Category: Sword Art Online

Have you ever fantasized about the level of technology that would allow the gamer to dive straight into the game world? To become a part of the code and operate within the scenery and not just watching from the outside while using a mouse or a controller. Of course, the virtual reality technology allows us to have much bigger immersion using a specific headset. But how about a virtual reality where you are inside of the game and not just act like you are? Sword Art Online will tell you about such turn of events. This Japanese creation saw the world in the summer of 2012 and a year later received a proper English dub. The anime recreates ranobe or light novels by Reki Kawahara.

Two whole seasons were released as well as the original full-length movie. As you have guessed, the story is based on the game in a VRMMORPG genre. This means that thousands of players can play simultaneously on the same server while being in a virtual reality. The effect is achieved through the use of NerveGear, essentially a helmet that connects with the neural system of the player. As expected, the game became a true revelation for people connected to the gaming world and those who never really played anything. All ten thousand copies were sold. Soon enough we meet Kirito, an experienced player who was beta-testing the game before the official release. He and a few other beta-testers are hidden among the thousands of newcomers and use their experience either to help others or gain the leverage for themselves. Through Kirito’s adventures, we get to know the virtual reality a bit more. Unique characters, wonderful Aincrad and the locations full of mobs to kill.

Fun turns into horror when the mysterious figure appears and calls himself the creator of the game. The figure tells that there is no logout button in the game and the players will be locked inside the virtual world until someone beats all 100 levels and the final boss. Kirito realizes that the central area must be abandoned quickly as the resources will run dry soon. The protagonist sets off, and the story begins.
The worst thing about the game is that it actually kills the player if the in-game avatar dies. The first month resulted in 2000 people dead with the first level remaining to be cleared.
As the time goes one, more deaths shake the community. Players grow, assemble into the war parties and guild, assisting each other and training together to progress. Kirito witnesses hope, fear, death, and unlikely survival. The game grows to the scale of real-life war action.
Asuna is introduced to the viewer, and she soon becomes one of the main characters as well. The next thing we see is the level progression, dangerous boss fights, unique quests and hidden traps. With each cleared floor we develop closer feelings to the characters and truly care for them.

The story deserves the highest praise. The viewer is engaged, and the plot twists keep the interest high with the ultimate goal at the end of each floor. Survival becomes the main theme, but there is no gray feeling of hopelessness. Happiness can still thrive, and the beauty of the world contributes to the positive vibes. The immersion is complemented with a wonderful soundtrack that highlights everything that is happening on screen.
The reception of anime was expectedly great. Both fans of the light novels and people who were unfamiliar with the original story fell in love with the characters and the world they are forced to survive in. The visuals intertwine with the sound, and we receive a wonderful symphony of anime that is called Sword Art Online.