Bandai Namco has revealed some interesting tidbits of information regarding new Sword Art Online action RPG Echoes of Aincrad, including a new “Death Game Mode.” Available in all version of Echoes of Aincrad and as an early unlock for the Deluxe and Ultimate Editions, Death Game Mode is reference to the consequence that players of the in-universe MMORPG experience if they run out of health and dies in the game—permadeath. Upon death, Echoes of Aincrad will delete the player’s save data on the 2nd and 3rd slots, which are the slots that Death Game Mode supports.
In addition, the official Japanese website for Echoes of Aincrad confirms that the single-player game doesn’t support HDR. The performance specifications per platform were also revealed:
- PlayStation 5 – 4K at 60 FPS max frame rate
- Xbox Series X – 4K at 60 FPS max frame rate
- Xbox Series S – 1440p at 60 FPS max frame rate
- PC (Steam) – 720p to 4K supported, unlimited frame rate
Echoes of Aincrad launches on July 10 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, and pre-orders are available now for the Standard Edition ($69.99), Deluxe Edition ($89.99), Ultimate Edition ($109.99), and Aincrad Edition (Bandai Namco Store exclusive, $149.99).
Here’s an overview of the game, via Steam:
Risk Your Reality
Step into the floating castle of Aincrad, a world of breathtaking beauty and danger where every battle could be your last. Enter a mysterious, vibrant world and shape your fate. Create your hero, choose your gear, and master combat through your special skills and reflexes. Build synergy with the partner of your choice, level up, and unlock powerful abilities as your horizon expands with every victory.
Will you rise and claim your destiny or fall to foes stronger than you imagined?
This is not just a game; it’s a battle for survival. Take up your weapon, shape your legend, and enter an adventure to risk your reality!
Forge Your Hero
Live this JRPG adventure as yourself by designing and customizing your own avatar to create a hero that reflects your vision. This is your identity, your legend, and your chance to leave a mark on a world where survival is everything.
Define Your Progression
Shape your adventure and determine your fate by adapting your equipment, weapons, statistics, partner and special skills to reflect your favor for speed, intelligence, or endurance. Gather more strength as you level up. Growth is essential for your survival. Deepen the synergy with your partner, adapt their tactics and build to create a team dynamic that turns every battle into a triumph.
Explore a Thriving World
Wander across diverse cities and journey through stunning environments, from serene plains to perilous dungeons filled with secrets. Complete quests, hunt rare treasures, and challenge formidable foes in real-time action combat. The map expands as your story unfolds, revealing new areas and dangers at every turn.
