Review of Sword Art Online

This anime had my full attention two summers ago, and I was 100% ready to watch it. I got what I expected (for the most part): an entertaining and cool-looking anime that had me. The story was well-done, and the episodes fit neatly together. The pacing is well done, and the fight scenes are super cool. I enjoyed the comedy of SAO, and it was awesome. Until the romance came in. That completely de-railed it for me. I was expecting it, from what the photos were. I started to drift away at the end, as the romance part started to bore me. I found myself notenjoying it as much as I could have. When I finished the series, I did not want to continue to the next season.

As for the animation and character designs, I think it's very well done! The weapons are unique, and the outfits are on a wide range which was very pleasing to the eye. The backgrounds of the scenes are good, and it's just enough detail that it doesn't take the attention away from the characters. The palettes are very well done and aren't too bright.

I don't remember seeing any of the characters having flaws, but I never truly payed attention to those. I think that the antagonist-whatever his name is-was the most interesting thing in the plot as a whole. They are a good twist, and it left me shocked.

The supporting female cast all seemed to fall in love (except one but they are the exception) with Kirito (but that just might have been me overthinking things.) But if they actually did, I felt like it was unnecessary to add at all, and the enjoyment level went down a bit.

I would recommend this to others, as I really liked it at first. I won't re-watch as I know what will happen, why, and where. The mystery of everything had been revealed through my first watch. I think this is a unique anime that has potential to be a favourite.