Review: .hack//G.U. Vol. 1//Rebirth
CyberConnect 2 has resurrected the console-based, offline MMORPG with the first volume of a new trilogy in the .hack saga. .Hack//G.U. Rebirth does not continue the storyline of the original games, but instead acts as its hyperactive, yet gifted, younger brother.
Welcome... to "The World."
PROTIP: Characters do not level up as equally as before; take characters out of battle to keep their levels up to par.
The story line of Rebirth no longer revolves around the bracelet wearing, twin blade character Kite, but instead focuses on a complicated adept rogue named Haseo. He's an angsty bad boy PKK (Player Killer Killer) with all the rage of a self involved, misunderstood teenager who hates the world. Not a very endearing protagonist to say the least.
Haseo and the rest of "The World R:2" have been rendered in a fluid concoction of Japanese animation and cell-shading, which is an immense improvement over previous polygonal rendering. Beautifully executed rendering allows textures to be applied with striking attention to detail, resulting in attractive scenery and scantily-clad characters.
However, intelligent character design and intelligent voice acting are two completely different things. The shrill character voices will shred your sanity during long-winded "character development" dialogue that does nothing to advance the plot. Haseo has a ridiculously uncouth tongue that entertains as he verbally flogs each and every character he meets, though it gets old. The game's audio has one other saving grace: its soundtrack. All around, from field to town to fighting, the soundtrack is a pure joy to listen to.
H4x0red Upgrades!
PROTIP: Don't Rengeki at every chance, but be prepared to interrupt opponents' skills with weapons skills.
The game's other redeeming attributes are its new and upgraded features. The controls have been adapted to new skills and moves, helping the fluidity of game play that was sorely lacking in days of the old World. Weapon skills allow you to interrupt opponents' attacks mid-movement, making the combat feel more like a real-time experience. Other new features include things such as alchemy shops to combine weapons and increase attributes, steam bikes to get around town since there are no longer grunties to raise, Chim Chims that you kick to gain Chim Spheres, arena battles and more.
With many other battle upgrades and changes to town actions, .hack//G.U. is the metamorphosed caterpillar of the maturing .hack dynasty. Hardcore series fans will appreciate the connections with the original story and the newly-released anime in Japan (.hack//ROOTS). Those new to the franchise can get plugged in with the special edition, which includes a DVD synopsis of the previous plots and a Haseo action figure, though a synopsis is not really necessary other than for background information.
Though sometimes slow and laborious, .hack//G.U. Vol.1 Rebirth is a well thought out update to the series, and is a welcome addition to the growing dot hack family.
PROTIP: Use skills often, especially in the Arena to increase weapon levels. Arenas level weapons up faster.
![Screen Update: Sudden Strike 3: Arms for Victory [PC]](/screens/111246/197628-1-1.jpg)
![Screen Update: Infamous [PS3]](/screens/134601/197568-1-1.jpg)
![Screen Update: Mushroom Men - The Spore Wars [Wii]](/screens/135221/125868-1-1.jpg)
![Screen Update: Midnight Club: Los Angeles [Xbox 360]](/screens/136701/197588-1-1.jpg)
