Writing About All Things Pop Culture
Well, everyone, I did what I set out to do. I said that I was going to review every episode of Sword Art Online: Alicization, and managed to do just that. Was the season as good as I hoped it would be? At times, it was. But it had its fair share of moments that made us cringe. And pacing problems, to be sure. But for all its faults, I think that the Alicization arc manages to stick the landing with an emotional epilogue.
You know what I hate? When something that we’ve been building up to for a lengthy period of time ends up falling flat on its face. Since the second half of SAO Alicization began, I’ve been waiting for three moments: for Asuna to show up, for Kirito to wake up, and for Kirito to fight Gabriel. Now, we’ve reached the third and final moment on that list. And while it was visually spectacular, I think that it could have gone on another episode.
Sword Art Online: Alicization- War of Underworld Episode 40 Review/Recap Griefers: a person who harasses or deliberately provokes other players or members in order to spoil their enjoyment. Why am … Continue Reading Griefer Tears Heroes Apart in SAO
You know that moment in a story where you think things can’t worsen, and then they do? Well, I’m sad to say that SAO has officially reached that point, both in terms of the plot and the pacing. This episode sees hope begin to give way to despair as the boogeyman of SAO returns: PoH.
Okay, people, I will be the first to admit that I had mixed feelings about this episode. Which is not what I wanted to have, since I had been waiting for this moment since Asuna joined the war. On the one hand, this took the moment I waited for since the start of the anime and made it less cool than in my mind. On the other, they closed out with one of the best fights in Alicization, and one that showed us a pretty metal way to die.
After seven long months of waiting, Sword Art Online: War of Underworld has returned at last. Thus, it’s time for me to finish what I started. I will review this series to the end, and it looks like that end is going to be epic. To recap where we left off: the bad guys tricked an army of American Players into logging in to Underworld. Asuna’s held them off with the Underworld residents, and then Sinon showed up to wipe the floor with them. However, none of that will matter if Gabriel gets Alice to the portal and out of Underworld. The real war of Underworld’s about to begin!
Of all the times for the show to go on a mid-season finale break, they choose to do it now? When things are getting really good? Well, see you guys again in April. LINK START!
After waiting for way too many episodes, Asuna finally shows up in Underworld and she’s ready to kick some ass. Alice doesn’t take this well.
Sword and fist clash in one of the most bizarre matchups in Sword Art Online as the war for Underworld continues. Also, a familiar character appears!
As the war in Underworld progresses, Alice learns of her importance to the Dark Territory and her title as the Priestess of Light.
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.
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.
So, in the latest episode of Sword Art Online: Alicization- War of Underworld, we get stuck with more exposition and no action. Good things come to those who wait.
Back when SAO: Alicization ended the dub of its first half on Toonami, I promised that I would continue reviewing the show when part two came out. Now I intend to keep that promise, and I’m not waiting for the dub. #Swordartonline
We’re at the mid-season finale of SAO: Alicization, and this will be my last review/recap until the show resumes in October; not waiting for the dub. Now, let’s get this mid-game boss fight started. Kirito vs. Quinella!
Having been drawn out of hiding to save Kirito and Alice, Cardinal comes face to face with her nemesis, Quinella.
