Bandai Namco today announced Echoes of Aincrad, a new action-RPG that will see the return to the universe of Sword Art Online. The title will transport us to the floating castle of Aincrad starting July 10.

During the campaign we will be called to travel through a dynamic world full of challenges, crossing peaceful plains, lively cities and treacherous dungeons, where fearsome monsters and bosses will be waiting for us ready to test our determination. The real-time combat system will in fact require an excellent mastery of the mechanics of parrying, dodging and timing in attacks, constantly reminding us that every clash could prove fatal.

The game will see us create our custom avatar from scratch and then advance in missions and complete tasks, with deep customization available that will allow us to constantly improve weapons, equipment and attributes. By leveling up we can also select specific special abilities, in order to shape the fighting style that suits us best and become stronger and stronger.

However, we will not have to face the dangerous challenges of Aincrad alone. The fate of the battles will depend deeply on the partner we decide to bring with us in every single mission: we will be able to give strategic directives to make him assume a supportive or more aggressive attitude in combat and, deepening our bond, we will be able to unlock new and devastating couple skills.

We leave you to the announcement trailer: enjoy!