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It seems this will be the last episode covering what happened before the events of the first one – thank god.
| Network | |
| Crunchyroll | |
| Director(s) | Masayuki Smkoi |
| Writer(s) | Keiichi Sigsawa, Dengeki Bunko |
| Air Date | 4/21/2018 |
Pito’s Real Life: Pito, M, Karen
Perhaps the only thing worth sticking around for, who Pito is in real life, becomes a bit more intriguing. For with her introducing M, noting she knows him in real life, and her talking about she, like Karen, is running or getting away for something, so brings the slightest interest to the character.
Commentary
Even though it pushes the idea that it is just the singer Elsa blowing off steam so that she can be this peaceful singer. Which I’m calling since this show doesn’t seem like the type which really does surprises and is very barebones. Something that, honestly, I’m coming to accept yet also am not that happy about. But, with it being noted the series takes place after Kirito and Shinon’s fight at Battle of the Bullets, which Pito was in, at least we know where on the timeline this is.
Thus bringing hope that maybe someone we’ve seen or know may show up. Though, without re-watching the 2nd season, I can’t easily remember anyone besides Shinon and Death Gun.
The First Squad Jam: M, Karen
With Pito setting up M and Karen (Llenn), she leaves them to talk strategy and M pretty much makes it clear that is going to be his wheelhouse. This is shown by him testing Llenn’s abilities by having her do drills and even show her how to use a knife. Just in case she gets in a close quarters combat situation. Something which weirds Karen out but she also appreciates.
Commentary
Can we just note that this is a very creepy game? Think about it, as shown in the first episode, military groups find GGO good enough to train in. So imagine, especially if you are American like I am, some psycho using this, teen or adult, to become a better shooter, learn about guns to use, and things of that nature. Much less, them having access to a wealth of knowledge by communicating with gun nuts.
Hell, taking it to the next level, since it seems VR isn’t government regulated, imagine the idea of terrorist groups using this. I mean, SAO isn’t about those extremes that I’m mentioning but when Karen started to get creeped out by M’s gun and knife knowledge, it is hard to not to go these places in your thoughts. Especially since everyone is letting off steam by not just killing monsters and AI, but actual people who, to a degree, can feel simulated pain.
Question(s) Left Unanswered
- How do games like GGO go over outside of Japan? Like, imagine places, like the US, which have issues with gun violence.
- Why would you need to eat or drink in GGO? Is it just to replenish health and stamina or just something to do?
- Anyone else this Karen’s fan letter would be weird as hell to read if you were Elsa or whoever screens her letters?
Highlights
- The setup to what happened before Squad Jam is over and we should be back to seeing M and Llenn in action.
On The Fence
- The end game being discovering Pito is the singer Elsa and M, perhaps her bodyguard, assistant, or something similar.
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Actually, the company that developed GGO, Zaskar, is from USA. So GGO actually goes over INTO Japan. And military personnel using video games for training is nothing new – GGO is more-or-less something like a souped-up ARMA.
It’s only natural, since First Person Shooter is really popular in the West IRL too, while it’s not that popular in Japan.
I’ve decided after this last episode that I won’t be doing episode reviews of this anymore. I’m just kind of bored with it and there’s only so many ways I can say that. I’m going to watch another couple of episodes, but really I think I’m going to drop it. There’s just nothing that is really appealing to me in terms of characters or story and I’m not into the setting as GGO was always my least favourite of the SAO worlds.