.hack G.U. Vol.1 Rebirth: Everything You Need to Know About the First Part of the Epic RPG Trilogy
.hack G.U. Vol.1 Rebirth: A Review of the First Installment of the .hack G.U. Trilogy
Introduction
If you are a fan of anime, RPGs, or cyberpunk, you might have heard of the .hack franchise, which consists of various media such as games, novels, manga, and anime that explore the concept of a virtual reality MMORPG called The World.
[PS2] .hack G.U. Vol.1 Rebirth [.hack G.U. Vol.1 ] (SLPS-25651)(JPN) ISO 16
One of the most popular and acclaimed series within the franchise is the .hack G.U. trilogy, which was released for the PlayStation 2 between 2006 and 2007 in Japan and North America.
In this article, we will review the first installment of the trilogy, .hack G.U. Vol.1 Rebirth, which introduces us to the protagonist, Haseo, and his quest for revenge against a mysterious player killer known as Tri-Edge.
What is .hack G.U. Vol.1 Rebirth?
.hack G.U. Vol.1 Rebirth is an action RPG that simulates a fictional MMORPG called The World R:2, which is a sequel to the original The World from the previous .hack games.
The game follows the story of Haseo, a new player who joins a guild called Twilight Brigade in search of a legendary item called the Key of the Twilight.
However, his life changes when he encounters Tri-Edge, a player killer who defeats him in a single hit and causes his character data to be reset to level 1.
Haseo then vows to find Tri-Edge and get his revenge, while also uncovering the secrets behind The World R:2 and its connection to reality.
What is the story and setting of .hack G.U. Vol.1 Rebirth?
The game is set in 2017, seven years after a mysterious event called Pluto's Kiss that caused a global network crisis and shut down most online services.
Since then, a new network system called Altimit OS has been developed and has become the standard for all computers.
One of the most popular applications of Altimit OS is The World R:2, a virtual reality MMORPG that boasts over 12 million players worldwide.
The World R:2 is divided into various servers, each with its own theme and landscape.
Players can create their own avatars from different classes, races, genders, and appearances, and explore the vast world with other players or NPCs.
The game also features a real-time news network called CC Corp News that reports on various events happening in The World R:2 and in reality.
What are the main features and gameplay mechanics of .hack G.U. Vol.1 Rebirth?
The game consists of two main modes: desktop mode and online mode.
In desktop mode, you can access various features such as email, forums, news, wallpapers, music, movies, etc., as well as customize your desktop appearance.
In online mode, you can log into The World R:2 and play as Haseo.
You can interact with other players or NPCs via chat or email, form parties with up to two other members, trade items or equipment with other players or shops, etc.
You can also access various areas by using keywords that consist of three words each.
Each area has its own level range, monster type, field type, dungeon type, etc., and you can obtain different rewards depending on your performance.
The game also features a system called Avatar Awakening that allows you to use your avatar's special abilities in certain situations.
Your avatar is a manifestation of your inner self that can unleash powerful attacks or skills that can affect both enemies and allies.
However, using your avatar too much can cause negative effects such as data corruption or loss of control.
Graphics and Sound
How does .hack G.U. Vol.1 Rebirth look and sound on the PS2?
The game has a cel-shaded graphics style that gives it an anime-like appearance.
The character models are detailed and expressive, with various outfits and accessories that can be changed throughout the game.
The environments are colorful and diverse, ranging from grassy fields to snowy mountains to futuristic cities.
The game also uses dynamic lighting and shadow effects that create a realistic atmosphere.
The game has a high-quality soundtrack composed by Chikayo Fukuda that matches the mood and tone of each scene.
The game also features voice acting for most of the dialogue in both Japanese and English versions.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the graphics and sound of .hack G.U. Vol.1 Rebirth?
The strengths of the graphics and sound are:
The game has a unique visual style that distinguishes it from other RPGs on the PS2.
The game has a variety of environments that offer different challenges and experiences for the player.
The game has a rich soundtrack that enhances the immersion and emotion of the game.
The game has a talented voice cast that brings life to the characters and their personalities.
The weaknesses of the graphics and sound are:
The game has some graphical glitches such as clipping issues or texture pop-ins that can break immersion.
The game has some repetitive animations or sound effects that can become annoying after repeated exposure.
The game has some low-resolution textures or models that can look dated compared to newer games on other platforms.
The game has some inconsistent voice acting quality or lip-syncing issues that can affect immersion or characterization.
Characters and Dialogue
Who are the main characters and what are their personalities and roles in .hack G.U. Vol.1 Rebirth?
Some possible paragraphs are: - Haseo is the protagonist of the game and a member of Twilight Brigade guild.He is an Adept Rogue class who can use multiple weapons depending on his form.He is initially arrogant, rude, antisocial, and obsessed with finding Tri-Edge.However, he gradually develops friendships with other characters who help him grow as a person.He also discovers that he has a special ability called Data Drain that allows him to manipulate data in The World R:2.He is voiced by Takahiro Sakurai in Japanese version and Yuri Lowenthal in English version.
- Ovan is the leader of Twilight Brigade guild.He is an unknown class who wears a large metal arm on his left side.He is mysterious, calm, and charismatic.He recruits Haseo into his guild with ulterior motives.He claims to know about Tri-Edge and the Key of the Twilight.He also seems to have a connection to - She is the victim of Tri-Edge's attack that puts her into a coma in reality.She is voiced by Kaori Nazuka in Japanese version and Mary Elizabeth McGlynn in English version.
- Kuhn is a member of Raven guild and a former member of Twilight Brigade guild.He is a Steam Gunner class who uses a gun as his weapon.He is friendly, humorous, and flirtatious.He is Haseo's mentor and ally in his quest for revenge.He also has the ability to use his avatar, Magus, which resembles a giant bird.He is voiced by Shinichiro Miki in Japanese version and Kirk Thornton in English version.
- Atoli is a member of Moon Tree guild and a fan of Haseo.She is a Harvest Cleric class who uses a staff as her weapon.She is cheerful, optimistic, and naive.She admires Haseo for his strength and courage and tries to get closer to him.She also believes in the power of words and emotions in The World R:2.She is voiced by Ayako Kawasumi in Japanese version and Bridget Hoffman in English version.
Gameplay and Replay Value
How is the combat system and difficulty level of .hack G.U. Vol.1 Rebirth?
The game has a real-time combat system that allows you to control Haseo and his party members in various battles.
You can use different commands such as attack, skill, item, or retreat to perform actions.
You can also switch between different weapons depending on your form and situation.
You can use a scythe for long-range attacks, dual swords for fast attacks, or a broadsword for powerful attacks.
You can also use your avatar to unleash devastating attacks or skills in certain battles.
The game has a moderate difficulty level that requires you to strategize and adapt to different enemies and situations.
You can adjust the difficulty level by changing the keywords of the areas you visit.
You can also use various items or equipment to enhance your stats or abilities.
What are the different activities and quests that you can do in .hack G.U. Vol.1 Rebirth?
The game has a variety of activities and quests that you can do in The World R:2 besides the main story.
You can participate in arena battles that pit you against other players or teams in different modes such as free battle, tournament, or rank battle.
You can also join guilds that offer different services or benefits such as shops, storage, alchemy, etc.
You can also take on side quests that involve helping other players or NPCs with their problems or requests.
You can also explore hidden or optional areas that contain rare items or enemies.
You can also collect various items such as books, cards, wallpapers, movies, etc. that unlock extra content or features in the game.
How long does it take to complete .hack G.U. Vol.1 Rebirth and what are the incentives to replay it?
The game takes about 20 to 30 hours to complete depending on your playstyle and how much you explore the game.
The game has incentives to replay it such as new game plus mode that allows you to carry over your progress and items to a new game.
The game also has multiple endings that depend on your choices and actions throughout the game.
Conclusion
What are the pros and cons of .hack G.U. Vol.1 Rebirth?
The pros of the game are:
The game has an engaging and immersive story that draws you into the world and the characters.
The game has a unique and innovative gameplay that simulates a virtual reality MMORPG.
The game has a high replay value that offers different outcomes and content depending on your choices and actions.
The game has a high production value that showcases the graphics, sound, voice acting, and music of the game.
The cons of the game are:
The game has some technical issues that can affect the performance or quality of the game.
The game has some repetitive or tedious elements that can become boring or frustrating after a while.
The game has some complex or confusing aspects that can be hard to understand or follow without prior knowledge or experience of the franchise.
The game has some mature or dark themes that can be disturbing or inappropriate for some audiences.
Who should play .hack G.U. Vol.1 Rebirth and why?
The game is suitable for anyone who enjoys anime, RPGs, or cyberpunk genres.
The game is especially recommended for fans of the .hack franchise who want to experience the next chapter of the saga.
The game is also appealing for anyone who likes to explore a rich and diverse world with a lot of secrets and surprises.
The game is also satisfying for anyone who likes to customize their character and gameplay with a lot of options and features.
Where can you get .hack G.U. Vol.1 Rebirth and how much does it cost?
The game is available for the PlayStation 2 console and can be purchased online or in physical stores.
The game can also be played on a PlayStation 3 console with backward compatibility or on a PC with an emulator.
The game costs about $40 USD for a new copy or $20 USD for a used copy.
The game is also included in a remastered collection called .hack G.U. Last Recode that contains all three volumes of the trilogy plus a bonus volume for the PlayStation 4 and PC platforms.
The collection costs about $50 USD for a new copy or $30 USD for a used copy.
FAQs
Q: Is .hack G.U. Vol.1 Rebirth a standalone game or do I need to play the previous games to understand it?
A: .hack G.U. Vol.1 Rebirth is a standalone game that can be enjoyed without playing the previous games.However, playing the previous games can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the story and characters.The previous games are .hack//Infection, .hack//Mutation, .hack//Outbreak, and .hack//Quarantine, which form the first series of .hack games.
Q: How do I save my progress in .hack G.U. Vol.1 Rebirth?
A: You can save your progress in desktop mode by accessing the save icon on your desktop.You can also save your progress in online mode by accessing the save shop in any town.You can have up to three save files in the game.
Q: How do I change my weapon or form in .hack G.U. Vol.1 Rebirth?
A: You can change your weapon or form in online mode by accessing the equipment menu on your status screen.You can also change your weapon or form during battle by pressing the L1 button.You can unlock new weapons or forms by completing certain quests or events in the game.
Q: How do I use my avatar in .hack G.U. Vol.1 Rebirth?
A: You can use your avatar in online mode by accessing the avatar menu on your status screen.You can also use your avatar during certain battles by pressing the R1 button when prompted.You can upgrade your avatar's abilities by collecting virus cores from defeated enemies.
Q: How do I get more keywords in .hack G.U. Vol.1 Rebirth?
A: You can get more keywords in online mode by talking to other players or NPCs, reading emails or forums, completing quests or events, etc.You can also create your own keywords by using the word list feature on your status screen.You can use different combinations of keywords to access different areas in The World R:2.