.hack, Part 2: Mutation

by Bandai

Product Features

• In. hack - Infection, you explored the incredible game known simply as The World, and began uncovering a conspiracy at the game's deepest levels. In this sequel, you'll return to The World and unravel more of the mystery that's leaving so many gamers in comas, around the planet.
• The great graphics, sound and gameplay that made the first. hack game a hit is back, with all-new towns, weapons, items and characters
• There's also a brand new mini-game called Grunty Race, that takes raising grunties to a whole new level
• Comes with a 30 minute DVD detailing the happenings of a group of people outside of 'The world' who are also acting to try and uncover the mysteries of the coma victims.

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00008O0YD
• Item Weight: 6.1 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: May 6, 2003
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,421 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
  • #33 in Video Games > PlayStation 2 > Adventure
  • #57 in Video Games > PlayStation 2 > Action

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

In part 2 of this episodic, 4-part double-disc masterpiece, your remarkable party members meet up with the characters from .hack//SIGN television series, to support you through your painstaking journey to the truth.

What is the developer of "The World" hiding? Kite continues his quest, armed with the forbidden abilities of Data Drain and Gate Hacking. Will he be able to save Orca and the other coma victims...?

Product Description

.hack Part 2: Mutation continues the amazing and shocking story of the .hack world!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In trouble again, June 12, 2003

By 

Marc Ruby™ "The Noh Hare™" (Warren, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: .hack, Part 2: Mutation (Video Game)

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.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fans of Infection will love the continued gameplay, July 6, 2003

By 

Lisa Shea "medieval swordfighting enthusiast" - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: .hack, Part 2: Mutation (Video Game)

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!

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars .hack//Mutation, April 16, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: .hack, Part 2: Mutation (Video Game)

.hack//Mutation is the sequal to .hack//infection. This game is so much fun you still have all of your member addresses whicth you had in the previsous game. And you start at Level 30 so you can go to stronger dungen levels and more infected areas. If you liked the first one you will like the seocond one more.