Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization

Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization is based on the anime series of the same name. Ever since its release back in 2012, the anime has grown in popularity and it didn’t take long for Bandai Namco to see the great potential that the anime has had as a game. The first game was released in 2013, and the most recent one was released in 2020.

Log-in this MMORPG

For those not familiar with the anime, Sword Art Online is a fantasy world anime, where the players log in with a Virtual Reality helmet, and they become the character they created in the game. Although you can fully customize the character, Kirito, who is the main protagonist of the anime and the game, will be in the body of your created character.

So now you have the chance to dive into this amazing fantasy world, but sadly the technology isn’t quite there so that you can have the same experience as in the anime.

The game is an RPG, and like many other games of the genre, you can create and customize your character. Going out on your own can be quite challenging, so there are over three hundred non-playable characters in the world that can be added to your party. You can also strengthen your bond with your party members, making your party even stronger. Your party in total can have four members, including yourself. Of course, other well-known characters also appear in the game, like Asuna, Sinon, and Leafa.

Combat System

In most RPG games, combat is always extremely important. Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization does not have turn-based combat, so you can freely engage with enemies that are on the map. This type of combat is similar to games like Final Fantasy VII. You fight the enemies along with your party, and you can perform chain attacks by using what is called the switch system, which allows you to cooperate with your party so that you can deal more damage, and perform different types of combos.

When in combat, you can also give your team members certain orders, and they can also give you some guidance. When fighting against stronger enemies, it is important to remember to use switch attacks to deal more damage and to also give your team members orders so that the battle can be won.

Overall

For fans of the anime and the previous games, Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization was able to take inspiration from older titles, and improve them. The story of the game is interesting and engaging, and the combat is brand new and feels amazing, and more similar to what is shown in the anime. The world is huge, and you can spend some good time exploring it and facing off against monsters you find.

Pros:

• Engaging story
• Fun combat system
• Plenty of content

Cons:

• A lot of dialogue
• No English dub