Get ready for the next installment of the SWORD ART ONLINE series and the culmination of the alternate storyline arc that first kicked off with 2013’s SWORD ART ONLINE Infinity Moment. Bandai Namco and Aquria have announced that SWORD ART ONLINE LAST RECOLLECTION will be a celebration of the series’ 10th anniversary and will feature the largest number of characters and episodes in the series.
Kirito and his friends embark on a new adventure that’s distinct from the War of Underworld story arc from the original novel and anime series. The game features new battles with evolved high-speed combat and cooperative gameplay for up to four players. As the adventure begins, our heroes journey to the Underworld, where rising tensions between the Human Realm and Dark Territory is brewing, threatening to plunge the virtual world of humans and AIs into war. Unbeknownst to our heroes, these developments are the final stages of the “Alicization Project,” a secret experiment carried out by humans in the real world to instigate war in the virtual world to force the evolution of AI through brutal warfare. We join Kirito and his allies as they fight to resist the impending tragedy of war.
To commemorate the announcement of this title, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka (the voice actor who plays Kirito), filmed a commentary video, which can be watched on the official SWORD ART ONLINE Facebook Page. Also, Savannah Ho, Associate Brand Manager, Bandai Namco, stated:
“With the largest number of characters and episodes in the series’ history, players won’t want to miss the engaging action and co-op fun in SWORD ART ONLINE LAST RECOLLECTION. Returning fans and new gamers alike are sure to enjoy the soul and passion of the expansive story that has drawn countless fans to the series over the last decade.”
SWORD ART ONLINE LAST RECOLLECTION is planned for a 2023 release on PC via Steam, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.