>>281757352
>>281758178

you forget the most important part. MMOs back then were mostly open pvp. Thats what modern "Gamers" dont understand, or even know.

Its not about autistically showcasing mechanics, like modern Isekai do by constantly mentioning stats and abilities.
Its the social aspect. And this shows how most people who criticize SAO never played MMOs before 2010. Today every "MMO" plays it safe and is a forced online co-op grinding simulator, where autists can watch their character do stunts and combos.

Back then the point of the game was largely to socialize. You basically had to find a clan. From then on it was all about personal feuds, alliances, wars with other clans.
And if you lost your clan and couldnt connect with others it was hard to still play the game. Thats why I even felt for that part when Kirito couldnt / didnt want to join a clan anymore.
That could be pushed to the point where players were killed and spawncamped until they logged out or deleted their account. I achieved this several times. several guys just never logged back, and one deleted his account during battle out of rage/butthurt.

Ironically, this aspect of MMOs is completely lost today. Old MMOs were much closer to a living world, a place where your actions matter and even shape the game world, than any modern game trying to do that. Its the closest you will get to living in a game world where you can die.