Sword Art Online is a MMORPG/Adventure series about a futuristic virtual reality MMO turned into a death game by the game's mysterious creator. The series focuses on the main characters/players Kirito and Asuna as they fight through and experience the new virtual world with the rest of the trapped players in the game.
Story: 8/10
Oddly enough, this move of moving into the LN's side stories first (SS) may or may not be a miss on fellow LN readers. This is due to the SS order which originally supposes the reader to have read the main series beforehand. However, the script writers have integrated the SS well to serve as the main plot's prequel, so that's understandable.
So for anyone who didn't read the LN, do not worry; you didn't miss a thing. As for the re-ordering of the SS first strategy, I personally didn't like the progression due to me reading the LN first. Hence 8/10.
Art: 8/10
The art style featured in SAO definitely has it's quirks; the fight scenes are smooth and the usage of color is done tastefully; giving the audience a sense of the danger of the unknown faced by the SAO players.
I also find myself enjoying the little details like the environment and backgrounds of SAO. The player's user interface is also a unique feature and is well thought out. The destruction animation of shattering glass gives a dramatic effect to the given scenarios.
The character designs...I think it is really up to the viewer's taste. They feel angular and fixated at times.
Characters: 6/10
Unfortunately here, compared to the LN is where the anime adaptation falls on it's face. Often I find myself feeling that the Kirito here feels noticeably different compared to the Kirito in the LN. The same can be said of Asuna. Since this is supposed to be an adaption of the LN as the plot and characters haven't changed; I can't help but feel the animators couldn't capture the magic of the original LN personalities.
Enjoyment: 8/10
Despite the nitpicks above; I do find myself drawn into the series; often wishing it updated faster than updating each Friday. It doesn't quite match the original time and excitement I spent on the LN, but that's like saying a roller coaster isn't as exciting as bungee jumping.
Overall: 8/10
A great series that magically draws you in to the world of SAO; even moreso for the fellow LN readers. A series you should definitely give a shot at. The beginning does come off slow; but do remember it is 24 episodes long and as of me writing this, we're only 1/2 way through.
Given the plot progression and assumption it will continue following the LN's plot; you're going to see some impressive things.
Also this concludes my first ever review on MyAnimeList. Sorry if the quality is sub-par.
-Trades46
