Story-
The story, although similar to .hack//Sign, is much deeper. It centers around people being mentally trapped in a virtual reality game called, "Sword Art Online (SAO)." They are trapped until someone/ some group is able to clear all 100 levels of the game. Generic right? Wrong. It essentially shows the progression of a civilization. How people adapt to the circumstances given, and how problems arise because of it. There is the enveloping problem of escaping from the game, the societal problems that arise between groups, guilds, and general people trying to survive, and there are the emotional dilemma's.
It is these emotional dilemma's that really take this into a whole new level. Since SAO time is relative to game time, is it really worth it to try and escape, or should you start their lives anew? Do you help the masses, or save yourself? Do you flaunt your power to subjugate people, or do you aim for harmony? There are many, many more emotional problems that the characters have to deal with, and that is what makes this story so great.
Art-
The art style is amazing. As with a lot of new Anime's the art detail makes it seem like you are somehow watching an HD show.
Sound-
I do not really pay attention to the background music, but it is generally very well choreographed.
Character-
I am an ardent action anime fan, but I do realize that many action anime's are stagnant. The exhibit few changes. But because of all the problems that arise in this world, you really see a shift in the views of many characters.
The romance element is great. I do believe that any great anime has to have romance for character development. And this anime does it very well. The chemistry between the titular characters is fantastic.
Enjoyment-
Action, Adventure, Romance, Intelligence, this anime has it all.
The story is told through different snippets of the adventure. This way we don't follow the title character through the game, but rather only see the important parts. These parts then join together to form a cohesive puzzle. Much like when you are reading a book and say, "Oh that is why this part was included!" This makes the anime really enjoyable.
Overall this anime is definitely in my top 10. Not the greatest anime ever made, but definitely one of the best in recent years.
10/10
