Watch Sword Art Online II

Sword Art Online II is the continuation of the popular anime series Sword Art Online, produced by Aniplex. The series premiered in 2014 and is based on the light novel series of the same name by author Reki Kawahara. The show follows the original protagonist Kirito, a skilled gamer who previously became trapped in the virtual reality game Sword Art Online. The events of the first season have since concluded, and Kirito is now on a new adventure.

The first episode opens with a news report outlining the sudden increase in player deaths in a game called Gun Gale Online (GGO). Unlike the previous games, GGO is a first-person shooter game, where players use guns instead of swords to fight. It quickly becomes apparent that someone within the game is targeting players, and it's up to Kirito to find out who is behind the attacks.

Kirito starts the show off as a lone wolf, preferring to play solo and go on his own quests. However, he quickly meets Sinon, a skilled sniper who aids him in his quest. Sinon is voiced by Miyuki Sawashiro and quickly becomes a fan favourite as her character arc progresses throughout the season.

Kirito's character development is one of the highlights of the show. He struggles with the trauma he experienced in Sword Art Online and the fact that he can never fully escape from the virtual world. Furthermore, the show explores the idea of separating online personas from real-life identities. Kirito has to grapple with these themes as he navigates the dangerous world of GGO.

The show is action-packed from beginning to end, with each episode featuring new battles and confrontations. The animation quality is top-notch, with each fight scene being gorgeously animated. The sound design is also worth mentioning, as the show features an incredible soundtrack that adds to the drama and tension of each scene.

One of the standout moments of the show is the introduction of The Laughing Coffin, a notorious guild from Sword Art Online. The guild is responsible for numerous player deaths within the game and adds a level of intrigue to the show. The guild's leader, Death Gun, is one of the main antagonists of the show, and his motives for targeting players drive the plot forward.

The supporting cast is also well-developed, with each character having their own motives and goals. Kirito's friends from the previous games, Asuna (voiced by Haruka Tomatsu) and Klein, make appearances throughout the season. Asuna, in particular, has her own mini-arc within the show, as she struggles with how her relationship with Kirito is different in-game than it is in real life.

The show's themes of identity and trauma are explored in a nuanced and mature way. The characters grapple with their experiences in the virtual world and how they have changed their real-life identities. GGO is a world that many characters use as an escape, with some taking on completely new personas within the game. The show explores the idea of whether these online personas are a reflection of the 'real' characters or whether they are entirely separate.

Overall, Sword Art Online II is a thrilling continuation of the first season of the show. With incredible animation, an excellent soundtrack, and well-developed characters, the show is a must-watch for fans of the genre. The show tackles mature themes in a thoughtful way that elevates it above other anime shows. The cliffhanger ending ensures that fans will be eagerly waiting for the next instalment of the Sword Art Online franchise.

Sword Art Online II is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (51 episodes). The series first aired on July 4, 2014.