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New Echoes of Aincrad Characters Revealed as Launch Approaches

Bandai Namco details key companions for Echoes of Aincrad, including a two-handed sword fighter, a beta test partner, and a mysterious solo mentor.

Updated

New Companions Join the Fray

Bandai Namco has shared new details about the support characters players will encounter. According to the Steam update, three companion archetypes will assist players during the climb up the floating fortress.

The first companion is a two-handed sword-wielding warrior who prioritizes protecting his allies, meeting the player's group during a search for new raid members. The second is Yori (also referred to by players as Lori), a companion present since the beta test who is described as a lore enthusiast eager to clear the death game. The third is a solo sword fighter who served as a mentor, teaching players the basics during the initial beta test.

While the official post leaves names vague, community speculation suggests the solo mentor might be Kirito, linking the player's avatar to the core anime narrative. These companions will integrate directly with the game's partner system, helping players coordinate tactical combat.

Anime Expo Panel Reveals Upcoming Movie Announcement

During the Anime Expo panel for the game, organizers announced that a brand-new Sword Art Online anime movie will be officially unveiled on July 6 at 9:00 AM Pacific Time. This announcement highlights Bandai Namco's push to leverage the broader franchise media mix to generate momentum ahead of the game's upcoming release date.

Demo Gripes Put Pressure on $70 Price Tag

Despite the promotional push, player feedback for the active demo has been mixed. Critics and users have voiced concerns regarding the game's structural choices, pointing to rigid progression constraints and limited initial options.

Key points of friction include:

  • Locked Character Customization: Players are frustrated by the inability to access full character creation settings during the opening hours of the demo.
  • Weapon Constraints: The demo restricts players to specific starting setups, preventing immediate experimentation with the game's diverse weapons.
  • Repetitive Companions: Companions like Yori have drawn criticism for spamming identical audio cues during combat and exploration.
  • Single-Player Focus: A segment of the community remains skeptical about the lack of robust multiplayer options, given the franchise's MMO-inspired roots.

These demo issues have intensified discussions around the $70 price tag, with some players questioning whether the content justifies a premium launch price.

The Mystery of Death Game Mode Incentives

Additionally, players are actively debating the rewards associated with the high-stakes death game mode. While the risk of permanent save file deletion is the mode's defining feature, it remains unconfirmed whether surviving the challenge awards exclusive in-game items, unique cosmetic skins, or simply bragging rights.

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