Why Most Anime Reviewers Stopped Reviewing SAO After the Mothers Rosario Arc

The animated series Sword Art Online (SAO) was once a phenomenon, captivating audiences with its intricate plot and well-developed characters. However, it eventually lost its initial luster, leading many reviewers to lose interest. This article explores the reasons behind the drop in review activity, focusing on narrative shifts, repetition, and viewer fatigue.

Narrative Shift

One of the main reasons for the decline in reviews is the gradual change in the narrative direction of the series. As the story progressed beyond early arcs, reviewers found it increasingly challenging to identify fresh elements to critique. Certain themes and tropes became repetitive, leading to a sense of stagnation. For instance, overpowered protagonists and similar plot structures became a common feature, diminishing the excitement and originality that drew viewers in to the beginning.

Repetitive Themes

Critics noted a consistent repetition of certain narrative elements that did not offer much novelty. This repetitive pattern made it hard for reviewers to find new angles to approach the story, reducing the appeal of continuing to review the series. This repetition often led to a sense of predictability, which is a significant deterrent for keeping up with ongoing content.

Viewer Fatigue

Another factor contributing to the decrease in interest was viewer fatigue. As the series progressed, some arcs introduced controversial elements that polarized the audience and generated mixed reviews. These controversial arcs generated both praise and criticism, making it difficult for reviewers to maintain an objective stance. For some, the increasing division in opinions made it less worthwhile to continue writing reviews, leading to a drop in activity.

Shifts in Focus

Furthermore, the rise of new and emerging anime series shifted the focus of many reviewers. Newer shows that were gaining popularity took precedence over the older, more established series like SAO. This natural shift in attention led to a decrease in coverage for long-running anime series, including SAO. Reviewers gravitated towards new content that captured the latest trends and might generate more interest and discussion.

External Factors and Reception

External factors also played a role in the reduced interest in reviewing SAO. For instance, the reception of controversial arcs like Mothers Rosario was less favorable due to the polarizing nature of the storyline. Around this time, the initial backlash from the Mothers Rosario arc had died down, making it less profitable for those seeking to ride the wave of negative opinions for quick gains.

Content Gaps and Opportunity

Following the Mothers Rosario arc, a significant content gap emerged in the series. This gap was further compounded by longer breaks and delays in releasing later arcs, such as Alicization. Smaller channels were particularly affected, as they often could not wait for Blu-ray or DVD releases to follow the storyline, missing out on valuable content. This content gap presented an opportunity for dedicated creators to produce insightful and engaging content, which could attract more viewers interested in the series.

After the Alicization arc, another content drought period set in. While there were limited reviews, particularly around Theta Progressive, this period also offered a chance for dedicated creators to stand out and differentiate themselves. Those who continued to produce informative content during these lean times likely found their followers more engaged, as the content was genuinely appreciated by fans of the series.

Overall, the combination of narrative shifts, repetitive themes, viewer fatigue, and a saturated landscape of new anime content contributed to the decreased interest in reviewing SAO. However, these periods also presented unique opportunities for dedicated creators to shine and engage with a passionate fan base.