Source: 7style
I thought that this twist in the storyline fixed the slow pacing in the anime at first, cause well, it is very slow at the start for my tastes. Eventually, the pacing picks up quickly after that twist is mentioned. Sword Art Online does not seem like your typical MMO to me, since after that fact is mentioned by the GM (Game Master), this show has gone to the mystery genre of anime. The reason being is because Kirito has to find whoever is the GM and kill him so he can ultimately conquer SAO.
Source: Bubblews
Source: Draggle Blog
Finally, after the mystery of SAO is solved, there comes yet another online game called ALfheim Online. When our main character, Kirito dives into this new VR MMORPG, we are introduced to a new cast of colorful characters. Also I thought that this new world was gorgeous in contrast to Sword Art Online's world of the classic MMORPG. As per usual, Kirito starts the link up with the game and creates his character, but us gamers can agree, that is the basic thing to do in an MMO right? Right. When starting the ALO arc, A-1 pictures has kept in mind that there was slow pacing in the first arc and they rapidly fixed this problem in the ALO arc. Yes! They have listened to me at last! Anyways, moving on....
Amongst the other fairy players of ALO as usual, Kirito looks like a black sheep cause he is new at this game; however I thought that his ALO Spriggan counterpart looks much better and more mature than his SAO counterpart of the same name. But, those two look similar since they are dressed in all black. Kirito makes friends with another player in ALO named Leafa, who teaches him the ropes of this game. Let me tell you, once Kirito and Leafa find out each others's true identity, warning: THERE IS IMPLIED INCEST INVOLVED. Besides that fact, ALO seems very fun to play don't you think? To me, this seems funner than SAO because from watching this arc, I compared the two games and it strays away from the typical MMORPG and expands that universe for the player.
Source: Nabe!!
Source: Wattpad.Net
CONCLUSION
A-1 Pictures seems to have really thought about this anime before releasing it to the public. As usual, they have gorgeous coloring done on just about everything in this series, also the character designs are very well done in my opinion. Even though this is a Japanese anime, it seems as though A-1 Pictures has taken note on what has happened on American soil and implied that throughout Sword Art Online. The lesson is that: Video Games can bring upon violence to the world and ultimately change society for the worst. This lesson is clearly illustrated in Sword Art Online. The stroyline is meticulously written as to adding every single MMORPG element into it so all ages can enjoy this anime, not just gamers. I suggest giving this anime a watch only if you are interested in the MMORPG world and also if you want to expand your educational background on it through the use of a colorful cast and excellent storytelling.
Rating: B+
