STORY:
The plot, the idea of a VRMMORPG is unique in itself, although I will say it's something I have heard before. Of how the plot unravels: depends on how well the creators make it. At first, I was excited - episode one made me think that the protagonist, Kirito, would go on this huge, amazing journey, and we'd be able to see him grow and make heartwarming bonds. Well. I was extremely disappointed. So, moral is, don't watch this anime if you're wanting to watch an anime with the plot I stated above. Go watch Inuyasha, or another adventure anime. Every episode pretty much had an entirely different storyline, almost like little oneshots, but with the same base - in the game, and with Kirito as the main character (of course). Every episode that has been released (12?), apart from the first few, introduced a girl that partied (in game terms) with Kirito, and maybe even fell in love with him. What's the first word that comes to mind? For me, it's 'harem'. Yup. That's what I think this anime is turning towards to. However, I also believe that maybe, these characters were introduced for a reason, and not just for the fun of it all. I'm hoping that in the end, when the main REAL plot is introduced, these side characters will be there.
I give the story a 7/10.
ART:
The art is absolutely amazing. The detail put into the backgrounds of each scene, the character designs, clothing, eyes, hair - just wow. It really creates the atmosphere. That's all I can say to it.
Art is a 10/10.
SOUND:
To be honest, I didn't really notice much of the soundtrack, which I guess, can be a good thing. Sure, the OP and the ED - which is subjective. In my opinion, they weren't amazing, probably mediocre, but they were fitting.
7/10.
CHARACTER:
As stated above, I was hoping to see an adventure where Kirito grew - mentally, and maybe physically too, as in leveling up. I wanted to see him actually get closer to the other characters little by little; and as stated before, I was extremely disappointed. Hopefully though, there will be more moments like that in the later episodes. The episodes currently out however, as well as the characters introduced made me annoyed. Sure, Kirito as the main character isn't the typical protagonist, actually, I like him. Asuna, the main heroine, is alright too. The side characters, as in, the temporary spotlight (usually a girl) of the episode, are the problems for me. Pretty much every girl, EVERY GIRL, Kirito encountered had a crush on him. They partied up for him for one mission/one goal, and after it's done they think they're in love. Certainly, there's no doubt - that this anime is turning into a harem, or most likely, it already is one. The side characters don't stand out to me, sure they have at least one memorable feature in their appearance that I can name, but their names; their personalities - I have no idea. The characters (maybe the exception of Kirito) are pretty predictable. Even Asuna. I'm not expecting much now - at the end of one particular episode, I was asking myself - should I be touched, or crying my heart out or - at least, feeling something strong?
And so, character gets a 6/10.
ENJOYMENT:
I think, from the above statements, you can guess I'm not a huge fan of this series. I'm really hoping it'll pick up though.
6/10.
OVERALL:
Sword Art Online (SAO) gets a 6.
