Deep dive in! SAO: Alicization Lycoris announced for multiple platforms

Hot off the trail of  Sword Art Online‘s  third season, Alicization, Bandai Namco have announced their upcoming gaming project Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris. Along with the announcement came a new trailer narrated by the game’s protagonist Kirito, and features all three of the series main heroes as well as its dubious villain – Administrator. Personally, it’s got me super excited, considering the latest arc has been a successful step up in story development compared to its previous season – so I’m keen to give this game a go!

For those unfamiliar with the lore of Sword Art Online, it predominantly follows the story of Kazuto “Kirito” Kirigaya, a skilled gamer whose prowess in VR games is second to almost none. After having successfully survived the events of the original SAO game, in which he and hundreds of other players were trapped in a VR world where dying in-game made you die in real life, he has become a tester for new VR equipment.

Currently working with the private organisation Rath on a new version of the FullDive equipment, Kirito’s life is thrown into turmoil, once again, when he ends up trapped in the world of his latest project. Alicization Lycoris appears to follow the original SAO story of Alicization, with Kirito’s quest to save the world from an oppressive and corrupt religious organisation, known as the Axiom Church and its AI mastermind Quinella, the Administrator. However, Kirito is not alone in his quest, joining up with his new partner Eugeo to help him save his childhood friend Alice and the greater human empire.

While very little has been confirmed about Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris at the present moment, Bandai Namco had this to say about the project: “For the first time ever, players can experience Sword Art Online’s anime storyline in game format with Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris! Play as the protagonist Kirito and immerse yourself in “Underworld,” a mysterious virtual world set in the anime’s Alicization arc. Featuring intense battle action, stunning JRPG visuals, and an expansive world to explore; your journey through the latest VRMMO Sword Art Online game is ready to begin!”