Sword Art Online
Sword Art Online (SAO) is a popular anime series based on a light novel series written by Reki Kawahara. It falls within the genres of action, adventure, fantasy, and science fiction. SAO is known for its immersive virtual reality gaming world, complex characters, and exploration of themes like love, friendship, and the blurring of reality and virtuality.
The story of Sword Art Online begins in the near future, where advanced virtual reality technology has given rise to a highly anticipated massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) called "Sword Art Online." Players immerse themselves in the game using a device called the NerveGear, which provides a lifelike experience by directly stimulating the user's brain.
However, the excitement turns to terror when the game's creator, Akihiko Kayaba, traps thousands of players inside Sword Art Online. He reveals that they cannot log out until they clear all 100 floors of the game by defeating the final boss. Furthermore, dying in the game means dying in real life, as the NerveGear has a deadly failsafe. The protagonist, Kirito (Kazuto Kirigaya), is one of the players trapped in this perilous situation. He is determined to clear the game and escape, forming alliances and facing countless challenges and adversaries along the way.
As the series progresses, it explores various virtual worlds within the SAO universe and introduces new characters, including Kirito's love interest, Asuna, and his friends in the gaming community. SAO delves into themes such as the impact of technology on society, the nature of online relationships, and the human desire for escapism.
Directed by: Itō Tomohiko
Released: 5/7/2012
Episodes: 25
IMDb rating: 7.5/10