Sword Art Awesomeness

Title: Sword Art Online
Directed by: Tomohiko Ito
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 25
Genre: Japanese Anime
Source: http://www.netflix.com/WiMovie/70302573?trkid=13462050

Source: http://imageserver.moviepilot.com/sword-art-online-why-hollywood-needs-to-stay-away-from-sao.jpeg?width=1280&height=1024

How best to describe Sword Art Online [SAO]? Ever dream of being stuck in your favourite adventure RPG game... In a land which boasts some of the most marvellous views, battling the fiercest creatures, achieving a status of true greatness amongst others? Oh did I forget to mention once you die in the game, you die in real life? Yeah... Well look no further than SAO.

Source: http://img1.ak.crunchyroll.com/i/spire1/49dbbe4e23eca8f88b42e1e51b2b5e911420689325_full.png

SAO is based off the novel collection, written by Reki Kawahara, with of the course, the usual differing variations when transferring a book/novel to film; making it its own. The story is based around the main character, Kirito, as known to those in Aincrad (the online virtual world). The general gist without giving away any spoilers, is a whole group of players are stuck in a virtual game world, as the game designer, Akihiko Kayaba, has glitched the world; no player can escape, until one beats the entire game. Die in the game, you die in real life. If any person attempts to remove the VR device off your head in an attempt to get you out the game, you die. Simple.

Naturally the whole game world in set into a furore, learning they're stuck in this virtual world, as their bodies deplete in real life, in addition there only oh so many limited HP points in the game world, yet still, there are those who are kind hearted and assist many along the way. 

Source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicA0L5fiNIPnAqpz8FHADduRKBqrGyzYunQfMR0VkOzFy9DzT8QJrUkY9Cdiy2-uBGhfLLDR1SUDzKIzGaPHKLHAGpxYD3j7D8bq8YUpgd9AZE-qbFABA928nAPfAPk2LL-koYehOnNDP4/s640/Capture-00001.png

This anime is set in a very medieval setting - think Game of Thrones almost; tons of open land, rocky areas, caves, castles, old English town settlements, and the usual poncey guilds. There are many subplots and twists that take place throughout Season 1 and 2, which include betrayal, heartbreak, deaths, tested friendships, love, and super corny moments.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALCLCvNJ7iY

Season 2 of SAO is based in yet another virtual world, Alfheim Online, in continuation of the storyline from Aincrad. Kirito is again ready to play hero, this time in the rescue of Asuna, in a elfish land, full of different races. The twist in this is Kirito's sister has now delved into online gaming, unknowingly acts as an aid, without knowing she is helping her brother top the World Tree. This season is considerably weaker than the first, yet still enjoyable to watch, though the story does drag. 

In conclusion, I'd say this is very much an anime for those that love the concept of being lost in an online RPG, have a sense of adventure, or are just looking to give the Anime genre a chance. Start here. Sure, SAO can be extremely corny at times, synced with the gorgeous orchestral sounds and battle scenes, but that's the whole romance of this series. I for one loved it!

VERDICT:

YES PLEASE!