10 storylines in Sword Art Online that sparked debate

Sword Art Online stands as both a beloved and contentious anime in the realm of fandom. While many revel in Kirito's adventures and the eclectic array of characters he encounters, others find themselves stuck on certain narrative choices within the series. From the persistent presence of an overpowered protagonist amassing a harem, despite his commitment to Asuna, to narrative arcs that seem promising but ultimately falter, Sword Art Online presents a vibrant world but often falls short of fully realizing its potential.

In the anime adaptation particularly, Sword Art Online frequently introduces compelling plot points or character dynamics only to abandon them hastily, leaving viewers yearning for more depth and development. Whether it's Kirito's personal struggles, the trajectories of female characters, or the overarching themes of being trapped in a virtual reality, Sword Art Online has its fair share of contentious storylines that have sparked debate among fans.

1. Kirito's Untapped Personal Struggles

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Early glimpses into Kirito's psyche hint at a complex character grappling with a troubled past and a penchant for escapism through virtual worlds. His loner tendencies and proficiency in navigating virtual landscapes offer intriguing avenues for exploration, yet these facets are often sidelined, depriving viewers of a deeper understanding of Kirito beyond his role as a power fantasy protagonist.

2. Female Characters Reduced to Harem Trope

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While initially introduced with agency and depth, female characters in Sword Art Online too often regress into mere members of Kirito's harem, overshadowing their individual arcs and agency. From Silica to Sinon, their narratives are eclipsed by romantic subplots, undermining their potential for independent growth and contribution to the story.

3. Kirito's Implausible Hacking Skills

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One particularly jarring moment occurs when Kirito effortlessly employs hacking abilities to rescue Yui, stretching the bounds of believability and detracting from the tension of the scene. His sudden proficiency in hacking, devoid of prior setup or development, undermines the stakes of the narrative and reinforces criticisms of Kirito as an overpowered character.

4. Asuna's Regression in Fairy Dance Arc

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Asuna's character arc takes a disappointing turn in the Fairy Dance arc, reducing her from a formidable and independent fighter to a damsel-in-distress in need of rescue. This regression not only undermines her agency but also detracts from the dynamic and compelling relationship between Asuna and Kirito established in earlier arcs.

5. Lack of Focus on Kirito and Asuna's Relationship

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While the bond between Kirito and Asuna serves as a central pillar of Sword Art Online, the anime adaptation often sidelines their relationship in favor of other narrative elements. Critical scenes depicting their growth as a couple are omitted, diminishing the emotional resonance of their partnership and relegating Kirito to a detached loner archetype.

6. Aincrad's Untapped Potential

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The Aincrad arc teases a captivating premise of survival and exploration within a virtual world, yet fails to fully capitalize on its potential. Rushed pacing and narrative shortcuts deprive viewers of a comprehensive exploration of Aincrad's one hundred floors, leaving many longing for a more immersive and expansive depiction of the game world.

7. Neglect of Kirito's Inner Turmoil

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Kirito's internal struggles and insecurities, such as his guilt over the deaths of guildmates, are largely glossed over in the anime adaptation, robbing his character of depth and complexity. By neglecting to delve into Kirito's inner turmoil, Sword Art Online sidelines opportunities for nuanced character development and emotional resonance.

8. Rushed Character Dynamics

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Critical relationships, such as Kirito's interactions with the Moonlit Black Cats guild, suffer from rushed development and lackluster payoff. Without sufficient buildup and exploration, these dynamics feel hollow and fail to elicit the intended emotional impact, detracting from the overall cohesion of the narrative.

9. Abandonment of Thoughtful Commentary

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Sword Art Online initially hints at thought-provoking themes surrounding the consequences of virtual reality and the nature of identity, only to abandon them in favor of conventional power fantasy tropes. By sidelining meaningful commentary in favor of escapist fantasy, the series squanders its potential to engage with deeper philosophical questions.

10. Tension Eroded by Overpowered Protagonist

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Kirito's status as an overwhelmingly powerful protagonist undermines the tension and stakes of Sword Art Online's conflicts, rendering victory predictable and conflict resolution anticlimactic. His seemingly invincible nature detracts from the suspense and unpredictability that are crucial for maintaining audience engagement.

While Sword Art Online boasts a vibrant world and compelling premise, its execution often falls short of expectations, with questionable narrative choices and unfulfilled potential leaving many fans divided.