Fractured Daydream: A Stunning Successor to Sword Art Online Fatal Bullet
There seems to be a dark cloud that hangs over the video game adaptations of popular anime and manga. Fans of these games typically play them knowing there’s a chance you’ll have to make some exceptions regarding system depth or replayability. The Sword Art Online series has been going strong since 2013 with the release of Sword Art Online: Infinity Moment. Since then, each release has attempted to build on core action RPG systems while also adapting the ever-changing virtual world of the Sword Art Online Arcs.
However, one game stands above the rest when you talk to fans of video game releases: Sword Art Online Fatal Bullet. This entry is the best-selling in the series and is also one of the few that allows you to create a player avatar. Further, the game is a third-person shooter, which may have surprised us at the reveal, but in execution, it worked.
Fractured Daydream feels like a spiritual successor to Fatal Bullet, with even more refined gameplay and action.
Dimps, the studio behind this standout adventure has now returned to the franchise to deliver Sword Art Online Fractured Daydream. What could be considered a sequel to Fatal Bullet has been given a reboot of sorts so as not to tie it to that narrative, but what is here is a spiritual successor. One thing is for sure: I was not expecting to have so much fun with this game.
Hands-On Gameplay: Fast, Fluid, and Fun
During PAX West 2024, I was able to go hands on with Sword Art Online Fractured Daydream. As a fan of the series, I know to ease my expectations to avoid any unnecessary sense of disappointment. However, something surprised me after 5 minutes of playing, this game is super good.
Sword Art Online Fractured Daydream’s controls are incredibly tight, making every encounter a joy to play.
From the moment I picked up the controller, I was racing through the open field, taking down field-enemies, and running toward an icon on the map. After reaching a checkpoint, my party was unlocked, and I could play as a few other characters.
Tight Controls and Unique Character Loadouts
Let me just be clear: I don’t think the trailers for Fractured Daydream do its gameplay justice. The controls of this action shooter are insanely tight, with access to special skills and actions only a button away. Everything was easy to understand on a basic level, but the Bandai representative also walked me through some of the more complex combos that can be set up against boss enemies. Further, the approach to combat depends on your controlled character; given that each character has a unique loadout and moveset, there’s a lot of depth to how you approach enemies, and defeating them felt even more satisfying.
Why You Should Join the Open Network Test
Unique character loadouts add depth to combat, letting players choose how to approach each enemy.
Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream is preparing for an Open Network test across all platforms on September 20, and I urge you to participate and see for yourself. The character animations are adorable, but I might be referring to Llenn. Regardless, it seems people are writing this entry off, but you’ll be missing out. There’s the possibility to really make this online mode packed with other players to go on missions and hang out in this virtual space. If you were afraid this game lacked quality in any way, you’d be hugely mistaken.
Promising Future for SAO Fans
Please expect a formal preview after we get more time with the game during the Network Test. But in the meantime, check out our gameplay and see for yourself what this new adventure is promising.
Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream will be released for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam on October 4, 2024.
