First off if you haven't watched this anime and not sure if you want to, DO NOT listen to the bad reviews. I understand everyone thinks differently but this is not a bad anime in any aspect, you may not like as much as i did but it is far from a bad anime I PROMISE. I loved this anime because i have always been an active rpg computer game player, i loved games like Warcraft, Diablo II, Starcraft etc. This anime basically showed me how life would be if online games could be real. They plug into the fake reality world through headgear and end up getting stuck. There is a lot of drama, action, growth, comedy etc. It explores how different people will act to the same situation has a lot about humane behavior under extreme conditions. Basically if you are an avid gamer, you should thoroughly enjoy this anime. Now the "Season 2" or "2nd Saga" gets a bit weird but is still enjoyable, its just no nearly as good as this orginal season. (show less)

One of the greatest anime I've ever since. Not my favorite, but still a good one.

Story - This anime didn't bother showing much of a plot twist, instead they focused on their own plot. Unlike other animes (I won't mention names) that gives a lot of Plot Twist to act complicated but they're actually nothing serious. As for how things, like strategies, works out during battles, they also didn't bother over-complicating stuffs. They used the most common tactic in the MMORPG world, "Switch". It brings out the intensity of a battle to you.

Dialogue - I'd say that this was done pretty well, they put out some balance throughout the characters.

Animation - I'm sure you'll know right away when you watch this anime, the animation is at least "good" for an anime at this time and day.

Entertainment - They did a great job balancing the actions, jokes, drama, and fanservices.... Well, maybe too much fanservice at a "bad time". They also didn't "over-complicate" things such as the plot and strategies unlike some animes. They know their limit and maximize what they have with this type of anime.

Overall, I'd say this is a really great anime. Sure, sometimes they focus on too much fanservice, which can be a bit annoying, but they tend to stay on topic, one is the "MMORPG", which you can learn about or relate. (show less)