Others say...

".hack's second installment in the GU series is going strong"
Well, the first series of .hack games (infection, mutation, ETC) didn't really have the staying power that GU is proving to have. By adding just enough new features to the battles and the overall world to stay fresh, this volume helps move the series along to it's final stage in the newly released redemption. The humor has decreased somewhat from the first volume, but it's as fun as Rebirth was, and casual players and fans alike will love it.

"A good game, but boring at times."
This game doesn't deserve all of the negative reviews it has gotten in the past.

THE GOOD-for some reason, the story, never ever kept me confused or wanting even though it seems average I can't explain why but I loved this story and the way they presented everything. The graphics are slightly better than average. The combat is fast paced and only gets boring when your fighting lower levels (even though theres only one attack button and no combos, I still enjoyed the fights). The new awakening is really cool and can really save you in a tough battle, or entertain you in an easy one. Its like the creators studied current onlin games (where the story takes place) because NPC names and group names seem very realistic.

THE BAD- the soundtrack isnt good at all, there aren't even words. About an hour into the game you'll notice how generic the backgrounds are. The game is sort of short. There is a lack of spells to use. It seems like the equipment doesnt change your gameplay at all.


THE BOTTOM LINE- very fun, but for unexplainable reasons, and definetly worth the buy even to people new to this genre (since it is real time and not turn-based)

"Love it or Hate it"
This incarnation of the .Hack saga is very similar to almost all the previous ones. The dungeons and fields are laid out similarly, and the interface is largely unchanged. This is essentially another block of story in the series, and will appeal to those who've stuck with it so far, and enjoy the atmosphere and the premise.

Your characters quest this time is to save Atoli, who was nearly PKed at the end of the previous game and almost lapsed into a coma. This attack begins to show itself in the real world, as Atoli's player begins to complain of pain and numbness in her left arm, where she was struck.

Haseo, alternating between watching over Atoli and his other friends, also pursues his next major goal, the 2nd tier Arena Throne of the Holy Palace Emperor. He encounters AIDA in alarmingly larger and more powerful forms, resulting in a lot of repetitive battles with his Avatar.

The motives of many of the characters begin to flesh out well, from the interactions you have with them, and the correspondence you recieve from them. The storyline is what makes this game worthwhile to play, and even with some of the drawbacks, makes the game even have some replay value.

Thankfully, the game is not overly difficult. While leveling up expedites things, its not really necessary. Many of the flaws from the previous game have been addressed as well: one character can switch from one weapon to another on the fly, and several elements of combat have been improved, though hearing the word "Rengeki" shouted over and over again will eventually make you want to put an ax through your TV.

As I said before, if you like the story and the series behind .Hack, this game is worthwhile and highly diverting. If not, this will probably drive you into a homicidal rage after too long. As far as I could tell, there is not much middle ground.

"purplemagic00"
The dot hack series takes place in a not far off future where the line between reality and the computer are blurring together. The second installment of the dot . hack // Gu series builds and expands on the first gu the added options add a new depth to the games feel. it is a must have for rpg fans. Once again we get to take on the role of Haseo the terror of death. Haseo is a Adept rogue who character was almost pked when he first started. He vowed to become strong an take on al pk players. The new skills and areas will keep you busy for a good time. The simulated mmorpg is done well. It is a nice alternative to the monthly fees that real mmorpg charge. So you don't get to meet real people but there is a variety of play styles and how the characters act. What would it be like to fall victim to an error that causes you to be stuck in an online game. In this game we get to follow the unique experience of being stuck and the quest to be able to just log out of the world video game system. What can be done to not only save yourself but your friends who are stuck in the world. We keep to find out more of what may be causing problems and hopefully some answers to so many questions.

"Two thumbs up!"
Out of all the .hack games I've played, this is by far the best. There are better (more) skill triggers, better combos, more weapons, new allies, new fields, and much more goodies on the side for your extra time. The gameplay is overall amazing. I'm sure you won't be bored playing through quests and missions while you're capable of various different ways and options to take out your enemy, while strolling around in new areas on a new bike.

Although, the game seems short compared to other RPGs, hours you spent on this game is well worth it while you'll be able to transfer your data from Vol 2 to Vol 3, so you are well prepared for what happens next!

The first game was just the beginning, now you're dealing with the real trouble as you discover who is really behind what's happening in "The World". The story plunges deeper and, with a new sinister twist at the end, you'll be craving for the third game to come out sooner! The farther you go, the more you want to know what will happen next! You don't miss out on this amazing sequel to an already great series! Get ready for what's next in Vol 3!