Will Sword Art Online season 3 ever see the light of day? This has been the question plaguing the minds of the fans ever since the anime's late 2015 target release did not materialize. Almost a year after, there is still no word on when fans can expect to see the successful anime's return.

Among the possible storylines that supporters of the franchise are expecting for season 3 is the romance between Kirito and Asuna, which was preempted because of all the events that took place in season 2, FX News Call reported.

It is also expected that the Alicization arc will be explored after it was established in season 2 that Kirito was battling elements of the Underworld. Alicization is a new virtual reality game that Kirito will find himself involved in.

Reviews of the anime have been stellar, and audiences have found themselves truly involved in the story as well as the characters.

"Sword Art Online is a fantastic anime series so far. While not the first anime to have the "trapped in an MMORPG" setting (see .hack//sign), it is certainly the deepest when it comes to the psychology and sociology behind it," Kotaku posted in its review of the series.

While the release date of a third season hangs in the air, fans will have to content themselves with the upcoming animated movie that will be produced by A-1 Pictures. The movie — which is expected to be released late this year — is directed by Tomohiko Ito, while character design is helmed by Shingo Adachi.

Fans speculate that with production focused on the movie for the meantime, it may take a couple of months before the third season materializes. Should this be the case, the anime may get a release date of early 2017.

However, until an official announcement is made, nothing is set in stone.