A story trailer for upcoming Sword Art Online action RPG Echoes of Aincrad has been released.
The new look at the game follows a group of Sword Art Online beta players, including the player character and information broker Argo the Rat. The tone is initially hopeful and anticipatory, as the players form bonds and express excitement about the game, before the transformation of Sword Art Online into a game of death at launch alters the atmosphere.
Mixed in with the cutscenes are some combat footage, and familiar faces besides Argo pop up too.
Echoes of Aincrad was revealed in early March, and is slated for a July 10 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam (in Japan, the console versions will drop on July 9 JST, while the Steam release is on July 10 JST). It’s a “reboot” of the “Aincrad Arc” that focuses on Aincrad’s first two floors and lets players be their own original character. There will be a Death Game mode where a game over wipes out the save data related to that mode, available earlier for those who buy the Deluxe and Ultimate editions.
Here’s how Bandai Namco describes the game, from its story trailer article:
The game features fast-paced RPG action with real-time combat, where players will be able to adapt and upgrade their equipment, weapons, and attributes, and select Sword Skills to match their preferred playstyle as they level up and take on ever-greater challenges.
They will not journey alone, as their victories in combat rely on their chosen Companion, each with different skills and abilities that can be customized. As players progress alongside their partner they will unlock new skills and more powerful abilities. Along their journey, they will explore diverse cities and beautiful environments, from serene plains to perilous dungeons filled with secrets, and face fierce monsters and challenging bosses that will test their skills and resolve until the very end.
The game is developed by Game Studio Inc.-and has Keisuke Makino (Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut anime series composer and light novel author) as its scenario writer. A DLC expansion is planned to be released on December 31.
A promotional anime with over 110 total minutes of runtime, Unanswered//butterfly, will be bundled with the Ultimate Edition.
Bandai Namco also released a single-player mode trailer for the 2024 co-op title Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream.
Source: Bandai Namco Entertainment America YouTube channel
