When Does The Sword Art Online Movie Take Place
Okay, let's talk Sword Art Online movies. Specifically, where the heck they fit in the timeline. It's more confusing than trying to assemble IKEA furniture with missing instructions. I have a theory, and it might be a little...unconventional.
The Headache-Inducing Timeline
We all know the SAO anime and novels have a specific order. Aincrad, Fairy Dance, Phantom Bullet, Mother's Rosario, Alicization... got it? Good. Now throw in the movies, and suddenly, we're lost in a labyrinth more complex than the Aincrad castle itself.
The first movie, Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale, is usually placed after Mother's Rosario and before Alicization. Seems straightforward, right? Wrong! Buckle up because my brain is about to do a logic-defying backflip.
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My "Out There" Theory
What if...what if Ordinal Scale isn't where we all think it is? What if it's... earlier? I know, I know. Hear me out.
Think about it. The technology in Ordinal Scale is pretty advanced. Augmented Reality that's practically indistinguishable from reality itself? It feels like a bigger leap than what's happening in the direct aftermath of Mother's Rosario.
Maybe, just maybe, it’s a slightly futuristic "what if" scenario. A glimpse into a possible future that the main series hasn't quite reached yet. A side quest, if you will.
The Evidence (Sort Of)
Okay, "evidence" might be too strong of a word. Let's call them "suspicious observations."
Firstly, Asuna doesn't dwell on Yuuki's death as much in Ordinal Scale as you might expect. It's mentioned, but it doesn't carry the same emotional weight. If it happened right before, shouldn’t it still sting a bit more?
Secondly, Kirito’s powers. He seems unusually competent, even for Kirito. Is this pre-Alicization confidence? A sign of things to come? Or is he just having a really good day?
Let's face it, anime timelines are notoriously flexible. They bend and break like a cheap plastic sword. Maybe the creators wanted to tell a cool story and weren't overly concerned with fitting it perfectly into the established canon.
Why This Theory Makes Me Happy
Because it allows me to enjoy Ordinal Scale without constantly worrying about how it messes with the overarching narrative. It's a fun, self-contained adventure with awesome action sequences. Doesn't that sound nice?
Plus, it gives me an excuse to rewatch the series and movies, searching for clues to support my outlandish claim. It's all in the name of "research," of course.
Ultimately, does it really matter where Ordinal Scale fits? Probably not. But theorizing is fun! And maybe, just maybe, I've planted a seed of doubt in your mind.
The Unpopular Opinion Corner
So, there you have it. My potentially heretical take on the Sword Art Online timeline. I'm prepared for the backlash. Bring on the angry comments!
But hey, maybe someone out there agrees with me. Maybe you've always had a nagging feeling that Ordinal Scale felt a little... off. We can be timeline rebels together!
In the end, it's all about enjoying the world of SAO. Whether you agree with my theory or think I'm completely bonkers, let's raise a virtual glass to Kirito, Asuna, and all the other characters we love. Cheers!
