Story: Sword Art Online isn't good at all. It has its moments where it shows potential like when Kirito's first guild is slaughtered but who are those characters to us? We know nothing about any of them other than the fact the girl is scared of dying but who the fuck isn't at that point. The death scene itself was actually extremely well put together which makes it even more frustrating, watching all these people die but at the same time you can't help but think "hmmm Kirito probably could've saved these guys he's like level 50 at this point" but nope, they all die anyways so Kirito's character can go ABSOLUTELY NOWHERE. Don't get me started on the romance, it's so hamfisted and clearly shoehorned it for fanservice-y lovey dovey shit so they can get some female viewers.
Art: This is where it gets REALLY insulting guys because the art is STUNNING. It's really hard for me to take my eyes away from the beautiful scenery, great action, bright colors and detailed characters. Just knowing it's supposed to represent the awful story we were given makes it so bittersweet I had to deduct a point. The animation is also extremely good with all of the characters attacks looking like they have some SERIOUS power behind them. Even the 3D stuff like the Dragon from episode 7 looked good. It's just such a shame it got paired up with this story.
Sound: The music is ok and the intro is catchy. I really don't have much to say here because it's just really really average to me.
Character: Here we go guys this is the biggest fault of Sword Art Online, the characters. Kirito is an obnoxious edgy teenager with some kind of bipolar disorder because he keeps flipflopping from solemn loner to friendly lady's man. Not to mention there's many occasions where he could've prevented a lot of people's deaths but nope god forbid "the black swordsman" (Guts is the real black swordsman, by the way) do something for someone other than himself. Oh not to mention the loli, the blacksmith and the mary sue he tries to romance in the first couple of episodes. They're all annoying except for Asuna I guess, mainly because she can at least handle herself a little bit while loli girl and blacksmith scream and cry while trying to fondle Kirito's video game dick. I liked Klein or Tsuboi, he was pretty cool.
Enjoyment: I enjoyed looking at Sword Art Online but I didn't enjoy listening to it or it's characters. The twist of the story is so generic and revealed way too early, everybody is fucking annoying (bar one character,) the romance is forced and harem-esque for what Sword Art Online is trying to be and you know what? Just do yourself a favor and watch something else. Hell go watch Attack On Titan, even it is slightly better than this wreck. You're allowed to enjoy the show guys, this is just my opinion and I feel very strong about it. Apparently it gets even worse in season 2, count me out.
