Sword Art Online [Review #7] 07-07-2013, 06:26 AM
#1
Sword Art Online [Review #7]
![[Image: 39717.jpg]](http://cdn.myanimelist.net/images/anime/11/39717.jpg)
MAL Synopsis:
In the near future, a Virtual Reality Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (VRMMORPG) called Sword Art Online has been released where players control their avatars with their bodies using a piece of technology called Nerve Gear. One day, players discover they cannot log out, as the game creator is holding them captive unless they reach the 100th floor of the game's tower and defeat the final boss. However, if they die in the game, they die in real life. Their struggle for survival starts now...
Story:
Sword Art Online provides a surprisingly compelling and thought-provoking premise, and started off as any great anime series should. The first two episodes were by far, the most noteworthy. They were intelligently executed with enough promise to keep viewers engrossed and eager to continue. It excellently showcases the world most gamers ardently wish to experience, and while it retains many of the positive aspects, S.A.O did not shy away from exploring the darker parts of being trapped in a virtual world. To me, Sword Art Online is the perfect example of wasted potential. As the show progresses, the story focuses solely on the endeavours of main character Kirito, and due to this, the conflict of the introductory episodes is sidelined to give way to smaller, rather lacklustre arcs involving various female characters and their clichéd interactions with Kirito. Not only that, the pacing becomes terribly convoluted with unforeseen time skips. In addition, the latter half of the series loses most of what made Sword Art Online truly commendable, dragging down my score considerably.
Art/Sound:In all honesty, I was pleasantly surprised by Sword Art Online in terms of animation. Both the strikingly beautiful landscapes of the virtual world and the wonderfully vibrant action sequences were far beyond my expectations. Like many other people who have watched S.A.O, I would have to agree with the belief that if there was even one good thing that came out of the series, it was most definitely the quality of animation. Every single boss battle and duel is executed with stunning precision and fluidity. These scenes are easily the highlights of Sword Art Online.
As for character designs, the majority of their designs were consistent and distinguishable. The producers did tend to allocate noticeable attention in the direction of fan service, most visible in the designs of Asuna, Silica, and later on, Leafa.
A soundtrack composed by Yuki Kajiura (Madoka Magica, Fate/Zero, Pandora Hearts, Kara no Kyoukai) is a blessing in itself. The background music fits every scene extremely well, providing for an epic viewing experience. The single gripe I had with the soundtrack was that there were very few notable pieces as compared to other series she has composed for. Sword Art Online has two opening and ending scores, the most memorable one being the first opening, "Crossing Field" by LiSA. The song is well-suited to the action-packed atmosphere of the visuals, easily becoming one of my favourite openings of 2012.
Characters:
Another sorely disappointing factor of S.A.O was the unimpressive and predictable characterisation, because it didn't even attempt to break away from clichés. There are exactly three important characters in Sword Art Online. There is Kirito; the first thing I have to mention is that he is overpowered to the extent of being ridiculous. Some of his abilities and physical achievements fail to make logical sense within the context of the game. However, Kirito is fairly well-rounded and likable in comparison to every other character. He sympathises with those around him, and often goes out of his way to be helpful.
The second person worth mentioning is Asuna, whose character and role are blatantly downplayed. Asuna is introduced as a mysterious and skilled player, but quickly becomes nothing more than a love interest for Kirito, and towards the second arc, a mere plot device. The final character is Kirito's younger sister Suguha, who plays an important role during the latter half of the series, but also acts inconsistently either to further the plot or add unnecessary drama.
Various supporting characters are scattered over the course of 25 episodes, none of who are developed or memorable, save for the first half's antagonist. As mentioned, Kirito delves into a collection of episode-long adventures helping female characters who easily become infatuated with him. These girls are forgotten and hold little significance, and do absolutely nothing to contribute to the overarching plot. This lack of solid characterisation is Sword Art Online's glaring fault, one that cannot be overlooked.
Overall:
It is not difficult to see why there are so many mixed feelings about this series, because even though the characterisation and story elements were ridden with flaws and common tropes, I enjoyed watching S.A.O. Yes, it does fail in more ways that can be mentioned. However, if it has one thing going for it, it is solid entertainment value. If you can sit back and watch a series without being too analytical, then there is no doubt that you will enjoy S.A.O. Even with that said, it does not genuinely deserve the hype surrounding it, as many other spectacular series missed the spotlight of 2012 because they were overshadowed by Sword Art Online.
Recommended for:
Ecchi, Harem, Action, Romance, Adventure, Fantasy
Similar anime:
Accel World
Btooom!
.hack//sign
MAL Synopsis:
In the near future, a Virtual Reality Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (VRMMORPG) called Sword Art Online has been released where players control their avatars with their bodies using a piece of technology called Nerve Gear. One day, players discover they cannot log out, as the game creator is holding them captive unless they reach the 100th floor of the game's tower and defeat the final boss. However, if they die in the game, they die in real life. Their struggle for survival starts now...
Story:
Sword Art Online provides a surprisingly compelling and thought-provoking premise, and started off as any great anime series should. The first two episodes were by far, the most noteworthy. They were intelligently executed with enough promise to keep viewers engrossed and eager to continue. It excellently showcases the world most gamers ardently wish to experience, and while it retains many of the positive aspects, S.A.O did not shy away from exploring the darker parts of being trapped in a virtual world. To me, Sword Art Online is the perfect example of wasted potential. As the show progresses, the story focuses solely on the endeavours of main character Kirito, and due to this, the conflict of the introductory episodes is sidelined to give way to smaller, rather lacklustre arcs involving various female characters and their clichéd interactions with Kirito. Not only that, the pacing becomes terribly convoluted with unforeseen time skips. In addition, the latter half of the series loses most of what made Sword Art Online truly commendable, dragging down my score considerably.
Art/Sound:In all honesty, I was pleasantly surprised by Sword Art Online in terms of animation. Both the strikingly beautiful landscapes of the virtual world and the wonderfully vibrant action sequences were far beyond my expectations. Like many other people who have watched S.A.O, I would have to agree with the belief that if there was even one good thing that came out of the series, it was most definitely the quality of animation. Every single boss battle and duel is executed with stunning precision and fluidity. These scenes are easily the highlights of Sword Art Online.
As for character designs, the majority of their designs were consistent and distinguishable. The producers did tend to allocate noticeable attention in the direction of fan service, most visible in the designs of Asuna, Silica, and later on, Leafa.
A soundtrack composed by Yuki Kajiura (Madoka Magica, Fate/Zero, Pandora Hearts, Kara no Kyoukai) is a blessing in itself. The background music fits every scene extremely well, providing for an epic viewing experience. The single gripe I had with the soundtrack was that there were very few notable pieces as compared to other series she has composed for. Sword Art Online has two opening and ending scores, the most memorable one being the first opening, "Crossing Field" by LiSA. The song is well-suited to the action-packed atmosphere of the visuals, easily becoming one of my favourite openings of 2012.
Characters:
Another sorely disappointing factor of S.A.O was the unimpressive and predictable characterisation, because it didn't even attempt to break away from clichés. There are exactly three important characters in Sword Art Online. There is Kirito; the first thing I have to mention is that he is overpowered to the extent of being ridiculous. Some of his abilities and physical achievements fail to make logical sense within the context of the game. However, Kirito is fairly well-rounded and likable in comparison to every other character. He sympathises with those around him, and often goes out of his way to be helpful.
The second person worth mentioning is Asuna, whose character and role are blatantly downplayed. Asuna is introduced as a mysterious and skilled player, but quickly becomes nothing more than a love interest for Kirito, and towards the second arc, a mere plot device. The final character is Kirito's younger sister Suguha, who plays an important role during the latter half of the series, but also acts inconsistently either to further the plot or add unnecessary drama.
Various supporting characters are scattered over the course of 25 episodes, none of who are developed or memorable, save for the first half's antagonist. As mentioned, Kirito delves into a collection of episode-long adventures helping female characters who easily become infatuated with him. These girls are forgotten and hold little significance, and do absolutely nothing to contribute to the overarching plot. This lack of solid characterisation is Sword Art Online's glaring fault, one that cannot be overlooked.
Overall:
It is not difficult to see why there are so many mixed feelings about this series, because even though the characterisation and story elements were ridden with flaws and common tropes, I enjoyed watching S.A.O. Yes, it does fail in more ways that can be mentioned. However, if it has one thing going for it, it is solid entertainment value. If you can sit back and watch a series without being too analytical, then there is no doubt that you will enjoy S.A.O. Even with that said, it does not genuinely deserve the hype surrounding it, as many other spectacular series missed the spotlight of 2012 because they were overshadowed by Sword Art Online.
Recommended for:
Ecchi, Harem, Action, Romance, Adventure, Fantasy
Similar anime:
Accel World
Btooom!
.hack//sign
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