Overview
- Bandai Namco and Game Studio announced Echoes of Aincrad for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, launching July 9 in Japan and July 10 worldwide, with pre-orders now live.
- Standard, Deluxe and Ultimate editions cost $69.99, $89.99 and $109.99 respectively, with Deluxe and Ultimate adding expansion DLC, a Starter Pack and early access to Death Game Mode.
- Death Game Mode is an optional permadeath setting that deletes save data upon death, and it can also be unlocked by clearing the main story.
- Developers say the game is not a Soulslike, yet previews highlight counters, parries and partner-assisted moves, and the team cautions it is easy to die.
- Exploration spans open-world-style areas with optional bosses, plentiful loot and upgrading, while specifics on crafting depth and any multiplayer remain unconfirmed.