The latest issue of Dengeki PlayStation has a new interview with Sword Art Online: Lost Song producer Yosuke Futami, who discusses everything from the game’s new characters to a Hollow Fragment sequel and more.
Get the summary below.
- Unlike Sword Art Online‘s previous dealing with life and death, this time the basis isn’t as gloomy.
- Rain joins the group around the middle of the game.
- Seven isn’t very good at the game, but she is the leader princess of her guild, Shamrock.
- Shamrock also maintains gameplay guides in real-life.
- It was either Agil and Eugene as being playable, and Agil was decided upon.
- There is no “affection level” this time, but events are triggered based on the combination of characters.
- This one is developed by Artdink, not Aquila, which developed Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment. Strictly speaking, the game therefore isn’t a direct sequel per se to Hollow Fragment, but rather considered a new game altogether. Development has been ongoing since before Hollow Fragment‘s release.
- As for that Hollow Fragment sequel that Futami wanted to make if that game sold well… (it’s implying this is likely something in the works).
- Because Lost Song and Hollow Fragment are different games, Hollow Fragment‘s save data is not compatible, but it’s still best to hold onto save data from Hollow Fragment.
- Magic is now easier to use.
- Battle transitions are seamless.
- Maps in the game were previously stated to be 16km. squared, but this is a statistical mix up with a mecha action game (Macross 30). In reality, they’re 1km. squared each, but because there are a number of islands dotted around the game, it’s still a considerably large world.
- The game’s story is 20 to 30 hours long, but it will take longer with the higher difficulty quests and raising.
- Character raising is like the first game. Rather than leveling up, you’ll increase your skill strength.
- Significant updates will be released post launch, and weekly quests will also be delivered. All updates and downloadable content will be free.
- Strea is in the game as though nothing happened. Futami wants to give her a story in the future.
- Futami also wants to take on PlayStation 4 development. If it’s something you want, please make some noise and show there is support from consumers to help convince the company.
Thanks, Sokuho@Hokanko.