Admit it; we all wanted to know what those last 25 levels will be like in this Death Game. Now you get the front row seat to experience it as it unfolds.
For those that have yet to watch the Anime TV show or read the Manga’s and other reading materials, note that this review contains spoilers for them all.
Some key points that this game offers:
- Remastered Content can be found throughout the game.
- All original DLC content has been added to this version of the game.
- Updated features and translations.
- Game mechanics have also been changed. (Those that have played the original on PS Vita will recall the Sword Skill costs, usage and power is remarkably different then the RE Version, however, personally I think the new mechanics is to accommodate a bigger game that offers a lot more content.
- Multiple endings.
Gameplay & Controls:
Considering how many skills, shortcuts and usage the game offers, one would easily think that the controls for the game will be a nightmare, however that is not the case here. Whether you play with the keyboard and mouse or with a game controller your experience will be memorable and thoroughly enjoyable.
You have the option to choose to play with the mouse & keyboard, an Xbox controller or a PlayStation controller. Other than that, the keys can be changed to your liking.
The game is at heart a JRPG, so a lot of reading in between happenings that are filled with stunning and very memorable conversations that are a high cause for the game’s fun and enjoyment. It is not just one thing that makes this game great it is the combination of everything that it offers.
The vibrant Anime look, feel and appearance, the brilliant story line and character stories. The combat, lore and all the other small bits that tie into the game, it is all of that that makes a JRPG such an amazing experience.
During the duel where Kirito faces off against Heathcliff for the release of the SAO players, a glitch occurs that changes the outcome of that battle, soon after that the SAO players realizes that the game hasn’t ended and they are still required to beat all 100 floors of the game, albeit with a system that is now glitched.
You control Kirito in his struggle to beat the game and make sense of the strange Hollow Area and its strange mechanics. You can decide who to partner up with as you battle it out in the Hollow Area which adds new story content and massive new areas to explore with brand new loot that packs several punches. Meet new and old characters as you journey towards floor 100 learning a whole arsenal of skills to help you along the road.
The game has a lot to offer and at first glance it might be very confusing as to where what is and what to do, but you quickly get adjusted to this game world and then it is one joyride after the other as you go up against swarms of enemies and uber bosses.
Graphics:
It’s a JRPG so normally that means decent visuals, beautiful scenes and downright stunning art. Well this time around you are in luck, you have all that and so much more with this highly popular series.
The movie scenes were brilliantly created offering us stunning scenes that one simply can’t help but adore as they play out in front of us.
The in game characters, whether they are random NPC’s or potential party members all received the same quality treatment. They are all unique in appearance and behaviours. Potential party members have received an even higher quality dose to ensure that their acting, appearances and behaviours match those of the original characters.
The game world is massive in scale and every scene, area and locale has its own unique biome, monsters and appearance, all uniquely created to give us a change of scenery and appearance as we travel to new areas. Ensuring that every time we play and progress in the game it feels like a continuation of our experience and not a repetition.
Monster and Boss fights have received very similar treatments to ensure they all act and look unique in their own rights with their own unique attack animations and behaviours.
There are numerous settings that can be changed and adjusted.
Sounds:
Unfortunately, I am not fluent in Japanese so I can’t say much for that but the translations were done properly this time, the English subtitles make a lot more sense this time around.
One thing I can say about the Japanese voicing is that it offers a unique experience in how it expresses the emotion behind the words, as you read the subtitles you can experience the emotions behind it all in the way that the Japanese language flows as it is spoken.
The in game sounds and background music have been beautifully chosen for this game to ensure that it enhances every aspect of this game, whether you are going up against a massive boss in the fight for your life or when your strolling down the street hand in hand with your maiden.
Replayability:
The Hollow Area has one massive extra that it offers gamers, the means for multiplayer.
The game has a lot to offer, whether it is grinding out the max levels for you and your favourite party members or completing the Hollow Area Research Implementations to unlock uber boosts and equipment opportunities.
There are numerous legendary gear to track down and level up, this alongside the numerous key character quests and events will keep you busy for a long time, and when you are finally done with that you can start the New Game + which adds 10 levels to every monster in your new game+.
MGR Gaming’s Conclusions:
Spoilers Ahead:
Do note that Sword Art Online Re: Hollow Fragment is the remastered version of the original versions.
Sword Art Online: Infinity Moment and Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment are the two versions that have been beautifully combined creating this stunning game.
Sword Art Online Re: Hollow Fragment is brilliantly done; it plays well and handles beautifully. It looks amazing and it is full of wonder and amazement. I won’t argue the battle mechanics aren’t the best and your characters walking/ running speed should have been faster or at least given the option to run faster.
However, considering the number of updates, changes and fixes that have happened to bring this game together in the first place and then to remaster it later on for console and pc gaming allows for certain imperfections.
The game is amazing in so many areas, memorable and enjoyable that one can overlook a flaw or two here and there. The story for the game is beautifully written and just as beautifully implemented. The multiple endings and many character events and quests do help with the grind and lessens the views on repetitions that we all face when playing any form of RPG game.
The added DLC contents really add value to this game, and not only that they give you a massive boost from the start ,but that You get to experience so many things that you just watched as they unfolded in the original story on TV or behind a book, now you get to experience it for yourself.
Multiplayer is always fun if you are up for online play and the Hollow Area is more than ready to accommodate you and your friends.
This game offers so much more that it feels like I have barely scratched the surface of this beauty, however, this is the perfect opportunity for you to go out and experience it for yourself.
Additional Info:
Platforms: PC: PlayStation 4: PlayStation Vita:
Genre: RPG: JRPG: Anime: Multiplayer
Censor Rating: PEGI 12
Age Rating: 12
Developer: AQURIA Co., Ltd
Publisher: BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment
Release Date: 21 August 2018
MGR Gaming Steam Curator:
https://store.steampowered.com/curator/32364038/
