Review of Sword Art Online

I write this both as an anime fan and light novel reader. So yes, I've read and seen both the light novel and anime. Now, just reviewing it as an anime of Season 1 containing only 25 episodes. It's good but it leaves quite a bit of details left from the original source - light novels. Before I go off on a tangent, if the anime at all interests you and/or are curious about the arc of Aincrad etc please pick up the book. I personally, in general, dislike reading, but Reki's writing is so good and I couldn't put it down. Review of Season 1of Sword Art Online.

STORY: 9/10

The concept itself is really good. Being stuck in a VRMMORPG and where if you die in the game, you die in real life. How to overcome a tragic reality and overcoming obstacles toward a common goal.

In my opinion, SAO is NOT one of those shows that can fit in ONE box. Yes there's sword fighting, Sci-Fi, fantasy elements and action. But I would put it as a drama. Drama that depicts the characters growth through their hardships and desires to live and continue on living for another day til they beat the game.

My only nitpick in the anime, are the time skips. [As I mention, please pick up the Light Novel: Sword Art Online Aincrad and/or SAO: Progressive (which is an extension of Aincrad in Kirito's POV of the first days of Aincrad] if you are attached or feel nostalgic due to Aincrad you won't regret it.

From the first day to 2 months later, then a year that leave the audience unsure and question what happened from the last time we saw them. How they upgraded their equipment to what occurred leading to the dissolve of their party member(s).

ART: 10 out 10
I don't know what else to say expect, BEAUTIFUL! 10/10. The scenery is breathtaking and fits the tone of the story so well. My applause.

SOUND: 10 out 10
Again, 10/10 Yuki Kajiura is a GOD!

CHARACTER: 9 out 10

Okay without being bias, the characters are GOOD but in my opinion, there are moments where it would be nice to have the anime include some important internal monologue to explain the thought process or motive why character 'x' is 'this' that leads to this 'event' in the story.
For me, I saw the anime first, before reading the source material so I spent extra attention to detail in the episodes and at times, took things with a gain of salt. [not the character's fault, just the anime cuts stuff out so I had to fill in the blanks]

[Again, apologies, the characters are definitely more flesh out in the Light Novel versus the anime due having to cut and add scenes within only a limit of 25 episodes]

Kirito may seen OP but he's not. He gain the strength and knowledge [from episode 1/2] due to being a beta tester. Due to his experiences and hardships in SAO, shaped him into the character he is. Kirito is the main character bc we are following him [and his story] But the story also revolves around those involved in the adventures from SAO and afterwards, into the worlds of VR.

Out of all honestly, Kirito is only the hero that is he bc of the relationships and bonds of the people he meets [in each arc] that push him to do what he does in each arc.

ENJOYMENT:10 out 10

I enjoy the concept in season 1 - Aincrad which depicts the human will. The 'last episode' of Aincrad showcases this concept well. If you continue with story to FD, PB, Mother's Rosario, and Alicization you'll see the story come in full circle.

OVERALL: 10 out 10
Even with it's flaws, I love this series and it's close to my heart. I feel as I grow up, this series will also grow along with me and will stay current with me. From when I was 18 [when I first it] to now. Can't wait for the day to come when full submerge VR becomes a thing.