Detailed review and rating of Sword Art Online Episode 1

Sword Art Online: An adventure into the world of VRMMORPG

"Sword Art Online" (SAO) is a TV anime series based on the light novel by Reki Kawahara, which aired from July 8 to October 7, 2012. The 14-episode series can be viewed on multiple broadcasting stations, including TOKYO MX, and although each episode is compact at 30 minutes, it has a deep story and fascinating characters. The animation is produced by A-1 Pictures, and the production is done by the SAO Project.

Story Summary

SAO is set in the future, in the year 2022. The protagonist, Kirito, also known as Kirigaya Kazuto, joins Sword Art Online, a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that uses virtual reality (VR) technology. However, as soon as the game begins, players are faced with the horrifying reality that they cannot log out of the game and that if they die in the game, they will also die in the real world. To overcome this hopeless situation, Kirito and his friends go on an adventure together.

Character Introduction

Kirito (Kazuto Kirigaya)
Kirito is a player who participated in the beta test of SAO and is known in the game as the "Black Swordsman." He is a calm and rational character, but he is also courageous enough to risk his life to protect his friends. As the story progresses, his growth and changes in his relationships are depicted, drawing viewers in.

Asuna (Yuki Asuna)
Asuna is a female player with such high combat abilities that she is called "Flash" in SAO. She meets Kirito and builds a deep bond with him as they go on adventures together. Asuna's strength and kindness have a huge impact on the story and move viewers.

Yuki (Yuki Yuki)
Yuuki is a character who appears in the sequel to SAO, Sword Art Online II and Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale. She is a girl with a sword technique so skilled that she is called the "ultimate sword." She meets Kirito and Asuna, and as they fight together, they develop a friendship. Yuuki plays an important role throughout the SAO series.

The appeal of anime

The biggest appeal of SAO is that it depicts a new worldview as a VRMMORPG. Viewers will experience the adventure within the game together with Kirito and Asuna, and will be drawn into a story that transcends the boundaries between reality and virtuality. In addition, the beautiful graphics and powerful battle scenes provide a visual treat.

Furthermore, SAO carefully depicts the growth of the characters and the changes in relationships, deeply moving viewers. Many themes are depicted, such as the bond between Kirito and Asuna, the friendship with comrades, and the courage to face difficulties. The combination of these elements has made SAO loved by viewers as a universal story that goes beyond the story of a simple game.

Background and Evaluation

SAO is based on the light novel by Kawahara Reki, and director Ito Tomohiko and other staff members worked hard to bring out the best in the original work. In particular, they overcame the difficulties of expressing a new genre, VRMMORPG, in an anime, and succeeded in providing viewers with a realistic experience.

SAO was highly praised when it was first broadcast, and gained many fans. In particular, the relationship between Kirito and Asuna and the thrill of the adventure within the game left a strong impression on viewers. SAO has also been followed by sequels, movies and games, making the series a huge success overall.

Recommended points

SAO is recommended for those who want to enjoy the new worldview of VRMMORPGs and those who like works that depict deep stories and character growth. It is also perfect for those who want to enjoy beautiful graphics and powerful battle scenes. Furthermore, it is a work that should be watched by those who want to be moved by the bond between Kirito and Asuna and the friendship with their companions.

Related works and series development

In addition to the TV anime series, SAO has been expanded into various media such as movies and games. In particular, sequel series such as "Sword Art Online II", "Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale", and "Sword Art Online: Alicization" have been produced, further expanding the story. By enjoying these works together, you can gain a deeper understanding of the world of SAO.

summary

"Sword Art Online" is a work that depicts a new worldview of VRMMORPG, but it is also a touching story woven by a deep story and attractive characters. Many themes are depicted, such as the bond between Kirito and Asuna, friendship with companions, and courage to face difficulties. The beautiful graphics and powerful battle scenes are also one of the attractions, providing viewers with a realistic experience. SAO is a work that we would like to recommend to those who want to experience the world of VRMMORPG, those who like works that depict deep stories and character growth, and those who want to enjoy beautiful graphics and powerful battle scenes.