Accel World: Infinite Burst

Accel World: Infinite Burst is a 2016 animated sci-fi and action film directed by Masakazu Obara. This much-anticipated release delivers a unique fusion of digital and physical reality that captivates the audience, creating a potent brew of excitement and intrigue. The film stars the talented voice acting ensemble of Kira Buckland, Ben Diskin, and Lucien Dodge. It's based on the light novel series by Reki Kawahara and serves as a continuation of the highly popular Accel World anime series. The English dubbed version seamlessly translates the Japanese dialogue into English, preserving the essence of the storyline, and ensuring an immersive experience for English-speaking audiences.

Set in a futurist universe in the year 2046, Accel World: Infinite Burst introduces audiences to a world where technology has enabled the blending of the virtual and physical realms through a system called Neuro-Linker. This allows people to interact in the digital space as easily as they would in the physical world. The protagonist of the plot, Haruyuki "Haru" Arita is a young student who becomes embroiled in the intricate and dangerous world of a global virtual game, "Brain Burst". This is no ordinary game, played for mere enjoyment. Instead, Brain Burst serves as a secret tool that accelerates the cognitive process, effectively time-stopping the physical world while in use. Enumerating human thoughts to an extreme pace, it essentially grants users the power to foresee and cognitively combat potential crises and challenges.

Brought into the game by the most beautiful girl in school, Kuroyukihime, Haru transforms from a bullied kid into Silver Crow, a feared and revered avatar desired by all in the Brain Burst universe. However, this is not a conventional transformation. His digital persona in the game tall and muscular, a distinct opposite from his stout and humble appearance in reality. But it is this very contrast that acts as a testament to the independence of the virtual world, empowering Haru and every other player with equal opportunities, based solely on their strategic and combat skills within the game.

Accel World: Infinite Burst offers audiences a deeper dive into the complex universe established in the series and further expands on Haru's narrative. The film introduces a new mysterious character, aside from continuing from where the series left off. A sudden disaster interrupts the peaceful existence in the Brain Burst universe, and the situation quickly goes from bad to worse. The avatars in the virtual world unpredictably begin to get infected, rendering their users unconscious in the real world. As this puzzling crisis escalates, Haru and his friends embark on a mission to save both their worlds from impending doom.

What helps Accel World: Infinite Burst stand out from other sci-fi anime films is its captivating technicolor graphics combined with compelling narrative artistry. This, coupled with expert voice performances by the ensemble cast, delivers a powerful and immersive audiovisual experience. Kira Buckland breathes life into the strategic mastermind Kuroyukihime, while Ben Diskin fills the virtual arena with the valiant spirit of Haruyuki. Lucien Dodge impresses with his rendition of the agile and audacious Ash Roller, keeping the audiences engaged throughout the movie.

Despite being a film adaptation, Infinite Burst does not alienate newcomers. It starts with a comprehensive recap of the series' primary events, helping even first-time viewers jump right into the complex world of Accel World. However, it indeed holds precious delights for the seasoned fans of the franchise, unwrapping new layers to the thrilling virtual world, and peeling back yet more layers of its lead characters.

Overall, Accel World: Infinite Burst is a virtual rollercoaster ride that mirrors the ceaseless acceleration of the real world, encapsulating the tension, the thrill, and the dark, underlying risks of the fast-paced digital age. It is more than just a narrative about a game. It is a commentary on our reality, blurred against the rapidly advancing frontiers of the digital world. It is a must-watch for seasoned Accel World fans and new viewers alike, offering an exhilarating blend of action, science fiction, and a deeply engaging plot.