Anime Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online II Episode 5 Review

Episode 5 of GGO Season 2 sets the stage for an upcoming fierce battle, focusing on the preparations.

• The tournament introduces a new twist: traitors within top teams, raising tension and anticipation.
• An Ocean Liner setting adds layers of complexity, promising an intense fight in the next episode.
• Halfway through the second season of Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online (GGO), each episode has been remarkable. The action sequences, character interactions, gunfights, and constant plot twists are all expertly crafted. Speaking of twists, a significant one emerged in episode 4. As it concluded, the organizer of the third Squad Jam tournament revealed a new rule: one member of each surviving team must become a traitor. This development heightened the tension and excitement for both the characters and the viewers. Can episode 5 maintain the high standards set by GGO so far?

Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online - Betrayal in Our Midst

The game becomes more intriguing as top GGO teams start confronting smaller groups.

GGO's Elite Squad

The announcement of new rules for Squad Jam 3's final stage in the previous episode was both surprising and thrilling. However, the organizers' best decision was to carefully select the traitors rather than choosing them randomly, ensuring game balance. As a result, some top teams are now facing a talent exodus.

Leadership Drain

For a team to excel, two factors are vital: member chemistry and strong leadership. The new rules have caused two top teams—SHINC and MMTM—to lose their leaders, while team LPFM lost a key strategist, the mysterious Pitohui. This leadership drain could jeopardize these teams' futures. Conversely, while the new traitor team consists of All-Stars, their teamwork might be lacking since they've never played together before. It will be fascinating to see how these new team dynamics play out in actual combat situations.

The Story Deepens

The showrunners could have taken the easy path, making the third Squad Jam a standard battle royale. While that would've been enjoyable, they chose a bolder route. Each episode brings fresh surprises, not just for excitement, but to weave a more intricate and engaging story than the previous season. This approach keeps viewers hooked and eager for each new installment. The showrunners deserve praise for embracing this challenging direction.

The High Ground Advantage

Players are aware that the traitor team will gather at an unknown central location, with other teams converging there due to rising water levels. However, what awaits them at the map's center surpasses even their wildest expectations.

An Unexpected Twist

While everyone knew the tournament's final phase would occur in a special location, no one anticipated a dilapidated Ocean Liner stranded on a sinking island. This unusual choice makes perfect sense for the tournament's climax. The Ocean Liner essentially combines various ideal battlegrounds into one.


It features numerous small rooms and narrow corridors perfect for ambushes and stealth kills. A spacious restaurant and recreation area provide an ideal setting for shootouts. Snipers have high vantage points, grenadiers have open areas, and melee fighters have plenty of hiding spots. This diverse environment promises an intense and thrilling battle. The anticipation is palpable.

"This island will definitely sink. If we don't board that ship, it's certain death. The Betrayers Team knows this too."
–M, Episode 5

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A Deadly Arena

The setup is clear: the traitor team is positioned inside the Ocean Liner, while the remaining teams must find ways to board. Once inside, chaos will ensue, transforming the ship into a battleground.

The traitors recognize their advantageous position inside the ship. Their elevated location provides a clear view of approaching teams, potentially allowing them to eliminate some before they even reach the vessel. Adding to the excitement, Pito's unexpected strategy at the episode's end accelerates the impending carnage. The upcoming events promise to be action-packed and riveting.


This unique setting introduces multiple strategic elements. Teams must balance the need to board quickly with the risk of being picked off while exposed. The ship's layout offers opportunities for both offensive and defensive tactics, with teams potentially setting up ambushes or fortifying positions. The rising water adds urgency, forcing players to make quick decisions under pressure.

Moreover, the traitor team's composition adds another layer of complexity. These skilled players, now working together for the first time, must quickly develop effective teamwork. Their individual abilities are unquestionable, but their success will depend on how well they can coordinate in this high-stakes environment.

As the battle unfolds, viewers can expect intense firefights in the ship's various areas. The narrow corridors will likely see close-quarters combat, while the open areas might host larger skirmishes. The high vantage points could become hotly contested positions, crucial for controlling the flow of the battle.


With so many factors at play – the unique setting, the traitor team dynamics, the rising water, and the diverse battlegrounds within the ship – this final phase of Squad Jam 3 is shaping up to be the most thrilling yet. The stage is set for an unforgettable conclusion to this season of GGO.

Fall 2024 Preview: Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online II

Brace yourself for another round of virtual combat! The second season of Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online is set to deliver high-octane action this Fall.

Setting the Stage for Mayhem

Typically, a Gun Gale Online episode is packed with intense firefights and tactical showdowns. However, episode 5 takes a different approach. The action slows down considerably, and for good reason.

The Quiet Before Chaos

Just as a well-crafted joke needs proper setup, a climactic battle requires careful preparation. Episode 5 serves as the foundation for the Squad Jam 3 tournament's final clash. It's the calm before an impending storm of bullets and strategy. This episode meticulously explains the rules, outlines each player's plans and positions, and establishes the atmosphere for the intense confrontation to come. In essence, it's all about laying the groundwork.

Preparation is Key

Why dedicate an entire episode to preparation? Simply put, it's to build anticipation. Since the season's start, the series has been operating at full throttle. While the story has been thrilling, experiencing a lull allows viewers to better appreciate the upcoming intensity. To create a truly memorable climax, it's crucial to set the stage and establish the parameters. Episode 5 excels in this role.

Despite the lack of action, this episode remains thoroughly engaging. If the series maintains this level of quality and excitement throughout the season, it's not far-fetched to predict that GGO could emerge as one of the season's standout anime. The next episode can't come soon enough.

Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online S2 is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online

First Aired

• April 8, 2018

Season Count

• 2

Animation Studios

• 3Hz; A-1 Pictures

Original Creator

• Keiichi Sigsawa

Episode Count

• 17+