Hey guys! If you're a fan of the Sword Art Online anime and manga series, you probably already know that there are several video game adaptations available on the PlayStation 4. But with so many options, it can be tough to decide which one to dive into first. Don't worry; I've got you covered! In this article, we will explore some of the best Sword Art Online games on PS4, so you can pick the one that's perfect for you. We'll cover gameplay mechanics, story elements, and overall enjoyment factor to help you make an informed decision.

Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment

Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment is where it all began on PlayStation platforms! Originally released on the PlayStation Vita, this game was later remastered for the PS4 as part of Sword Art Online Re: Hollow Fragment. In this game, you play as Kirito, who, along with his friends, becomes trapped in a mysterious and glitched area of Aincrad called the Hollow Area. The gameplay focuses on real-time combat, where you team up with other characters to battle enemies and complete quests. One of the unique aspects of Hollow Fragment is its relationship system. You can build bonds with your party members by talking to them, going on dates, and fighting alongside them in battle. The stronger your bond, the more effective you'll be in combat. This adds a layer of depth to the game, making it feel like you're truly part of Kirito's inner circle. Graphically, Hollow Fragment shows its age, especially compared to newer Sword Art Online games. However, the gameplay and story are engaging enough to keep you hooked. If you're a fan of the series and want to experience the game that started it all on PlayStation, Hollow Fragment is worth checking out. Just be prepared for some dated visuals and a bit of a grind.

Gameplay and Combat

Hollow Fragment's gameplay revolves around real-time combat. You control Kirito directly, moving him around the battlefield and executing attacks. Combat involves a mix of sword skills, partner commands, and strategic positioning. You can switch between different sword skills on the fly, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding when to use each skill is key to victory. Your partner characters are also crucial in combat. You can issue commands to them, such as attacking, defending, or using skills. Coordinating your attacks with your partners can lead to devastating combos. However, the combat system can feel a bit clunky at times, especially compared to more modern action RPGs. The controls can be unresponsive, and the camera can be frustrating to manage in tight spaces. Despite these issues, the combat is still enjoyable, especially when you get into the rhythm of chaining attacks and coordinating with your partners. The Hollow Area also features challenging boss battles that require careful planning and execution. These battles are a true test of your skills and teamwork.

Story and Characters

The story of Hollow Fragment is a unique side story that takes place within the Aincrad arc of the Sword Art Online anime. Kirito and his friends discover a glitched area of Aincrad known as the Hollow Area, where they encounter a mysterious girl named Philia. Together, they must uncover the secrets of the Hollow Area and find a way to escape. The story is well-written and engaging, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. The characters are also well-developed, each with their own unique personalities and motivations. The relationship system adds depth to the characters, allowing you to build meaningful bonds with them. As you spend more time with your party members, you'll learn more about their backstories and motivations. This makes the characters feel more real and relatable. Philia, in particular, is a standout character. Her mysterious past and unique abilities make her an intriguing addition to the cast. Overall, the story and characters of Hollow Fragment are one of its strongest points. If you're a fan of the Sword Art Online anime, you'll appreciate the game's faithful adaptation of the source material.

Sword Art Online: Lost Song

Next up is Sword Art Online: Lost Song, which takes place in the new virtual world of ALfheim Online (ALO). In this game, Kirito and his friends explore the floating continents of Svart ALfheim, completing quests and battling enemies in aerial combat. Lost Song differs from Hollow Fragment in that it allows you to create your own custom character. You can choose your character's race, appearance, and stats, allowing you to personalize your gameplay experience. The aerial combat is a major highlight of Lost Song. You can fly freely around the map, engaging in fast-paced battles with enemies. The controls are smooth and responsive, making aerial combat feel intuitive and satisfying. The story of Lost Song is also well-written and engaging. It explores the themes of friendship, loyalty, and overcoming adversity. The characters are also well-developed, each with their own unique personalities and motivations. Graphically, Lost Song is a step up from Hollow Fragment. The environments are more detailed, and the character models are more polished. However, the game still has a bit of a dated look, especially compared to newer PS4 games. Overall, Lost Song is a solid Sword Art Online game that offers a unique gameplay experience. If you're a fan of aerial combat and character customization, this game is worth checking out.

Aerial Combat and Exploration

The aerial combat in Lost Song is a refreshing change of pace from the ground-based combat of Hollow Fragment. You can fly freely around the map, engaging in fast-paced battles with enemies. The controls are smooth and responsive, making aerial combat feel intuitive and satisfying. You can use a variety of aerial maneuvers, such as barrel rolls, loops, and dives, to evade enemy attacks and position yourself for optimal damage. You can also use magic spells and sword skills in the air, adding another layer of depth to the combat. Exploring the floating continents of Svart ALfheim is also a major highlight of Lost Song. Each continent is unique, with its own distinct environments, enemies, and quests. You can fly around each continent, discovering hidden areas and treasures. The game also features a robust crafting system, allowing you to create new weapons, armor, and items. You can gather resources from the environment and use them to craft powerful gear. This adds a sense of progression and reward to the exploration.

Custom Character Creation

One of the unique aspects of Lost Song is its custom character creation system. You can create your own character, choosing their race, appearance, and stats. This allows you to personalize your gameplay experience and create a character that suits your play style. You can choose from a variety of races, each with its own unique abilities and strengths. For example, the Cait Sith race is skilled in healing and support, while the Spriggan race is skilled in stealth and assassination. You can also customize your character's appearance, choosing their hairstyle, eye color, and clothing. The character creation system is surprisingly robust, allowing you to create a truly unique character. Once you've created your character, you can level them up and learn new skills. You can also equip them with different weapons and armor, further customizing their abilities. The custom character creation system adds a lot of replay value to Lost Song. You can create multiple characters and experiment with different builds.

Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization

Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization is the third installment in the Sword Art Online game series on PS4. This game takes place in a new virtual world called Sword Art: Origin, which is based on the original Aincrad server. In Hollow Realization, Kirito and his friends encounter an enigmatic NPC named Premiere, who sets them on a quest to uncover the secrets of Sword Art: Origin. Hollow Realization features a more refined combat system than its predecessors. The combat is faster, more fluid, and more strategic. You can switch between different party members on the fly, each with their own unique skills and abilities. The game also features a robust skill tree system, allowing you to customize your characters' abilities and create unique builds. The story of Hollow Realization is well-written and engaging, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. The characters are also well-developed, each with their own unique personalities and motivations. Premiere, in particular, is a standout character. Her mysterious past and uncertain future make her an intriguing addition to the cast. Graphically, Hollow Realization is a significant improvement over Hollow Fragment and Lost Song. The environments are more detailed, the character models are more polished, and the special effects are more impressive. Overall, Hollow Realization is a solid Sword Art Online game that offers a refined gameplay experience and a compelling story. If you're looking for a more modern and polished Sword Art Online game on PS4, Hollow Realization is a great choice.

Enhanced Combat System

The combat system in Hollow Realization is a significant improvement over its predecessors. The combat is faster, more fluid, and more strategic. You can switch between different party members on the fly, each with their own unique skills and abilities. This allows you to adapt to different situations and create powerful combos. The game also features a robust skill tree system, allowing you to customize your characters' abilities and create unique builds. You can invest skill points in different areas, such as attack, defense, and support, to create a character that suits your play style. The combat in Hollow Realization is also more challenging than in previous Sword Art Online games. Enemies are more aggressive and have more varied attack patterns. You'll need to use all of your skills and abilities to survive. The game also features challenging boss battles that require careful planning and execution. These battles are a true test of your skills and teamwork.

Premiere and the Story

The story of Hollow Realization revolves around an enigmatic NPC named Premiere. Premiere is a mysterious girl who appears in Sword Art: Origin with no memories of her past. Kirito and his friends take her under their wing and set out to uncover the secrets of her origins. The story is well-written and engaging, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. The characters are also well-developed, each with their own unique personalities and motivations. Premiere, in particular, is a standout character. Her mysterious past and uncertain future make her an intriguing addition to the cast. As you progress through the story, you'll learn more about Premiere's past and the secrets of Sword Art: Origin. The story explores the themes of identity, memory, and artificial intelligence. The ending of the story is both satisfying and thought-provoking.

Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet

Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet takes a drastically different approach by setting the game in Gun Gale Online (GGO), a virtual reality MMO focused on shooter gameplay. This entry lets you create and customize your own avatar, making you the protagonist in this adventure. As a newcomer to GGO, you quickly become a central figure when you discover a rare AI support unit called ArFA-sys. Your choices and interactions shape the story, leading to multiple endings. The gameplay shifts from the traditional sword-based combat to third-person shooting with a variety of weapons, from pistols and shotguns to sniper rifles and rocket launchers. You can also utilize sword skills, blending melee and ranged combat. Fatal Bullet introduces a branching dialogue system, where your responses affect relationships with other characters and influence the storyline. This adds depth and replayability as you explore different outcomes based on your decisions. Graphically, Fatal Bullet presents a mix of detailed environments and character models, though it may not be the most visually stunning game on the PS4. However, the engaging story, character customization, and unique shooter-RPG hybrid gameplay make it a standout title in the Sword Art Online series. For fans looking for something different, Fatal Bullet offers a fresh perspective and an exciting adventure in the world of GGO.

Gun Gale Online Experience

Stepping into Gun Gale Online with Fatal Bullet is a unique departure from the typical Sword Art Online experience. The game embraces its shooter roots, offering a wide array of firearms and tactical options. The transition to third-person shooting feels natural, with smooth controls and responsive mechanics. You can customize your loadout with various weapons, each with its own stats and attributes. Experimenting with different guns and attachments allows you to tailor your playstyle to your preferences. The environments in GGO are diverse, ranging from desolate deserts and futuristic cities to sprawling dungeons. Each area presents its own challenges, requiring you to adapt your strategy and utilize cover effectively. The enemies are also varied, from robotic drones and mutated creatures to skilled players. Battling these foes requires precision aiming, strategic positioning, and smart use of skills. Fatal Bullet captures the essence of GGO, creating an immersive and action-packed shooter experience within the Sword Art Online universe.

Your Avatar, Your Story

One of the most appealing aspects of Fatal Bullet is the ability to create and customize your own avatar. Unlike previous Sword Art Online games where you play as Kirito, you become the protagonist in this adventure. The character creation system is detailed, allowing you to adjust various features such as gender, appearance, and voice. You can also choose your character's stats and skills, shaping their role in combat. As you progress through the game, your choices and interactions shape the story, leading to multiple endings. The branching dialogue system adds depth and replayability as you explore different outcomes based on your decisions. Your relationships with other characters are also affected by your choices, influencing their attitudes towards you and the events that unfold. This level of customization and player agency makes Fatal Bullet a truly unique and engaging experience. You're not just playing a pre-defined character; you're creating your own story within the Sword Art Online universe.

Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris

Finally, we have Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris, which adapts the Alicization arc, one of the longest and most beloved arcs in the Sword Art Online series. This game follows Kirito as he wakes up in the Underworld, a virtual world that feels incredibly real. He befriends a young man named Eugeo and embarks on a quest to find Alice, a girl who disappeared from their village. Alicization Lycoris features a vast and beautiful open world to explore, filled with lush forests, towering mountains, and ancient ruins. The combat system is action-based, with a focus on teamwork and strategic positioning. You can switch between different party members on the fly, each with their own unique skills and abilities. The game also features a robust crafting system, allowing you to create new weapons, armor, and items. The story of Alicization Lycoris is faithful to the source material, with some original elements added to enhance the gameplay experience. The characters are well-developed, each with their own unique personalities and motivations. Eugeo, in particular, is a standout character. His friendship with Kirito is one of the central themes of the Alicization arc. Graphically, Alicization Lycoris is one of the most impressive Sword Art Online games on PS4. The environments are detailed, the character models are polished, and the special effects are stunning. Overall, Alicization Lycoris is a must-play for fans of the Alicization arc. It offers a vast open world, a refined combat system, and a compelling story.

Exploring the Underworld

The Underworld in Alicization Lycoris is a vast and beautiful virtual world that feels incredibly real. The environments are detailed and immersive, ranging from lush forests and towering mountains to ancient ruins and bustling cities. Exploring the Underworld is a joy, with plenty of hidden areas and secrets to discover. The game also features a day-night cycle, which affects the behavior of enemies and NPCs. Some enemies are more active at night, while others are more active during the day. This adds another layer of depth to the exploration. The game also features a fast travel system, allowing you to quickly travel between different locations. However, exploring the Underworld on foot is often more rewarding, as you'll discover new things along the way. The Underworld is also home to a variety of creatures, both friendly and hostile. You'll encounter everything from cute woodland creatures to fearsome monsters. Battling these creatures is a key part of the gameplay experience.

Kirito and Eugeo's Bond

The friendship between Kirito and Eugeo is one of the central themes of the Alicization arc, and it's beautifully portrayed in Alicization Lycoris. The two characters share a deep bond, supporting each other through thick and thin. As you progress through the story, you'll witness their friendship grow and evolve. Eugeo is a kind and compassionate young man who dreams of becoming a swordsman. He looks up to Kirito as a role model and is always eager to learn from him. Kirito, in turn, sees Eugeo as a valuable friend and ally. He's always there to offer guidance and support. The relationship between Kirito and Eugeo is not without its challenges. They face many obstacles along the way, including powerful enemies and difficult choices. However, their friendship remains strong, and they always find a way to overcome adversity. The bond between Kirito and Eugeo is one of the most heartwarming and memorable aspects of Alicization Lycoris.

Conclusion

So, what's the best Sword Art Online game on PS4? It really depends on your personal preferences! If you want to experience the game that started it all, Hollow Fragment is a good choice. If you enjoy aerial combat and character customization, Lost Song is worth checking out. If you're looking for a more refined gameplay experience and a compelling story, Hollow Realization is a great option. If you're in the mood for something different, Fatal Bullet offers a unique shooter-RPG hybrid gameplay. And if you're a fan of the Alicization arc, Alicization Lycoris is a must-play. No matter which game you choose, you're sure to have a blast exploring the world of Sword Art Online! Happy gaming, everyone!