Sword Art Online: Unleash Blading Images

Release date: 2019-11-20 (jp & global)
End of service: 2023-01-16
Illustration (Original character design): abec

Developer & Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment


https://ab1st.sao-game.jp/


PV:

SAO: Unleash Blading - Opening


General Information

"Sword Art Online: Alicization Blading" (Rising Steel in engl) is a mobile game based on the Alicization Arc in the Sword Art Online series and introduces the new character Eydis Synthesis Ten. While the game primarily focuses on Alicization, the main campaign also includes story chapters related to previous story arcs which take the form of flashbacks. Event stories are potentially based on previous arcs as well.

Characters from such Arcs focusing on Sword Art Online, Alfheim Online and Gun Gale Online are also playable, but they're not necessarily part of the story focusing on Alicization.

The game occasionally features original anime scenes exclusively to the game to complement the stories.

The "Moon Cradle" arc, a sidestory to "Alicization", was announced for the 1st anniversary of the game in a live stream by the developers in October 2020. The arc is based on light novels Volume 19 & 20 and is set 1 1/2 years after the events of "Alicization" & "War of Underworld".

The game was retitled to "Sword Art Online: Unleash Blading" as a result.

The "Sword Art Online Progressive" arc was announced for the 2nd anniversary of the game in a live stream by the developers in October 2021. It is released alongside the ongoing "Moon Cradle" arc and ties into Sword Art Online Progressive: Hoshi Naki Yoru no Aria & Sword Art Online Progressive: Kuraki Yuuyami no Scherzo.

The "Dark Emperor" arc, an original sequel to "Moon Cradle", was announced in a live stream in November 2021. It directly continues the story while also introducing new characters.

The game stopped getting updates since October 2022 with japanese and global side of news both being radio silent. On November 14, the end of service was eventually confirmed with the servers being open until January 16, 2023. As a result, the "Dark Emperor Arc" sadly remains unfinished.