SWORD ART ONLINE Last Recollection

“While some fans may not be a fan of its linear design, Sword Art Online Last Recollection delivers on making a fun action-RPG MMO hybrid adventure.”

“Sword Art Online: Last Recollection is the culmination of all the Sword Art Online games and it feels a bit disappointing. The combat feels much smoother and the character models are of higher quality, but it doesn't feel like a full experience.”

“Last Recollection is a game that expands the world of SAO, taking us to the Dark Territory in a story focused on achieving peace in the midst of war. Despite introducing new gameplay mechanics, such as skill awakening, the removal of cherished features from previous games could disappoint fans.”

“Sword Art Online: Last Recollection, has a good track record and an interesting, little communicated and evocative context in game design. In the end I ended up with a single player and a multiplayer, with a non-recurring effect in the Alcun mode of living with one another, presenting a mess that is not particularly effective. The bottom line is that it is only possible to distinguish between the two, but it is only subtle.”

“While Sword Art Online Alicization Lycoris was bitter, Sword Art Online Last Recollection turns out to be rather sweet.”

“Sword Art Online: Last Recollection is one of the better games in the franchise’s history. The combat mechanics are solid and questing can be fun, plus it’s good fan service. It’s a bit of a shame every other aspect drags the game down, but that won’t stop you from enjoying Last Recollection especially if you’re looking for a simple, single-player MMO-style experience.”

“Sword Art Online Last Recollection is something that I feel a bit biased about. I do love the game for its grind and what it’s trying to do despite its shortcomings. However, if I try to look at it objectively, the game itself is terrible. The game’s combat system is a slugfest of mashing buttons mixed with boredom. Not to mention across all its different weapon types, they all feel and play the same.”

“SWORD ART ONLINE Last Recollection is the most polished game in the series, with by far the best combat loop. However, I found everything else, from the RPG mechanics to the linear world structure, to be a clear downgrade from Alicization Lycoris. And I can understand the why: focus on what you can do well. But I feel like the ambition of previous titles was something the niche fans of these games had already accepted, and not continuing with that for the franchises’ (supposed) last title is doing it a disservice.”

“For long-time fans who really want to devour all the spin-offs of the franchise, "Last Recollection" is certainly worth a look. However, due to the mixed technical condition and the untapped potential, we cannot give the action RPG an unqualified recommendation for all genre fans.”

“Sword Art Online Last Recollection may entertain fans for a while, but as JRPG is unfortunately dull and uninspired.”

“Sword Art Online: Last Recollection is the worthy conclusion, narrative-wise, of the SAO Gamerverse, with continuous twists and turns and the presence of many memorable characters. Unfortunately, on a gameplay level the many mechanics introduced are of little use, and even on a technical level it doesn't impress, also presenting several quality-of-life flaws. It is in all respects a title to be played solely for the plot, dedicated to those who enjoyed the previous chapters.”

“In the end, Sword Art Online Last Recollection is a disappointment. The enticing promise of 45 playable characters is undercut by the monotony of combat, and the story is decently executed but entirely trite and predictable. This is the last entry in the Sword Art Online Gameverse, and I went in really wanting to love it. I’ve developed an appreciation for the game series over the years, in spite of its flaws. But I can’t find much appreciation at all for this. The game took me about forty hours to clear, and all I can say is that was about thirty hours too long. At least it's mercifully short compared to Alicization Lycoris. For diehard fans of the series perhaps it is worth picking up eventually, if only to see the journey through to the end. But for the majority of players who might be interested, I can’t recommend Sword Art Online Last Recollection. There was potential here, but it’s squandered. For the last entry in the series, this is no swan song. More like a goose gurgle.”

“Despite inheriting some of the issues that the Gameverse has been dragging around since its inception, Sword Art Online: Last Recollection is hands down the best SAO tie-in to date.”

“Sword Art Online: Last Recollection takes past feedback to deliver one of the best SAO gaming entries to date. However, while making improvements, some unusual gameplay choices were made that impact the overall experience, aiming for a more straightforward approach to please fans. It successfully allows all players to experience the conclusion of this epic campaign, but the linear quests and dated exploration may make it difficult to recommend as a modern action JRPG.”