Review of Sword Art Online

So I've basically never written a review for anything before, save for a book a few years back I think… However, I've always wanted to try my hand at 'reviewing' and I believe this particular story is as good a place to start as any. And so, without further delay, here's my official review of what may be one of the most highly praised (and criticized) anime series of the latter half of this decade!! Story - 7/10 Though the pacing and plot twists were somewhat lacking, the overall development of context, characters and conflict was pretty great. The premise was fascinating and the progression of events was compellingat so many different points!
I'm extremely disappointed in the show's pace of exposition and I feel that this series (especially the Aincrad arc) could've been expanded by 20+ episodes so as to allow more time for the development of SAO's backstory and characters.

Art - 10/10

Not much to say in regards to this except that the colors were beautiful, the animation was fluid, and the contrast in lighting was stunning.

Sound - 8/10

In my opinion, the music and sound effects were perfectly suited for the story's atmosphere, though I will say that I've heard more memorable and outstanding soundtracks in other shows.

Character - 9/10

The very same reason that these characters receive so much hate is what made me fall in love with them. They are strong, brave, funny and overall fairly appealing, albeit sometimes in unrealistic ways.
I can see why the main pair might be frowned upon for their 'predictable' actions and 'archetypal' personalities, but to say that this detracts from SAO's overall quality would be to betray my inner child; the kid in me who's still continuously thrilled and awestruck by the concept of true, genuine, 'textbook' heroes.
As for the side characters, I thought they were all equally cool. The reason they might come off to some as bland or superficial would, once again, be owed up to the tragically rushed and neglected delivery of the story…

Enjoyment - 10/10

If you're wondering why this anime still receives an overall 10/10 from me (despite its drawbacks) is because I thoroughly, wholeheartedly enjoyed it. My brain is an imaginative one with roots based in fantasy worlds that exist on a similar, if not equal, scale to Aincrad and Sword Art Online.
This story and its characters struck a chord with me and touched upon my internal heroic, romantic ideals which haven't been invoked by anime in a very long time.