SWORD ART ONLINE Last Recollection

The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it repetitive and bogged down by excessive cutscenes that detract from the overall experience. While some appreciate the introduction of tactical arts and the fun mechanics, others criticize the lack of depth and engaging content, leading to boredom over time. Overall, the gameplay is seen as solid but not exceptional, with many recommending other titles in the series for a better experience.

The graphics of the game show noticeable improvements over its predecessor, particularly in animations and certain visual elements, but opinions are mixed. While some players appreciate the enhanced visuals and open-world design, others criticize the graphics for feeling outdated or inconsistent, with comparisons to older games and complaints about optimization issues. Overall, the visuals are seen as a mixed bag, with some praising their beauty while others find them lacking or disappointing.

Reviews indicate that while the game features fluid combat and a compelling story, it suffers from excessive grinding, particularly in affinity and skill progression, which can lead to a frustrating experience. Players noted that despite the absence of traditional material grinding, the need for extensive grinding to unlock certain skills and raise affection detracts from enjoyment. Overall, the game attempts to streamline the grinding experience but ultimately leaves players feeling that it is either too tedious or insufficiently rewarding.

The game's optimization is highly praised, with significant improvements over its predecessor, "Alicization Lycoris," resulting in a smoother and faster experience. Players appreciate the fluid combat and solid performance on PC, aided by Unreal Engine, with no major bugs reported. However, excessive grinding and high enemy HP may detract from the overall enjoyment for some players.

The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising it as one of the best soundtracks in the series, highlighting the area themes, boss music, and cutscene scores. However, others criticize it for lacking memorable tracks, with some players forgetting the music entirely. Overall, the soundtrack is noted for its quality and customization options, with a nostalgic nod to previous titles.

The game features exceptional writing and a fun, exciting, and heartfelt story that resonates with players. Many reviewers noted that the emotional impact of the ending surpasses the overall narrative, leaving a lasting impression despite the game's overall enjoyment.

Overall, users report that the game's stability is generally good, with a smooth combat flow and fewer bugs compared to its predecessor at launch. However, some players still experience notable bugs that detract from the overall experience.

The monetization strategy of the game is heavily criticized, with players expressing that they would prefer watching ads on YouTube over continuing to play, indicating a frustrating and unenjoyable experience with in-game purchases or advertisements.

The humor in the game is often delivered through well-crafted characters, such as the merchant Kainan, whose relatable motives and actions provide comedic moments that resonate with players.