Bandai Namco have announced a new entry in the Sword Art Online universe, this time taking place within the Alicization series. The game is set to come to PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC, at this time, no Switch version has been announced.

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.

“SWORD ART ONLINE Alicization Lycoris will feature new gameplay experiences from those seen in previous SAO titles, ensuring the game will enchant existing fans as well as new comers" said Yosuke Futami, Producer at BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc. “Lycoris is a word borrowed from the botanic vocabulary, the Lycoris Radiata. It's a beautiful flower, that symbolises loss, separation, reunion and passion, something perfectly fitting of the story of the Alicization Arc!”

“For the first time in a Sword Art Online video game, players will be able to faithfully follow the events of the anime series.” said Jennifer Tsang, Brand Marketing Manager at BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. “We look forward to players and fans experiencing the Alicization story arc as Kirito, uncovering the mysteries of Underworld, and making new friends along the way.”

There is no set release date yet, but the turnaround time on these games, from announcement to release is pretty short, so by the end of the year is likely, but once we know, you will know.