Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online

It's a fun series worth a watch too bad there's no season two but that's really the only thing I can complain about.

It is quickly forgotten that it is a simple spinoff and with a construction of strong characters, with their traumas and the way they reconstruct themselves in the virtual world is inspiring.

It is worth watching, even without references to the world of Sword Art Online.

This anime is basically Sword Art Online, but with a better director and writer. While it definitely felt different compared to SAO as it kinda throws away the vibe that the original had estabilished to focus on the slice-of-life side, it still does a good job for being what it is. The characters are relatable and likable especially the main character, the script is actually good, and the visuals have more variety added to it thanks to Studio 3Hz who, by the way, did a really great job at it and deserves credit. That being said, I'm not a fan of the plot twist towards the end, but that was just me being nitpicky. Overall, not really that impressive all-round, but it's a good anime that are worth checking out especially if you watched SAO before.

As if that wasn't already obvious. Dont be whiney that a spin-off is a spin-off. Meaning its intended to be very different.

GGO follows a different set of characters with different issues. Namely? One is suicidal and its up to the protagonist to beat her in a game to keep her from dying irl.

This is actually a much more realistic issue than most people realize. That's kinda why i didnt like it as much. I came for a more fantasy type scenario but this was good too. It was a little... eh to me but i still found it enjoyable. Got to see more of GGO and it doesn't really contradict anything from SAO storyline.

All in all it doesn't deserve the hate it gets from the toxic gatekeepers

Karen Kohiruimaki always felt out of place in the real world. Due to her extreme height, she found it hard to make friends with other girls her age. Everything changes when she's introduced to VR and Gun Gale Online. In GGO, Karen is free to play the cute, chibi avatar of her dreams. Can Karen find friendship in this bullet-ridden MMO...?

In terms of origin I would say Llen has a better origin since Kirito is just some kid playing a video, where as Lelien in real life is a sexy woman who is surprisingly tall to most characters and is a college student. However, as a protagonist she is annoying but only in the game.

It is overall a good side story but I prefer the other series. That is all i am going to say about it.