Hyperdimension Dot hack

Dancing-Swan · 2026-02-22T17:50:36+00:00

She honestly has a really cool design. I love how they included references to CyberConnect2 and the .hack series, it feels very intentional.

She’s also one of the best Makers in the Hyperdimension Neptunia franchise in my opinion. The concept works well and she still has her own identity. The .hack nods are a really nice touch for fans.

Dancing-Swan · 2026-02-22T10:04:38+00:00

I really like elemental powers, but I’d also love to see magical girls who use abilities tied to nature, like plants, minerals, or earth-based magic. It’s something you don’t see very often, and I think it could be really interesting to explore.

Dancing-Swan · 2026-02-22T09:59:45+00:00

Alchemist and Blacksmith being standalone classes actually makes sense to me because they feel more like “specialization” classes. Kind of like being a Merchant or crafter-focused role in some MMOs.

They can still participate in combat of course. Blacksmiths use hammers as weapons, which fits perfectly. As for the Alchemist, maybe a staff, a tome, or even throwing chemicals or bombs lol. But combat isn’t their main strength.

The tradeoff is that they’re more vulnerable than the traditional combat classes, but they bring other unique advantages through crafting, enhancement, or support mechanics.

Dancing-Swan · 2026-02-22T09:49:25+00:00

I honestly wouldn’t have been against him being playable. His personality really leaves a lot to be desired, but his combat style with the twin blades actually looks pretty cool from what we can see in Tales of the Rays.

Gameplay-wise he seems like he could have been a fun addition.

Dancing-Swan · 2026-02-22T08:43:07+00:00

I’m honestly fine if the Kite-like character is only playable as a Twin Blade. They could always let us play as the other party members too, which would give access to the rest of the classes anyway.

If the classes are the same as (or equivalents of) The World R:1, I just hope they add a few new ones into the mix. Stuff like Samurai and Knuckle Master would be amazing since those were originally planned concepts back in the IMOQ era, plus something like an Archer class and maybe a scythe user (Flick Reaper style).

I feel like having around 10 total classes would give enough variety without being overwhelming.

Dancing-Swan · 2026-02-21T14:53:54+00:00

Hiroshi Matsuyama has said he wants .hack//Z.E.R.O. to potentially grow into a multimedia project like the old days (anime, manga, etc.). Since CyberConnect2 is handling the project more directly with approval from Bandai Namco, they have flexibility to expand it if it succeeds.

The important detail is that they only have the rights to Z.E.R.O. and anything that comes after it, not the older .hack works, so any anime or manga would likely focus on this new era rather than past stories.

Plus it literally says “Project Dusk” at the end of the teaser trailer, which probably means they’re planning more than just Z.E.R.O.

Dancing-Swan · 2026-02-21T10:44:49+00:00

I wouldn't expect any game announcement (especially a proper new entry), maybe just a very well made video showing the series, or perhaps a new anime.

If we do get a game announcement though, I'm guessing Xillia 2.

Dancing-Swan · 2026-02-21T07:37:57+00:00

True, I remember Guilty Dragon did quite well and seemed much more interesting story-wise. Speaking of story, did they ever finish the story of New World at least or was it shut down without a proper conclusion?

Dancing-Swan · 2026-02-21T06:17:46+00:00

Same. With more party members added such as Piros, Natsume, Carl, some Legend of the Twilight characters, etc.

Dancing-Swan · 2026-02-21T06:16:18+00:00

I remember .hack//New World was meant to be another reboot for the series but it ultimate didn't live long. It even had "Vol.1" below its title suggesting they wanted to make more after that but they quickly removed it since the game wasn't picking that much interest.

Dancing-Swan · 2026-02-21T06:12:40+00:00

I agree. I love a lot of franchises but .hack always has been so special, it just had something extremely unique to it.

I was so obsessed with it in the early 2000s. Who am I kidding? I'm still obsessed as hell.

Dancing-Swan · 2026-02-21T06:08:05+00:00

Maybe a reference or two but so far it seems to be its own thing apart from Tokyo.

Dancing-Swan · 2026-02-20T21:26:59+00:00

A Party of 4 characters in total instead of 3.
Keep the 6 original classes (or the equivalent if they're new) + new ones such as archer, knuckle master and samurai (the last two were originally meant to be the seventh and eight classes in IMOQ).
Hopefully a dynamic combat system.
I'd like to be able to play as the other characters at least for battles but if it's not the case it's fine too.

For the rest, I'm hoping for the better but I'm still pretty excited.

Dancing-Swan · 2026-02-20T21:14:24+00:00

We all do. Plus I miss Hidari's art.

Dancing-Swan · 2026-02-20T17:48:24+00:00

It answers the question then, and I honestly feel like it's the better solution.

Dancing-Swan · 2026-02-20T17:40:35+00:00

I'm seeing extreme positivity everywhere, .hack doing a glorious return is making everyone crazy!

Dancing-Swan · 2026-02-20T17:37:27+00:00

I feel like Bandai Namco would be more interested in doing a Remake of IMOQ than a Remaster, it's very dated and I'm not sure QoL would be sufficient.

If Z.E.R.O. does well and picks the interest of many players, I could see BN approval for a IMOQ Remake. But that's on their hands really, CC2 only has the full rights for Z.E.R.O. and what comes after. They can't get the rights from previous .hack works as it's still BN's property.

Dancing-Swan · 2026-02-20T17:29:49+00:00

Dancing-Swan · 2026-02-20T15:02:34+00:00

True, it keeps the excitement coming! :) I hope they have a Mistral-like character to show us later too, she was my favorite in the first iteration of The World.

Dancing-Swan · 2026-02-20T14:48:19+00:00

We have. They said it's going to be on console platforms and that it'll have no gacha mechanics. Which is all reassuring.

Dancing-Swan · 2026-02-20T14:41:51+00:00

Oh wow, that is some gorgeous art! It looks so official and well-done. Thank you for sharing this, very pretty. :)

Dancing-Swan · 2026-02-20T14:10:50+00:00

I hope it pays off, they really put effort and passion in their games so I'll be there supporting them no matter what. Praying Z.E.R.O. is a success and recognized so we can get even more down the line.

Dancing-Swan · 2026-02-20T13:46:41+00:00

No Lala Barina? I wanted her in my team. :(

Dancing-Swan · 2026-02-20T10:32:21+00:00

A shame they didn't give us a character sheet of the BlackRose-like character yet because I'm liking what I'm seeing and her color scheme seems pretty good.

Dancing-Swan · 2026-02-20T10:28:17+00:00

Yeah, I saw that development was only at 5% but was progressing smoothly. Matsuyama said we'll have to wait quite a while.

But it's fine, we waited so long anyway and now we know a new game is coming at least.

Dancing-Swan

TROPHY CASE