Dive into the fantastical world of Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream, the latest co-op action game developed by Dimps Corporation and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released on October 3rd, 2024, this game invites players to pick from 20 beloved characters for thrilling raids and epic adventures. Whether you’re battling on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S|X, or Steam, Fractured Daydream promises to be a visual and gameplay feast for fans of the series. Read on to discover why this title might just be the best in the Sword Art Online franchise yet!
Gameplay: A Celebration of SAO’s Legacy
The game introduces a host of new ideas to the franchise, celebrating the history of Sword Art Online by incorporating characters and environments from the entire series, with more additions from the expanded game universe. There are 21 characters from across the franchise’s history, separated into different roles: Fighter, Tank, Rogue, Ranger, Mage, and Support. Each character feels unique, bringing different abilities to the party.
Action-Based Combat
The game utilizes action-based combat, which can initially feel slow and out of pace. This largely depends on the characters you play. For example, using a tank character feels slower than using a fighter. After spending time with various characters, I found a few favorites I intend to take through to the endgame.
Each character has their own playstyle, making them feel unique even if they share the same role. Each character has access to a light attack, heavy attack, and a quick ability if you hold down either attack button. Additionally, holding down R1 reveals abilities mapped to your main buttons and an ultimate ability, giving each character a total of seven abilities. Some characters also have passive abilities, adding another layer of depth to their gameplay.
Early on, you might feel like you’re spamming attacks, but over time, once you’ve mastered or gained a feel for your chosen character, there’s a satisfying flow. This learning curve rewards players who take the time to understand the intricacies of each character, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
Story Mode and Additional Story
These modes showcase a unique storyline, bringing together characters from different periods of the anime. It’s an intriguing narrative that matches characters in unexpected ways, often making you think, “These characters shouldn’t be working together!” This mode is where you’ll unlock the rest of the roster for multiplayer. Future DLC chapters will also be available here, starting with Strea, the greatsword wielder from Sword Art Online: Infinity Moment.
Free Roam: A Divisive Addition
In Free Roam mode, there are two open-world environments where you can fight to gain experience points and loot. Personally, this mode feels unnecessary as it detracts from the main features of the game.
Co-Op Quest: Chaotic and Fun
In Co-Op Quest mode, 20 players (or 5 parties) work together to clear quests and defeat the area’s boss. Starting at level 1, you level up and unlock skills as you defeat monsters and collect loot. This mode is chaotic, fantastic, and unique.
Boss Raid: Intense Battles
Similar to Co-Op Quest but without the quests, Boss Raid places you in an arena to face a giant foe. These intense battles capture the epic feel of the series’ most memorable moments.
Visuals: Close to the Show’s Magic
The visuals of Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream are the closest the game franchise has been to matching the stunning aesthetics of the show. Each of the game’s 21 characters, available at launch, are lovingly recreated with impressive detail. However, there is a slight weirdness that has persisted throughout the series. If you catch the characters from a certain angle, their chins look incredibly odd—though this is a minor nitpick.
The animation team truly shines in this game. Each character boasts varied, flashy, and unique attack animations that match the fast-paced movement of the series and accompanying movies. These animations bring the characters to life, enhancing the overall experience.
The game features several beautifully rendered and varied environments for players to adventure through. While these settings are visually appealing, they don’t stand out as particularly special. Having played previous titles, there’s a sense of déjà vu. The environments serve their purpose well and don’t distract from the detailed character models and animations.
The raid bosses are where the game truly shines. While the environments in these encounters may not be highly detailed, the massive arenas and colossal bosses create an intense and thrilling experience. They’ve successfully captured the fear and excitement felt while watching the anime, delivering truly epic battles, matching the anime’s intensity.
Conclusion
At first, Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream can feel quite awkward and clunky. It took me some time to get past this, primarily because I had spent time with the game’s Open Beta prior to release and had already found my favorite character, Llenn. However, once you overcome the initial learning curve, the game reveals itself to be a gem within the franchise.
This is easily the best entry in the series, offering a unique blend of all previous media that fans will appreciate. The gameplay loop is highly satisfying, combining action-based combat with strategic character roles and engaging story modes. Each character feels distinct, and the ability to switch between different roles adds a layer of depth that keeps the gameplay fresh.
For fans of the series, this game is a must-have. The developers have poured their hearts into creating a world that feels both nostalgic and innovative, capturing the essence of what makes Sword Art Online so beloved. The attention to detail in character animations, environments, and combat mechanics demonstrates a high level of care and craftsmanship.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The price tag might seem a little steep, especially as the game ages and the community starts to move on to other titles. This could lead to longer wait times to get into multiplayer modes, which can be frustrating when there aren’t enough players to fill out your party. These issues, while notable, do not overshadow the overall experience.
Despite its initial clunkiness and the potential for dwindling multiplayer activity, Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream offers a rewarding and immersive experience that fans of the series will thoroughly enjoy. Its combination of nostalgia and innovation makes it a standout title in the franchise, and one that is well worth the investment for those looking to dive back into the world of Sword Art Online.