Director: Tomohiko Ito,
Starring: Haruka Tomatsu, Cherami Leigh, Kanae Ito. Stephanie Sheh, Kouichi Yamadera, Marc Diraison, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Bryce Papenbrook,
Running Time: 175 minutes
Certificate: 15
SWORD ART ONLINE proved itself to be a spectacularly unpredictable series filled with many great themes and interesting developments. However, it also seemed to finish a main story arc far too early. That’s never a complaint I usually have with anime, but halfway through the series and the players were freed from their virtual prison. So what does the show do with another two collections on the way? Unfortunately, it seems to struggle with finding a new plot as gripping as its predecessor.
After being released from the game, Kirito adapts to a normal life once again, as he is reunited with his sister. However, Asuna, his in-game love from the previous game, remains in a coma. It’s then revealed that Asuna may be trapped inside a new MMORPG called Alfeim Online. Kirito sets about joining the virtual community once again in order to rescue her. The plot itself seems very contrived and unnecessary, as SWORD ART ONLINE had a very definitive ending. This extension seems to bleed the idea dry, which is odd considering the original arc had limitless potential and was spaced over 2 years.
The entire second arc just seems like such a huge step down. There seems to be less conflict, as nobody can die in the game, and you’re also very aware that the characters do not interact in the same way because they can leave the game at anytime and take a breather. Asuna is kept trapped in the game by her evil fiancé, who seems to be very focused on forcing Asuna to love him without ever detailing why. The show hasn’t completely lost its ideas though, as Kirito is caught in a difficult relationship with his real-life sister, who is an expert in the game, but neither knows of each other’s true identity. Talk about your complex love triangles.
The first two sets of SWORD ART ONLINE episodes are essential viewing, and despite being one season, this continuation feels like an unnatural progression as well as offering nothing new or exciting. Had the arcs been switched then the story would escalate and seem more engaging. The animation is still very strong and the fairy based world of Alfeim is stunning to look at and take in. Still enjoyable in parts, but when revisiting the show, I’ll probably be stopping after the completion of the first storyline. It may leave Asuna’s fate up for interpretation, but it’s better than a forced and dragged out sequel.
[usr=3]SWORD ART ONLINE Part 3 is released on Blu-ray and DVD on 24th February via Manga Entertainment.
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