Sword Art Online Video Games in Order: A Comprehensive Guide
Step into the world of virtual reality with the Sword Art Online video games, a series that has captivated fans worldwide. This guide will take you through the order of the games, exploring their unique features, storylines, and the impact they’ve had on the gaming community.
1. Sword Art Online: A Visual Novel
Before diving into the video games, it’s important to note that the Sword Art Online series began as a visual novel. This original work, written by Reki Kawahara, introduced the world to the concept of a virtual reality MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) where players are trapped in the game and must complete it to be freed. The visual novel serves as the foundation for the entire series, including the video games.
2. Sword Art Online: Alpha Gun Game
The first video game in the series, Sword Art Online: Alpha Gun Game, was released in 2012. This game is a prequel to the main series and focuses on the early days of the SAO world. Players take on the role of a new player, Kirito, as he navigates the world of Gun Game, a VRMMORPG that is part of the SAO universe. The game follows the story of Kirito’s journey to become a skilled player and his first encounter with the game’s creator, Akihiko Kayaba.
3. Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment
Following the success of the original game, Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment was released in 2013. This game is a direct sequel to the visual novel and serves as a bridge between the first game and the main series. It follows the story of Kirito and Asuna as they face new challenges and enemies in the virtual world. Hollow Fragment also introduces new characters and expands on the lore of the SAO universe.
4. Sword Art Online: Progressive
Sword Art Online: Progressive is a series of games that retell the story of the original SAO series from the perspective of different characters. The first game in the series, Sword Art Online: Progressive: Aria of a Starless Night, was released in 2014. This game focuses on the character of Shino, a new player who joins the SAO world. The series continues with Sword Art Online: Progressive: The Sin of Peace and Sword Art Online: Progressive: The Tower of Babel, each offering a unique perspective on the events of the original series.
5. Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization
Another prequel to the main series, Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization was released in 2015. This game follows the story of Yui, a virtual AI who assists players in the SAO world. The game explores Yui’s past and her relationship with the game’s creator, Akihiko Kayaba. Hollow Realization also introduces new characters and expands on the lore of the SAO universe.
6. Sword Art Online: Lost Song
Sword Art Online: Lost Song is a crossover game that combines elements from the SAO series with other popular anime series, such as Accel World and 鍒€鍓戠鍩熷浼?Gun Gale Online. Released in 2015, this game features a new storyline and characters from both series. Players can choose to play as Kirito, Asuna, or other familiar faces as they navigate the virtual world and face new challenges.
7. Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale
The latest game in the series, Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale, was released in 2016. This game is a direct sequel to the original SAO series and follows the story of Kirito and Asuna as they face a new threat to the virtual world. The game introduces new characters and features updated graphics and gameplay mechanics, making it one of the most visually impressive games in the series.
8. Table: Sword Art Online Video Games in Order
Game | Release Year | Storyline |
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Sword Art Online: Alpha Gun
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