The second installment of the second .hack series is as convoluted and awkward as the game's title. The anime-based single-player MMO-like RPG is an acquired taste, to be sure, but for those who like the unique genre, G.U. is a solid effort.

Fans of the series will be content, as Reminisce brings a new set of quests and items, and everything about the first game remains consistent. This game is not really a title on its own, though. Rather, it's a 30-hour extension to the original quest. Players can import their characters from the first game, and presumably the same will be true for the third installment.

Anyone new to the series should start with the first game, as Reminisce provides no help for beginners. Namco Bandai assumed players knew the game, as well as the storyline. The first level begins in the middle of a storyline, and there's no help with battle, bike controls or finding save points and needed Chim Spheres.

The MMO-like flavor of the game is interesting and well-done. The title sports "message boards" with game help, a simple card game and a relatively deep weapon customization system. The game looks nice, with a new "Divine Awakening" move and detailed character models. The combat feels sufficiently cool, and there are many characters to choose from. However, it feels much clunkier than it should. The running and bike riding are awkward and hard to control, and the environments are recycled many times over to create the game's areas.

All in all, this is little more than Disc 2 for the first volume, and it's not just your garden-variety niche; it's really, really niche. There's no mass appeal here. If you loved the first one and want to play more, you'll be fine with this installment. If not, it's a $40 coaster.

May 25, 2007 | 0 comments
Graham Russell