SAO?! MY JIMMIES HAVE BEEN RUSTLED.
Just kidding I haven't seen it, but I have seen reviews about it.
As for anime I recommend,
-Log Horizon (Some reviewers say it is better the SAO).
-Gurren Lagann (I know it was already recommended, but seriously, WATCH IT!!!)
-Soul Eater (Currently watching and enjoying it).
Anime that hasn't been said already:
Chaika the Coffin Princess. Watch if you like magic sniper rifles.
Arpeggio of Blue Steel. Watch if you like cute girls and futuristic battleships.
World conquest Zvezeda plot. Watch if you like silly stories about taking over the world.
Nanana's Buried Treasure. It's good, watch it.
Space battleship yamato. Think of the navy, now put it in space.
Space Dandy. I haven't seen it, but a reviewer I trust, likened it to Kill la Kill. Just with more clothing.
There are a lot of good anime out there, it just might take some digging.