"Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization" is an action role-playing game developed by AQURIA and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released in 2016, it is the fourth game in the Sword Art Online series, drawing heavily from the popular anime and light novel franchise created by Reki Kawahara. Set in a fictional VRMMORPG (Virtual Reality Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game), players take on the role of Kirito as he navigates the new world known as "Sword Art: Origin." The game introduces an expansive open world to explore, filled with quests, dungeons, and various AI characters, each with their own personalities and storylines.
As players traverse this detailed world, they engage in real-time combat against a variety of enemies using a blend of melee and ranged attacks, along with skills and abilities unique to their character. In addition to combat, the game emphasizes social interactions and relationships with AI characters and other players, central to the narrative experience. As players progress, they can customize their character’s abilities and gear, forming parties to tackle more challenging content. Hollow Realization stands out for its deep narrative, which explores themes of identity, friendship, and the impact of virtual reality on relationships, all while keeping the essence of the Sword Art Online series alive. The game features both single-player and multiplayer elements, allowing friends to join in cooperative quests and adventures.
