 Fans of Infection will love the continued gameplay , July 6, 2003
Reviewer: Lisa Shea "WineIntro.com" (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews
This sequel to .hack Infection picks up where the first game left off - and even lets you import your character to continue the adventure! For new players, the game nicely provides you with all the mail messages, board posts and other content from the first game, so you can at least try to catch up a bit with the story. It provides you with a character up to the challenge of this next level.
In graphics, gameplay, user experience and interface, .mutation is exactly the same as .infection was. This game is a 'storyline expansion' to the first game, using the same engine.
People unhappy with the first game probably won't buy the second game, so the audience for game 2 is pretty much self selecting. People who loved the first game and didn't want the experience to end will be thrilled. Instead of most games where you put hours of time and energy into a character, only to have the game stop, you can keep playing for weeks more. And of course, when you're through with this one, there'll be another one out in the fall!
In trouble again , June 13, 2003
Reviewer: Marc Ruby "The Noh Hare" (Warren, MI USA) - See all my reviews
My first reaction to this segment of the game was disappointment that they hadn't made any changes from .hack//infection. And a bit of irritation, since the first fight sequence is quite dark and I had some close moments. Then I found myself settling into the pattern again and enjoying the game as much as the original. In a sense, .hack is a game for RPG traditionalists, even though its premise is a self-aware model of a virtual reality game gone awry.
For those of you who are come lately, this game is a game about playing a virtual role game called 'The World.' This is much like the online games currently available, but with better immersion. Something has gone awry in the game and players are being attacked by mutated monsters that can leave them permanently comatose. Kite, BlackRose, and a host of other player characters form a team that undertake both the central game quests, and get to play in randomly generated dungeons as well for leveling up. There is also a set of side quests that provide a distraction from the occasionally tedious character development.
Story is managed by cut scenes. One of the very positive things about this series is that the developers did not give in to the current fascination with long running cut scenes that overwhelm the action. Essentially this a hack/slash/magic game with a novel plot within a plot, solid graphics, and interesting characters. It is part of an entire marketing approach that includes the game, an included OVA, a TV series, and a set of music CD's. While the game is not the best component (I like the series and the OVA better) it provides strong, interesting play.
The included segment of the OVA ("The Case of Yuki Aihara") is an extension of the first segment and takes place in the 'real' world, where a group of people are trying to find out why their friends are going into comas. This provides a nice balance to the fantasy environment of the game and the TV series. The DVD also includes some interesting interviews, but they come dangerously close to giving away too much of the plot, which will become more and more focused on the players and the conflict between their roles in both the game and the real world as .hack moves along. But, there promises to be plenty of monster slayage as well. And at the end of a long day, nothing satisfies like chopping up a giant glowing lizard with a whirling combination of knife thrusts.
 Rent First! , September 2, 2004
Reviewer: Jason M. Kramer (NY, NY) - See all my reviews
If you found that you liked Infection, chances are still good you might despise Mutation.
The subsequent games frequently have a play time of under 10 hours each (at least to get all of the good items).
For the prices of PS2 games, you'd expect a bit more gametime such as the incredibly (and unfortunately) LONG Final Fantasy series. The whole Hack series can be shoved into one feature - four is spreading it too thin.
The gameplay is fun. Addictive even. Trading, leveling, email - all good.
The graphics are so-so. I kinda wish my character looked less like a mommy's boy - I envy the other characters.
The sound and music is great!
But just don't pay more than $20 for this game - It won't last the weekend.
If you want a good series PS2 Game, Xenosaga and its sequels will take that award. |
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