Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale

Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale is an exciting anime adventure film that takes the viewer into the world of augmented reality games. First released in 2017, the movie is a dimensional offering of the massive hit animated series Sword Art Online. Directed by Tomohiko Itō and produced by A-1 Pictures, the film features a star-studded cast of Bryce Papenbrook as Kirito, Cherami Leigh as Asuna, Cassandra Morris as Leafa, Stephanie Sheh as Yui, Christine Cabanos as Silica, Michelle Ruff as Sinon, Kirk Thornton as Klein, and Patrick Seitz as Agil.

Ordinal Scale takes off from the storyline of the successful original series. The thriller revolves around a new video game - "Ordinal Scale," which is different from the earlier VR (virtual reality) games. The game employs a new gaming device called Augma - a next-gen wearable console designed for AR (augmented reality) gaming, unlike the other VR-centric games shown in previous seasons. Augma allows the players, who mostly comprise familiar faces from the original series, to bring the game into the real world, adding a fresh layer of intrigue and excitement to the plot.

The narrative follows the series protagonists Kazuto "Kirito" Kirigaya and Asuna Yuuki as they explore this enthralling new game. Drawing upon augmented reality technology, the game adds a vivid extra dimension to the everyday life of its players. The popularity of Ordinal Scale quickly eclipses the erstwhile FullDive technology from the first Sword Art Online game, given that players can now enjoy the gaming experience while staying conscious and aware of their real-world surroundings.

Fans will get to enjoy how their favorite characters adapt to this different gaming landscape with Kirito and Asuna taking the lead. Asuna takes an immediate liking to the game, while Kirito, known for his exceptional VR gaming skills, finds the transition to AR more challenging. This new dynamic adds a fresh twist to their steadily charming and often competitive relationship – fleshing out their personalities and allowing their individual strengths and weaknesses to shine through.

Bryce Papenbrook does a fantastic job expressing Kirito's initial unwieldiness and subsequent determination in the new gaming environment. Equally commendable is Cherami Leigh's portrayal of Asuna's thrill and gusto in this new world, resonating with fans and driving the narrative's emotional undertone. The rest of the ensemble, featuring the excellent performances of Cassandra Morris, Stephanie Sheh, Christine Cabanos, Michelle Ruff, Kirk Thornton, and Patrick Seitz, add depth and variety to the storyline, making the journey even more engaging.

However, things start to take a grim turn, with mysterious occurrences plaguing the game and the players. As these events escalate, they begin to transcend the boundaries of the game, inching dangerously close to the physical world. Venturing deeper, Kirito and Asuna discover that Ordinal Scale holds a sinister secret. They set out on another perilous joint mission to face the unseen challenges lying beneath the game's facade.

Relentless action, soaring emotions, awe-inspiring battles, character development, and visual spectacle combine to make Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale a must-watch for anime and gaming enthusiasts alike. The movie beautifully communicates the complexities of the virtual world while reflecting on the interpersonal relationships and individual struggles of its characters.

On the technical front, Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale delivers top-notch animation and music. Yuki Kajiura's adrenaline-filled soundtrack complements the visual extravaganza, creating an immersive gaming atmosphere. Moments of emotional intensity are further enhanced by poignant, heartstring-tugging scores. The action sequences, all beautifully animated, are elaborate and visually striking, offering viewers the epic spectacle they'd expect from the high-profile Sword Art Online franchise.

In conclusion, Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale is an utterly enjoyable anime feast, driving fans back to the compelling world of the earlier series with a new twist, solidifying its standing as a venerable entity in the anime movie universe.