Initial release date: 2024
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows
Genres: Role-playing video game, Fighting game, Shooter game, Adventure game, Casual game
Developer: Dimps
Publishers: BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment, Namco Bandai Games America Inc.
Series: Sword Art Online
Engine: Unreal Engine
It does not appear like much time has passed since the last Sword Art Online game. In fact, Last Recollection was launched in 2023 and received enough criticism to put anyone off playing games for a time.
Don’t worry, though, because Bandai Namco has hired experienced devs Dimps for SWORD ART ONLINE Fractured Daydream. Unlike prior releases, Fractured Daydream is an online co-op action game rather than an action RPG.
Could SWORD ART ONLINE Fractured Daydream provide the co-op experience that fans of the series have been hoping for, or will it be a twisted nightmare to avoid?
A fresh Sword Art Online quest unfolds
SWORD ART ONLINE Fractured Daydream is effectively a two-part game, with a single player tale and an online, multiplayer-focused selection of games. They are somewhat connected, so let us begin with the plot aspect first.
Kirito has returned to test out Galaxia, a new mechanism introduced to ALfheim Online. It’s designed to let gamers experience memories from their past in-game, but something has gone wrong. You see, time and space are being disrupted, displacing people from their normal timeframes. Friends and opponents alike are showing up where they shouldn’t, prompting Kirito to collaborate with them to restore order.
The narrative’s premise, which is an original plot, ultimately serves to explain why so many people from the Underworld, Gun Gale Online, and ALfheim Online have converged here. It’s refreshing to watch characters connect in new ways, especially those involving the Administrator and Sterben, who are normally antagonists. Aside from some humour and intrigue surrounding the issue, I’d say the storytelling in general is just good. However, the visual presentation during the cutscenes is superb, with beautiful character models.
The story mode consists of five chapters, with each task focusing on a specific set of characters. You can choose up to four party members and switch between them as needed, depending on the mission. You’ll have objectives to do, such as clearing an area of foes or shielding an ally, before facing a larger boss. Optional activities include searching for unique foes, treasure chests, and trinkets, all of which can be found by venturing off the beaten path.
However, the lack of variation in objectives in SWORD ART ONLINE Fractured Daydream is extremely repetitious, and the locales are mainly uninspiring. I’m talking about arid wastelands, unsightly caves, and forests devoid of any distinguishing characteristics, to name a few. Obviously, it’s tempting to explore these locations further to win rewards, but odds are you’ll want to rush through the story objectives just to unlock the characters for online use. To be fair, it’s a good method to gain a feel for the battle mechanics, since you’ll grasp the various roles that come into play.
A variation in the combat
The fight takes place in third person, with normal and heavy attacks combined to construct combinations. There are three advanced talents and an ultimate move on cooldowns that deal more damage and may have elemental or incapacitating effects that are useful against large groups of foes. While waiting for movements to recharge, defending and sprinting can aid avoid danger, with both being helpful if executed precisely. The most intriguing combat mechanic, however, is the team-based Synchro Counter, in which all members race to a specific location while the powerful monster prepares to launch a fatal move.
I believe that the range of playstyles associated with the roles contributes significantly to the fighting components. Having characters play roles such as wizards, tanks, rangers, and support keeps the action new. Picking down guardians and snipers with Sinon (Ranger) and perfecting marksmanship from a distance is vastly different than coming up close with Heathcliff (Tank) and agitating the monsters before chopping them up.
You’ll get a sense of how well a squad with various roles works together in Story, but it’s in online PvE where it truly counts. When exploring online, there are three basic options to consider: free roam, co-op quests, and boss raids.
The Free Roam option is easily the poorest of the four, despite the temptation of being tossed into one of the enormous regions with no constraints or restrictions. Certain portions of the map are better suited for low-rank exploration, while others contain exceedingly difficult, high-level opponents. You can explore for an hour, but boredom sets in after a few minutes of roaming about and hoping a boss spawns nearby to keep things interesting. There isn’t much to keep you entertained, and following fellow adventures isn’t that enjoyable. Even though real gamers will be there, don’t anticipate much cooperation because they’ll gladly watch you die before killing your rival for the benefits.
Fortunately, such selfishness is less prominent in the Co-Op Quests, which divide twenty players into four teams. Everyone chooses a character, and while you can use your acquired weapons and accessories, the quest starts with only the most basic attacks available to ensure an equal playing field. The goal is to complete lesser tasks while progressing towards the main boss, which will boost the Awakened level. This not only boosts your base stats, but it also unlocks advanced talents and ultimate finishing moves.
Set off on some joint quests.
These quests are enjoyable since there is a strong competitive element, with each team attempting to reach the boss and slay it before others catch up and maybe split the prizes. You also want to perform your best for your team and finish in a good position on the match leaderboards. The incentives for success will drive users to replay the tasks in the hopes of finding better stuff each time.
The disadvantages are that it is tough to get enough players in and there aren’t many distinct tasks, which may become tedious. Almost every match I tried had fewer than five people, therefore bots were used to fill up the gaps. The only times it came close to full capacity were in the Asia matchmaking region, which resulted in excellently furious matches, albeit with some lag here and there. It isn’t perfect, but the benefits of area switching much outweigh the occasional shaky connections.
You’ll eventually obtain access to fight Raids, in which all twenty players face a beast of a fight at the same time. There’s no need to trek; the big villain is right there, along with a slew of minions to fight and advance your Awakened level. The key to conquering the serious threat posed by these bosses is to combine everyone’s skills and attack together. Satisfaction is surely felt as you temporarily down your foe and drain its last drops of health. Again, however, the post-match leaderboards and goodies are the cherry on top.
The quantity of Co-Op Quests and Boss Raids isn’t high, but there’s enough of longevity if you want loot, loot, and more loot.
Will appeal to SAO lovers.
The array of characters in SWORD ART ONLINE Fractured Daydream adds to the replayability element, with 21 to level up and obtain weapons, accessories, and outfits for. Whether it’s the ever-present hero Kirito, the charming Yui, or one of the two brand-new faces, there are likely to be a few that pique your interest. Eugeo was the clear choice for me since his cold attacks, which freeze adversaries, are ideal for unleashing a barrage of destructive moves. However, trying them all out is absolutely worthwhile.
To summarize, the single player element of SWORD ART ONLINE Fractured Daydream suffers from monotonous and bland missions, yet the narrative is adequate due to unique interactions and visually appealing cutscenes. On the contrary, the online co-op side offers exciting and fast-paced action that keeps you coming back for more. It is simply low in material, although this can be mitigated by an excellent roster that increases durability and replayability.
Review Overview
Gameplay: 88%
Controls: 90%
Aesthetics: 94%
Content: 85%
Accessibility: 83%
Value: 87%
Overall: 88%
EXCELLENT!
Summary:
“SWORD ART ONLINE: Fractured Daydream” immerses players in a vividly designed anime universe complete with fluid fighting, strategic gameplay, and a vast narrative. The game’s visual presentation is excellent, reflecting the essence of the “Sword Art Online” universe with amazing character designs and finely constructed settings. While the gameplay is enjoyable, it can feel repetitive at times, especially during some side tasks. Newcomers may struggle with the steep learning curve, but fans of the series or those who enjoy deep action RPGs will find this game extremely gratifying. With tons of material and flawless action, “Fractured Daydream” is a must-play for both anime and RPG enthusiasts.