Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online is based on a series of light novels, the VRMMO (Virtual Reality Massively multiplayer online) game pits players against one another in a post- apocalyptic world. The major event being played is the “Squad Jam” that features 23 teams of up to six players to battle. Team LM is a team that consists of two players, our protagonists user LLEN and her large partner M. LLEN wears all pink and she’s  uses a SMG, while M uses sniper rifle.

While LLEN is technically the leader of this team, M often takes the lead. M is highly experienced, offering his advice often avoiding direct conflict with other teams. I tend to resist video game anime, but I found that the Sword Art series is better than I expected. I didn’t think I would enjoy this version of the series, but it surprised me. I though M’s strategic prowess was engrossing and I enjoyed his planning. The execution of the battles is almost secondary, to the planning.

The initial behavior of M compared to LLEN biases the watcher to assume that M is the leader of the team. This or course turns out to be incorrect as LLEN is the leader, begging the question how did they meet and why did M agree to be on her team? Watching the episode we realize that LLEN is far more capable than her appearance suggests, turning our assumptions about the likely fighting ability of a short, child like, pink wearing little girl. The episode further undercuts our assumptions when we learn that the gamer is a tall female college student.