Sword Art Online is one of those anime that everyone seems to project their hate toward. When it comes to anything. Sometimes out of actual opinion defended by facts and logic as seen in the show. Other times people make fun of it without any inexplicable reason. They look at the example of the previous user's opinion and throws that back in the fire again without forming your own visage. Whatever the case may be, no one can deny that SAO's first debut shook everyone with that strong and impacting first episode. It built insane expectations, and the layout so far for the plot seemed to be really engaging and compelling all around. There were tons of potential with the setting, which was relatively new to us. You know the term "isekai," which entails either being transported, reincarnated, or locked inside a virtual game world or even a game transforming into your new reality. There are many variations, and it's an endless cycle that keeps on piling with ever more material that's likely not ending anytime soon. At this point, it might feel like it's lost its flavor and has run its course. But that doesn't stop the people from indulging in their isekai all the same.

There are few instances some good ones come out like Cautious Hero, Re: Zero or Slime to mention some. It's just sad that's not true all the time since more often than not we have the generic rinse-repeat we are used to previously. It goes to show this addictive and overused term has established its role in the pecking order tho since it's not close to vanishing. Whether that's positive or not is completely debatable for sure. Sword Art Online centers around Kirigaya Kazuto (Kirito), who loves technology and games. One day he logs into the SAO game world to enjoy his time. By bad luck, the creator of this world has other plans and locks over 10k players inside the game. Only if someone clears all of the 100 floors will everyone be freed and can log out. And if they are killed, they are dead for good. There is no second chance. Just imagine this whole world and all the world-building and so much intensity and emotion we can get out of it. It's too bad, [the author] Reki Kawahara doesn't go that route fully to utilize the potential SAO is holding onto at this moment. Instead, it turns into this simple harem where every girl ends up attracted to Kirito in someway. He barely has to speak and will have waifus from everywhere, wanting to get into his pants. At one point, Kirito does find the right girl for him, but the harem vibe is still there, even to this day.

Don't get me wrong I don't have anything against harem myself, but it definitely made some things feel slightly inferior in the story aspect. But my actual issue with the first season of SAO stems from the potential not being tapped into at all. It's not the fact that Kirito is simple and can get shit done without even trying. I do like my fair share of the overpowered main characters, after all. It's never dull to see Kirito deliver the final strike for me personally, and the adrenaline rush potential is always there to hit you with that overflowing excitement. I just wish we had more time to flesh out the world and the characters themself. So you felt a proper tight bond with each and every single one of them. Asuna is honestly a good female protagonist, but we didn't get that much time to enjoy her character before Kirito, and she officially becomes a couple. That being said, that one episode always hit strong with the emotions, and I always enjoy the interaction with her and Kirito. They are a cute couple, no doubt.

It's not that much of an issue now tho since Reki went out of this way to create Sword Art Online: Progressive. This was when he is much more experienced and older than when he wrote the original story. It takes what the Aincad story arc lacked and extends upon it and so much more. It goes into all the nitty-gritty details and even in the corners to deliver a satisfactory experience of the highly beloved Aincrad arc. More than that, both Kirito and Asuna feels so much more fleshed out and has tons of charm and personality to them. We even finally get the backstory to Asuna, which adds some good and tasteful substance to her character. Kirito suddenly starts to feel more quirky and so much more likable as a result. I have only read bits and pieces of the manga adaptation. But I definitely can recommend the progressive story of SAO if you want a different and prolonged take on the story of Asuna and Kirito in Aincrad.

Now that's arguably the best part of the first season of SAO, progressive or not. While the next arc Fairy Dance is not so much. The villain here is so flimsy, and his ideals are so stupid and lackluster. But I guess that gorgeous babe Leafa came out of this arc, so it's not all that bad. If there is one thing, SAO always does right. It's the amount of waifu you have here, which is more than enough to start a world war against other quite passionate weebs. Even as we are moving to a new height, the waifus are one thing that remains pure quality. Probably, not in terms of overall writing, but the personality and looks more than enough makeup for it if you ask me. There are way more than that came from, but here are some examples. We have the newly awakened Alice, or how about Sinon from season two? Both are great waifu picks with lots of charm and allure. It might not be the best season tho, but it was still a fun one. That's one thing that might not change with SAO ever.

Although, season 3 and onward have shown us that Reki can do more sensible and actually proper character development outside of the main protagonists. Season 3 so far has been the best season of SAO in terms of writing as well. There is still room for improvements from Reki's side, but at least he has grown, and that has been shown to us clearly. But If it was not for one of the biggest selling points, the art style, and animation being pure eye-candy. Not that many people would appreciate SAO anime as much. There must be some truth to that. Ever since the beginning and up to this point. A-1 has been killing it in any way non-stop and delivering an insane amount of justice to the source. If anything, SAO's overall production value is some of the most consistent I have seen by a longshot. Only a few entries come to mind that accomplishes the same thing, Sangatsu no Lion, Chihayafuru, and the Monogatari franchise.

I don't think it's ever looked terrible, so you must give credits to A-1 for keeping all that passion up for such a long time. Not to mention, season 3 is definitely superior to any season prior. They're clearly are pouring in much more money, time and effort into delivering an even more satisfying experience. On top of all that, you have the legendary composer Yuki Kajiura on the soundtrack department. So every tune is sure to fire you up and elevate the emotions. While we are on the topic, the opening and ending songs are top-notch. I don't think there was even one time I disliked a track much. For the first season alone, we have the iconic and beautiful "Crossing Field" by LISA. Or "INNOCENCE" by Aoi Eir. Let's not forget the ending's either. First off, "Yume Sekai" and then "Overfly," by Haruka Tomatsu and Luna Haruna, respectively. Both such lovely songs. I could keep on going, but there is no shortness of great music for the SAO. If someone asked me to make a top 5. I wouldn't even know where to begin since there are so many fantastic picks to choose from.

Overall, Sword Art Online might get all the hate for many logical and weird reasons. But there is no denying it set something big in motion that we are taking us to 2020 with us. It's true "isekai" now is overused. And While SAO is not really one, it definitely brought up that idea for many. Also, I, for one, bear no hate toward it and is not afraid to say it holds a close place to my heart. If it was not for SAO, I might not even be here today since it was one of the pillars that set my anime journey into motion. Sure, the story is not the best, and there are many flaws here and there. But the enjoyment value I get out of SAO is massive, to say the least. Moreover, the recent season as stated earlier, has definitely improved remarkably in terms of writing. It's only one way to describe your experience with SAO tho from first-hand experience. Either you'll love it, or you'll hate it from the bottom of your heart. The choice is all yours.