Review of Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online

Sword Art Online : Gun Gale Online (henceforth SAO) isn’t the most well-written anime this season, nor is it the most competent, but it somehow was one of my most enjoyable experiences this spring. This ain’t just a 20-minute long SACRA ad for Reona’s songs(this review, however, is), SAO has a certain je ne sais quoi that’s not easy to put in words, but, being a reviewer, I’ll try anyway, it’s my job right? [Boss begins writing a termination notice] SAO is an anime about Karen who occupies the avatar LLENN, a cute and tiny girl with a penchant for destruction. Along the way shemeets, teams up with and sometimes fights against a bevy of interesting and likable characters, and a bunch of bland randos in what is essentially proto-PUBG (The LN was written before the battle royale genre exploded into popularity). The characters are what made the show for me. While the writing is nothing special and plot contrivances are aplenty, just seeing your favorite characters receive a last-minute powerup to the tune of Reona’s music [This review is sponsored by SACRA, a subsidiary of Sony Music, buy your copy of Reona’s hits today!] is enough to get your fist pumping towards the air as the anime gloriously showcases a bombastic action sequence, however illogical and nonsensical, for your entertainment. And in the end, isn’t that what really matters?

There’s more to it than the appeal of seeing a tiny cute bunny kill things with her P90, SAO’s setting is remarkably refreshing; in a wave of isekai taking place in Tolkien-inspired medieval fantasy settings, a contemporary setting based on modern military urban warfare makes for a surprisingly visually appealing treat. The attention to detail on military and contemporary warfare tactics is on point and does make for an enjoyable show. While main character plot armor is in abundance, thankfully it is acceptable simply because it’s done in a tongue-in-cheek fashion and not in a frustratingly absurd “sword swinging deflects bullets” manner, which is something SAO would never resort to. There is enough tactical play to balance the hot-blooded action, and the action sequences are well-paced and built-up to as to avoid any fatigue or exhaustion.

LLENN is simply a joy to follow. An otherwise meek girl with psychopathic tendencies, seeing her in action on the battlegrounds is always a treat. As is her interactions with the stoic M, her best friend Fuka, and the maniacal Pitohui. Fuka in particularly I found very well written, unlike most other best friend character archetypes in other anime, Fuka’s characterization felt especially real, and her dialogue is very much what you’ll have in real life with your BFF. Top points for that. And while it’s true none of the characters receive any meaningful character growth, it doesn’t really matter in this case. Hikasa Yoko’s performance as the batshit insane Pitohui is the highlight of it all and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The facial expressions of the mains in particular are a treat, being deliciously hammy and over-the-top.

The story and plot threads are seriously nothing special. You’re not watching this for its story. The anime has an overreliance on explaining everything to the audience, even when it is either blatantly obvious to the viewer or it has already been explained to the viewer, almost akin to an annoying tutorial popup in a video game. [HINT: You can stop reading this review by pressing the X button]. And, as mentioned, the abundance of plot armour for the mains is present, though never to the point of frustration. Instead I found myself cheering like a lunatic anytime those scenes are present. The pacing is decent, your standard build-up, climax, resolution done to a T. It works, but is nothing special. This ain’t no story about redemption, falling from grace, insanity or triumphant in the face of impossible odds, it’s just an anime about some friends (and someone clinically insane) playing PUBG. And to make something so mundane so brilliantly entertaining is definitely a testament to SAO’s credibility.

I don’t normally single it out, but the ED for this is exceptionally beautiful. Minimalist with a soft piece sung by LLENN’s seiyuu, it perfectly concludes each episode with its cute and calming melody. The visuals accompanying it is brilliant too, being reminiscent of a graphical UI and being overall very clean and pleasant to look at. Truly the standout ED of the season. [This review is sponsored by SACRA, a subsidiary of Sony Music, buy LLENN-chan’s album today!]

All in all, I had a great time with SAO and would miss my time with it dearly. Saturdays just aren’t the same anymore without the crazy pink bunny yelling “I’LL KILL YOU!!!!!!” at the top of her lungs.

7/10 To see the future~