So is Alice making a spirit bomb?

All in all fantastic episode.... Dakira the MVP holding off King Goblin there with everything she got, Deusolbert probably has a KDA ratio of a 100,000 and Alice is charging her Spirit Bomb.

Ugh... Fanatio this episode. Chills the whole time.

playing on 50000 ping be like

Fire dude just straight up nuking the area and Fanatio giving monsters Anthropophobia lol. The girls worry me bruh and that green kid syn 27 ran away. You'd think the Admins ritual would make all the Knights into fearless badass fighters.

rip left flank

I wonder what Alice is making. Also I can’t wait for Asuna to show up!!

When I saw Fanatio look up with so much hatred I got goosebumps

Dakira was amazing. Shows the lengths a knight will go to defend the people they love I mean she fought back standing on broken bones people! Damn Sword Art I fucking love you.

Jesus what are the two psycho girls up to?!? Asuna hurry up these ladies are taking full advantage of handicapped Kirito

As in previous weeks, I will try to summarize as much as I think.

The beginning of the episode is already surprising and already has merits just by delimiting well what are the fronts (no dialogue is even necessary for this), but mainly by already setting the audience about the new knight, Renly Synthesis Twenty-Seven and its atmosphere of uncertainty. Alice, from the outset and in opposition to Renly, is also evidenced as someone with certainty about her role and already sets the viewer at it. The episode itself is actually very action-oriented, so I don't have much to say about dialogue, but more about direction and visual demonstrations.

Still, the way Gabriel Miller leads the entire army perfectly maintains the ambiance of a leader who commands respect and speeches that win the platoon as a guide. Your knowledge of the technology Rath employs and how STL works also deserves mention here, as it is very explicit at the outset. Cold and calculating, his atmosphere is well maintained on this occasion (and always, except when he wants to).

The only knight of integrity among those in the first half who had not yet had a certain amount of screen time in the second half of Alicization so far was Deusolberth. This could even lead to some concerns about forgetting the character and using it as a background only. However, for the even greater glorification of the plot, it is the first of this battle in which we see good psychological work. There is a well-applied intertwining between the few remaining memories of his past before synthesis and the definition of his certainties. Even before taking the bow and knowing about the truth behind Axiom Church, he reflects and comes to the conclusion of protecting the world out of appreciation for the precious and unique things he can hold on to. His texts, like those of all knights, are extremely good, characteristic of an honorable lyricism of speech and even of an inflated ego in some cases.

It is interesting how, too, Kawahara knew how to portray the importance of confidence and experience on the battlefield. Clearly, Eldrie raises a certain distrust of the platoon due to his rookie status. At the same time, his inexperience is one of the factors that hinder the anticipation of an unpredictable enemy strategy. Even the reason why troops cannot act on the smokescreen is well explained. At the same time, it is interesting to see that the animation highlighted chaos on the battlefield, with consecutive stabs and a domino effect between knockouts on both sides. Extras kill and then die, for example. The strategy of protecting the knight so that he could wreak havoc on the enemy's front line is also consistent, and catches the eye as Golgorosso, Eugeo's veteran, was reused in the war.

But nowhere near these scenes deserve the title of best in the episode. The best of them is about to happen now. The leader of the Giants, terrified by Fanatio's mastery, plays a conflicting reaction between his battlefield terror and the desire to advance the enemy's troops. This conflict in your Fluctlight unleashes the power of Incarnation, and this is interesting in exposing, once again, to the viewer how the question of the power of imagination holds true for all Artificial Fluctlights in that world and can be extremely determining. The animation that A-1 makes connecting the two LightCubes at the moment is sensational and perfectly explains the reason for the giant's momentary outburst. Fanatio herself faces her drama, motionless in front of all Incarnation. However, the anime makes it very clear that immobility is not because she is terrified only, but because of Golem's own action in the Fluctlight-Fluctlight response.

In desperation to lose the leadership she so admired, Dakira, one of the four rotating swords, throws herself in defense of her master. The scene has a good COLOSSAL direction, impacts perfectly in every way, both by framing and animation in conjunction with the soundtrack. It is agonizing to see the character sitting smashed by the hammer, her armor breaking and her screaming as she uses her own body and the power of her own incarnation to resist. The fanatic expression is extremely well animated in sequence, just as the whole knight farewell scene, even a character we had barely grasped, is really sad and impactful. Congratulations to the director. And, of course, we can't forget about the subsequent scene of fury (Fanatio's response as Incarnation), very lively, directed and accompanied by a masterful soundtrack (which is still not the best of the episode).

Focus returns to Deusolberth, who again reflects on the war and, in shock at the empty quiver, wields his common sword against the remaining five Goblins. Even the commanding goblin's dialogue is adequate, since he himself repudiates the knowledge about his opponent, something quite typical of the barbarism of certain peoples of the Dark Territory. More Golgorossus enjoyment here, and finally the most CREATIVE scene in the episode: Deusolberth shoots his sword like an arrow, utilizing his perfect skill. Again, an extremely well-directed passage accompanied by an excellent soundtrack, not to mention its own unpredictable solution and as a last resort, which Kawahara knew very well. Worthy of a great climax.

And with the report that the two horsemen had defeated leaders of major enemy units without, however, altering the exorbitant numerical disadvantage (since the beginning of the season this is underscored), we move on to the scene in which the episode ends. Alice, while noticing Amayori's disquiet, is resigned to her role in this scenario. His hands reach out, forming a sphere that reaps the bright traces of the dead and scattered Flutclights on the battlefield. Mounted on the dragon and angel-like, she stars in an extremely well-designed scene and a perfect cliffhanger for the next episode, accompanied by the BEST ACTION AND CLIMMA SONG IN ALICIZATION (Disregarding Swordland, of course), in my humble opinion.

In the background we see Renly Synthesis Twenty-Seven (to which we have already been acclimated by the indecision of the character and the lack of confidence of the little girls, Fizel and Linel), this time, already hidden: his indecision, which leaves great cues for another Knight of Integrity with Lore, psychological work and development appearing in future episodes, made him desert the battlefield. Merits of Reki Kawahara, who also knew how to portray how a climate of terror can exist in most of the soldiers, how there is anguish and fear in the midst of the battlefield, a mixture of sentiments among the platoons. I am really looking forward to seeing the evolution of this character, which represents a very realistic element in the story. Soldiers do not desert because they are opportunists, because they want to betray their platoon or out of selfishness. They desert because the war-callers do not always want to be there, because not everyone who enters the battlefield leaves their regrets out of it. It is an impressive humanization.

Of course, reading my "Review" so far, you might already imagine that I would not fail to mention the fantastic animation, the soundtrack (as often as necessary, congratulations to the glorious Yuki Kajiura) and all the fabulous direction of this episode. caring about characters we didn't even know so deeply about. Looking forward to next week.

My gosh the special effects were beast in this one. Dakira :(

I loved how they animated Deusolbert flames!

Another great episode!

Man am I nervous for our integrity knights. I want Deusolnert to go back home to his wife and for Fanatio to stay with Bercouli! Plus she still owes Kirito that Ara Ara if you know what I mean ;)

Animation looks great again!

Alice making a spirit bomb? Okay Goku.

I NEED ALICE AND KIRITO TO COME RECK HAVOC.

I was hoping that Fanatio was going to laser them all, not only the chief of the giants. I love Fanatio sword and Enhance Armament, I need more!

Couple of thoughts:

• When Alice was chanting the Sacred Arts, I thought it was only half of the episode. Then comes the Unlasting ED ...
• Linel and Fizel are just commenting/criticising everyone when they both probably can't take even a single hit from an enemy! They're talking as if they have nothing to do with the battle. I'm already tired of their attitudes during Kirito's encounter with them. THEY SHOULD WORK AS SOCCER COMMENTATORS INSTEAD.

(p.s.: The moment Dakira defends Sigurosig's attack and dies was too much for me ...)

Geeeee whiz this show really took it up a notch

left flank is soo screwed they really didnt balance the teams xD

Not as many opportunities for stitches this episode due to hard subs and effects (Deuselbert was particularly problematic), but here they are:

Episode 6 Screenshot Stitches

Episode 5 Screenshot Stitches

Episode 4 Screenshot Stitches

Episode 3 Screenshot Stitches

Episode 2 Screenshot Stitches

Episode 1 Screenshot Stitches

Welcome to Alicization Exploding!

Full line up of both Dark land army and Human empire army. Renri Synthesis Twenty Seven belong to Second unit left flank tho, prob slight mistranslation.

Enhance Armaments are like rpg.

Sigrosig’s collapsing fluctlight hax paralyzed Fanatio. Debuff from another dimension!

Dakira Synthesis Twenty Two is the first Integrity Knight to fall.

Not only Golgorosso got some lines, he even save Deusolbert’s ass, WOW.

Sneaky Dreadful Twin is sneaky.

Alice is enchanting THAT ART, so excited

Not only Renri piss his pant, he also left his troop to take some shit in supply unit tent.

This episode was stunning! I really hope Asuna shows up this season though..

Damm i'm waiting for asuna. But wow that was an absolutly amazing episode

i hope asuna shows up in the next episode. IT'S KILLING ME I WANT TO SEE HER AGAIN WITH KIRITO AND I WANT TO SEE HER FIGHT...

now this is what i have waited for. now i only need asuna in and this season is officially on fire

I love that they’re making the scenes more graphic and intense while keeping the mood serious

If memory serves me right, all of the integrity knights owns a dragon, why is Alice the only one using it?

How did the giant immoblized fanatio?

And screw the timid knight, your comrades are fighting and here you are abandoning them

I think kirito is gonna go all out with only his reflexes when the dark forces push through the left flank. Can't wait for the next episode.

I havent been able to watch the past 3 episodes. But damn. Is Asuna really not in the game yet??

When the giant leader started glitching out I could have sworn that some of the sound effects sounded like old dial up internet, it made that part a bit creepy and funny at the same time. Shame Dakira died, but she put up one hell of a fight to protect Fanatio. Fanatio and Deusolbert were amazing this episode, especially Deusolbert, using his sword as an arrow was great. I have a bad feeling about what the murder twins are up to, it seems they might still have it out for Kirito and if they do I bet they'll be in for a big surprise when they find out he can still defend himself even in his current condition. Looking forward to next week.

Dakira is the gay hero I've been waiting for

Many real tears tonight

What will Alice do with the Spirit Bimb like thing she just made? Also, when will Asuna come? Did the two girls in the beginning go off to Kill Kirito or something?

Everything about this episode was great! Fanatio and her Knights giving me chills.

I can’t believe that one Knight ran away. You’d think that even though all Integrity Knights have their own values and beliefs, a core for all of them would be defending humanity to the end.

That was significantly more gore than normal.

Renly, get your shit together, we need all the people possible if we want to win this battle!

Did not expect Dakira to do that.

Visuals (brutal, kind of reminds me of Hellsing's visuals) and sound design (crispy and crunchy, yum) are once again top notch in this episode. This episode was so good that it felt like it zoomed by really quick lol, and is definitely in the top 10 best SAO episodes so far.

Since Asuna isn't there yet, it makes me think that she will step in when the Human Empire is losing the battle and will turn the tide.

RIP dakira Deusolbert is the greatest ever Fanatio is a badass Green knights kinda a bitch

someone report sigurosig for teamkill and hacking

Renly the deserter...

Can we just like... talk about the animation? Huge applause! A lot of people may not like the SAO franchise, but damn. You can't argue about how beautiful this animation is.

Pretty decent episode! 2 people went super saiyan and Alice started the Spirit Bomb

6th weeks in a row of saying that Unlasting is my favorite ED in the history of EDs

Just a viewer not a reader. But I can't help but feel like this will be one of Kirito's biggest comebacks. This season has been awesome imo.

Deusolbert and Fanatio looking like actual embodiments of nuclear strikes on the frontlines. It kinda wasn’t fair on Eldrie to be matched with these guys (and I also don’t know about how smart holding back while the enemy slips past you despite the smoke bombs...)

MVP of the episode goes to Dakira. 👏 I guess we can add tragic gay pining to the show’s tropes now. I literally stopped breathing when the Sigurosig went berserk and his Fluctlight paralyzed Fanatio’s.

You can definitely see the show’s budget limitations with the 1v1 skirmishes happening whoch wouldn’y happen in an actual assault, and some of the battle was just automated fighting and an image montage. Kinda hilarious at the beginning though when Vassago was talking about stealing Underworld’s VFX for sale. Very meta.

What ost plays when deusolbert starts firing his bow?

Edit: not the Crossing a Dangerous Bridge, the first ost is what I'm talking about and up til now i still can't find it

Where can i watch it with sub.

Where’s asuna? Didn’t she enter the simulation the same time as the dark god?

Did Dakira's scene remind anyone else reminded of Tatsumi from Akame ga Kill?

Also, Renly is totally going to be the Private Upham of SAO. One of the knights better turn to Renly and with their dying breath say "... Earn this."

Deusolbert is my fucking guy man. Out of arrows??? PUT A SWORD ON THAT BITCH