Review of Sword Art Online

This is my first ever review, so bear with me if I don't sound as convincing. SAO, for me, was alright. It wasn't a complete waste of my time nor was it the absolute best I've seen. I do not have regrets for watching this, but I can see why people have decided this anime to be less than average. Story: 4/10 Honestly, the story wasn't all that great. It's basically your typical hero saves the world then finds the love of his life plot, and along the way he steals the hearts of other supporting female characters. The only reason why I'm tolerable with the story isbecause of the whole Heathcliff business.

Art: 9/10
An anime's art is quite a huge deal for me. It compels me to watch it since I'm in awe with the animation. If the art isn't as well done, then I may have a hard time trying to finish it. All that I can say is that you'll probably love the art as much as I do.

Sound: 9/10
Another one of SAO's perks, the soundtrack. "Crossing Field" really excited me. Even though I usually skip theme songs, I barely did so for SAO. It sparks the adventurous side of you and really thrills you in an inexpressible way. I guess you could say it makes you want to do something. (And we all know how hard it is to get motivated nowadays.) In conclusion, I'd say the art and sound are just about as great!

Characters: 3/10
The character plot is probably the most negative part of SAO. The main characters, with no particularly special background or personality that may link them together, fall in love for reasons unexplained. Their love seems undeveloped and rushed, like out of the blue they're suddenly a couple. Not only that, but the male lead is quite cliche in terms of his good qualities, such as kindness and determination, but that's pretty much it. He's just a gamer who manages to get some hot chicks in a virtual world. As for the minors or supporting characters, they seem like stepping stones for the male lead. They haven't any developed profiles, so it seems that their only use in the anime is to aid the hero in his quest for domination and freedom.

Enjoyment: 5/10
I'd say it was quite interesting to watch, even with the overly cliche plot. I rather liked Asuna and Yui, because they were just lovable in their own way. The SAO arc was probably the best and most enjoyable of all. If it weren't for the Alfheim arc, maybe this anime's ratings would be higher, because the honest truth is that Alfheim was utter bullcrap. Suguha pissed me off throughout the anime and don't even get me started on the psychotically, sadistic "king" of the damned game.

Overall:
To be blunt, the only reason SAO gets a 6-7 rating from me is mostly because of its simply mesmerizing and captivating art and soundtrack. I suggest you watch SAO if you merely want some light enjoyment, because you ain't getting much from this.