Review of Sword Art Online

Sword Art Online was exciting the first time I watched it. I admit, I legitimately enjoyed the anime. However, I do admit to some form of "fanboying". The anime's plot of having 10,000 players stuck in a virtual reality game and such was good. The storyline quickly plummeted though, as there was a lack of character development and too many time jumps. I feel the BIGGEST problem with SAO was the story. Such a good plot could have created one of the best animes, but the plot WAS rushed and didn't turn out. The artstyle wasn't bad. It's the kind I'm used to, and probably many others.Good graphics, but the battle expressions were a bit off, mostly Kirito's during major battles. The fight scenes were also well made, if a bit rushed sometimes. Sound effects. Sure, they were good. Why not?

Another major issue would be the characters. Kirito, Asuna, and the rest are indeed likable. It's easy to get attached. Looking into their personality in-depth does show many lacking details. Kirito can be described as a generic character. Asuna has a overall better character, although around a third into the anime, it takes a complete dive. Other characters are fine, but the main characters' lack of personality can ruin the anime.

SAO was enjoyable. Technically it's bad. Casually, it can be enjoyable.

This anime had such a good chance! With a plot like this, you could've created the best fantasy anime about a virtual reality game! Unfortunately, the plot was wasted and the anime turned out like a flat loaf of bread. Created by the same people, Accel World had a much better plot, characters, and everything else. Let's just leave SAO at mediocre.