Sword Art Online - Anime Spoilers & Speculation (for SAO Novel Readers only)

[kyp275]

Originally Posted by Utsuro no Hako

Maybe not for the original web novel, but it existed when the physical book was published,didn't it?

Indeed it was, but just think about the structure of SAO vol.1, and tell me how you would fit RNR in there.

For better or worse, it's about floor 74-75, you can't really jam RNR in without both disrupting the flow of the story AND lessen the impact of RNR, which IMO had an extremely effective ending to it by having it end with Sachi's letter(and picture of Kirito burying his head on the desk).

[kyp275]

Originally Posted by Shinji103

Except, there IS value in how early it happens. One of the first and foremost values being that it was unique timing that we only see 3% of the time (if even that), which made SAO stand out, instead of it using the same old recipe.

The value that you assign to it is something subjective to you only, and while you're certainly entitled to it (hence why I said earlier we'll just have to agree to disagree), it is NOT an objective fact or standard. While uniqueness can be a plus, it is by no means something that's automatically good. There's a good reason why stuff like that typically don't happen at the beginning of the story.

Originally Posted by Shinji103

If you're saying it like that, then you don't really understand my point, and didn't properly read or understand my novel thread post that I linked.

Nope, I understand your point and your post, I simply do not agree with it. A chronological adaptation of SAO literally changes NOTHING about the event you're fretting over, except which episode it'll air in. It'd be like someone saying that FOX should've been commended for airing Firefly out of order, because it made it "unique".

Also, if you want to get technical, since SAO was originally written as a stand-alone work, technically the event you're talking about happened during the later parts of the story, which in your book makes it the "same old recipe".

[Fallen3dge]

Originally Posted by kyp275

Indeed it was, but just think about the structure of SAO vol.1, and tell me how you would fit RNR in there.

For better or worse, it's about floor 74-75, you can't really jam RNR in without both disrupting the flow of the story AND lessen the impact of RNR, which IMO had an extremely effective ending to it by having it end with Sachi's letter(and picture of Kirito burying his head on the desk).

The flow of vol 1 was very nice and centred, any other floor story should be settled in an SS which was what he did

[Shinji103]

Originally Posted by kyp275

The value that you assign to it is something subjective to you only, and while you're certainly entitled to it (hence why I said earlier we'll just have to agree to disagree), it is NOT an objective fact or standard. While uniqueness can be a plus, it is by no means something that's automatically good.

Except it's a fact that this event and its timing made it different from most every other show that had it all all.
You're right that uniqueness doesn't necessarily mean better, though. Except it did in this case, and the follow-up to the uniqeness was just as good.
And I wasn't the only one who liked it by the way.

Nope, I understand your point and your post, I simply do not agree with it. A chronological adaptation of SAO literally changes NOTHING about the event you're fretting over, except which episode it'll air in.

I'm sorry but you don't understand my point, and your line there proves it again. You're too focused on talking about the fact that it will be animated at a different point in the series; I'm talking about how the timing of the event made the series different from just about everything else out there, especially since this event is obviously and clearly a major and significant factor in the series.
In a world where 97% of anime follows a pattern, SAO dared to be part of that other 3% despite the possible detrimental effects of having that kind of event too early. And SAO pulled it off beautifullly. As said above, uniqueness in this case worked out very good.

Originally Posted by kyp275

Also, if you want to get technical, since SAO was originally written as a stand-alone work, technically the event you're talking about happened during the later parts of the story, which in your book makes it the "same old recipe".

Except I'm aware of this. That and the fact that it was then turned into a full-on light novel series yet the author didn't make any changes to the placement of this event like they're doing with the anime. So still unique.

Now we really should call it quits here because I get the feeling Relentlessflame is going to walk in toting the hammer at this rate, this not being the entirely proper thread to be talking about it.

[Wild Goose]

Basically, Shinji says that SAO is unique because a critical question is resolved early, unlike Zero no Tsukaima that took 20-odd volumes and status reset to make up it's mind.

The problem with his viewpoint is that for the purposes of the anime, which MUST stand alone from the LN, it MUST develop its characters and relstionships better. I've said my thoughts on this on the previous page, which rennir has quoted above.

I respect that POV, but I don't think it loses too much with a chronological adaptation.

[Wild Goose]

As someone who makes it a point to support winmouto, i unfortunately have to comfort Suguha's unrequitd love towards Kirito. Kirito and Asuna ftw, period. Ya don't like it, you can always leave: the door was open for you to enter, and it is open for you to exit the room.

Kirito views Sachi as a little sister. Hence also why he helped Scilicaa: "You remind me of my little sister."

The problem with anime viewers these days is they want instant gratification. They don't want to think. They don't consider that when a series shows things from the perspectives of characters cut off from the outside, it will not show the outside.

I feel reslly goddamned old now.

[Shinji103]

Originally Posted by Wild Goose

The problem with his viewpoint is that for the purposes of the anime, which MUST stand alone from the LN, it MUST develop its characters and relstionships better. I've said my thoughts on this on the previous page, which rennir has quoted above.

Yeah I saw all that. This being an adaptation, I'm not sure why it MUST be different though. Obviosuly it worked pretty good in the novels after all, and the side stories certainly weren't available when volume 1 came out.

I respect that POV, but I don't think it loses too much with a chronological adaptation.

Like I said it's the uniqueness that suffers. It won't ruin the series and I'm not going to hate anything for changing the timing (as long as they don't shaft it when it comes, anyway........), but now it's less different from ZnT and such. Especially since there are some ZnT-esque moments in the side stories.

That should really be a wrap though. *watches out panicked-ly for Relentlessflame*

[kyp275]

Originally Posted by Shinji103

Except it's a fact that this event and its timing made it different from most every other show that had it all all.

Actually no. The event occured on page 237 out of 335 in volume 1, which puts it squarely in the last 1/3 of the story, which is neither special nor unique compared to other comparable story

Originally Posted by Shinji103

Except I'm aware of this. That and the fact that it was then turned into a full-on light novel series yet the author didn't make any changes to the placement of this event like they're doing with the anime. So still unique.

Failure at understanding the differences between different storytelling medium. SAO (vol.1) was written as a self-contained stand alone story, as it was originally meant to be submitted for the Dengeki Light Novel Award competition. When Kawahara continued writing SAO, the only choice he had at expanding the story was through additional side stories, as he would've had to rewrite the entire manuscript if he was to integrate them together. An anime adaptation does not have that issue, as it has to be scripted from the ground up, and would in fact fare poorly if it has to adapt the side stories separately on their own.

Originally Posted by Shinji103

Now we really should call it quits here because I get the feeling Relentlessflame is going to walk in toting the hammer at this rate, this not being the entirely proper thread to be talking about it.

Why? this all sounds very general discussion-ish edit: guess not general discussion-ish enough


Edit:

After further thoughts, I think a key sticking point here is that Shinji sees the "event" as an equivalent of an "end-game" event which only happens very late in your typical anime stories like ZnT, while said event seems to have occured rather early in the overall Sword Art Online storyline. This is understandable since I think he's only read vol.1 so far.

The thing is if one continue reading the rest of the story, he will realize that instead of it being a kind of watershed moment or a end-game event, it is merely a beginning of a continuing story element.

[Deltaray]

Heathcliff's Holy Sword looks pretty dam nice from opening :c can't wait to see more of that.

[Nightengale]

There's good & bad in terms of adapting the story the way-it-is or chronologically. It also highly depends on the way that the anime team wants to present the stories contained within the SAO side-stories.

Eg. I personally feel that Aria in the Starless Night is a story that works better in terms of a chronological story factor. My opinion, mind you, but I felt that it sets up the elements of the starting point for the story way better, showcasing the first true victory for the SAO, before jumping into the time-skip. Also, it sets up the whole Beater-hate thing that lingered throughout Vol.1.

However, based on the way the story played out in my head, I would want the story to them have its time-skip over to 2-years-later proper after Aria, showcasing the matured Kirito/Asuna, only to explore the pains and other mini-adventures that they had went through over the 2 years. (via flashback, or what not)

I stand to be proven wrong though, assuming the anime team decides to go full-chronological order.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by DevilHighDxD

"Heart wrenching"? Hahaha, have every body jump off to their death or just die for all i care. I never care about these lesser character anyway (exception is Kirito's cousin), I feel like the author made the MC feel in love too quickly, cincest ftw even though they are not biological cousin.

Originally Posted by DevilHighDxD

If Asuna can just die(yeah I know what I am saying) but I am still rooting for Suguha Kirigaya and Kirito. Alfheim Online >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Sword Art Online. I mean the COUSIN......

Uh.. Then the story must've failed in making care for those "lesser" characters, as you call them, but.. I don't think the problem is with the story or the writing...

Asuna can just die? The main heroine? Uh huh. Not gonna happen. Sorry. ;p

As for the current discussion (Asuna x Kirito), I'm sure their romance will still blossom early on, and much earlier than in the majority of fantasy orientated action-adventures with romantic sub-plots. However, that alone isn't what makes it so good; it's certainly part of the reason, but we can't forget the execution (which is well done in this case) as well as the fact that their romance does a lot of things "right". It isn't a matter of subjectivity, but of objectivity.

Originally Posted by kyp275

After further thoughts, I think a key sticking point here is that Shinji sees the "event" as an equivalent of an "end-game" event which only happens very late in your typical anime stories like ZnT, while said event seems to have occured rather early in the overall Sword Art Online storyline. This is understandable since I think he's only read vol.1 so far.

The thing is if one continue reading the rest of the story, he will realize that instead of it being a kind of watershed moment or a end-game event, it is merely a beginning of a continuing story element.

Yes, I agree with Shinji in that respect. More often than not, it's something seen at the end of a series, and it's because of that there isn't much development to be had for the pair. There also isn't much interaction to be seen between the pair. But because it happens early on, it's like you said, it's merely the beginning for them. Beginning at such a stage allows for more development for both characters, as well as more adorable romantic moments.

Originally Posted by Deltaray

Heathcliff's Holy Sword looks pretty dam nice from opening :c can't wait to see more of that.

Indeed! The OP was very well done. :>

Originally Posted by Nightengale

However, based on the way the story played out in my head, I would want the story to them have its time-skip over to 2-years-later proper after Aria, showcasing the matured Kirito/Asuna, only to explore the pains and other mini-adventures that they had went through over the 2 years. (via flashback, or what not)

I stand to be proven wrong though, assuming the anime team decides to go full-chronological order.

Agreed. A side story or two introducing some of the main cast after Aria could work well. The rest of the side stories (that is, if they don't keep it in complete chronological order) could be shown as flash backs after the time-skip.

[Utsuro no Hako]

Originally Posted by Nightengale

Eg. I personally feel that Aria in the Starless Night is a story that works better in terms of a chronological story factor. My opinion, mind you, but I felt that it sets up the elements of the starting point for the story way better, showcasing the first true victory for the SAO, before jumping into the time-skip. Also, it sets up the whole Beater-hate thing that lingered throughout Vol.1.

However, based on the way the story played out in my head, I would want the story to them have its time-skip over to 2-years-later proper after Aria, showcasing the matured Kirito/Asuna, only to explore the pains and other mini-adventures that they had went through over the 2 years. (via flashback, or what not)

I stand to be proven wrong though, assuming the anime team decides to go full-chronological order.

Here's my guess:

2) Aria
3) Red Nosed Reindeer (there are so many scenes in the PV that I'm sure it's going to be an early episode)
4) The Black Swordsman (honestly, if Scilica weren't featured so prominently in the promotional art, I'd expect this to be an OVA)
5) Asuna makes dinner for Kirito
6) 75th Floor Boss Fight
7) Warmth of the Heart (flashback to explain Kirito's Dual Swords)
8) Kirito vs Heathcliff
9) Kirito as a Blood Knight/Asuna & Kirito get married
10) Morning Dew Girl
11) Fishing
12) 76th Floor Boss Fight
13) Final Battle

That would finish the SAO arc in a single cour. Of course it's always possible they might do Murder Case and show the coalition against the Laughing Coffins, which would stretch it a bit longer.

[Ray]

I have to say, that's a pretty well thought out guess. I'd be delighted if it all happened in that order.

[Hmm....]

That list sound good.

Too bad it seem like First day sidestory won't make into anime I do like that one.

[Deltaray]

Originally Posted by Hmm....

That list sound good.

Too bad it seem like First day sidestory won't make into anime I do like that one.

But then again, it's not so groundbreakingly important as others are, it's kinda only explains little about quests and how Kirito has his Anneal blade for Aria story.

[Somnus]

So, even though I've read the novels, I hadn't read Aria. What a mistake. After just finishing the read now, I'm even more excited for ep. 2

[DevilHighDxD]

Originally Posted by Aphrah

Asuna can just die? The main heroine? Uh huh. Not gonna happen. Sorry. ;p

Oh yes it can happen, if the author decide to do a 360 turn and wipe Asuna off the context of Sword Art and paired Kirito with his cousin. I am really hope the ALO arc can be animated along with GGO Arc (I would love to see that Girly face to be animated).Btw anyone know when will the next Volume come out?

[Ray]

Originally Posted by DevilHighDxD

Oh yes it can happen, if the author decide to do a 360 turn and wipe Asuna off the context of Sword Art and paired Kirito with his cousin. I am really hope the ALO arc can be animated along with GGO Arc (I would love to see that Girly face to be animated).Btw anyone know when will the next Volume come out?

You're funny!

GGO won't be animated, but ALO will. Volume 10 is supposed to come out in a day or two in Japan. But that's a topic for the L/N thread.

[com_gwp]

Originally Posted by DevilHighDxD

Oh yes it can happen, if the author decide to do a 360 turn and wipe Asuna off the context of Sword Art and paired Kirito with his cousin. I am really hope the ALO arc can be animated along with GGO Arc (I would love to see that Girly face to be animated).Btw anyone know when will the next Volume come out?

360? So we'll just end up back at Asuna again?

Oh and what joy, for me to finally have a show where I can be part of this exclusive spoilerish club

[DevilHighDxD]

Originally Posted by com_gwp

360? So we'll just end up back at Asuna again?

How about 180 or 90 turn? So GGO wouldn't not be animated? So sad cause I really want to Kirito with that face animated