'Sword Art Online EXTRA EDITION' Review

Today Crunchyroll released the simulcast of the "Sword Art Online" Special. Much longer than I thought, it's essentially an OVA or short movie, much more than a bonus episode. Other than an awesome nostalgic intro and intermittent scenes, most of the special was a clever recap of the entire SAO season. Really well-paced, and hitting all the major chords of the series, fans, like myself, are sure to enjoy the return to the world of Aincrad, and, surprisingly, even Alfheim! It isn't until the final 20 minutes or so, however, that things get truly awesome. Delivering what most fans truly wanted for the first time, we get to see the entire cast of characters set out on an underwater quest in ALO after first teaching Sugu how to swim. There could have been more of this included, as we only get to see a montage of fights and barely see some of the characters' abilities, but overall, it's what fans have wanted.

All-in-all I loved the Special episode and all the feels it made me relive from watching the original SAO, and finally seeing the whole group fight together for the first time made the whole thing worthwhile...also the scene after the credits which was included to confirm SAO season 2!!! We'll finally get to see the third arc from the manga in anime form. Personally, I can't wait!

http://www.crunchyroll.com/sword-art-online/episode-1-648529

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