Best Sword Art Online Games

Key Takeaways

Some SAO games are held back by slow pacing, while others offer unique gameplay mechanics and beautiful visuals.
Developers made unusual choices like locking co-op options behind gameplay hours, alienating some players.
Some SAO game entries offer deep combat systems, rich storytelling, and enjoyable multiplayer experiences.

As a longtime aficionado of the Sword Art Online universe, I must say that each game in this series offers a unique and immersive experience for fans. From the intricate lore referencing in Last Recollection to the refreshing gunplay of Fatal Bullet, these games never fail to deliver on the promise of exploring Aincrad and its myriad worlds.

The captivating Sword Art Online series, set within diverse virtual MMO worlds, lends itself exceptionally well to live-action video game adaptations. Given its intrinsic game mechanics woven into the narrative, not many other franchises can switch mediums as fluidly, theoretically speaking.

While not every game from this series has been exceptional, there have been some stellar additions to the collection since the release of Sword Art Online: Infinity Moment on PSP in 2013. Out of the seventeen games in total (taking into account mobile games and those yet to reach Western markets), these stand as the best.

8 Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris

Beautiful But Slow

Alicization is a relatively recent addition to the world of Sword Art Online. It boasts stunning character designs and visually appealing, stylized anime action. Regrettably, the game’s progression is quite slow-moving, an issue exacerbated by numerous cutscenes reminiscent of a 2D visual novel.

Upon launching SAO: Alicization Lycoris, you’ll find it quite enjoyable to engage with. The combo system enables interaction with an AI partner, online collaboration with other players, and seamless attack sequences. Interestingly, the developers opted to restrict the co-op feature until later stages of the game.

To enjoy playing the game with a friend, you’ll initially need to complete approximately 20 hours of gameplay, which is more focused on dialogue and less action-packed. This part of the game can be quite lengthy. As for the storyline, it deviates significantly from the original anime series, causing a division among fans. The ending, however, offers a unique narrative that’s not found in the anime.

7 Sword Art Online RE: Hollow Fragment

A Revamped Re-release

Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS Vita
Released: April 24, 2014
Developer: Aquria

In Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment, the sequel of the primary series, they bundled together all the content from its precursor, titled Infinity Moment. The narrative flow becomes somewhat complex as a result.

At this stage, the game titled Infinity Moment was exclusively available on PSP. This release served as a bridge between a potential sequel and a remastered version for the PS Vita system. Later on, RE: Hollow Fragment was introduced, which was essentially an enhanced re-release of the game tailored for the transition from PS Vita to PS4.

Initially, the game’s first release had limited scope because of its portable nature. However, upon its re-launch, it included elements such as multiplayer mode and extra content, which made it similar to its sequel, “SAO: Lost Song.

6 Sword Art Online: Lost Song

Lost In Translation

Platform(s): PC, PS3, PS4, PS Vita
Released: March 26, 2015
Developer: Artdink

Released in 2015, SAO: Lost Song marked the third installment in the primary series. This game transports fans into the second narrative arc, Alfheim, but offers a distinct “what if?” scenario that explores divergent events. Regrettably, the story fails to resonate as strongly as it could because of its tenuous links to the main characters from the series.

As a dedicated fan, I must say, this game took flight by incorporating exhilarating aerial combat into the series. The ingenious flying mechanic, triggered with a simple button press, made exploration and movement feel incredibly liberating. Under Artdink’s guidance for the first time, the game soared to new heights in terms of graphics and gameplay, outshining its predecessors in every aspect.

5 Accel World vs. Sword Art Online: Millennium Twilight

Two Anime Worlds Collide

Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS Vita
Released: March 16, 2017
Developer: Artdink

Based on the solid basis provided by “Sword Art Online: Lost Song“, and heavily drawing upon ideas (as well as resources) from the game, “Accel World vs. Sword Art Online” merges characters hailing from both animated series in an innovative and unique narrative.

This game offers an exciting lineup of 37 characters, allowing players to swap control among their team of three during battles. The result is fast-paced, action-packed combat that’s incredibly engaging. Compared to its predecessor, Lost Song, there’s a noticeable improvement in graphics, even though the settings remain somewhat similar.

Diverse role-playing games, such as weapon crafting, maintain excitement beyond battles. One remarkable aspect back then was the multiplayer cooperation feature within the game. However, the narrative falls short, and the character dialogues can be rather dull.

4 Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization

What Happened After The Anime

Among Aquria’s stronger SAO titles, the game “Hollow Realization” smartly positions its narrative after the SAO manga/anime timeline. This choice allows it to bypass rehashing intricate storylines that often consume valuable time in other SAO games, potentially making them less appealing for newcomers.

The combat is deceptively deep, opening up from initial one-button combos to add timing, special skills, parrying, and combos with AI companions into the mix. The RPG systems are deep, if a little convoluted, and there’s a lot of customization and crafting.

A potential issue lies in the fact that the multiplayer aspects of this game aren’t as comprehensive as those found in later versions. Notably, it lacks integrated online cooperative play, which can only be accessed independently from the single-player game via the game’s primary menu.

3 Sword Art Online: Last Recollection

Ending The Aquria Gameverse

Fans of Last Recollection will find an immediate connection, as its plot is tailored for fans of SAO. The game gathers a total of 45 characters from various points throughout the series, including those originating from the source material and previous games. These characters are then placed within a grand finale narrative that aims to wrap up the storyline initiated in earlier SAO games.

In essence, the intricate backstory references and numerous character introductions might seem confusing for new players, yet they offer a rewarding nod to longtime fans. Additionally, there are numerous optional side quests and subplots for those who enjoy delving deeper into the characters’ lives.

As a gamer, I can vouch for how effectively they’ve utilized the extensive character lineup in this game. The ability to deploy multiple AI allies and customize their skills and commands for combat is truly a game-changer. It maintains the same intriguing balance between simplicity and depth that games like Alicization were known for, and I’m still having a blast with it!

2 Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet

RPG, TPS, And MMO In One

Fatal Bullet stands out as a distinct addition to the primary Sword Art Online series. Instead of retaining the fantasy realms from earlier installments, it transports us into one of the anime’s later settings, the virtual reality massively multiplayer online game (VRMMO) called Gun Gale Online. This change replaces enchanted forests with post-apocalyptic landscapes.

The gameplay has undergone a change with the new developer, Dimps, moving away from the traditional action MMO-style controls in favor of third-person shooting mechanics. However, players can still utilize special abilities and enjoy various role-playing game (RPG) advancement features alongside this adjustment.

Just like other games in the series, it’s the online multiplayer feature that really got people talking. The PvPvE 4 versus team deathmatch was a standout, and it was quite groundbreaking for a multiplayer mode back then.

1 Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream

MMO Realization

Developer Dimps has once again joined the Sword Art Online Series, this time with the latest and visually stunning installment titled Fractured Daydream. This game stands as the most advanced and graphically impressive entry in the SAO series. Moreover, it brings the multiplayer elements of the game closer to emulating the MMO world concept that underpins the Sword Art Online storyline.

In Galaxia, the game continues to offer a substantial single-player narrative where Kirito and his companions find themselves trapped. Here, they revisit past missions and reminisce about old memories. After completing this part of the game, players unlock a cooperative end-game mode featuring colossal raid bosses that they can tackle together.

1) The battles contribute significantly to shaping the overall experience. In this instance, the team has been narrowed down to 21 characters, yet each one offers a distinct and individual playstyle. Classes fall under various character types, with each contributing a unique role in parties, particularly in the online mode as the game progresses. Long-time series enthusiasts might find Fractured Daydream more appealing than Fatal Bullet, provided it receives more end-game content in the future.

2024-10-09 03:05