.hack//G.U. Volume 1: Rebirth

One of the most astounding and original video game series to date is .hack. .hack (also known as Dot.Hack) is based off of a popular anime series that asks the question "What if you played a video game where the actions in the video game affect your real world life?" The .hack video game series had a stunning 4 chapters that were released in 4 separate video games. These were: Infection, Mutation, Outbreak, and Quarantine. Now, a new .hack series is to be released in an epic trilogy. The first in the new series is .hack//G.U. Volume 1: Rebirth. Rebirth takes on a brand new story with new and old friends!

The story takes place 7 years after the events of the original .hack video game series. CyberConnect Corporation has decided to release a new version of "The World." "The World" is a popular online video game that previously had some strange problems. The newest version "The World: R2." Is showing promise as it has so far gotten over 12 million players.

You play the role of Haseo. Haseo is a new player in "The World." He gets befriended and betrayed by two other players who turn out to be PKs (Player Killers). PKs are people who enjoy killing other players. Luckily, Haseo is saved by another player just before the PKs kill him. He then devotes all of his play time to tacking down and killing all PKs. His virtual character becomes powerful and is soon known as "The Terror of Death" to other players!

One day, Heseo's friend Shino gets attacked and killed by another player called Tri-Edge (who resembles the hero of the last .hack series)!. While this occurred in the game, Shino is somehow affected in the real world and enters a coma! This is not the first time that strange things like this have occurred as a result of playing "The World." He then dedicates himself to finding Tri-edge.

Heseo finds Tri-edge, however he loses the battle with him. Although he didn't fall in a coma like his poor friend Shino, Heseo's virtual character is drained to a level one character. He also finds that other players suddenly don't recognize him. Heseo decides that there are strange bugs with "The World." He decides on solving the problems associated with the strange events that occur as a result of playing "The World."

As you may tell, the story is very in depth...much more than the first .hack series. This game not only features a great new story, but also several new gaming elements. The first is that there are new features in the virtual game of "The World." There is now a new arena to fight against other players. Winning boosts your stats and awards items. You also can now form guilds with other players. You also have a vehicle to travel with and the ability to injure your foes with it!

The battle mechanics have improved a bit. Heseo can now change weapons at any time during the real time battles. If you are in battle with your AI party, you can launch a group attack once your tension meter fills.

Some other features involve the real world and the virtual world. There are now new hacking features to help you manipulate "The World." You can also now enter "The World" from any location via the new VR helmet. Also, there is a revamped communication feature that allows you to chat, email, check forums, etc. Lastly, if you have saved data from the last .hack series, you are in for a pleasant surprise!

The graphics of .hack//G.U. Volume 1: Rebirth have improved from the previous versions of the game. You can also expect gorgeous anime quality cut scenes throughout the game as you play. The sound is superb and the voice acting is well done. Lastly, the controls are quite easy to master.

.hack//G.U. Volume 1: Rebirth is available on Playstation 2. It has an ESRB rating of T for teen. This is because the game features language and fantasy violence. If you need a bit of help with the game (or if you want to cheat), a strategy guide is available!