Regarding SAO and Halkeginia Online: I've just finished watching the entire anime, so far as it exists, of SAO, and read the first three LNs.
Harem hijinx? Unseen. Kirito does leave a trail of broken hearts behind him, but there's no suggestion that there will ever be any action on that front.
Asuna as "damsel in distress"? Yes, there's an element of that. She does make attempts to escape, and nearly succeeds. She is, inside, still the valiant warrior we saw in Aincrad. And while I haven't gotten to the non-animated portions yet, I'm sure that we will see that side return.
As for how Halkeginia Online treats the "damsel in distress" side... it chucks it out the window, throws a grenade after it, then stomps on the pieces. Those who missed Asuna the Flash will not be disappointed.
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Sucrose Octanitrate.
Proof positive that with sufficient motivation, you can make anything explode.
Harem hijinx? Unseen. Kirito does leave a trail of broken hearts behind him, but there's no suggestion that there will ever be any action on that front.
Asuna as "damsel in distress"? Yes, there's an element of that. She does make attempts to escape, and nearly succeeds. She is, inside, still the valiant warrior we saw in Aincrad. And while I haven't gotten to the non-animated portions yet, I'm sure that we will see that side return.
As for how Halkeginia Online treats the "damsel in distress" side... it chucks it out the window, throws a grenade after it, then stomps on the pieces. Those who missed Asuna the Flash will not be disappointed.
--
Sucrose Octanitrate.
Proof positive that with sufficient motivation, you can make anything explode.