Sword Art Online (2012– ) User Reviews

Pretty Decent!

[crimson_knight_7 · 9/10 · 21 August 2014]

In the year 2022, thousands of people get trapped in a new virtual MMORPG (Mass Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game) known as Sword Art Online. Where death normally causes you to respawn to a safe zone, Sword Art Online was reprogrammed to kill anyone who dies in the virtual world. The only way to exit the game, is to defeat the final boss. Eager to escape this virtual nightmare, a lone beta player called Kirito fights his way through each floor of the game; however, this lone wolf soon recognizes the need for companionship, and the cost for his freedom. In the end, SAO Season 1 was packed full of mythical virtual excitement, beautiful animation, wonderful orchestral pieces, and intriguing character development. Even if you never watch SAO Season 2, SAO Season 1 is a must see for any Anime enthusiast and deserves a solid 10.

Sword Art Online Season 2, brings us back to the mmo virtual world. However, unlike SAO Season 1, the first half of SA0 season 2 is primarily based on a gunslinger motif known as Gun Gale Online,

In a virtual world comprised of guns and bullets, Kirito, uses a female avatar whilst duel wielding a violet energy sword and a 5.7mm FN Five Seven handgun. Not long after his experiences in Alfheim Online, Kirito is asked to assist in finding a mysterious player called Death Gun who is targeting the best players in the game, and is some how killing them in the real world.

Though we reunite with some familiar characters in the past, GGO introduces a sexy sniper named Sinon who uses a PGM Ultima Ratio Hecate II which is a .50 caliber anti-material sniper rifle. As awesome as this season has been, it does lack a few of the intense emotional elements that made the first season so amazing. (Ex: The romance that developed between Kirito and Asuna, or the intense rage Kirito expressed to certain members of Laughing Coffin)

Upon the conclusion of SOA season 2 mid-season finale, we are brought back to Alfheim Online where we are reunited with everyone in Kirito's party from SOA season 1. After a brief 4 episodes, the remainder of the SAO season 2 focuses on an entirely new guild known as the "the sleeping knights" guild. In a desperate attempt to achieve the unachievable "the sleeping knights" request Asuna's help after assessing her combat skills in a duel against their strongest member Yuuki.

Growing up on anime, I have seen my fair share of classics, but the beautiful atmosphere, the breathtaking music, and the fantastic character development has quickly made SAO my favourite anime series. That being said, those who were a fan of SAO season 1 will notice an almost different atmosphere in SAO season 2. Personally I feel that SAO season 1 was better because the second half completely fed off the first half of the season. However, SAO season 2 had what appeared to be 4-5 parts. Although this introduces us to new characters, the plot felt a little scattered as it lacked the kind of consistency and the emotional build that was provided by SAO season 1. Overall, the second season of SAO was not fantastic, but I still believe it deserves a 7.

Amazing anime

[randy-26556 · 9/10 · 11 June 2019]

This anime is very good, the story and fight scene is awesome. All the arc is perfect especially Alicization arc. You must watch this anime once in a life

Not a masterpiece but worth to watch

[bdnahian · 8/10 · 4 July 2021]

I would not call this anime a masterpiece but it really is something. Surely there are better anime's out there. But if you like game and vr stuff then it's totally worth your time. I watched all 4 season. I didn't like season 2&3 that much. But season 4 was a beast. As the release date is out I am waiting for season 5. Although I think it's overhyped but you can enjoy.

Wow, just amazing.

[ukrainianz · 10/10 · 23 August 2012]

This anime is Amazing. Watch it now. I can't even explain this... Sword Art Online is ridiculously well made, so far. A lot of anime have a good start but end horribly but this anime has an incredible start and only time will tell of the end. However, I believe that this anime will finish very well. I don't want to reveal much about the show but the main character Kirito is awesome... Just go watch this show. Now. You wont regret it trust me. I don't know if I'll be able to survive waiting a week for each episode. All I have been doing so far is praising the show but I'm dead serious the characters are awesome, plot is awesome, the idea of the show is very interesting as well. I HIGHLY recommend this show and I know this isn't the most detailed and persuading post (I don't wanna spoil anything), at least I don't think it is but this is a very good show. You will get hooked from episode 1, I promise. My brother and I aren't crazy anime fans, we probably are now because of this show but he saw someone post on a website that an amazing new show is going on air and well, he was right.

Instantly Hooked

[mathew-godfrey · 8/10 · 23 October 2015]

With the help of a friend, as well as Sirlionhart's Let's Play of Hollow Fragment, Sword Art Online became the first Japanese Anime that I got into. Closest things to Anime prior that I watched were Avatar: The Last Airbender (Some don't really consider it anime as its American, but its based off it) and if you count movies, Spirited Away. But back on topic.

After my friend showed me game-play of Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment, I decided to check out the series on Netflix and I was instantly hooked. It was humorous at times, very deep and emotional, and really epic. The characters are likable, the story is amazing, the music, score and theme songs, awesome.

I understand that a lot of people don't like the show, and I see the reasons why. I was disappointed when the First Story Arc came to what seemed like a sudden and rather quick end (Which is the reasoning behind me not giving the show a perfect 10 score). I honestly wouldn't have had a problem with different Story Arcs if the first season had focused on just one (Much like ABC's Once Upon a Time, because I think the Story Arcs were rather good.

But overall, I am really glad that I got into the show. It may not be perfect, but I liked it and I really look forward to Sword Art Online 3 as well as the movie (that is, if they have officially been announced rather than rumored)when they come out.

Great anime series

[HajiAltair · 9/10 · 10 December 2012]

So far I've seen the first dozen of episodes. It goes without saying that this anime is very beautiful and with strong memorable characters. I was hesitant at first to watch this because of the video game theme. But it's a very mature show for what is contrary to what it appears to be in first glance.

Teenage boy Kirito gets stuck in a futuristic MMO game and together with other players in his situation they have to beat the game to be set free or die in the real world.

It's not the typical action packed anime, although it could turn into another Naruto/Bleach/OnePiece of ridiculously overpowered action heroes, I think a better description so far would be a tragic romantic sci fi show. I can't remember when I've seen so many characters die in an anime in such a short succession.

Anyway don't miss this, I'm glad I didn't. There are very few animes these days that make me want to see forward for the next episode.

How does this get such a good reputation

[baumhenrik · 6/10 · 30 November 2020]

I finished the first two seasons now and I'm actually wondering how this show got its good reputation in the anime scene. I mean the first 6 or so episodes were entertaining and I was curious how it all plays out but as soon as they leave the soa game the show just got stuck into a boring love story and doesn't really seem to get out of it at all. The fights are mediocre and the characters are very linear and flat written. The world building doesn't really exist after the first few episodes and the story overall just isn't really exciting I feel like. I probably won't watch the next seasons since my expectations aren't really that high.

Honestly, not that bad

[trolliyama · 8/10 · 19 July 2020]

This is an okay anime series. Why do people hate it so much?

It is because of the supposed "sexism"? (Lol, as if the otaku crowd has ever cared that much about sexism) or because the main character supposedly is a "Mary Sue/Gary Stu/Marty Stu/Whatever"? A lot of protagonists in shonen anime are bigger Mary Sues yet people love them. Just ask Akira Toriyama.

Anime made for RPG gamers.

[Spartan_1_1_7 · 8/10 · 5 February 2014]

Well I have to say, this has got to be the hardest anime to review and rate that I have come across so far. It is one hell of a mixture. But I did had a great time watching it, was very entertaining and that is what really matters.

On the plus side, I loved the setting/premise, a world where virtual reality has been perfected and MMORPG's truly come to life. The RPG gamer in me was really happy while watching this anime. DAMN I wanted to be in SAO so bad. The animation was great, especially that of the action sequences. I loved em. Coupled with amazing soundtrack, they really became epic. Protagonist was very likable and cool. The heroin was hot. :p

Now on the bad side, the anime felt really rushed in the beginning. It actually felt like I skipped an episode couple of times. Would have been better if they stretched out the first arc into 24 episodes or so, would have been much better. It got a little too much lovey dovey too later on, which was off putting. The side characters were good BUT they got very less screen time, way too less. It was like the anime forgot about them. And then there was the second arc. It didn't suck as bad as many said it would but still it was nowhere near as good as the first arc. IT just didn't had the same feeling as the first arc. The setting in it was cool, had a lot of Final fantasy vibe to it. But the love stuff was lame and pointless.

As for the rating, well I would give it like:

First arc (1-14 episodes) 8.8/10.

Second arc 6.5/10.

Overall, despite its flaws, I somehow still found it to be very enjoyable and was engaged in it a lot. 8.3/10.

Watching this is as crucial to your existence as learning how to breathe!

[UglyParents · 10/10 · 1 January 2013]

This anime was nothing less than a masterpiece (and, believe me, I don't throw that word around lightly). I'm not a gamer and yet I found every aspect of SAO appealing: the special skills, the slightly complicated workings of the VRMMORPG(s), the character designs...everything was top- notch. While the idea of creating an anime which focuses on characters playing a VRMMORPG isn't entirely new/original, I believe that SAO manifests the most flawless depiction of such a series.

From the onset of the anime, Tomohiko Ito intrigued me with a plot line so gripping and characters so relatable and admirable that I would undoubtedly watch every last episode of this anime. The phantasmagorical world that he created left me wishing that there was some possibility that it could be real sometimes and the love shared between the two main characters was so heart-rending that it made my heart bleed. This anime illustrates the whole scope of human emotions/relations within a mere 25 episodes AND features quite a bit of character development. Furthermore, it presents a completely fleshed-out and fulfilled story which leaves no "what ifs?"...it ties up all loose ends and then redirects to give you a look at the lives of even some of the minor characters.

This isn't just an anime...it's a true work of art! 100/10 You've gotta watch this! :D

Must watch anime .......

[malaybardhan · 10/10 · 13 March 2022]

I know there is some who hate this anime but I am damn sure the didn't hate li ..... confused 😝let me explain all want good ending but they want sad and different ending like AOT have now aot have a sad ending so they hate it and if it would had a good ending then there also would be hate so hate doesn't matter .......... You should try this then comment on this anime without watching this you should've comment it or anything else at first try. Think about it carefully🤔🤔🤔......

First half of the season more than decent

[ppatranka · 7/10 · 30 March 2015]

First part of the season (up until episode 15) is pretty decent. Kirito is invited to play in an other game called Gun Gale Online GGO because something strange is happening. Player killed in this game by one specific character dies from heart attack in real life as well. Maybe it's only a coincidence, but further investigation is much needed. After entering a game Kirito meets a player-sniper Sinon, who participates in this game due to her own reasons. I really recommend watching is part of the season. It definitely is not as good as the first season of SAO, but i found it enjoyable. I found plots twist pretty interesting and the fact that Kirito suffers from SAO experience to be a nice touch to this season.

The most annoying thing in this season was reminiscent of events which happen earlier. 'OK, i saw it, i remember it, there is no net to waste tame and show the same things in every episode!'. Maybe if those events weren't shown so boldly but with a hint of subtlety it wouldn't be so annoying.

All in all, I'm giving it a 6,5 ->7

BUT. There is a second part of he seasons. Which i hated, found boring and don't even want to talk about it.

It's a must-watch

[adaptor · 8/10 · 4 April 2021]

Maybe I'm a sap but I love this show. I loved it when I watched it ten years ago and I'm loving it again watching it with my daughter this year. It reminds me of all the good times that I had playing WoW and raiding with my guild. It's smart, funny, exciting, and thoughtful, as long as you ignore the weird cousin-love thing that crops up for a few episodes

(Note that I've only watched the first two seasons...)

Overhyped but good

[bdnahian · 8/10 · 4 July 2021]

In the overall anime I think it's overhyped. But still I enjoyed it though.2&3 season was kinda gloomy to me but season 4 was a beast. Most of all what I like the most in this anime is kirito and asuna's love story. Everything is good but my main motivation is kirito x asuna. You should probably give it a watch.

A Series That Keeps You Guessing To A Point

[briggnalle · 8/10 · 23 February 2016]

After watching the final episode of SAO my reaction was of randomized and mixed feelings just like the show itself. This anime which was completely out of my territory found its way to become one of the best I've seen in a long time.

Pros: The story-line is very good, while randomized at times it stays on course on whatever story it tells and it builds up the suspense with battles, realizations, romance, and almost everything an action anime has to offered. A little bit of humor doesn't hurt either, for the show was serious most of the time but still offered a little bit of comic relief that was well needed but not overused like many anime today. The romance within the story was a nice touch as well as the thoughts concerning life and personal strength.

Cons: As said above the story is randomized at times, in fact during the first few episodes I was confused due to the many 'jumps' in the story. Like one moment the main characters here doing this, and the next doing that. Which was very different and I will admit confusing at first but as the story picked up it all began to make more sense despite my disappointment in the random jumps and what I like to call 'filler' episodes. However I CAN say that it was all worth it in the end.

All in all, it was a very good series and I really enjoyed watching it. It held many characteristics that make for a good adventure and story, it told good lessons within it, and best of all, it keeps you entertained despite the randomness starting in episode one. If you aren't a big fan of 'jumps' or filler episodes maybe this isn't for you, but I highly recommend that you give this series a shot and see for yourself what a wonderful piece of artwork this series has to offer.

Deep and Engaging Story

[neos-516-326579 · 10/10 · 30 October 2012]

As most of you know there are light novels for this series, all of which I have read. And this has been perhaps the best read I've had in ages. The storyline, characters, vastness of the world and romance between Asuna and Kirito are perfect, and the twists will leave you dying for more. If you're here for an anime with a great storyline, have played any RPGS or enjoy a little romance mixed with action and suspense, then this is the anime for you. Although there has only been 4 episodes (at the time of this review), the anime has covered a substantial part of volume 2 in the sword art series, so from here on out the main and incredible storyline will be followed. The animation is beautiful to say the least, and will no doubt accurately represent the amazing setting from the light novels as well as the character models. The voice acting for the main characters Asuna and Kirito have been spot on (of course), and the sound quality is overall, like the animation, perfect.

As I hinted at above, the story will have you hooked from the beginning , I'm sure many of you have played RPGS, and if you died in those RPGS, you'd respawn and try again of course. But in this anime, the RPG becomes real life, if you health bar drops you're killed almost instantly in real life. With that kind of premise, this anime will be very suspenseful and engaging. I'll focus on the main characters for now because most of the others haven't been fairly introduced yet. Off the bat you can tell Kirito isn't the average anime protagonist, he chooses to go solo for the sake of his own survival rather than stay with his "noob" friend and protecting him in the VRMMORPG. This might seem like a shortcoming, but in the novels he quickly changes upon meeting Asuna (his main love interest+party member), and becomes a character you'll love. Asuna is very strong willed and at first seems to contrast with the anti-social and awkward Kirito, but we later find out how similar they are, and their relationship is perhaps the best I've seen in any other anime or Manga. This anime will only be about 25 or 26 episodes long, covering just volumes 1,2, and perhaps some of 8 in the process, if it does well enough movies and ova's or even another season could be launched, allowing us to further immerse in this incredible universe.

And I'm sure by the time this anime is finished (or long before), everyone will be rushing to read the novels, and they won't be disappointed!

12 episodes

[guccimershad · 6/10 · 11 January 2022]

The first 12 episodes of season one were great, the rest wasted time. In my opinion, watch only the first twelve episodes, then think that the anime is over.

ONE of the BEST Anime in 2012

[Rohb · 10/10 · 2 September 2012]

Sword Art Online (SAO) Even though the anime is not completed as I write this, I can already see that this anime will be one of the best of 2012.SAO is perfectly paced storyline with many plot twists and surprises it's almost impossible to get bored.I have no other words to describe this is just simply amazing and you will easily fall in love with SAO.I can't believe it's only scoring 8.8.It's easy 10/10 in my books...If you watch one anime in 2012 I recommend SAO especially if your an MMO player and even more so if you played MMO's back in the day before they made all of them casual. This anime tells a story from the viewpoint of those kind of games, where things are very challenging, living in another world is possible in games.

Amazing So Far

[daletharbaugh · 10/10 · 2 February 2016]

I am actually watching this Show really late. Most of my friends watched it over a year ago but i have heard great things. I decided to watch it on HULU yesterday for the first time and i was hooked. I stayed up way to late and watched the first 10 episodes. The Reason why it was so appealing to me was it seemed like it was my life. I game daily its a part of my life and seeing this show where everything you do it real and has consequences just opened my eyes. I love all the characters from the good and bad. Great show i cant believe it took me this long to watch it. Give it a chance. Other shows i have watched and enjoyed...Inuyasha, Bleach, One punch man, Trigun, Cowboy Bebop that's just a few so you see what i watch in comparison and there is a 10 line minimum so just stretching this out a bit.

The equivalent of junk food

[megaoiluj · 1/10 · 28 July 2018]

The embodiment of mediocrity, the example of what is wrong with anime. If you're a teenager who wants to turn off his brain, this will surely entertain you. If you're looking for something moderately good, a logical and well-done story, without clichés, without forced moments or some originality, this is definitely not for you. This does not go beyond a nice visual display full of bad and ridiculous moments that takes the viewer for an idiot; It's the equivalent of a junk food with no nutritional value.

Love and Sacrefice

[hsn-546-426431 · 10/10 · 20 January 2013]

one of the best RPG anime ever watched , similar to the one called Hack GU (Haseo) . The romantic story between Kirito and Asuna is really great and heart beating . The director succeeded in viewing the relation between them both . where at first glance you think it's just a series of adventure and killing bosses , but when you watch it episode after episode , you will discover that there's a huge aim of a story which is love , and sacrifices .

starting from the first episode you will be hooked . And i liked how the episodes mingles between two different events . one in SAO and the other in a new video game called the world of fairies. The series is taken from 2 SAO novels . Although Kirito changes the game to a new world , but it will always stay as SAO . And all of this incidents just to show how he would defeat all worlds just to protect the one he loved , Asuna . Using his super skills gained in SAO online game , he turns to another game , and defeat its bosses , not looking for fame , or reputation , just he was looking for his love .

the music , action scenes , just everything fits it to let you repeat the scenes over and over.

Great

[cquimby1216 · 10/10 · 10 April 2018]

Love this show, easy to watch, great story line Very easy to build a relationship with the characters

Good but doesn't live up to the hype

[jaihb · 6/10 · 27 September 2015]

I'll be honest, after watching SAO for the first time I loved it, it had action and drama and many other things I enjoyed and by no means is a bad watch. However, having since experienced some other series, the flaws that I failed to see the first time around become much more apparent.

The two main leads, Kirito and Asuna are simply put, bland and uninteresting. Kirito, besides being presented as incredibly overpowered, somehow has almost every female character in the series coming after him despite being by and large a quiet and anti-social loner with no personality. Asuna, after a promising start, merely becomes a stereotypical tsundere love-interest for the first half of the series before becoming the typical damsel in distress for the remainder. Additionally, neither Kirito or Asuna really receive any significant character development throughout the series.

The supporting characters fair better with each having reasonable personality and for the most part, are more interesting than the two leads. Unfortunately, most of them will only appear sporadically and some seemingly appear to exist purely so that another pretty girl can fawn over and flirt with Kirito and his lack of personality.

The premise and plot is solid but unfortunately not utilized to it's potential as the series focuses more heavily on the forced romance between Kirito and Asuna than on their attempts to escape the world in which they've been trapped. Many of the episodes, especially through the middle of the series, feel unnecessary and more like filler than in any way important to the plot and this is not helped by numerous time-skips through the early episodes which make the series feel a bit schizophrenic.

All in all, SAO is an enjoyable watch if you can turn off your mind to the fact that the plot loses sight of the main objective a bit too much and can swallow the forced romance and bland main protagonists. The animation, sound and supporting characters are at least solid enough to mitigate many flaws but the thought remains that SAO could have been much better than it ultimately ended up being.

One of the best animes

[mightyvittey · 10/10 · 8 December 2014]

*short*

The anime Sword Art Online is a great watch, with strong romance, hooking story, and a on the edge of your seat show.

The thing that SAO excels at over most anime is that the plot is interesting, with a great, balanced mix of romance, action, and suspense. The characters are very like-able, and the animation and voice acting (even for eng dub) is great. The romance is filled with uplifting humor and serious compassion and emotion. The best thing about the show is it is able to tell a very well story with a uplifting plot and atmosphere, even when it is life or death. Another great thing is the characters are very like-able, not overly depressing, and are not insane to the point where it bothers you. Also, the show does a great job of introducing more characters each episode who are also very like-able. This allows you to fall in love with all characters other then just Kirito being the only character you enjoy.

Not as good as I thought

[harshdev-41510 · 6/10 · 21 January 2019]

At starting I thought that it would good but this animi is only for childrens . There is no good story and lack of action . The graphics are very well and beautiful