Bandai Namco has shared new information and screenshots of Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization introducing recently confirmed character Kizmel, new story information, gameplay mechanics like Sword Skill Connect and Field Quests, a mysterious character named Richter, and information about the game’s 2016-due major update.

Get the details below.

■ Kizmel (voiced by Shizuka Ito)

A dark elf swordswoman who protects the woods. As a special quest NPC, she has another encounter with Kirito and Asuna. She wields a one-handed, curved sword and fights to protect her friends. Her proud and gallant posture remains in effect in “Sword Art: Origin.”

■ Story: A New Death Game

During his adventure, Kirito notices that an NPC he knows is no longer there. Kirito gets an uncomfortable feeling. After, when speaking with the information dealer Argo, Kirito learns of the truths hidden within this game. When an NPC dies, they aren’t resurrected, rather an entirely different character appears. All of the NPCs in “Sword Art: Origin” have their own unique settings and A.I. In other words, there are no replacements, as they are unique existences in this world.

“If NPCs die here, they don’t return to where they came from. This is a very death game itself.”

“NPCs… a very death game itself…”

Premiere is a strange girl Kirito met in the Town of Beginning. She’s also an NPC. Kirito, who gradually deepened his interactions with Premiere during his adventure, worries about and searches for Premiere.

“If she dies, the Premiere we know will never again be…”

If something happened to Premiere, Kirito would never again be able to encounter her. The unfortunate Premiere, however, is taken out to a field by a player who intends to harm her. Kirito makes haste in order to save her.

“Therefore… I have to protect you.”

■ Sword Skill Connect

Sword Skills can be linked together under specific conditions, shortening the skills’ commitment window. Since battles without breaks between attacks are possible, you should continue to link your Sword Skills via Sword Connect.

■ Field Quests

Event Fragments

When moving about the field, special quests called “Event Fragments” may be triggered. These quests are triggered under certain conditions, but when activated you’ll be able to check their locations on the map.

Episode Quests

By clearing Event Fragments on the map, you’ll unlock larger-scale “Episode Quests.” By clearing both Event Fragments and Episode Quests on the field, you’ll be able to obtain various rewards.

Evil Gods

When on the field, depending on the time and place, a formidable enemy known as an Evil God may appear. It would be almost impossible to defeat these monsters by playing normally. You might have to challenge it in cooperation with other players online.

■ Richter, The Mysterious Player

Richter is a mysterious player. He seems to be an acquaintance of Sinon, but Sinon’s facial expression isn’t reassuring. Additionally, he refers to Kirito as the Black Swordsman, but for him to know that name… what is his real purpose?

■ DLC: “Shrine Maiden of the Abyss”

The paid “Shrine Maiden of the Abyss” downloadable content will consist of three chapters that tell a new story.

■ Free Major Update: “Fighters of the Blue Sky”

A free major update tentatively titled “Fighters of the Blue Sky” will be released by the end of 2016 that adds 20 hours of gameplay. Here is everything that’s included: