- Publisher: Bandai , Bandai Namco Games
- Release Date: Jul 10, 2026
- Also On: PC, Xbox Series X
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Jul 8, 2026Echoes of Aincrad is not a perfect game, but it has many strengths that allow Sword Art Online fans to experience Reki Kawahara’s work from a new perspective. The idea of letting us live the adventure of an ordinary SAO player is a winning one and gives us the chance to truly become the protagonists of a saga that many of us have loved and that others may come to discover, perhaps right through this game. The combat system is well designed in how it combines basic attacks, skills, and synergy with our companions, making the many battles we face engaging. Character progression is tied to crafting and, between missions, you find yourself managing weapons and materials to strengthen yourself and handle level growth in the most effective way possible, in a system that may not be innovative but is satisfying. The main flaw of Echoes of Aincrad is its inability to simulate the liveliness of an MMORPG, with too many silent NPCs and too few points of interest, which would have provided some variety to the many battles. Technically well made, Echoes of Aincrad has a story that struggles to truly take off and cannot be considered a masterpiece, but it remains a good title that takes home the crown as the best video game dedicated to Sword Art Online.
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Jul 8, 2026Echoes of Aincrad is a charming game that has intuitive combat and rewarding character growth. Although its repetitiveness brings down the experience from time to time, I still couldn't help but want to keep playing so I could see where my chums would end up next.
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Jul 15, 2026I must confess I was somewhat surprised by the quality of Echoes of Aincrad. Although it still lacks the production value and scope the franchise deserves, it is the title that best recreates the atmosphere of the anime's first season—even without Kirito in the lead role. The chance to experience Sword Art Online from the perspective of an “ordinary” player is precisely what makes it so special, even if that choice comes at a cost.
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Jul 10, 2026While the game starts off well as an original story set in the Sword Art Online universe and boasts a very enjoyable combat system, poor gameplay choices and a tedious "semi-open world" will make it difficult to satisfy players outside of the series' fans.
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Jul 9, 2026Sword Art Online: Echoes of Aincrad introduces a few welcome ideas that help refresh the franchise's video game formula. Its Soulslike-inspired combat and maze-like level design make for an engaging experience at first, but the game quickly falls into repetitive patterns. Both its gameplay loop and narrative struggle to evolve over time, preventing its strongest ideas from reaching their full potential.
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Jul 9, 2026Echoes of Aincrad works when it lets the swords do the talking: the combat system is varied, managing your companion adds a tactical layer the franchise has long been missing, and the crafting, derivative as it is, gives a concrete purpose to every run through dungeons and cities. The problem is everything else. A world that should pulse like a real MMORPG is instead full of mute background characters, a story that takes its time without ever really earning it, and a design choice, locking the Death Game Mode behind a premium purchase.
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Jul 8, 2026Echoes of Aincrad is a much more entertaining and better-executed installment in the SAO franchise thanks to its gameplay improvements and new graphical treatment. Although it still has some aspects to polish, it offers a challenging and highly customizable experience that fans will love. Ultimately, it is a step forward that followers will appreciate.
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Jul 8, 2026Sword Art Online: Echoes of Aincrad is ideal for those who are looking for a Dungeon Crawler Experience regardless of its shortcomings. However if you’re one looking for a more traditional Open World RPG with various exploration elements, this entry in the series won't be a suitable choice.
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Jul 8, 2026A nice AJRPG that could be much better.