SAO Abridged

SAO or Sword Art Online is a popular and relatively well-known anime/light novel series. It's also terrible, as many people conclude. This conclusion is not misguided, given the series's paper-thin characterization, drunken plot where things just happen for the story, copious use of deus ex machina, and complete failure to achieve the potential of the concept.

The series is about our insipid 'hero' Kirito, who is one of the ten-thousand players for a revolutionary virtual-reality gaming experience. But on the first day of gaming, they are trapped within the game by the creator for mysterious reasons. They must beat the game or die, as their real bodies (in hospital beds) wither in the real world each day they stay.

It's a fantastic juxtaposition, the fantasy genre reimagined, and combined with sci-fi. A fantastical land that's actually digital, about the danger of the new age. It’s almost a cautionary tale of insidious agendas placed over unfathomably sophisticated and new technology.

It's a great concept, but the show does nothing with it. There are no real characters. Instead, Kirito is an invincible and bland protagonist; wish-fulfillment and nothing else. Over the series, Kirito acquires friends, most of whom female, whose sole character trait is that they are engrossed with him. With its female characters, the show deals with a bunch of uncomfortable tropes, including sexual assault for drama (at its worst).


But SAO isn't the subject here. The subject is SAO Abridged, a hilarious parody of the series available on YouTube, made by Something Witty Entertainment. Abridged series are a certain type of media in anime YouTube, wherein animation and clips of the series are re-dubbed and edited for humorous intent.

SAO Abridged is an edited adaptation of SAO, filled with memorable quotes and sociopathic, yet loveable characters. Kirito is turned from a bland wish-fulfillment character to a flawed and wisecracking jackass. The abridged story calls out the shortcomings of the original series, adds certain plot aspects and takes other elements away, also adding references to internet culture. It has a lot of comedy, but also plays some dramatic moments sincerely. It's gained a fandom, as it should. SAO Abridged is far better than SAO, and also does a better job of exploring the fundamental concept of the crossroads between fantasy and science-fiction.

Also 10/10 villain motivation, especially compared to the original series.
The series can be found here.

Here are some of my favourite quotes, to give you an idea of the series.

"Much like the World of Warcraft, none of you are here by choice anymore. Unlike WOW, however, you're being held here by me, not by your need to escape your empty f***ing lives." - Kayaba, the game's creator

"You can see it too! So I'm not crazy.....isn't that great Jesus?!" - Jeffrey, a random player
(Switches to smiling Jesus statue) "That's right Jeffrey, now......kill them all." - Jesus
"As you command my lord." - Jeffrey

"Sweet merciful Buddha, what the f*ck!" - Kirito

"How did you realize I was lying?" - Yolko, a player
"Ah, well that part was quite simple. You see, I’m not an idiot." - Kirito

"But, I've got good news. You see, there's no need to wonder where your god is! 'Cause he's right here! And he's fresh out of mercy!" - Kirito

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