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[Parakeetman]

This game takes place with the assumption the player has seen up to the halfway point of the animated series. If you have not seen the show yet or
are not familiar with the story and do not want spoilers, highly suggest you leave the thread now. The start of the story setting is a major plot
point which will be not marked with spoiler tags. If you are curious about where you need to watch up to in the show, at least be caught up to Episode 14.

Shitposts will be reported to mods. So if you want to argue about the light novel / anime series do it somewhere else.

You have been warned.

*click on image to go to official HP

*click character lifebar to view info, same with weapons below, opens new window.

Videos showing the "switch system" in action & combat within one zone the in hollow area.

*UPDATED 04/24/2014

JP Trailer showing off the large content update that has been released in Japan and Asia, will also be released for the US / EU.

#1

Q: I want a physical copy, should I just buy the Asian version?

A: Truthfully, no. Since the US ver comes out today and the EU one tomorrow, please do support your regions even more so considering they are giving you the large content update for free. Bandai Namco will most def be looking hard at the first week sales therefore your purchases in the proper regions helps not only those in BanNam who try to push for more localized titles, but also for yourself to show them that there is indeed a market for import titles like this from Japan and to continue support with the title.

#2

Q: Is this game JP voice w subtitled or English dubbed?

A: The game is currently only JP voices with subtitles. Do not believe that there are any dubbed versions.

#3

Q: I heard the subtitles in the game are still weird even for the US / EU release. Is this true?

A: There have been floating reports around that the US / EU versions contain text that seems unnatural, but we will have to wait for a better pool of input once the game goes on sale.

#4

Q: This game looks complex is there a detailed tutorial?

A: Unfortunately there really is not any sort of detailed tutorial BUT! thanks to a fellow GAF member MrMuscle we now have a link to a video series that should help new players. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPlCkuqWQSYjecAKc-ReMKixLLDkGnT3p

#5

Q: I have not seen the anime / am unfamiliar with the series. Should I still buy this game?

A: First off what are you doing this far down in the OT if you are not familiar with the show or series? To answer the question, it would really effect your experience as the story continues from the halfway point of the anime. Also literally the tutorial is a massive plot spoiler. Well besides whats written in this OT in some sections. But if you really want something to play and do not care about the story, backsetting this should be a quite well made game that is sure to give you a decent amount of playtime. As stated in the warning section you need to watch up to at least Episode 14.

#6

Q: If I did not enjoy the anime would I like this game?

A: Truthfully, if you were not interested in the anime and / or disliked it I would suggest against buying this game. Unless you don't mind ignoring all the story bits, character interaction and just want a JRPG to play.

#7

Q: I enjoyed the anime, but did not like the second half from where the story shifts to a totally new game.

A: You are in luck, this game follows its own original story and takes place after Heathcliff (Kayaba Akihiko) is defeated and does not leave the world of Sword Art Online.

#8

Q: Is there online multiplayer?

A: Multiplayer is done locally via Ad Hoc. Currently there does not seem to be any infrastructure in the game for Online MP. The official HP does not list it either as to be patched in later, such as with other Vita titles. No online multiplayer, but apparently the Vita can work with the Ad-Hoc party, though its said to be unstable. No one has tested it yet with SAO:HF.

#9

Q: Im a new player is there any tips for me from fellow GAF members?

A: There is the following post by Stuart4444 Tips for new adventurers.

#10

Q: What is this Risk System? I do not understand it and need help!

A: Heres a quick explanation of the Risk system, since understanding this makes things easier for killing enemies. For yourself you just need to pay attention to it when a large attack is incoming as if you screw up it is possible to get one shotted.

Risk System
The Risk status increases damage taken from attacks or sword skills. Both yourself, allies and the enemy. Also increases time between attacks. The higher the risk level the higher the negative effects.

How to raise Risk

1. Cancel a skill
2. Take critical damage
3. Using a Sword Skill
4. Be knocked back
5. Be staggered
6. Taking more than 10% HP damage in a single hit
7. Taking damage from behind
8. Get stunned
9. Entering Bleeding status

*1-5 can raise the level quickly, 6-9 takes some time before raising the level.

Risk Break
Risk Break occurs when the Risk level goes to the max lv V (5). With good timing, using the parry command or sword skills, it is possible to raise the target to risk break status immediately.

Effects of Risk Break

• Enemy takes double damage
• Enemy attack speed is decreased by x2
• Enemy skill activation speed is increased by x2
• All Buffs are removed from Enemy.

(currently dont have time to go and do nicer text links w/ scores atm. so make do with this for now folks)
http://nichegamer.net/reviews/sword-art-online-hollow-fragment-review/
http://www.gaming-age.com/2014/08/sword-art-online-hollow-fragment-review-ps-vita/
http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/201...w-fragment-traps-fans-inside-an-mmo-simulator
http://vitareviews.net/sword-art-online-hollow-fragment-review/
http://www.rpgsite.net/review/3802-sword-art-online-hollow-fragment-review

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPlCkuqWQSYjecAKc-ReMKixLLDkGnT3p (vids on info about gameplay with SAO:HF)
http://www.critdmg.com/saohf-list info for SAO:HF by the same person who has the YT chan above. Good info here new folks check it out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxDHIQFqIIQ (BlueMaxima 1hr long game impressions)
Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment Unlocking Heroine Costumes and AI Control Guide[/QUOTE]

I know it is more than just the way the map looks that is confusing at first, but this may help until we get the same link/pathing in patch 1.03 next month! It will at least give you and idea of how to get from Point A to Point B. Also if you didn't know, talking to Philia and choosing Chat shows the 'route' you need to take to get where she wants you to go.

Level Cap raised to 250, Large conquest event [Grand Quest], New field / Map, Date - Dialog with Sachi, Event CG, Allowing Argo to be used as a partner, new area boss, high level monsters, difficulty and system balancing / tweaking.

This is for the physical Asian version or those who still want the JP version of the game. Downsides is you will not be able to get DLC unless you have an account for the proper region of said game.
http://www.amiami.com/
http://www.nippon-yasan.com/
http://www.play-asia.com/
*Disclaimer: Neither GAF nor myself has any sort of affiliation with the following sites above. These are just the most common ones members frequently speak of when it comes to online import shops and these links are for the convenience of the members who are still interested in importing the Japanese or Asian version of the game. Mods if you feel this is inappropriate let me know and will remove this section.

Special thanks to Bandai Namco and the people behind the official HP for letting me "borrow" resources which makes up a good number of the edited graphics here.
http://sao-hf.bngames.net/

Special thanks to Deviant Art user - darkblackswords for having made the life bar graphic, icons and font used in the OT.
(link removed since it seems like deviant art is a blocked site now? odd) anyways do a search for darkblackswords if you want to find the resource mats and give the guy thanks if you do use them!
While am not a member of Deviant Art so can't send him a message, would really like to say thank you again if he reads GAF for such an awesome job with these resources.

*In no particular order
Special thanks to Sitrus for providing a link discussing the North American release of the game.
Special thanks to Hasemo for providing a link to news about what to expect from the weekly free DLC content starting from may / Large update in July.
Special thanks to Brazil for letting folks know that there will be a localized version of the game early on.
Special thanks to Doombear for the hilarious new PSN card image in the OT.
Special thanks to kaiyo for the GIF that expresses pretty much everyones feelings in the US currently.
Special thanks to ramyeon for providing the link to BlueMaxima's YT chan which will have a vid on SAO:HF (will put it up when it goes online)
Special thanks to MrMuscle for the link to the Havian YT chan with tutorial vids for the SAO:HF
Special thanks to kayos90 for providing info bout the US digital price
Special thanks to darkwing for a link to one of the first reviews of the game.
Special thanks to isshak_gravi for always taking time out of his schedule to provide information for the EU fans when he is able to do so.
Special thanks to Listonosh for the AI / Costume guide.
And a big thanks to the rest of all you members here in the OT that make this little community what it is today!
*plus putting up with me the general asshole of the thread

*Disclaimer: I have no affiliation to Bandai Namco.

 

[MayMay]

Nice OP.

Oh... I really want this game - but I don't speak Japanese >__>. And the whole "Chinese Version features english subtitles" thing? Ehhhh. Ill wait, and hope it turns out to be completely translated.

Only thing that'll give me my SAO fix until Season 2 starts is the first novel they finally translated - which should be in my mailbox very soon.

 

[Parakeetman]

Thanks! Yeah Ill add up info on the Asia version once we have more concrete details, since at the moment I wouldnt be running out and pre-ordering it just yet.

Shit I just realized I screwed up some of the linking... should have gone to the image file instead of the imgur link with the pics. crap. Going to have to fix all of this right now. D:

 

[Technoweirdo]

I laughed a lot harder than I should have when I saw Sachi's life bar. lol

Anyways, soooo tempted to import this despite not knowing (much) Japanese. Oh, and nice OT, btw~

 

[mdubs]

Great OP! Really like it, hope we'll be getting news about a localization this week.

 

[Parakeetman]

Yep Ill keep folks posted if news hits my side first.

If anyone that actually knows wtf they are doing with photoshop feel free to make icons from the character graphics.

I laughed a lot harder than I should have when I saw Sachi's life bar. lol

Anyways, soooo tempted to import this despite not knowing (much) Japanese. Oh, and nice OT, btw~

Btw click on the yui disclaimer lol

Great OP! Really like it, hope we'll be getting news about a localization this week.

at least this "kinda" shows why things were taking forever with it. Really wanted to get it up like 2 days ago, but kept going back and reworking things. I just hope that the whole clicking on the link to get to the more detailed info isnt too much of a hassle for folks. Its too bad cant do popout windows. The OT would have been way too large otherwise with all the graphics up here as is. And shrinking them would have made it look like a mess, so tried something new. It was something that bothered me with the God Eater 2 OT I had done.

 

[iRAWRasaurus]

Nice will def subscript. Hopefully the hong kong version does come with English subs or its going to be localized for western release.

 

[chickdigger802]

is kirito dps?

 

[Parakeetman]

is kirito dps?

Since the game is designed to be a "pseudo MMO" you could think of your own damage ratings in the sense of "Damage Per Second". Though your damage rating will change depending on what weapon you decide to equip. Faster weapons such as the dagger and dual swords will have more attacks per round than the slower ones. At the same time though, weapons also change your characters stats a little therefore you kinda want to make sure you pay attention to that when trying out new things. As its not really wise to take something with low def if you know you will be taking a lot of damage, even if it gives you a higher speed rating.

 

[Razgriz-Specter]

I have a meh & hateful relationship with the anime but for some reason I want to play this.

 

[Parakeetman]

I have a meh & hateful relationship with the anime but for some reason I want to play this.

Its actually a decent game and even more so now with all the upgrades we are seeing here from the videos and write ups. That and you dont have to worry about the 2nd half of the show, since the story continues on within SAO after Heathcliff is defeated. The combat is pretty enjoyable and the boss fights are cool.

Once the game is out Ill be adding my own recorded footage to help show off more of what the vids out now do not.

 

[_hekk05]

Sachi HP am cry. Also Asuna is surprisingly tanky

 

[Lain]

I loved the anime, so I hope the Asian version will have English. Would make me import it for sure.

 

[Parakeetman]

Sachi HP am cry. Also Asuna is surprisingly tanky

Yeah wanted to do the HP bar for characters just for Sachi~

Just went and randomized most things. Thought would be more amusing for Kirito to be in his paralyze status also from the show. Other stuff which the numbers seem to be the same was just me saying fuck it I need to finish this now and left it as is lol Its kinda hilarious the anime for example there does not seem to be any sort of actual formula for how HP vs Lv is calculated.

Btw what do you folks think so far about having to click on the icons to see the larger info graphics?

 

[Lain]

Btw what do you folks think so far about having to click on the icons to see the larger info graphics?

It's good. Keeps the first post kinda clean yet informative.

 

[Parakeetman]

It's good. Keeps the first post kinda clean yet informative.

Thanks for the feedback, yeah thats what I was hoping to achieve. As the GE2 one I did was all sorts of a mess. D:

 

[Razgriz-Specter]

Its actually a decent game and even more so now with all the upgrades we are seeing here from the videos and write ups. That and you dont have to worry about the 2nd half of the show, since the story continues on within SAO after Heathcliff is defeated. The combat is pretty enjoyable and the boss fights are cool.

Once the game is out Ill be adding my own recorded footage to help show off more of what the vids out now do not.

Thanks.

 

[Unknown Soldier]

Wow, that's an impressive OP. And great thread title.

Still waiting on word of full English localization, either from the Asia/Taiwan import or the rumored NA release.

 

[_hekk05]

Yeah wanted to do the HP bar for characters just for Sachi~

Just went and randomized most things. Thought would be more amusing for Kirito to be in his paralyze status also from the show. Other stuff which the numbers seem to be the same was just me saying fuck it I need to finish this now and left it as is lol Its kinda hilarious the anime for example there does not seem to be any sort of actual formula for how HP vs Lv is calculated.

Btw what do you folks think so far about having to click on the icons to see the larger info graphics?

Yuuki though. She should be at red health, since

Spoiler

she's dying

.

 

[Parakeetman]

Wow, that's an impressive OP. And great thread title.

Still waiting on word of full English localization, either from the Asia/Taiwan import or the rumored NA release.

Thanks! Yeah man that meme just had to be in the title with how often its used here at GAF haha.

Yeah the same along with a lot of others here. Id reckon one of the fastest places to grab any new news if it shows up would be Gematsu. Since they seem to be really on top of things with the game.

Yuuki though. She should be at red health, since

Spoiler

she's dying

.

Was considering that, although since not everyone is familiar with her character (the anime fans) from the light novel, figured Id just leave it as that. Since would imagine the game story might go into that. She wasnt in the PSP version so it will be interesting to see how they fit her into the story.

 

[tensuke]

Great OT! Looking forward to this, I just might make another PSN account for the DLC. Since the Y-Shirt is getting different colors in future releases, might that mean the other colors at least will be regular DLC and not tied to the special preorder one? Or is it the case where you can change the color of stuff ingame (like in RO)? Cause dat Y-Shirt.

 

[Tagg9]

Awesome OT post. I suspect this will sell like gangbusters.

 

[Parakeetman]

Great OT! Looking forward to this, I just might make another PSN account for the DLC. Since the Y-Shirt is getting different colors in future releases, might that mean the other colors at least will be regular DLC and not tied to the special preorder one? Or is it the case where you can change the color of stuff ingame (like in RO)? Cause dat Y-Shirt.

Thanks! I would hope that eventually similar to like God Eater 2 for example, they released all the initial DLC in a later patch for others who were not able to get in on the pre-order or first print versions.

Would imagine though that the other color clothing would cost something knowing ban-nam and since this is an anime licensed game. They most def would be thinking of ways to monetize things.

Whats nice though is it seems for the Hollow Area, that there potentially will be new areas added in the future is what the official HP seems to allude to. With the last part in the link below. Which would indeed be very cool and give life to the game. Esp since it has co-op now also. So I have high hopes for this title. While a different game, God Eater 2 also had a lot of free content updates and such too.

http://sao-hf.bngames.net/system/field.php

Awesome OT post. I suspect this will sell like gangbusters.

Thanks much appreciated. Yeah I could imagine it will sell decent. The PSP one was sold out for a pretty insanely long time. With all the new content in the Vita version and co-op play even if its just ad-hoc there are more than enough fans who would pick up the title. But other people Id imagine are on the fence waiting to hear from day 1 impressions and will rush out right after to look for copies or throw in orders. Really do hope ban-nam did the series good, as all the footage so far looks fantastic and is most def a massive improvement over the PSP version in all aspects from my own experience with the title. Very impressed with how much content they have added / changed from the info avail.

---

Still am updating stuff in the OT currently, but might take a break in a bit to get back to Natural Doctrine as need to clear that before thursday... D: About 70% done with that game.

 

[SargerusBR]

 

[Parakeetman]

Thanks.

Anyways, just hang out for a bit. Then you can make your decision based off the impressions / gameplay footage from here. Ill be looking hard at the game system since the PSP one was pretty rought / user unfriendly for those not familiar with MMOs. But most def new seems to have lost that.

When the game comes out and I have it here will most likely be spending the day recording shit and if YT cooperates uploading it.

 

[Stuart444]

I laughed a lot harder than I should have when I saw Sachi's life bar. lol

I was all when I saw that ;_; Sachiiiiiiiiiiii.

Nice OT! If it gets localized, I'll be double dipping on it, that's for sure! Japanese and English versions

I'll post as soon as we hear anything about an English release

 

[Parakeetman]

I was all when I saw that ;_; Sachiiiiiiiiiiii.

Nice OT! If it gets localized, I'll be double dipping on it, that's for sure! Japanese and English versions

I'll post as soon as we hear anything about an English release

Thanks!

That would be fantastic!

Im pretty sure Ill have 2 LE versions for sale. I wound up with 3 thats why. Well if all come in that is... I didnt cancel anything as was due to my own stupidity. Either 2 or 1 extra will put it up on the market as soon as it arrives. If the others asides from my amazon one dont arrive better off for me as dont have to pay for them lol.

With my LE copy Ill just do the usual of taking out the game and putting the rest away carefully somewhere~

Contains the following
Special box designed by abec
First run limited edition packaging
Soundtrack CD
Special contents Blu-ray disc
Special case for CD and Blu-Ray disc
Mini clear poster
Special pamplet “Dengeki NerveGear Vol. 2″
First run bonus in-game costume redeem code

 

[Stuart444]

I would have got the LE but the place I prefer to get it from (which is also cheapest factoring in shipping to the UK), Amiami sold out quickly by the time I decided to get this game.

Ah well

 

[Parakeetman]

I would have got the LE but the place I prefer to get it from (which is also cheapest factoring in shipping to the UK), Amiami sold out quickly by the time I decided to get this game.

Ah well

Im sure Ill find buyers eventually. Will have to see how the game does here first. Currently amazon still has it in stock at the moment and this is the 2nd round of items I do believe. More for the LEs that is. The first round sold out and whats left now is from the 2nd shipment am pretty sure. If the game does good I can imagine all the stuff on amazon will vanish quickly. From there should be easy to find a buyer.

Am just looking to get back what I put into it for the most part just like with all my other sales.

 

[zugzug]

any suggestions on where to order this from if I've never imported before?

 

[Parakeetman]

any suggestions on where to order this from if I've never imported before?

Hang on let me check the usual places.

There is

Amiami

http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail?gcode=GAME-0010387 - Limited Edition Version
http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail?gcode=GAME-0010388 - Standard Version

Play-Asia

http://www.play-asia.com/sword-art-online-hollow-fragment-limited-edition-paOS-13-49-en-70-7df1.html Limited Edition Version
http://www.play-asia.com/sword-art-online-hollow-fragment-paOS-13-49-en-70-76t9.html - Standard Edition

Personally Id say Amiami is more reliable.

There is another place called NCSX but I dont usually hear that name too much over here at GAF.

 

[Brazil]

Don't import, guys.

 

[TheChaos0]

Hmm, I thought the game was taking place some time before the end of 1st arc? Looks like it's happening after?

 

[Parakeetman]

Don't import, guys.

Do you have any actual information as to why people should not import?

Hmm, I thought the game was taking place some time before the end of 1st arc? Looks like it's happening after?

Story takes place after Heathcliff (Kayaba Akihiko) is defeated, instead of being logged out an entrance to the 76th floor appears. I still need to add a bunch of other info and whatnot.

 

[BGBW]

Does this include chapter 16.5?

 

[Kysen]

I need to see some gameplay before even considering this.

 

[Parakeetman]

I need to see some gameplay before even considering this.

Yeah other footage is absolute shit currently due to whoever was recording it at the events encoded it only at 360p wtf. Its why didnt even bother to include those clips in the media section.

Ill be recording stuff and putting it up as I create new footage. Will be running thing off of the PSV Tv.

 

[TheChaos0]

Do you have any actual information as to why people should not import?



Story takes place after Heathcliff (Kayaba Akihiko) is defeated, instead of being logged out an entrance to the 76th floor appears. I still need to add a bunch of other info and whatnot.

Ah, I see what they did there. Thanks.

 

[Parakeetman]

Ah, I see what they did there. Thanks.

I actually like this story better from what Ive played on the PSP, had stopped advancing when I found out about the Vita version as was playing the game on and off. Which is why am looking forward to the whole new stuff with the hollow area and new character in the game.

 

[Stuart444]

Don't import, guys.

sssshhhhh

If people were wanting to wait for an English version, they wouldn't be buying the Japanese version, the only version released in April since the Asian version isn't out til May anyway.

 

[ranmafan]

Great job on the op! Looking forward to playing this on Friday. Spent the last few weeks watching up to episode 16 of the anime so I am at least passed where the game starts from in its own story so thats good for me.

 

[Parakeetman]

Great job on the op! Looking forward to playing this on Friday. Spent the last few weeks watching up to episode 16 of the anime so I am at least passed where the game starts from in its own story so thats good for me.

haha thanks man! Sounds like you are pretty much ready for the game then.

Guess the weekend will really be "Goodbye, Real World". lol

Dear god my wonderful Yandere game comes out too thursday...D: Totally forgot about that.

 

[ShogunDarius]

haha thanks man! Sounds like you are pretty much ready for the game then.

Guess the weekend will really be "Goodbye, Real World". lol

Dear god my wonderful Yandere game comes out too thursday...D: Totally forgot about that.

You never forget your first Yandere Girlfriend XD


Whats the ETA on the Asian release, May isn't it?

 

[Stuart444]

You never forget your first Yandere Girlfriend XD


Whats the ETA on the Asian release, May isn't it?

May

 

[Parakeetman]

You never forget your first Yandere Girlfriend XD


Whats the ETA on the Asian release, May isn't it?

Yeah May 29th according to the Play Asia website. AH! here we go. Dug out that post from an official Taiwanese announcement that another user was kind enough to link in the other thread I had made.

http://www.namcobandaipartners.com.tw/news_detail.php?the_no=czoyOiI4MCI7

In here it also lists it as May 29th, so that confirms the date Play-Asia has too for those interested in that version. Granted if the English is actually "localized" and not just "subtitled". Unfortunately I cant read Taiwanese or Chinese, so am not much help when it comes to official news from those two Countries.

We got this guy to thank for the link

Namco Taiwan, but don't ask me more than that. I don't have much contact with them. http://www.namcobandaipartners.com.tw/news_detail.php?the_no=czoyOiI4MCI7

 

[Stuart444]

We got this guy to thank for the link

He's the Namco Bandai EU CM. That's why he said he doesn''t have much contact with them.

I actually didn't know NB had a TW subsidiary til I saw this Asian release talk and saw the link.

 

[Reluctant-Hero]

Parakeet, wow, you've created an outstanding OP!. About the anime, do you know what actual episode to watch through in order to be caught up for the game?

Thanks!

 

[Stuart444]

Parakeet, wow, you've created an outstanding OP!. About the anime, do you know what actual episode to watch through in order to be caught up for the game?

Thanks!

Episode 14 I think, whichever one where you fight the final boss of Aincrad.

 

[Parakeetman]

Parakeet, wow, you've created an outstanding OP!. About the anime, do you know what actual episode to watch through in order to be caught up for the game?

Thanks!

Thanks!

At least to episode 14. *beaten*

Be careful in this thread since I basically left spoilers around unmarked lol.

 

[Brazil]

Do you have any actual information as to why people should not import?

Get back to me in 2 hours.