One of my friends recommended Sword Art Online to me and I have to say I was not disappointed. SAO is definitely up there in what I believe to be top anime, deserved to be at least given a try by everyone who watches anime.
I'm just going to say now that I have not read either the Light Novels or Manga in advance, so this review is strictly from a newcomer to the series point of view. I've also only seen up to episode 10 so far, so this may change in the future.
--Introduction--
Having looked at many of the reviews on both this website and others, I have to say, there is a massive discrepancy between low scored and high scored reviews. I'm talking many reviews between the 1-3 range and 8-10 range. There seems to be no middle ground, which suggests that SAO is an anime that you either love or hate, kind of like Fight Club if anyone has seen that film. To a sense, this is kind of correct as many of the nostalgic gaming references that are hidden within the show can't be seen by just anyone. To fully enjoy this show, you should of at least played one MMORPG, before you can understand this show clearly.
--Story--
The plot revolves around the near future, around about 10 to 12 years where technology that allows people to immerse themselves with their senses into a video game has been developed. To accompany this, a new game not too surprisingly called "Sword Art Online" was released to 10000 players after being alpha and beta tested. Main protagonist Kirito is one of the players and also one of the 1000 beta testers and logs in on the release day, only to find that the creator has locked all players in the game with no way to log out. Any attempt to disconnect the nerve gear as the series calls it will result in the player's real body's brain being fried. The only way to escape is to clear all 100 floors of the game, which serves as the fundamentals for the primary plot of the show.
One of the problems I had with the series when I began watching was the pacing. The first 7 or so episodes take place within a time span of two years, which feels far too quick. Before being told that these were just side stories, I thought Kirito and the other protagonist Asuna were going to remain in this game for a LONG LONG time. I'm talking around 5 to 10 years.
The sidestories themselves are actually decent, they introduce us to the characters we will be seeing throughout the show. They also develop and show us who they all are and what their personalities are. Although the characters will develop even further, especially the main ones, Kirito and Asuna.
However, now that the main plot has finally begun, it's quite frankly excellent, even within the first two "main" episodes. Time will only tell if it gets better. The only problem I had with this was the pacing, which still remained far too quick. It feels as if almost the producers were trying to cram 100 pages of writing into a 20 minute episode. It probably would of been best to slow down the story and spread out the plot, but I'm guessing this is due to budget problems.
It's hardly a spoiler that there is a romance brewing between the two main protagonists, Kirito and Asuna. This romance however is well done and brings tears to the emotional ones and even wrenches a bit of heart from the stone cold viewers. Some people may say the romance is clearly aimed towards girls, but I disagree. In a plot like this, where death can grapple onto you at any time, the characters need some sort of humanity in them, something to keep fighting for. The actions that both these players take is completely understandable, even if it breaks moral code, you feel sympathetic towards them. I found myself asking myself what I would do if I was in Kirito's situation, knowing that I could die any day, but just to experience the warmth of another person, can mean so much to the characters in their tragic circumstances.
Score: 9
--Art--
The art direction of the show is very good. The characters have a realistic shape compared to the extremely slim and tall properties of Code Geass characters. Not all male characters are portrayed as muscly and strong and the females actually have realistic bodies. It's relieving to see that they don't all consist of big breasts. The environment that surrounds Aincrad is excellent, I feel as if i was actually in an MMORPG.
My only problem is some of the animation within this series. Most notably during the fight scenes, it isn't smooth at all, not like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, which has some of the greatest fighting I've seen, up there with Samurai Champloo. It's a shame as an anime that must have fighting as one of it's main points falls in this department.
Score: 8
Sound/Music
The music in SAO is a masterpiece. At appropriate times, it sets the mood perfectly, whether it be tension and action music during fights (which is arguably some of the best battle music I've heard in a LONG time), or emotional music during scenes with conflict and tragedy. Usually the openings of anime are skipped, but I found myself watching the opening over and over again, even after I finished the episode. It's so damn addictive and can get glued to your head easily.
Score: 10
--Characters--
Definitely one of the strong points in this series. The characters are some of the best I've seen since Fullmetal Alchemist, and their unique in their way too. The cliche male protagonist being weak and whiny thankfully isn't here. Many of us gamer who watch this show can relate ourselves to the characters in this show. Kirito for example is shown at the very start to be a socially awkward person who excels at video games, something some of us can definitely relate to.
Asuna, the other protagonist is awesome in a way that cannot be described, but only shown. She's a cute and pretty girl playing an MMORPG, which is especially rare in real life. Girls who play MMORPG's are almost virtually non existence as they tend to hide their gender for danger of being flamed or accused of being a guy. It is because of this that Asuna is a symbol of the female gamers out there who deserve to be treated as human as others.
Although they have not been given a lot of screen time yet, the side characters are surprisingly well done, despite their lack of development so far. We know who they are and we have a good idea of what role they play in the journey that Kirito and Asuna take.
Score: 10
--Summary--
Sword Art Online is one of the best anime series' I've seen since Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. The fact that I'm a hardcore gamer only strengthens my love for this show. The highs and lows that these characters will experience carry the themes and story of the show. The plot is beginning to reveal it's true self and the characters are that amazing that they alone is enough to watch this show. That being said, the show is not for everyone, there are many things in here that either you will love or hate, as there is no middle ground. It's almost close to being a masterpiece, but isn't quite there yet.
Give it a go, I'm sure you'll like it.
Score: 9
