While North American fans are getting their hands on the home video release for the first time and promotions in Japan are about the game itself, there’s some new things coming down the road for Sword Art Online. Initially mentioned back at Otakon last weekend, the December 31st special called Sword Art Online Extra Edition is essentially a recap of the two seasons that have been released so far but it will also be containing some new footage, which will drive collectors and completionists nuts since getting a hold of material like this generally proves to be difficult. What footage is coming has yet to be announced but there’s some hopes that it will be a sign that another season is on the way to adapt more of the novels. The Thirteenth novel in the series by Reki Kawahara shipped this past weekend in Japan, which means there’s more than enough material for it.
Plot concept: In the year 2022, next-generation game Sword Art Online (SAO) is the world’s first true VRMMORPG. A virtual reality helmet known as “Nerve Gear” has been developed, making Full Dives into a virtual dimension possible.
SAO has generated worldwide buzz, and on its official launch day, one player, Kirito, immerses himself in its virtual world. But Akihiko Kayaba, the developer of SAO, proclaims the following to all players. “This game is inescapable unless all levels are cleared. And in this world, ‘Game Over’ is equivalent to death in the real world.”
[Source: ANN]