The anime is a box office hit, its plot made for an exciting video game. So it's no surprise that the smart minds at Aquria and Bandai Namco didn't hesitate. The JRPG Sword Art Online Alicization Lycoris will officially release on May 22, 2020 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. We took a look at what gamers can expect!
A Modern Nightmare
The battle royale genre is more popular than ever. Whether it's Fortnite or PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds: Every day, several million players enter a clearly delineated area to shoot each other down and secure their own survival. If their own character was eliminated by a headshot, they leave the game, preferably starting a new one immediately.
But what if it's not possible for players to leave the virtual reality? What happens if they actually die if they go over the Pixel Jordan in that one? Sword Art Online has been dealing with this question for many years. A franchise has grown out of the same-named light novel, which includes several anime series and games. With Alicization Lycoris, the next installment is in the starting blocks!
A Question of Skills
A comprehensive test report can of course only be carried out if the game has been published or at least sent as a sample. However, up to now we only know that one of the levels leads to an overgrown forest in which players can join together and go monster hunting. Groups consist of four characters, including Kirito and Alice. Good for players who want to do without the online hustle and bustle: They can even connect offline in co-op mode.
In Alicization Lycoris, players have a total of four individual skills to choose from, which bring both offensive and defensive functions with them. In addition, tactical skills can be activated via the D-Pad, which is particularly important and useful in boss fights. Super attacks can be initiated again and again via a special bar, which puts our opponent under a lot of pressure.
Hard and long boss fights
In times when casual gamers are more in the spotlight than ever, games with a high degree of difficulty have become the last bastion of hardcore gamers. This is demonstrated by the success of FromSoftware, which has established itself with releases such as Demon's Souls, Dark Souls and Bloodborne. Players can also expect big challenges in Sword Art Online Alicization Lycoris. Those who early on decide to let tactics be tactics will soon be a burden to their group.
The boss fights in the upcoming JRPG are not only difficult, but also long. Small mistakes can punish the entire team. But don't worry: We are convinced that players, once they have familiarized themselves with the mechanics, will find their way around better and better. In the end, it is the fun of going into battle with friends and acquaintances that decides!
Price comparison helps save
Admittedly, some questions remain unanswered. How big and clear is the Open World? How many boss battles are to be fought? How can players interact with each other if they do not find each other in groups? Concrete answers will be available at the latest on May 22, when the official release is due. We are sure: The purchase of the Sword Art Online Alicization Lycoris Key will pay off. With our price comparison you can even save real money!
