The first “Ancient Apostle” update will arrive this winter, with updates two, three, and four following in sequence. Following the fourth update, additional update series are also planned.
UPDATE DETAILS:
(details translated by Gematsu)
FREE UPDATE #1
Ancient Apostle: The Reaper of the Forest (Sinon)
A terrifying divine beast who resembles the grim reaper lived in the great forest.
People relied on a young archeress that often was called “the free shooter” to slay this beast. Although she and the beast fell in love besides their differences.
The people became furious when they discovered this, and killed both the beast and the archeress. After their death, they make anyone who steps foot into the forest lose their way, transforming the forest into the “lost forest.”
Kirito and Sinon investigate multiple cases of villagers getting assaulted near the “lost forest.”
Paid Downloadable Content: Myosotis
Kirito dreams of losing Eugeo in a battle against the Administrator.
“I may lose someone I care about with my current strength,” Kirito thought, and sets out on a journey with Eugeo.
All Game Heroines Thus Far Coming as Playable Characters
All Sword Art Online game-original characters will be playable in Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris via a free update in 2021.
“Another Heroine Inverter” is a story that will connect to the first-print limited production bonus original voice drama CD’s story.
Will the game heroines help Kirito as adventurers?
New cosmetics and sub-episodes will also be added for each heroine.
Sword Art Online: Alicization Rising Steel‘s original heroine Edith will make an appearance.
Please look forward to more information.
FREE UPDATE #2
Ancient Apostle: The Forbidden Knight (Tiese)
Tiese receives a letter from her uncle who lives in the western empire.
In this letter, information that would become useful for the human forces were drawn.
Kiriro, Eugeo, and Tiese head for Tiese’s uncle based on this information.
FREE UPDATE #3
Ancient Apostle: The Bruised King (Selka)
Kirito hears about a plague called “The Blue Thorn” from a merchant.
Kirito notices that the source is near Rulid Village, and takes Alice with him to investigate…
FREE UPDATE #4
Ancient Apostle: The Blue-Eyed Demon (Silica)
Silica was tasked with investigating the cases of missing people in the South Empire.
She and Kirito go to the South Empire to get to the bottom of it, but what they found there was a familiar, blue-eyed demon…
FREE UPDATE TEASER TRAILER:
TOKYO GAME SHOW 2020 ONLINE PANEL:
The game's theme song is titled, Scar/let by ReoNa.
Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris was originally to launch in Japan on May 21, 2020 and the West on May 22, 2020.
Due to COVID-19, the game was postponed and has a new launch date of July 9 for PS4 and Xbox One, and July 10 for PC via Steam in Japan.
The game launched in the US and Europe on July 10.
The game follows the story of the Sword Art Online: Alicization arc of the anime. The game features an original storyline with new game-exclusive character Medina Orthinanos, who is voiced by Miho Okasaki.
Bandai Namco Entertainment America describes the game:
Play as series protagonist, Kirito, and become immersed in the “Underworld,” a mysterious virtual world set in the anime series' Alicization arc. Featuring epic battles, stunning JRPG visuals, and an expansive world to explore; Kirito's journey through the latest Sword Art Online game is ready to begin.
Following the events of the Sword Art Online Alicization anime series, Sword Art Online Alicization Lycoris finds Kirito in a mysterious but familiar virtual world, “Underworld,” where A.I.s behave like humans. As players take control of Kirito, they will relive heart-pounding scenes from the series through intense combat. Players will also encounter fan favorite characters including Eugeo, Alice, Administrator, and many more. A wide world awaits Kirito and his friends in this exciting adaptation to the Sword Art Online: Alicization series.