ソードアート・オンライン / S.A.O / SAO
Sword Art Online. I don't think it's an exaggeration to rank this as one
of the most hyped anime series of 2012. That being said, one only has
to take a cursory glance at any SAO related forums, discussions et
cetera to see for oneself - that SAO is undoubtedly a series dogged by
controversy. Fans of SAO are so devoted to it that they will leap into every
discussion to defend any perceived slight at their beloved anime. On the
other hand, people who detest it tend to make an almighty fuss about
everything that has to do with it.
The first episode indeed lived up to all
my expectations. We have a bunch of players trapped in a massive
virtual world and a raving mad scientist ruling over said world. Throw
in an additional quirk, dying in-game means a horribly real death in the
real world. I could wax lyrical about the limitless opportunities this
premise offered up! The second episode followed this up with a well
delivered boss fight and excellent story development. Hope burned bright
in the souls of many SAO fans.
However, all good things come to an end, and for SAO, it was disappointingly a whole 22 episodes earlier than expected.
Admittedly, Sword Art Online was a
guilty pleasure the day it aired each week despite its flaws. The
premise alone embraced me in a MMORPG setting which many have nostalgia
for. Although a bit romanticized, the production actually portrayed the
prehistoric Medieval Europe (in this case) and flourishing civilization
of many cities like Venice at the time fairly well. And those familiar
with the time period knows Sword Art Online just added another layer of
wistfulness. I had some good laughs in Sword Art Online too, is that
really so bad?
Honestly, you'll enjoy Sword Art Online if you watch it playfully
without expecting serious, satirical works of some sort. Otherwise, it
may be a disaster if you end up taking every concept the show throws at
you too literally.
Collection:
Theme Song: (
1st Season) //(
2nd Season)
Bonus CD: (
1st Season) //(
2nd Season)
Sword Art Online Song Collection
