The Sword Art Online spin-off series manages to surpass the main series in various aspects, offering a refreshing take on the beloved franchise.
Sword Art Online (SAO) has undeniably gained widespread popularity as one of the most renowned Isekai anime. Whether you’re a long-time anime enthusiast or a recent convert to the world of anime, chances are you’ve come across SAO. Since its debut in 2012, SAO has captivated audiences worldwide and continues to thrive, as demonstrated by the recent success of the Sword Art Online: Progressive film adaptation.
While SAO has enjoyed immense popularity, even devoted fans of the series would admit that its first arc, the Aincrad Arc, was the pinnacle of Sword Art Online. Although subsequent story arcs are not necessarily subpar, they lack the same level of intrigue and engagement found in the initial arc. However, in 2018, a spin-off of Sword Art Online was released, defying expectations and surpassing the majority of the story arcs in the main series. Let’s explore the reasons behind the spin-off’s superiority.
Introducing Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online, the spin-off’s title speaks for itself. This series offers a fresh perspective by focusing on the Gun Gale Online story arc, which deviates from the main series. Unlike the other virtual reality massively multiplayer online games (VRMMOs) in SAO, Gun Gale Online is a shooting game that allows players to engage in thrilling battles against monsters and fellow players using an array of firearms.
What sets Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online apart is its original cast of characters and a storyline that diverges significantly from the main series. Although the spin-off is written by a different author than the creator of Sword Art Online, it successfully captures and preserves the spirit of the original series.
One of the standout aspects that make Gun Gale Online better than the main Sword Art Online series is its simplicity. The spin-off’s premise is straightforward, yet it delivers an unparalleled level of enjoyment. SAO revolves around players trapped in a sword-based fantasy game, where their in-game deaths result in real-life consequences. While the initial arc’s action sequences were exhilarating, the subsequent storylines struggled to maintain the same level of charm after the removal of the real-life threat. In contrast, Gun Gale Online thrives on the simplicity of players engaging in thrilling battles to determine the best shooter in the game. The absence of real-life consequences allows characters to fight recklessly, resulting in highly exciting battle scenes.
Moreover, the characters in Gun Gale Online exhibit a distinctiveness often lacking in the main Sword Art Online series. While the latter tends to feature characters with similar personalities, particularly within Kirito’s harem, Gun Gale Online presents a diverse and relatable cast. The main character, a college freshman struggling with confidence issues due to her height, seeks solace in virtual games where she can adopt the appearance of a short and cute girl. The supporting characters include a group of high school girls who transform into beefy warrior women in the game while maintaining proper battle-hardened personas. These quirky yet relatable characters inject humor and authenticity into the spin-off series, creating a more engaging experience for viewers.
When it comes to battle sequences, Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online takes the thrill to new heights. While the original SAO featured exciting action scenes with Kirito’s dual swords, Gun Gale Online introduces a more complex and dynamic style of combat. Engaging in gun battles allows players to strategize and employ various tactics, creating a captivating experience. The main tournament, Squad Jam, emulates a battle royale format seen in popular games like Fortnite and Warzone, generating a sense of chaos and unpredictability. Every team utilizes different strategies, leading to exhilarating clashes that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This level of engagement surpasses what the original SAO could provide, as the main series often needed to balance drama and romance alongside its gaming aspect.
If your interest in Sword Art Online stems from its gaming elements, then Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online will undoubtedly provide a more enjoyable viewing experience. With its simpler yet thrilling premise, vibrant and relatable characters, and adrenaline-pumping gun battles, this spin-off breathes new life into the SAO universe, captivating fans in ways the main series could not.
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Seijirou Kikuoka, Shinozaki Rika, Shinkawa Kyouji, Yuna, Sakuya