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.hack//sign isn't exactly new. Known for it's slow pace, it has a reputation as a poorly paced, often boring show. While this is true, to an extent, there is still value in this anime--life lessons that make it worth the time you're willing to invest in it.
Story: .hack//sign is a slow anime with an episodic format and plot to match. Often, you may feel that you might have to go back and re-watch an episode or two because might have missed something in the last scene.
The pacing was bad and would have been much, much better as a one cour (12-13 episodes) series. The impact of the plot was lessened by the postponement of the primary conflict, which was not introduced until about halfway through. The ending ultimately lost impact because of the story telling, which was more or less average.
Understandably, there are also some parts, especially prevalent in the OVAs, where you had to have prior knowledge for full understanding. The OVAs themselves added little to the story, mostly giving a sense of "all's-well-that-ends-well." It does try to be realistic in it's approach, though it doesn't always succeed.
Art: The animation style is decent, but outdated, and doesn't quite manage to hold up to today's standards--though this is to be expected. The character designs were varied and distinct while the backgrounds, though predominately dark, were aesthetically pleasing. For the most part, the animation was smooth and the jerking and stills were kept to an acceptable minimum--problems consistent with many other older anime.
Sound:. hack//sign's music and sound fit well. The OST complimented the mood while the OP and ED were catchy, though otherwise unmemorable. At times, the background music was a tad overbearing-- a fault that often resulted in a ruined atmosphere. Standing alone, the music can be drab at times, but proves to be sufficient overall.
Characters: This is .hack//sign's focal point. Character development is initially slow, but speeds up later on in the anime. The characters are interesting, and almost all of them contribute to the plot at some point--one of them receiving extra development during the first OVA. No characters appears similar to another, and they are easy to relate to, though they can be dull at times. The villain is good, but suffers from a lack of impact as the episodes draw on.
Enjoyment: In essence, this is a slow anime with poor pacing that often left us wanting more. It's worth a try if this appeals to you, but it will not keep everyone who watches awake. Because of how slow it is, it would probably be best if you watched this anime over a long period of time. Try watching as a substitute for pills or lullabies.
The soundtrack is nice to listen to, but gets a little tiring after a while and the art is worth a look, even if it isn’t the best. The characters deserve more than a passing glance, being the primary draw of the show.
Values in the Anime: There is value in this anime that makes it worth watching--certain life lessons that we can all learn through anime.
Accepting Reality: This anime shows us how dangerous it is to get absorbed in entertainment. This is an issue especially present in today's society, where everyone is on their phone or computer at almost all times. It’s good to have fun and get absorbed, but also important to stay grounded in reality as well. Recognizing that line between entertainment and reality is paramount.
Games are a way to express yourself; they are a way to act as someone you’re not. No matter what though, remember that these things should stay in the game; they are exclusive to the laws of the game for a reason. Accept reality for what it is, and know the difference while maintaining a balance.
Respecting Others: Respecting others is important in real life, but can be equally so in a game or online. The main character is initially rude and unlikeable, but finds the value in those basic concepts throughout the development of the story and improves themselves as a person. Connecting to other people, and observing how it affects you is of the upmost importance, and is a message strongly conveyed in .hack//sign.
Story: 5/10
Enjoyment: 4/10
Art: 6/10
Sound: 8/10
Characters: 8/10
Overall: 6/10 (-not an average-)
VIA (Value in Anime) – Graveyard Division
To find the true gem’s in anime!
Vigilate et discite!
Officer “Kami_no_Kage”
Agent “Haysti”
Agent “Hitsuzen24”
