Accel World – 02
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「Transformation； 変移」 (Heni)
Last week we left off with Haruyuki’s first confrontation with Ash Roller. This week, to no great surprise, we get to see his butt kicked within the first thirty seconds; this kid has no idea what he signed up for and I blame Kuroyukihime for the lack of explanations.
Of course, she explains the rules behind Brain Burst shortly afterwards. You would assume that such high stakes and conditions would have been explained prior to downloading Brain Burst. I feel sorry for Haruyuki because it’s as if he’s being set up by Kuroyukihime to die of embarrassment. I doubt she fancies him, so why bring up a confession? It’s not helping his reputation much, although I doubt that’s her intention altogether. It bothers me slightly that her actions and motives are still up in the air; it makes her character a lot harder to believe. She’s meant to be “popular”, however I have yet to see evidence of actual friends (just admirers). She comes across as your typical cookie-cutter strong female character, with a lack of defining characteristics – and I think that’s what irks me the most. Not to say that things will not change in the near future because we will likely see more of her past in upcoming episodes.
So enough about character development and all that jazz, let’s talk about these virtual battles (which by the way, I think are awesome!). The users of Brain Burst are required to fight one another in these virtual stages in order to gain more points, which are used to accelerate. If you run completely out of points, you lose your privilege to accelerate forever. There are also “levels” for the contenders; however that is not explained in the scope of this episode. The concept is simple and the idea may not be 100% original, but I still love the setup and the direction that the anime is taking. I’m also left with a ton of questions swimming in my head but I’m trying not to be impatient for answers either.
Sunrise has definitely met my expectations. All the action sequences and the details in the characters were a pleasure to watch – even the scenery was beautiful! I’m excited to see future episodes with more head butts and actual hand-to-hand combat. Haruyuki’s first win seemed a little weak for me – but at least he’s not dumb by any means. There’s also a good chance of more observers in the upcoming battles. Haruyuki will definitely be attracting more attention as he goes; I’m just unsure if that is a good or bad thing at the moment. At the least, he has the motivation to help Kuroyukihime… with whatever she has planned. I don’t completely agree with his reasons for being so devoted, but I won’t question it for now (since it seems like he’s very grateful for her help).
We also finally have an ED this week. It stays true to KOTOKO’s style, and I think it’s very fitting for the Accel World mood so no complaints there. Next week will finally be a new episode! I’m excited to see how Chiyuri’s role will impact the battles, but I’m not so much interested in the love triangle though. Also, what’s up with this shower scene?
Full-length images: 09, 11, 21
ED Sequence
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ED: 「→unfinished→」 by KOTOKO
Watch the ED!: Streaming ▼
Preview
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April 15, 2012 at 2:32 pm….
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meh.
April 15, 2012 at 2:35 pmKinni
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Don’t worry, we’ll see a lot about Kuroyukihime’s motivations very soon.
April 15, 2012 at 2:36 pmWerpi
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I get same feeling from watching this as when i watched hack/roots, that is I REALLY WANT TO PLAY THE GAME THEY PLAY. GOD DAMNIT.
April 16, 2012 at 9:31 amBenichi
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Wait until Sword Art Online comes out,maybe this summer? It gives of a stronger hack/sign vibe, but awesome in it’s own way.
April 16, 2012 at 10:44 amruirui
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and i believe the godly Yuki Kajiura-sama will be doing the OST as she did for hack/sign :’D
April 16, 2012 at 1:22 pmBenz
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Ppl been asking why SAO didn’t come out in April before Accel World, I think is because SAO are just so much more better than Accel world, so coming out with something weak than having something better then ppl will be like WOW this is great, but if they release SAO first and then later on Accel world, ppl might get disappointed later on being reminded how good SAO is.
I like them both but is true to me SAO is far superior than Accel world.
April 15, 2012 at 2:41 pmPtolemaios00
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It’s a little frustrating to watch Haru’s first few fights. I think I’ll feel much better after episode 4 or 5. Agh, I can’t say much else without important spoilers.
April 15, 2012 at 2:48 pmNextlevel
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At this point, those who keep cant stand main character’s look should drop the series instead of complaining. This series is AMAZING. I even like the main character because his ugliness fit his character. I respect the creator of this for making a main character that aint perfect. This is my favorite series on this season!!
April 15, 2012 at 6:32 pmGekokujou
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Me too, I like the fact that our MC is not some everyday Bishounen. In fact, I find it a lot easier to be sympathetic towards him because he looks different to everyone else.
April 15, 2012 at 11:41 pmRDF2050
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No Fate/Zero :(
April 16, 2012 at 1:07 pmMoeronic
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Look, I know the author was trying to create a character that had low self-esteem but did he really have to do it in such a clumsy way.
The MC is 4-foot tall and as round as a ball, making him seem like an alien in a world where everyone else has a perfect physique. And to top it off, the kid actually chooses to make his online avatar into a pig. It’s almost like every scene that we see the MC, the author/animators are shouting in our ears “FEEL BAD FOR HIM!”
I still think the anime has a great concept, and I won’t let something like a character design get in the way of enjoying it. But the character designer was just trying way too hard to get people to pity the MC.
April 16, 2012 at 1:25 pmBenz
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Just for info he didn’t make his avatar into a pig, it was forced upon him, don’t wanna get into too much detail but it was mention in novel.
April 16, 2012 at 4:12 pmMoeronic
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Whoops…my mistake. But I still stick by my opinion of the author using appearances rather than actions to dramatize the problems that the MC is having.
April 15, 2012 at 2:55 pmRavin
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Thanks for covering this! The first episode was interesting and the second as well. much better than guilty crown for sure
April 15, 2012 at 3:15 pmvladrin
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Surely you can’t talk without spitting, can you?
Say that you admire the serious because this and that. But apparently you can’t do this without bashing something on the way.
I for one love Accel World, period. Was that too difficult?
April 15, 2012 at 2:58 pmSuppa Tenko
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Even though Haru’s body is described as round, I remember the LN illustrations as him being taller… You know a normal 13 yo’s height
April 15, 2012 at 3:26 pmFallenrock
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Maybe he grows in the anime? Would be interesting at least to have an mc get taller without a timeskip.
April 16, 2012 at 2:34 amunderMebius
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I thought Haruyuki and the rest were highschool students…
April 15, 2012 at 3:44 pmLucas.R.J
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I have wait for you a long time
April 15, 2012 at 3:50 pmCroco
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I expect catfight in the next episode!
April 15, 2012 at 8:51 pmPtolemaios00
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Kitty VS. Butterfly
April 15, 2012 at 9:14 pmD-LaN
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We all know who will won anyway, it the Butterfly.
April 15, 2012 at 4:13 pmMoomba
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Honestly, I don’t feel as though the stakes are particularly high right now. If he loses all his points what actually happens? He merely loses his ability to accelerate.
It’s almost like a drug really – in order to continue to be able to get his ‘high’ he has to participate in battles or risk losing access to it altogether. As Kuroyukihime mentioned, no-one is going to bully him anymore so he can live a relatively normal life even without the ability to accelerate. It’s not like losing will result in a coma… or death.
I’m sure they’ll introduce higher stakes along the way. After all, this is the author who said that a strong setting with real consequences are a requirement for making a novel about an RPG interesting to read.
April 15, 2012 at 4:45 pmMike
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The consequences is actually more serious than that… brain burst isn’t really as simple or innocuous as they’ve shown so far, but can’t really explain without major spoilers.
April 15, 2012 at 10:50 pmBanana Furikake
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Brain burst as in if you lose all your points your brain bursts from your head a la aliens bursting from one’s chest?
April 16, 2012 at 3:48 amHakarum
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Its not that crazy, but its just as bad Show Spoiler ▼
April 15, 2012 at 4:16 pminfo600
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well, the real “meat-and-potatos” explanations are next week, so I’m expecting more drama
(no triangles though), LOTS of drama; THEN more action…(I’m spoiling sutff for the next week, am I?)
April 15, 2012 at 4:25 pmJhacks
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Uno Dos Tres Fight!!
Maybe adding this theme will make the fight scene much more fun to watch.
After watching 2 episodes I still find the Anime kinda dull or maybe it’s just me getting too old and cynical for this type of show. And it also doesn’t help, that the MC attitude is to whine first before trying to do something, well I hope he will try fix by the end of the series and not just run in the virtual world because something is not working in real-life. (Very bad influence to young viewers ><)
April 15, 2012 at 4:26 pmLucas.R.J
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The moment that haruyuki show his feeling about helping kuroyukihime is moving ,isn’t it,
bolstered by the music in the background
April 15, 2012 at 4:38 pmSheapy
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I wonder if Chiyu will ever get brain burst along with Show Spoiler ▼
April 16, 2012 at 3:50 amSuppa Tenko
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Show Spoiler ▼
April 15, 2012 at 4:42 pmMike
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it’s actually more serious than that… but can’t really explain without spoiling
April 15, 2012 at 4:43 pmMike
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bah, ignore, wrong thread ; ;
April 15, 2012 at 5:10 pmcancerlad
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I was a little dubious of this show when I saw the pig. That was then, this is now. I really like this show. So far I’m watching far too much anime this season (14 shows!), and when I make my “postponement” cuts next week, I’m doubtful that I’ll drop Accel World. I’m curious to see where this is heading, and I’ve been a good boy and not looked up spoilers (!).
Chiyuri is super-cute, and her relationship with Haruyuki is intriguing. Does she like him more than her “boyfriend”? If so, why’s she with that guy? Oh, the melodrama!
April 15, 2012 at 10:51 pmBanana Furikake
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Yeah – me too. I didn’t think that I’d be watching so many based on my initial thoughts of the season.
I’m pretty happy though since I get to watch around 1-2 per night.
April 15, 2012 at 5:19 pmChaos Raiden
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http://randomc.net/image/Accel%20World/Accel%20World%20-%2002%20-%20Large%2022.jpg
Reminds me of Ghost Rider, except without the flames and skull head.
This episode is pretty good, and I would love to see Kuroyukihime on more action.
April 15, 2012 at 5:39 pmMrTerrorist
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See that Burst Linker using a laptop? http://randomc.net/image/Accel%20World/Accel%20World%20-%2002%20-%20Large%2024.jpg
That’s Reki Kawahara, the author of Accel World and Sword Art Online as how he draws himself.
April 15, 2012 at 7:42 pmhaseo0408
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I had no idea! Thanks for the info.
April 15, 2012 at 8:29 pmhao-sama
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he probably voiced himself as well (like when Oda made an appearance in the One Piece anime and when Sorachi did in Gintama).
April 16, 2012 at 12:16 aminfo600
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rings bell
We have a Winner! Someone please give this young man a
(internet)cookie!(it’s in the credits too btw – last guy in the extra VA list iirc)
April 16, 2012 at 5:55 amD-LaN
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Must rewatch this to hear his sound.
April 16, 2012 at 12:01 pmCherrie
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Thanks for pointing that out =) I didn’t even realize
April 15, 2012 at 7:32 pmsuff
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Oh Kuroyukihime you foxy lady. You are so cute :3
I think this show really has some potential. Then again, I pretty much felt the same after watching two episodes of Guilty Crown… so we will see.
Currently I am only watching this show and F/Z… I decided to drop everything else due to lack of time.
April 16, 2012 at 3:52 amHakarum
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Please don’t compare it to GC! It gets waay better, and far more vicious later on, if they are going to animate to Ufotable’s standards, then we’ll get to see some serious stuff that is on par with Uryuu + Caster’s crazy actions
April 16, 2012 at 4:40 amsuff
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O_o
April 16, 2012 at 5:30 amD-LaN
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You. don’t. say. R we going to see crazy M.U.R.D.E.R.S. soon??
April 16, 2012 at 3:53 amSuppa Tenko
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You don’t need to worry about this show going down the drain. After all it’s based off of a very successful light novel. There’s not going to be random plot twists like GC and Haru’s character improves drastically after
Show Spoiler ▼
April 16, 2012 at 5:55 amHakarum
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Not really murders, but the scenes are going to be on par with it. Heck, even reading that particular scene in the novel made me sick for awhile
April 15, 2012 at 7:38 pmhaseo0408
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I can´t get enough of this beautiful animation for the vitual battles, even if Silver Crow is crushed it was still woth to see.
April 15, 2012 at 7:41 pmhaseo0408
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It´s really hard to see how Haruyuki has no love for himself, he goes as far as to hate his very nature wich leaves him in a really vulnerable state, I hope I see him emotionaly in the future because if not he´s going to be crushed by his own hatred sooner or later.
April 15, 2012 at 8:00 pmThousand Mistress
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One thing’s for sure, I want that necklace-gadget thing they’re all wearing. AND THAT GAME TOO.
This is true MMORPG, honestly~
April 15, 2012 at 8:50 pmKusabi
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Ookaaay, those who want to see Jiban or Robocop vs Mr. Grimm from Twisted Metal, this episode is just for you…
April 15, 2012 at 9:20 pmEspada
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hahaha poor MC
April 15, 2012 at 9:43 pmKusabi
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Now I’m really curious about Kuroyukihime’s true duel avatar. Can’t wait to see it unsealed.
April 15, 2012 at 9:57 pm0927123
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Manga has it. Actually the OP has it too. Very sneaky of them!
April 15, 2012 at 10:07 pmKusabi
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Is that so? Thanks for pointing that out.
April 15, 2012 at 11:30 pmNah Nah
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nah nah this is anime its about wats on the outside that counts T3T
April 15, 2012 at 11:53 pmksjddragon
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Their’s nothing wrong with the main character im just curious as to why he’s the only ridiculously short guy in the series?
like i’m fine with that he’s chubby/fat ( idk what u would consider him in anime terms),
im just curious is all
April 16, 2012 at 1:41 amjreding
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You have a good point questioning Kuroyukihime’s motives. What she’s doing indeed seems to be a bit fishy.Now I’m curious to find out more about it in the next eps.
I can pretty much understand why Haruyuki is so devoted to her, though. I would be the same.
April 16, 2012 at 2:55 amKinny Riddle
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If Silver Crow, a Level 1, gains extra points by beating Ash Roller, a Level 2, does Ash Roller suffer in turn by losing more points due to losing to someone lower levelled than him?
April 16, 2012 at 3:49 amSuppa Tenko
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Yes
April 16, 2012 at 4:32 amThe Moondoggie
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Dat Headbutt. I LOL’ed. Well, there’s a reason why his special move IS a headbutt anyway…
April 16, 2012 at 5:28 amrazzler
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i think this series would be even better if there were more action, evil(?) manipulations and less emo-ing from Haruyuki. Seriously, I like him better as a pig.
April 16, 2012 at 5:34 amThe Moondoggie
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Your wish will be granted eventually… No details though.
April 16, 2012 at 5:37 amraisuke16
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don’t worry…more action will be coming in the next episodes… :)
April 16, 2012 at 5:34 amBreedo
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I REALLY wished he’d stolen roller’s bike and ran him over with it lol. It would have looked good with his avatar on it…one hell of a power combo if you have a rocket bike headbutt LOL. I like the way it played out with some level of thought. Instead of a fluke we get a gamble. I’d rather see it play out that way anytime. Squeaked out victories ftw. I kind of wished they didn’t have him snivel like that when Chiya shows up at the end though. I’d have rathered he was perplexed by her rage. We don’t know if she likes him yet but it seemed like it with her protective stance. I wanna see more about his friendship with Taka. This is quite an interesting tale already.
April 16, 2012 at 5:38 amThe Moondoggie
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Sorry Breedo. Like any MMO, you cannot steal another players abilities/stuff, unless it is your ability.
April 16, 2012 at 5:53 amHakarum
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*Cough* We’re are going to see some awesome stealing real soon though. If the opening has any indication of it.
April 16, 2012 at 1:11 pmBreedo
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when you put it in that context it makes good sense but i still think it would have made good theater, he practically looks like a Kamen Rider variant already lol, a little….maybe ;)
April 16, 2012 at 8:54 amThat Bored Shounen
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Nice to see the MC isn’t another Guilty Crown…guy…thingy (what was his name again?).
Even so, I still don’t get why people are bashing that show. D:
Maybe it’s cuz I went in with no prior knowledge of what I’m about to delve into, but after watching the final
episode I actually felt depressed. O_O
That usually means I found it decent, you know? (But the only thing that I actually miss? The soundtracks. xD)
Hoping Kuro yukihime girl get’s more originality pumped into her, cuz I’ve seen too many pretty idols put on a smile when they’re actually lonely (really hope this isn’t one of those “break down and wait for MC to bring me back up”).
April 16, 2012 at 9:36 amBenichi
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I’m grateful SAO was translated on baka-tsuki by amazing people, and now I hope that one day Accel World gets fully translated. It’s really a shame that light novels were abandoned in the U.S. T_T
April 16, 2012 at 11:38 amMrRei
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Here’s an extra full-length and the OP full-lengths (which I did last week).. Enjoy!
I’m also in the process of finishing a 2160p or 1440p Kuroyukihime wallpaper based on the OP screenshot (which was 720p).. If anyone cares.. :p
April 17, 2012 at 12:52 amMrRei
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Wallpaper is done.. but I’m not posting the link here. You can look for the link in RC fan club comments on MAL. ;)
April 17, 2012 at 1:37 amBanana Furikake
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Awesome! Thanks for the 2560! My Apple Display and New iPad salute you!
(｀_´)ゝ
April 16, 2012 at 1:59 pmEefi
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(has anyone mentioned it before?) I’m getting “C” vibes from this points and battles thing
April 16, 2012 at 10:04 pmDjalaal
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The Neurolinker supports a 2 way communication, what happens in the virtual world you can feel as well.
Man, do you need a good virus scanner in that age, imagine a virus that goes and attack you with pain!
April 17, 2012 at 12:40 amTingster013
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Kind of remind me of Kamen rider ryuki, going into special space and fight the shit out of everyone
April 17, 2012 at 11:44 amanonymous
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Wow. And I thought all the nerdy, socially awkward, losers from harems were bad before. Now we have a nerdy, socially awkward, FAT loser for a main character? What is it with Japan’s obsession with pathetic underdogs?
April 19, 2012 at 11:44 amrsquirrel
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Because from a story telling perspective, showing the growth of a weak protagonist is a lot more interesting that showing a perfect being, being perfect. Or even a normal one, which is also done quite often.
Now of course if the weak character stays weak and never grows, that’s a different problem…
April 19, 2012 at 11:28 amiron2000
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Just finished the first 2 eps.
At first it felt rather .hack, the virtual world feels similar to The World.
Felt like CC Cooperation has perfected The World and it has become widely used :P
The squash game felt Tron to me.
Somehow the Brain Burst game felt like Air Gear to me.
The Dual Avatars reminds me of Air Trecks.
The battles like AT-battles.
Since the light novel is already into 10 volumes there should be spoilers floating around the web already.
Time to hop over to the JA wiki for a read :P
April 19, 2012 at 11:44 amiron2000
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After scrolling through the JA wiki with selective reading.
Theres really quite some similarities with Air Gear.
The Accel World and the AT ‘underworld’.
July 9, 2012 at 10:05 pmTopboy
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Watch this anime after watched sword art online ep.1. and learned that this was written by the same author.After 2 episodes in AW,It seem to be soft-core and less seriousness compared to SAO but still fun.