A total package this time around, Sword Art Online serves to disgust with more conventional romance spittle, alongside its favorite of invincible protagonist – however most hilarious is how idiotically it’s all presented.
Episode one, Sword Art Online went on to emphasize and highlight fighting and death – a mass group of individuals were entrapped within an RPG game, now left to struggle and strive for their lives. That aspect went extensively promoted within the spectacle to the final second – yet foolish indeed it seems to have been for one to think that a series which explicitly spotlights the fact it is based on an RPG game, a genre of action and adventure, would focus on either action, or adventure.
By now, it’s already clear that this time slot wasting trash of a series is following the route of sewage, and heading downward – although this level of degeneration is just revolutionary in terms of terrible. A hefty segment of this episode consists of no more than the two protagonist characters rubbing their bodies against one another – confirming that if any sort of game, the world of Sword Art Online is some kind of massively multiplayer eroge. Of course however, no category plays impact on the sheer horrid nature of this series.
Nothing is being accomplished – the series gave itself one objective in the first episode, 10 more later, taking us to this 11th debacle, and the two leading protagonists now spend their days touching each other within this digital universe. It’s not even clear how the series arrived at this point – none of the episodes correlate, no coherent purpose is present, and everything truly is indeed as sudden and absent of meaning as it seems. Sword Art Online has nothing beyond what it provides at face value – and its face is truly grotesque and hideous.
When did these two characters get married? Who knows. This series introduces aspects, jumps forward, and carries on with other random and extraneous ordeals. Marriage holds no relevance to the central story whatsoever, assuming such a thing still exists in Sword Art Online – and in fact, this series seems to not even understand what it’s doing itself. The series went from placing its interests upon fighting for survival to return to reality, to a criminal band of murderers in a pixel world, and now to what is merely the glorification of virtual copulation.
After the protagonists touch one another for a solid while longer, they venture out into a forest till they just so happen to stumble upon a generically designed female character whom they abduct and brainwash – fooling her to believe that they’re her parents.
The series’ outright stupidity in composition has always shown quite well – yet there’s a line of dialogue which deserves to be recognized for its imbecilic qualities. A moment comes up in which the heroine asks rhetorically “what is a child doing in SAO?” – and with this, the series effectively reaches the point where it’s as clueless as an animal sniffing its own feces.
Who would have thought to see something as absurd as a child playing an RPG game?
For good measure, what follows is more menial nonsense, topped with a split-second of overpowered protagonist saving the day from evil – and with that, one now has an answer if ever asked as to whether they have any regrets, watching 11 episodes of Sword Art Online would be the response.
Sep 15, 2012 @ 18:57 CDT
It’s time for round two of over decade old anime series with animation better than Sword Art Online!
GTO:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAnsMrt-aQ8
Excel Saga:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYfb0Xh0ZXA
Trigun:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcEW0AGHmb4
FLCL:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGiZWGlszxA
Even A-1 Pictures in 2009 seemed more apt.
Valkyria Chronicles:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhUavPK1e74
Sep 16, 2012 @ 0:15 CDT
hahaha….i had watch each n everyone of them but got to agreed those r some good animes
Sep 16, 2012 @ 0:16 CDT
And they’re all better than Sword Art Online in every category despite being years older.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 2:39 CDT
not only SAO,nowadays many animes cant even compare with the older animes. Its like they r making animes just for the profits.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 3:21 CDT
Those who are the exception, move on to greatness
Sep 16, 2012 @ 7:08 CDT
Every anime, regardless of year, are better than Sword Art Online, even the upcoming Code: Breaker anime and Tsukihime.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 7:11 CDT
O.o there’s a new tsukihime?
Sep 16, 2012 @ 8:09 CDT
This guy knows.
Code:Breaker has battle animation better than Sword Art Online.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 8:18 CDT
An animation studio is a business after all.
Sep 15, 2012 @ 19:22 CDT
Wow, just…wow. I’ve been enjoying the hell outta this(only didn’t enjoy the first few side-stories), and as such, I disagree with most of what you said.
This episode had perfect pacing and good animation. I’m a sucker for romance, and this episode had a lot of it too. Not to mention a “mystery” regarding this little girl.
Sep 15, 2012 @ 19:37 CDT
Perfect pacing? Good Animation?
When did they get married? What does marriage have to do with going back to reality? How does any of this relate to the murder’s guild? The girl was totally irrelevant to anything – not to mention, none of this relates to an RPG game whatsoever. Let’s hypothetically say this episode did indeed have perfect pacing in how it delivered a totally meaningless romance transitioning into some mystery over a little girl – that either way doesn’t salvage the series overall. This is still episode 11, and it still retains no value on the grander scale.
Also, forgetting that the character design is recycled and bland, much like the visuals in general, a scene aimed at the floor whilst protagonist characters literally ump over a small legion of enemies and then proceed to defeat them in a single fancy thrust, topped with another single frame jolt, is terrible – especially when the camera points downward in order to save the animators the effort of having to animate a real fight.
Secondly, if a series wants romance, that’s just fine – although Sword Art Online is astoundingly cliched, among other things, in its pitiful effort at delivering it.
Sep 15, 2012 @ 20:56 CDT
“Wow, just…wow. I’ve been enjoying the hell outta this(only didn’t enjoy the first few side-stories), and as such, I disagree with most of what you said.
This episode had perfect pacing and good animation.”
I agree. Sword Art Online is the most popular anime series of the summer season. I really did enjoy this episode and enjoyed all the episode as well.
Sep 15, 2012 @ 20:58 CDT
“Sword Art Online is the most popular anime series of the summer season.”
According to what? And either way, doesn’t refute the flaws which you never seem to refute no matter how many times they’re explained to you in comments. If you like it despite it being horrible – that’s just fine.
Sep 17, 2012 @ 22:50 CDT
In retrospect, you can’t refute the positives this series has to offer despite the number of people insisting that SAO isn’t as terrible as you think it is. If you hate it despite it being a perfectly fine anime, that’s fine as well.
But it’s not nearly as bad as you think it would is if you could just be more open minded about it
Sep 17, 2012 @ 22:53 CDT
Would you care to explain how it is “a perfectly fine anime”? Because it’s already explained why it is terrible – and you failed to explain anything otherwise.
If you could just be more open minded about it, you’d understand why it’s awful – rather than fixating yourself on the belief that it’s impervious to such.
Sep 15, 2012 @ 21:04 CDT
“Sword Art Online is the most popular anime series of the summer season.”
And what? It’s better because it’s popular? So Call of Duty is good because it is one of the most popular game and Justin Bieber is a good singer for the same reason…
Sep 15, 2012 @ 21:18 CDT
I never said it was better. This show is really good. I don’t care what you guys think anyways. Besides this episode was tragic, there was something wrong with Yui at the end. I wonder what happened to her.
Sep 15, 2012 @ 21:21 CDT
“Besides this episode was tragic,”
And so is how you shift to irrelevant subjects.
“I never said it was better”
So why did you decide to make up the statement “Sword Art Online is the most popular anime of the season” and share it?
Sep 15, 2012 @ 21:23 CDT
Everyone watches it of course, millions of people really enjoy this anime. I don’t see any problems with this anime series being “horrible”
Sep 15, 2012 @ 21:31 CDT
So if millions of people enjoyed eating dog shit you would grab a handful and join the bandwagon saying it taste good?
Sep 16, 2012 @ 3:36 CDT
LOLOLOLOL who are these “millions” you speak of? all i see are like 40% of the fans go “OMG best anime of the seasons everythings perfect” and the more real anime watchers are” wth is going on…..did they forget they were trying to clear a game here and why are they always closing up on asuna”, why oh WHY did this show suck so much!!”
Sep 15, 2012 @ 21:33 CDT
What you’re saying is still irrelevant – although it’s so amusing, don’t mind if I respond.
“Everyone watches it of course, millions of people really enjoy this anime”
According to what? Do you know what “According” means? Does the alexsaingxd foundation do research and statistics on ongoing anime series?
Protip: Making generalizations and fake statistics don’t give you credibility.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 0:05 CDT
millions divided by zero
Sep 15, 2012 @ 21:31 CDT
Unfortunately, SAO is talked about…EVERYWHERE. You go to most blogs, even ANN, there’s major discussion about the quality of the anime, with many who like it and many who see it as otaku wish fulfillment crap. It’s like none of the other shows this summer even exist, that’s how “popular” this show is. Of course, to say millions of people enjoy it is…I doubt that many watch it or really enjoy it all that much. But even the ones who don’t like the series watch it, and this only adds fuel to the fire.
Sep 15, 2012 @ 21:39 CDT
I don’t care who watches it or not – viewership is not a quality metric, the issues have already been pointed out, and no one has bothered to address them thus far.
The only counterarguments up till now have been:
- “they’re getting married!!!!!”
- “millions enjoy this!!!”
and “everyone watches it!!”
Sep 15, 2012 @ 22:48 CDT
“I don’t care who watches it or not — viewership is not a quality metric”
Then fine, disregard the “quality” part, I apologize for that part: the issue was popularity. This summer season. You view maybe ten blogs that talk about SAO, you’ll probably see a more varied discussion on this one particular show then any of the other shows blogged about this season. It’s weird why, since this show is nothing special, but it is. Quality doesn’t matter; discussion does. And as many of the other commenters have pointed out, popularity doesn’t necessarily mean good. And actually, as your top summer 2012 heroines post points out with Asuna being #2, it’s one of the signs that SAO is popular…for one reason or another.
Anyways, you had questions, I guess I’ll answer a few of them (cause I can only answer those)
“When did these two characters get married?”
Kirito said, “Let’s get married.” in Episode 10. Asuna said yes. So that means they got married. Do we need to see them get married? Sounds like a waste of animation.
“This series introduces aspects, jumps forward, and carries on with other random and extraneous ordeals”
Yep. This is where the series gets in hot water. A-1 pictures brazenly had to adapt the side stories, meaning if there is any continuity, it’s not going to be found, especially when most of them have been adapted as poorly as they were. And yep…you guessed it. You just watched another side story (at least that’s what the LN people keep saying)!
Sep 15, 2012 @ 23:09 CDT
“Do we need to see them get married? Sounds like a waste of animation.”
No we don’t, and it shouldn’t have been announced to begin with – my point with the marriage is the entire thing was pointless.
Secondly, I don’t care how popular the series is – do not care. I only originally asked about it because alexsaingxd attempts to use that as if it were a quality metric to defend the series – and says made up gibberish like “millions of people love it”.
Thanks for the elaborate commenting however – need more of that on Sword Art Online.
Sep 15, 2012 @ 23:23 CDT
“No we don’t, and it shouldn’t have been announced to begin with – my point with the marriage is the entire thing was pointless.”
I guess you hate seeing marriage and romance genre.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 0:07 CDT
“I guess you hate seeing marriage and romance genre.”
Guess we hate meaningless marriage in a game where you look like a hopeless otaku kissing the screen
Sep 16, 2012 @ 9:50 CDT
I see myself as trapped in the middle of a crossfire here, because I actually did like the light novel-call myself a fan of the story-and yet even I felt quite disappointed with how the anime played out. The SAO anime is basically what I feared for it come true. Not to mention it also made me realize a few things that were lacking on the original source material. The setting and theme is underused. SAO never played what could have been their strongest card. It would have been nice if it transmitted the feeling of being immersed in a fantasy world to its audience and instead of giving people a generic romance plot it might have done better if it just focused on what it had here: a death game in a race against time before the players’ real bodies gave up on them.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 9:52 CDT
I’m quite sure that in general, the setting is one of the most significant factors to take advantage of – and by not utilizing it, one is effectively tossing away potential.
Everything will essentially be themed after the setting, Trigun is a fantastic example of such, and so if the setting is weak or underused, the rest will inevitably be banal.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 10:43 CDT
“it might have done better if it just focused on what it had here: a death game in a race against time before the players’ real bodies gave up on them.”
lucarion, it looks like we have similar opinions.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 10:44 CDT
Survival game – nope, online dating channel.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 0:13 CDT
What they are doing: playing house in a game
What they should be doing: trying harder to find a way out
Sep 16, 2012 @ 1:48 CDT
I must question your definition of the word “tragic”.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 1:58 CDT
alexsaingxd where’s the tragedy? all she did was make a “WTF face” and that’s it, the rest of the episode was just unneeded cliche romance that just screamed “why are you wasting time here, where is your effort to get out of the freakin game?” sorry if i’m being repetitive about the getting out thing but that’s just how bad this is
Sep 16, 2012 @ 8:12 CDT
“but they’re getting married!!!”
Sep 16, 2012 @ 8:24 CDT
“but they’re already married!!!”
Sep 15, 2012 @ 21:29 CDT
And 50 Shades of Grey is is the bestest series of novels because it is the most popular and most bought book ever, beating out the Harry Potter series combined….OH MAI GAWD!!! the world is collapsing!! Everyone flee for your lives!!!
Sep 15, 2012 @ 23:54 CDT
To Seven: No problem. You asked for people that need to answer the seemingly unanswerable– I did just that…or attempted to lol :)
To alexsaingxd: SAO should have grander ambitions than pandering to this level when it could have been done better than it has now (well, in general, this anime should do better…which is why I think “Millions” of people watch it anyways: grasping onto that one hope). I don’t think this implies Seven hating the marriage and romance genre. I’d say you need to know more of Seven’s history before making that assertation.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 0:02 CDT
Good example of marriage in anime, Toradora.
Good example of marriage in anime, Gun X Sword.
Good example of marriage in anime, Gankutsuou.
Good example of marriage in manga, Seikon no Blacksmith.
Good example of horribly implemented marriage in anime, Sword Art Online.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 1:14 CDT
when I saw the soldiers i thought this:
“man, they’re so many , i guess they’ll all charge at kirito or asuna but get defeated either way”
but then they all acted like cowards even though they have the number advantage w/o even putting a fight, i was disapointed at a level even more than disapointed , and the two lolly gagging instead of struggling to find a way out is just…
Sep 16, 2012 @ 8:10 CDT
What more could you expect from a lowly series like this.
Dec 22, 2012 @ 14:27 CDT
come on u re just completely ignoring the postives and concetrating on the negatives…. you are rite on one thing people are going too crazy over this anime and it has its flaws is some cases. but its story is directly driven by the light novel. so some parts on the anime is going to feel kind of corny or weird…. wht im saying is that it is a fairly good anime, maybe not the best one ive seen but its pretty watchable. so please, dont say that its a pile of shit espicially when i enjoy both the light novel and the anime.
Apr 21, 2013 @ 2:59 CDT
pretty watchable, yeah in some of the first episodes…
I think I just hate people who are not giving any chance for another kind of anime before they said “OMG, SAO is the best!!”
sorry…
Sep 16, 2012 @ 1:20 CDT
Bland…banal…dull…boring….recycled…uninteresting are the words that come out of my mouth when talking about this anime now.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 1:54 CDT
you just summarized the whole anime
Sep 16, 2012 @ 8:11 CDT
“Generic” and its many synonyms are turning repetitive as result of this series being so repetitively generic.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 1:49 CDT
.hack sign without a proper story…
they can only sell it with ero
Sep 16, 2012 @ 1:51 CDT
They’re so lovey-dovey, it’s painful to watch. Maybe I’m just too manly for this show…
Sep 16, 2012 @ 3:20 CDT
Wow, that was boring. I mean, I’ve seen lots of boring romance before, but none as boring as the one portrayed in this episode.
The girl is probably the manifestation of the author’s frustration for not being able to create some technique that can let the heroine give birth in a game.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 8:13 CDT
“The girl is probably the manifestation of the author’s frustration for not being able to create some technique that can let the heroine give birth in a game.”
The mystery has been solved.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 3:39 CDT
why does this show suck so much and why do people even like it. i just watch cause i reaf the light novels and this is not the kind of atmosphere it gave. It had class and the story was way better told. Not this moe asuna scenes every fucking 5 minutes.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 8:15 CDT
unfortunately, that’s how anime get their kicks these days, moe, moe , moe, it’s all moe. It’s so much moe that they forget the plot and just produce nonsense, there are few which are exceptional.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 3:51 CDT
honestly to those people who think this show is “the best and what the hell are you talking about”, if this show is sooooo “goood” why are there so many haters for it. Like honestly, other than the typical naruto, one piece and bleach haters this show got a lot of bad rep fast. This show has no clear plot anymore and half the scenes are like closeups of asuna and the action scenes last for like what, 15 secs? GARBAGE, and pleas dont tell me the romance in this anime is so out of this world. Shows with romance are toradora clannad and shows with action are like black rock shooter and code geass. Dont even compare those shows aspects to SAO cause this show is horrible.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 8:22 CDT
I agree, the fact that it gathered so much hate in so little time prove that it’s horrible and the plot, romance and action is so messed up that i don’t even know what’s going on anymore, What, a ghost in a game, getting scared of it even though you have armaments, then acts all tough in front of a bunch of cowards? It’s just sick
Sep 16, 2012 @ 8:22 CDT
I liked the latest episode, I have the feeling that Yui is Akihiko Kayaba daughter who has as much power in SAO world as he does.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 8:26 CDT
although sadly, that great potential of a plot is going to be buried by the statement ,”they’re getting married!!!”
Sep 16, 2012 @ 9:21 CDT
Another week, another turgid “review” This is some good pot boiler stuff you got going on here. I mean, eight weeks of flogging a dead horse must be what passes for reviews on this site now. I’m sure I hold a flagellant in my own hand, Guilty Crown and all.
But that was then, this is now. Are you really going to bore your readers with this for the next couple of months.
I mean, really. This is just boring.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 9:33 CDT
So give us your own review, and explain in what you find that anime good…
Don’t said me you like that poor animation. Compared it for exemple with Fate/Zero, you will cry. This is even worst than Bleach.
And the plot, you find it original or something? It’s a very generic shounen which tried to include romance but completely failed in my opinion. However I have to admit I enjoyed the first episode, but that’s all.
I think this anime is essentially for a young audience.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 9:35 CDT
Sword Art Online persists with the same problems, there’s little else to say.
“I mean, really. This is just boring.”
I agree, it is – since this series delivers the same problems on a weekly basis, and there’s nothing to refute or solve them, they remain. If you don’t like reading about them – don’t. No one invited you here, no one told you to read any of our articles. I haven’t seen you put any effort into combating any claims made by any of my reviews.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 10:01 CDT
You agree. Then you just enjoy do this week after week.
You have an open website and therefor an open invitation. You invited me. You ask me to read your articles by posting them. Or do you think you exist in a vacuum?
Why should I combat any claims to an audience that is not even interested in listening and has shown so week after week to others commenting. I enjoy the show.
But this distracts from the main point. You are being a bore in how you review this. Really, do you enjoy it?
And you regard the show as boring so your best attempt at review is to be the same?
Sep 16, 2012 @ 10:06 CDT
I like when people make assumptions and jump to conclusions.
“And you regard the show as boring so your best attempt at review is to be the same?”
No – although when an episode is so dry, there’s only so much that can be done.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 10:11 CDT
Silence can be golden.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 10:14 CDT
You can also choose not to read to an article.
I don’t write to please skylion.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 10:13 CDT
“Why should I combat any claims to an audience that is not even interested in listening and has shown so week after week to others commenting. I enjoy the show.”
I decided to make a separate comment for this since it seems a separate issue – is it not hypocritical to jump to the conclusion that no one is interested in listening?
There’s few who are making the effort to explain why they like the series, and you aren’t one of them. Of them all, most are hate comments aimed towards me, or someone simply attempting to say the series is not flawed – in which case there will definitely be a counter response. If you wanted to simply exclaim why you enjoy the series, despite the prevalent issues, what could one do? Of course however, if you wanted to combat the issues, that’s a separate matter.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 10:19 CDT
Then by next week I will dive in despite my reservations. I am afraid I must be a bit of a killjoy today and cry lack of time.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 10:22 CDT
I look forward to it – and I must say, I am indeed grateful for your feedback.
On a separate note, I would appreciate it if you continued to always bring up disagreement whenever you may have it.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 10:27 CDT
This is exactly what I expected of you, all told, and I am grateful for the opportunity.
As a bit of a teaser. Why do I enjoy the show. I am watching a tragedy in the making. No, not the show itself, but the main character. This kid is really really screwed up. But he keeps making choices and doesn’t shut down. Getting married. Bad choice, kid. It was a desperate move to be happy. Not gonna work.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 10:34 CDT
When I view the series under the light you describe it, it definitely feels more interesting – although the main problem remaining despite that is how the anime doesn’t capitalize on these stronger points unfortunately.
The potential certainly was there, and I’d like to say it still is, although I personally do not believe in last minute recovery – there’s a limit to forgiveness. Episode 10 or so will not cut it – though it’s likely variable where one will view the cut off point of success, as well as whether any kinds of lines were transgressed to begin with.
Nonetheless, I can indeed understand why one would appreciate the series given your perspective on it.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 10:39 CDT
Looks like skylion might be the first one to put up a valid counter-argument rather than the ones who say things they can’t even prove or justify
Sep 16, 2012 @ 10:47 CDT
This will go down in the comprehensive tome of SeventhStyle – Monday, September 17th 2012 AD, 12:27AM JST, a valid point of reasoning was made as to why a user likes Sword Art Online.
Verily was peace brought forth that great day as forces of opposition saw the same light from their respective positions.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 9:38 CDT
“But that was then, this is now”
There was a terrible anime then, there is even a terrible anime now, just because something was already hated because it was horrible, doesn’t mean something can’t happen again
Sep 16, 2012 @ 9:39 CDT
Apparently, a few happen to be selective when it’s something they like.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 9:55 CDT
Well, yes, I do have a horse in this race (I’ve yet to flog it). I enjoy the show. This is immaterial. We can agree to disagree, we can disagree until the cows come home. We can be vehement in regards to our viewpoints. These reviews of yours have nothing to do with that.
You are an entertainer. As a reviewer you post your thoughts in an entertaining and though provoking manner. I agree with much you say, disagree with others. But all the while, sharing these thoughts has been entertaining and illuminating.
You are not even trying to be entertaining in this regard. And you not only do it for the after airing reviews, you prejudice your thoughts for pre-releases.
And you’ve been doing it for nearly two months now. The same pot boiler stuff.
We did this for Guilty Crown. And it’s repetitious. In other words. A bore.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 10:01 CDT
“We did this for Guilty Crown. And it’s repetitious. In other words. A bore.”
It’s repetitious because it simply is, it’s Guilty Crow the 2nd, example, some people loved guilty crown yet those who actually know the points hated it, same as this show, there are those love it ,but those who analyze it don’t. So it is just that the show is horrible that it deserves as much hate as the infamous GC,
Sep 16, 2012 @ 10:04 CDT
Then you must enjoy wasting your time. Which is why I never really bothered to comment. I don’t enjoy wasting my time.
And really, I don’t even like this show alot. Just a bit. Just a hair. If it did go off air, I’d read a book.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 10:31 CDT
And it is time well wasted
Sep 16, 2012 @ 10:02 CDT
“you prejudice your thoughts for pre-releases.”
It’s called “making inferences” – when people jump to conclusions I feel that’s rather prejudice in itself, if you have anything to say about any pre-release material, why don’t do you so? Everything you’re complaining about, I’ve never seen you mention it before – and now, you’re just making general statements. Again, if you’re displeased by anything here, no one invited you.
If you’re ultimately just trying to suggest you want more spice and amusement in the next Sword Art Online review – that’s possible too.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 10:10 CDT
Again, you invited me. Maybe not me specifically, but you do invite.
Even when you wrote negative reviews for other shows I have liked (Rinne no Lagrange….again not a great show, but it passed some decent time and I got a few kicks) you did so with some sort of purpose other than kicking a dog.
That is why I am saying what I am saying now. This site is a good place and you’ve built up a good reputation so far. All I am really saying is that this sort of pot boiler review week in week out is…..beneath you? Can I be that direct? If you take that as a suggestion, then consider it suggested.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 10:16 CDT
Well thank you for the suggestion then.
I don’t view this as a “pot boiler” – I’m not sure why you’re missing the fun. Although if it bores you, it’s nice that you’ve decided to share your view.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 12:13 CDT
“Even when you wrote negative reviews for other shows I have”
He writes negative reviews for all the ones we liked such as Sword Art Online, Tasogore Otome x Amnesia, Rinnie no Lagrange, Hyouka, and many more where that came from.
The only “positive review” I’ve seen this season is Korkoro Connect. He only writes positive reviews for the ones he likes and bad reviews for what we liked. That’s what I’ve seen so far.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 12:18 CDT
Who is “we”?
You clearly haven’t even read the Tasogare Otome or Hyouka reviews either – that or the language was too difficult for your comprehension.
“He only writes positive reviews for the ones he likes and bad reviews for what we liked.”
Again, I don’t know who “we” is – you seem to be trying to speak for someone else in your comment, though I can say to you specifically, you probably have horrible taste.
And for the record of hypocrisy, you explicitly told me you hated Hyouka and it was boring.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 12:33 CDT
@alex – Every week you go on and on about defending SAO. If you look around, SeventhStyle is not the only place that thinks it’s terrible.
You and I are similar on one aspect, I thoroughly enjoy SAO for what it is – The key portion of that phrase being “for what it is”.
I know for you it will be difficult, you’ve debated for months now, how you feel SAO is a good anime, but you have to accept it for what it is. Even if you enjoy it, even if you find yourself attached to the make-belief, under developed relationship between Kirito and Asuna, that SAO is a terrible production.
Your opinion is appreciated, but in this instance not valued, as defending SAO couldn’t be more illogical at this stage, you merely have incredibly low standards.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 17:38 CDT
@alex , do you even read here? unless there’s something wrong with the story, plot, characters , etc., He will not write negative reviews, so if everything that had negative reviews was something you liked, you simply have bad taste as hawkward said.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 13:38 CDT
So, now I have unexpected time on my hands. I will give it my best go.
My hook in this show was Kirito avoiding Klein after the game’s creator made his big “you’re all going to die in here” speech. It connected, from my viewpoint, to Kirito anxiously awaiting the time to officially log in at the show’s opening. Anxious to escape the real world, kid? Anxious to feel something besides what other people have to offer? So we have a very damaged person here.
Call me crazy, but I love watching shows about damaged people.
Now, there is the charge of character design. I believe Seven has called it recycled or something of the sort. This is a fair charge and I would agree with it but for one very fuzzy feeling. Yeah, it has too damn much resemblance to other A-1 character designs. Working!! and iDOLM@STER come to mind. But, for me, it looks like it comes from the same “fictional space” as if it has a legacy. That isn’t a very dependable position, and I hesitate to put it out there.
As far as animation is concerned, that too is one of my beefs. It’s one thing to limit your budget, but it’s another thing to squander it. This episode that had full animation for a hug. And that is charming. But when you have fights, make them count as well.
So, since I start with the main character as a damaged person, it’s hard for me to see him as any sort of bad-ass. Yeah, he is the Man when it comes to fighting, but he is a dud when it comes to the social aspect of the game. There has been no collection of harem members in my viewing. Just a sad collection of missed opportunities. He fell hard in love with Saichi, but never once had the guts to tell her. He appreciated his time in the guild, but didn’t let them know. And then they all died. Jerk.
Then we get to Silica. I actually wanted to smack the crap out of him during this episode. You help someone because they need help and you are capable of giving it. Working out your personal sister/cousin/whine whine I made her study kendo baggage is something you do on your own time. But at least he apologized for making her bait. And like a young smitten girl she accepts. More damaged goods. At this point I can be kinda thankful that they are stuck in a game.
I won’t really go into the awful two-part murder story. But I pulled one cool thing from it. Asuna’s sammich. In the second episode she learns to love virtual creme thanks to Kirito. She pays him back with the best damn sammich in SAO. That makes me think. I could spend all my time leveling up, fighting monsters and walking on water, but if I couldn’t make the best damn sammich ever…what would be the point?
Dragon Poop makes good sword. That is all.
So now we get to the romance arc. I could wax on but I’ll only bring up one scene. Kirito had just defeated Gleam Eyes with his awesomeness (really nice move there pal. You sat on a useful ability because your were scared of yourself. Dedicated to clearing the game, not so dedicated that you will inconvience yourself a bit. Klein should have gotten it. Sure he may not be the best pair of shoes in the closet, but at least they got some miles under their feet). Asuna’s hug. It wasn’t that she was holding on to him, as she wasn’t letting him go. Girlfriend, you might not want to appear that desperate.
And this episode, “Did you hear anything I said?”. Nope, nothing good. Oh, my, these two are in for some trouble.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 14:46 CDT
As I mentioned with the other comment, your description of it sounds far more fascinating that the actual series – particularly as you highlight all the more brilliant portions which go suffocated.
I’m not going to necessarily respond to your comment directly, I can see why you admire the series – though let me give you my take.
Everything you’ve brought up, I’ve also noticed – although when the series goes over the safety limit in stacking boxing of cliche, among some other things on top, those boxes fall down. And when everything collapses, you’re going to have damaged goods, missed deadlines, and a mess looking for the more valuable items. That’s what occurred with Sword Art Online – the beginning emphasized some heavy stuff. The visuals seemed average at best, the series seemed to be uncertain of itself – although I decided to hope for the best.
The second episode dropped it all – the first episode seemed hardly relevant already. But that was fine, no worries, the series still tarried onward with some hints of various important details here and there – the protagonist was indeed made out to be someone with some social issues, yet then what? It’s like the series tried to drive off, and through a hurried effort, missed its destination.
The subject shifted to different incidents, Sachi had the capability to go somewhere – although the series did not take the chance. She was slightly acquainted to us, then died a worthless death – “worthless” in that aside from some general pity, there’s little reason to care of her character. Then comes the loli – it was moe, although one of the most vain adventures in recent memory. I assume the point was to introduce the Laughing Crap guild, although shoving them all at the end wasn’t too impressive – however, at least Kirito had some fancy explanation as to why he was invincible.
At this point, the series is pushing together the male and female lead, despite how obvious it is already that they’re a pair – another side-story, another episode, the series has still failed to go anywhere significantly past what our episode one managed to introduce. And then comes something about excrement – three frame fight scene, that is just entirely unacceptable. There’s no forgiveness for that whatsoever – and on that note, I’ve noticed the opening sequence has vastly more intriguing fight scenes than the anime itself.
Continuing along however, from there, the subsequent romance is bloated with obvious, as aforementioned – and worst, the series seems to have some sort of issue in figuring out what to concentrate on. For a while around the episode 8-10 mark, it did look as if it were attempting to affix itself to a single track. It centered on the Laughing Crap guild for a second, only to then give ten times as much accent towards the childish romance of the male and female lead which isn’t much different than a typical highschool series – and I already regard those rehashed highschool romances as horrible.
I can see everything you’ve said, it’s definitely there – but it’s buried, totally engulfed under a collection of severely deficient aspects which should not be of such a lacking caliber or quality. Yet as they are, this in turn brings the series down substantially overall.
Perhaps it’s just what I’ve seen prior, although if I want to see individuals facing adversity on a social and personal scale, I would rewatch Haibane Renmei, or Texhnolyze – both of which deliver so flawlessly, it can hardly be believed how any single animation staff managed to achieve such an extent of mastery.
Sep 17, 2012 @ 1:59 CDT
Nice job skylion…you actually made the show sound deeper than it is.
Now I’m not as critical as Seven when it comes to this show, like you I too find entertainment in watching flawed people play out their lives (regardless of how it ends) and yes-I actually do enjoy watching this to a fair degree despite being well aware of its flaws.
But you’re probably going to be disappointed…the more you try to rationalize this the worse you’re going to feel afterward. SAo is pretty standard stuff; enjoy it,if you can,for what its worth.
Just a few things I want to comment on:
1) Kirito isn’t going to be played out as this flawed person on the road to tragedy: he’s straight out hero material. The flaws given to him look more to me like something to better connect the target audience (namely online gaming nerds and otaku) with him rather than something to be explored on and the crap that happens to him was pretty much there to give him an(admittedly weak)tragic edge. Kirito is basically a metaphorical black coat the readers can wear to feel like they too can be a virtual badass whose virtual martial prowess actually counts for something.
2)For the animation aspect: I had a bad feeling when I saw A-1 was going to do this and I wasn’t wrong. They’re just not the right studio for these kinds of stories. Maybe that’s the reason SAO played out like this?–they tried to do it like one of their slife-of-life shows. I actually like A-1 but this is going on my blacklist. Funny thing is, I’m usually not one to give this part of an anime much attention and I like to think myself pretty forgiving, but other than the fact that they didn’t bother to animate enough fights scenes,(which should have been a main feature)whatever fight scenes that were there felt somewhat underwhelming, and I found it particularly bothersome to think that would it have hurt the animators to show a little more consistency? I mean a few episodes ago we were shown Kirito’s insane regen skill- sure the boss could have had enough ATK power to make that worthless, but would it have been too much for A-1 to animate a recovering HP bar? And then there’s this whole episode with Cradil which led me to ask myself a few times: what’s Cradil’s level anyway? I was under the impression that Kirito was one of the highest level players in the game behind only Heathcliff. Kirito’s HP shouldn’t go down that fast…and again where’s the recovering HP bar?!
3) For the romance bit…well it felt a little clumsy. This problem existed in the source material as well, though here in the anime, where everything is readily shown, there’s no way your brain can justify it the same way like when reading. For example: Asuna just feels a little too in love with Kirito–and too fast I might add-and why did her character suddenly change from a determined guild leader to that of a lovestruck girl? And without explanation? SAO’s storytelling is horrendous-the novels didn’t have this problem because everything worked in context. But in the anime…well…it was just bad.
Sep 17, 2012 @ 19:40 CDT
Hey, I really enjoy this show, but it’s always fun reading your thoughts on it. I’m not gonna get into whether or not its good, because nothing either of us says is gonna change the other’s mind, so it’s just pointless to argue. I just wanted to comment on what a lot of people seem to be complaining about; how they’re “playing house” instead of trying to actually clear the game. They are 2 people out of like a couple hundred actively trying to beat the game. Granted, they’re at the top and make a huge difference in battle, but there are still people playing to beat the game while they take some time off. After 2 years, don’t you think they’ve adapted to their current reality and, while still eager to leave SAO, can live a real life in the game? Also, they only just beat the 74th (75th?) floor after almost 2 years, so taking a week or two off when it can be expected to beat the game in another, well let’s say another 8-10 months, maybe longer as difficulty goes up, seems perfectly reasonable to me. Think of it like soldiers on leave. Also, they just declared their love for each other and got married, don’t you think they’d like to spend some time together before going back into a fight in which they could die at any time? I understand the main reason for the complaint was probably that focusing on clearing the game means more exciting episodes instead of what even I will admit is extremely cliched and bland romance, it just annoys me when people complain about characters acting human, e.g. Shinji from Eva.
Oh, I just skimmed over the side story chapter for this episode, and when they asked what a child was doing there, it’s because there’s an age restriction of 13 and up, which I guess makes sense given the violent nature of the game…
Regarding the show, the animations surely not great (good enough for me, but I’m really easy to please), but what’s a show you view as having the bare minimum for your standards of animation, and where does SAO stand after that? Rather, what’s the lowest quality animation you consider good? If I knew that, it’d give me a more accurate picture of how bad you really think SAO is.
Sep 17, 2012 @ 19:54 CDT
Your mention of taking a break makes sense – you know what doesn’t make sense? That the anime has only shown a hint of action and a huge slab of off-time.
“it just annoys me when people complain about characters acting human”
The problems with the romance have already been extensively threshed out – I appreciate that you went a gentleman’s route in your comment, although this doesn’t mean anyone is going to feel like repeating themselves. To give you a summary, the romance is poorly presented, cliched, childish, irrelevant, heavily obvious and forced, and filling more than its fair share of screentime.
“Oh, I just skimmed over the side story chapter for this episode”
No one should have to skim over any text volume of anything to understand an episode of an animation.
“the violent nature of the game…”
Based on the anime, it seems more as if the game has a nature of idiocy.
“If I knew that, it’d give me a more accurate picture of how bad you really think SAO is.”
I’ve already described how horrible this series is – comparisons of unlike things are not how you determine or comprehend quality. Not to mention, it would be an injustice to place anything in the sewage drain next to Sword Art Online.
Sep 17, 2012 @ 21:00 CDT
“you know what doesn’t make sense? That the anime has only shown a hint of action and a huge slab of off-time”
I’m with you there, all the side-stories which never really expanded on how the actual game beating was going never showed much action, only a line here and there, “I should get back to the front lines.” The side stories really slowed the pacing down, in the first volume, we go: first day ->2 years later->dinner and dual wielding fight->duel->almost getting murdered->like 2-3 chapters of their romance and marriage stuff->finale
“No one should have to skim over any text volume of anything to understand an episode of an animation.”
That was purely to give you what they explicitly said in the chapter, the line made perfect sense to me in the episode that young children were not supposed to be in the game and it made sense because I assumed it was rated T or something (do they use ESRB ratings in Japan? No matter, Japan’s equivalent of T for teen), it is a video game after all, even if it is one with only a nature of idiocy haha.
As far as the comparison thing goes, I only wanted a frame of reference for how you scale things, like when two guys will see a woman and one will say she’s a solid 7 on a 1-10 scale, and the other would give her a 1 (possibly 0), The first man cannot understand how his friend finds her so unattractive and the second is thinking why his friend likes such a woman. So the second man tells the first of a woman who is ranked, say, 6 or 7, which the first may have ranked at 9 or 10. The exchange helps the men better understand to standards to which the other holds women. Some guys are content with just a big bust (or small, if that be your taste) and a slim waist, while others take into account the girl’s hair, skin complexion and other things. I feel like my metaphor is really falling apart and sounds really sexist, ahaha. Whatever, forget it.
I’ve said almost all I wanted to say, I just have two more things:
1. I sincerely hope something in the coming episodes of SAO entertains you, because I know if I had to watch 24 episodes of a show I loathed as much as you hate SAO, I’d blow my fucking brains out.
2. This is quite possibly the most random thing that could’ve popped into my head, but whatever happened to the supposed announcement of a new Full Metal Panic! project? Wasn’t that supposed to be in August? Or was it so lame (such as the Angel Beats “announcement” earlier this year) that no body reported on it?
Sep 17, 2012 @ 21:20 CDT
“and one will say she’s a solid 7 on a 1-10 scale,”
I wouldn’t do that to begin with because numeric scaling is flawed – you can’t measure everything on the same scale. We don’t measure the volume of water with inches.
“that young children were not supposed to be in the game”
Young children are not supposed to play Grand Theft Auto or Call of Duty, although it’s likely young children who make the core audience – it should be expected, especially considering “Sword Art Online” was introduced as an RPG for serious gamers.
“Or was it so lame (such as the Angel Beats “announcement” earlier this year) that no body reported on it?”
Tes.
Sep 17, 2012 @ 21:45 CDT
Ah, that’s a damn shame, Full Metal Panic is a masterpiece, and deserves more. Well, I guess I’ll see you next week for the 12th installment of “Goddamn these guys really fucking hate this show”
Sep 17, 2012 @ 21:53 CDT
“Goddamn these guys really fucking hate this show”
And if you’d read the articles or hundreds of comments, you’d know why.
Sep 17, 2012 @ 22:42 CDT
I think you’ve misunderstood, that was not an expression of wonder and confusion, I know exactly why you hate the show, it’s just fun to read more about it every week.
Sep 17, 2012 @ 22:47 CDT
I realize – rather, I was making a general statement, just mentioning it in case there’s any passers-by, they will know what to read before having seizures.
Sep 17, 2012 @ 22:07 CDT
“Oh, I just skimmed over the side story chapter for this episode, and when they asked what a child was doing there, it’s because there’s an age restriction of 13 and up, which I guess makes sense given the violent nature of the game…”
well, you know one thing that doesn’t make sense? they asked what a child was doing there yet they were not surprised that there are numerous orphans as seen in the episode
“it just annoys me when people complain about characters acting human”
well, that’s exactly it, they aren’t acting human, they have families, friends, and other people that need them in the outside world, but do they take the realistic approach of actually trying to get out to see them again? a normal human would try any means to get out, If you like a reference, read Cage of Eden
“well let’s say another 8-10 months, maybe longer as difficulty goes up, seems perfectly reasonable to me.”
Well, i get your point, but they could use that time to get stronger and you know, make things easier?
Sep 17, 2012 @ 23:26 CDT
I thought the same thing about the kids when I watched the episode, but you have to admit, they do look older than Yui, so they may be around 13 or something, 13′s what? 7th grade? Eh, ages in anime are weird, look at Bakuman, they start the series at 14 and they look fully grown already. Ah, I don’t know man.
As far as the acting human thing goes, I disagree with your assessment, I looked into Cage of Eden (sounds pretty cool) and from the sound of it, they’re in a much more dangerous situation than the kids in SAO. In SAO, the people have safe towns where they can live in peace. In Cage of Eden, the only option (again, I’ve only read the summary on wikipedia) is get off the island, or die (they get attacked by savage creatures and stuff, right?). In SAO, the people can live relatively normal lives, if they stay in towns their HP won’t drop and they could live long, happy lives in the virtual world. Their choice is to stay safe in a town and live their lives, or potentially die trying to escape. There’s less urgency in sword art online. Of the 6000 players still alive, only like a couple hundred or so are actively trying to beat the game. Humans’ first instinct is self-preservation, and in SAO, the best way to stay alive is not trying to escape. Also, keep in mind they’ve been in this game for 2 years at this point, they’ve adapted to their new way of life, they’re comfortable enough in the virtual world that they’re ok with taking a little longer to get out. Not to mention Kirito just had to kill someone with his own hands. Not really the type of thing a 16(?) year old gaming addict could get over so quickly and immediately go out training and fighting (although that’s really just me talking bullshit, they haven’t shown any signs that’s he’s troubled by it really)
Sep 18, 2012 @ 5:22 CDT
“they haven’t shown any signs that’s he’s troubled by it really”
They sure haven’t – he’s just depressed over an undeveloped side-character named “Sachi”.
“Also, keep in mind they’ve been in this game for 2 years at this point, they’ve adapted to their new way of life, they’re comfortable enough in the virtual world that they’re ok with taking a little longer to get out.”
Too bad the anime doesn’t show this – instead highlighting oppai fondling, meaning trips to the woods, and the two leading protagonists rubbing one another.
Sep 18, 2012 @ 12:28 CDT
Yea, but I get the Sachi thing, because in his eyes, he killed that entire guild by lying about his level, which probably outweighs the (admittedly still substantial) guilt over killing a crazy asshole to save someone’s life.
And I think the reason they can highlight oppai fondling and trips to the woods shows that these two have in fact adapted, if they hadn’t, they wouldn’t be so damn easy-going. And I want to say, I don’t think 15 seconds in one episode counts as highlighting oppai fondling, which you would probably then bring up that underwear scene from episode 10, which you seemed to think was gratuitous fanservice, but I thought fit with the episode. He goes, “I wanna be with you tonight”, she mistakes that for wanting sexy times and takes the initiative, good for her.
Sep 18, 2012 @ 13:12 CDT
The thing with you, as well as most others who defend this series, is that what you say definitely makes sense, it does, but the anime isn’t as excellent as your description of it.
“guilt over killing a crazy asshole to save someone’s life.”
No life is worthless, no one can kill so easily – I know you like examples, and this is one case I can give you one since it’s not a direct comparison. For an exquisite look at the value of life in anime, I would recommend Trigun. It doesn’t matter how evil or whatever someone is – a 16 year old kid can’t just kill someone and walk over it without any substantial emotional impact.
Moving onto the romance, I have to point out an error you make; “you seemed to think was gratuitous fanservice” – that was never mentioned. Fanservice is a separate matter – the issue with Sword Art Online is, as aforementioned many a time, the romance is randomly intercessional, very awkward, obvious, forced, irrelevant most of the time, and cliched.
“they can highlight oppai fondling and trips to the woods shows that these two have in fact adapted”
But where does any of that fit within the three frame fights and whatnot? For the problems with the romance, look above. And as a side-note, I’m using oppai fondling to represent the generic romance in general.
Sep 19, 2012 @ 13:05 CDT
I get what you’re saying about life, and by no means am I saying his life is worthless because he tried to kill them. I’m just saying it’s understandable that he feels worse (and any human would I think) about killing his friends than killing someone trying to kill him and Asuna, and, like you said, he’s 16, he doesn’t know how to deal with stuff like that, he just convinced himself he had to kill that guy and refuses to deal with it, while with Sachi and co., he can’t really rationalize that away so he can hide it away. Well, this is just me explaining what would make sense if this show were deeper than it is. The truth is probably the author just didn’t think about it and forgot people should be worried about murder until the third arc.
The whole fanservice thing was my mistake, I remember you saying somewhere it was taking the same route as Accel World regarding the lewd advertising stuff, because they’re both shit or something, I forget, and must have just thought you were also referring to in-show stuff.
Sep 18, 2012 @ 7:39 CDT
at the kids thing,it could be, but doesn’t it just hit you when they are just getting picked on and you realized that they would have had enough skill to at least fight even if they are kids given they reached that floor?
and i agree with you most about the self-preservation and getting used to life thing, but they could have used that concept in later episodes, it would have been better to witness a struggling humanity at the beginning, trying to live , trying to have the advantage by any means possible
Sep 18, 2012 @ 7:47 CDT
*CONTINUATION* (sorry seems there’s a text limit in psp)
then as they get closer to clearing the game, only then will they realize that they can live there and get used to life there and settle down , as it mentioned in the first episode that monsters don’t spawn , so there should be no danger anymore to them , but they rushed this development to quickly , it was like “ahh! we’re trapped” and then the next two episodes they moved on and made a village already
Sep 18, 2012 @ 12:10 CDT
Alright, I’m only gonna reply to one of your posts just to make things simpler.
Remember that the town they went to in the episode where they found those kids was the starting town for the game on the first floor. I think the fact that they’re still there, despite the oppression from the Army douchenozzles, means it’s possible that haven’t left since the death game was announced, so they’re possibly the weakest people out of the 6000 left.
For the showing their struggle and stuff, I think the reason we didn’t see that was because the show follows Kirito, who just bounced on the first day and went to level up on his own to get as strong as possible, and when we see him next, a month’s passed and 2000 people were dead, and I’m willing to bet no small number of those were suicides and murders as opposed to monster deaths and stuff. We don’t see Kirito struggle with it much after the first episode because (and I honestly don’t know whether they showed it effectively in the show or not, as I had already read some about it and didn’t come to the show fresh) in the beginning of the series, Kirito doesn’t like reality, so it’s easier for him to accept the game which he somewhat prefers over the real world, at least at first. I think if they showed us all the chaos in the beginning, it’d be a different kind of show (which you guys would probably love very much, hahah). We would have seen a lot of people killing themselves and each other, a little dark for SAO. The show may be about a death game, but it is by no means a “heavy” show, which is one of the reasons you guys hate it so much.
And they did actually touch on the accepting the world they’re in thing. I think it was the murder case episode when Kirito’s taking a nap and Asuna’s all pissy that he’s not working, and he just tells her it’s a waste to spend such a nice day fighting, which confuses her at first because she hasn’t really been living in this world, while he’s at ease and lives just like he might in the real world.
Sep 18, 2012 @ 13:15 CDT
“but it is by no means a “heavy” show, which is one of the reasons you guys hate it so much.”
You might have the proper meaning in mind, although I feel it is important to be precise – so I’d like to point out that the series isn’t despised for being low on the mature scale, rather, because of how poorly it is presented overall.
Sep 18, 2012 @ 13:56 CDT
“Kirito doesn’t like reality, so it’s easier for him to accept the game which he somewhat prefers over the real world, at least at first. I think if they showed us all the chaos in the beginning, it’d be a different kind of show (which you guys would probably love very much, hahah).”
If wasn’t really explained well in the anime the whole kirito preferring to the whole virtual to reality thing,
And well, even if it was like that at first, we still would have hated if it transitioned to a typical high school romance by episode 5 and had inconsistent plot points and facts you need to read the book over,
Also, it’s not that i didn’t see them accepting the world thing, it was already obvious by episode 4, it’s just that you know, it just seemed like the feeling was rushed, just think of it like a baby crying that just got it’s candy taken away only to stop crying 10 seconds later
Sep 19, 2012 @ 13:50 CDT
“If wasn’t really explained well in the anime”
Well that’s just my mistake, since I read the books, I forget what things I pick up on because they’re overt and what things I’m just remembering from the book that aren’t shown too well in the show…
I get what you mean by the rushed feeling of acceptance, I think that really comes from how the book was written, because the first book skips from the first day to 2 years later and it isn’t until the 2nd book full of side stories that those 2 years are fleshed out at all, so everything at the beginning, like dealing with accepting the virtual world, were added as an afterthought, and obviously not done as well as it would’ve been if it was written with any kind of chronological logic.
Sep 20, 2012 @ 9:05 CDT
@Anon, nice there are ones like you who give a valid point to their statement, also the way you politely accepted the fact that you were confusing the LN with the anime w/o raging proves that you are an exceptional person, unlike some others i do not need to mention…
Sep 20, 2012 @ 16:37 CDT
Why do people feel like they have to rant about how a show is bad, while they provide evidence that they didn’t actually pay attention while watching it? At least half the things you mentioned that were wrong with it by citing something that happened were wrong. Do they really have to show absolutely everything to you that happens in the anime?
It’s an anime about characters stuck in an MMO, the natural progression is leveling up and clearing things, that doesn’t mean that’s ALL they do. At desperate times (cheap) pleasure sells well – people just want to offset the bad with some good. It’s NOT an anime about MMOs. (Why would you want to watch an anime centered on MMO aspects and leaving the characters out of it? Just go play one.)
I won’t tell you to go read the light novels, because you clearly don’t like this, but next time, please, at least pay attention to the details you’re ranting about.
Sep 20, 2012 @ 17:02 CDT
“that doesn’t mean that’s ALL they do.”
They’re not doing it at all in Sword Art Online.
“Why would you want to watch an anime centered on MMO aspects and leaving the characters out of it?”
You should go back and watch Sword Art Online episode one and figure out why it introduces the MMO aspect and heavily emphasizes it. Also, just FYI, that which the series does have is horrible for reasons already mentioned only short of a million times.
I don’t know where you got “leaving the characters out of it from”, although Sword Art Online in its current state is doing just that by focusing on banalities instead of actual, real, character development. What do we know about Kirito so far? He has some kind of imouto fetish, loves the generic heroine, is invincible, and has occasional mental spurs – barely anything of value learned within half the series’ total number of episodes.
I won’t tell you to go back and reread the article or the hundreds of comments made already, cause you probably won’t anyways, but next time, please, just take the few minutes it requires to be literate and then subsequently attempt to comprehend what it is you’ve read.
Hopefully then you will at least attempt to put up some kind of counterargument instead of merely making an exhibit of incompetence.
Sep 21, 2012 @ 4:48 CDT
“At least half the things you mentioned that were wrong with it by citing something that happened were wrong. Do they really have to show absolutely everything to you that happens in the anime?”
It’s not they they have to show everything to us, yet I expect at least to round up the facts instead of leaving something in the air and never bring it up again (ex. “We do not feel pain”, further emphasized in episode 5 about the sleep pk, but completely ignored with his battle with heathcliff)
It’s NOT an anime about MMOs.
why did they bother naming it that way, and putting it in that setting, and making convenient options for MMO’s for the MC,and making us feel that way in episode 1 ?
“(Why would you want to watch an anime centered on MMO aspects and leaving the characters out of it? Just go play one.)”
*insert jackie chan meme face here* what you said was just messier than garbage sack,
“but next time, please, at least pay attention to the details you’re ranting about.”
but next time please pay attention and read our comments and the articles to understand what’s wrong instead of you jumping to conclusions
“It’s an anime about characters stuck in an MMO, the natural progression is leveling up and clearing things, that doesn’t mean that’s ALL they do”
unfortunately, i think it’s not even about that anymore, the characters themselves seem to have forgotten that they are trapped seeing as they have made no effort to get out faster whatsoever, and instead focused on the not so romantic relationships in a game, where if you were in such a situation in your life, your current state would be a person having close to nothing except the clothes on your back
Also, fact that we provide evidence means that we more than pay attention to facts more than anyone, so don’t go ranting about us not paying attention when it is you who is not paying attention
Sep 24, 2012 @ 17:48 CDT
finally someone who understands. Now everytime i tell someone i dont like SAO i can just link this to them instead of trying to explain the awkward development and my dislike for the main characters who cant stop touching each other.
Sep 25, 2012 @ 10:44 CDT
You would think it would be obvious without having to explain it to others.
Oct 6, 2012 @ 22:47 CDT
i feel that fate-zero is alot better than SWO but SWO was 1st in the anime ranking list while fate-zero is 2nd….The plot of SWO and how the story flows doesn’t feels right…Mira Nikki is also a better anime filled with interesting twists and turns and at the same time never lost sight of the whole surviving objective. Though i am admit that SWO has good OST, animation and character design.
Oct 6, 2012 @ 22:50 CDT
I don’t care about the music one way or the other – but “animation and character design”, no way.
Oct 6, 2012 @ 23:01 CDT
Well, different people have different opinions on stuff. I heard that in the manga, the characters will enter other virtual worlds and the game creator(killer) remain scott-free.I doubt SWO can remain that popular for long though!~~Anyways, thanks for replying!
Oct 6, 2012 @ 23:05 CDT
“I heard that in the manga, the characters will enter other virtual worlds and the game creator(killer) remain scott-free.”
That’s happening in the anime also:
http://seventhstyle.com/2012/10/06/sword-art-online-second-season-pv/
On another note, thanks for realizing that different people have different opinions – that should go without saying, yet some people view their perspectives as if it were martial law.
Oct 6, 2012 @ 23:14 CDT
So true! i told my fellow SWO fans about the different flaws in SWO and was “barraged” down heavily. And i saw the video in the link. WHUT!? TURN INTO ELVES!? SERIOUSLY!? then what does the title Sword Art Online represent then…
Oct 6, 2012 @ 23:18 CDT
Misleading title.
Oct 6, 2012 @ 23:26 CDT
Anyways, thanks for spending time to reply! Have a good day!
Nov 10, 2012 @ 12:16 CDT
I agree with everyone that says sao is awesome
Nov 10, 2012 @ 12:18 CDT
Which is no one here.
Nov 24, 2012 @ 10:50 CDT
Agreed with everyone who doesn’t like SAO..
I don’t like it too, and yes I watch it
arguments are already all said so I have nothing to say anymore lol (man I love this place, everywhere I go it was like “SAO the best!” “best anime EVER!” “Asunaaa!!” “Kiritoooo!!”)
****ing shit, stop it already
Nov 24, 2012 @ 10:53 CDT
There’s so many damn plotholes here
at least regarding to the gaming systems
gaming virtual world? ***k, go into another fantasy world and never use the word “game” again
40 minutes traveling just to talk to someone instead of PMing, that’s a shitty game alright
oh hey look! I can move with shear will power and got out of this paralysis/death status!! weee!
And I could just grab a weapon from a party member/friend without askingher and flippin’ some skirt of hers! yay!
… yeah right
Jan 26, 2013 @ 4:54 CDT
I’m not really sure how I got here or even if any of you will still see this but hey whatever. I personally read the novels and have so since been a big fan of them so seeing one of my beloved series being bashed kinda ticks me off. However I also understand aswell, there was a lot of skipping around and frankly the anime was pretty disappointing although I didn’t find it bad just not amazing. There was a lot of inconsistencies and all the aforementioned problems but I probably just filled them all in with what I already knew from reading the books. When I think back on the anime itself though I think it was at least somewhat enjoyable. I dunno I guess it was just to expanse to fit four books into a 25 ep anime. They did seem to make a LOT of changes though like simple things that seem to change the characters themselves. Anyways I’m just hoping that if they make a second season they won’t treat it like they haven’t read the books for Peres sake oh they are really good btw I recommend them 5th arcs the best in my opinion (: blaaaaaaaaarg I dunnnnnnnnoooo
Jan 26, 2013 @ 8:30 CDT
“I dunno I guess it was just to expanse to fit four books into a 25 ep anime.”
I won’t argue too much with what else you had to say, but here I have a bir of a problem. Take Spice and Wolf as an example. There they adapted 4 volumes into 26 episodes as well, but they still managed to do a good job with it, and even if they did make changes, they still managed to make good changes, instead of ruining it.
Feb 1, 2013 @ 11:07 CDT
“I dunno I guess it was just to expanse to fit four books into a 25 ep anime.”
Fate/Zero would like to talk to you.
“but I probably just filled them all in with what I already knew from reading the books. ”
Well the thing is, that’s just about it, as it’s been mentioned by many dozens of times, you don’t need to read a book to understand a show, it’s like this, do you need to read the manga of Series X to enjoy the anime of it? No, that’s just wrong, as what about those who have no access to LN or the source material? If anime were all like SAO which you need to read the fricking book to understand, most of them would be Necro-crud.
“However I also understand as well, there was a lot of skipping around and frankly the anime was pretty disappointing although I didn’t find it bad just not amazing. ”
nothing wrong there, at least you’re not one who says it’s good even though it’s actually not.
“I personally read the novels and have so since been a big fan of them so seeing one of my beloved series being bashed kinda ticks me off”
I feel you, like your case, I loved the Tsukihime VN, but it’s anime was just horrible.
“Anyways I’m just hoping that if they make a second season they won’t treat it like they haven’t read the books for Peres sake oh they are really good btw I recommend them 5th arcs the best in my opinion ”
Well considering what A-1 is currently showing in it’s performance, the first anime series was bad enough, but what about a second one? it would be hell I tell you.
P.S., Maybe they haven’t read it like at all, and just relied on internet summaries.
Feb 1, 2013 @ 8:31 CDT
Look, I don’t understand why ya’ll want to tear this story down. It’s honest to god one of my favorites. Obviously ever show you wish there was something extra or you would’ve done differently, but everyone is unique in what they liked and thats ok. I do feel like defending this though.Take it from an infantry veteran who deployed to iraq; twice to afghanistan. lol, i know im a sucker for anime.. anyways…war makes you build bonds with people stronger and more diffuclt than people can understand; a willingness to live and die for each other; and thats between two straight guys. So its not hard to believe they could fall in love and considering death could be around the corner it would be a fast pace love; not to mention he’s a great guy who she see not only be a great fighter but has a kindness towards others and hasnt given up hope but embraces the bad and does the best he can to protect people especially ones he cares for. He sees shes a beautiful confident woman and cares a lot for her; they have great chemistry, they made me laugh and feel good watching them; felt like real love to me and it was just a show. i was hoping they’d get together honestly. Deploying for a year at a time is difficult on the mind and body and we get two weeks midtour leave to help coupe; in the anime its been two years constant battle….its to be expected they’d like a break…oh and it was a two week one too…so complaining about a small break in the series to explain their love and explain that they took time out of two years to actually mature it and take a break from almost dieing while trying to communicate that love isnt difficult to understand. It was a little early for the romance but i’d rather have short and sweet series that leaves a warmness in my heart and a smile on my face than another inyuyasha fiasco, or… as much as i laughed and enjoyed Ah! My goddess i have to tell you, he had no guts and even for a goddess she seemed too naive sometimes…then again that was the appeal to a certain extent…lol, i digress; point is i was entertained and enjoyed the show; im sure a small part of everyone did too; why focus on the negatives and not focus on the positives; if you found none one day you might; and i honestly hope you do. :)
Feb 1, 2013 @ 9:25 CDT
This comment is a prime example of the delusional nature of many Sword Art Online “fans”.
They start by proclaiming they don’t understand why others dislike it, despite the fact it’s already addressed in heavy detail – e.g. the above article and the 125 preceding comments.
“Look, I don’t understand why ya’ll want to tear this story down.”
The subject then proceeds to assert the fact that they like it, and use a variety of generalizations in hopes they sound like they are making a coherent argument – which you’re not, unfortunately.
“war makes you build bonds with people stronger and more diffuclt than people can understand”
Proper grammar is more difficult than people can understand too apparently.
And subsequently, you explain a variety of events that were not in the series – likely just going to show how you are injecting your own views into the work.
“in the anime its been two years constant battle…”
There was around eight fight scenes throughout the entire series, and they were all one-frame, one-hit, one-kill, zero intensity.
“small break in the series”
Aside from the first episode, they were all about romance. I realize the complex mathematics involved in determining that 24 out of 25 total episodes is a dominant majority may be overwhelming, but the more you know.
“Take it from an infantry veteran who deployed to iraq; twice to afghanistan”
Hopefully you can afford some higher education now.
Feb 1, 2013 @ 9:53 CDT
“But i’d rather have short and sweet series that leaves a warmness in my heart and a smile on my face than another inyuyasha fiasco, or… as much as i laughed and enjoyed Ah! My goddess i have to tell you, he had no guts and even for a goddess she seemed too naive sometimes…then again that was the appeal to a certain extent…”
Quite funny you compared series that have no relation to each other at any points.
Also, you want warmness and fuzziness in your heart? watch stuff that actually gave it like Key Animes, ToraDora, Nodame Cantabile, Aria, Hidamari Sketch, Kokoro Connect, etc.
Those are actual good titles , crazy as that sounds.
“its to be expected they’d like a break…oh and it was a two week one too…so complaining about a small break in the series to explain their love and explain that they took time out of two years to actually mature it and take a break from almost dieing while trying to communicate that love isnt difficult to understand.”
Well, apparently, seeing your families and friends is not top priority and you can just laze around while other players who aren’t focused on risk their lives behind the scenes just to get out, and even though they’re not grinding like those in a true MMO, they still turn out the strongest of them all, automatically, while those who have clearly exerted more effort into the game and are supposed to be stronger because they’re not lazing around gets shit. PROTAGONIST LOGIC.
“why focus on the negatives and not focus on the positives; if you found none one day you might; and i honestly hope you do. :)”
why do we focus on the negatives? Because in a white dress, if a stain is small, you can hide it , but what happens if the dress is just pull of stains, everyone will notice it right? That’s exactly whats happening @ SAO.
Also, there are positive points, but unfortunately, they’re the side characters like Klein and Silica.
“Take it from an infantry veteran who deployed to iraq; ”
i Honestly cannot take your word from it since i can’t even understand the structure of most of your statements and that you clearly just put frosting over a horrible cake in there.
” i digress; point is i was entertained and enjoyed the show; im sure a small part of everyone did too”
I enjoyed it too, enjoyed ridiculing the stench on what has to be the biggest crap anime has ever let out.
Feb 1, 2013 @ 10:16 CDT
“lol, i digress; point is i was entertained and enjoyed the show; im sure a small part of everyone did too; why focus on the negatives and not focus on the positives; if you found none one day you might; and i honestly hope you do. :)”
It is centainly your right and privilege to enjoy SAO and maybe there are even more people loving the show than those not liking it. After all the first BD/DVD volume sold around 40k units, so it’s quite popular.
However, popularity is rather irrelevant when it comes to quality. Just watch any popular reality-tv show. ;)
And while on a subjective level, one can certainly enjoy and love any show, no matter what other people think about it, there are more or less objective aspects that can be observed, discussed and sometimes even rated. Like plot, art style, animation quality, narrative quality, chemistry between characters, originality, atmosphere, underlying messages, just to give a few examples.
And very sadly, SAO fails to stand out for a lot of these things. If during discussion this appears like focusing only on the negatives, it is simply because the negatives overwhelmingly outweigh the very few positives. It is not from a desire to find any fault, no matter what.
Maybe you need to understand, that hopes were very high for this show. There is a lot of honest disappointment about it turning out the way it did, myself included.