Ive never liked sword art online it doesnt have anything to draw me in. The only thing I liked about the franchise is the memes it spawned. I went into this installment with an open mind. It was worth the watch Im really excited for the next arc. Kirito was facing his biggest challenge yet hes once again in a video game. The difference is the AI think just like real people except they have no idea they are AI. They established their own land rules and social norms. The big theme is the influence of a moral compass even the antagonists were saying they arent as bad as demons because they are just part of an hierarchy and system. Kirito became tied up into a personal and bigger than life vendetta. Now the reason why I wanted to watch was the music and plot for Alicization. I still play the first opening to this DAY. It captures the feeling of adventure and suspense you have a goal and you are excited yet nervous to achieve it. Kirito wasnt just some OP character destined to save this word just because there happens to be an enemy. He got to experience a whole life in this virtual world all while on the verge of death or being a vegetable. Thats all I ever wanted from this series stakes that actually peak my interests. The researchers are making this world to prove a point whats the difference between AI and a person? You can give a robot the capacity to learn and feel but just how far would people go for power and emotions? I loved the fights each character had a reason to fight and was affected by the laws of the land. Royalty believed they were untouchable gods and abused their privileges meanwhile everyone dealt with it. At first I didnt understand why no one tried to revolt or fight against the royal douches which eventually boiled down to fighting the royalty is no different than fighting the system. Even within the royalty theres class divisions and rankings.Everyone knew their place and was aware how much wiggle room they had. Despite all this several characters strives to be the change they seek regardless of the law and danger. For once it didnt feel like just about kirito we also had an amazing supporting cast who have their own goals. After finishing this anime the biggest takeway I got was the fun should be about the journey and moments we have reaching there not just about a unrelatable annoying MC. It wasnt the best thing Ive ever watched narrative wise but I looked forward to every episode.