Summary

Sword Art Online The Movie: Ordinal Scale is a feature-length film released in 2017. Published by Aniplex and animated by A-1 Pictures , the film has an entirely original script by series creator and writer Reki Kawahara. Production on the film was announced on October 4, 2015, at the Dengeki Bunko Autumn Festival, and it would take place between the events of the anime's second and third seasons. The film would then premiere in Japan, Southeast Asia, and Germany on February 18, 2017, and then in several other countries around the world in the following weeks and months. Reaching over 27 different countries in 2017, the film would have a box office value of 4.3 billion yen (approximately $38.2 million USD as of 2017 valuation).

Set in April 2016, the story revolves around a new wearable device known as Augma . Similar in its aspects to the NergeGear and the AmuSphere, it is based on existing FullDive technology, while limiting itself to simply augmenting its wearer's real world. This is a new feature that allows the device to function while the user is fully conscious, by emitting signals to the brain in addition to its ability to perform retinal projections. As a result, the device is marketed as not being capable of achieving FullDive like its competitors. It did, however, become an instant hit in the market, augmenting the experiences people would interact with in society, with many communication and business events taking advantage of the technology. Many games have also been developed for the system, with the most notable and popular game Ordinal Scale being an augmented reality massively multiplayer role-playing game (ARMMORPG) exclusive to the system.

Ordinal Scale is based in a parallel universe to the real world known as Unital . In reality, drones are used to scan the playing area, and the system converts this data into map data for the game, giving players the feeling of fighting in a fantasy world, while preserving the boundaries that exist in the real world. Each player is equipped with one of three different game types for combat; Blade Type , where players use swords for close-quarters combat, Weapon Type , giving players a wide range of firearms for long-range combat, or Wand Type which is played as a support class. Each player is placed on a leaderboard, where they are compared to all other players in the game. In the game, each player's rank is listed above their character. The number is special, as the game determines each player's strength and defense levels based on their rank in the game.
Unlike VRMMO games like Sword Art Online and ALfheim Online , the system does not rely on sword skills, furthermore, Gun Gale Online players would also not be able to enjoy the benefits of the Bullet Circle system. Players must also consider their actual abilities when playing the game, as they use their real bodies to play the game, they may be affected by their lack of stamina or be affected by their ineptitude. It goes without saying that real injuries can occur while playing the game, but direct physical attacks are prohibited by the rules. Even with this limitation, the feeling of combat is emulated using a handheld device attached to a player's Augma. During combat, vibrations are sent through the device and when they take damage, players feel a virtual sensation of shock emitted by the Augma.

Ordinal Scale's developers also created the AI ​​virtual idol known as YUNA . Replicating that of a bard in comparable titles, her singing and music would be used to give players buffs in-game. However, her popularity grew significantly throughout the game and in the general public thanks to the power of Augma. While acting as a key character in the game's combat sequences, she had a major upcoming role outside of the game world with a staged concert scheduled to take place, with tickets being sold out relatively quickly by many Ordinal Scale players.

The film follows the events surrounding Kirito and his friends. As Kirito alone is not an avid player of Ordinal Scale , his interest in the game is reversed when he hears a rumor about floor bosses from Sword Art Online making an appearance in the game, and the mysteries surrounding the game's second player showing up during these battles.

References

• Sword Art Online The Movie: Ordinal Scale - Wikipedia
• Sword Art Online The Movie -Ordinal Scale- - Fan Wiki