Virtual world anime lovers, here’s an insight into your possible next favourite. You must be aware of Reki Kawahara, if not he is the creator of one of the most popular anime series of the decade ‘Sword Art Online. Not just that he is the creator of another masterpiece ‘Accel World’. Both the anime gain an upper hand with the good art style and mind-blowing action sequences. Being in the same universe but at different times, the protagonist’s characters being the exact opposite of each other gains a lot of focus from fans. Although Accel World is somewhat underrated and shaded by Sword Art Online’s popularity, it doesn’t completely go unknown to gaming anime lovers. Especially when it comes to gaming consoles, ava episodes, manga and movies. Rings no bells? Fine, this article will give you an overview of both ‘Sword Art Online’ and Accel World and decide which anime is the best for you.
Sword Art Online
This anime has the upper hand over the other as it has better production. The story starts with players entering the game world via a Nerve Gear technology invented by Kayaba Akihiko. He created the technology to trap players in his game named 'Sword Art Online' and watch them survive through the game while sitting in the sidelines acting as a God. The only way to leave the game is in-game death, after which the nerve gear will destroy the brain of the host in the real world which means the player will actually die in both worlds. Kirito, a skilled player confident and capable of overcoming every trouble with his firm determination and will power sets a good example to other players and reaches the top defeating game bosses. He bonds with people only to watch them die as he clears levels. Over time, he learns to trust people again and in the later episodes finds mates who are better players. He also has his love interest Asuna, another one joining him at the top.
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Accel World
Making up for its production, this anime is more emotionally engaging with its comic scenes and cute moments. The story starts in 2046 when a neuro-synchronisation technology system is introduced which allows people to manipulate their senses. Extremely popular and widespread this technology is used to enter virtual worlds via a device named neuro-linker. Haruki Arita (Haru) is a young boy who is often mistreated and bullied because of his simple appearance and aura. To escape his reality and problems he logs into his school’s cyberspace to play virtual squash where he is a champion. His skills catch the attention of Kuroyukihime, the Student Council Vice President who brings him into a secret project called Brain Burst. This game allows its players to accelerate cognition allowing them to make time appear still using Burst points.
However, Burst points are obtained after defeating players. The defeated players, after losing all of their points are wiped off their memory of the game; uninstalling the game and stopping every way of reinstallation. Kuroyukihime’s goal is to reach level 10th (highest level), meet the creator and learn about the purpose of the game to fulfil her curiosity. Making up for its production, this anime is more emotionally engaging with its comic scenes and cute moments. The story starts in 2046 when a neuro-synchronisation technology system is introduced which allows people to manipulate their senses. Extremely popular and widespread this technology is used to enter virtual worlds via a device named neuro-linker.
Haruki Arita (Haru) is a young boy who is often mistreated and bullied because of his simple appearance and aura. To escape his reality and problems he logs into his school’s cyberspace to play virtual squash where he is a champion. His skills catch the attention of Kuroyukihime, the Student Council Vice President who brings him into a secret project called Brain Burst. This game allows its players to accelerate cognition allowing them to make time appear still using Burst points. However, Burst points are obtained after defeating players. The defeated players, after losing all of their points are wiped off their memory of the game; uninstalling the game and stopping every way of reinstallation. Kuroyukihime’s goal is to reach level 10th (highest level), meet the creator and learn about the purpose of the game to fulfil her curiosity.
Accel World Vs Sword Art Online: Which Anime Is Better?
Sword Art Online, without a doubt, will stand out between the two of them regardless of the constant backlash from critics as it has better production and well-formed characters as compared to Accel World. Accel World on the other hand seems promising in the initial episodes as if it’ll surpass every other gaming anime, showing good chemistry and likeable interactions but loses its touch in the later episodes as some of the fight scenes are not up to the mark when it comes to production. Nevertheless, it is still termed as an anime worth watching if you need a quality storyline. Sword Art Online is more intense as killing the characters and unexpected deaths is nothing new to both the fans and the creator but has a rather rusty storyline and lack of focus. Fans praise the show’s evolution as it shows great improvement in the later seasons. Whereas for Accel World as the ending is not quite satisfactory, fans are still anticipating quality work and more focus for the upcoming seasons.
Where To Watch Accel World?
AW is available on Prime Video, Hulu, Crunchyroll, Funimation, and VRV. Crunchyroll and Tubi TV can be purchased through Amazon. Prime Video, DVD and Blue-rays can be purchased through Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy and Right Stuff Anime.
Where To Watch Sword Art Online?
SAO is available on Crunchyroll, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Funimation, Wakanim, and Netflix.