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Sword Art Online

Sword Art Online

20128
AnimovanýAction & AdventureSci-Fi & Fantasy
Vydáno
08. 7. 2012
Země
Japonsko
Produkce
A-1 PicturesAniplexGENCOEGG FIRMASCII Media WorksBandai Namco Games+2
V blízké budoucnosti byl spuštěn virtuální realitní masivní multiplayer online RPG (VRMMORPG) nazvaný Sword Art Online, kde hráči ovládají své avatary tělem pomocí technologie zvané Nerve Gear. Jednoho dne zjistí, že se nemohou odhlásit, protože tvůrce hry je drží v zajetí, dokud nedosáhnou 100. patra věže hry a porazí konečného bosse. Pokud však v hře zemřou, zemřou i v reálném životě. Jejich boj o přežití začíná právě teď...

About

Quick guide

A VRMMORPG traps players; they must survive or die in the real world.

Sword Art Online follows Kazuto "Kirito" Kirigaya and his friends as they are trapped inside the virtual reality MMORPG Aincrad. The game, released in 2020, is run through NerveGear headsets that sync the player’s brain to an avatar. Players can’t log out and any death in-game results in real‑life death, forcing them to climb the tower’s 100 floors and defeat the final boss, Heathcliff. The series blends action, adventure, romance, and psychological drama as characters battle monsters, form guilds, and confront the ethics of immersive technology. Their journey explores themes of survival, friendship, identity, and the blurred line between virtual and real life.

What to know

  • NerveGear syncs a player’s body with a virtual avatar.
  • Dying in the game equals dying in real life.
  • The game world is called Aincrad, a 100‑floor tower.
  • Players cannot log out until all floors are cleared.
  • Kayaba Akihiko controls the system and is the main villain.
  • The first season centers on the Aincrad arc.
  • Themes include survival, trust, and technology ethics.
  • The series mixes fast‑paced action, romance, and psychological insight.

Watch if

If you enjoy fast‑paced action, deep world‑building, and stories where real‑life stakes hinge on a game, then Sword Art Online’s first season will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Skip if

If you dislike violence or intense combat, or prefer lighthearted anime with minimal stakes, Sword Art Online’s grim and action‑heavy first season may not suit your taste.

intense actionfast pacedfantasy violencedark tonepsychological elementsmature themessome gorelanguage somesuspenseful
Setting: The Virtual World
The anime opens in a near‑future where a company launches Sword Art Online, a VRMMORPG called SAO, using NerveGear headsets that tie the brain’s signals to an in‑game avatar. Players enter the crystal‑tower world of Aincrad, a 100‑floor structure populated with monsters, puzzles, and other users. The game’s immersive mechanics are key to the series’ premise.
The Stakes: Real‑Life Consequences
Kayaba Akihiko, the game’s creator, informs players that if they die in SAO, they will die in the real world. Moreover, they cannot log out until all floors are cleared. The rule forces a survival mentality: losing a fight is deadly, and escaping requires defeating every level and confronting the final boss, Heathcliff.
Main Characters
Kazuto "Kirito" Kirigaya, a veteran player, becomes the reluctant hero after he is trapped with other users. He meets and allies with Asuna Yuuki, a strong female protagonist. Their romance develops amidst the danger, while supporting characters such as Klein, Leafa, and Yui add depth to the story.
Plot Overview
The first season follows Kirito and his allies as they navigate each floor of Aincrad, battling monsters and forming guilds. They learn about Kayaba’s motives and the game's rules. The climax centers on the 100th floor where the final confrontation with Heathcliff decides the fate of all players.
Themes & Motifs
Sword Art Online tackles themes of virtual reality, identity, and the psychological impact of gaming. It examines friendship, sacrifice, and the blurred line between digital and real life. The series balances high‑speed action with moments of introspection, often using the virtual world to mirror emotional growth and ethical dilemmas.
Animation & Direction
Produced by A-1 Pictures and directed by Tomohiko Ito, the series showcases crisp animation and dynamic fight scenes. The soundtrack, led by composer Yuki Kajiura, complements the dramatic tension. Voice acting captures the characters’ nuanced emotions, while the opening and ending themes reinforce the series’ emotional beats.
Reception & Impact
The first season received praise for its engaging premise and high‑quality animation, though some critics noted pacing issues. It spawned sequels, films, and a franchise of spin‑offs. Fans appreciate its blend of action and emotional storytelling, and it has inspired discussions on VR ethics and gaming culture.

FAQ

48 Q&A
Who is Asuna and what is her role?
Asuna is a skilled player in the game Sword Art Online and becomes Kirito's close friend and love interest. She is known for her speed and fighting ability.
How does the story progress from Kirito the gamer to Kirito the developer?
The story shows Kirito moving beyond just playing games to being involved in their creation and fixing problems within them, especially after experiencing the trauma of being trapped in Sword Art Online.
What is the chronological order of the Sword Art Online anime seasons and movies?
The main story order is: Sword Art Online (Season 1), Sword Art Online II (Season 2), Sword Art Online: Alicization (Seasons 3 & 4). Movies like Ordinal Scale are considered side stories that happen between seasons.
Who is the main character in Sword Art Online?
The main character is Kazuto Kirigaya, also known as Kirito, a powerful solo player and skilled swordsman.
What happens at the end of Sword Art Online?
At the end of the first game, players who die in the game also die in real life. Kirito clears the game, saving everyone who was trapped.
Are the SAO movies canon to the main story?
The *Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale* movie is considered a side story that fits into the timeline but does not directly affect the main plot progression shown in the seasons.
How does Kirito use his unique skills?
Kirito uses his exceptional gaming skills, fast reflexes, and strategic thinking to overcome powerful enemies and challenges in the virtual worlds.
How does death in the game affect the real world?
In the first game, Sword Art Online, dying in the game meant dying in real life because the NerveGear helmet would send a fatal shock to the brain.
What is the psychological impact of being trapped in a game?
Being trapped in a game causes extreme fear, stress, and trauma. Some players become desperate, while others adapt and form new lives within the virtual world.
What are some of the plot holes in Sword Art Online?
Some viewers point out plot holes related to game mechanics, character abilities appearing suddenly, or inconsistencies in how the virtual worlds function.
What is the significance of the NerveGear?
The NerveGear is a virtual reality helmet that traps players in Sword Art Online. It can kill players if their health reaches zero in the game.
What are Kirito's main motivations?
Kirito is motivated to protect his friends, especially Asuna, and to overcome the challenges presented by the virtual worlds. He also wants to prevent others from suffering the same fate he experienced.
What is the role of AI in Sword Art Online?
AI characters, like NPCs, are programmed to act like real people within the games. In later arcs, advanced AI like the Fluctlights become central to the plot.
What is the difference between the anime and the light novels?
The anime adapts the story from the light novels. While generally faithful, the anime may simplify some details or change pacing, while the light novels offer more in-depth character thoughts and world-building.
What is the main story of Sword Art Online?
The main story follows players trapped in a virtual reality MMORPG where death in the game means real death. The protagonist, Kirito, tries to clear the game and save everyone.
What is the significance of the 'Black Swordsman' persona?
The 'Black Swordsman' is Kirito's iconic appearance and battle style in the early parts of the story, representing his solo, powerful, and often lonely journey through the game.
What is 'Incarnation' in the Underworld?
Incarnation is a power in the Underworld that allows characters to manifest their will or imagination into reality within the virtual world.
What are the 'Fluclights' and their purpose?
Fluclights are artificial souls created by advanced AI. They are used to create beings with consciousness and emotions, central to the Alicization arc.
What is the 'Cardinal System' in ALO?
The Cardinal System is the AI program that manages the world of ALfheim Online. It enforces game rules and has a hidden purpose related to protecting its creator.
Who are the main antagonists in SAO?
Main antagonists include Akihiko Kayaba (creator of SAO), Sugou Nobuyuki (antagonist in ALfheim Online), and various individuals or groups who exploit virtual worlds for malicious purposes in later arcs.
What are the different virtual worlds featured in SAO?
Key virtual worlds include Sword Art Online (death game), ALfheim Online (fairies and magic), Gun Gale Online (sci-fi shooter), and the Underworld (AI-focused world).
What is Sword Art Online Progressive?
Sword Art Online Progressive is a series of light novels and movies that retell the story of the original Sword Art Online game, focusing on each floor in more detail and showing Kirito and Asuna's journey together from the beginning.
How are the virtual worlds in SAO created?
The virtual worlds are created using advanced technology like the NerveGear and Soul Translator, which can fully immerse players and even create artificial consciousness.
What are the philosophical themes explored in SAO?
SAO explores themes of reality vs. virtual reality, the nature of consciousness and AI, life and death, trauma, and the ethics of technology.
What is the relationship between Kirito and Asuna?
Kirito and Asuna develop a deep romantic relationship throughout the series. They become partners, fight together, and deeply care for each other's well-being.
What are some common criticisms of Sword Art Online?
Some common criticisms include a fast pace, underdeveloped side characters, and certain plot points that some viewers find problematic.
What are the main differences between SAO, ALO, GGO, and Underworld?
SAO is a death game. ALO is a fairy-themed VRMMORPG. GGO is a sci-fi shooter game. Underworld is a highly advanced virtual world with AI inhabitants.
What happened to the characters after the events of Alicization?
After Alicization, Kirito and Asuna return to the real world, and new adventures begin in the Unital Ring game.
How does the technology in SAO compare to real-world VR?
The NerveGear in SAO is far more advanced than current VR, directly interfacing with the brain to create full sensory immersion and even the risk of death.
What is the 'Coat of Midnight'?
The 'Coat of Midnight' is a special in-game item that grants powerful abilities, often associated with dark magic or special skills.
What is the 'Underworld' and how does it function?
The Underworld is a virtual reality simulation designed to create a highly realistic world with artificial intelligence that can grow and learn, intended to eventually house human souls.
How long were the players trapped in SAO?
Players were trapped in Sword Art Online for approximately two years.
What is the 'Laughing Coffin' guild?
Laughing Coffin is a player-killing guild in SAO known for its ruthless members.
How are different virtual reality devices like the AmuSphere and Soul Translator different?
The AmuSphere is a safer VR headset that uses brainwave stimulation. The Soul Translator (STL) is a more advanced device that can deeply interact with the human mind and consciousness.
What happens to the players who don't wake up from SAO?
In SAO, players who die in the game also die in real life because the NerveGear sends a fatal signal to their brain.
How does the anime adaptation handle Kirito's character compared to the light novels?
The anime sometimes simplifies Kirito's internal thoughts and struggles, focusing more on action, while the light novels delve deeper into his emotions and character development.
What are some of the fan theories about Sword Art Online?
Fan theories often speculate about hidden meanings, the true nature of AI, and potential future plot developments.
Who is Kayaba Akihiko and what are his motivations?
Kayaba Akihiko is the creator of Sword Art Online and the NerveGear. His motivation was to create a perfect virtual world and test the limits of human potential within it.
What is the significance of dual-wielding swords for Kirito?
Dual-wielding is a rare and powerful skill that becomes Kirito's signature ability, allowing him to fight more effectively.
How does Reki Kawahara develop the story and characters?
Reki Kawahara develops the story through intricate plots and explores character growth by putting them through challenging and emotional situations.
How are players revived or resurrected in different games?
Revival mechanics vary by game; in SAO, death was permanent. In other games like ALO, players can be revived by others or respawn.
What is the next major arc in the Sword Art Online story (Unital Ring)?
Unital Ring is the next major arc where players from different virtual worlds are brought together into a new, merged game.
What are some memorable Asuna quotes?
Memorable Asuna quotes often reflect her strength, determination, and care for her friends, like 'If you can't find a place to live, then live where you are!'
Are there any plot holes regarding teleportation crystals in SAO?
Some viewers have questioned the logic of teleportation crystals, particularly how they function within the game's system at certain moments.
What are the 'Integrity Knights'?
Integrity Knights are powerful artificial knights in the Underworld who protect the human realm and enforce the Axiom Church's laws.
What is the significance of the 'Rainbow Bridge' in SAO?
The Rainbow Bridge is a symbolic location in SAO, representing a point of no return or a crucial transition in the game.
What are some memorable Kirito quotes?
Memorable Kirito quotes often show his resolve and his desire to protect others, such as 'If you die here, you die in the real world too.'
How did Kirito defeat Heathcliff?
Kirito defeated Heathcliff by exploiting a glitch in his perfect defense and landing a critical hit during a duel.

Herci

Yoshitsugu Matsuoka
Yoshitsugu Matsuoka
Kirito (voice)
Haruka Tomatsu
Haruka Tomatsu
Asuna (voice)
Hiroaki Hirata
Hiroaki Hirata
Klein (voice)
Ai Kayano
Ai Kayano
Alice Synthesis Thirty (voice)
Rina Hidaka
Rina Hidaka
Silica (voice)
Hiroki Yasumoto
Hiroki Yasumoto
Agil (voice)
Isshin Chiba
Isshin Chiba
Critter (voice
Kaori Maeda
Kaori Maeda
Selka (voice)
Taku Yashiro
Taku Yashiro
Iskahn (voice)
Yuhko Kaida
Yuhko Kaida
Dee Eye Ell (voice)
Junya Enoki
Junya Enoki
Lilpilin (voice)
Kanae Itou
Kanae Itou
Yui (voice)