Bandai Namco, in anticipation of their upcoming release Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris, has released a new gameplay trailer.
The game looks to be following the beats of the anime’s “Alicization” arc, allowing players to have an open world JRPG experience. The new trailer shows off elements of the game’s battle system. Players will be able to bring along up to three other companions, presumably drawn from the character roster of the anime, and use their abilities to help chain attacks on various enemies. The game will also have a multiplayer component, allowing up to four players to work together with custom avatars to journey across Underworld.
Additionally, players will be able to set up conditional modifiers for AI companions to initiate different strikes on enemies depending on circumstances. The system appears similar to the “Gambit” mechanics from Final Fantasy XII, though considerably more granular.
There are some questions about how closely the game will be following the events laid down in the “Alicization” arc, particularly with the final season likely being delayed from broadcast until after the game’s release. At least one character, Medina Orthinanos, is an entirely original creation for the game. And there will be an “alternate” version of the storyline where swordsman candidate Eugeo survives his encounter with the godlike Administrator of the Underworld environment. Beyond this, though, one would expect that the general story beats leading up through the “War of Underworld” storyline will be loosely followed.
Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris is slated to be released on PC, Xbox One, and PS4 on July 10. Players can purchase either a Standard Edition or a Deluxe Edition, which contains a bonus costume and two as-yet-unannounced DLC packs. Meanwhile, the final season of Sword Art Online: Alicization – War of Underworld will be coming out sometime in July.
