The world of online gaming has evolved. Its evolution was predetermined from the day it captured the hearts and imaginations of its public. These consumers had always had that one true wish: to immerse themselves in the alternate reality worlds they had come to call home.
Immersion. Virtual. One conclusion comes to mind.
Virtual reality in its best designed state, full immersion at its most capable. Through the use of a headset with goggles, the VR device used with their systems, they perform actions as if almost in reality. The headset stems the path between the brain and the spine, intercepting synapses that may cause you to clench a fist in reality to instead clench your fists in the gameworld. The ability to trap and enhance our dreams while revealing whole worlds makes this medium the most realistic way to see even our deepest imaginings become "reality".
Your worries are also true. There is the ability to get caught up, to get so lost in this alternate reality that you neglect your real world. Even then, however, there is always the ability to leave for those that need or want to. At least........ there was.
You see, there's a catch. This new game, fresh out of its beta testing, called Sword Art Online, has entrapped all of its participants with a little problem: the inability to logout of the game world. Furthermore, any attempts from the outside world to free a player will result in the player having their VR devices end their lives from electrical charges sent directly into the nervous system causing a fatal shutdown of bodily functions.
It is up to the participants, nay, the residents of this virtual world to win the game. Easier said than done. There are 100 floors, each with different challenges and obstacles, each with enormously strengthened bosses that require more than just attack power and intelligence to overcome. And despite the overwhelming requirement of it for survival, teamwork is still hard to come by. So many people see futility in resistance that they become the antagonist themselves. Through these dark times, leaders of light come up through perseverance, dedication, and the loyalty of their peers and subordinates to hold reign and allegiance of collectives known as guilds. They wield amazing power because they are able to gather forces instead of watching the masses in chaos. This seems like the only hope for vindication in these desperate times of escape.
Our hero. He wears no mantle. He claims no large and colossal power. He carries with him only the determination to see things in himself that he has forgotten. His only goal is to be a warrior from the shadows, with no name and no allegiance. He doesn't want fame. This game, though, has other plans. And it will do what it can to take everything from you. Even your humility and self-worth.
There is a breath of hope among these chills of uncertainty and despair. Unlikely crossings and seemingly fated interventions. Love that blossoms in the icy depths of death-laden dungeons. The warmth of companionship can truly lessen your burdens. Tread softly though. Do not forget your goal. To beat......
Sword Art Online.
