Overlooking the unexplained, Sword Art Online feels full of momentum and thunder in the making – not merely our protagonist, but a massive sector of populace go from normal living, to at death’s edge, instantly.
Apparently, Sword Art Online is the ultimate in MMO gaming – within the real world of our protagonist, people are awaiting it much like how Americans feverishly rage in anticipation for a game on killing terrorists. Yet in any case, the situation with Sword Art Online is that it is being limited to a sale of 10,000 units – meaning that all those campers who wait several days outside a store to make the purchase are likely to be the only ones securing the game, which unfortunately for them, turns out to be quite a regrettable decision.
To play Sword Art Online, one must wear a helmet – at which point they will enter the world’s first completely virtual environment, a place our protagonist enters, and is apparently quite familiar with. He’s played the beta when it released – and now, he’s excited to be enjoying the final product, a sensation which won’t last long.
As he runs around confidently and pleased, feeling as if set free within this world where he believes he has more significance – another fellow of the game chases after him, noticing that our protagonist is rather versed in his motion.
From there on, the two become friends within the game – yet only shortly afterward, come to see that no button exists to exit, or in other words, “log out”. And subsequently, the two are, as is everyone within this cyber space, teleported unwillingly to a central plaza where “the game master” makes his overly dramatic appearance – having not much of a real life, the “game master” has seemingly made himself the essence of super fantastic within the game, Sword Art Online.
Feeling himself high and mighty, the “game master” announces his evil deeds to the community he’s apparently now imprisoned – the absence of a means of escaping the game is part of Sword Art Online. He purposefully trapped them all within – and any single effort to escape will inevitably result in their death. The single method of returning to reality, as ordained by the “game master”, is to successfully clear the title and then head home. And of course, to win the game, one must go through some ridiculously over the top degree of obstacles.
Now sadly, there’s already a few major flaws – one would think that if these individuals can’t remove the helmets, or essentially do anything in reality till defeating the game, they would face expiration from thirst or hunger. Additionally, one has to wonder how a man who has taken the lives of thousands hostage is somehow evading all the advanced law enforcement technology of the year 2022. Neither of those facets ruin this series in any way – yet they do make it feel more a novelty than anything, especially with A-1 Pictures’ not-so-impressive recycled artwork.
In spite of everything, the plot has escalated from a point of nothing, to a life threatening contention for survival in which our protagonist, who thankfully is no generic highschooler, is heavily determined to win. That’s the point where we’re left off at with the conclusion of this first episode – and the potential feels nearly infinite from here, though uncertain. This series may still wobble off course, though if it keeps up at the current rate – all will be certainly beyond well.
Note that nothing feels particularly grand about this series save for the story – the music and visuals don’t strike with any specific feelings, yet this is actually a strength in the case of Sword Art Online. The characters, as well as the story, are immensely intense and captivating – both receiving heavy development, and one can sympathize and understand each thus far. And because other elements are more faded and weak, it allows for the stronger areas to stand out heavily – like putting a blotch of black paint on pure white canvas.
Furthermore, while one would think the RPGs of 2022 would look far superior than Sword Art Online’s own graphics, nonetheless, the setting being a game makes them rather fitting in that they’re at the very least, vivid and distinct – not to mention it’s also “the world’s first ever” virtual whatnot, meaning lacking visuals could be considered part of the game itself. It’s an excuse, though it works.
Nothing managed to send a riveting sensation during the basic unfolding moments of the series – one could feel the heightening tensity, yet it wasn’t too thrilling the mind. However, to witness the short segment past the credits, a slew of passing already, it becomes something else entirely – and then it hits indeed, this series has one entrapped much like the protagonist. If it continues operating at this pace, one will basically be stuck to the end – just like the protagonist and friends.
Jul 7, 2012 @ 21:00 CDT
Man, 2000 people died within 1 month. Yet the creator of games’ avatar looks cool though we cannot see his face. I just hope the protagonist will unite a team to survive this virtual world they’ve enter!
Jul 7, 2012 @ 21:08 CDT
Hopefully no one survives at the end!
Jul 7, 2012 @ 21:10 CDT
Well in that case, I wanna see how Asuna gonna play her role. I’m looking forward to see her.
Jul 7, 2012 @ 21:37 CDT
It’d be funny if she and the protagonist were the last two alive – then whilst walking towards him, she trips and her sword goes flying and kills him.
Jul 7, 2012 @ 23:36 CDT
Gen Urobuchi is not the writer, I think…
Jul 10, 2012 @ 12:52 CDT
He needs a successor.
Jul 8, 2012 @ 0:58 CDT
*laughs like crazy* You should just go write a novel, Seven. If anything, you’d have my full support. I’d love to see some good story with such a troll ending.
Jul 8, 2012 @ 3:10 CDT
I’m already way ahead of you.
Jul 7, 2012 @ 21:23 CDT
Santo Deus!
The long wait was well rewarded! I thought the lack of blood would be strange but this series proved to me that I was wrong.
My favorite genre, LITERAL SURVIVAL GAME!
Jul 7, 2012 @ 21:25 CDT
Indeed also my favorite as well.
Jul 7, 2012 @ 21:38 CDT
Literal survival game takes me to Mirai Nikki.
Though indeed, proving a promising series as of current.
Jul 10, 2012 @ 12:43 CDT
reading the battle royale novel got me into the genre.
no regrets XD.
Jul 10, 2012 @ 12:53 CDT
I don’t really like the genre cause it just feels barbaric – and I believe my first experience with it was Gantz, and that didn’t go so well.
Of course however, that doesn’t mean I just exclude anything of the genre – it could still turn out good.
Jul 7, 2012 @ 21:52 CDT
I thought the “mirror” item was a neat trick. It felt like a direct “take that” to online personalities. You have to be you in this virtual world as it makes dying personal. As it should be given the context of the game.
Jul 7, 2012 @ 21:54 CDT
I didn’t think much of it, just felt like an insult to injury to all the petty players within the virtual world.
Jul 7, 2012 @ 22:15 CDT
…and many of those insulted were probably on that very chilling list by episodes end…
Jul 7, 2012 @ 22:06 CDT
have watched ep 1, and it’s awesome.
*and yeah, catch a glimpse asuna at starting city.
spoiler: the game ended before they reach 100th floor.
Jul 7, 2012 @ 22:44 CDT
Those “flaws” you pointed out will probably be explained in due time. In the novels, it was said that the people trapped inside the game were shipped off to various hospitals and were being sustained through some tubes.
Jul 7, 2012 @ 22:59 CDT
Well even though “it will be explained in due time”, which was an open possibility, it seems you took the liberty of explaining it anyways.
Jul 7, 2012 @ 23:13 CDT
I had readily rushed into this series without any expectations, but I must admit, the setting they have provided, holds much promise. Already, with the focus of the anime, being shown within the first episode, created enough tension for me to feel nearly physically sick (in a weird, but good way).
As of current I still have no expectations marked out, but it’ll be interesting to see where it leads, since many people of the initial 10,000 are to die.
However, I do have one complaint, the whole “being in the game until you beat it” aspect. While I agree with it entirely… what of food, and drink? While as stated, MMORPG food will only make you fool yourself to have eaten, but surely after a month of no food, you’re as good as dead, right? It’s not like they’re going to be force fed while semi-unconscious (then again they might lol).
Jul 7, 2012 @ 23:27 CDT
…at a guess, I think that would be part of the game creators ideas, that family or friends would find some way to keep them alive. I wonder if the helmets force the body into a coma of some sort. The body slows down quite a bit in that time.
Jul 7, 2012 @ 23:41 CDT
True, but it still seems illogical… like how that guy was logging off, as he felt his real world hunger. It was a sign that his real world state, effected his mentality in the SAO world.
So for all we know, “IRL” vitality might be brought into play, or otherwise I hope for an explanation about the software, and what it does to the body besides what we perceive within the first episode.
Not saying it’s breaking to the experience, but just feels illogical ts’all lol.
Jul 8, 2012 @ 3:11 CDT
It’s also very awkward – restrooms?
The physical body can’t even manage to continually operate either, sleep?
Jul 8, 2012 @ 4:32 CDT
Well, do notice that when the Akihiko AKA Red Hooded Guy springs the crap on the players, he shows them that the worldwide media have already been informed about the whole thing (you can see a BBC news article lulz).
I would suppose they’re sent to hospitals and treated similar to coma patients, which means that they’re fed intravenously and bodily wastes are pretty much taken care of.
Jul 8, 2012 @ 7:08 CDT
It’s unfortunate the anime didn’t mention it in that case.
Also, you don’t need to post a comment twice – it will show eventually.
Jul 8, 2012 @ 4:44 CDT
Actually Kirito explains it. The game mimics real world wants and needs, but you can allow the game to make yourself feel full if you consume food in-game.
In fact, he warns Klein to be careful cos feeling full in-game doesn’t make you full IRL.
Jul 8, 2012 @ 1:06 CDT
Hum… The bodies aren’t explained here? I have yet to watch this, but in the novel, the creator, upon that sinister declaration, states that measures had been taken into informing the media and all Nerve Gears could only be cur from power for 2 hours without danger (still working on battery, nobody logs out) for everyone to be moved to a hospital. There is more to it, but who’s inside the game doesn’t now anymore for now (nor did the readers at this stage), so I’m not gonna state it. Let’s just say SAO is actually rather realistic when it comes to this point.
As for the creator avoiding the law for so long… The guy is a genius. Not only that, but something way more important – he has 10000 people hostage. The rules were set by him, therefore he can bend them if he so wishes, meaning he can kill everyone there in a moment if he so desires. I don’t think someone who holds such a power can be so easily taken care of.
Jul 8, 2012 @ 20:21 CDT
This is going to be great. I was a little worried that the animation studio might not be able to give this story the justice it deserves but thankfully, everything is going fine so far. ^^ My fears have been alleviated-for the time being, at least.
Jul 8, 2012 @ 2:58 CDT
nothing to say except that is…. AWESOME!!!!!!
Jul 10, 2012 @ 13:01 CDT
Not as awesome as nekos.
Jul 8, 2012 @ 14:30 CDT
I somehow fell like this anime will start out good, just like Accel World, but then slowly get worse.
Jul 8, 2012 @ 20:22 CDT
I don’t think this is going to be like that porker show…not by a long shot.
Jul 10, 2012 @ 12:50 CDT
i don’t really think Accel World started out good.
Jul 10, 2012 @ 12:56 CDT
Either way, this started off in a whole different league than Accel World.
Jul 8, 2012 @ 14:55 CDT
Looks promising…with few flaws..will have to wait and see as the series progresses…that teaser at the end was brilliant though and really liked the way the plot just sky rocketed to seriousness…although the maker’s motives are unclear…Baffling the situation might seem..guy must be a genius..
Jul 10, 2012 @ 12:50 CDT
he is one, since he was project director of SAO and the developer of the NerveGear.
Jul 10, 2012 @ 12:49 CDT
>>Furthermore, while one would think the RPGs of 2022 would look far superior than Sword Art Online’s own graphics, nonetheless, the setting being a game makes them rather fitting in that they’re at the very least, vivid and distinct – not to mention it’s also “the world’s first ever” virtual whatnot, meaning lacking visuals could be considered part of the game itself. It’s an excuse, though it works.
mentioning this since i doubt it’ll be explained in the anime. the graphics thing IS part of the game. the novels mention that most of the stuff are just vague shapes in order to lessen server burden. the details get clearer if you focus on them though, it’s a pretty nifty system.
Jul 10, 2012 @ 12:52 CDT
Yeah, I had assumed that’s the case – and it’s actually quite fitting as mentioned since it all does make sense and is logical.
Jul 12, 2012 @ 19:32 CDT
Yeah, I’ve been reading it after watching Ep. 1 of the anime, and apparently in the novel, they get sent to hospitals to be taken care of.
And for the GM evading the law, well, I guess he isn’t really evading it, considering that we haven’t seen what the consequences of his imprisoning the players into the game are.
Jul 12, 2012 @ 20:17 CDT
But we have seen a month transpire and little occur within the real world other than some list being erased of names.
Jul 14, 2012 @ 11:48 CDT
Addressing the “Major Flaws”, I’d like to say that they actually were covered (to some extent). It’s stated that the bodies of everyone in the game have been hospitalized (or are in the proccess of being moved to a hospital) so that they can remain in the game without worry. As for the issue on why our “Game Master” hasn’t been arrested(and details regarding the first issue), it’s kind of hard to explain without giving a few spoilers to those who haven’t read the Light Novel…
Jul 14, 2012 @ 12:10 CDT
The animation should be able to stand alone without any light novels or otherwise – when you visit a movie based on a book, they don’t give you a copy of the book to read prior before the movie begins.
And so forgetting the “Game Master” bit which apparently was yet to be explained, was the hospital detail even mentioned in the anime? I’m legitimately asking as I do not recall – although if it was not, which I believe it wasn’t, means there’s an issue.