.hack//SIGN is the first of its kind. It takes place in an MMORPG (Multi Member Online Role Playing Game) and set the bar for all other online computer game animes and mangas. However, this anime is not what you would expect it to be; a hack and slash dungeon crawler. It is a character study, a story that focuses on the growth and development of the characters. If you are looking for high octane action and mind numbing brain candy, this is not the anime for you by any means. But if you love character development to drive the story and like using your brain during your anime experience then you will not be disappointing. .hack//SIGN delivers structural complexity and character strife in full force. Falling in love with characters never felt so natural.
Characters
The entire cast acts like one big dysfunctional family that all center around the protagonist, Tsukasa. Everyone has their own personal drama that exists inside and out of "The World" which becomes integral to the plot. Everyone is foil for another even as they change and learn from their experiences all the while trying to find out more about Tsukasa's offline identity. Throughout the series we are shown real world clips of everyone's offline identity which can be a huge eye opener and explain a lot as to why these characters act the way they do. Just like when you play a MMORPG this diverse cast bands together to reach their goal in an epic battle where the fate of "The World" sways in the balance. Complex character relationship and betrayals will leave you begging to know more.
Sound
Probably one of the most rewarding soundtracks I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. See-Saw's Yuki Kaijura composed the character defined soundtrack for the series, inspired by Celtic music and video game themes. This gives the soundtrack a very misty mountain feel to it with adventure looming over the horizon. Lyrics for all the songs are very powerful in terms of sucking you into this dream world of might and magic. The opening themes "Obsession" and ending "Yasashii Yoake" (優しい夜明け, Gentle Dawn) are both performed by See-Saw and set the perfect town for the series. The voice acting in both the Japanese and English Dub are exception, but nothing out of this world. It's always nice to be able to listen to an anime and not be thrown off by the voices. The characters being an important part of the story, the characters voices needed to fit their roles well.
Art and Animation
Original character designs by Evangelion master artist Yoshiyuki Sadamoto reflects well the "Swords and Sorcery" genre, also relying on Celtic imagery: Director Mashimo acknowledged similarities between Bear's design and Mel Gibson in his role as William Wallace, an example of Celtic warrior. The action animation, for what little there is, is top notch and exciting. When things become action packed in this anime .hack//SIGN can kick things into high gear and deliver. The flashback and real world imagery is always seen through a T.V. static lens with the sounds filtered or taken out all together in exchange for silent film subtitles instead. This gives these moment a very creepy, uneasy feel as if something has gone terribly wrong. This also has to do with the fact that the majority of the anime takes place in game, when we are taken out of game it feels very wrong and unsettling. The art of .hack//SIGN leaves you with many unforgettable scenes.
Entertainment
With all the praise that .hack//SIGN gets this is where it falls short. .hack//SIGN is one of my personal favorite anime of all time, but even considering that when I put on .hack//SIGN I know what I'm getting myself into. Watching this show is mental endurance trial 25min long 26 times over. The only way the story progresses is by the next character interation so you need to be vigulent from conversation to conversation. Re-watching the series is something you need to schedule in advance. Because of its slow nature .hack//SIGN is a difficult series to pick up again after a short amount of time. The story is complex and mysterious with conspiracy and dramatic relationships, but unless you like talking, no matter how highly recommended .hack//SIGN comes to you chances are you won't enjoy it. If you have the will you won't be disappointing, .hack//SIGN's delivery is slow, but gets in your blood very quickly.
Over all .hack//SIGN is a series is a great series breaking the mold of cyber punk anime and pioneering a new theme. It is not as action packed as desired, but what it lacks in action it makes up with an amazing story and supreme character development. The art and animation sets the tone for a fantasy world that almost seems real with a soundtrack that seal the deal for this virtual dream land that is "The World". For anime fans who are looking for a deep anime that can stand on its own as a solid series .hack//SIGN if a fabulous choice, but if you're looking for something that will get your blood pumping more, this may be a series to avoid.
Suggestions
If you enjoyed .hack//SIGN and are looking for something similar or if you didn't enjoy it and are looking for a series that may give you more of a rush, here are a couple suggestions that you may find interesting. Try them out and read their reviews if you're not sure. First, is Sword Art Online which also revolves around the mmo element, featuring the main hero and heroine trying to conquer all 100 floors of the game and free everyone. Second, is Accel World that also uses a virtual reality idea and where the main enters the "Accelerated World" and tries to come on top by defeating everyone else.
