First off let's start with the opening. The opening intro is incredibly well done and alluring. One of the best anime openings of the 2000s.
The characters? There aren't many but they're heavily developed as the story unfolds and they all have a story to tell.
The setting is an MMORPG called The World where a young boy named Tsubasa is suddenly teleported to. He didn't go there willingly and he has no idea HOW he got there nor he can he log out.
The beauty of .hack//Sign isn't the world itself but the story. See, the MMORPG isn't the plot. It's a backdrop.
The MMORPG they're in is purely used as the setting for the story. It's about the characters whose stories are as human as they can be.
The characters all suffer from real world issues. They all play the MMORPG to escape their lonely or troubled lives just like most people. They want a distraction.
If you're expecting a heavy action based MMORPG anime like Sword Art Online, this isn't that.
This is PURELY a drama. It's a mystery drama. There is no grinding for higher levels or trying to become stronger.
It's purely a drama/mystery set within an MMORPG setting.
There's about 4 characters in the entire show with minor NPCs and other PCs who only appear 1 or 2 episodes showing up.
These 4 characters are heavily developed thoughout the show and the bond they form is truly something, you learn about their life outside the MMO and who they actually are + their troubles (i.e alcoholism)
I can't really compare this show to another because it's just that deep.
There's genuinely moments that make you question what is going on.
There are moments that may trigger you if you have PTSD from abuse.
There are VERY dark moments involving or relating to suicide/self harm.
This is not a cute Shonen type anime. This is not an anime where everybody is happy.
This is a real life anime set within an MMO setting.
I will reiterate what I said earlier..the MMO IS NOT PART OF THE PLOT.
It's purely the backdrop for the events that unfold.
I highly highly highly recommend this anime purely because it's got an incredible score (as in music), a very very well developed cast of characters and the animation is very crisp even today.
And there's a plot twist you wouldn't ever expect.
The entire anime is about Tsubasa and finding out who he is and why he is in The World. But it's also about real world problems impacting the lives of those around him.
It isn't supernatural. It isn't for kids. It's a very deep and incredibly well crafted anime.
Tsubasa doesn't have super powers. He isn't the hero of the story. He is merely another player.
The story doesn't have a hero. Just like real life.
If you like realistic heavy drama anime that will leave you questioning what is going on and wanting more then I highly recommend it.
It's one of those late night adult swim Seinen type shows.
Just remember if you decide to watch it..Tsubasa isn't the hero. And nobody is coming to save him.
