The widely popular anime franchise Sword Art Online has been adapted into a new video game that releases this month, and its latest gameplay trailer shows real-time multiplayer action.
In the game, parties work together in frenetic battles that blend strategy and combat power. Players are placed in groups of four or joined by AI-controlled partners as they battle opponents in the digital fantasy setting of the UnderWorld. Skill trees allow players to unlock and upgrade their Sacred Arts, forming devastating team-based attacks against their foes.
For players that form parties with AI partners, the computer-controlled party members will observe and learn preferred strategy, adapting their own tactics accordingly to better sync with human-controlled characters. Originally intended for release this past May, the game was delayed by two months due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Set to adapt the events of the anime franchise's third season, Sword Art Online Alicization Lycoris sends players to the digital UnderWorld to confront its administrator, which uses virtual reality developed by the military to improve its own artificial intelligence program.
Sword Art Online Alicization Lycoris is developed by Bandai Namco. The game arrives on July 10 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.