For the sake of time, I'm going to assume you are aware of the original's numerous issues with pacing, character, plot holes, etc.
There isn't much to be said about SAO. Most of the community seemed to enjoy the anime for the most part until the end, and then we all realized that this self-insert escapist fantasy #1 actually has so much wrong with it that most now agree that it is trash. It is an excellent example of a good idea executed extremely poorly, and most of us already know that and have written off the series as a result (and rightfully so)
However, much to
...
my surprise, I love this new series so far.
Now, before you down vote me to hell, allow me to explain. Sword Art Online: Progressive is a reboot of Reki Kawahara's train wreck. This means that Kawahara had a change to right the wrongs of the original, and deliver us a well executed version of his story.
I'm glad to be able to tell you that he succeeded. There's a lot to talk about, so I'll explain what has been changed that I personally enjoyed so far (Volume 3)
First off, out of the first three novels, there has not been a single time-skip, with the exception being that there are a few times where a day or two is skipped in the story for the sake of pacing.
Secondly, Kirito is no longer a self-insert Mary Sue. While still not a complex or GOOD character by any means, he certainly has more personality than before, and his power level has been cranked wayyy back, and that's definitely for the better. He still has a slight advantage over the other players, as his beta-tester status essentially gives him a head start, but he is never portrayed as overpowered. Also, being in Kirito's head allows us to know everything that he does about the game, which leads me into my next point
Third- THE GAME'S MECHANICS ARE EXPLAINED- and explained quite well, in fact. From skill progression, so ability cool downs, to how items are upgraded, the game's mechanics are explained very effectively to the reader, so well, in fact, that Kawahara is able to show how players exploit the game's mechanics to cheat and even player kill with no consequences. Understanding how the game works gives the story more depth than was there prior. And OH MY GOD THE COMBAT. The knowledge of cool-downs and exploits gives some of the combat sequences this sense of tension and weight that I've never really seen done before in a novel. There is one specific fight in the 2nd volume that is honestly pretty awesome.
Fourth- Kirito and Asuna's relationship is pretty well developed. Not much to say here, other than that they stick together after the first floor boss. Their banter is enjoyable when Asuna isn't being a tsundere or whatever, but her demeanor never really comes off as obnoxious and can actually work for the benefit of the story. You see the two of them slowly grow closer together, and it's well done for the most part.
Now to rapid-fire some positives
-Small story arcs (including an MMO campaign quest that will span multiple floors and novels) to fill in the space between boss fights and provide context for sub quests so each of them feel less like filler, as well as show what player life in Aincrad is like.
-Interesting side characters. Specifically Kizmel and Argo. Not going to say very much for the sake of spoilers
-Fan service isn't too overbearing, the harem thing is nonexistent at this point and that's a good thing
-They give the regular players a bit more reason to dislike the beta testers
-Each floor is unique, and world building is done pretty well
-Little to no regard for SAO cannon, meaning events are swapped around and plot points are changed, (for the better) so fans and haters -[Those who have taste] won't feel like they've seen any of this before, with the exception being the beginning half of the first volume, as this deals with the first floor of Aincrad, (One month after the game began) however it is done much better than the anime and is still very much enjoyable.
-Laughing coffin has only really bee hinted at and still feels like much more of a threat than they ever did in the anime
Cons
-No Klein (RIP)
-The floor by floor structure could lead to the series getting repetitive further down the line, though at the time of this review it not a problem by any means. However, a time skip might be justified later on in the story.
-Likely to keep the boss rooms from becoming repetitive, a few boss fights are glossed over and only a brief flashback of the battle is given. More of just a small nitpick as the boss fights that are there are fun.
-Surprising lack of death so far, especially in raids and bosses. Can be addressed later, not that big of an issue yet. Main character deaths could benefit the series.
-Kibao is still an annoying shithead and unfortunately is around a lot more this time.
-No Klein
-No Klein
All in all, Sword Art Online: Progressive is definitely worth a read as it stands right now. Fans will eat it up, haters will likely find that this is a much better version of SAO, and I can't thank my friend enough for convincing me to check this reboot out. I cannot stress enough how much fun I had with this.
This is what SAO should have been.
Also, I have no idea how good the manga adaptation is, but the light novel is probably much better. Just saying
Mar 13, 2018
Sword Art Online: Progressive
(Manga)
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For the sake of time, I'm going to assume you are aware of the original's numerous issues with pacing, character, plot holes, etc.
There isn't much to be said about SAO. Most of the community seemed to enjoy the anime for the most part until the end, and then we all realized that this self-insert escapist fantasy #1 actually has so much wrong with it that most now agree that it is trash. It is an excellent example of a good idea executed extremely poorly, and most of us already know that and have written off the series as a result (and rightfully so) However, much to ... |
