Accel World vs. Sword Art Online: Millennium Twilight

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
64

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 27
  3. Negative: 4 out of 27
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  1. CGMagazine
    Aug 4, 2017
    70
    There will be a lot of people who will consider Accel World vs. Sword Art Online to be a good game, and as one of them, I am the most surprised by that.
  2. Digitally Downloaded
    Aug 2, 2017
    70
    By providing a serviceable story as a driving force and then honing in on meaningful character interactions, Millennium Twilight becomes essential for Reki Kawahara fans. Those unfamiliar with both properties may occasionally find themselves occasionally mystified by plot points and fanservice alike, but hopefully this game will serve as a gateway drug.
  3. Atomix
    Jul 31, 2017
    70
    Accel World vs. Sword Art Online is not a bad game at all; actually I enjoyed it more than some of the previous games based on the series like Lost Song or Hollow Fragment. That being said, it doesn't stand as a memorable game by any means, but just as an entertaining action title. Nothing more nor less. Recommended for diehard fans of the series.
  5. Vandal
    Jul 20, 2017
    70
    This is an RPG aimed at a very particular audience, but if you're aware of its limitations, we think you will enjoy it.
  6. Everyeye.it
    Jul 10, 2017
    70
    Quotation forthcoming.
  7. Gaming Nexus
    Aug 22, 2017
    65
    With tight controls and an enjoyable way to get around large areas, Accel World vs. Sword Art Online features memorable aerial combat. However, story progression can drag to a halt at times. Though perfect for fans of either series, this may not be the action RPG that anyone else asked for.
  8. XGN
    Aug 11, 2017
    65
    Basically Lost Song 2.0 with the addition of the mechanized 'Duel Avatars'. While being an overall mediocre JRPG with some highlights, Burst Linkers are totally unnecessary in terms of gameplay. Also the graphics are a bit outdated.
  9. The Games Machine
    Aug 8, 2017
    65
    Accel World VS Sword Art Online has a decent and enjoyable combat system, but everything else is definitely sub-par: the graphics seems to be coming from the previous PlayStation, and the world is dull and pretty anonymous. Probably slightly more interesting if you're a fan of the series.
  10. Multiplayer.it
    Jul 25, 2017
    65
    Accel World vs Sword Art Online isn't a great game. We recommend it only if you are a huge fan of both series. Bandai Namco released in the past few months really better RPG's based on Kirito and friends adventures, go with those ones.
  11. PlaySense
    Jul 25, 2017
    65
    Worth it for the fans, especially with the addition of a co-operative mode. If you're not already on board, the game's repetitive nature may get to you.
  12. DualShockers
    Jul 20, 2017
    65
    Artdink is on the brink of mastering this fighting system, but perhaps these hiccups with the frame rate will have to wait ’til the next release.
  13. SpazioGames
    Jul 18, 2017
    65
    While the improvements since Lost Song are noticeable and there's a huge roster of playable characters, because of its downsides it's a product for only the the hardcore fans of the saga (or sagas, in this case), just like its predecessors.
  14. Worth Playing
    Sep 1, 2017
    60
    All in all, Accel World vs. Sword Art Online is a decent game comprised of both good and bad elements. The combat is fun and engaging when the camera doesn't battle you, but some enemies don't seem to have any fighting spirit. On the other hand, boss battles feel epic and test your preparation and patience, and multiplayer is a nice addition that offers a chance to battle friends or strangers. Players who can get past the empty-feeling world and underachieving story will find enjoyment in this title.
  15. Eurogamer Italy
    Aug 2, 2017
    60
    Accel World VS Sword Art Online is a good title for fans of the virtual worlds created by Reki Kawahara. However, the game does not improve on the previous SAO games and the narrative fusion of the two universes feels sometimes forced.
  16. COGconnected
    Jul 21, 2017
    60
    Accel World vs. Sword Art Online: Millennium Twilight is a game for the fans. If you’re into one or both of these properties, it’s worth your time. If you’re not, while the freedom of movement and combat are fun, the environments are too dull and the story too boring and low stakes to really recommend it.
  17. Hardcore Gamer
    Jul 14, 2017
    60
    While what should be the biggest draw — the crossover and the story — falls flat on its face, Accel World vs Sword Art Online isn’t a complete loss. The actual game part of the game works well enough that players might find themselves more interested in taking on side quests and missions than working through the story campaign. Of course, Yui isn’t that great of a prize, but still. There is plenty of content with which to engage, but those looking for this type of gameplay would be better off playing Lost Song or Hollow Realization first. Those have more interesting stories and some better translation work in addition to the well-done game systems. If those have already been completed, then this isn’t the worst game for fans.
  18. GameCritics
    Aug 28, 2017
    50
    Accel World and Sword Art Online fulfills its function as an action-RPG, but suffers from repetitive combat, confusing controls, and lackluster story. After my time with it, I have no intention of ever going back to it, and I question whether fans of either series would glean much enjoyment out of this mishmash.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 19
  3. Negative: 5 out of 19
  1. panderson1988
    Jul 14, 2017
    8
    I won't spoil much here, and I'm going to give my views of this game, and as a fan of both shows. If you are fan of either show, then thisI won't spoil much here, and I'm going to give my views of this game, and as a fan of both shows. If you are fan of either show, then this game is worth checking out. That said, is it worth $60? I say it depends on how big of a fan you are. If you have seen every season and the movie for SAO, then it's worth it. They brought in a major character and outfits from Ordinal Scale. If you are into Accel World, then it's worth checking out since it's the first major adaptation they have done in 5 years. Furthermore, they bring in characters beyond the one season of anime since the books are still being published.

    In fact, they are characters from the books which aren't even published out West. They truly treat each franchise with respect, and they didn't make it another Kirito focus game where everyone else feels like a side kick. In fact the story provides solid air time for all major characters from each show. One key note, but I'm still playing the game and trying to beat the main story. I've put in a lot of hours to warrant a solid review since I've unlocked most characters and have advance into other parts of the world.

    I'm going to explain the story a bit, but the only spoilers I'm mentioning is the opening scene and explaining a few characters from Accel World since they are less known. The beginning of the game begins with Kirito, Asuna, and Yui. A warning message comes up indicating emergency server maintenance, and Yui begins to act weird thinking something is wrong. Kirito and Asuna lied about logging out, follow Yui, and this immediately things start go crazy around them. After following Yui they encounter Black Lotus and another major character who is the antagonist, and is nicknamed Persona. In the middle of this Yui gets captured/trapped, and after the introduction and confusion on who is ally and foe Black Lotus and Kirito put down their arms realize they need to work together.

    Meanwhile the world of Alfheim rapidly changed with the town becoming a cyberpunk theme place, and around the open world there are red and distorted skyscrapers and modern buildings populating the landscape. This is when elements of Brain Burst, the main game in Accel World, are merging with Alfheim which is the main game world of SAO. Along the way they begin to search for their friends and answers, and eventually the roster of playable characters expands tremendously. I believe I almost got every playable character but one or two 15 hours into the game, and the current roster sits at around at least a couple dozen so far.

    Fortunately many characters get a decent amount of air time, and you can switch between any of the playable characters at portals, and some of the characters have their own side missions only available when you play as them. Unlike past SAO games from my experience they just make it mostly about Kirito, and that's it. In fact the story 15 hours in is mostly about the trying to save Yui, and figuring out what is going on with a lot of dialogue for all of the major character which include Kirito, Black Lotus, Asuana, Silver Crow, and even some of the side characters participate often including Sinon, Lisbeth, Cyan Pile, and the Red King to name a few.

    The story is mostly presented like a visual novel with still shots of the avatars talking to each other, and the voice acting is good. That said, the voices are in Japanese and it's sub. The only major complaint are some cutscenes have the sound is missing when swords/weapons clash. Otherwise, the presentation is good.

    Next is gameplay, and it's good. It's less stiff from previous games, and thanks to Accel World characters the combat feels fresh since their characters have different abilities and don't use swords. In fact it's more hand to hand combat with them, some have guns, and most can't fly. They rely on high jumps, and engaging in attacks in mid-air with their enemies. It takes a little time getting used to the jumping, but once you do it's fun playing the Accel World characters. Having a mix of characters from both words and their combat styles is fresh, and in my view the best out of the SAO games.

    Finally the last part is the world itself. It's mostly from Lost Song with a face lift. That is fine and all, but the graphics engine is out of date. It shows, and the only graphical impressive thing is the characters look great. Especially the Accel World avatars who are sci-fi and not fantasy oriented. Sadly though the world is bland, and while it's cool seeing skyscrapers and Brain Burst elements throughout the maps, but the world needs a new game engine and makeover.

    Overall it's a good game, and a must buy for fans of either series. It's not perfect since the camera angles can be wonky, and the graphics are outdated. Yet it's arguably the strongest SAO game, and Accel World is finally getting some deserved attention since it's very underrated in the anime world.    … Full Review »
  2. Padiern
    Sep 4, 2017
    2
    I was very excited for the release of this game after seeing the trailers for it because i am a fan of both SAO and Accel World but my moodI was very excited for the release of this game after seeing the trailers for it because i am a fan of both SAO and Accel World but my mood quickly changed after starting up the game. I found the story and idea of bringing the Accel World characters very interesting and that's about where my positive opinions for this game ends. My biggest complaint of this game is the same i had with Lost Song and it is when you are forced to fly and fight at the same time. While this idea in theory seems amazing the execution is horrible especially when the game pulls the camera back so far that you are unable to tell how close to the enemy that you are so you end up missing your attacks entirely. Enemies have cheap moves that will easily trap you on the ground where before you have a chance to get up they will have killed you. If you are hit once in the sky you immediately fall to ground while still vulnerable to being attacked with nothing you can do other then watch. Besides all of the issues with combat this game is just a copy and paste of Lost Song with a few new thing inserted when it comes to map designs. The weapon selection is pretty lacking at least from what i can tell and the graphics are pretty outdated. Personally I would stay away from this game due to the many problems this one has. If you do decide to buy it i would recommend waiting for it go on sale it does not deserve to be $60 I would recommend waiting for it to go on clearance.… Full Review »
  3. lewis1992
    Aug 17, 2017
    6
    Accel World vs. Sword Art Online is basically a copy of Lost Song, the previous entry in the SAO series, with enemies are maps that areAccel World vs. Sword Art Online is basically a copy of Lost Song, the previous entry in the SAO series, with enemies are maps that are literally COPIED from that title! Despite the breath-taking flight system and unqiue aerial combat returning, much of the gameplay this time is quite repetitive and the story wasn't engaging enough to make me remotely interested in that aspect. While the game includes a very wide number of characters, there is little incentive to use any except for the ones who you have already been levelling up since new characters' abilities start at rock-bottom level anyway! (By comparison, imagine getting 15 hours into a Final Fantasy game and a new character joins the party at Lvl 1 - why would you bother using them when your current party is now Lvl 30+ ?)

    Once again, the lack of English voice acting is also a massive negative point, especially since both anime series have excellent English casts: the decision for the game to be Japanese-only was clearly made to save costs on development. Reading subtitles during combat simply isn't feasible, and takes away from the experience.

    Finally, many mission objectives are either ambiguous or simply don't tell you what you need to do. Quick examples included me flying around a large map for half an hour trying to find a small character with zero indication of their location (turns out they were on the floor, barely visible - thanks, YouTube guides), a main mission that requires the player to use the "sit" animation at a specific spot with literally zero indication that it's required, and another in which a mission objective claimed I had to ask for information around the main town when in fact I needed to be somewhere completely different.

    Unless you're a diehard Accel World fan, definitely avoid this and play Lost Song instead - I rated that game 9/10.

    [Dozens of hours played, don't think I can drag myself to get the platinum trophy this time.]    … Full Review »
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