It’s always interesting when a game tries to capture the magic of a beloved tale while also giving players enough freedom to make the journey feel like their own. Echoes of Aincrad does exactly that, retelling the opening arc of Sword Art Online while expanding it into a much larger adventure that feels less like an anime adaptation and more like a purebred JRPG.
For those unfamiliar with the series, the game takes place inside the deadly virtual world of Aincrad, where thousands of players find themselves trapped inside an MMO with one terrifying rule: if you die in the game, you die in real life.
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Rather than simply following Kirito beat for beat, Echoes of Aincrad introduces an original storyline that sits alongside the familiar narrative, letting both newcomers and long-time fans discover the world while also being given a fresh perspective.
Loyal Follower
While the main story is very loyal to the source material in its early hours, it gradually begins to branch off into original territory, giving supporting characters more time in the spotlight while introducing entirely new story threads.
It does take a little while before the game finds its own identity, though. However, once it does, it becomes far more engaging than a flat-out retelling. Gameplay sees you exploring two floors of Aincrad, completing quests, gathering resources, and preparing for each floor boss encounter. Though the towns you’ll find feel a but empty in terms of things to do in a strange way.
Loops of Aincrad
The progression loop is satisfying. Every area introducing stronger enemies, tougher dungeons, and better equipment to chase. There’s always another quest to complete or weapon to craft, making it so easy to lose track of time.
Combat is where Echoes of Aincrad shines. Battles are fast-paced without becoming overwhelming, blending traditional action combat with the series’ iconic Sword Skills. Timing dodges, chaining together abilities, and switching between party members creates fights that feel fluid and rewarding.
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Boss fights are particularly enjoyable, if a little reheated in places, often demanding proper preparation instead of simply mashing attacks until victory.
Familial
Your party is made up of familiar faces from the anime, each bringing their own unique fighting styles and abilities. Building relationships through optional conversations and side content not only adds character development but also unlocks useful combat bonuses.
Then there is the post-game ‘grind’. Where you get access to warped dungeons in which you can earn keystones that make you strong enough to face even the most challenging foes. Though tackle this under-levelled and you’ll know all about it.
Remarkable Recreation
Visually, Echoes of Aincrad does an excellent job recreating the anime’s tone and style. Each floor offers distinct themes and memorable locations. Character models are faithful to the source material, while flashy combat effects make every battle feel suitably dramatic.
The soundtrack is best summed up as complementary,” enriching the adventure overall by mixing emotional piano pieces with energetic battle themes. The game also has a full English dub a first for the series.
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Echoes of Aincrad feels like the starting point for something much more grander. The slower opening, coupled with a few repetitive side missions, occasionally holds it back as well, but it succeeds where it matters most.
Echoes of Aincrad delivers an enjoyable action RPG packed with meaningful progression, satisfying combat, and enough original storytelling to keep even the most die-hard Sword Art Online fans invested until the credits roll.
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