that is so enjoyable. Don't let the SERIOUS FLAWS it possesses get in the way. There's so much to enjoy here that those flaws are hardly noteworthy in comparison. It's no complex masterpiece, just straight forward fun and warm emotions.
