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New Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment Trailer. PS Vita.

This game really is the perfect example of 'should we take anime games seriously?'

The battle system could possibly be interesting and engaging but people will be sidetracked on all this weird pandering shit.
 

Parakeetman

No one wants a throne you've been sitting on!
Im tempted just to get a digital copy also, just so i dont have to keep swapping in and out the game cart. Was great when I did this with my PSP version, had the UMD too. More like I had to go that route originally since I forgot the game came out and was a bit too late for the initial run. Went digital first then when it finally restocked grabbed a UMD ver also just to collect.

This game really is the perfect example of 'should we take anime games seriously?'

The battle system could possibly be interesting and engaging but people will be sidetracked on all this weird pandering shit.

Funny how you call it weird pandering shit when the show was filled with the exact same stuff.

pn9lb.jpg
 

Hasemo

(;・∀・)ハッ?
Still thinking if I should get it. Never played the PSP one, but I'm afraid of the battle system being oversimplified and boring as in most sp games that try to imitate the "mmo experience".
 

Parakeetman

No one wants a throne you've been sitting on!
Still thinking if I should get it. Never played the PSP one, but I'm afraid of the battle system being oversimplified and boring as in most sp games that try to imitate the "mmo experience".

It worked pretty good overall. But the game was quite rough the original. It really boils down to just skill management, buff / debuff and timing. As in timing the attacks since they can be cancelled if you take damage or status effects I think it was.

But I have no idea what your personal tastes are and seeing already with the kind of mindset you seem to have going into it you might go and let yourself down.

If anything the system should be a lot more refined than what we got in the PSP, which was a bit harder to deal with as you had to work with a virtual menu. Meaning if you were not used to playing things like MMOs and whatnots you were pretty screwed with how the games mechanics worked. It was one repeated comment I noticed from J gamers. "You will enjoy the game if you know MMOs, if not maybe not as much."

Since it will work with the PSV TV I can record footage that you can take a look at the battle system and decide from there. So unless you have a hard-on for day 1 might as well hold off for a little bit.
 
Will wait to see if the Asia version does have English text for everything important, but my interest in this game grows. Hopefully I won't drop it halfway like the anime.
 

Abdiel

Member
Will wait to see if the Asia version does have English text for everything important, but my interest in this game grows. Hopefully I won't drop it halfway like the anime.

Seconded. I enjoyed SAO, especially the first arc, a great deal. The second half was definitely weaker, with
Asuna being damseled like that in the bird cage and the creepy molesting stuff
but I did enjoy how it brought all the characters together.
 

Parakeetman

No one wants a throne you've been sitting on!
Seconded. I enjoyed SAO, especially the first arc, a great deal. The second half was definitely weaker, with
Asuna being damseled like that in the bird cage and the creepy molesting stuff
but I did enjoy how it brought all the characters together.

You forgot how generic / poorly written the main antagonist was in the second half.
 

Abdiel

Member
You forgot how generic / poorly written the main antagonist was in the second half.

I didn't forget, I just didn't want to dwell on him overmuch. The in-game conflicts with the other players were far more interesting, though the Cousin/Sister stuff was really heavy handed.

Also: In the game... He goes back to using his original character model, instead of the Alfheim one? Which I'm fine with. Kirito's normal character model is definitely cooler than the Spriggan one, but Sugu is using Leafa, which can still fly...?
 

Parakeetman

No one wants a throne you've been sitting on!
I didn't forget, I just didn't want to dwell on him overmuch. The in-game conflicts with the other players were far more interesting, though the Cousin/Sister stuff was really heavy handed.

Also: In the game... He goes back to using his original character model, instead of the Alfheim one? Which I'm fine with. Kirito's normal character model is definitely cooler than the Spriggan one, but Sugu is using Leafa, which can still fly...?

Its all answered in the game when you play it. This story takes 100% in aincrad. Thats all Ill say. Or more like should take place 100% in aincrad if they kept it the same as the PSP one. Its an alternative story to the anime / LN
 

Abdiel

Member
Its all answered in the game when you play it. This story takes 100% in aincrad. Thats all Ill say. Or more like should take place 100% in aincrad if they kept it the same as the PSP one. Its an alternative story to the anime / LN

Sounds good to me. the Play-Asia info for it has confirmation that the game menus have the English option. Would that include the dialogue boxes, too? Like, when characters are speaking outside of cut scenes... That sorta thing is kinda important to me. Haha.
 

Parakeetman

No one wants a throne you've been sitting on!
Sounds good to me. the Play-Asia info for it has confirmation that the game menus have the English option. Would that include the dialogue boxes, too? Like, when characters are speaking outside of cut scenes... That sorta thing is kinda important to me. Haha.

Like I said before all those who are looking into the Asian version wait for a trusted source to get it first and go through it to make sure that its actually "localized" to English which means all text has been changed in the game. In comparison to being just "subtitles" which would lean more towards just cut scenes where characters are speaking in Japanese are subtitled with all other text being in Chinese / Taiwanese / Etc. I only know who the J Import GAF folks are, no clue as to who the Asia GAF folks are. As we dont exactly get constant threads on stuff like that.

Once we know for sure Id be more than happy to tell folks who are interested in the game to go for the Asian one.
 

Abdiel

Member
Like I said before all those who are looking into the Asian version wait for a trusted source to get it first and go through it to make sure that its actually "localized" to English which means all text has been changed in the game. In comparison to being just "subtitles" which would lean more towards just cut scenes where characters are speaking in Japanese are subtitled with all other text being in Chinese / Taiwanese / Etc. I only know who the J Import GAF folks are, no clue as to who the Asia GAF folks are. As we dont exactly get constant threads on stuff like that.

Once we know for sure Id be more than happy to tell folks who are interested in the game to go for the Asian one.

Argh~ I just want more RPG goodness, and this looks like a lot of fun in a setting I enjoyed a great deal. Alas, for not having learned Japanese yet.
 

Parakeetman

No one wants a throne you've been sitting on!
Argh~ I just want more RPG goodness, and this looks like a lot of fun in a setting I enjoyed a great deal. Alas, for not having learned Japanese yet.

Am not sure if someone is doing an OT for the game or not, but if they are not Ill be doing an import impression one most def which will include videos and such. And will put info in there about the Asian version w/ the sit on whats the low down with the English text will be. Reason why Im being such an asshole with the topic is that I dont want other GAF members wasting money by rolling the dice on a chance just yet. Better hold off till we know for sure 100% after the game is out and someone has it.

Only downside is those waiting to see about the Asian version will have to wait till May according to another poster in this thread. Also confirmed that on play-asia's site.

I need to watch the anime asap

If you are interested in importing / playing this game I highly suggest it. As it starts off where the first season ends. You dont need to watch the second half of the anime as it has nothing to do with the story in the game, since this one is its own standalone alternative story.
 

Parakeetman

No one wants a throne you've been sitting on!
Just imagine when a vr version is released.

tumblr_inline_mzjza2YYuB1qj0s93.png


Im tempted to start a new game with the PSP one with my PSV TV just to show folks what the older title used to look like lol. I really should be advancing myself further in Natural Doctrine instead tho. D: My real data is on my PSP so cant pull it off to show where Im currently at in the game anyways.
 

Parakeetman

No one wants a throne you've been sitting on!
The following video(s) "others currently uploding" is just some footage from the very start of the game from the PSP version of Sword Art Online - Infinity Moment. The original title which the Vita version upgrade will be based off of. For the first few videos lots of dialog stuff so might not be too interesting for folks who want just to see action. But the last few videos will be combat related.

For those who dont mind spoilers with the games setting / understand Japanese feel free to watch these videos as it gives you the general idea of the direction the story is going which is different from the Anime.

For those who dont want spoilers obviously dont watch the videos, but Ill mark the ones which are combat related so you can see what the old combat system looked like on the PSP. While it might not be the most exciting for some to see, along with confusing as fuck with how much info is on the screen at once, it was pretty well done considering once you wrap your head around the mechanics. Those who have played MMOs should have an idea of whats going on for the most part.

When you see these vids though, it will really make you appreciate how much better the Vita version is looking overall and one of the main reasons why Im personally getting the game is to see all of the design changes and such.

WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING
Once again these videos can be considered spoilers, so just keep that in mind for those who want to keep the story fresh.
WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING

Pt. 1 (click on image to play video)

Pt. 2 (click on image to play video)

Pt. 3 (click on image to play video)

Pt.4 (click on image to play video)

Pt.5 (click on image to play video)

Pt.6 (click on image to play video) This one should be safe to watch for the most part as its mainly combat.

Pt.7 (click on image to play video) another combat centric video. Has one semi-story event but nothing really plot related.
 

Tohsaka

Member
If the game says there's English text, I can't see it only being a partial translation. All of the Chinese/English PS3 games I've played (FFXIII/XIII-2, Demon's Souls, Aquanaut's Holiday, Siren) have had full translations for the whole game.
 

Parakeetman

No one wants a throne you've been sitting on!
Correct me if I'm wrong but she's saying something like "hehe, this is like a date".


I heard that you can apparently romance male characters as well. I suppose that's why there's a screenshot of Kirito holding Klein(sp?).

Yes that is what shes saying.

No idea if its really romancing, but you can build bonds with the characters by the events you do together with them and such. Am not sure how they changed how the system works. As it wasnt too complex in the PSP version.

If the game says there's English text, I can't see it only being a partial translation. All of the Chinese/English PS3 games I've played (FFXIII/XIII-2, Demon's Souls, Aquanaut's Holiday, Siren) have had full translations for the whole game.

By all means run out and pre-order it ahead of time without actual 100% confirmation, but still am telling people to use their heads before hand.
 

tensuke

Member
Man this is looking better and better. And choose your own waifu? I'm down. Whether I have to slog through Chinese characters or not. A question though, I know to use a different PSN account you have to format the memory card, but can you play other region games (physical) without switching accounts? I'd imagine the only reason you'd need another region account is for DLC or download codes, which I don't expect I'd need for this game.
 

Parakeetman

No one wants a throne you've been sitting on!
Man this is looking better and better. And choose your own waifu? I'm down. Whether I have to slog through Chinese characters or not. A question though, I know to use a different PSN account you have to format the memory card, but can you play other region games (physical) without switching accounts? I'd imagine the only reason you'd need another region account is for DLC or download codes, which I don't expect I'd need for this game.

Basically you would only need another account for Digital Copy if you go that route, DLC also updates if any.
 

Tohsaka

Member
By all means run out and pre-order it ahead of time without actual 100% confirmation, but still am telling people to use their heads before hand.

I'm not sure if I'm going to get it at launch, but I was just saying that every game I've imported that said it had English text had a full translation. I can't think of any examples where they released a game with a half-assed English translation.
 

Parakeetman

No one wants a throne you've been sitting on!
You're in luck. The "Asia" version will have English subtitles: Play Asia

Also, I understand the show is about the character's being stuck in an MMO, but is Hallow Fragment an MMO or an action RPG where you play as Kirito?

Its not an MMO. Its a single player game with some MP elements that is designed to simulate an the MMO world of SAO. You can also play the game as your own original character if you want it according to one of the videos showing character customization or play as Kirito if you want. Think it was the previous trailer that showed it off.

Okay good news. I've been meaning to import a few games lately and I just never wanted to bother with account switching. :3

Just pray that there are no game breaking bugs that would require you to get a patch for lol.

I'm not sure if I'm going to get it at launch, but I was just saying that every game I've imported that said it had English text had a full translation. I can't think of any examples where they released a game with a half-assed English translation.

I know of some of the titles in the past, but its foolish for folks in general to just assume everything is going to be the same all the time. If its becoming more of the norm thats fantastic. As mentioned god knows how many times now the thing that bothers me the most is the fact that they are using the word "subtitles" since that isnt the same as "localization" as it can only refer to a single section rather than all parts of the game itself. The fact that it keeps seeming to pop up is what bothers me. I know another poster said its "confirmed" that its an actual version with english text, but still if one isnt in a rush better to wait and see to get full confirmation after launch. Its not like the title is something that you need to rush to get into anyways unlike an MP centric FPS or MMO for example.
 

Flarin

Member
Its not an MMO. Its a single player game with some MP elements that is designed to simulate an the MMO world of SAO. You can also play the game as your own original character if you want it according to one of the videos showing character customization or play as Kirito if you want. Think it was the previous trailer that showed it off.


Sweet. Might have to import this bad boy then. My Vita is crying for some lovin' lately. Thanks for the info.
 

Parakeetman

No one wants a throne you've been sitting on!
I really disliked the anime but that trailer looks strangely good.

Considering that there are a lot of story bits and such with the charaters, if you didnt care for the anime not quite too sure if you will want to get through on just gameplay alone. The game though from what it looks like so far in the trailers seems to be a huge improvement over the PSP version which Ive been tossing up footage of in one of my past posts on this page.
 

Parakeetman

No one wants a throne you've been sitting on!
I would love if this happened, but I doubt they went as far as having the forever-alone-bedtime sequences with any male characters so what's the point. ;_;

Doubt it. From the live demo video, the carrying princess carry option is just something you can do with another character regardless of sex. Also from the videos seems like they did do a lot of changes which is good streamlining stuff so for example the UI isnt a huge confusing mess as it was on the PSP one. Also how combat is initiated. Very good to see. As that would have been the largest neck for people to try and get through with the previous title for example. This is looking to be pretty damned polished as am watching other footage from the live demo. Quality is shit as usual like most Japanese promo non "CM" footage like this. Animations seem to be a lot faster also. Looks really good. Having experience with the older title, really do appreciate all of these changes. Do think that fans of the series will be in for a treat with this title.

Oh fuck no. It sounds like the "switch" command will be touch related. If they didnt also put in a standard control type of option too Im going to be massively pissed off.
 

fek

Member
I don't care about SAO but the girls in this game are looking so cute. If there's an option to turn off Kirito's voice, I'll probably get this.
 

Parakeetman

No one wants a throne you've been sitting on!
Sweet. Might have to import this bad boy then. My Vita is crying for some lovin' lately. Thanks for the info.

Hmm one thing though is that it seems the story you do have to go through it from the perspective as Kirito, which am sure has to do with how all the characters address you and such. But there is character customization, its a little unclear. Do know for a fact that its used with the multiplayer feature though.

Whats nice too is that the multiplayer mode is you can also play it by yourself with AI characters from the story that you made friends with filling the other 3 player slots.

Also my mistake its on the official HP bout the character customization stuff. But I had though I sworn I saw a vid on it somewhere... going crazy trying to find it now.

Anyways heres the link to the info on the OHP though its in Japanese. Lots of other info there too if you can read it.
http://sao-hf.bngames.net/system/avatar.php
 
Yes that is what shes saying.

No idea if its really romancing, but you can build bonds with the characters by the events you do together with them and such. Am not sure how they changed how the system works. As it wasnt too complex in the PSP version.

Good to know my meager JP knowledge is still useful for some things. :p

I'm not sure if I'll end up importing but I'm definitely interested in this game.
 

Parakeetman

No one wants a throne you've been sitting on!
I will buy this. Only because Zekken is in it.

Kinda odd they only announced her recently considering the game comes two weeks from now. Still though just like with yourself here am sure its going to get others to pick it up also just based off of that.

---

Also am done with the general PSP version video uploads. Wont be making any more since these were just done to give an example of what the games flow generally looked like.

for those who dont want to bother scrolling up
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=107718890&postcount=72
 

Hasemo

(;・∀・)ハッ?
If someone doesn't know, it seems that the MP mode is ad-hoc only (I totally forgot about that).

Well, at least it means one game less for me in April.
 

Parakeetman

No one wants a throne you've been sitting on!
If someone doesn't know, it seems that the MP mode is ad-hoc only (I totally forgot about that).

Well, at least it means one game less for me in April.

Kinda odd in this day and age they dont really "try" to even make more games use the internet for online play. Or hell even if they do its like "HERP! WELL PATCH IT LATER LOL" Id have to say the we will patch it later route is far worse considering generally by the time they do have it done folks dont feel like exactly going back to the game itself.
 
I barely watch anime but I did watch the first 2 seasons of this and liked it enough to be interested in a game, especially on Vita.
Don't know japanese though so might as well forget about it.
 

Parakeetman

No one wants a throne you've been sitting on!
I barely watch anime but I did watch the first 2 seasons of this and liked it enough to be interested in a game, especially on Vita.
Don't know japanese though so might as well forget about it.

Well once the Asian version comes out and a GAF member has it you will be able to find out if the game is fully translated in English or not.

Right now some are saying yes it is, but still I wouldnt go rushing out to pre-order it till we have post launch confirmation from a trusted source in May.

Went and signed up for the import OT. So will keep folks who are interested in the asian version will keep folks updated there once any new info comes out.
 
Well once the Asian version comes out and a GAF member has it you will be able to find out if the game is fully translated in English or not.

Right now some are saying yes it is, but still I wouldnt go rushing out to pre-order it till we have post launch confirmation from a trusted source in May.

Went and signed up for the import OT. So will keep folks who are interested in the asian version will keep folks updated there once any new info comes out.

Wasn't aware of that. Pretty awesome if true.
 

rav

Member
Now the question for me:
Import a physical copy, or use my JP PSN account. I have set aside a JP memory card with room on it.
Are there any benefits of playing this on my US PSN account (I'm guessing I could only do that if I ordered retail)? (trophies I guess?)
Edit: I don't mind if it's in English or not, I need to brush up on my 日本語 anyways.
 
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