Tricked might not be the correct word as I was under the impression that Progressive was supposed to fill in the gaps and I suppose it delivered in that. In the original episode 2 ends with clearing floor 1 and in episode 3 we already see floor 49. As a fan of SAO this wasnt a pacing issue it was advancing the story to the point that it matters and SoDN is a perfect example of something that was rightfully skipped. The tone changes drastically with this movie coming off of the AoaSN things are going well for the players more so even because it seems as though the loss of Diavel and death in general are in the past. With the original SAO we didnt get a break from the death game until halfway through the Aincrad arc. The movie opens with a victory over a floor boss and celebratory food and drinks a reality check showing how theyve become complacent never comes. The game has gotten easy and continues to get easier the players talk about how fast they are clearing floors and their hopes for the future. Floor bosses werent something to be taken lightly but even by the climax that is still the case as a small party takes down the big bad with no losses. And then there are the changes to Asuna and Kirito. Asuna Kirito Mito Plot Still SAO One of the originals strengths was creating a believable MMO by showing or explaining game systems and Progressive doesnt stray here. The food gives buffs towns are shown as being safe zones fireworks are unable to be used in combat Asunas sidequest to retrieve her stolen rapier. These and more are all great for fleshing out the world which is what Progressive does right it expands on the world. Even the final boss encounter has relatable mechanics that youd see in a modern MMO. The changes to the original continue to be Progressives shortcomings. The other notable things I havent touched on are Argo who exists to be a waifu who sells merchandise and the appearance of laughing coffin and PoH which was essentially just fanservice/foreshadowing