Sword Art Online -Alicization-

Sword Art Online -Alicization-, premiered in 2018 is the much-awaited third instalment in the famed anime series, Sword Art Online. Continuing from where Sword Art Online II left off, this instalment takes fans and viewers into a whole new world within the Sword Art Online universe that is fuller, wider-ranging, and vastly different from what the franchise has previously showcased.

The story revolves around the show's eponymous lead, Kazuto "Kirito" Kirigaya, who finds himself mysteriously whisked away into a cleverly-crafted, yet mysterious virtual reality world known as "Underworld". This sprawling world, packed with amazingly vast landscapes, tantalizing adventures, and fresh adversaries, is modeled after a fantasy era where swords and a form of ancient magic reign supreme.

However, this is not your ordinary game. Unlike previous Sword Art Online games that Kirito has navigated, his memories of reality blur, and he is woven into the world's fabric as if he were a genuine inhabitant. There are noticeable absences, too - he cannot access the game menu or log out of this virtual realm, leaving him seemingly trapped in this new universe.

This perplexing realm, Underworld, possesses a unique twist — it is more than just a game. Adhering to the series' reputation for blurring boundaries, the inhabitants of Underworld are a form of artificial intelligence, designed to mirror human-like traits, emotions, growth, and independence to an extraordinary level of detail. These AI characters hold complete ignorance of their reality, believing their world is the only world. The unusual parameters of the Underworld system engender profound interactions and profounder narratives between Kirito and these inhabitants, delving more into intriguing ethical quandaries with each turning episode.

Much of this plot revolves around Kirito's quest and struggle to peel back the layers of mystery surrounding "Underworld" while striving to find a way back to the real world. Along this journey, Kirito forges new alliances, reignites old friendships, and faces tumultuous challenges, all against a backdrop of spectacularly animated action sequences, strategic battles, and fantastical landscapes. The series-designers have intricately embedded familial themes, loyalty, and the strength of the human will into the narrative while adeptly maintaining the thrilling pace of the action-paced gaming culture.

As the "Alicization" arc of the franchise, this instalment introduces Eugeo, a crucial character who becomes Kirito's best friend and confidant in Underworld. Eugeo's introduction, character development, his evolving friendship with Kirito drastically contribute to the progression of the narrative, making the plot ever more stimulating for ardent fans and new viewers alike.

Moreover, Sword Art Online -Alicization- is not just about sword fights and adventures. The series' pivotal strength lies in its ambitious storytelling and astute commentary on humanity, artificial intelligence, technology's influence, and the juxtaposing themes of reality and virtuality. This exploration of multifaceted themes is beautifully interwoven into the plot and the characters' journeys, making the series' reputation as a trailblazer in anime storytelling a well-deserved one.

From a graphical perspective, this instalment delivers a visual feast with higher-detailed character designs, gorgeous settings filled with vibrant colours, and fluidly animated action scenes. Employing a more comprehensive background design, the show astounds viewers with stunning angles, atmospheric lighting effects, more realistic environmental details, thereby raising the bar within the anime industry.

The music of Sword Art Online -Alicization- also plays a significant role in setting the tone, creating tension, and personifying the narrative's emotional weight. The tracks, varying from hauntingly beautiful to adrenaline-inducing pieces, are strategically placed to emphasize moments and give life to the series's vibrancy.

The series of Sword Art Online -Alicization-, while complex and nuanced, is also full of emotions, friendships, epic battles, philosophical discourses, and profound inquiries into the very essence of humanity. For fans of Sword Art Online, and for those who are new to the franchise, this arc serves as an engrossing addition to the Sword Art Online canon.