Parakeetman
No one wants a throne you've been sitting on!
Title: Sword Art Online - Lost Song
Platform: PlayStation 3 - PlayStation VITA
Developer: Artdink
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Genre: Action RPG
Players: 1 (1-16 Online)
*16 = In game lobby, In game = 4, Unsure about PVP
Price:
PS3 - 7,120 JPY + Tax
PSV - 6,170 JPY + Tax
PSV LE - 9,980 JPY + Tax
Release Date: Japan - March 26th 2015
Asia - May 2015
Age Rating: CERO C (15 and up)
Having arrived at the floating city of Line, Kirito and the other members of his party encounter a guild by the name of “Shamrock” as they go about clearing a set of new quests that have gone online. As a guild composed of veteran players across myriad races, in the world of Alfheim Online, Shamrock is a guild that people can’t help but notice.
Arguably the most conspicuous of Shamrock’s members is Professor Sharvin Nanairo, who’s in reality a petite girl. Nevertheless, her looks are deceiving. An alumni of MIT, she’s appeared in the news a lot in recent times as genius girl wonder scientist and is conducting research on virtual societies formed within networks. Put simply, if Akihiko Kayaba, also known as Heathcliff, is the darkness belying the world of Alfheim Online, then Rainbow Arshavin is its light.
Indeed, it’s by meeting her that Kirito and company’s next great adventure is put into motion. Who’s to say what impact the genius scientist will have on their lives after everything is said and done?
Thanks to Gematsu for the Story information
- Full freedom of flight in the outdoor world area. Able to switch between air / ground combat on the fly.
- Action based combat with standard / strong attack & skills attached to mapped buttons on the controller.
- Easy to use Melee / Magic system. By sheathing your weapon the player is able to cast spells that have been mapped to buttons on the controller.
- Able to use other characters besides Kirito as the main player character when chosing your party setup at the Inn.
- Create your own personal avatar from a selection of 9 different races in the ALO world. Though your character will still be referred to Kirito in the story.
- Co-op Multiplayer via infrastructure or adhoc. 4 players in a mission and up to 16 in the party lobby.
- Gathering materials for upgrading weapons is possible in single player, but getting more rare resources is easier when playing co-op multiplayer.
- Free content update slated for the end of May which will include, PVP Multiplayer, New Quests, New Boss, New Character
- Yuuki, Agil, Sakuya, Alisia Rue are all playable characters.
- Character combinations will trigger events. (party combinations)
- Kirito
- Asuna
- Yui
- Leefa
- Lisbeth
- Silica
- Sinon
- Strea
- Philia
- Argo
- Yuuki
- Kline
- Agil
- Sakuya
- Alisia Rue
- Seven
- Rain
- Smeragi
Usable weapons are now separated by character race in this game. Info on which race can use what / magic types look at the Race section below.
- One-handed Sword
- Dual Swords
- Rapier
- Dagger
- One-handed Club
- Two-handed Sword
- Two-handed Axe
- Katana
- Spear
- Knuckles
- Bow
The 9 playable race types that you will be able to customize your character with after progressing in the story? (am not there yet) Though you will still be referred to as Kirito during story sequences. Each race has its own pre-set weapon / magic types and some come with their own special racial skill.
- Salamander - 1H Sword, 2H Sword, Knuckles, Fire Magic
- Sylph - Rapier, Dagger, Bow, Wind Magic
- Undine - 1H Sword, 1H Mace, Bow, Water Magic, Healing Magic
- Cait Sith - Knuckle, Dagger, Bow, Beast Tamer
- Leprechaun - Spear, 1H Mace, 2H Axe, Support Spells
- Gnome - 2H Axe, Knuckles, 2H Sword, Earth Magic
- Spriggan - 1H Sword, 1H Mace, Dagger, Debuff Spells, Special Skills
- Imp - Katana, 1H Sword, 1H Mace, Dark Magic
- Pooka - 1H Mace, Dagger, Bow, Song Power
#0
A: Currently from what we know the Asian version of the game will have "English Subtitles" so with that in mind and if things are the same as Hollow Fragment, we can expect an announcement for the Western version eventually. Bandai Namco has filed for a trademark for the game in the West. So with that in mind most likely will come out in the US / EU also.Q: Will this game be localized?
#1
A: Since at the moment we do not have a release date for the West, by all means feel free to import it when its released. That and we are unsure if the West will get physical copies or if it will be digital only.Q: I want a physical copy that has English localization, should I just buy the Asian version?
#2
A: The game is currently only JP voices with subtitles. Do not believe the Asian version will be dubbed in English either. Would not be surprised if the US version does not get dubbed either.Q: Is this game JP voice w subtitled or English dubbed?
#3
A: From what I understand is that Bandai Namco had commented that they will be doing a better localization job this time around. So everyone who is looking to get the Asian version can hope that they will keep their word with that.Q: Will the localization in this game be poorly done like Hollow Fragment?
#4
A: Not really, once you understand the basic of the controls its pretty easy and becomes second nature.[/url]Q: Is the flying mechanic hard to control?
#5
A: It depends if you do not mind showing up "in the middle" of a story or not know the backstory to the current setting of the game itself. Though for the most you should be ok.Q: I have not seen the anime / am unfamiliar with the series. Should I still buy this game?
#6
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 unique Action RPG to play. As its not many titles that allow the player to fly around freely.Q: If I did not enjoy the anime would, I like this game?
#7
A: This game follows its own unique storyline that takes place after the events in the first Sword Art Online. While not 100% sure, it seems that this story is related to the incidents of Hollow Fragment and takes place after it. Though there will be some things that those who are familiar with the Hollow Fragment story, will notice do not exactly match up.Q: I enjoyed the anime, would I like this game?
#8
A: This game does have co-op play which supports online and ad-hoc. While the back of the box lists 1-16, that is just for the player lobby before going on missions. Missions will be up to 4 players in a party.Q: Is there online multiplayer?
#9
A: While there are some characters that are tied in to Hollow Fragment, Lost Song is not a sequel to Hollow Fragment. The producer of Hollow Fragment has basically said that also.Q: Do I need to have played Hollow Fragment to enjoy this game?
#10
A:It seems like it considering PVP is slated to be added in late May. Also extra missions / boss / another character.[/QUOTE]Q: Will this game have more content added via update patch like Hollow Fragment?
God Eater 2: Rage Burst collaboration costumes for Kirito (Julius Visconti) and Asuna (Alisa Illinichina Amiella). DLC code will be in the April 23rd issue of Dengeki Playstation. Click on the left or right thumbnail for slightly larger image.
Some translated information w/ screens at Shonengamez.
SAO related news roundup at Gematsu.
Official Japanese Game Manual PDF download.
*Will include resources here as they appear.
AmiAmi
Nippon-Yasan
CD Japan
HMV Japan
*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 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 Sword Art Online: Lost Song HP for the resources which makes up a good number of the edited graphics here.
Special thanks to Deviant Art user - darkblackswords for having made the font used in the OT.
(link removed since it seems like deviant art is a blocked site) 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.