Sword Art Online: Integral Factor [Video Game] – Info, Main Characters, Gameplay Mechanics

Sword Art Online: Integral Factor (Video Game)

_{Genre: MMORPG / Gacha}

Japanese Title: ソードアート・オンラインインテグラル・ファクター (Sōdo Āto Onrain Integuraru Fakutā)

Year of Release: 2017

Origin: Japan

Platform: Android, iOS, PC (Windows)

Modes: Single Player, Multiplayer

Series: Sword Art Online

Developer: Asobimo

Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment

Other Related Video Games: Sword Art Online: Last Recollection (2023)

Anime Movies: Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale (2017), Sword Art Online: Extra Edition (2013)

TV: Sword Art Online Anime Series 2012 – 2020 (96 episodes)

Manga: Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale Manga 2025 (4 volumes)

Overview

Sword Art Online: Integral Factor is an immersive mobile MMORPG crafted by Asobimo and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Launched in December 2017, this game plunges players directly into the perilous world of Aincrad. Here, participants assume the role of a beta tester inexplicably trapped within the confines of the virtual reality game, facing the dire objective of conquering all 100 floors of Aincrad to secure their freedom and escape.

Game Plot

The narrative of Sword Art Online: Integral Factor closely mirrors the compelling premise of the original Sword Art Online anime series. Players find themselves among the initial 10,000 beta testers who are suddenly locked into the game, facing the grim reality that death within the game translates to death in the real world. To survive and escape this deadly virtual prison, players must meticulously navigate through the treacherous game world, strategically form parties with other players to confront formidable boss fights, and systematically ascend through the perilous floors of Aincrad.

Main Characters

Key Protagonists

Kirito: The central protagonist of the Sword Art Online series, acclaimed for his exceptional skills and leadership. He plays a vital role in numerous events within the game.
Asuna: Kirito’s partner and a formidable fighter, Asuna is also a pivotal character in the game, frequently involved in key storylines and events.

Supporting Characters

In addition to Kirito and Asuna, several other characters from the Aincrad arc make appearances throughout the game:

Klein: A close friend of Kirito, known for his sense of humor and his camaraderie during raids.
Lisbeth: A skilled blacksmith who provides crafting quests and offers support to players.
Silica: A beast-tamer who features in side stories and special events.
Yui: A supportive character who frequently provides emotional context and guidance.

Additional Appearances

Other characters from the broader Sword Art Online universe may also appear during special events:

Agil: Often seen providing weapon support or selling essential supplies.
Sachi: Appears in flashback events, adding narrative depth to the storyline.
Leafa and Sinon: Featured in special collaboration or themed events.

These characters enhance the gameplay experience by linking players to the original Sword Art Online narrative while simultaneously introducing new story developments.

Gameplay Mechanics

Sword Art Online: Integral Factor offers a robust MMORPG experience driven by core mechanics designed for engagement and progression:

Core Gameplay

Questing: The backbone of progression involves players undertaking and completing a wide array of quests. Success in these quests rewards players with vital experience points (XP), in-game currency, and essential items necessary for character growth and equipment upgrades.
Combat: The game features dynamic, action-oriented combat. Players must actively manage their characters’ skills, movement, and positioning on the battlefield to effectively defeat enemies and survive challenging encounters.
Skill System: A deep and customizable skill system allows players to tailor their combat approach. Players can equip various weapons and skills, significantly enhancing their combat prowess. Skills are broadly categorized into:
- Active Skills: These are skills directly used by the player during combat to attack, defend, or support.
- Passive Skills: These skills provide ongoing, inherent benefits to the character, such as stat boosts or special effects, even when not actively engaged.

Cooperative Play

The MMORPG nature of the game emphasizes collaboration:

Party System: Players are strongly encouraged to form parties with other players to tackle the game’s more demanding challenges, particularly the difficult boss battles. This fosters a sense of teamwork and strategic coordination.
Flexible Gameplay: The game adeptly supports both solo and cooperative gameplay, allowing players the freedom to choose whether they prefer to venture through Aincrad independently or engage in strategic team-based combat.

Progression

The journey through Aincrad is one of continuous growth and development:

Character and Skill Upgrades: As players advance through the floors, they gain the ability to upgrade their characters’ stats and enhance their equipped skills. This iterative process deepens the gameplay experience, providing a constant sense of achievement and making the escalating challenges more manageable.
Skill Collection and Enhancement: The game places significant emphasis on collecting and strategically enhancing skills. These skills are not merely combat tools but are crucial for overcoming the increasingly difficult trials and tribulations that Aincrad presents.

In its entirety, Sword Art Online: Integral Factor masterfully blends the iconic elements and narrative of the Sword Art Online universe with engaging and deep MMORPG mechanics, presenting a compelling and immersive experience for both ardent fans of the franchise and newcomers seeking an exciting virtual adventure.