Kirito is a compelling protagonist, and his journey through the deadly floors, along with his growing bond with Asuna, made for a powerful and emotional ride. The world-building, music, and animation are all strong—creating a sense of scale and urgency that kept me hooked.
While the second half of the season (the Alfheim arc) has a different tone and pacing that not everyone loves, I still found it enjoyable and appreciated the continuation of Kirito’s fight for those he cares about.
Overall, SAO Season 1 delivered a memorable mix of action, romance, and fantasy that left a big impact on me. A solid 9/10.
