"Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization" is the 3rd and latest in Bandai Namco's line up of games based on the anime hit "Sword Art Online." The game features a vast world where you can explore, fight enemies with your party and raise affection with your female companions (which may sound a little bit crazy for some but actually will help you in the long run). There's also an online co-op feature where you can play with your friends.

Intimidated? Don't be, because Ishmael Romero's guide for beginners is here to help us.

Your starting weapon is important

As you start a new game, and after customizing your avatar (or you may choose not to, for story purposes), you'll be asked to pick a weapon of your choice. Think about this carefully, as Ishmael Romero said, you'll be stuck in a tutorial where you'll earn a lot of experience. And because weapons in this game only earn experience through battle, your first weapon will most likely have more skills than the others that you will can get later.

Choose carefully, every weapon in the game has its own advantages and skills. Choose the one that you think fits to the play style you want.

Do not button mash

Since "Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization" is not a fighting / versus game, button mashing is certainly not advisable. We've already come to a point where a game cannot be conquered just by button mashing (ah, the old days). What you need to do is pull off combos, mixed with some skills, arts and some dodging.

Learn to be aware of your enemies and also your companions doing battle. If someone is trying to cast a skill, you can also follow up with a skill and perform a Skill Chain. If you see your enemy preparing for a big attack, then get ready to dodge. Observing the flow of the battle is essential and will be rewarding at the long run.

Pay attention to the enemy level

Make sure to check the enemy's level displayed on the top of their heads before deciding to initiate a battle. With how the enemies are scattered in the game, you might be surprised to see some enemies whose level is way above the average on a certain area.

Take on all board quests

Similar to other games, doing all available quests might prove to be a hassle especially if you're just starting out (even if it's not that hard). Still, doing so will reward you with items, equipment and experience.

Complete event fragments

Event fragments are denoted on your map with large green circles with sword in the middle. Walking into one will trigger the event, giving you an objective that you have to do within a set amount of time.

Finishing these event fragments will reward you with experience, resources, Col, rare item and / or a follow up event. But as Ishmael Romero points out, be careful as the follow up events tend to get harder and you might end up failing if you're not ready enough.

Balance out your team

At this game, you can make up a party of four (including your avatar) with your companions. Make sure to check out each party member's weapon type and primary focus (aka role) which will determine the play style of your whole party.

Grinding

This process is pretty much repetitive and might bore the hell out of you if you're not into this kind of games. But doing so especially in the early stages will help you in the end game part. Besides experience and items, your weapon level will increase too which will help you fight more monsters. And lastly do not hesitate to try and defeat a monster with a few levels above you. If you have the right skill and battle awareness, your chances of defeating that monster is high.

Hopefully those tips will help you in your adventure in Ainground. Stay tuned for more tips on "Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization."