This week’s Dengeki PlayStation (via Hachima Kikou) has confirmed the first details for the newly revealed Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization.

The new details come via an interview with Bandai Namco producer Yosuke Futami and Aquria producer Satoshi Hirayae.

“We were focused on making a game where Kirito is first starting, from level 1,” said Futami. “This is the concept for the game.”

“We’re looking to have people experience the early days of Sword Art Online,” said Hirayae. “Eventually, they’ll notice something is odd, as they progress in the story.” Dengeki cites a few notable features in the game, including: a jump function, no auto-attack, PS Vita version probably using the touch panel for skills, and finally – plans for online multiplayer.

Futami described the world of Hollow Realization. “The setting is reminiscent of Aincrad, however it’s a different world. It’s a place where everything is connected by land, instead of being divided into layers (like in the original Sword Art Online).”

The duo also talked up the combat in comparison to the upcoming Sword Art Online: Lost Song. “You’ll raid and fight via a skill palette,” said Hirayae. “There is a multitude of management features where you can direct party members.”

“One of the main things we’re focusing on is how these management and action features work together. Now you can take up to three people with you, which is something you couldn’t do in Hollow Fragment.”

Finally, the curious heroine character (featured above) was described a bit. “She’s roughly 14 years old,” said Futami. “She’s an AI character, and one that will developer as she journeys with Kirito and company.”

Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization is launching sometime next year in Japan on PlayStation 4 and PS Vita.