Mini Anime Review - Sword Art Online II (Arc One)

The long anticipated return to the SAO/Accel World universe, SAO II takes place 5 months after arc two and goes a long way in an attempt to fix the problems of the previous series; with a single romance interest yet again, this time found in new girl Sinon, but being written as a strong confident woman who don't need no man, much like Asuna. However she is given an awesome back story that makes her far more interesting than every other character in Sword Art to this date.

Kirito is also a lady-man now, for unjustified reasons. 

This series manages to fix a lot of problems that SAO Arc 2 had; it actual;y shows Kirito having mental issues relating to playing an MMO again, it returns the element of threat, it removes the creepy romance aspects (Sinon and Kirito being much more flirty but less romantic, playing better seeing as he has a girlfriend), it also makes Kirito a fair bit more likable. 

He acts like a total dick at points, which makes his character more likable somehow, rather than the perfect harem king of the previous season. While this is sudden in the anime he is shown to be more like this in the manga, yet another thing the anime missed out that was a good point. He even goes as far as to introduce his new romance to the other other harem members in the final episode, where he shows her off and basically makes his own girlfriend jealous. 

The animation is great throughout, as is the soundtrack, and apart from a few main character invincibility moments from Kirito the show is far more interesting that Arc two and arguably Arc one of the original series.There is also a black Avatar Aang at one point for some reason.

Rating - 

Looks - 4.2/5

Sound -4.5/5

Plot - 3.2/5

Characters - 3/5

Overall - 14.9/20

Mini Anime Review - .Hack//Sign

The Classic trapped in an MMO anime; watching it after seeing such series as Log Horizon or SAO tackle the subject creates an appreciation for the quality of this story type.

It has strong animation, while not being as breathtaking as some moments from newer anime it is consistently good through out. It's story is fairly focused, maintaining viewer interest; however there are some cases of bad filler in the center of this 28 episode series, for example the protagonist attempting to take care of a pig for 3 days and failing miserably. 

The Music is very pleasing, if not a bit repetitive at times, the voices are also well performed with no real annoyances springing to mind after having finished the series.

The characters, while not the most interesting ever, are very well used to support the plot and the protagonist in their issues. It was also pleasing to see a disabled character being a strong major character through out, as well as a love interest ( later to be revealed as a homosexual love interest, +10 points for diversity).

Overall a very fun anime, of all the MMO anime I have seen it has presented the least offensive flaws; while it may not have the amazing highs that moments of Sword Art has, it's lowest points are miles above it.

Rating - 

Looks - 3.9/5
Sound -3.6/5
Plot - 4.1/5
Characters - 2.9/5
Overall - 14.5/20