Dammit SAO, stop making me feels. · 10:17pm Dec 11th, 2014
Okay, so the Phantom Bullet arc was great, absolutely fantastic. It still did suffer from a bit of OP-Kirito syndrome, but at the same time they managed to balance it out with way more positive aspects than the Fairy Dance arc did. Now, however, the show has moved into the Calibur (already completed) and Mother Rosario arcs. Accompanied by what is easily my favorite of the four openings thusfar, in two different forms.
Calibur Arc Opening
As I just said, the song is absolutely amazing, in my opinion, and I do adore this version of the opening... but it's nothing compared to the punch in the gut I get watching the other...
Mother Rosario Arc Opening
I'm sure a number of you have already watched the anime all up to date, and know the story at play here, but even those of you that haven't should be able to tell that there are some pretty big feels going on here. From the twins shown at the start to every last little detail of imagery used throughout it. Seriously, this is the most emotional arc of SAO and I adore that this version of the opening has been able to carry that across so beautifully. I get a little misty-eyed every time I watch it, on top of just getting pumped. A weird mix of elation and melancholy.
And you know it's an accomplishment when the story introduces a new character that's an even more OP sword weilder than Kirito is, and yet manages to make her ten times more lovable at the same time.
So basically... THE FEEEEEEEEEEELS All of the sads.
Those of you who have yet to watch the new season of SAO, and those jaded by the Fairy Dance arc, WATCH SAO 2 NAO!
Extra note: Oh! And I've been supremely enjoying watching the direction that the second season of Log Horizon has been going! Watching that show has been having a pretty big impact on where I've been thinking of taking Equestria's Strife as I go down the road.