Are these games interconnected?

[Orcvader]

Hello,
I know there are always "good" entry points into long running series like Trails and Final Fantasy... But the reality is that some series are easier to get into because they are not direct sequels (Final Fantasy) while others are direct interconnected sequels and you HAVE to start with game 1 or be completely lost (Trails of Cold Steel).

Perhaps a few are in-between like Y's where you can totally start with one of the modern games (8 or 9) but it certainly helps to have played the earlier ones.

Anyways...

Any thoughts as to where does SAO falls?

[★Phazonmadness‑SE★🎮]

Well the 6 sao games are what is known as the Gameverse timeline and different from the anime/lightnovel. However, they are not required except knowing who a few original characters are and usually briefly covers past games enough to get an idea of some characters. Same with story content if not too familiar with SAO, so you don't need to play them in order. Each game is their own story so you don't need to know exactly what happens that is different.

But if you care to know all the stories of each, Accel world vs Sword art online is seen more as an optional cross over of the 6 SAO games.

If you care to know chronological order:

1. Sword Art Online Re:Hollow Fragment
   
2. Sword Art Online Lost Song
   
3. Sword Art Online Hollow Realization
   
4. Accel World vs Sword Art Online
   
5. Sword Art Online Fatal Bullet
   
6. Sword Art Online Alicization Lycoris

[Orcvader]

Originally posted by ★PhazonMadness‑SE★🎮:

Well the 6 sao games are what is known as the Gameverse timeline and different from the anime/lightnovel. However, they are not required except knowing who a few original characters are and usually briefly covers past games enough to get an idea of some characters. Same with story content if not too familiar with SAO, so you don't need to play them in order. Each game is their own story so you don't need to know exactly what happens that is different.

But if you care to know all the stories of each, Accel world vs Sword art online is seen more as an optional cross over of the 6 SAO games.

If you care to know chronological order:

1. Sword Art Online Re:Hollow Fragment
   
2. Sword Art Online Lost Song
   
3. Sword Art Online Hollow Realization
   
4. Accel World vs Sword Art Online
   
5. Sword Art Online Fatal Bullet
   
6. Sword Art Online Alicization Lycoris

Thanks so much for this! Exactly what I was hoping for!

[radasusa]

the game world/universe and character are connected but the game story are there own thing.
So your in-between option would be the closest match.

[Fatal Baguette]

The games have a chronological sequence but the stories are self contained. At worst the only thing you'll miss out on is references to events in the previous games during optional side events and not knowing who certain gameverse characters are.

[Orcvader]

Ok, I decided to get it but since Re: Hollow Realization is also on sale, got that one too so I can try to start "at the beginning". Now I hope they run well on Steam Deck!

[Astraea Kisaragi]

I also started with Hollow Realization and while I consider it the best game in the series, despite owning the whole series as light novel I had no clue who characters like Strea, Philia, or Rain where - as long they are game exclusives.

Some other SAO fans might not like me for it, but I prefer the gameverse compared the original, characters like Strea or Premiere are even more memorable as the regular SAO crew.
Of course if you don't care too much about the lore, HR is the a good place to start, the older titles are slightly dated technically. Personally I also recommend to pick up Fatal Bullet.

[Frate]

Hollow Fragment is awful to play and not worth it. I started with Lost Song and this is what I also would recommend to start with, if you want to go in chronilogical order.

[dragnier1]

To be frank even if you don't watch the anime you could give this game a try if it interests you (do your research and reach your conclusions, if you miss this discount period there's the winter sale so take your time). In my case I got into fatal bullet as I was looking for a single player shooter and the combat style ticked the boxes. This game's combat style was also what got me to try it on a discount.

Edit * Personally I think this game is very different from Trails series, you don't have to bother that much with continuity.