Blurring the line between the virtual and the real.
In the near future, a Virtual Reality Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (VRMMORPG) called Sword Art Online has been released where players control their avatars with their bodies using a piece of technology called Nerve Gear. One day, players discover they cannot log out, as the game creator is holding them captive unless they reach the 100th floor of the game's tower and defeat the final boss. However, if they die in the game, they die in real life. Their struggle for survival starts now...
WriterReki Kawahara
The World of Swords
Jul 8, 2012
It's launch day for one of the most highly-anticipated video games of all time. Join the character "Kirito" as he begins his journey in the virtual world of Sword Art Online.
Beater
Jul 15, 2012
It’s been one month since the players have been locked in the game. 2000 people have died; the first floor hasn’t been cleared yet.
The Red-Nosed Reindeer
Jul 22, 2012
Kirito has finally joined a guild made up of close friends in reality. Everything is going well until a tragic accident changes Kirito completely.
The Black Swordsman
Jul 29, 2012
Silca is known as Dragon Tamer Silca, but after leaving her group she is caught and her pet, Pina paid the ultimate price. Before she is killed, Kirito saves her and offers her a choice.
Murder in the Safe Zone
Aug 5, 2012
A player has been killed inside a safe zone and not by the known means. Asuna and Krito take it upon themselves to find out how and why this is happening.
Illusionary Avenger
Aug 12, 2012
Kirito has figured out the how and now he has to figure out the why.
The Temperature of the Heart
Aug 19, 2012
A trip to get a new sword leaves Kirito battling a dragon and his fears.
The Sword Dance of Black and White
Aug 26, 2012
After 2 years, people have got used to living in SAO, with a dwindling front line it might just be up to Kirito and Asuna to continue the charge.
The Blue-Eyed Demon
Sep 2, 2012
To save a group of players and Asuna from a Boss character, Kirito is forced to play his trump card.
Crimson Killing Intent
Sep 9, 2012
Kirito has agreed to a duel with the head of the Blood Alliance Knights. If Kirito wins, Asuna is free to leave the Knights and if he loses…
The Girl of Morning Dew
Sep 16, 2012
The newly married couple is enjoying their time away from the front lines. But a new guest will take them all the way back to the beginning.
Yui's Heart
Sep 23, 2012
Yulier, second in command, of the Liberation Army has approached Kirito and Asuna for help saving her friend and her guild.
Edge of Hell's Abyss
Sep 30, 2012
While enjoying a fishing tournment Kirito receieves an urgent e-mail from the leader of the guild requesting their return.
The End of the World
Oct 7, 2012
Game over.
Return
Oct 14, 2012
Kirigaya is adjusting to his life outside of the game, but he hasn't forgotten about Asuna. A recent visit to her in the hospital, he meets Sugou Nobuyuki.
Land of the Fairies
Oct 21, 2012
A new MMO allows users to fly and encourages player killing. Kirito has joined this new game in search of Asuna and is pleasantly surprised with what he finds.
Captive Queen
Oct 28, 2012
As Kirito learns about the game from Leafa and the hatred between the races, Asuna learns the truth of her role from the Fairy King.
To the World Tree
Nov 4, 2012
Leafa is making enemies leaving her area and group to team up with Kirito. On their way to neutral Territory, they speak more of the rules and areas of the ALO.
The Lugru Corridor
Nov 11, 2012
Something isn’t right; Recon has sent Leafa a message “I was right. Be careful. S." What does he mean and will Leafa and Kirito have the time to figure it out?
General of the Blazing Flame
Nov 18, 2012
Kirito and Leafa have made it to the meeting and Kirito’s bluff as an ambassador has been called out. If he can survive in a fight against the Salamanders General Eugene, his plan to prevent a war might work.
The Truth about Alfheim
Nov 25, 2012
While Asuna continues her attempt to escape, another woman in Kirito’s life tries to make sense of her emotions.
Grand Quest
Dec 2, 2012
Kirito’s determination to save Asuna borders on the insane. His reckless is stopped when Leafa suddenly logs out.
Bonds
Dec 9, 2012
Even though a wall has been built between Kirito and Sugu, he must save Asuna. The next time he challenges the final dungeon he won’t be alone.
Gilded Hero
Dec 16, 2012
Kirito, Asuna, and Yui are finally together again, but the locks placed on Asuna are unbreakable. Before they have a chance to come up with a plan, the fairy king makes his grand entrance.
The World Seed
Dec 23, 2012
Kirigaya Kazuto has beaten death twice but there is one more thing he must do.
Shintaro Muraseh
@SM-SYaKo
First of all, this series was massive, both in terms of length and story. Maybe I feel this because I watched the whole series too fast (May 6th, 2021 ~ May 31st, 2021). Although, I still feel it was too fast and short. This series has become one of my favorite anime! I watched the whole series on Crunchyroll. I was so annoyed by the advertisement for SAO while watching another anime on CR, however, I liked the animation pictures (I love _A-1 Picture_'s anime haha). That was my trigger. I know there are complaints about the story; even my sister did. I half forced her to watch this series just because I wanted to share my excitement (ahh, bad brother...). Although, luckily, she was also enjoying the series up until season 2. I know there was a major turning point in the middle of season 1. I remember I was also the one who didn't have a good review for season 2 (although it was always over 3.5/5). But I really don't know how better it could be. I was first thinking that the Aincrad arc should have been longer; however, after watching until Alicization War of Underground, I think it was the right length. I might have stopped watching the whole series. I usually don't watch these "fighting" or "action" anime, instead, I watch more romcom and comedy. That is why maybe I have a different perspective than others who usually watch this kind of anime. But now, after watching every SAO episode I can watch, I feel I lost something big in my heart that was holding myself these days. I really hope I can watch the next movie ("_Progressive_") before this feeling goes away. How was my first English review? (I am Japanese mother tongue) I hope I am not annoying haha...
