Both Sword Art Online Re: Hollow Fragment and Sword Art Online: Lost Song boasted decent enough combat systems - as you'd expect from titles that are predominantly about fighting monsters with swords - but they weren't perfect. The former's mix of massively multiplayer online elements, such as cooldowns and hotbars, and real time action was an addictive formula, but at points, it didn't feel as engaging as it should have. The latter's combat, meanwhile, offered more direct control, but wasn't as refined as it arguably could have been.
With Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization, we're hoping that the third time's the charm. Kirito's latest adventure, which is due to launch at some point this year here in the West, appears to go for the middle ground between the two previous releases. While action oriented, complete with dodge mechanics and jumping, things like hotbars and cooldowns also make a return. The result is a battle system that looks better realised, and one that tends to capture the feel of the anime to a greater degree.
Of course, we can't be totally sure that it's going to be the best of the bunch without playing it, but judging from the embedded gameplay videos, it's looking very promising. Give them a watch and then tell us if you think that we're onto a winner in the comments section below.
[source gematsu.com]
Comments 11
looks good, just hope they tone down the harem stuff a bit and make it more in line with the books (kirito only ever had a thing for Asuna)
that was the only thing i didn't like about the previous games
still with the original author involved this time, the story should be a lot more in line with the books
Did anyone enjoy the first two games? I thought about getting them but the reviews were pretty bad so I stayed away. And do you know if you have to play them in order because of the story or do they stand alone?
@Cowboysfan-22 They stand alone, but there are returning characters and stuff like that. I think both games are pretty good - I reviewed both - but which one you'd like most depends on what you want from the experience.
Re: Hollow Fragment has more RPG elements. It's more in-depth and it's arguably the better game because of it. Personally, I enjoyed this one more. However, it's clear that it was a handheld game originally. The graphics are poor and the gameplay lacks any real ambition.
Lost Song is more of an action RPG. Not as much depth but it's fun if you enjoy the combat. It's streamlined in terms of quests and the story, but that makes it easier to follow than Re: Hollow Fragment. You can also fly, which adds something quite unique.
@ShogunRok Cool. Thanks for the info. If I get a break between games I might check them out. There are just so many good games coming out I don't know when I'll have the time though. #gamerproblems
@Cowboysfan-22 Yeah, they're pretty long games, too, so you'd definitely need to set some time aside for them.
@ShogunRok that's good to know. Thanks
I kinda wish they'd make a game where you play as a character you've made yourself.
I am hoping to get a great PS Vita port of this game.
This reminds me I need to get back to watching the series.
Combat looks nice but I've never liked the social aspect of this series, just bores me to tears. Considering this revolves around an MMO, kinda weird that the main character always looks the same and isnt just a customizable toon.
First two were selling merely on the fanservices..
The third one need to step up and be an actual good game to sell well.. As dedicated as the fanbase, I expect it will start to get fatigue...
Tap here to load 11 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...