STORY:
.hack//SIGN is about a virtual reality MMORPG ( Massive Multi-player Online Role Playing Game ) called "The World." In The World, players determine what class they would like to become, and then set out to play the game however they see fit. Some play in parties, while others choose to play solo. In this game, we meet several interesting and amusing characters - all who are playing the game differently, but whose paths fatefully cross at one point or another. But most notably of these characters, we meet Tsukasa: the ever troubled protagonist of this story. Tsukasa is met with a problem never before seen in The World: he can not log out. Stuck in the game, he is forced to face the fact that he might not even want to return to reality; but the many people whom he encounters during his stay in the game seem to be determined to figure out the mystery surrounding him, and return him safely to the real world.
Now...the story moves slow. Like I've said, there are not any flashy battles nor explosions, and what little action there is is very mundane...So, do not watch //SIGN expecting to be wowed by action scenes. That being said, there are some things that are left unexplained...but all those unexplained things CAN be explained if you read the manga. So, if you like the series and you find yourself wanting to know more about just what in the heck happened, then check out the manga or the novel of the same title.
Alright. The true heart of this story is in the characters. So let's move on.
CHARACTERS:
.hack//SIGN consists of enticing characters; each with their own stand out qualities, motives, pasts, and subsequently, problems. In fact, I must say that every character in //SIGN is extremely interesting - I found myself relating to many of them in different aspects of their personalities, and in how they handled situations...which is a very welcome feeling, as many times, characters in anime seem to be a bit far fetched as to how they deal with certain occurrences.
The character development is suburb; mainly because the characters are the main focal point of the entire story. So much time is spent delving into their hearts, feelings, and minds that one can not help but get attached.
ART:
Its got its quirks and problems, but all around, the animators did a good job. The animators made The World a beautiful place, while also a tad bit frightening in some areas. But I'm not too good at reviewing art, so I'll end this portion here and you can decide for yourself.
MUSIC:
Excuse me while I squee with joy. *ahem* This is one of my favorite soundtracks. Yuki Kajiura at her finest. Every track fits The World to a T; and one can't help but feel like they're inside the game in some parts. Aside from the perfect fit of the songs, they are also emotional, exciting, and just plain fun.
If you decide in the end that you do not want to watch .hack//SIGN, at least go listen to the soundtrack; it is pure enjoyment.
OVERALL:
I loved this series. I'd watch it again in a heartbeat. To me, its only downfalls were that there could have been a little more action, but it wasn't necessary to the story, and that they should have explained more in the anime. But aside from these things, my enjoyment of this series was very high. I recommend you at least give it a shot. You never know until you try! I did, and I am not in the least bit disappointed. And even if you do not find yourself a fan of the story...engage yourself in its soundtrack!
