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In trouble again

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 28 / 30
Date: June 13, 2003
Author: Amazon User

My first reaction to this segment of the game was disappointment that they hadn't made any changes from .hack//infection. And a bit of irritation, since the first fight sequence is quite dark and I had some close moments. Then I found myself settling into the pattern again and enjoying the game as much as the original. In a sense, .hack is a game for RPG traditionalists, even though its premise is a self-aware model of a virtual reality game gone awry.

For those of you who are come lately, this game is a game about playing a virtual role game called 'The World.' This is much like the online games currently available, but with better immersion. Something has gone awry in the game and players are being attacked by mutated monsters that can leave them permanently comatose. Kite, BlackRose, and a host of other player characters form a team that undertake both the central game quests, and get to play in randomly generated dungeons as well for leveling up. There is also a set of side quests that provide a distraction from the occasionally tedious character development.

Story is managed by cut scenes. One of the very positive things about this series is that the developers did not give in to the current fascination with long running cut scenes that overwhelm the action. Essentially this a hack/slash/magic game with a novel plot within a plot, solid graphics, and interesting characters. It is part of an entire marketing approach that includes the game, an included OVA, a TV series, and a set of music CD's. While the game is not the best component (I like the series and the OVA better) it provides strong, interesting play.

The included segment of the OVA ("The Case of Yuki Aihara") is an extension of the first segment and takes place in the 'real' world, where a group of people are trying to find out why their friends are going into comas. This provides a nice balance to the fantasy environment of the game and the TV series. The DVD also includes some interesting interviews, but they come dangerously close to giving away too much of the plot, which will become more and more focused on the players and the conflict between their roles in both the game and the real world as .hack moves along. But, there promises to be plenty of monster slayage as well. And at the end of a long day, nothing satisfies like chopping up a giant glowing lizard with a whirling combination of knife thrusts.

Fans of Infection will love the continued gameplay

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 17 / 17
Date: July 06, 2003
Author: Amazon User

This sequel to .hack Infection picks up where the first game left off - and even lets you import your character to continue the adventure! For new players, the game nicely provides you with all the mail messages, board posts and other content from the first game, so you can at least try to catch up a bit with the story. It provides you with a character up to the challenge of this next level.

In graphics, gameplay, user experience and interface, .mutation is exactly the same as .infection was. This game is a 'storyline expansion' to the first game, using the same engine.

People unhappy with the first game probably won't buy the second game, so the audience for game 2 is pretty much self selecting. People who loved the first game and didn't want the experience to end will be thrilled. Instead of most games where you put hours of time and energy into a character, only to have the game stop, you can keep playing for weeks more. And of course, when you're through with this one, there'll be another one out in the fall!

.hack//Mutation

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 10 / 11
Date: April 16, 2004
Author: Amazon User

.hack//Mutation is the sequal to .hack//infection. This game is so much fun you still have all of your member addresses whicth you had in the previsous game. And you start at Level 30 so you can go to stronger dungen levels and more infected areas. If you liked the first one you will like the seocond one more.

The continuation of the .hack video game series for PS2

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 11 / 14
Date: May 15, 2003
Author: Amazon User

.hack//mutation is another wonderous game for Play Station Two. The series starts out with .hack//infection, and continues on for another two games, which have not been released in America yet. As I beleive they have only been released in Japan, the birthplace of .hack and anime.

The game starts out right after the storyline ends with .hack//infection. The .hack story is about a mysterious item called the Key of the Twilight which co-exists in "The World" an online game RPG, or more commenly referred to as MMORPG. The game itself in real life is a simulated MMORPG. Let me take this time to explain a little but about the real world in 2007+ [when this game takes place]. A deadly computer virius called "Pluto's Kiss" ravaged the online world, resulting in sudden ultra-violet flares from computer screens. This resulted in millions of cases of blindness, and 7 deaths. All internet usage is unspeakable. In 2007, CC Corporation makes a game called "Fragment". By 2009 over 10,000,000 copies are sold, and the game is re-titled "The World" Through the shows, games, and Manga a select group of players slowly uncoveres the mystery of the key of the twilight, and Aura.

Now for the game, it has an excellent storyline, with excellent music, and excellent graphics. The main characters Kite, and Blackrose have the same features as the previous game, which is good in my opinion.

I would write more but the review space dosnt let me, and I would be spoiling it. The great thing about the series is, if you beat .hack//infection you can transfer the data to .hack//mutation and continue where you left off.

Thats all, regards, Oriellien Calvert.

Excellent RPG

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 7
Date: December 31, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I've loved this game ever since the first installment (Infection) and I've been collecting the TV Show and Comic as well. This game has a long re-playability, indepth story, a wonderful amount of options and so forth. I can hardly wait for this one to come out.

For those who complain about the fact that the game doesn't change much between the four volumn are probably the same that complained that "Fellowship of the Rings" was a clifthanger--it's a standard 4-part series! A *story* in the normal tradition like 2001, Tolkien and the rest. That alone means that they got the whole idea of an RPG right! A true RPG is one that is a story that gives you a chance to play along. I recommend this game to anyone.

.hack//mutation

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 6 / 6
Date: March 18, 2004
Author: Amazon User

While .hack// is quite a phenomenon, a review of the enjoyment of this game has nothing to do with the anime series (although fans of the series can find little easter eggs in the game series).

The strengths of .hack//mutation are the same as the first in the series (.hack//infection): it has a great plot line, interesting new skill system, easy to use interface, and you can continue on your character into the next of the series. This is as expected, there were no changes to the game design. Despite this, I found this game to be more exciting and fun to play than the first in the series. The plot in mutation thickens and becomes more interesting and fulfilling.

Like the previous game, if I were to say this game has a weakness, it would be that it is quite a bit shorter than many comparable games. With completion of the story line (in this installment), the extras, and just having a little fun, I completed the game in about 40 hours.

Overall, the .hack//mutation is a must have if you wish to play the series. I don't think that the series would have been as much fun if I did not play all of the installments. Having finished the first three game, .hack//mutation is my favorite of the series so far.

.hack Mutation! A cool game!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 6 / 7
Date: August 17, 2003
Author: Amazon User

.Hack Mutation is the sequel to another great game, .hack Infection. The story expands, you meet more party members, get to go to higher levels, and get another server (Lambda). Almost all the party members are optional, but really only 1 or 2 are required. You also get to go to about level 50. You really can't go far over that. Two new gruntys are here also! Blackrose gets a good weapon by meet Mimiru (from .hack//SIGN). You go to Net Slum and fight Innis and Magus.

Great and Challenging Game, but Short

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 10
Date: May 18, 2003
Author: Amazon User

When I got this game, I expected to play for a long time like the first one. I did like the fact of bringing my strong characters from the first one. I sure needed them. I'll admit that the three main bosses in that game were very difficult. It ended fast, but with a nice finish. I won't say it, but it looks like things are getting crazy in this game. So I recommend it very much. Just don't expect to play it long especially if you have the first one and beaten it. I finished it in two days! I was around level 47-48 when I beat the game. So that can be a good goal for people who have trouble in the game. So overall, great addition to the .Hack series!

Multimedia explosion.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 6
Date: May 21, 2003
Author: Amazon User

.hack(thats dot hack) is perfect implementation of multimedia to tell a story. Starting with the .hack/sign anime, going through 4 games and ending in a manga, .hack is perfect for any gamer who enjoys anime as well. The story flows through all forms of media(you learn keywords for in game play from the anime) and the story is like some of the best anime out of japan. A must buy if you enjoy both anime and rpgs, but make sure you get the first game as well, or you won't get the whole story.

Rent First!

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 6 / 10
Date: September 02, 2004
Author: Amazon User

If you found that you liked Infection, chances are still good you might despise Mutation.

The subsequent games frequently have a play time of under 10 hours each (at least to get all of the good items).

For the prices of PS2 games, you'd expect a bit more gametime such as the incredibly (and unfortunately) LONG Final Fantasy series. The whole Hack series can be shoved into one feature - four is spreading it too thin.

The gameplay is fun. Addictive even. Trading, leveling, email - all good.

The graphics are so-so. I kinda wish my character looked less like a mommy's boy - I envy the other characters.

The sound and music is great!

But just don't pay more than $20 for this game - It won't last the weekend.

If you want a good series PS2 Game, Xenosaga and its sequels will take that award.

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