Detailed review and rating of Sword Art Online II Episode 2

Sword Art Online II - A tale of challenge and bond

"Sword Art Online II" is a TV anime series based on the light novel by Kawahara Reki, which aired from July 5 to December 20, 2014. This work is a story of adventure and growth that unfolds in a virtual reality world, and is characterized by a fascinating world view that combines fantasy and science fiction. Below, we will introduce detailed information and reviews of the work, as well as recommended points.

■Overview of the work

Sword Art Online II is made up of three main episodes, each set in a different virtual world and depicting the adventures and growth of the protagonist Kirito and his companions.

●Phantom Bullet Edition

One year after the SAO incident, Kirito receives a strange request from Seijiro Kikuoka of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' Virtualization Division. It is to investigate the mysterious phenomenon known as Death Gun, which suddenly occurred in the gun-and-steel VRMMO Gun Gale Online (GGO). Kirito, who could not refuse to investigate the eerie incident in which players shot by a mysterious avatar wielding a jet-black gun end up dying in the real world, logs into GGO, despite his doubts about the physical effect of the virtual world on the real world. There, he meets Sinon, a sniper girl who uses the long rifle Hecate II, and with her help, he challenges the Bullet of Bullets, the pinnacle of all gunners in the human-to-human tournament, in order to get a clue about Death Gun.

●Caliber Edition

The quest to obtain the legendary sword Excalibur from ALO has finally begun. In order to truly obtain the legendary weapon that he once obtained using administrator privileges during his battle with the fairy king Oberon, Kirito will form a party of seven people, including his usual members and Sinon, a new character he created in ALO, and take on the quest. However, a spectacular secret event that will shake up the world of ALO itself awaits in the quest.

●Mother's Rosario

One day, Asuna hears a strange rumor from Lisbeth. A mysterious avatar appears in the northern part of the main block of the 24th floor of the new map, "Floating Castle Aincrad." It is said that a mysterious avatar appears in the northern part of the main block of the 24th floor of the new map, "Floating Castle Aincrad." It is said that a mysterious avatar defeats all players in one-on-one duels, betting on the player's "Original Sword Skill." Asuna challenges the avatar, known as "Absolute Sword," who even defeated Kirito, to a duel, but is defeated by a paper-thin margin. However, as soon as the duel ended, "Absolute Sword" began inviting Asuna to join its guild. His swordsmanship is so brilliant that he is called "Absolute Sword." But there is a secret hidden within.

■Broadcast information

"Sword Art Online II" was broadcast on the following stations:

• TOKYO MX / July 5, 2014 - December 20, 2014 / Saturday 23:30 - 24:00
• Tochigi TV / July 5, 2014 - December 20, 2014 / Saturday 23:30 - 24:00
• Gunma Television / July 5, 2014 - December 20, 2014 / Saturday 23:30 - 24:00
• tvk / July 5, 2014 - December 20, 2014 / Saturday 24:00 - 24:30
• Chiba TV / July 5, 2014 - December 20, 2014 / Saturday 24:30 - 25:00
• Teletama / July 5, 2014 - December 20, 2014 / Saturday 24:30 - 25:00
• TV Aichi / July 5, 2014 - December 20, 2014 / Saturday 25:50 - 26:20
• MBS / July 5, 2014 - December 20, 2014 / Saturday 26:45 - 27:15
• TVQ Kyushu Broadcasting / July 8, 2014 - December 23, 2014 / Tuesday 26:35 - 27:05
• TV Hokkaido / July 9, 2014 - December 24, 2014 / Wednesday 26:05 - 26:35
• AT-X / July 10, 2014 - December 25, 2014 / Thursday 21:30 - 22:00
• BS11 / July 12, 2014 - December 27, 2014 / Saturday 23:30 - 24:00

The film was also streamed online on the following platforms:

• Niconico Live Broadcasting From July 6, 2014 Every Sunday from 23:00
• Niconico Video From July 6, 2014 Every Sunday from 12:00
• d Anime Store July 6, 2014 12:00~
• GyaO! from July 20, 2014

■ Evaluation of the work

"Sword Art Online II" has been highly praised for bringing out the charm of the original work to the fullest while adding a unique production and depth to the anime. Below, we will introduce the evaluation and highlights of each episode in detail.

●Phantom Bullet Edition

This episode is set in the new virtual world of Gundam Go!, one year after the SAO incident. Kirito's investigation into the Death Gun incident is full of tension and thrills, and has the power to draw viewers in. In particular, his meeting with Sinon and the way she deals with the trauma of her past are depicted as deep human dramas that will move viewers emotionally. Furthermore, the depiction of the world of Gundam Go! and firearms is realistic, giving viewers a sense of the possibilities and dangers of VRMMOs.

Highlights of the series include the development of the relationship between Kirito and Sinon, and the intense battle scene with "Bullet of Bullets." In particular, the sniping scene in which Sinon uses "Hecate II" is visually stunning and memorable. The climax, in which the true identity and purpose of "Death Gun" are revealed, is a mix of surprises and emotions, resulting in a satisfying ending for viewers.

●Caliber Edition

Set in the world of ALO, this episode depicts an adventure surrounding the legendary holy sword Excalibur. Kirito and his friends work together to tackle the quest, making for a moving story of friendship and bonds. Other highlights include ALO's beautiful graphics and epic-scale battle scenes.

In particular, Sinon's new character creation in ALO and her role as an archer show her growth and change. Additionally, the spectacular events hidden behind the quest to obtain Excalibur will surprise viewers, and give a sense of the depth of the ALO worldview. Furthermore, Yui's presence adds depth to the story, and the scene depicting the bond between Kirito and Asuna as a family is also very moving.

●Mother's Rosario

This episode is centered around Asuna, and tells the story of her growth and new friendships. In particular, her meeting with the Absolute Sword Yuuki and her secret will touch the hearts of viewers. Yuuki's character is a fascinating presence, combining strength and kindness, and a deep human drama is depicted through his relationship with Asuna.

Highlights include the duel between Yuuki and Asuna, and the interactions with the members of the Sleeping Knights. The climax, in which Yuuki's secret is revealed, is deeply moving and will move viewers to tears. Furthermore, the episode "Mother's Rosario" is a beautiful story that depicts the preciousness of friendship and bonds, deeply moving viewers.

■Cast and crew

The cast and staff of "Sword Art Online II" are as follows:

■Cast

●Phantom Bullet Edition

• Kirito/Yoshitsugu Matsuoka
• Sinon/Sawashiro Miyuki

●Caliber Edition

• Kirito/Yoshitsugu Matsuoka
• Asuna/Haruka Tomatsu
• Leafa/Ayana Taketatsu
• Yui/Kanae Ito
• Silica/Rina Hidaka
• Lisbeth/Ayahi Takagaki
• Sinon/Sawashiro Miyuki
• Klein/Hiroaki Hirata

●Mother's Rosario

• Asuna/Haruka Tomatsu
• Yuuki / Aoi Yuki
• Kirito/Yoshitsugu Matsuoka

■ Main staff

• Original work: Reki Kawahara (published by Dengeki Bunko)
• Original illustrations, character design: abec
• Director: Tomohiko Ito
• Character design: Shingo Adachi
• Sub-character design: Yu Yamashita
• Chief animation director: Shingo Adachi, Yu Yamashita
• Action animation director: Ryuta Yanagi, Tetsuya Takeuchi
• Gun animation director: Yu Aoki
• Main animator: Kengo Matsumoto
• Monster design/Ryuta Yanagi
• Prop design: Tonobu Tsuneki, Takehiro Ishimoto
• Art Director: Yusuke Takeda (Bamboo), Takayuki Nagashima (Bamboo)
• Art setting: Yoshinori Shiozawa
• Concept art by Sotaro Hori (CyDesignation)
• Color design: Kazuko Nakajima
• CGI Director: Ryuta Kumoto
• Director of photography: Mutsumi Usuda
• 2D Works/Takeshi Hirooka
• Edited by Shigeru Nishiyama
• Sound Director: Yoshikazu Iwanami
• Effects/Yasuyuki Konno
• Sound Production: Ducks Production
• Music by Yuki Kajiura
• Project Manager/GENCO
• Animation Production: A-1 Pictures
• Produced by SAOII Project

■ Main Characters

The main characters of "Sword Art Online II" are as follows:

●Phantom Bullet Edition

• Kirito (Kazuto Kirigaya)
  The black swordsman who led the way to victory in the nightmarish MMO, Sword Art Online (SAO).
• Sinon (Asada Shino)
  A girl who plays the gun-and-steel MMO Gun Gale Online (GGO). She is a sniper who favors the long rifle Hecate II.
• Asuna (Yuki Asuna)
  Kazuto's girlfriend, she is a famous player who was paired with Kirito during the "SAO" era.
• Leafa (Kirigatani Naoha)
  Kirito's younger sister. In ALO, she is a magical swordsman of the wind fairies.
• Silica (Keiko Ayano)
  A girl who was saved by Kirito in SAO. In ALO, she takes the form of a cat fairy, which Dame is good at.
• Lisbeth (Rika Shinozaki)
  The girl who forged Kirito's sword in SAO. In ALO, she is an artisan fairy blacksmith.
• Death Gun
  A mysterious avatar who commits PKs (player kills) in Gun Gale Online. Players who are shot by the Death Gun in Gun Gale Online will die in the real world.

●Caliber Edition

• Yui: An AI that existed in Sword Art Online and is like a daughter to Kirito and Asuna. In Alfheim Online, she is resurrected as Navigation Pixie.
• Sinon (Asada Shino)
  The girl who was saved by Kirito in GGO. In ALO, she is an archer of the cat fairies.
• Klein (Ryotaro Tsuboi)
  Kirito's best friend. In ALO, he is a swordsman of the Fire Elves.

●Mother's Rosario

• Yuuki is a mysterious avatar known as the "Absolute Sword" due to his incredible swordsmanship. After fighting Asuna, he invites her to join his guild.

■Subtitle

The subtitles for each episode of "Sword Art Online II" are as follows:

●Phantom Bullet Edition

• #01/The World of Guns
• #02/Ice Sniper
• #03/Memories of Fresh Blood
• #04／GGO
• #05/Guns and Swords
• #06/Duel in the Wilderness
• #07/Memory of Kurenai
• #08/Bullet of Bullets
• #09/Death Gun
• #10/Death Chaser
• #11/The meaning of strength
• #12/Phantom Bullet
• #13/Phantom Bullet
• #14/Small Steps
• #14.5/Debriefing

●Caliber Edition

• #15/Queen of the Lake
• #16/King of the Giants
• #17/Excalibur

●Mother's Rosario

• #18/House in the Forest
• #19
• #20/Sleeping Nights
• #21/Swordsman's Monument
• #22/The End of the Journey
• #23/The Beginning of a Dream
• #24/Mother's Rosario

■ Theme songs and music

The theme songs and insert songs for "Sword Art Online II" are as follows:

・OP1

• IGNITE
• 2–14.5
• Lyrics by Eir and Tomoyuki Ogawa
• Composer: Tomoyuki Ogawa
• Arrangement: Saku
• Vocals: Eir Aoi

・OP2

• courage
• 15-17, 18-23
• Lyrics by Nori
• Composer: Nori
• Arrangement: Takahiro Furukawa
• Vocals: Haruka Tomatsu

・ED1

• Startear
• 2–14.5
• Lyrics by Luna Haruna, Saku
• Composer: Saku
• Arrangement: Saku
• Sung by Luna Haruna

・ED2

• No More Time Machine
• 15 to 17
• Lyrics by Makoto Furuya
• Composer: Kosuke Noma
• Arrangement: Yashikin
• Sung by: LiSA

・ED3

• Sign
• 18 to 24
• Lyrics: LiSA
• Composer: Kayoko
• Arrangement: Shota Horie
• Sung by: LiSA

・IN1

• Separate Ways
• twenty four
• Lyricist: Kentaro Suzuki
• Composer: Kentaro Suzuki
• Arrangement: Takahiro Furukawa
• Vocals: Haruka Tomatsu

■ Recommended points

"Sword Art Online II" is recommended for the following reasons:

1. Diverse virtual worlds

The different virtual worlds, such as "GGO" and "ALO", are the setting for each game, and the worldview and game system of each game are depicted realistically. In particular, the depiction of firearms in "GGO" and the beautiful graphics in "ALO" are visually appealing elements. In addition, the adventure and battle scenes in each virtual world are full of tension and thrills, and have the power to draw viewers in.

2. A profound human drama

It depicts the growth and change of characters such as Kirito, Sinon, Asuna, and Yuuki, making it a deeply moving human drama. In particular, Sinon's past trauma and Yuuki's secret are deeply moving to viewers. It is also a story of friendship and bonds, which deeply moves viewers.

3. Charming characters

Characters such as Kirito, Sinon, Asuna, and Yuuki are all unique and attractive. In particular, Sinon's strength and kindness, and Yuuki's sharp swordsmanship and kindness leave a strong impression on viewers. In addition, the relationship between Kirito and Asuna, and the presence of Yui, add depth to the story and draw viewers in.

4. Beautiful Music

Yuki Kajiura's music is an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work. In particular, the opening and ending songs have the power to move the hearts of viewers. The inserted songs also resonate beautifully in line with the development of the story, deeply moving the viewers.

5. High production quality

A-1 Pictures' animation productions are highly regarded for their high quality. In particular, the depiction of battle scenes and character expressions is realistic and beautiful, making it visually enjoyable. In addition, the art direction and color design are also important elements in enhancing the atmosphere of the work, drawing the viewer in.

Conclusion

"Sword Art Online II" is a story of adventure and growth that unfolds in a virtual reality world, featuring an appealing worldview that combines fantasy and science fiction. Many elements have the power to draw viewers in, such as the tension and thrills of each episode, the deep human drama, the attractive characters, the beautiful music, and the high production quality. In particular, the growth and change of the characters of Sinon and Yuuki, the relationship between Kirito and Asuna, and the presence of Yui deeply move viewers. In addition, the depiction of the virtual worlds of "GGO" and "ALO" is also realistic and beautiful, making it a visually enjoyable element. Please watch this work and enjoy the story of adventure and growth in the virtual reality world.