When gaming was just starting to become popular a number of stories started to explore what the future held. One of the most notable was .Hack//Sign, with Overlord, and a number of others following. It seems only natural these stories would eventually transition to games themselves, something that has worked extremely well for Sword Art Online. With Sword Art Online Fractured Daydream building on some of the recent changes in the industry, is it a massive step forward, or does it feel like it’s stuck in the past?
As the name suggests, Sword Art Online Fractured Daydream offers a unique take to the narrative. Players start with a brief introduction before seeing Kirito in the real world. However, a surprise interaction makes him realize he is still in the game, and something is seriously wrong.
This Isn’t Ominous…
From here the narrative tries to explore what happened, along with revisiting events from the past. It’s an interesting concept that doesn’t leave newcomers behind. There is enough where it makes sense, even if the nuance understanding isn’t there.
Outside of narrative is a simple, yet diverse, combat system. It starts with a rather straightforward explanation of Kirito. He has a traditional action RPG move set. One button is light attack, another heavy, along with a dash, dodge, block, and various special attacks. As players progress more characters are unlocked, and with them a wider array of play styles. These include flying, guns, and a plethora of other weapons.
Each play style is a bit different, though none of them are particularly deep. There are a finite amount of moves, success comes more from understanding enemy attack pattens, and special attacks. Beyond that, most attacks feel rather floaty, and is more about reacting to the situation.
It’s always better to be defensive, since enemies will often tank attacks. Enemies also like to attack from various angles, where even if the character is blocking, they will take damage from unguarded locations. Due to enemies alternating attacks it’s also common to get stuck in an attack loop. These situations require retreating, as aggressive players will either die, or take substantial damage.
Outside of combat is a somewhat interesting world to explore. I say somewhat because it often looks larger than a number of missions will let players explore. Instead of reaching a natural end, there is just an arbitrary invisible wall. Still, exploring is worth doing as a number of cosmetic, and interesting things can be found.
While Sword Art Online Fractured Daydream has a Special Trial (Season Pass), and store, it’s great to see costumes, icons, and other things hidden around the world. It adds a much more interesting reward than another random weapon that will get tossed out in an hour or so. The variety of challenges also make the world feel more alive.
Free Cosmetics are Always Welcome
Beyond standard chests are special collectibles, side missions, and world bosses. Missions range from the standard kill things in a time limit, to weirder things like a shooting challenge. None of them are particularly difficult, not even the world bosses, they just make for fun side tasks to make a mission more rewarding.
Beating a mission also unlocks a fair amount of loot. These include weapons, necklaces, and rings, which can be used to create builds. This isn’t overly important at first, but becomes increasingly important for co-op quests, and raid bosses.
Didn’t Stand a Chance
Easily the best part of Sword Art Online Fractured Daydream are co-op quests. These start by being different than what you’d might expect. Instead of being an activity where up to four players work together to complete a series of quests, five teams of four work together to score points and win the mission.
Not only is it a cool take on the concept, it ends with a massive battle between a giant boss, and everyone all at once. Unfortunately, there is some lag at times, but it’s a really exciting experience. Following each match there is a chance for cosmetics, rare drops, and rankings to see how well you performed. It’s the type of mode that adds a lot, as do the raid boss fights that push players to be better.
Sword Art Online Fractured Daydream Review Verdict
Sword Art Online Fractured Daydream: While I wouldn't say Sword Art Online Fractured Daydream breaks the mold, it does a lot of cool things that are worth experiencing. The wide range of characters, coupled with a plethora of stats create an experience that encourages players to give it their all. This, coupled with thrilling modes like co-op quests makes it an experience that might not reinvent the wheel, but it is a lot of fun with plenty of room to grow. – Mark
Editor’s Note: Sword Art Online Fractured Daydream was reviewed on PC, and a copy was provided to us for review purposes.
