Based upon the light novel series, rather than a sequel to the 2012 anime series, Accel World: Infinite Burst is an original story. That is, you will get to it after the 40 minute recap first. The recap is rushed and at only 40 minutes for a 24 episode season, it only serves to pad out the running time. This is because it doesn't go in depth enough for newcomers, and fans would already know everything. Interestingly enough, the recap skips the Dusk Taker arc. Accel World is set in the future where Neurolinkers offer augmented reality on the go. A special program named Brain Burst, allows the user to slow down time by 1000 times, and also functions as a fighting game. The other thing is Infinite Burst takes place much much later than when the first season ended, therefore we get the inclusions of new characters within Nega Nebulus such as Sky Raker, Aqua Current and Ardor Maiden. To not get lost, you'll probably need to have read at minimum up to volume 10 of the light novel, but to get all the references and moves that the characters use, you'll probably have to be fairly up to date at around volume 18. The new content is only at 40 minutes but it packs a lot of things. We get plenty of fights, a lot of interactions between characters and perhaps the best thing of all, more screentime for the mysterious Kings of Pure Color, the most powerful burst linkers in the series. The plot itself is simple but there is enough reason for the characters to do what they do best. While it may have been better as an extended OVA (or two OVAs), the original story in Accel World: Infinite Burst is fun and definitely a must for fans.
