Today is certainly a hot day for Japanese games, and Bandai Namco just announced Sword Art Online Alicization Lycoris.
The game is coming for PS4, Xbox One, and PC, and it has been announced simultaneously in Japan and for North America and Europe. No release window has been announced besides “coming soon.”
Below you can find out an official description:
Play as series protagonist, Kirito, and become immersed in the “Underworld,” a mysterious virtual world set in the anime series’ Alicization arc. Featuring epic battles, stunning JRPG visuals, and an expansive world to explore; Kirito’s journey through the latest SWORD ART ONLINE game is ready to begin.
Following the events of the SWORD ART ONLINE Alicization anime series, SWORD ART ONLINE Alicization Lycoris finds Kirito in a mysterious but familiar virtual world, “Underworld,” where A.I.s behave like humans. As players take control of Kirito, they will relive heart-pounding scenes from the series through intense combat. Players will also encounter fan favorite characters including Eugeo, Alice, Administrator, and many more. A wide world awaits Kirito and his friends in this exciting adaptation to the SWORD ART ONLINE Alicization series.
Bandai Namco Entertainment America Brand Marketing ManagerJennifer Tsang accompanied the press release with a statement:
“For the first time in a SWORD ART ONLINE video game, players will be able to faithfully follow the events of the anime series. We look forward to players and fans experiencing the Alicization story arc as Kirito, uncovering the mysteries of Underworld, and making new friends along the way.”
At the moment no Switch version has been announced. It remains to be seen whether it’ll come at a later time like Hollow Realization and Fatal Bullet or not.
We also learned that an event dedicated to the SAO games will be hosted in Akihabara, Tokyo, on August 18. We’re likely to hear more news then.
Below you can also check out the first trailer of Sword Art Online Alicization Lycoris. Keep in mind that you may want not to watch the video unless you have followed along with the latest anime season because it includes potential spoilers.
You can also check out a few screenshots and images from a presentation livestream.
Incidentally, speaking of Sword Art Online: Alicization, the new season titled “World of Underworld” will start airing in Japan in October. You can see a teaser at the bottom of the post.
