But is it really though? Have we properly given the series a unbiased review? Does this series truly deserve the accolades that the community bestowed?
Short Answer: No, it doesn't.
Story - (2)
The story goes as short: "Kazuto Kirigaya is one of the few lucky individuals that were able to play the brand new MMORPGVR (Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game Virtual Reality) Sword Art Online, and was transported into the fantasy virtual world that is Aincrad, until suddenly it is revealed that the game creator has trapped the players in the game by stripping them of logging out and disabling respawns. Players who's health points drop to zero will meet death both in the game and in reality. Despite the grim turn of events, there is all but one hope of escaping this virtual prison... clearing all 100 floors of Aincrad. Now it's up to Kirito and his allies to work together, fight, and survive through this virtual hell... where now any mistakes he may make will be his last"
Sounds good on paper doesn't it? "An exciting, sweat-breaking adventure of survival full of action and people pushed to both their physical and physiological lim-"
No... it's anything BUT that.
This is one of the main problems that exist within this show... its that the major theme of the story isn't focused on at all. The first two episodes are arguably the best. It clearly depicts the struggle the players are going through, not just with escaping, but also tensions against other players who were beta-testers or player-killers, then ending it with an exciting boss fight.
That's as good as it gets. From here, it only goes downhill... with unexplained time skips, filler episodes, introduction of pointless side characters, and harem building. The show itself simply becomes an absolute waste of time where now watching is incredibly tedious, something an anime should NEVER DO. Seriously? How do you mess that up? How do you strafe so far from your original concept, that mind you was the primary advertisement for it to have it change genres from a supposed "action-adventure" to a less than mediocre harem? The anime does a better job showcasing how many girls Kirito can get rather than telling us how everyone else is busy dying! Don't believe me? Let me show you: The anime does a massive time skip where suddenly thousands of players die. No montage or flashback... just a split second of dialogue to show recognition. Then we have six whole episodes just on Kirito building his harem. Even when you reach the "plot" episodes at the end, the conclusion makes no sense at all, where EVENT A happens because of UNEXPLAINED LOGIC? What makes this so bad is that viewer isn't at the slightest rewarded for watching the entirety of the first arc, but simply leaving it off a rushed and terrible ending. Making your whole experience seem like a waste of time.
There's a second arc, but don't get your hopes up. Its unsurprisingly worse than the first arc. Set in a different game world (because after going through a near-death experience, might as well experience again right?)
except now instead of being captives in a game world, Kirito is off to save his love interest/waifu/one of the many members of his harem, Asuna. The classic "Hero must save the princess locked away in a tower" cliche. But just like its predecessor, it just mainly consists of filler-episodes and harem building... and then suddenly incestuous themes? "Way to break the mold."
Anyways, the entirety of the arc is a chore to watch with practically no points in which its enjoyable. Not to mention, the ending is also like the first, where nonsensical conclusion is due to unexplained logic.
Art - (7)
The art is amazing, simple as that. The colorization of the characters and the scenery does help create a believable virtual fantasy world environment. It's very fitting and hardly anything to complain about.
Sound - (8)
Personally, my favorite thing about this anime. It's just absolutely astounding due to its ability to further your immersion into this fantasy world. Not to mention, one of the best openings themes I've ever heard. Being both visually appealing and memorable, however; credit for that primarily goes to the vocalist LiSA.
Characters - (1)
Kirigaya (Kirito) Kazuto -
A character who is so perfect... it's annoying. The epitome of a Gary-Stu, with things such as a surprisingly deep knowledge over everything, being a favorite to both women and men, attracting a large array of waifus, and being so overpowered that he breaks the game. Single-handily defeating a raid boss. Remember in MMO, its expected to bring hundreds of skilled players to defeat these bosses, but by having a single player defeat these monstrosities shows on how pointless this endeavor is since there is somebody who is virtually unbeatable. A struggle between life or death is void since the main character is basically immortal. Not to mention, his personality uninspiring and bland
Yukki Asuna -
I honestly had hopes for this character, at the begin.. she starts off as a strong female leader willing to do anything to survive. As you would expect due to the circumstances she faces. Sadly enough, she is one of the biggest slap in the face you'll ever receive when she quickly turn into blatant waifu material. She cooks for Kirito, cleans for Kirito, becomes a stay home mother for Kirito, and when you need her most... she becomes a damsel in distress. Furthermore, her overall romantic relationship with Kirito isn't exciting either despite how much focus goes into it. It's the equivalent of ignorant children trying to act like adults... just awkward and cringe worthy.
Kirigaya Suguha -
Her relevance in the story is very little and doesn't really need to be in it. Honestly, her purpose is just to be the incestuous interest in Kirito's harem
Yui -
She's like Navi from LoZ, she was intended to be an important asset, but just ended up being annoying and in your way.
Ayano Keiko -
Aforementioned unimportant side character from one of the various filler episodes. Again, no purpose other than loli appeal and part of Kirito's harem.
Shinozaki Rika -
Featuring member number 4 of Kirito's harem. No purpose other than unrequited feelings. Significance is little to nonexistent.
Sachi -
Probably the most genuine character in the entire anime. Her main struggle is her fear of dying and her unwillingness to fight like the rest of her guild. Which is appropriate given other people would react the same way. This made her more relatable since she has a fear and needs to overcome it to achieve a greater good. A common plight we all face. It's a shame she wasn't given enough screen time.
Antagonist #1 -
Rarely shows up until the end. Motive is bland. His whole premise is bland
Antagonist #2 -
Generic captor of the damsel, except with motives of rape that will make you feel very uncomfortable.
Enjoyment - (1)
I didn't enjoy it one bit. It's the equivalent of eating a rotten apple. It doesn't taste good in the beginning, it doesn't get any better as you continuing eating it, and you just feel bad after you finish it.
Overall - (3)
The plot is rushed and poorly executed, the characters are boring, and the romantic segments are cringe worthy. It is downright terrible and a perfect example of an anime that just feels uninspiring.
(Note)The main reason why this anime has such a large community is simply because most people don't have the experience to the draw the borders on what's considered "good" and "bad" (in terms of quality, not personal preference). I admit, I was in those shoes before and thought this show was amazing. But after watching many other animes to then revisit SAO, it hit me on how ignorant I was on all the flaws this show contained. In a sense, this anime was necessary to help draw those borders for anyone who hopes to create unbiased reviews and indulge themselves further in Otakuism.
