Review: Sword Art Online II “Memories of Blood”

If there is one thing that Sword Art Online II has done in the first two episodes, it’s that it’s lived up to the SAO hype. With the limited exposure I had with the first Sword Art Online, I had no vested interest in Kirito or any of the other characters. Between “Cold-Hearted Sniper” and “Memories of Blood,” All I want to see is Sinon owning people while in GGO and get over this crippling fear of pistols. I guess getting the first headshot at such a young age will traumatize a person.

Where “Cold-Hearted Sniper” was all about Sinon, “Memories of Blood” gave us a look at Asada Shino,  the person who plays Sinon. I’m digging how the writers went deep and showed how afraid of guns she was, and how she blew a hole through a robber’s head. Yeah, it was the onset to her psychosis to guns, and I think the grisly details conveyed it well. Considering that most shows go over the top with the gory details, and they lose the message. You know, unnecessary fountains and pools of blood muddle the message.

One of things I’ve noticed is that SAO almost makes you want to become attached to its main characters. Of course, SAO wants you invested in Sinon. With the exception of Kirigaya’s short scene about , “Memories of Blood” was almost exclusively about Sinon. Even the end, when we catch a very brief glimpse of Deathgun’s face, it was about Sinon. When “Memories of Blood” ended, I was left going, “are you serious? I want to see more!” That’s pretty much the tell-tale sign that I am enjoying a show.

“Memories of Blood” was a fantastic companion to the Sinon-driven “Cold-Hearted Sniper.” Every character is a two sided coin, and it’s great to see that this much time was devoted to the development of both Sinon and Asada. So, I guess what I am trying to say is that this hype train hasn’t gotten de-railed, and is quickly approaching Episode Four Station. Choo-Choo!