‘Sword Art Online Alternative Gun Gale Online‘ is a 2018 anime produced by Studio 3Hz and directed by Masayuki Sakoi. It is based on a light novel by Japanese author Keiichi Sigsawa and illustrated by Kouhaku Kuroboshi. It is a spin-off based on ‘Sword Art Online‘ by Reki Kawahara.

Karen Kohiruimaki (Reba Buhr) is a shy Japanese businesswoman who feels self-conscious about her height. Her best friend Miyu Shinohara (Faye Mata) who plays as Fukaziroh encourages her to buy “Nerve Gear” and join a virtual reality video game. After trying several, she finds herself playing Gun Gale Online as a short, cutesy avatar called Llen clad in pink. Because of her color scheme, she becomes known as “The Pink Devil.” She befriends a free-spirited player Pitohui (Allegra Clark) who convinces her to join their team with her boyfriend, the gentle giant M (Ray Chase) in a contest. However, Llen soon learns that Pitohui has a dark secret and it is connected to Sword Art Online.

If SOA was to have a spin-off, this was the right one. GGO was so awesome and seeing it get a series without the intricacies of the “Phantom Bullet,” made it that much more fun. The rifles, cannons, pistols, and grenade launchers were so cool.

I also liked Llen and Pitohui. It was interesting seeing their differing personalities. Llen is smart, cutesy, and shy while Pitohui is headstrong, forceful, and clever. M is somewhat of an enigma to start with, but you kind of get used to him.

Though GGO is a part of SAO even in the vaguest way. I enjoyed seeing this isekai world develop and evolve on its own. The characters are interesting, the plot is thrilling, and I had a good time throughout the whole twelve episodes. The anime has not been renewed for a second season and that is a shame. I would love to see a crossover where Llen, M, Pitohui, and Fukaziroh where they fight Kirito, Sinon, Asuna, and Klein do a battle. That would be epic.

Here is a clip from the show:

This review is based on the dub.

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Some minor foul language, Violence, Disturbing themes

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This article has been updated from a previous version.