After a year-long hiatus, the action-packed RPG Sword Art Online: Variant Showdown is making its much-anticipated return. Initially pulled from launch to tackle a series of issues, the game is back with a vengeance, introducing new features, a revamped user interface, and much more.

The game, based on the popular anime series, follows protagonist Kirito and other characters as they navigate the challenges of the immersive VR world known as Sword Art Online. This 3D ARPG captures the essence of the series, pitting players against formidable bosses and enemies in thrilling battles.

So, what's new in this re-release? For starters, teams of three can now join forces for multiplayer battles against powerful bosses, offering a chance to earn rare rewards. Additionally, armor items are now available as rewards from stages, with higher grades awarded based on the difficulty level. The main story has also been enhanced with full voice acting throughout, immersing players even deeper into the Sword Art Online universe.

The decision to pull Sword Art Online: Variant Showdown from release was initially met with surprise and skepticism. While the new additions are certainly intriguing, there's a question of whether these updates will be enough to recapture the player base. First impressions are crucial, but for die-hard fans of the series and Kirito's adventures, this return is undoubtedly a welcome development.

For fans of anime-inspired mobile ARPGs, puzzlers, or similar genres, there's no shortage of options. Why not explore our curated list of the top 15 best anime games, which are either directly inspired by or resonate with the beloved animation medium?