Anime: VRMMORPGs

One acronym: VRMMORPG (Virtual Reality Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game). Yea, it’s a real anime concept (that better be on its way to reality - just saying). I first encountered this type when I came across a new series called Accel World. I watched over half of it before I put it on the back burner, due to a disappointing main character (the guy, the girls are great). I thought it was a fluke, a unique anime. Then came SAO (Sword Art Online). From the same creator, except the charters and plot twists were/are way more interesting.

So what is a VRMMORPG? It is a role playing game within a virtual reality device placed on your head that utilizes your 5 senses through your brain. So, you basically become your character in every sense, except when you die, you’re ok; it is after all, just a game.

Twist number one. It’s not just a game, you die here - you die out there. Why? The creator made a world where he could be king. What fun would a world be if you could just check out when you were/are not enjoying an aspect of the game?

Twist number two. Your virtual reality device cannot be removed from the outside like previous games. The public are made aware of this after several people have already plugged in. People begin disappearing because their families try to unplug them. That’s a mistake.

But the king gives his people hope. Reach level 100 and you will be released. Have you ever heard of a king wanting to give his kingdom back to the people? Every level is hard and gets harder, just like your average game. It takes them several months just to clear the first couple of levels. Time spent there is the same time spent out in the real world. What is happening to their bodies in real time? Watch and find out.

The story progresses with a seemly strong main character. It basically resembles the middle ages. Some of the players have even stopped trying to beat the game and have decided to make it their home. Setting up shops, villages and other little amenities. There are safe places a character can go where they cannot be killed. But you could end up stuck if you are a weak player.

The story definitely has aspects that make it an immediate favorite, bumping a few off my top ten list. Later on in the series, they switch it up a bit where we get to see the characters as fairies with the ability to fly. You will have to watch to see that part though.

I hope the series is not over but if it, it was an awesome ride while it lasted. Two thumbs way up. ^_^

Any who… it is in your best interest to check this anime out. Being as it is a new series, you will have to watch it with subtitles. But ask yourself, what English dub has done anime justice lately? Sure, FMA did a good job. But Naruto? Fruit’s basket? I did like some of the Bleach voices. There is one particular voice actress that has a shrill like nails on a chalk board … meh. I won’t say who, but she is in all the popular animes… Makes me want to watch sub only, all the time.

Here is the site I use for new anime: Subbed/Dubbed New/Old Anime

And the site I use when I need to work on something, but want to hear a favorite anime in the background (or if I need to see a Hayao Miyazaki movie): Dubbed Anime

There are tons of other sites, but these ones have rarely let me down. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. ^_^

-Jen

P.s. 

In case you want more information, you can find the 

Wiki here: SAO Wiki

Wikia here: SAO Wikia (There's a huge difference)

Trailer here: SAO Subbed Trailer