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Bandai Namco are planning a major Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment update set to launch in Japan this July.


The PS Vita action RPG launched last Thursday, April 24 in Japan and is planned for release in North America via PlayStation Network this summer.

The July update, which will presumably come with or be later added to the English version, will include:
-Level cap increase from 200 to 250.
-A Grand Quest that will help players understand the “Secret Mystery.”
-With the addition of the Grand Quest, the control ward provision field and new areas “Snowy Mountains” and “Volcano” will be open for exploration. A new dungeon is also being added.
-Players will be able to enjoy a date with Sachi at the “Garden” (also a new area).
-Added events featuring new CG.
-New weapon models.
-A powerful new boss monster (pictured above).
-Argo can battle with players as a partner character.
-Faster item use speed.
-Difficulty and various system adjustments.
-New costume for Philia.

The update is said to add 30 hours of new content. Users can also share what kind of new content they want via a survey on the game’s official site. You’ll need to have purchased the game and have an access key to participate, however.

Here’s a look at the new Garden area and Philia’s new costume:



Additionally, Bandai Namco announced a lineup of free downloadable content coming to the Japanese version throughout the month of May:
May 1 – Adventurer Support Weapon Set Treasure Chest
May 7 – Auto-Attack Support Set Treasure Chest
May 15 – Black Two-Handed Sword Treasure Chest, Avatar (Spriggan Kirito Face), and “Fairy Dance” Kirito Transformation Set
May 22 – Hollow Mission “Remains of the Nightmare King” and Yuuki’s Sword Treasure Chest
May 29 – Avatar (Spriggan Kirito Hair (Final)) and “ALFheim Online” Special Set

http://gematsu.com/2014/04/sword-ar...eased-level-cap-30-hours-additional-play-time

Disconnect if old.

 

[Parakeetman]

While we had info on this earlier from Hasemo originally sharing a JP link, along with another user posting a Gematsu link heres another update. Will include a partial CnP of their article along with the original link to see the rest.

The content update is said to add about 30 hours plus of play time. This game already gives an insane amount as is if you are the type to just level and wander.

---

The July update, which will presumably come with or be later added to the English version, will include:

• Level cap increase from 200 to 250.
• A Grand Quest that will help players understand the “Secret Mystery.”
• With the addition of the Grand Quest, the control ward provision field and new areas “Snowy Mountains” and “Volcano” will be open for exploration. A new dungeon is also being added.
• Players will be able to enjoy a date with Sachi at the “Garden” (also a new area).
• Added events featuring new CG.
• New weapon models.
• A powerful new boss monster (pictured above).
• Argo can battle with players as a partner character.
• Faster item use speed.
• Difficulty and various system adjustments.
• New costume for Philia.

Read more at http://gematsu.com/2014/04/sword-ar...ours-additional-play-time#OzrmGqxm2iJICii2.99

Also in regards to DLC

Additionally, Bandai Namco announced a lineup of free downloadable content coming to the Japanese version throughout the month of May:

May 1 – Adventurer Support Weapon Set Treasure Chest
May 7 – Auto-Attack Support Set Treasure Chest
May 15 – Black Two-Handed Sword Treasure Chest, Avatar (Spriggan Kirito Face), and “Fairy Dance” Kirito Transformation Set
May 22 – Hollow Mission “Remains of the Nightmare King” and Yuuki’s Sword Treasure Chest
May 29 – Avatar (Spriggan Kirito Hair (Final)) and “ALFheim Online” Special Set

Read more at http://gematsu.com/2014/04/sword-ar...ours-additional-play-time#OzrmGqxm2iJICii2.99

Seriously the faster item use speed is appreciated, since its INSANELY slow as is. Which I can understand why they did it, but obviously it was way too slow, hence the change.

Image of the upcoming Garden Area & Character Concept Art of Philia's new Outfit

Literally dont have any more room left in the OP to add this info. D: I also really should fix Philia's name in the OT with the graphics, but dont want to bother currently lol

Taken from the OT

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=805839

 

[tensuke]

Whoa, incredible amount of support already for this game. Can't wait to get my hands on it!

 

[chickdigger802]

How much game is there currently in ~ hours?

 

[Phlebas]

I'm assuming the NA version will be getting the DLC also?

 

[RalchAC]

Does the second season of the anime start this Summer? If so, it's quite a smart move.

 

[Parakeetman]

I'm assuming the NA version will be getting the DLC also?

I suppose it will depend on how much support BanNam will be putting behind it. Which would include having to work on localizing all the extra content that will be constantly released within Japan for a set period of time.
But hopefully this initial large one yes. There really isnt much else info in regards to the US version asides from Summer Release at this point in time. Would figure they have more in store for people at the E3.

With all of that being said, if you folks have any questions leave it in the OT. Thats what its there for.

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=805839

How much game is there currently in ~ hours?

Basically unknown since no one here at GAF has beaten it. If you want to rush through the game one can do it, but this title is most def made to be explored and such with the Hollow Area. Rather than just rushing your way through the original story making your way to the 100th floor in Aincrad. Ive spent 25 hours so far in the game and have not even progressed anywhere in both the main story line or the hollow area story line by choice. Its just me leveling my characters, weapon skills, adventuring and looking for loot.

 

[TheChaos0]

This coincides with the new anime starting to air. So quite smart of them. Although they probably just released early to get the Golden Week sales.

 

[chickdigger802]

This coincides with the new anime starting to air. So quite smart of them. Although they probably just released early to get the Golden Week sales.

isn't the new show a 'shooter' though? I don't think there is gun weapon type in this?

 

[Parakeetman]

isn't the new show a 'shooter' though? I don't think there is gun weapon type in this?

It doesnt really matter, considering its about putting interest back into the series in general. Since not everyone would have watched the first series, but become interested in it due to the 2nd series.

That and since this and the PSP game were pretty much the only real official "games" for the series, folks would buy it just because they are fans of the show.

There is a Bow weapon category, though Sinon is the only one who can equip it.

Not too hard to understand when it comes to the reason behind the marketing / timing.

 

[chickdigger802]

does the length, i mean is there enough stuff to do to keep interest? Enough loot, skills, waifus scenes, idk vs just 'padding'.

 

[Parakeetman]

does the length, i mean is there enough stuff to do to keep interest? Enough loot, skills, waifus scenes, idk vs just 'padding'.

Thats all depending on tastes really. But personally from a design standpoint, this game has a lot of content in it. Im still impressed with how large the Hollow Area is. I cant venture further into some parts of the first zone due to the level difference of myself and the enemies .

People consider all sorts of shit to be "padding". That and like most people who complain about "padding" dont realize that if it indeed is "padding" then that means they dont have to partake in said extra content.

 

[chickdigger802]

Thats all depending on tastes really. But personally from a design standpoint, this game has a lot of content in it. Im still impressed with how large the Hollow Area is. I cant venture further into some parts of the first zone due to the level difference of myself and the enemies .

People consider all sorts of shit to be "padding". That and like most people who complain about "padding" dont realize that if it indeed is "padding" then that means they dont have to partake in said extra content.

is there enough varied stuff to keep your level gear up without having to do the bottom of the barrel stuff? how dependent is gear and level to succeed in this? Its more mmo than action game right?

 

[Parakeetman]

is there enough varied stuff to keep your level gear up without having to do the bottom of the barrel stuff? how dependent is gear and level to succeed in this? Its more mmo than action game right?

If you have further questions take it to the OT. Will answer you there.

 

[Defuser]

Wow this is a first time I've ever seen a game based on a anime gets so much dedication or this kind of scale of effort.

 

[ATXAlchemy]

Wow this is a first time I've ever seen a game based on a anime gets so much dedication or this kind of scale of effort.

But... Gundam games...

 

[chickdigger802]

But... Gundam games...

the amount of gems out of all the trash gundam games is pretty low.

 

[ranmafan]

That's quite a nice update. Was actually reading about it earlier tonight in the little magazine for the game that came with last weeks dengeki playstation. Hopefully I'll be done with the main content of the game in time for this update. I'm quite impressed by how much they've packed into the game already. Lots of fun.

 

[Lucis]

Wow this is a first time I've ever seen a game based on a anime gets so much dedication or this kind of scale of effort.

but everyone i know who played it is classifying it as kusoge