Sword Art Online – 19
Kirito’s so hot, he’ll make your panties drop as fast as your mana! OOOHHHH!
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The epic elf quest continues with Leafa, Yui and Kirito on their crazy adventures! So last week she almost discovered Kirito’s MMORPG playing secret, but of course she respects his privacy, but if the genders were reversed we all know that would not happen right? Anyway, what are you thinking about OC? I heard there was going to be some action in this episode so we can look forward to that hopefully. |
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I’m thinking about how I saw “Leefa” while taking screencaps for the post, but really can’t be bothered to switch from calling her “Leafa” since it looks better. But that’s a minor thing. The action is definitely an exciting thing, because it means Kirito has slightly less time to make Leafa blush madly and deny her undying love for him. Bring on the fighting! |
Stuck in the SAO Mindset
Overcooled // After spending 2 whole years living in Aincrad, it’s no wonder Kirito plays ALO like he’s still in SAO. The memories are strongly engraved and very recent, which is exactly why he constantly refers to these experiences in SAO as a guide for how to act now. There are little things such as his insistence on using quick swordplay when magic-users clearly have an advantage. This is more like a play-style preference, and Kirito could have been this stubborn if he had played a normal MMO before this that relied on physical strength and not a deathtrap that slowly killed everyone he knew. The real scars from his past are shown in his insistence on protecting party members from dying. His choice of words and almost irrational levels of blinding rage are totally out of sync with the gravity of the situation. Leafa suggests just giving up, but Kirito still thinks that dying in the game means dying in real life. Or rather, he knows there is no death in this game, but he has been strongly conditioned to protect his comrades to the bitter end and sees surrender as an inexcusable weakness.
We don’t get to see much afterwards about how Kirito’s experiences in SAO made him feel in real life. After living in a game for so long, I’m sure he’d have some stress about it and act a little differently than before his time in SAO. We don’t really get to see much of that, and he seems to be pretty normal despite going through so much. I know this sounds mean, but I’m glad Kirito still has some ghosts haunting him from his time in SAO. He clearly still feels horrible for the death of Sachi and his guildmates, as well as all of the other people he’s fought alongside in boss fights. He went berserk out of desperation to protect Leafa, however I didn’t ever feel like he was out of control or going too far. Afterwards, he didn’t even seem alarmed (neither did Leafa or Yui) so it doesn’t seem to be anything to worry about. He just really takes his games seriously as if they were like SAO.
I don’t think it’s such a bad thing to take games that seriously. Kirito maintains his moral code in games, instead of seeing it as a separate world just for him to go nuts. You know the type. They’re super nice in real life, and as soon as they pick up a controller they see this open world as the perfect place to destroy things because they think it doesn’t matter. However, it does. You’re still the one behind the actions, even if they’re on “fake” people in a “fake” setting. It’s not such an issue in one player games, but people ho go on MMOs and suddenly become trolls, PKers and scammers are still bad people even if they just do it in the game. That sort of thing really does change your personality in real life, because you are still hurting other people who are real. I tend to get a little too involved in my games, so I also take my chosen actions in video games very seriously. If I wouldn’t do it in real life, I wouldn’t do it in the game. I wasn’t as touched as Leafa, of course, but I quite enjoyed that little speech Kirito gave!
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Magic versus Melee
Foshizzel // I think I have talked about this subject before; however now we really can discuss magic themes because in the world of ALfhiem Online players can finally shoot magic. When I typically play any new MMORPG I always go for the ranged caster themed class and in this game Leafa explains to Kirito that you HAVE to use magic eventually instead of running around swinging your weapon. Then again does our main hero even need to learn lots of different spells? No not really because we all know he is soooooo talented at video games! I kind of love the idea of having the players actually say their spell out loud in order to cast it, but in the heat of a hardcore battle would you be able to calmly get a spell off before getting owned in the face? Maybe if you ask the monster or boss nicely to wait five minutes you can look at your spells and choose the correct one? I can’t imagine how hard that would be for non-English speaking players! That has to suck, but I am sure the in game fairy language is no walk in the park to remember.
So what was the best magic spell so far? Leafa’s healing spells so far have been quite effective there is no question there because healing is important and her I loved her awesome bubble she used this week to protect Kirito from the barrage of fireballs; however the illusion spell that transformed Kirito into that familiar monster was so OVERPOWERED and I just had to face-palm because that is not an illusion! Sure it transformed him to look “different” but they should have called it a monster spell, but of course that is a minor thing and honestly I could tell that Kirito was having the time of his life kicking ass, until he ate those players which was a bit insane and the hilarious moment when Leafa asked him what they tasted like and then Kirito took a bite out of her hand? Smooth move there bro.
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This Means War
Recon isn’t very good at..recon.
Overcooled // Such a gentleman, that Kirito. Fending off 12 dudes and then offering to help Leafa despite his race against the clock to save Asuna. It’s still a little too good to be true (especially since he placed an experienced player like Leafa as SUPPORT) but whatever, I won’t stop believing in Kirito’s game-breaking perfection now since it’s nothing new. Besides, it’s nice to see him help Leafa with the race war. It’s also pretty interesting since we’ve never seen this sort of war-like conflict before. I’m excited to see how this pans out, although it kind of sucks that we haven’t got to meet the other races yet. Furthermore, there hasn’t been a lot done to show the differences between them. They all look pretty much the same to me aside from adopting different colour schemes. So far, only the petite and cat-like Cait Siths seem to have their own unique features. Furthermore, I don’t get the feeling that any one class can do something that another class can’t. Kirito can still move faster than Leafa despite her being a Sylph, and Leafa uses Spriggan-like illusion magic to hide them behind a fake wall. Why would you even need a party of different races to get to the top if they’re all so similar? Maybe I’m expecting wild differences from games where you need one specific party member to reach an item or advance through a certain area, but so far everyone looks the same and seems like they use the same playing style. I’d love for the brewing war to shake things up and show us the differences between all the races though. Maybe things will get Sengoku Basara levels of crazy where every faction goes all out and attacks each other. OYAKATA-SAAAMMMAAAA!!!
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Friendship is a Tough Faction
Foshizzel // This episode this week introduced some of the other factions and how they come into play. The only faction based MMO I have played was World of Warcraft, Guild Wars 2 RVR and Warhammer? Those are the only games I can think of right now, but I am sure there are tons out there right now. Usually when you deal with various factions in those kinds of games you usually align yourself with certain group and most of the time you gain a different benefits or rewards from them. In Alfhiem online if you can manage to kill the leader of any other faction you gain access to their land, money and you take over their city! While that is very interesting and cool I got kind of annoyed how Kirito wants to help Leafa? Yeah I know that is just how that guy operates because of the whole shounen lead character syndrome, but COME ON DUDE! He still has to find time to save Asuna before creepy guy in real life marries her; however we all know he will clear the world tree in one or two episodes and save his princess and defeat the main villain with one swing of his epic sword.
Bonus Pic: Show ▼
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Final Thoughts
Ahhh, fighting-based episodes make me happy. The magic system is simple (say words – magic happens) but different enough from SAO combat to spice things up. Most of the fights in SAO were extremely close-ranged affairs, while ALO gives players more options. The Salamander players attacking Kirito and Leafa were actually able to set up a battle formation with walls in the front to protect the mages and allow them to cast spells uninterrupted. It’s the simplest of strategies, but it’s a change from the usual, mindless hack ‘n slash. Nothing wrong with some head-on violence, but changing things up is good every now and then. I’m actually a bit surprised Kirito didn’t try and take out the mages first, but maybe he’s not quite used to the game or simply couldn’t get around them without killing them first. All in all, a pretty cool battle with the nice added touch of Kirito transforming into a beast and going on a rampage. I must say, I’m really enjoying the magic since there are near endless possibilities. Whoever said Illusion Magic was useless in battle? I’d say that was pretty damn effective!
While this was a kick ass episode thanks to less chatter and a bit more sword swinging and magical spells flying all over the place! Sadly all of the faction on faction war brewing stuff was really dull for me because I only care about Kirito saving Asuna and defeating the main boss, but everything so far has been a bit to filler-ish? Then again I have seen worse fillers in Bleach, One piece, Fairy tail and the king of all terrible filler Naruto. Aside from the random faction themed stuff I guess it was nice to see other races instead of more fairies and random elf themed characters, oh and of course Yui being her cute self all over again! I have noticed her and Leafa getting some funny moments in at Kirito’s expense. What did you like the most the new factions? Magic spells? Or the mushy friendship moments between Leafa and Kirito?
A nice, heartfelt note to end on, don’t you think?
About Tag Team
We live, laugh, enjoy and strictly believe on "more the merrier". When together, we usually come up with very chatty, conversation-based episodics and interesting posts.
POWUH: 600-699 with 691 comments
kirito’s monster transformation was great, in fact the action in this episode was impressive to say the least, i can barely wait for the next episode things are starting to move, so thrilling…
by the way…
Yui is the best A.I. ever…and yeah, Recon is not good at recon apparently
POWUH: iLurker with 10 comments
did you notice that the monster he transform himself into look a lot like “Gleam Eye” one of the boss from SAO the one with the snake tail where Kirito use his double sword skill for the first time, while little different -I was like WTF its gleam eye how can he be there its not SAO anymore… – but yeah they use the same server so …
POWUH: 600-699 with 691 comments
yeah…I kinda of noticed…by the way how do i change the metanorn regular on the powuh?it’s getting irritating
and
Kirito knows bitch-slap
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
Just make more comments. 🙂 You’ll get to another level eventually (I don’t know what the threshold is for the next level, but I don’t think it’s more than 200).
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Just like your ranking is Metanorn Regular right now instead of iLurker like the newcomers, it’ll change with the number of comments you make. If I remember correctly and the system hasn’t changed, the ranking will change again when you hit 150 comments.
POWUH: 600-699 with 691 comments
ah…so it’s kinda like an R.P.G.
Yosh i’m going to take a pag of Lee and Gai
I SHALL BURN MY FLAMES OF YOUTH TO THE NEXT LEVEL o/
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
Keep comment-grinding until you level up, bro. Who knows what other skills you can unlock?! And if you stay here long enough and you get a ~CUSTOM TITLE~ like what BB and Highway have. Shoot for the stars!
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Yep! You gotta work up that Metanorn reputation bar! YOU CAN DO THIS
POWUH: Meta Resident and Werewolf Chaser with 1270 comments
So how long until you can get one custom title? Just curious.
All the best, AllenAndArth.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
@d-LaN: No need to wait. Just tell one of the bloggers or tell Kyokai directly and she’ll get it done for you.
POWUH: 600-699 with 691 comments
so many people cheering on me T-T9
yes i heard you my youthfull friends o/
POWUH: 900-999 with 915 comments
I had to facepalm myself twice after seeing Kirito and Yui with mustache -.-‘ Poor people.
Anyway, I think there is a lot of differences between all of the races, including the three races already shown (excluding the Cait Siths)… They just look similar because Kirito don’t use the special features of his race too much. Before anything, Sylphs are specialists on wind magic and usually have high speed. Meanwhile Salamanders are slower, but are known to be the strongest race of ALO, using more offensive attacks than anything. Spriggans, as it was already mentioned, don’t have good powers in battle, but use illusions (and I don’t think it is anywhere near what Kirito used) and treasure hunting, and judging from the color schemes, he uses shadow spells, ou dark spells, something like that.
Also, to who is curious, Cait Siths are
Show ▼
You’ll see on the next episode… Just a minor spoiler.
About the other races, there is the Undine (according to Leafa/Lyfa, are specialists on underwater battle, and on the LN, they mention they are specialists on healing magics, too. There is the Leprechauns, Pucas, Gnomes and Imps, even though they aren’t mentioned too much. The only thing I remember being mentioned is that Leprechauns are blacksmiths.
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
I WANT TO SEE ALL OF THOSE RACES! Why make a game with all of these things if we never get to see them, right? It seems that there are a lot of differences between them on paper, but I don’t really feel like I see a difference in fights so far. Maybe if I see an undine kick ass underwater or something then I’ll start seeing the unique attributes of each class. Caith Siths also sound coooool.
POWUH: 900-999 with 915 comments
They ARE cool *-* You would want to see Alicia Rue for the rest of your life \o/ But we can’t ¬¬
Well, I know there is an Undine on the opening, so I’m expecting to see one. And I have a guess on who will be a Leprechaun…
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Hahaha yeah that was all me sorry their faces begged me for some random photoshopping <3
Yeah I love that about MMORPG races/factions because each of them have different specials like Kirito's illusion that basically turned him into a monster, but I assume Kirito is going to be good at everything anyway...
Ooooh interesting thing about the Cait Siths! I can't wait to see them in action like Overcooled said.
Damn that is a lot of different races O_O
POWUH: 900-999 with 915 comments
At least you didn’t put one of those mexican hats on them.
I think this thing about ALO having it’s skills according to the player’s physical force is just too much convenient for Kirito. It was just an excuse for him not to need to start from the level 1. He, pwning experient and well-armored players from one of the strongest races on the game on it’s ten first minutes of gameplay is just too much for me e.e’
Oh, unfortunately, I guess they won’t show much of the Cait Siths just yet. You’ll have to wait a little more.
POWUH: Metanorn Lover with 154 comments
The explanation on the illusion magic really sucked. The spell didn’t turn a player into a big monster, it turned a player into a random monster based on their stats. So the average player would get an average, not intimidating at all monster, but since Kirito gained his SAO character data he got The Gleams Eye. Also maybe because he is a Spriggan his mastery of illusions allowed it to become real. I really do not know since I do not think it was explained in the light novel
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
Ahh, good to know. It certainly seemed like an overpowered spell for someone who hardly uses magic and just started levelling it up. I thought it was just an illusion though, yet he seemed to get stronger too. That’s…not just an illusion anymore. Weird.
POWUH: 900-999 with 915 comments
No, it wasn’t explained at all on the light novel. The explanation he gave was… “I just did it”… Or something like this.
But maaaaan, The Gleam Eyes sure should be terrifying. That is, if you are on the ground, seeing him from the ground.
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Yeaaaaah what the hell was that? My experience with illusions are just that illusions! They just alter your appearance nothing more, but Kirito’s actually transforms him into a monster? I suppose it is kind of cool that it uses stats to choose your monster form…
It was great to see The Gleam Eyes once again! He was one of my favorite SAO bosses~
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
Despite the presence of a big battle in this fight, this felt more like a connecting episode, getting Kirito and Leafa from A to B, or from A to C, even though they intended to go to B at first. It wasn’t bad, just felt like just a travel episode.
I thought it was an interesting strategy to fight Kirito, although I don’t know why he didn’t just run around those three guys turtling right in front of him? Seemed like there was plenty of space, and they might not have been able to react fast enough.
POWUH: 600-699 and LN Enthusiast with 623 comments
The bridge was actually not that wide in the LN. That prevented the Salamanders surrounding them but that means they(Kirito) couldn’t get around them.
But I would say that he would have been blasted by the mages in the back had he tried to circle them. He got shot down when he was jumping up high right? The tanks would just reform their ranks when Kirito gets knocked back.
I guess they made the bridge wider here so that there would be more space when Gleam Eyes Black Kirito rampaged.
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
The bridge was that wide in the anime, tho, so it left a really odd impression. I mean those tank guys had to be that close together to prevent him getting through, but had all this space to their outsides. And he timed the rampage later to be after the mages blasted him.
It just seemed kind of like “let’s use this cool thing because we can”.
POWUH: 600-699 and LN Enthusiast with 623 comments
Though wouldn’t either one on the side of the frontline try to hit Kirito if he did try to break through the sides? And like I said, the mages will probably blast him if he did try to do it. They do have healers so they might do a big barrage and even hit the tanks just to prevent him from passing the frontline. The party seems well prepared in fighting Kirito so they probably took into account his speed and that he might try to go to the sides. The mages are most likely prepared to fire at him should he attempt it.
I would say that Kirito is a fighter who battles head-on the enemies without thinking much so a roundabout way may not have crossed his mind. I could also say he didn’t account for the enemies having healers and mages(not being used to magic in a game yet) and he was confident he could take down the tanks with his attacks.
But I guess that’s pushing it on my end trying to justify this.
Let’s leave it at that. I didn’t have problems with it in the LN and didn’t have problems here. And it’s all done now with this part. So yeah.
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
I was surprised he didn’t go around too. It’s still good form to go for the healers first, even if it means busting through front lines and taking a few hits. This is almost always the best strategy, unless they’re extremely well-guarded. I assumed some game mechanic prevented Kirito from busting through or something, but I guess the bridge was supposed to be too narrow to safely go around. Although can’t you…fly over them and attack? Oh well, Kirito won by a mile so I shouldn’t question his battle tactics. XD
POWUH: 600-699 and LN Enthusiast with 623 comments
Well, you can’t fly inside caves and dungeons. It wasn’t mentioned in here but in the LN, it says that wings need sunlight or moonlight in order to be used.
But yeah, Kirito won and that’s that I guess.
POWUH: 600-699 with 691 comments
i would do it “just beacuse i can!” it must be cool to become a big monster and bitch-slap people…
POWUH: Metanorn Lover with 154 comments
I would have to read the light novel again to be sure but I got the feeling that the bridge was too narrow to do so. If it was really that wide I would think he would actually do that.
Oh and if any of you want to read the light novel here’s a link to a site:
http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Sword_Art_Online
We are in chapter 4 of the Fairy Dance arc I believe. I would highly recommend reading this cause it is awesome.
POWUH: iLurker with 8 comments
Kirito’s actions in this episode bothered me a little because it didn’t feel like it coincided with the guy who was trapped in SAO for two years. His little speech was understandable, but what about the way he so mercilessly slaughtered the opponents? I would’ve liked to see a little hesitation from him about killing other players because of the way death worked in SAO.
POWUH: 600-699 with 691 comments
maybe he’s seeing them as monsters in SAO
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
Yeah, I think the big difference is that he didn’t ever really engage in PvP in SAO, so all he’s fought is monsters. So when someone else is trying to kill him, then he’s going to respond with all his efforts back at them.
POWUH: 600-699 with 691 comments
he did engage in PvP…
with kura-what’s-his-name-again? the guy he killed
and
with akihiko twice
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
The duels with Kuradeel and Heathcliff were both specifically non-deathmatch duels, so that can’t be counted as a PK’ing situation. And the final one with Akihiko was specifically a duel PKing situation for higher stakes. The fight with Kuradeel was about the only thing we saw Kirito do as PK’ing, and that was definitely justified as defense against murder.
But that wasn’t the majority of his activity. I was thinking of it like myself in WoW. I don’t PvP. But there have been a few times I’ve gone in Battlegrounds for an achievement or been flagged PvP during a world boss fight. But I wouldn’t then say that I PvP, it’s more that there have just been some times it’s happened.
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Kirito secretly loves killing players fufufu
POWUH: 600-699 with 691 comments
it’s a fetiche
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Some action was well needed. Thank you. Kirito has become very arrogant since he escaped SAO and it’s showing slowly here. Also, he’s losing himself to his beastly nature and might become a PK with the way he’s going. I was a bit disturbed when he actually enjoyed tearing the enemies apart mercilessly and without hesitation, all in some very sadistic ways (Impaled by claws, biting the player in half). All of this makes his speech to Leafa towards the end about player personality in game and the real world seem hypocritical.
When I play an RPG, I make it a priority to balance both magic and strength for effectiveness. Physical strength is good but having magic that can cause serious damage like paralysis or poison and healing for yourself is a huge plus because in battles, it isn’t always the stronger one that wins but the smartest.
That’s pretty much like the ninjas in Naruto casting hand sign and shouting out the name of their jutsu while fighting (some of which have a lot of hand signs) or in DBZ using techniques like Solar Flare to blind an enemy.
Recon may pass for handing information over to Sugu but he fails pitifully being a spy.
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
YES! FINALLY SOME ACTION!! I was getting bored of the chatter filled episodes >.< Kirito killing all those players was honestly refreshing because damn he always wants to protect people and be their friends and all that jazz, but not this time! His transformation was epic though <3 Ahhh so you are more of a hybrid player? Taking a bit of both worlds? Melee and magical?! Awesome my brother plays a melee dps paladin in World of Warcraft which allows him to swing a sword and cast spells xD Now that you mention it yessssss that is like DBZ,Naruto or even Bleach when the captains or Ichigo screams BANKAI! Reccon is the Krillin of this arc ahahahah
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Seeing bad guys getting torn apart was nice. Kirito, however, enjoyed that a little too much. He looked insane when he charged them before transforming. I guess it’s a part of him he wanted to let out and had a perfect opportunity.
Even when I’m playing games like Pokémon, I balance as much as I can: elements, physical and special attacks to make sure I don’t lose. Like bringing down an opponents defense because it’s a good way to cause critical damage. Paralyzing and poisoning them works just as well.
Players actually saying their spell out loud in order to cast it is like a battle cry. Most shounen anime does it. A classic one is Goku’s Kamehameha.
I’m not sure Recon fitting that similarity is a good thing. Through Dragonball, DBZ and Dragon Ball GT, Krillin has died a lot. So much that he shouldn’t have been able to come back after dying twice but did through some loopholes.
POWUH: Meta Resident and Werewolf Chaser with 1270 comments
Nah, under tht jokester face he hiding a big trauma… you will see tht in GGO. And well, you can say tht since in ALO PK is OK/non-permanent so he just went a bit overboard. To quote bearzerger:
POWUH: Meta Resident and Werewolf Chaser with 1270 comments
Man I love this place, at least its peacefull here 😀 *looks at RC =__=* things get quite ugly there..
Well you can argue tht underneath all the flashy attack Gleamrito is just doing normal attack but some ppl argue against me on a Utube discussion… so I dunno. Discussion start?
Those mustache… facepalm material. Even head desk too…. -_-
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Why thank you! Metanorn always spawns some interesting topics <3
Ohhh? What like Kirito's transformation is all new attacks? Cause I know Gleaming eyes had a big ass weapon hahah
What you don't like those epic stashes? xDD
POWUH: 600-699 with 691 comments
i hink that although it’s kirito with the skills passed from SAO(the one’s that can) he’s still virtually low level incredible enough…then again most people don’t have a A.I. with G.M. powers as a private pixie
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 109 comments
here the next episode preview and looks like the action will be more intense then the last episode fight http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=INe58Za7fPI
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Fufufufu that preview made me laugh! Kirito pops up and challenges the main red dude? Hmmmm 1 shot boss fight gogogo
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 109 comments
it looks like the main red dude will put a good fight so it mey not so easy
POWUH: Meta Resident and Werewolf Chaser with 1270 comments
Kirito vs Eugene = Cool vs Awesome.
POWUH: 800-899 and Flying Sage with 856 comments
I used to play an MMORPG called Lineage. It didn’t have true factions, but you could battle for control of cities, which gave you income from taxes, which was pretty cool. My crew only managed to take control of a city one time, but the memory is still sweet.
I’m glad we are digging into the in-game political situation, but it does seem a bit ridiculous, given that Kirito doesn’t have much time to rescue Asuna.
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
I’ve heard of it, but haven’t played it myself. Taking over entire cities sounds really fun!
Kirito still went off on side quests when his own life was at stake in SAO, so by now I’m used to him gleefully helping random characters >_<