Hype Backlash

Sword Art Online, an anime series based on the popular light novel series, was one of the most highly anticipated releases in recent memory. However, despite its initial hype and interesiting premise, the series fell short of expectations.

One of the main issues with Sword Art Online is its lack of character development. The series' protagonist, Kirito, is a rather one-dimensional gary-stu whose sole motivation seems to be protecting his harem. While this could have been an interesting aspect of his personality, it ultimately fell flat, leaving his character feeling hollow and underdeveloped.

Similarly, Asuna, who started out as a strong and independent character, eventually became little more than a love interest for Kirito. Her own motivations and goals took a backseat to his, leaving her character feeling underutilised and underdeveloped.

Even secondary characters like Klein, who had the potential to be interesting and dynamic, were relegated to minor roles and used mainly for comic relief.

Moreover, the addition of Kirito's sister, who seemed to have an inexplicable desire for him, was an unnecessary and awkward subplot that added little to the story.

Furthermore, the plot of Sword Art Online often relied on overused tropes and clichés, failing to offer anything new or original. The story felt repetitive and predictable, leaving little room for excitement or surprise.

IMPACT

Sword Art Online may have been groundbreaking, but its impact on the anime industry has been largely negative. The anime's popularity inspired a proliferation of isekai and harem LitRPG shows that lack originality and creativity.

The series used the concept of isekai, which involves a character being transported to a fantasy or virtual world. Unfortunately, Sword Art Online did little to innovate or push boundaries within the genre, and subsequent shows have only repeated the same tropes and cliches.

Supporting Harem

The series popularised the harem genre within the isekai subgenre, by objectifying women and reducing them to mere love interests. Sword Art Online featured a predictable love triangle involving Kirito, his girlfriend Asuna, and other female characters who all seemed to be vying for his attention.

Gamer Pandering

While Sword Art Online may have had an excuse for incorporating LitRPG elements and video game logic - being set in an actual video game - unlike most current isekai fantasy anime, it still added little value to the story and instead felt like a cheap gimmick. The use of video game mechanics such as character stats and skill upgrades was overall vague, felt forced, and ultimately detracted from the show's overall quality.

Overview

While Sword Art Online had its memoriable and shocking moments, it ultimately fell short of expectations. Its lack of character development, overreliance on tropes, and predictable plot left many fans feeling frustrated and disappointed. While it may be worth a watch for fans of the genre, it is certainly not the groundbreaking anime it was hyped up to be. While it may have been popular, its influence on the anime industry has been largely negative. Its reliance on overused tropes and cliches in the isekai and harem genres has resulted in a lack of originality and creativity in subsequent shows.