The True Endgame: Starburst Stream or Eclipse in Kirito's Final Battle

When Kirito defeated the final boss of the legendary Ordinal Scale in the Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale series, fans were left divided between two key questions: was it Starburst Stream or Eclipse that delivered the final blow? Let's delve into the details and explore the probable scenarios.

Understanding the Physiology of Final Bosses

Final Bosses in the Sword Art Online (SAO) universe possess a unique energy system, which dictates the allowable sword skills a player can utilize in their final moments. One such notable example is in Ordinal Scale, where the final boss, O dive, has specific conditions that must be met to defeat him. This scenario has led to the ongoing debate about whether Starburst Stream or Eclipse was the definitive move used by Kirito.

Starburst Stream: The Animation Team's Choice

During a recent interview, the director Tomohiko Itou shed light on the decision behind the movie adaptation of Ordinal Scale. According to Itou, the skill Starburst Stream, when shown in the film, appears different from its original depiction in the games and the series. This alteration was probably a result of the animation team's desire to make the moment more impactful and visually stunning. However, the alteration doesn't necessarily change the performance mechanics in the actual games.

Excavating the Core of the Debate

The debate over whether Starburst Stream or Eclipse was the move that sealed O dive's fate is rooted in several key factors:

The anime adaptation's artistic liberty versus the game's mechanics Player preferences and memories of the game versus the animation's portrayal The strategic implications of each skill in defeating the final boss

Strategic Analysis of the Skills

In the game, both Starburst Stream and Eclipse are powerful skills, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. To fully understand the battle, let's break down these skills:

Starburst Stream

Description: A high-damage skill that clears a large area of enemies, dealing AoE (Area of Effect) damage. Its primary strategic advantage is its ability to ensure Kirito has time to recover HP and mana before engaging the final boss again. However, its high mana cost and somewhat delayed activation time reduce its effectiveness immediately after landing.

Eclipse

Description: A straight-line, high-damage skill that deals high damage to a single target, primarily aimed at penetrating the boss' defense. Eclipse's advantage is its ability to immediately clear a path for Kirito to strike the final blow, provided the timing is precise. This skill's immediate impact could be crucial in the final phase of the battle once Kirito's HP and mana are sufficiently restored through recoveries and potions.

Verdict: An Enhanced Movie Experience

The pivotal moment in the film’s final battle is undoubtedly embellished for the sake of cinematic impact. While the game mechanics might lean towards the use of Eclipse for the final strike, Starburst Stream remains a strong contender due to its visual appeal and its strategic use in the game. Therefore, both skills have a place in the narrative, with the anime adaptation potentially choosing Starburst Stream for its visual grandeur, and the game mechanics favoring Eclipse for its direct and potent damage.

Conclusion

The battle between Starburst Stream and Eclipse in Kirito's final showdown serves as a testament to the intricate and engaging nature of the Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale series. While it’s fan speculation based on both the game and the anime, the true answer remains open to interpretation. Fans can continue to debate, enjoy, and discuss the game's lore, mechanics, and artistry.