Sword Art Online

[digi-kun]

Spoiler:

Well, Episode 2 is already called Beater, and the PV IS showing the 1st Floor boss battle see?



So we're debating that First day will be a flashback sometime after RNR

Apparently these are the following 'confirmed' episodes:
3話「赤鼻のトナカイ」Red-Nosed Reindeer
菅原雪絵 伊藤祐毅 伊藤智彦 中村直人
4話「黒の剣士」The Black Swordsman
向井良和 綿田慎也 高橋亨 落合瞳＆大庭小枝
5話「圏内事件」A Murder Case in the Area
木澤行人 布施康之 藤原佳幸 宮嶋仁志

Huh, though i guess it makes sense that Aria in the Starless Sky could be 1 episode. I kind of estimated that 1 episode for each side-story, though I thought that they might give some more time to the first one since it's the meeting story with meeting Asuna and fighting the first boss. Though it throws my estimations off, the addition of the other published SAO side story makes up for it, and also gives more time for the v.1 to finish up, so I'm still thinking a 13/12 split. It's definitely nice that they're going through with putting later written SAO stories in here instead of throwing them in as OVAs though.

Spoiler:

A bit sad that we probably won't get to Phantom Bullet though -_- With Sinon being my favorite alongside Asuna and all XD

Also, I'm a bit amused that despite not having a face, Sugiha's figure is still accurate. That and the fact that her role name is "Sister" in the credits XD I'm musing myself with the fact that despite being a big name voice actress (Ayana Taketatsu: Azusa, Kirino, Mio-MM), the role title is incredibly generic, so it draws less attention to it. Good move, A-1 XD

Also, the fact that Kawahara Reki is working that closely with the director is definitely a good thing.

Well it has the Light Novels as Source material, unlike Guilty Crown which was a totally new story that was being scripted at the same time as animated...So if the Studio messes this up, go to the Light Novels. I loved it. And yeah LiSA is so awesome, such great music. I WANT FULL VERSION NAO.

There are a few pseudo-full versions based off what's been revealed and repetitions of the chorus


Lapras: This still remains a Sword Art Online thread, so at least try to include something related to topic along your retorts when you reply

 

[Netto Azure]

Huh, though i guess it makes sense that Aria in the Starless Sky could be 1 episode. I kind of estimated that 1 episode for each side-story, though I thought that they might give some more time to the first one since it's the meeting story with meeting Asuna and fighting the first boss. Though it throws my estimations off, the addition of the other published SAO side story makes up for it, and also gives more time for the v.1 to finish up, so I'm still thinking a 13/12 split. It's definitely nice that they're going through with putting later written SAO stories in here instead of throwing them in as OVAs though.

A lot of people thought that too, but if we're keeping this within a season of 12-13 episodes some things would be cut down. I DO hope there's Argo on Saturday's episode.

As for Episode Calculations, here's someone who was bored and did that:

Spoiler:

So I got bored today and just started doing this...

Spoiler:

*All the pages indicated in this thread are calculated from the Baka-Tsuki PDF files. Basically anything not story related and all images were excluded.

So according to my calculations the series will be about 17.5 episodes if they just stay to the main story and the few SS we KNOW they're doing.

Of course this only if they follow the stories to the absolute letter [which we know they aren't doing].

Based on the titles of the next few episodes we can hypothesis that they are going to shorten the Aria SS from 3 episodes down to 1 episode. Based on that information we can make the assumptions that anything under 3 episodes can, and will most likely be, shortened to 1 episode.

Based on that information you can say this now... the SAO main story and SS will be between 12 and 13 Episodes long. Even if they length one or two of the SS that will only change it to a moderate length of maybe 14 and 15 episodes. Of course they won't go word for word so you can probably even short the main story to 6 episodes.

So.... unless they are going to add more SS and a lot of fillers that will distract and break up the pacing of the story, I can't really see how they are going to make this a 24-26 episode series based solely on the SAO arc.

Now let's see what the ALO arc is...

Spoiler:

So it's only about 10 episodes long [if they do it word for word]. If they were to add it as the last half of the series it would definitely fit nicely there...

15 Episodes [SAO arc max amount of episodes]
11 Episodes [ALO arc max amount of episodes, plus one for good measure]
26 Episodes

So there you have it... My bored ramblings and calculations for this series. Before you say it YES! I have way too much time on my hands.

*All calculations are approximate and at the very best are guesses [though educated ones]. This mostly as a bored thing to kill time, but I thought it was interesting and so decided to post it.

Spoiler:

A bit sad that we probably won't get to Phantom Bullet though -_- With Sinon being my favorite alongside Asuna and all XD

Also, I'm a bit amused that despite not having a face, Sugiha's figure is still accurate. That and the fact that her role name is "Sister" in the credits XD I'm musing myself with the fact that despite being a big name voice actress (Ayana Taketatsu: Azusa, Kirino, Mio-MM), the role title is incredibly generic, so it draws less attention to it. Good move, A-1 XD

Spoiler:

GGO will probably in the Season after ALO. We'll just have to do our best in supporting this series through ratings and demand. :D

LOL yeah, but people who read the LN immediately picked up on that and started spoiling Haha. xDDD

Also, the fact that Kawahara Reki is working that closely with the director is definitely a good thing.

There are a few pseudo-full versions based off what's been revealed and repetitions of the chorus

I totally agree, the Anime get's a lot of Proto-SAO:Progressive info I think. But when SAO:Progressive comes out, the anime would start feeling like an abridged series XP

Oh, I already linked to the full version in the concert video from earlier, I'm just waiting for the official release with better quality. Since LiSA was seriously in the middle of singing non-stop when she started on Crossing Field. XDDD

Edit: Something I made to show some "KiriAsu" love, One of the best Pairings I've seen in like forever.

A truly envious relationship.

Spoiler:

Sword Art Online Abridged: "From Bread to Marriage, a love story" (Still better than Twilight?)

Episodes:

1. The Bread

2. The Stew

3. Chapter 16.5

4. Marriage

 

[digi-kun]

A lot of people thought that too, but if we're keeping this within a season of 12-13 episodes some things would be cut down. I DO hope there's Argo on Saturday's episode.

You too? I've been totally hoping for Argo to show up since she's effectively went non-existent after Red-Nosed Reindeer, and even then it was just "gave me information".

As for Episode Calculations, here's someone who was bored and did that:

Biggest issue with going by just pages is that there's a pretty big difference in timings between talking and action. A chapter of action can easily translate to less than half an episode in that.

Spoiler:

I've actually toyed with the thought of doing ALO/GGO at 6/6 on top of it, but there'd definitely be cuts and I don't want the quality to drop with that. On the other hand, it'd also open up the potential to start with Caliber to reintroduce the characters (cuz Sinon doesn't show up in Mother's Rosario), move to Mother's Rosario, and finish it off with the Alicization arc, though it'd probably be able to run a series on it's own given that it's going to be at least 3 volumes long.

Spoiler:

GGO will probably in the Season after ALO. We'll just have to do our best in supporting this series through ratings and demand. :D

LOL yeah, but people who read the LN immediately picked up on that and started spoiling Haha. xDDD

Unfortunately, if I'm putting support towards a series to bring the next one over, it's going to end up being Muvluv Alternative: Total Eclipse so hopefully Muvluv Extra/Unlimited/Alternative will be adapted, though my wishes definitely go out to SAO as well XD

LOL yeah, but people who read the LN immediately picked up on that and started spoiling Haha. xDDD

Oh man, you don't know the start of it. Since Total Eclipse is actually a side story to Muvluv alternative there have been some huge information drops coming from the people that have played through Alternative. Though most information drops is regarding background information since most people that have played it recognize it as probably the best VN of all time and have respect towards spoilers in that way.

Oh, I already linked to the full version in the concert video from earlier, I'm just waiting for the official release with better quality. Since LiSA was seriously in the middle of singing non-stop when she started on Crossing Field. XDDD

The PV will probably come out soon. Nico generally is ok with LiSA songs being thrown up there. Same thing actually happened at the Mari Iijima concert at Ohayocon last year. Ended up singing what we suspect is the next Macross anniversary project theme song.

Edit: Something I made to show some "KiriAsu" love, One of the best Pairings I've seen in like forever.

A truly envious relationship.

Spoiler:

Sword Art Online Abridged: "From Bread to Marriage, a love story" (Still better than Twilight?)

Episodes:

1. The Bread

2. The Stew

3. Chapter 16.5

4. Marriage

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Spoiler:

Speaking of chapter 16.5......the transition between 16 and 17 was a bit awkward without it, so i hope for a good transition on that. (though I can totally see them implying that it happened XD)

 

[Netto Azure]

You too? I've been totally hoping for Argo to show up since she's effectively went non-existent after Red-Nosed Reindeer, and even then it was just "gave me information".

Well Argo was pretty much the embodiment of the reason why Kirito went ahead and created the term Beater. So yeah even though she was a one-shot character, pretty huge impact. Although SAO: Progressive might add more Argo scenes. :>

Also I have this weird perception that Argo is a cross between Lizbet and Egil...probably because they all are Merchants LOL. xP

Biggest issue with going by just pages is that there's a pretty big difference in timings between talking and action. A chapter of action can easily translate to less than half an episode in that.

That's true enough, but that's a good thing! We get more space for side stories. :3

Spoiler:

I've actually toyed with the thought of doing ALO/GGO at 6/6 on top of it, but there'd definitely be cuts and I don't want the quality to drop with that. On the other hand, it'd also open up the potential to start with Caliber to reintroduce the characters (cuz Sinon doesn't show up in Mother's Rosario), move to Mother's Rosario, and finish it off with the Alicization arc, though it'd probably be able to run a series on it's own given that it's going to be at least 3 volumes long.

Spoiler:

I'm more or less thinking of a GGO-Mother's Rosario hybrid season after this expected SAO-ALO arc. Alicization is quite long that it deserves a 3rd season all to itself. :>

Unfortunately, if I'm putting support towards a series to bring the next one over, it's going to end up being Muvluv Alternative: Total Eclipse so hopefully Muvluv Extra/Unlimited/Alternative will be adapted, though my wishes definitely go out to SAO as well XD

Funny thing is MuvLuv: Total Eclipse was supposed to be my hyped up anime this summer after I saw the Back to back screening of the first 2 episodes at AX 2 weeks ago. I'd LOVE to see Alternative animated since the protag is a lot more experienced.

Oh man, you don't know the start of it. Since Total Eclipse is actually a side story to Muvluv alternative there have been some huge information drops coming from the people that have played through Alternative. Though most information drops is regarding background information since most people that have played it recognize it as probably the best VN of all time and have respect towards spoilers in that way.

Hahaha, I know been reading the reviews at ThatAnimeBlog and the discussion is full on debates of history and battle tactics. I was reading the MuvLuv: Alternative manga, but stuck at Ch. 13...no more translations. ;;
Thinking of playing the VN instead...I wanna know what happens. xD

The PV will probably come out soon. Nico generally is ok with LiSA songs being thrown up there. Same thing actually happened at the Mari Iijima concert at Ohayocon last year. Ended up singing what we suspect is the next Macross anniversary project theme song.

It's funny too, because Vegeta's Japanese VA did a concert of old Saint Seiya songs, which made me lol. xP Can't wait to memorize it after multiple plays. XD

Spoiler:

Speaking of chapter 16.5......the transition between 16 and 17 was a bit awkward without it, so i hope for a good transition on that. (though I can totally see them implying that it happened XD)

Spoiler:

Hahaha, we're hoping for OVA's but that's a pipe dream I think. Hope springs eternal though, since it's vanilla at it's finest.

I'm more or less content with the awesome art of the translated and colored doujins depicting 16.5 somewhat floating around the internet. XDDDDDD

 

[parallelzero]

And here I didn't want to get involved. -.-;

-Lapras-... So lets start with the fact that this thread is about SWORD ART ONLINE. Any off-topic comments you made regarding other series were already, well... off-topic. I know it started by comparing novel quality, but then you sent it off on a topic all it's own. You started by asking a question that was already borderline off-topic, but then you started arguing with the responses you got, further derailing things. If you're looking for an example, this one stood out to me.

You might argue with me, but a lot of responses - particularly those to Arcanine's post - seem like you're trying to troll and make things worse. That's not to say I condone the way Arcanine went about dealing with it, and I will have a talk with him later.

Really though, I'm sorry you dislike popular things. I'm sorry you can't enjoy something just because the majority of viewers like it. Unfortunately, though, that doesn't give you the right to be a jerk about it in a thread where members who do like the series are having a conversation about it. There's obviously room for a bit of skepticism in these threads, but saying "I don't like this series, here's why" is a lot different than "Here's why I don't like this series, allow me to keep going on about it when nobody wants me to".

Now I strongly suggest you not make any more posts in this thread to avoid causing problems for anyone else. If you have any concerns regarding this post, or as I'm sure you will, want to argue with me about what's been said, you can contact me via PM. No need to derail this thread any further.

 

[Netto Azure]

Episode 2

Well the episode has been released in Japan, crunchyroll subs in 1 1/2 hours, but here's some screenies.

Great stuff, Asuna has come to the forefront!

Moar Asuna in the spoiler.

Spoiler:

IT'S THE BREAD! THE BREAD!!!

Got some rather nice features shown. Mainly her body and face are nicely shown. Asuna's smile is very nice to behold TBH.

The Epitome is in the spoiler

Spoiler:

COMBO ATTACK NICE!

About the fight, that Kobold ass in the spoiler

Spoiler:

Darn Overpowered Kobolds. SAO takes things and makes them overpowered LOL. xD

Spoiler:

Poor Diabel! He really got it! Nice they show a potion and it was to help but alas it was not enough. I wonder how powerful his guild might have been or at least the <<Army>> could have been with him at the helm. ;__;

BTW End Art in the spoiler

Spoiler:

is fantastic as usual!

Spoiler:

Sadly no Argo, but at least the "Guide" was there to hint everyone. ;o;

 

[digi-kun]

Mmmm, my biggest issue with the episode is naturally the actual events of Kirito meeting Asuna, which is why I was expecting it to be two episodes instead of one. It was a big event that started the relationship, though over 60ish floors, there's definitely a lot of room for interpretation between episodes.

The other is, of course, the absence of Argo, which I definitely wanted to see.

 

[Netto Azure]

Mmmm, my biggest issue with the episode is naturally the actual events of Kirito meeting Asuna, which is why I was expecting it to be two episodes instead of one. It was a big event that started the relationship, though over 60ish floors, there's definitely a lot of room for interpretation between episodes.

The other is, of course, the absence of Argo, which I definitely wanted to see.

We were already expecting tons of things cut in this adaptation of the SS after seeing the episode list...I just tried to console myself that in Vol. 1 Asuna just popped up of nowhere with no backstory too. ;-;

As for Argo...yeah at least they got the booklet? ;o;

Just have to share this tho:

Lots of lulz. xP

 

[Mana1]

Oh lord *-* Could you warn about how many screens are in each spoiler Netto? I opened the first one and had to scroll down forever...

I loved the battle animation in the second episode ^-^ Although one querie - could Diabel have been saved? I mean he was about to be healed, which means, I assume, that he had more than one health - since they should know that once you're dead you can't be revived.

Right? D:

 

[Netto Azure]

Oh lord *-* Could you warn about how many screens are in each spoiler Netto? I opened the first one and had to scroll down forever...

I loved the battle animation in the second episode ^-^ Although one querie - could Diabel have been saved? I mean he was about to be healed, which means, I assume, that he had more than one health - since they should know that once you're dead you can't be revived.

Right? D:

Oops sorry about that. xD

Diabel...besides the fact that he deceived everyone...couldn't be saved since Floor 1 potions suck, are very weak and act over time, not instantaneously. So it was too late for him. Plus there's a timing gap between the attack and the gauge animation going down so yeah...

Also: Episode 3 PV is out.



Going to be a make or break for some, but it will certainly be tugging at the heartstrings. ;;

 

[Mana1]

Episode 3!

Spoiler:

Ahhh, rather depressing! I can't help but wonder if people are actually dying. I mean, they have to take it as a given - it's not really something worth testing out.

Kind of wanted to see the battle against Nicholas the Renegade as well, not much action this week - hopefully some more next week. Alarmingly we seem to be quite high up the floors already o_o

 

[CarefulWetPaint]

Episode 3!

Spoiler:

I agree with this episode was pretty low on action and pretty high on depression. Where's Asuna! He needs his Geefriend again! I also thought they were flying up the floor level's rather fast. How many episodes is this suppose to be?
And yes why didn't they at least show some of the battle between Nic and Kirito :(.
Oh well I hope things pick back up in nexts week episode.

 

[digi-kun]

!! Argo Spotted!....though i still do wish they did 2 eps of the meeting side-story so they could get some Argo in in more than one episode orz
Episode 3-wise:

Spoiler:

I actually only skimmed through Red-Nosed Reindeer, so I partially didn't get the middle area of the story, though just with the beginning and end, it was pretty good. I definitely enjoyed it. While I'm a bit confused on why the guild system here doesn't let everyone see each member's respective levels, I can totally see it being Kayaba again >>

As far as the fight goes, Kirito probably outlevels that thing by like 20 levels cuz he's a grindaholic XD You even see him doing while part of Black Cats of teh Full Moon so in the episode XD

Series will be 25 eps, likely split into the first 4 books

Spoiler:

the first two will probably last the first half (Game System: Sword Art Online), and 3 and 4 are expected second half (Game System: Alfheid Online)

A lot of the first couple episodes are gonna end up with a lack of Asuna just for the reason that they're doing it in chronological order, so Kirito's relationship with Asuna doesn't really start up for a while.

 

[Netto Azure]

Episode 3!

Spoiler:

Ahhh, rather depressing! I can't help but wonder if people are actually dying. I mean, they have to take it as a given - it's not really something worth testing out.

Kind of wanted to see the battle against Nicholas the Renegade as well, not much action this week - hopefully some more next week. Alarmingly we seem to be quite high up the floors already o_o

Spoiler:

Well the Side Stories never really did describe the battle, more on the fact that Kirito barely made it in the red even after packing tons of high level healing crystals.
Next Episode...another interesting one. We have this interesting cute Loli running around, I wonder what's happening to her? :3

Episode 3!

Spoiler:

I agree with this episode was pretty low on action and pretty high on depression. Where's Asuna! He needs his Geefriend again! I also thought they were flying up the floor level's rather fast. How many episodes is this suppose to be?
And yes why didn't they at least show some of the battle between Nic and Kirito :(.
Oh well I hope things pick back up in nexts week episode.

Spoiler:

There will be a lack of Asuna until episode 5 I think. Then we'll get Murder Case which is KiriAsu stuff.

And these are all side stories, so the time skips are actually in the novel. Originally it was all a 2 year time skip and then every backstory was retconned in the Second Volume and Eighth Volume.

!! Argo Spotted!....though i still do wish they did 2 eps of the meeting side-story so they could get some Argo in in more than one episode orz
Episode 3-wise:

Spoiler:

I actually only skimmed through Red-Nosed Reindeer, so I partially didn't get the middle area of the story, though just with the beginning and end, it was pretty good. I definitely enjoyed it. While I'm a bit confused on why the guild system here doesn't let everyone see each member's respective levels, I can totally see it being Kayaba again >>

As far as the fight goes, Kirito probably outlevels that thing by like 20 levels cuz he's a grindaholic XD You even see him doing while part of Black Cats of teh Full Moon so in the episode XD

^ How some people reacted to the lack of Argo. xP

Spoiler:

More than likely it's Kayaba's "feature" because he needed to hide his true character for his glorified RP xP

Yeah, he's 20 levels ahead of the guild. It was shown in the episode too IIRC, just before they went to the dungeon he was Lv.58 I think.

Series will be 25 eps, likely split into the first 4 books

Spoiler:

the first two will probably last the first half (Game System: Sword Art Online), and 3 and 4 are expected second half (Game System: Alfheid Online)

Spoiler:

I would think that the 2 seasons would be a SAO-ALO arc, then the next year's season will be GGO-Mother's Rosario.

By the time the LN's get fully published in 2014-ish we'll get Alicization.

And oh SAO: Progressive should be in full swing by then too heh. We'll look back at this anime rendition and think "Hey it's Sword Art Abridged!" xP

 

[digi-kun]

Spoiler:

I would think that the 2 seasons would be a SAO-ALO arc, then the next year's season will be GGO-Mother's Rosario.

By the time the LN's get fully published in 2014-ish we'll get Alicization.

And oh SAO: Progressive should be in full swing by then too heh. We'll look back at this anime rendition and think "Hey it's Sword Art Abridged!" xP

Spoiler:

Kinda funny, actually, i can actually see Phantom Bullet being done in about 6 episodes.

1: Introduce Shinon + Battle with Behemoth
2: Kirito + Plot + Entrance into GGO
3: Kirito meets Sinon, shooting game, sign up for BoB
4: Preliminaries
5: Start final matches
6: End Final matches

I actually have a small thought in my mind that somehow they'll do Fairy Dance and Phantom Bullet into the last half, start up next season with Caliber to reintroduce the characters, and move to Mother's Rosario. Alicization I can see probably taking up quite some time on it's own, so I can see it as either it's own series or OVAs

 

[Netto Azure]

Spoiler:

Kinda funny, actually, i can actually see Phantom Bullet being done in about 6 episodes.

1: Introduce Shinon + Battle with Behemoth
2: Kirito + Plot + Entrance into GGO
3: Kirito meets Sinon, shooting game, sign up for BoB
4: Preliminaries
5: Start final matches
6: End Final matches

I actually have a small thought in my mind that somehow they'll do Fairy Dance and Phantom Bullet into the last half, start up next season with Caliber to reintroduce the characters, and move to Mother's Rosario. Alicization I can see probably taking up quite some time on it's own, so I can see it as either it's own series or OVAs

Spoiler:

Well, the second cour/Fall Season could make the ALO-GGO season I guess. It's possible. Probably why all this rushing LOL.

A humorous bit I saw elsewhere:

Animators: "We're animating SAO!"
Fans: "YES! Gonna be awesome!"

Animators: "We had to cut/change a few minor things from the source material because of time/budget constraints."
Fans: "WTF! Noooo!! Stay true to the source material!"

Animators: "OK, we stayed true to the source material."
Fans: "Eh. Not long enough."
Animators: "But.. there isn't enough material from the LN Short story."
Fans: "Your supposed to fix it!"

Animators: "Ok, We added some more source material."
Fans: "WTF is this filler crap!?"
Animators: (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻ FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

Oh the plight of reading the Source Material. xD

 

[Mana1]

It's that time of the week again!

Spoiler:

This week was a good change on last week, a lot more upbeat!

I now definitely want a little white dragon to take with me everywhere ;__;.

The ending was great, with Kirito just standing there taking the hits and then threatening Rosalia. It pretty much showed the amazing level difference (if you assume they're around lv 45 like the girl) and how hardcore Kirito is for solo-ing XD.

 

[CarefulWetPaint]

It is definitely that time of the week again and im very happy!

Spoiler:

This week was a nice change of pace! I have to agree, it was cool to see that there is also beast tamer classes that have pets that follow them! Kirito should have one.

I also agree with Swift, the ending was awesome. Kirito is famous and everything! The Beater who solo's the front lines. When they said that I was like. Biggest, boss, EVER!
I really enjoyed how he just stood there like hmm you guys cant even hurt me tbh, give up. And then Rosalia like you cant hurt me and he gets up to her saying that hes a soloer so doesnt mind being orange, epic.

This episode was an improvement over last weeks indeed! Now all we need is Asuna to come back so the romance can get a going!!

 

[Netto Azure]

Yep, it's SAO and Kokoro Connect Saturdays. :>

Spoiler:

Welp finally saw the CR-subs. Great adaptation, feels better to have a more light-hearted episode than Ep. 3 LOL.

But yeah, this episode highlights the differences between Orange Guilds and Red Guilds...and how MMO players personality changes online. Or people in general on the internet. :V

 

[Arcanine]

Since I've been busy and I guess I'll do all the eps thus far (not counting ep 1 since I already said something about it).

Episode 2

Spoiler:

When I first saw the OP, saw that Asuna was the main female and all of that I thought for sure that she was like Kirito, a beta tester, pro MMO player, and both of them are going to team up and it's going to be a walk in the park. I didn't expect her to be a total newbie. I personally like it better that way, it makes things more interesting. Sure it's been over a year, and chances are she isn't some newbie anymore. But still for an opening ep for her I liked it a good bit.

I do wonder if they've met since ep 2 (I sort of find it unlikely). I guess I'll find out in an ep or two.

Episode 3

Spoiler:

As far as the guild I'm sure anyone could have seen their end a mile away. But it was still sad to see it all go down, and I felt bad for Kirito too. Sachi's death hit him hard, more so because he was all "I'm not going to let you die". And he must have been so heart broken when he got the item and saw that it had a 10 second limit on it. David and I were like "Them eyes remind me of Kiritsugu... I hope Kirito doesn't turn into someone who keeps losing people close to him... someone who's empty.", but I'm glad Sachi's message snapped him out of it.

That 10 second item thing reminds me of what I said on my first post. About if there's healers and how if you mess up you killed someone. 10 seconds isn't a long time, and if you're in a big battle then that makes things even worse. I'd hate to be the person who has to hang on to that item.

Episode 4

Spoiler:

Pretty straight forward episode and not much to say. But it is good to see Kirito help someone, not only Silica but the guild leader who just wanted to jail the group that killed his friends. My mind goes back to times on MMOs that I've played where people a lot lower level needed help with something they couldn't do on their own. You get nothing out of it but that person is so glad that you helped. Names and people stick out, and over time people are like "I know that person, they did ...", and I'm glad Kirito is one of them people, and since he's so overleveled this was awesome.

I don't know how close this is following the LN (I'm sure parts and evens in the LN is lost while being animated). But from a purely anime stand point I really like the show thus far. Not the biggest fan of big time skips every week, but I guess it'd get boring to see him battle random monsters, and take a few days to level up a little. So I guess for now I guess I can deal with it.