If you're a fan of Sword Art Online, you're in for a treat! After a year-long hiatus, Sword Art Online: Variant Showdown is back and better than ever. Originally pulled from stores soon after its initial launch due to a few kinks that needed ironing out, this ARPG has returned with a host of exciting updates, a revamped user interface, and more.
Though it made waves upon its debut, the game faced a setback when it was temporarily removed from circulation. However, the wait is finally over, and today marks its triumphant return! As before, the game stays true to the beloved anime series, following protagonist Kirito and his allies as they navigate the immersive virtual world of Sword Art Online.
So, what’s new this time around? For starters, multiplayer battles are now a thing! You can team up with two others to face off against formidable bosses and earn exclusive rewards. Additionally, higher-grade stages now offer armor items as rewards, scaling with the difficulty. And guess what? The main storyline is now fully voiced, adding another layer of immersion to the already captivating experience.
A sword by any other name
Back when the decision to pull the game was first announced, it raised eyebrows. While the new additions sound promising, there’s still some skepticism about whether it will be enough to win back the original fanbase. After all, first impressions matter! That said, die-hard fans of the series are sure to be thrilled by this comeback.
If you enjoy anime-inspired mobile ARPGs—or even puzzlers—you’re spoiled for choice. Why not dive into our list of the top 15 best anime games inspired by this iconic medium? There’s something for everyone to explore!
