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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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