Review of Sword Art Online
spoilers ahead Sword Art Online is style over substance but is damn entertaining until it loses all tension due to weak storytelling Initially, Kirito has shown to be a competent clearer in a cutthroat world, but he talks about solo limits and joins a guild. There is a subtle change in attitude after the duel wherein Kirito starts to value the things he has acquired in the virtual world. He becomes attached to a log cabin, Yui, Asuna, and generally living in a paradise. So here is where the tension is highest and the story is good because the forested cabin is only an illusion builtto trap him and Asuna as they slowly wither away in reality; everything is on a knife's edge.
The main antagonist of the Aincrad arc is physicist Akihiko Kayaba, a confused man who longed to preside over Aincrad, but over time forgot why. Kayaba's desire was to create a virtual utopia but the meshing of reality and fantasy was catastrophic. The final duel between creator and player showcases human potential beating divine/ op characters and the system. It was really touching seeing the end of aincrad but tbh, it could have kept going a while longer, it really should have used the death game premise while it could have instead of destroying the story for a happy ending. It also came out of nowhere, but all right, we move on.
Alfheim Online, despite laid back appearances, has grave stakes. Sugou's plan to develop fabricated feelings is the thematic antagonist as emotions are the main distinguisher between truth and lie in the show. With less money and power than Sugou, Kirito possesses only memories. The clearest imagery to show this is the marriage in-game versus shady hospital ceremony.
It becomes apparent near the defeat of Oberon that this anime is truly about surpassing the limits of one's world, namely, the defined boundaries of a human's perception. This concept can be imagination, intense vision, creative strategies, nonetheless it is some ability to create a deus ex machina. Logic and reality can kill imagination and passion. Kayaba trusted his desire to build a compelling floating castle, in spite of logic.
Amidst a turbulent childhood, Kirito turns to technology. Everything in a game world is displayed. A red player can trick others by using a green tag and luring them into traps. Blacksmiths can scam people by quick switching weapons. In reality we are unreadable, but games are more expressive. His adoptive sister, Suguha cannot understand Kirito's distance but from the game world, sees more of his character. It is easier to see game actions and their messages than abstract concepts. In the game Alfheim, Suguha's assistance to Kirito is what mends their relationship.
As a player cannot beat an admin, Kirito believes he's a powerless guy in a world of titans. When all seems lost, Kayaba reminds him of his id login. A long time ago, Kayaba was like Kirito but grew to question himself. Kirito may have reminded him of what it means to pursue something that seems to be an illusion and from nurturing, bring it to life. In acknowledgment, Kayaba gives Kirito the "seed" and Kirito realizes the power to ascend the world is essential to create change. As a beater would, he cheats to defeat Oberon. The last episode is when Kirito uses this knowledge to take down Sugou when he realizes his own potential outside the game, becoming for an instant the courageous Black Swordsman.
He reflects upon his time in fantasy and reality, and his identity in both being what has helped him surpass his obstacles. Kirito's frantic chasing and final bike sequence show his extreme drive to return Asuna's existence. Asuna is like a dream come true, something Kirito could have forgotten but chose to obsess over much like Kayaba the floating castle. Why? Perhaps out of a deep desire.
Kirito has learned the virtual world allows people to ascend their limits and bring visions to life. This anime also drew heavily on game culture like programming and mmos so there is cool factor from that. Overall, this anime had some level of tension and thematic cohesion, with high production value. But, it is very racy at times and just idk weird to see such mediocre final bosses and lack of nuancy. It feels like there wasn't enough substance and romance was used too much.