If Sword Art Online Got You Into Anime, These Shows Should Be Next!
tv
Sword Art Online (SAO) introduced many people to the exciting world of anime. With its mix of virtual reality gaming, adventure, and romance, SAO captured hearts worldwide. If you loved getting lost in its digital world, you’re probably looking for more anime with similar themes.
This list brings you 12 great anime shows that share SAO’s sense of adventure, fantasy, and virtual worlds. Each features strong characters, gripping stories, and immersive settings. Whether you want action, strategy, or emotional moments, these anime have you covered.
1. Log Horizon (2013) — Adventure, Fantasy, Game
In Log Horizon, thousands of players get stuck in a popular online game. Unlike SAO, the focus is on building society and teamwork inside the game world. The characters use strategy to survive and improve their new reality. It’s a smart and thoughtful take on being trapped in a game.
2. Overlord (2015) — Action, Fantasy, Game
Overlord follows a player who stays logged in after the servers shut down, trapped in the game as his powerful character. Unlike SAO’s hero, he becomes a dark ruler exploring and controlling a new world. The show mixes intense battles with political strategy and dark fantasy.
3. No Game No Life (2014) — Adventure, Comedy, Game
This anime features siblings transported to a world where everything is decided by games. They are genius gamers who aim to defeat the god of that world. With vibrant colors and clever games, it’s a fun and fast-paced story full of mind battles and humor.
4. The Rising of the Shield Hero (2019) — Action, Fantasy, Isekai
Naofumi is summoned to another world as the Shield Hero. Unlike the strong swordsman Kirito from SAO, Naofumi starts weak and faces betrayal. His journey is about growing stronger while dealing with distrust and hardship. The show mixes action and emotional depth.
5. Accel World (2012) — Action, Sci-fi, Game
In Accel World, a bullied boy discovers a virtual reality fighting game that boosts his confidence and powers. It shares SAO’s VR gaming theme but focuses more on personal growth and overcoming fears inside and outside the game.
6. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (2018) — Adventure, Fantasy, Isekai
This anime tells the story of a man reborn as a slime in a fantasy world. While not about virtual reality, it features a fresh world with unique powers and politics. The main character builds a peaceful community while growing incredibly strong.
7. Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions (2016) — Drama, Fantasy, Isekai
Players wake up in a game-like world with no memories. The anime focuses on the harsh reality of survival rather than flashy powers. It’s emotional and slow-paced, showing the struggle to adapt and find hope in a difficult world.
8. Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World (2016) — Drama, Fantasy, Isekai
A young man is transported to a fantasy world where he can rewind time when he dies. Unlike SAO’s mostly action-driven story, Re:Zero focuses on psychological struggle, dark themes, and character growth under pressure.
9. Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online (2018) — Action, Sci-fi, Game
Set in the same universe as SAO, this spin-off follows a new character who plays a gun-based VR game. The show has fast, exciting action and a different tone from the original. It’s a good pick if you want more from SAO’s world with fresh faces.
10. Bofuri: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, so I’ll Max Out My Defense (2020) — Comedy, Game, Fantasy
A girl playing a VR game puts all her points into defense, becoming nearly invincible. This light-hearted anime focuses on fun, creative gameplay, and friendship. It’s a refreshing break from heavy action but keeps the gaming world theme.
11. Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? (2015) — Adventure, Fantasy
Also known as DanMachi, this show follows a young adventurer exploring dungeons and growing stronger. It’s more traditional fantasy but shares the sense of growth and adventure that SAO fans enjoy.
12. Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody (2018) — Adventure, Fantasy, Isekai
A programmer is transported to a fantasy RPG-like world and starts a relaxed journey of exploration and adventure. The anime mixes light humor with interesting characters and world-building.
About the Creator
Keep reading
More stories from Charlotte is Here! and writers in Geeks and other communities.
Addicted to Black Panther? Watch These Next — Could You Carry...
Black Panther was more than just a superhero film. It told a story about the weight of leadership, the power of legacy, and the tough balance between tradition and change. T’Challa wasn’t just fighting villains; he was carrying the hopes of a whole people on his shoulders. If that blend of action, heart, and responsibility stuck with you, 2025 has a lineup of movies that carry the same vibe.
By Charlotte is Here!6 months ago in Geeks
Silver Screen Magic with Mae West
American actress and singer Mae West became a popular film actress during the Great Depression. She started entertaining in vaudeville, then performed on Broadway, and finally went to Hollywood. She signed up with Paramount Pictures and made her debut in the 1932 film “Night After Night.” She also starred in musicals, comedies, and crime dramas. The American Film Institute named her one of the best classic Hollywood actresses.
By Rasma Raisters4 days ago in Geeks
Irish Passports Recalled
Irish passports are widely respected around the world, offering their holders extensive travel freedom and a strong sense of national identity. So when news emerged about Irish passports being recalled, it naturally raised concern, confusion, and plenty of questions among citizens and travelers alike. While passport recalls are rare, they are not entirely unheard of, and understanding the reasons behind them helps separate facts from fear. This article explores why Irish passports were recalled, how the process works, who is affected, and what it means for those planning to travel. Understanding Passport Recalls A passport recall does not automatically mean a security crisis or widespread fraud. In most cases, recalls are precautionary actions taken by authorities to correct an error, protect document integrity, or maintain international trust. Governments treat passports as highly sensitive documents, and even small technical or printing issues can justify swift corrective measures. In the case of the Irish passports recalled, the action was taken to uphold quality standards and ensure compliance with international travel regulations. The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), which oversees passport issuance, has emphasized that recalls are part of responsible governance rather than a sign of systemic failure. Why Were Irish Passports Recalled? The recall centered on a limited batch of recently issued passports that were found to contain technical defects. These issues were not related to the personal data of holders but rather to the physical or electronic features of the passport itself. Modern Irish passports include advanced security elements such as biometric chips, specialized inks, and machine-readable zones. If any of these features fail to meet strict international standards, border control systems in other countries may struggle to read the document properly. Even a minor defect can cause delays, questioning, or refusal at immigration checkpoints. To prevent Irish citizens from facing difficulties while traveling, authorities chose to recall the affected passports proactively. Who Was Affected? Importantly, not all Irish passport holders were impacted. The recall applied only to a specific group of passports issued within a defined timeframe. The DFA contacted affected individuals directly using the contact information provided during the application process. Those who did not receive official communication were advised not to panic, as their passports remained valid. This targeted approach helped minimize disruption while ensuring that the issue was resolved efficiently. What Should Affected Passport Holders Do? For individuals whose passports were recalled, the process was designed to be straightforward and free of charge. The general steps included: Official Notification – Affected holders received emails or letters confirming that their passport needed replacement. Return Instructions – Clear guidance was provided on how to safely return the recalled passport. Priority Replacement – New passports were issued on an expedited basis to reduce inconvenience, especially for those with upcoming travel plans. The Irish government reassured citizens that recalled passports would be replaced quickly and that no applicant would be financially penalized for an error beyond their control. Impact on Travel Plans One of the biggest concerns surrounding Irish passports recalled was the potential disruption to travel. While the situation was understandably stressful for some, authorities worked to limit negative impacts. Travelers with urgent plans were encouraged to contact the Passport Service directly. In many cases, emergency or fast-track solutions were made available. Airlines and foreign embassies were also informed, helping ensure smoother coordination. The key takeaway for travelers was simple: if your passport was recalled, do not attempt to travel with it. Doing so could result in delays or denial of entry, even if the passport appeared physically normal. Public Reaction and Trust Public reaction to the recall was mixed. Some expressed frustration, especially those preparing for holidays, work trips, or family visits abroad. Others praised the transparency and swift response of Irish authorities. Overall, trust in the Irish passport system remained strong. Many citizens recognized that recalling passports due to technical issues demonstrated a commitment to quality and international credibility rather than negligence. Lessons Learned The recall highlighted several important lessons for both governments and citizens: Technology Has Limits – As passports become more advanced, the risk of technical issues increases. Communication Is Key – Clear, direct communication helped prevent panic and misinformation. Preparation Matters – Travelers are reminded to check passport validity well in advance of travel. For Ireland, the incident reinforced the importance of rigorous quality checks before distribution. For passport holders, it served as a reminder that even official documents can occasionally require correction. Looking Ahead The issue of Irish passports recalled appears to have been contained effectively, with replacement documents issued and systems reviewed to prevent recurrence. The DFA has since reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining one of the world’s most reliable passport systems. While recalls can be inconvenient, they are sometimes necessary to protect citizens from greater problems down the line. In this case, proactive action helped preserve Ireland’s strong international reputation and ensured that travelers could continue to move confidently across borders. Final Thoughts Passport recalls are unsettling, but they are not always a cause for alarm. The recent recall of Irish passports demonstrated how responsible oversight, transparency, and quick action can turn a potential crisis into a manageable administrative task. For Irish citizens, the message was reassuring: your safety, mobility, and global access remain a top priority. Staying informed and responding promptly to official guidance is the best way to navigate such situations calmly and confidently.
By Saboor Brohi 7 days ago in Geeks
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.