.hack//SIGN (TV)

Written by asaljojo on September 30, 2011 at 3:09 PM

The .hack (pronounced dot-hack) universe is a multimedia experience for those drawn into "The World". The tale of .hack is told though the anime series, several games, OAV and manga. The story line follows several different groups of characters who are players in a popular online RPG (Role Playing Game) called "The World". In the game players can go on quests with other players to gain experience and find treasures. Not all is fun and games in "The World", several players have gone into comas while playing the game while their characters in the game are still active. In "The World" are those who seem to only exist in the game, some helping the players while others who want to destroy "The World". For the characters who are unable to "log out", it soon becomes clear that it isn't just a game, it becomes a matter of life and death. .hack//SIGN released in 2002 follows Tsukasa who is one of those characters unable to log out of the world. With the help of a small band of friends they try discover the reason Tsukasa cannot leave the online world. In .hack//Liminality the mysterious coma of a player is investigated by Mai who is seeking all of the answers in the real world. The story line in the game follows a 14 year old boy named Kite. He is invited by his friend Orca to enter "The World". While in the game Orca falls into a coma and Kite along with a few companions must find the answers to the mysteries of "The World" and the comatose players. The 2003 release of Tasogare no Udewa Densetsu (Legend of the Twilight Bracelet) takes place 4 years after the end of the game story line. The story follows twins Rena and Shuugo as they enter "The World" after winning the prize to use the retired characters of Blackrose and Kite- the legendary .hackers. The players are once again in danger with only Shuugo, his friends and the mysterious Aura to protect the "The World" from destruction