.hack//G.U. Vol. 2: Reminisce

The .hack (pronounced “dot hack”) series has one of the most original premises in modern gaming: you play as a character that’s playing an MMORPG known as “The World.” Although the .hack games are single-player RPGs, they simulate being massively multiplayer; other characters talk about logging out to go eat dinner, you can check message boards to find a party, and so on. The original part begins when The World begins to bleed out into the “real” world, that is, the world in which your character is sitting at a computer playing The World. Recently, a new three-part PS2 adventure debuted under the title .hack//GU. Part 2, called Reminisce, picks up where Part 1, Rebirth, left off … and you better hope that you can, too.

The .hack universe is one of the most complex fictional universes of all time. Since the series now comprises six games (seven, really, but one is available in Japan only), three different anime series, three manga series, four novels, and a collectable card game, there is a ridiculous amount of source material available and new players trying to jump into the series now have an uphill battle ahead of them. Reminisce tries to catch players up to speed with a lengthy opening cinematic, but soon after the game begins throwing around phrases like “Morganna factor,” “Epitaph of Twilight” and “Macha the Temptress, 6^th Phase of the Cursed Wave” with no explanation. Unless a new player wanted to spend several hours online researching the series’ story, there’s really no hope of following the plot for anyone who hasn’t been following it already.

Which is a shame, as the game’s story is its main draw. Although it is complex some would say to a fault, it is an engrossing cyberpunk epic, with subplots galore and overarcing mysteries, plots, and villains. What’s more, it’s a video game about video games, which is subject matter with built-in appeal. The characters are generally rounded well, with real personalities and motivations, not just clichés. As the plot progresses, some mysteries are solved and others present themselves, and it all ends with the requisite cliffhanger; perfect to get those fans excited about part 3, Redemption.

The gameplay is less impressive. Anyone who’s played an MMO will be familiar with the format of the game, as receiving then completing quests comprise the bulk of the game. Combat is handled via a flashy real-time battle system, but unfortunately button-mashing can get you farther than it should. Players are free to explore a huge amount of varied areas, generated at Chaos Gates by combining keywords, but the similarity of a bulk of the game’s quests leads to areas becoming forgettable. Anyone who finished volume 1 can load their save data and begin volume 2 with the character stats and equipment you had at the end of that game; otherwise, the game starts you with a decent level, decent equipment, and a generic set of skills.

The game looks good, as a late-generation PS2 title should. Some cool shading techniques add to the virtual-reality vibe and large areas load without any lag or pop-up. No one’s going to mistake this for a PS3 title, but it is among the more impressive PS2 RPGs available. Music is a definite high point of the game, with beautiful compositions complementing almost every area of the game. The same cannot be said for the game’s voice-overs, however. Some are well done, but others (even some of the main characters) are whiny, grating, and sound as if the actors have no idea what they’re saying, which ruins any hopes of realism.

This sort of game is almost immune to reviews, since anyone who’s already a fan of the series will probably pick it up regardless of review scores, and anyone who’s not a fan probably has no interest, or they would have already gotten into the series. As is stands, .hack//G.U. vol.2//Reminisce is the middle third of a good RPG. You wouldn’t start Final Fantasy 7 on disc 2, and neither should you start the .hack series here. But for anyone who’s already familiar with The World, or anyone willing to back up a bit before jumping in, this one is worth the effort.

Gameplay: 7.8
There is some fun action-RPGing to be had here. An entertaining battle system coupled with a great storyline makes for good times, but its fair share of flaws bring it down from “great” to “good.”

Graphics: 8.3
High-detail character models show off some neat graphical tricks, and the environments, while bland at times, are at least expansive and glitch-free. Flashy special effects during combat impress, and the art design is inspired. Not really among the best of the best in terms of PS2 games, but the game is pretty.

Sound: 7.1
The music is great. The sound effects are passable. The voice acting is … spotty. At best.

Difficulty: Medium
Nothing unexpected: plan on level grinding a bit before boss battles, but otherwise nothing too difficult.

Concept: 9.4
Conceptually brilliant. The game replicates MMOs with at times scary precision, and then it starts affecting the real world. Among the cleverest game concepts of all time.

Overall: 7.7
This score applies to volume 2 as a stand-alone release. It would score significantly higher if considered alongside the other volumes. As is, an entertaining, but altogether incomplete and, at times, incomprehensible adventure.