A thorough review of Kawahara Reki's new work, "Sword Art Online"!

A thorough review of Kawahara Reki's new work, "Sword Art Online"!

"Sword Art Online": An OVA series that delves deeper into the world of Kawahara Reki

"Sword Art Online" is an OVA series based on Kawahara Reki's popular light novel series "Sword Art Online (SAO)". The series was released by Aniplex on October 24, 2012, and animated by A-1 Pictures. It consists of nine episodes, each five minutes long, but densely packed with content, digging deeper into the world of the original work.

Overview

"Sword Art Online" was created to complement the original "Sword Art Online" story. It is packed with episodes that fans won't want to miss, such as the daily lives of characters that were not depicted in the original and behind-the-scenes events in the game. Directed by Tomohiko Ito, the film faithfully recreates the worldview of the original while bringing out new charms.

Stories and episodes

Each episode focuses on the daily lives of the main characters from the original work and events within the game. For example, there are plenty of scenes that fans will love, such as Kirito and Asuna's date and Sinon and Leafa's training. In addition, the episodes delve deeper into the feelings and relationships of characters that were not touched upon in the original work, providing viewers with a new perspective.

Specific examples include the following:

  • Episode 1: Kirito and Asuna's Date - Depicting a date scene in the game, it delves deeper into the relationship between the two.
  • Episode 2: Sinon and Leafa's Training - The story depicts the growth and friendship of the two through their training.
  • Episode 3: Yui's Birthday - The scene celebrating Yui's birthday depicts the bond between family members.
  • Episode 4: Asuna's Cooking - Through the scene where Asuna cooks for Kirito, we see her kindness and domestic side.
  • Episode 5: Kirito's Reminiscence - Depicting Kirito's past memories, it delves deeper into his growth and struggles.
  • Episode 6: Silica's Adventure - This episode depicts Silica's courage and growth as she embarks on a new adventure.
  • Episode 7: Lisbeth's Smithing - Lisbeth's passion and skill as a craftsman is shown through the scenes in which she forges new weapons.
  • Episode 8: Prequel to the Alicization Arc - This depicts the prequel to the Alicization arc and suggests the beginning of a new adventure for Kirito.
  • Episode 9: Special Episode for Fans - A special episode to express gratitude to the fans, depicting the daily lives of the characters.

Characters and voice actors

The main characters from the original work appear in Sword Art Online. Below are the main characters and their voice actors:

  • Kirito (voiced by Yoshitsugu Matsuoka) - The protagonist, a brave warrior who survives in the world of SAO. He is a calm and strong-willed character.
  • Asuna (voiced by Haruka Tomatsu) - Kirito's partner, a kind and strong woman. Her kindness and strength are portrayed.
  • Sinon (voiced by Ayahi Takagaki) - A main character in the GGO arc, a master archer. Her growth and friendship are depicted.
  • Leafa (voiced by Ayana Taketatsu) - Kirito's younger sister and a major character in the ALO arc. Her adventures and growth are depicted.
  • Yui (voiced by Kanae Ito) - Kirito and Asuna's daughter, an AI character. A scene is depicted celebrating her birthday.
  • Silica (voiced by Hidaka Rina) - A beast tamer girl, the story follows her adventures and growth.
  • Lisbeth (voiced by Takano Marika) - A blacksmith girl whose passion and skill as a craftsman are depicted.

Production and staff

Sword Art Online was produced by A-1 Pictures. Its director is Tomohiko Ito, who faithfully recreates the world of the original while bringing out new charms. Character design is by Shingo Adachi, who beautifully portrays the characters from the original. Music is by Yuki Kajiura, whose beautiful music adds to the atmosphere of the work.

Evaluation and Impressions

"Sword Art Online" is a must-see for fans of the original work. It is packed with episodes that fans cannot miss, such as the daily lives of characters that were not depicted in the original work and behind-the-scenes events in the game. Although each episode is short, it is packed with content and offers viewers a new perspective.

In particular, there are plenty of scenes that will delight fans, such as Kirito and Asuna's date scene, and Sinon and Leafa's training scene. In addition, the feelings and relationships of characters that were not mentioned in the original work are also explored in depth, providing viewers with a new perspective.

Additionally, the beautiful character designs and Yuki Kajiura's beautiful music add to the atmosphere of the work, drawing the viewer in. Overall, Sword Art Online is a great work that delves deep into the world of the original work and offers new value to fans.

Recommendations and related works

If you enjoyed Sword Art Online, you might also like:

  • Sword Art Online - The original light novel series allows you to delve deeper into Kawahara Reki's worldview.
  • Sword Art Online anime series - This is an animated version of the original work, allowing you to visually enjoy the world of SAO.
  • "Sword Art Online Extra Edition" - A compilation of the original work, allowing you to rediscover the world of SAO.
  • "Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online" - A spin-off of SAO, where you can enjoy new characters and stories.

In addition, when watching "Sword Art Online," you can enjoy it even more if you pay attention to the following points:

  • Characters' feelings and relationships - Each episode delves deeply into the characters' feelings and relationships. Paying particular attention to the relationship between Kirito and Asuna, and the friendship between Sinon and Leafa, will help you understand the story more deeply.
  • Behind the scenes of the events in the game - Each episode depicts the behind the scenes of the events in the game. In particular, if you pay attention to Kirito's memories and the prequel to the Alicization arc, you can gain a deeper understanding of the worldview of the original work.
  • Beautiful character design and music - Paying attention to Shingo Adachi's beautiful character design and Yuki Kajiura's beautiful music will help you get a deeper feel for the atmosphere of the work.

Conclusion

"Sword Art Online" is a wonderful OVA series that delves deeper into the world of the original "Sword Art Online". It is packed with episodes that fans won't want to miss, such as the daily lives of characters that were not depicted in the original work and behind-the-scenes events in the game. In addition, the beautiful character designs and music add to the atmosphere of the work and have the power to draw viewers in. Be sure to watch "Sword Art Online" and enjoy Kawahara Reki's world even more deeply.

<<:  Appreciating the mismatched adventures in the picture book "Smile PreCure!"

>>:  Macross FB7 Galaxy Flow Soul: Listen to My Song! - Appreciating the ultimate fusion of music and adventure

Recommend

Review of "Gekisou! Ruben Kaiser - Speed ​​and Passion"

Ruben Kayser: A Formula 1 racing anime of speed a...

Kang the Conqueror's domestic violence case has no impact on Loki Season 2

Kang the Conqueror, played by Jonathan Majors, is...

Elle Fanning expected to star in new Predator movie

In February this year, there were media reports t...

The classic Shinto manga "Silver Fox" ends its 14-year series

Shueisha's classic Shinto manga "Silver ...