Anime Review: Sword Art Online (season #1)

Anime Review: Sword Art Online 

Produced by: A-1 Pictures 

Story by: Reki Kawahara

Art by: abec

Anime available in: Crunchyroll

By: Aliraluna

Review:

It’s the year 2022 and Sword Art Online (SAO for short), a Virtual Reality Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (VRMMORPG) has been released, selling 10,000 copies. But this game is like no other, as player can control their avatars with their bodies using the NerveGear. The story follows a beta player called Kirito, when one day after practicing with another player; Klein; they realize the log-out button is gone. While discussing the issue they hear a bell and they are suddenly teleported without their will to the principal town. In there, the creator of the game and NerveGear called Kayaba Akihiko explains to the players that he removed the log-out option in order for them to complete the one hundred levels of the game. Meaning, is the only way to be free; but also that if the NerveGear is removed in real life it can end your life because of the powerful radiation the NerveGear will produce toward your brain; an example of this are the first 213 persons that have perish in SAO and in real life. But also, you can die in the game if your HP gets to zero; in other words, the auto-revival or other means can’t be used anymore. Before going away, the Game Master gives them a present: a mirror that transforms your avatar the way you look in real life. Instead of getting together, as time passes the majority of the players doesn’t like the beta players- but even worst the players start to notice they can kill each other even in “safe areas”. Will they ever be able to get out alive? In the second game, called ALfheim Online, Kirito and his friends will encounter more issues than dying in the game and in real life. Kirito’s appearance will change and this new game is about races and magic. In there, he will meet new friends and enemies…in order to save someone really important. 

Thoughts:

This anime is not only great because of the graphics, plot and story itself but because something like this could happen in a future not so far away! Have you ever imagined having the chance to play a game in which you can control your avatar and feel everything as if it were real? I also liked this anime because it talked about different emotional issues and taboos. My favorite characters are: Kirito, Yui and Leafa- don’t get me wrong Asuna is awesome in fighting. Give this anime a try and it will change your life forever. Yes, this is one of those anime.

Also make sure to check this AFTER you have seen the first season:

1.Sword Art Online- Extra Edition

2.Sword Art Online: Sword Art Offline (DVD/Blu-ray specials) 

3.SWORD ART ONLINE SEASON II IS AVAIBLE NOW! Streaming in: Crunchyroll (and other websites)