Echoes of Aincrad
Top Critic Average
Critics Recommend
Critic Reviews for Echoes of Aincrad
Echoes of Aincrad may seem like a dream game for hardcore Sword Art Online fans, but divorced from the anime’s branding, it’s just a passable action-RPG.
With Echoes of Aincrad, Bandai Namco tries to once again dive into the world of Sword Art Online, now from a perspective of different players.
Echoes of Aincrad is easily the most enjoyable Sword Art Online game I've played, largely because it finally understands what fans wanted from this series in the first place: letting you experience Aincrad as a custom avatar rather than someone constantly standing in Kirito's shadow.
Perhaps it's because the universe it presents is so interesting and the desire for a new .hack is strong; perhaps it's because I was hoping to find something good at some point; or perhaps it's because the combat and the gameplay loop are so entertaining. But the fact is that despite its many and obvious problems, I've continued playing Echoes of Aincrad.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Echoes of Aincrad sadly fails as both a standalone RPG adventure or as a fan-pleasing experience for the Sword Art Online community. Its flaws hold it back a lot, and newcomers or seasoned fans alike would be better served playing any of the other games in the franchise instead of this one.
Echoes of Aincrad understands the tone and appeal of Sword Art Online - and that counts for a lot - but it's let down by undercooked gameplay systems and disappointingly dull quest design.Those looking for a grindy action RPG might enjoy how progression is handled, and hardcore fans of the source material will probably push through for the sake of a mostly entertaining story, but you'll still need to stomach so many issues.
Echoes of Aincrad delivers a visually spectacular and lore-accurate tribute that will undoubtedly thrill Sword Art Online fans. Regrettably, its breathtaking world design is held back by rigid invisible walls, repetitive mission loops, and clunky combat mechanics. It stands as a decent, high-production Action RPG that ultimately lacks the polish to transcend its licensed boundaries.
Review in Italian | Read full review
I wish Echoes of Aincrad were what it was advertised as. It tries to stand out as what fans expect from a game based on the Sword Art Online franchise, but it fails to capture what makes the franchise special. Instead of focusing on its unique setting and world-building, Bandai Namco instead focused on trends and what they think people want in an Action-RPG.
