A Promising Start To A Much Bigger Adventure?<\/h2>\n
I\u2019ve never really got involved in the Sword Art Online universe before, largely due to time restraints. But when opportunity arose to get hands-on with Echoes of Aincrad, a game set in the same world, my hand was immediately raised. And largely, at risk of minor spoilers, I\u2019m very glad it did!<\/p>\n
From Bandai Namco and Game Studio Inc (I wonder what they do?), this one is billed as an action RPG. That is something right up my alley, and having previously played games like Code Vein and Scarlet Nexus<\/a><\/strong>, I felt prepared for what was to come. So let\u2019s grab a sword and see what is happening in the world of Aincrad, shall we?<\/p>\n Now, there\u2019s something that I feel I need to mention at the the top of this review, before we get going, and that is that Echoes of Aincrad<\/a><\/strong> constantly talks about the fact that there are 100 levels to the tower that we find ourselves in. However, this game draws to a close after just 2 floors. So, there is either going to be a lot of DLC coming further down the line, or a series of games. Bearing in mind that the two floors I played took many hours to complete, this could be a long term proposition. However, the games director is on record saying that to make the game 100 floors in length would take 10 years of work, so I guess we\u2019ll have to see what pans out.<\/p>\n Anyway, after that brief diversion, here\u2019s the story: Sword Art Online<\/a><\/strong> (SOA) is a game in the real world, where the users are jacked in to achieve full feedback. This is my implication, as it isn\u2019t really explained, but given what unfolds, it is the only thing that makes sense. Anyway, when the game is launched, one of the developers reveals that this is no longer a game: you can\u2019t log out, and death means that you die for real. Nightmare on Elm Street vibes for sure, but there is also a weird Inception vibe, as we know we are playing a game and reference things to do with gaming, and yet it is also real. The only way to leave the game is to beat it, all 100 floors, and so the scene is set for the rest of time.\u00a0<\/p>\n Presentation is very good throughout, with an attractive anime style to proceedings. If you\u2019ve played Code Vein<\/a><\/strong> or any of the other titles, you\u2019ll be familiar with what you are seeing here, as an almost cel shaded world is thrust towards your eyes. It looks great when stationary (I have had to take a couple of screenshots) but it is equally good when things are moving. The animation, both of our characters and of the enemies we fight is top notch, and battles are a vivid looking affair.\u00a0<\/p>\n However, the camera falls into the trap that many games from the 3D action RPG genre do, and it can get very confused indeed, leaving you getting pummeled in a corner (the end game dungeons in particular are a pain for this) but it is usually up to the job. Another bone of contention is the map. The areas that we explore later on are massive, and this can cause issues with trying to figure out where we are going. In fact, the map is about as much use as a chocolate fireguard when it comes to seeing the path forward. Apart from that, it\u2019s great!<\/p>\n Sound is equally impressive, with every character we meet being fully voice acted, all of an extremely high quality. Indeed, we are the only silent character in Echoes of Aincrad, and while we can say a lot with a look, it would be nice to be able to choose a response in conversation other than \u201cSmile\u201d or \u201cShake Head\u201d. Battle sounds, enemy noises and music are also very good, and while the amount of times your companions shout \u201cthere;s a treasure chest\u201d does get annoying, all in all the presentation works very well.\u00a0<\/p>\n Now, the gameplay, and here the news is also good, if somewhat repetitive. Let me explain\u2026 In the main story arc, there are about 80 chapters, and the majority of these (if not the vast majority) sees us start off in the wilderness, be given a waypoint to run to, and then when we get there, fight a boss in order to complete the mission or quest, as they are referred to by the characters. Along the way, you\u2019ll have to fight various creatures, from simple sword fodder to elite level enemies, and annoyingly, the enemies scale with our level. I thought I could go back to an early mission to grind, and then discovered that one of the first bosses was not level 71, just like me. So grinding levels, which you will need to do, is somewhat tricky.\u00a0<\/p>\n The basic gameplay focuses on melee, as there is no magic in the world of SOA. There are numerous categories of weapons to choose from though, from daggers through to two handed axes, and each weapon class has its own levelling mechanic. The more you use a particular class, the more Sword Skills you unlock, in turn opening up extra levels that award points which can be used to power up your favourite skills, making them stronger. In this way, your preferred class becomes more effective, and this will help in the game as a whole.\u00a0<\/p>\n In addition to choosing a weapon class, there are also options in terms of the companion who can accompany us on our journey. There are a variety to be recruited, and each has slightly different requisites to join us. Some need simply to be spoken too, while others have mission chains tied to them. With so much flexibility, finding a loadout and team to come on the journey is pretty easy.\u00a0<\/p>\n And that is pretty much Echoes of Aincrad \u2013 explore a bit, batter a boss, hit a new mission, until the end of the game which arrives rather faster than expected. However, this isn\u2019t the end, as there are endgame activities to have a go at, and boy, are they tough. Get the best weapons you can (and make sure they are upgraded!) and also give your companion the best of the gear: this would be my top tip to you. It\u2019s no good you being a powerhouse and your team tickling the enemies, is it?<\/p>\n So, aside from the usual camera annoyances and the slightly repetitive mission structure, Echoes of Aincrad is a very good game indeed. It isn\u2019t quite top tier, but it will capture your interest and ensure you keep playing for a decent old while.\u00a0<\/p>\n Give it a try, I don\u2019t think you\u2019ll regret it.\u00a0<\/p>\n Echoes of Aincrad Invites Players To Risk Reality \u2013 https:\/\/www.thexboxhub.com\/echoes-of-aincrad-invites-players-to-risk-reality\/<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Echoes of Aincrad Announced With July 2026 Release Date \u2013 https:\/\/www.thexboxhub.com\/echoes-of-aincrad-announced-with-july-2026-release-date\/<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Buy from the Xbox Store \u2013 https:\/\/www.xbox.com\/en-GB\/games\/store\/echoes-of-aincrad\/9NN493BKMM4Q\/0010<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n There\u2019s a Deluxe Edition \u2013 https:\/\/www.xbox.com\/en-GB\/games\/store\/echoes-of-aincrad-deluxe-edition\/9N76L41R53R7\/0010<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n![\"Echoes](\"https:\/\/www.thexboxhub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Echoes-of-Aincrad-review-1-640x360.jpg\")
Scratching The Surface<\/h3>\n
Stylish Anime Presentation Brings The World To Life<\/h3>\n
![\"Echoes](\"https:\/\/www.thexboxhub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Echoes-of-Aincrad-review-2-640x360.jpg\")
Familiar Action RPG Combat Rewards Long-Term Progression<\/h3>\n
![\"Echoes](\"https:\/\/www.thexboxhub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Echoes-of-Aincrad-review-3-640x360.jpg\")
Endgame Challenges Offer Plenty Of Reasons To Keep Playing<\/h3>\n
A Strong Foundation For Future Adventures<\/h2>\n
\nImportant Links<\/h3>\n