Sword Art Online: Echoes of Aincrad - First Look

Sword Art Online: Echoes of Aincrad is presented as a single-player action-RPG that aims to be accessible to both new players and established fans of the series.

Key Departures from Previous Titles

Player-Created Character

For the first time in the series, players will create their own character rather than assuming the role of a pre-existing one. Game Series Producer Yosuke Futami stated that this change allows players to experience the death game scenario directly and makes the game more approachable for newcomers.

"This change allows players to experience the death game scenario directly and makes the game more approachable for newcomers." - Yosuke Futami, Game Series Producer

Gameplay Overview

Setting

The game begins in The Town of Beginnings. This area is depicted with high-quality graphics and functions as a typical MMO starting town, emphasizing its in-game nature.

Customization and Progression

Players can customize their loadout, level up, and allocate growth points. The game rewards progression by boosting skills at five-point increments, providing a tangible sense of character advancement. Parameter resets are available at any time, encouraging experimentation with different builds.

Companions

While a single-player experience, players select one companion for expeditions. Options include Iori (healer), Wyzeman (tank), and Argo (utility/support).

Combat System

Combat features a guard, light and heavy attack chains, special attacks, and partner abilities. Additional attacks are available through timely dodges and parries. Enemies exhibit diverse behaviors; for example, Kobolds block and attempt to blind, Wolves are agile pack hunters, and Wasps can fly and inflict poison. Enemies can be stunned, creating opportunities for significant damage or disarming tactics, such as destroying wasp wings.

World Design

The world is designed to be dungeon-like, making navigation a challenging aspect of gameplay. Floating blue orbs serve as rest points, restore potions, and respawn enemies. Arks contain mini-bosses; defeating them opens seals elsewhere in the world, granting access to chests and items.

Developer Insights

Futami confirmed that the noticeable impact of leveling and the flexibility of parameter resets were intentional design choices to enhance player experience. He also acknowledged the difficulty of certain enemies, such as wasps. The game includes narrative elements like the character Iori, who changes from male to female within the game's timeline, a detail Futami expressed interest in seeing player reactions to.