Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment [PSVITA, PS4]

[Mina]

I have a feeling I'm not going to watch the rest of the series until I beat the game at least. Been semi-spoilered on what happens going forwards from episode 14 and not sure if I like any of the stuff I was told. Considering how well episode 14 seemed to "end" the show for me with a nice 'YEAH!' feeling.

Also, getting wrecked because I made a left instead of a right turn. HOLY SHIT CAREFUL WHEN YOU OPEN DOORS...

Edit: I've definitely been able to take on things way over my level by being smart but sometimes I just get ganked while not paying attention ;-;

[Insanecyclone]

Is there a way to reset your skills? I don't wanna go all DW or does kirito go all samus, lose everything, later?

[Mina]

Basically the way the game starts is you pick up a few months after the thing happens that already reset your skills.
Kirito was already working on DW so I don't think you can get rid of that.

[Mina]

Also semi spoilers, miss-ables?

Unspoilered version: Make sure you complete Hollow first. (You can still work on the floors , but make sure the Hollow is DONE first)

Spoiler: show

Apparently miss-able boss if you don't?

Anyone who is on the fence about this game should go ahead and make sure you "Purchase" the free DLC that is available right now for the first week of launch. You can always download it later if you want it. :X

[theshun]

The game tells you to do Hollow first. But I find myself getting smeared by 100+ stuff, so I did the 76 floor quests and low level mobs just to get the feeling of combat.

[Mina]

That's a good point. I took Sinon out to do some low level quests just now.
Running around in the Hollow is still pretty good to feel what the difficulty is at basically same-level monsters.

[Insanecyclone]

Man it takes a while to level up mastery skills. Trying to skill up Scimitar I got from the temple place in hollow.

[Gokulo]

Anyone who is on the fence about this game should go ahead and make sure you "Purchase" the free DLC that is available right now for the first week of launch. You can always download it later if you want it. :X

Thanks for that! Dunno why it didn't even cross my mind to do that I don't own a Vita yet, but will definitely get this game when I do.

[Mina]

There's also a free update planned for September 23. It's for the higher level stuff but:

Featuring “an estimated 30 hours of additional gameplay,” this update raises the level cap from 200 to 250, while also adding 50 new Hollow missions and heroine quests, new bosses, weapons, armor, areas, and more.

I don't see it reported in the thread yet so I'll tack this here and probably in the main post.

[Doombear]

Yep that update also has some game fixes I believe, and some UI changes.

I am following this fine fellow's advice (Stuart444 over in the OT on GAF) myself as far as plan of action/Hollow/Arc Floors:

Hollow Area Tutorial, choose to watch the explanation of what has occurred

Once back in the Floor Clearing hub (Arc Sofia), go through anything they tell you too (I believe you have to go back to the Hollow Area quickly before getting free reign)

Do Floor 76 and maybe 77 (don't forget the side quest guy who gives side quests each floor until floor 97) to get your bearings. Feel free to mess about with skills, using different weapons, etc. Up to you really but it's a good way to start off slowly.

After this, feel free to head to the Hollow Area and look for big monsters to fight, ones that are 20 - 40+ your level even .

If you reach Floor 90 before you finish the Hollow Area, beat the Hollow Area right afterwards. (or at least before you finish the game but doing it at floor 90 sounds good to me. Will also help level you up for floors 98 - 100)

If you're going for all trophies, (spoiler on a game-only character)

Spoiler: show

Grind Streas relationship rank to 5 and see her bedroom scene before floor 95.

Otherwise you're screwed til NG+ HOWEVER relationship ranks carry over to NG+ if you decide not to get all trophies on your first playthrough. Also make sure to get the Last Attack bonus if you're going for trophies. If you fail to get one, quickly exit the game at the result screen before it auto-saves. (same if anyone dies during a boss fight since there is a trophy for no deaths during boss fights as well) You should also not sell any Last Attack bonus items. I read on the PS Trophies website that you must have all of them to get the trophy but I can't confirm this myself at the moment.

Also small tip: Never underestimate the power of items, both buff ones and healing/SP related ones. The regenerative SP ones helped me a lot near the end with a few side quest level 180 enemies .

Another small tip: SP Multiplayer Mode will help a LOT during the early parts where several characters are lower leveled like Silica, Sinon, Leafa and Liz

And another Small tip: Look around in the Skill list, there is 2 skills you can learn that will be useful, one increases your XP and one gives XP you earn to your party member which helps both grinding Kirito and Grinding whoever you're partied with. (I think it's in "Scout" in the skill learn window?)

Some might disagree with the start of things but I do think Floor 76 - 77 are good to do at the start while you're getting used to the gameplay systems before fighting some of the tougher enemies (especially level wise) that you'll see in the Hollow Area

edit:

AI tip from names2hard4you:
But maybe this will answer your question, each Heroine specializes in a different weapon and each one has their own set of skills and stats. All skills fall under 3 categories, ATK, BUFF and DEF that you can switch by talking to them on the field. By issuing commands and saying "nice!" after they perform a skill under that category, you will be telling her that she did exactly what you wanted, therefore nurturing her AI making that skill more likely to occur in a given situation or when you issue that particular command.
Related AI tip also from names2hard4you:

Focusing on one of the 3 branches and getting the little pentagon shape under her "character info" past the grey line unlocks a specific costume for her. I would say focusing on AI is good not only to have a reliable partner in battle but also to get her costumes. After you get all 3 you unlock the ultimate one automatically.

Sound advice so far.

[Mina]

That advice is actually pretty solid. I'm going to make sure I use that character until I get max rank just to be safe now lol.

[Ayn]

Hm.. gameplay looks a little slow on the video I saw posted -- anyone able to give more insight?

Likely going to get this game, but not sure if I want it at $40.

[Krandor]

Gameplay is basically every MMO you've ever played. Auto-attacks and resource management, with timed dodges/parries, skill chains, and team attacks you can coordinate with your partner based on signals they give

[Genosync]

Running around in Hollow area in solo Multiplayer mode. Actually is pretty enjoyable but you still only truly coordinate with your partner.

No clue where I'm supposed to go or what I'm supposed to be doing. Just having fun getting there.

[Genosync]

Oh yeah. Random tip:

You can upload your Save Data to PSN at any point while you're playing the game. If you're unhappy with what happened after you upload, exit the game, and download your save before restarting the game.

Worked for me after some failed Blacksmith upgrades so I imagine it's probably 100% solid.

Would not recommend auto-upload for this one.

[Mina]

Worked for me after some failed Blacksmith upgrades so I imagine it's probably 100% solid.

Would not recommend auto-upload for this one.

Would not disagree at all.

I just beat my first NM!

[Krandor]

So for those wondering in regards to the entire dating sim portion, you can basically wine and dine your way around with any of the women as much as you want. Despite the fact that you're supposed to be married (and theoretically loyal to Asuna) there is apparently no storyline change if you just hook up with everyone.

[Mina]

Dunno if it's true but someone was saying pick options O, RT, RT and you success every time when talking to the ladies.

[Insanecyclone]

well I just fucked up and deleted my save data, fuck me

[Mina]

How did you manage that? don't you have to completely remove the game from your Vita?