Review of Sword Art Online

Compulsively watchable with good cliffhangers at the end of virtually ever episode. Best thing about the show, to me, was the art. Take that away and you have a "fine" anime rather than a "good" one (I appreciate a cleverly-written and unique story above all else.) Same as .hack// but better than any of the .hack// anime I saw (which was sign and the original.) Execution of the story is what made this so succesful as it's the first time this type of show has been done well, in my opinion, from what I've seen. Has not only romance, but elements of mystery. The charactersaren't all totally in-depth but they're better than what you'll see in a lot of anime. Peronalities aren't AS stereotypical as in most anime, and feel a bit more real. It might tug at your heart strings a bit, or a lot, depending on how sensitive you are. If you are into the fantasy or MMO anime genre, then it's a must-watch. I also recommend the original .hack// MANGA. Not the anime.