A picture dripping with mystery and intrigue, filling the viewing with curiosity about what on earth the premise of the show could involve. The cast and layout does not follow any genre conventions established since the market defining Sword Art Online. The setting and storyline must be incredibly unique and groundbreaking, yet brave enough to not need to attract the common viewing demographic, as it is confident in the strength of its own narrative. How compelling.
Funny you mention SAO, since the foremost pair reminds me of nothing so much as Asuna and Kirito, right down to their color schemes.
A generic black haired cool guy with swords, following in the wake of a tidal wave of generic black haired cool guys. It's clearly what the upcoming season was just desperate for. The studio that's chosen to adapt this show must have incredibly innovative staff.