
Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream
Release Date: October 4, 2024
RPG, TPP, fantasy, science fiction, manga and anime, online, co-op, action RPG, jRPG, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet
OpenCritic
An action jRPG with a TPP camera. Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream features the torn world of the MMO ALfheim Online and playing as one of the characters from different eras we must try to restore it. We can play alone or in coop as a group of up to 20 players.
Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream is a Japanese action RPG game developed by the Dimps Corporation studio (known from such projects as Dragon Ball: Xenoverse or Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet) and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. The production was based on a license of a brand that enjoys great popularity (especially in Japan), encompassing video games, anime, manga, and novels for young people.
Plot
Similar to other games under this banner, Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream transports us to a sci-fi universe, where various MMO games are celebrated. One of them is ALfheim Online, in which a special Galaxia system has been implemented, allowing players to experience events from the past.
However, things did not go according to the plans of its creators, and the virtual space-time collapsed into ruins, mixing characters from different eras and plots. However, all is not lost, as over 20 heroes and heroines step in to restore balance in the world of ALfheim Online. For many of them, fulfilling this mission involves the necessity of burying the hatchet and establishing cooperation with former enemies.
Gameplay
The gameplay in Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream does not deviate too much from what we have been accustomed to by previous titles under this banner. The game allows us to choose one of the characters diversified in terms of specialization, skills and preferred weapons.
Apart from Kirito, who is a swordsman and somewhat the main character, we have at our disposal his cousin Leafa, a sniper named Sinon, quietly operating Argo or even Agil wielding a large axe.
After choosing our hero or heroine, we set off on a journey full of dangers through various locations. We complete quests and engage in dynamic skirmishes with opponents. Among the latter, powerful bosses lead the way, which we eliminate by participating in special raids.
Game modes
We can technically play Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream alone, but the game spreads its wings in the cooperative mode for 20 players. Participants of the game operate in four-person teams and work together to restore balance in the virtual world of ALfheim Online.
Videos and Screens
[0:40] Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream - M Character Trailer
[0:43] Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream - Pitohui Character Trailer
Infinite Start: 7.5 / 10 by Mark Fajardo
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.
Final Weapon: 3 / 5 by Noah Hunter
Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream is a fun time that ultimately falls a bit short of its lofty goals. While the story mode is a good time, there are issues here and there that prevent this from being a great experience. Moreover, the game's multiplayer offerings are fun to experience with friends, but the dwindling player count leaves major concerns for the longevity of this title.
NookGaming: 3 / 10 by Daniel Joseph
I cannot recommend Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream. To anyone. Even the most committed Sword Art Online fans are unlikely to find much to love here. It is a live service title without legs. A real disappointment coming from the developers of Fatal Bullet. Perhaps with more development time and a clearer idea of what the game should be, it could have been a worthwhile endeavor. As it stands though it’s a sad, vapid outing for the series.
Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream Summary
Game Series: Sword Art Online
Platforms:
PC / Windows
PlayStation 5
Xbox Series X/S
Switch
Developer: Dimps Corporation
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Age restrictions: 12+
Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core i5-8400 2.8 GHz / AMD Ryzen 3 3100 3.6 GHz, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 3 GB GeForce GTX 780 / 4 GB Radeon RX 580, 45 GB HDD, Windows 10/11 64-bit
Recommended: Intel Core i7-10700K 3.8 GHz / AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz, 16 GB RAM, graphic card 6 GB GeForce RTX 2060 / 8 GB Radeon RX Vega 64, 45 GB HDD, Windows 10/11 64-bit