.hack//SIGN was one of my favorite anime growing up. I was so excited for SAO when it came out. It had great animation, great music and sound design, great world building. And then the blandest, most Gary Stu protagonist, with the least engaging plot.
The forest level/area especially, when Kirito and Asuna "settle down" in the cabin and just try to enjoy a bit of a normal life. That called to me so much, it got me interested in playing MMOs again. I wanted that "live life, but in a video game" aesthetic in some form of media.
And then I discovered Log Horizon.