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Sword Art Online: Alicization– War of Underworld Episode 46 Review/Recap

So, it turns out that I was wrong about episode count for Aliczation. There are only 47 episodes, not 48. In other words, next week’s episode is going to be the finale for the season. And unless they adapt that Unital Ring Arc, the end of Sword Art Online. Thus, these last two episodes are an epilogue to welcome Alice to the real world. And, we see the Black Swordman come home at last.

Honestly, I feel like they could have released this and the final episode as one, but it’s the people in Japan’s call.

LINK START!

Recap

With Alice safe protected from those who would use her (*cough*America*cough*), RATH stuns the world by revealing her existence. As expected, people are skeptical and have a lot of questions about Alice: is she really human? Should AI’s have human rights? And the classic: what’s to stop them from trying to wipe out humanity. At a public press conference, Rinko and Alice handle these questions very well. In particular, Alice seems to win over a lot of people with her sincerity and personality. However, she prematurely leaves the conference. The reason? Kirito and Asuna have awoken. Their first action is to have RATH erase their memories of their two centuries in Underworld.

The two were very busy in Underworld. After the defeat of Gabriel, they reunited with everyone and returned to the Human Empire. Firstly, though, they brought peace between the Human Empire and Dark Territory. After that, they wound up getting crowned King and Queen of Underworld and ruled it until they awoke.

The real question now, though, is what will happen to Underworld? Kirito and the others realize that if nothing’s done, RATH will be dissolved, Alice seized, and the Underworld shut down. However, plans are already in place by two people. The first is Mr. Kiku, who faked his death so RATH’s enemies in the government can’t hide the incident. The second is an AI copy of Kirito made by Higu before the memory wipe.

Thus, Kirito can return home at last, reflect on his adventures, and mourn the loss of Eugeo once more.

Review

Well, it looks like the Light Novel did a much better job with the epilogue than the anime did. It’s not that the anime isn’t bad here; it’s just the Light Novel version was able to convey more emotion; that, and details. There are a lot of details we learn about in the Light Novel that’s only touched upon in the anime. Here’s the basics.

• Kirito and Asuna returned to their friends and made peace with the Dark Territory, bringing the war to an end.
• The people of the Dark Territory went home to rebuild, with the Human Empire agreeing to let them come and go as they please.
• Kirito and Asuna returned to the capital and got rid of the Axiom Church and Nobility, so that there wouldn’t be another Quinella.
• They opened the Integrity Knights to volunteers. No more brainwashing.
• They ruled as King and Queen of Underworld.

That’s a lot of important details that got glossed over by the anime. I understand the need to save time, but it’s still frustrating. Especially since it involves fixing the issues that led to the conflict in the first half of the arc, courtesy of Quinella.

Speaking of that hag, one of the reporters was right to worry about AI trying to destroy humanity. We saw them turn out good, like Alice, or evil, like Quinella. If Quinella was the one who made it to the real world, she’d want to conquer it. The lesson here is that if we ever create an AI on the level of Alice in the real world, we need to make sure they have a moral compass.

Philosophy aside, I think that people will grow to accept Alice and the residents of Underworld, as Kiku, Rinko, and Kirito hope.

Heck of An Interesting Future

Considering that Alicization is the final chapter to Kawahara’s original story, It’s almost sad to see the anime potentially end here. I think that there are more stories to tell about Alice and the Artificial Fluctlights. But at the same time, it feels like Sword Art Online has grown far past its original concept. Remember: players trapped in a VR game where if they die, they die in real life? That seems so long ago!

Overall, I think that while this penultimate episode helped to wrap things up, I don’t think that it was as good as it could have been. So many details wound up getting glossed over, it hurts to see. Still, at least the show’s trying to stick the landing.

I Give “Alice” a 2.5/5. Not enough emotional weight.

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I get pumped for the finale to Sword Art Online

I’ve been waiting for seven long months for this to happen. Sword Art Online: Alicization- War of Underworld is coming back!

I swore that I would see the entirety of Alicization through to the end all those months ago. I intend to keep that promise no matter what.

For those who need a recap after these long months, here’s where we stood back in December:

• Alice has been captured by Gabriel in his guise as Vector, God of the Dark Territory, and is being taken to this portal thing in the Dark Territory that will take them back to the real world.
• Gabriel’s tricked thousands of gamers from America into logging into Underworld. They think it’s just a beta. As an American and a Gamer, their ignorance fills me with shame.
• Asuna and Sinon have logged in using their own God Accounts and are helping the residents of Underworld hold off the Army of Idiots.
• The Human and Dark Territory armies are pretty much working together now.
• Kirito’s still in a coma.

Even though I’ll now have Amphibia and The Owl House to work on every Saturday, this won’t stop me. I will see SAO through to the end!

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Sword Art Online: Alicization- War of Underworld Episode 36 Review/Recap

So, apparently, Sword Art Online’s going on break for a few months. It’s reached the halfway point for this season, right when thing’s are about to get interesting. Thanks to that hacker whose name I forget, Gabriel has an army of ignorant gamers to fight for him in Underworld. Which is why its frustating to see them go on break for the season.

LINK START!

Recap

Having logged into Underworld thinking they’re in a beta game, the American players begin killing anything that moves, much to everyone’s horror. As a result of the slaughter and Vecta’s unwillingness to do anything, Iskahn begins to fight the Seal. In the end, his rage becomes so great that he rips his right eye out like a boss! He then forms a truce with the Integrity Knights in exchange for help saving his forces, which Asuna readily accepts

Fortunately, the American Players are like Stormtroopers: poorly trained and go down with little effort. As a result, the Knights plow through them. However, Alice gets separated from the others, and as a result, gets captured by Vecta/Gabriel. Thus, Bercouli takes off in pursuit, and most of the decoy force follows him in order to rescue Alice.

Back in the real world, that loser hacker sends another 20,000 American players to intercept the Human Empire forces. However, they’re then immediately intercept by Sinon. Using another super-account, Sinon dives into Underworld and uses her godlike powers to slaughter the players. Then, the first half of War of Underworld ends.

Review

I cannot believe that I have to wait until April to see how everything ends. I know how it turns out thanks to the Light Novels, but I was so looking forward to seeing the calvary arrive. We already know that almost all of Kirito’s friends are going to come and fight, with Asuna, Sinon, and Leafa leading the charge. However, reading about it and seeing it happen are two different things. In other words, it’s going to be an epic action moment and full of fan service.

As far as mid-season finale’s go, though, I think SAO chose the best possible moment to take a break. Everything’s starting to go crazy, past characters are coming in to help, and Alice is now in the hands of the evil Gabriel. It’s a good cliffhanger.

In addition to that, the show’s teased the return of an old enemy of Asuna and Kirito’s in the form of Vassago. If you haven’t figured out who he is, here’s a hint: it’s showtime.

Because of this break, my series for SAO’s on hiatus until April. When it does start up again, though, I will handle it with gusto. This is turning into one of the best arcs in SAO. Karandi, if you’re reading this, this would be a great time to get back into the show.

I Give “Ray of Light” a 3.7/5. Great Set-Up, still bummed about the break.

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Sword Art Online: Alicization– War of Underworld Episode 34 Review/Recap

Ever since the actual war for Underworld began, I’ve spent weeks asking one question: when Asuna? After spending the majority of Alicization on the sidelines, Asuna decided to dive directly into Underworld and rescue her beloved Kirito. As we saw at the end of last week’s episode, I got my wish: Asuna’s in Underworld and ready to kick some ass. However, don’t expect much of “Lightning Flash” Asuna’s skill this episode.

LINK START!

Recap

After making her dramatic entrance last episode, Asuna gets her priorities straight: find Kirito and Alice. She doesn’t have to wait long, as a grateful Ronye and Tiese lead her to her boyfriend. However, this also leads her to meet Alice, who’s not happy to see a stranger near Kirito. 

Fortunately, Bernoulli arrives in time to talk Alice down. After a few more tense moments with Alice, Asuna gathers the leaders of the Knights and tells them the truth. How the real world created Underworld, the groups fighting for control over it, and Alice’s importance to everyone. Rather than flee with Asuna, though, Alice resolves to stay and defeat Vector. If he falls, the Dark Territory will stand down, and Underworld will be safe. Realizing that this is their best choice, Asuna agrees to help the world that Kirito risked everything to protect. Even if that includes RATH.

Review

Aside from the brief duel Asuna and Alice, this episode has nothing in the way of action. The rest consists of talking and exposition. However, while I’ve criticized the show in the past for this, here I’m okay with it. I enjoyed it!

I have two reasons for my change of heart. First, I’m thrilled that Asuna’s finally back in action. As my favorite heroine, I’m frustrated with how little Asuna’s done since Aincrad. There was Mother’s Rosario and the movie, but that’s about it. With Kirito incapacitated, Asuna and Alice are mostly the main characters. 

Which brings me to my second point: the interactions between Asuna and Alice. I’ve noticed that the two a lot in common:

• Both the strongest swordswomen in their respective worlds
• Have strong-willed personalities
• Are attracted to Kirito (don’t deny that Alice has feelings for him).

Their similarities and shared love of Kirito put Asuna and Alice at odds right away; to my amusement. Until now, Asuna got along great with the other girls Kirito’s friends with, so it’s refreshing to see her act so possessive about “her Kirito”. Seeing her and Alice verbally spar over who’s closer to the boy is comedy gold that had me chuckling. Then seeing Ronye butt in, followed by Liena (who’s back all of sudden) made it a sweet moment. Also, I’m pretty sure this makes eight girls who are into Kirito, or do I hear nine?

With the return of one of the best characters on the show, the war for Underworld’s about to take on a new stage that will, hopefully, improve on the last. Asuna gets the chance to let loose at long last, and I bet her other friends are soon to join her. In other words, things are about to get good.

I Give “Stacia, Goddess of Creation” a 4.5/5

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Sword Art Online: Alicization- War of Underworld Episode 33 Review/Recap

In a series titled Sword Art Online, one would think the main focus would be on swordsmen and women, yet that’s not always been the case. There have been times when the heroes have used other weapons in VRMMO’s like guns, bows, spears and the like. However, I never thought we’d see the day when we saw a swordswoman fight a martial artist. Sword and Fist clash in the latest episode of War of Underworld.

LINK START!

Recap

Having gotten his attention, Vecta/Gabriel sends all his forces after Alice and the decoy force. At the head of the vanguard is Iskahn, leader of the Pugilists (boxers) guild. However, they’re halted by Sheyta, a quiet Integrity Knight with a love of cutting things up. With her razor thin sword, she proceeds to Madara Uchiha the Pugilists. As a result, Iskahn decides to step in and fight her himself.

Despite her razor-sharp blade, Iskahn’s able to hold her own against Sheyta. The Pugilists train their bodies to be tougher than blades, and as their leader, Iskhan’s body’s crazy strong. Sword and fist clash on equal footing before Sheyta withdraws. However, the experience has earned the two a respect for the other.

Meanwhile, the supply camp’s ambushed by Vassago. He goes Assassin’s Creed on most of the guards before turning his attention of Ronye and Tiese. However, before he can kill them, a shining figure the girls call “Stacia” appears in the sky and drives him off. To Vassago’s shock, he realizes that “Stacia” is really Asuna.

IT’S ABOUT TIME!

Review

The sword vs. fist fight of this episode was interesting, to say the least. At the least, I think that Sheyta’s a more interesting character than most of the Integrity Knight’s we’ve seen so far. As for Iskahn, though, he reminds me too much of your stock Shonen hero. With his confident personality and love of fighting, it’s like he’s a miniature version of Goku. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but if not used right, characters like Iskahn can end up being one note. The same goes for Sheyta, too.

All of that pales compared to the big reveal at the end of the episode: Asuna’s finally in Underworld! Her arrival signals the start of the second half of the war for Underworld. From what I remember of the Light Novels, things are going to get really crazy. In addition, this means that Alice will now learn the truth about Underworld and her importance. Given what I remember from the Light Novels, though, Alice won’t take kindly to Asuna’s prescence. In other words, I think next episode’s going to be fun.

I Give “Sword and Fist” a 3.25/5. Asuna’s Here!

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Sword Art Online: Alicization- War of Underworld Episode 32 Review/Recap

We viewers know that the true purpose of the war in Underworld’s to capture Alice. However, that fact remains unknown to the Integrity Knights, putting Alice in danger. All that changes in this episode, though, as Alice learns how important she is to the future of Underworld. As a result, she takes up the (fake) moniker the Dark Territory’s given her- the Priestess of Light.

LINK START!

Recap

As a result of expending most of her energy in that giant attack last episode, Alice comes close to passing out. She doesn’t get a chance to rest, though, as she’s attacked by Fugr, the chief of the Ogres. She easily dispatches him, but not before learning that “Vecta” is after her. In addition, she learns of what she’s called: the Priestess of Light.

Realizing that Alice is their main target, Bercouli chooses to split the Human army in two. The bulk will remain behind to defend the ravine. A task force consisting of Alice, Bercouli, Ronye, Tiese, Kirito, and Renly will head into the Dark Territory and draw them away. Meanwhile, Dee Eye chooses to sacrifice 3,000 of the Orcs to create enough power to create a deadly spell of insects. Left with no choice, Eldrie sacrifices himself to draw the spell away from the others, leaving him to die in Alice’s arms. Outraged, Alice takes to the air and takes out Dee’s unit before proclaiming herself to be the Priestess of Light.

Review

While the war may have started off slow, things finally seem to be getting interesting. Little by little, Alice is learning of why she’s so important, not only for Underworld, but to the real world. In addition, even if the title’s something Vecta/Gabriel made up, the moniker “Priestess of Light” sounds really cool.

While I enjoyed seeing Alice go full warrior on the Dark Territory, that wasn’t the big draw for me. What I liked most about this episode is how human the inhabitants of Underworld are; as in, they’re completely sentient AI. At the least, the AI are close enough to sentient that it becomes indistinguishable. We saw it in the Orc Chief as he watched his lover be sacrificed, and with Eldrie’s sacrifice. In other words, there’s nothing that separates them from someone in the real world.

Enough philosophical talk, though. While War of Underworld may have started off slow, I think it’s getting progressively better. This episode seemed to drive that home for me, as I want to see more like it; more action! Hopefully, next week’s episode will give us just that.

I Give “Blood and Life” a 4/5

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Sword Art Online: Alicization- War of Underworld Episode 30 Review/Recap

It took us six episodes to get to this point, but at last, the War for Underworld has begun. I waited for this moment since reading about it in the web novels. I wanted it to be what made SAO a good isekai again. However, this first episode felt like a repeat of the Battle of Ice and Fire from Game of Thrones. The difference is that this time we can see what’s going on.

LINK START!

Recap

With the barrier between the Human Empire and the Dark Territory shattered, the War for Underworld begins. The Dark Territory’s plan is simple: win through sheer numbers. Goblins, giants, and more hammer away at the front lines without respite. While the Integrity Knights live up to their power, there are too many enemies. When Deuselbert  runs out of arrows to fire, he resorts to using his sword as an arrow. Eldrie’s position’s covered in smoke, so he can’t fight without hurting his men. As for Fanatio, one of her followers gives their life so she can slay the Chief of the Giants.

Despite the Knights best efforts, they’re fighting a battle they can’t win. One of their members, Renly, is so scared he runs back to the supply depot. Through all of this, Alice watches in the sky overhead, gathering the energy needed for what amounts to a Spirit Bomb.

Review

So far, I think the War for Underworld’s off to a slow start; a very slow start. The anime’s going out of its way to let as many Integrity Knights appear as possible, yet only a handful are shown fighting. After spending the first half of the season focusing on the Knights, it feels like a letdown.

However, I do think that Fanatio and Deuselbert had their own badass moments, so the anime’s at least making an effort. They don’t mentioned as much in the web or light novels. Meanwhile, Alice is flying above the battle pulling a Goku as she charges her attack, so the best Integrity Knight does nothing. However, it’s not Alice I want to see fighting: who I want to see is Asuna.

Asuna logged in several episodes back to find Kirito. However, we’ve yet to see any sign of her in Underworld. When she does show up, though, I can bet she’ll kick some serious butt. I want the War for Underworld to have Asuna kicking ass, but I have to wait who knows how long? Hopefully, next episode will have Asuna make her grand appearance and turn the tide of battle; that’s how these “cavalry ride” scenarios work.

I Give “Battle of the Knights” a 3/5. Give Me Asuna and Leafa now!

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Sword Art Online: Alicization- War of Underworld Episode 29 Review/Recap

I’ve noticed a recurring theme among stories that feature a climatic final battle between two opposing forces. Right before the big fight, there’s always a moment where the cast calms down and prepares themselves for what’s about to happen. Star Wars had their moment with Luke and Leia in Jedi; and Game of Thrones had a whole episode before the White Walkers attacked. Now SAO: Alicization goes through its own calm before the storm as the final battle for Underworld is about to begin.

LINK START!

Recap

Alice arrives at the Integrity Knight’s base with Kirito in tow, much to Eldrie’s dismay. However, Bercouli lets Kirito stay as he knows the boy’s aware enough to defend himself. In addition, since he beat Quinella and most of the Integrity Knights, Bercouli thinks he’ll be the key to victory in the final battle. To help protect him, Alice leaves Kirito in the care of Tione and Ronye, who have joined the Human Army. However, the two are guilt-ridden at Kirito’s state, believing that if they had been smarter, Eugeo would be alive and Kirito wouldn’t be in his state. Alice tells the two girls that they did nothing wrong, and that they should keep moving forward.

A day or so later, Bercouli calls a war meeting with the Knights present. The Dark Territory has around 50,000 warriors and sacred arts users on their side. On their part, the Human Empire has 3,000 soldiers plus the Integrity Knights, each worth a thousand soldiers. So their plan is to bottleneck them at the entrance and try and thin out their ranks.

The night before the battle, everyone prepares for what’s to come the next day. Alice takes the chance to reconcile with Eldrie, telling him to live so that he may reclaim his lost memories. The next day, the Human Army stands at the gate as it collapses, beginning the Final Load Test.

Review

As far as prelude’s to the final battle go, I can sum up my feelings to this episode in one word: meh. I mean, I think it did a good job of building tension up for the final battle, but it doesn’t really do much else. Game of Thrones did a better job with its episode leading up to the White Walkers arrival.

That said, I did like getting to see some of the other characters make their return. Bercouli shows off his leadership skills, and humorously, deals with the same kind of girl troubles Kirito has. We see that Fanatio overcame her insecurities over being a woman thanks to Kirito. In addition, unlike in the Light Novels, several of the Integrity Knights Kirito fought have cameos.

Now that that’s out of the way, though, I think we’ve all gotten to the point where we have one question: can we fight now? This is going to be an epic war that could not only decide the fate of Underworld, but affect the real world as well. If Gabriel captures Alice, then it’s game over. I only hope that it’s better than “The Long Night” was; and more visible.

Next week the War of Underworld truly begins! Can’t wait!

I Give “The Night Before Battle” a 3/5. BRING ON THE FIGHT!

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Sword Art Online: Alicization- War of Underworld Episode 27 Review/Recap

Given what I know about the latter half of Alicization, I hoped that the anime would turn itself around. That it would give more of the action that I wanted to see. While the last episode gave us more of the action, it’s back to the exposition here. Pacing problems have been a recurring problem with this season, but I’m still holding out hope for Alicization.

LINK START!

Recap

In a flashback, we learn the identity of the man leading the assault on the Ocean Turtle. His name is Gabriel Miller, and he got hired by the US Government to steal the AI Rath’s developing. They want to weaponize it so they can maintain their dominance in war. The team that Kirito fought in GGO in the first episode was them; they were practicing for the attack.

However, in the present day, Gabriel’s team is locked out of the area where the Fluctlight cubes are. Thus, they devise of an alternative way to seize their target (Alice). Soon, Underworld will go through “The Final Load Test”, where the barriers between the human empire and the Dark Territory will collapse. Finding two god level accounts in the Dark Territory, Gabriel and his lieutenant use them to log in and use the Dark Territory for themselves.

Meanwhile, Asuna decides to take matters into her own hands. She prepares to log into Underworld herself in order to find Kirito and protect Alice.

Review

I get that exposition and flashbacks are important to moving the plot along, but when you use them too much, a show suffers. Pacing problems have been a big problem of Alicization, and I’m worried it will ruin the war to come. I want to see something as big as the final battle in Avengers: Endgame. Instead, we may get something “The Long Night” from Game of Thrones.

That said, this episode tries to fulfill its purpose, but it misses a few key details about Gabriel. In Tokyo, Sinon has a nightmare of when she fought him in the final round of GGO 4; he strangled her to death with his bare hands. Yet I think the show fails to show how much of a sociopath Gabriel truly is. The web and light novels talk about how he’s obssessed with the soul, and with Alice herself. I hope they show more about it, but if not, click here.

With Gabriel about to seize control of the Dark Territory, all out war is now inevitable. Fortunately, Asuna’s coming to rescue her boyfriend/husbando. Fans should know by now that nothing will stand between an angry Asuna and her goals. Pacing problems or not, I look forward to the war.

I Give “The Final Load Test” a 2.75/5

By the way, pay attention to Gabriel’s lieutenant, Vassago. We’ve seen him before, but I’m not giving any hints.

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Sword Art Online: Alicization, Episode 17 Review/Recap

Let’s go through this one more time. After getting arrested by the Axiom Church, Kirito and Eugeo escape and vow to take down the corrupt Axiom Church. After fighting through the Integrity Knights, the pair finally face their childhood friend, Alice, who the Church turned into their weapon. After a brief fight, Kirito and Alice are thrown from the Church to the outside. And that’s when we pick back up; should be interesting.

LINK START!

Recap

Kirito manages to save Alice and himself by digging his sword into the side of the Cathedral, even though Alice insists on letting her fall. After arguing for several minutes and calling each other idiots, Kirito convinces her to call a truce until they get back inside. Working together, they begin to climb up to the 95th, where they can get back in.

Back in the real world, Asuna and Rinko are eating breakfast when they notice that one of the Ocean Turtle’s escort ships is moving away. Something’s not right, but the SDF is not telling them.

In the Underworld, Kirito and Alice have made progess, but with the sun setting, they won’t be able to make it up any higher. That’s when they’re attacked by monsters. Somehow, winged creatures made with dark magic from the Dark Territory were able to roost on the Cathedral’s walls. It takes some teamwork (and more arguing) but Alice and Kirito beat them. Kirito even mildly impresses Alice with his sword skills.

As all this is going down, Eugeo continues up to the top of the Cathedral on his own, where he comes across a massive bath, and the one inside is the commander of the Integrity Knights, Bercouli.

Review

It may be because I watch too many slice-of-life anime, but I found the sight of Kirito and Alice yelling at each other funny. Those two are as stubborn as they come, and Kirito has a way of getting under a girl’s skin. And yet, they somehow end up falling for him; one of life’s mysteries, I guess.

At the same time, it’s weird to see the normally stoic Alice lose her cool because of Kirito’s antics. She’s acting like a classic tsundere.

While it may seem like it’s beating a dead horse, too, I enjoyed seeing Kirito break down Alice’s arguments about the Axiom Church. It may be because I’ve read a lot about this stuff in history books, but I have a deep hatred of people who abuse their power like this. And my opinion on religious groups who do that is even lower.

No matter what Alice may say, I’m going to say that what Kirito and Eugeo did was justified. Those two pieces of trash would have hurt their friends. It was unfortunate one of them had to die, but I didn’t mourn for them. Plenty of people would have done the same to protect their friends. I would have.

If the next episode ends up being as awesome as I have heard, then I think I will be in for a treat.

I Give “Truce” a 4/5

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