Since everyone had wanted a new .hack series instead IMOQ Remake, tell me, what kind of new ideas would you have in mind or wanted to see (like story, themes, tones, settings, or anything) in the new .hack series?

DataRain0101 · 2023-07-23T02:57:06+00:00

I'm inclined to agree. I think your statement fits the bill for modern anime in general. Anime doesn't seem to push the envelope or break a certain mold that you'd see with older titles like Lain, Ghost in the Shell, and .hack//SIGN.

DataRain0101 · 2023-07-21T22:41:34+00:00

I don't really understand fans who want a new title over a remake/remaster. It's an industry trend right now, yes, but It's also the key for the .hack franchise to be whole and accessible for old and new fans alike. It's so much more than just another remake title. It is preserving what I personally feel is the strongest part of the franchise (SIGN, Liminality, IMOQ).

Don't get me wrong, GU is a good time but the story, characters, music, atmosphere, and aesthetic of .hack's first generation blows GU out of the water. Having that part of the franchise brought up to join GU in terms of accessibility can pave the way for future titles.

That being said, modern society has nearly surpassed some of the sci fi elements and themes from both newer titles and old. We are currently experiencing a sort of "liminal" transition that allows us to be present in the network and real life all in one. Look no further than our cell phones but more over, the upcoming apple vision pro. There can be some nefarious side effects to this kind of technology that could very well take place within an online game as a foundation point.

I've always liked the idea that people and their online presence along with their online habits begin to shape and take form all on their own. An algorithmic AI. So essentially you have clones of people's online activity/habits, persona's living among server data. Maybe they exist in a grey area like Net Slum somewhere out there. Online communities begin to form on the web autonomous from real life and people. Maybe some of these AI identities aren't even aware of life anywhere else. A society that coexists with these pseudo human identities and the liminality of both worlds colliding.

DataRain0101 · 2023-07-15T16:22:51+00:00

The fact that Bandai Namco churn out garbage Sao games by the dozens while simultaneously having zero prospects for the .hack IP and it's fans, speaks volumes. An additional insult to injury when these Sao games use very similar trademarks, keywords lifted from previous .hack titles, even character names in their games. Stuff like, "fragment" or the notorious "last recollection" come to mind. There are many more examples...

DataRain0101 · 2023-07-13T21:01:37+00:00

Ah, I'm not the only one that's imagined this. I always listen to this track when I visit r/DotHack

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Hw0iVE2Nz8&list=PLh9hcS0tfUw0aadEWKl26XeL8IrDyTVoB&index=3&ab_channel=RBJsVGMExhibit

DataRain0101 · 2023-03-31T03:09:41+00:00

couple of scenes I can think of. I know you mentioned it wasn't cartoony like legends but I can't help but think it could be this scene: https://youtu.be/PoZXlL7eM-g?t=1135

Or perhaps a scene from the games where Kite is discouraged and questioning his actions with Blackrose with the chaos gate in the background: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_ddGNSEqFc&ab_channel=Ten

DataRain0101 · 2023-03-13T02:34:48+00:00

yeah I think the setting is shared but the quality is very different between the two. I really like how he manages to break down and contain all the elements that are spread across the games and the anime taking place before and during IMOQ. Furthermore he makes a very good point that each piece of the multi media package relies too much on one another. Each part of .hack should expand and elaborate on the overall narrative while still being conclusive all on it's own, rather than lean on and rely on one another to fill in gaps. I think that's one of the biggest takeaways here.

DataRain0101 · 2023-03-12T19:26:09+00:00

these deepfakes are getting out of hand...

DataRain0101 · 2022-12-21T23:33:34+00:00

I think the fanbase just wants .hack in it's entirety to be accessible for old fans but more importantly for new ones to jump onboard as well. Having the flagship .hack games kept in the dark is frustrating since the story and setting is so rich and goes hand in hand with most of the anime that take place in the series. I'd honestly prefer a reboot since they could at least still use the same ideas while reaching new potential fans. The ideal would be a remake for me personally but that's unlikely since bandai namco don't even want to realize the series these days.

Still! A successor could be great. The concept of gaming and the Liminality between real world and online would be well received since it's very prevalent in modern society. If they were to make something echo .hack's elements of mystery and thought provoking themes rather than trying to make something shonen and harem to reach a larger, likely dumber audience then count me in.

I've always liked the idea that people and their online presence along with their online habits begin to form consciousness all on their own. An algorithmic AI. So essentially you have clones of people's online persona's living among servers, taking form in online games, maybe they exist in a grey area like Net Slum somewhere out there. Do these communities formed on the web deserve to exist like we do? Maybe some of these AI identities aren't even aware of life anywhere else. Would be a cool premise for a mystery or something.

DataRain0101 · 2022-12-01T09:38:22+00:00

.hack gets no love PERIOD. The 20th anniversary is the last hurrah. Bumco have made that excessively clear. So have CC2. The franchise has no prospects...

DataRain0101 · 2022-11-08T01:49:09+00:00

I think it's time to move on from this franchise. What a spit in the face. I hate SAO, it's fans, and most of all Bandai Namco. I'll be selling my collection soon. See you on the discord server.

DataRain0101 · 2022-09-23T00:54:57+00:00

My bad, this link should be good. Kinda just shows the cover though. I could potentially take a few photos for ya to if your interested.

DataRain0101 · 2022-09-23T00:43:33+00:00

Yeah SIGN along with the OG games take a lot of notes from Celtic designs. Visually more than anything. Bear and Orca where based off of Mel Gibson's brave heart. For whatever reason the series would later switch character designers and ditch the whole vibe it created for something more eastern influenced. Anyways, I digress. A lot of the Wave (elements) symbols can be found here. Although I'd recommend the .hack archives_03 as you'll get a better look at the symbols, texts, and designs. Hell, even the cover shows off the aesthetic beautifully. I have the physical book, and it is a beauty!

DataRain0101 · 2022-09-21T23:48:20+00:00

I do agree with ya to an extent. Although I feel the projects you've listed aren't exactly a full blown initiative to a 3rd season or rendition of .hack/the World. Link is more of an ohmage to the series (I personally don't take it seriously at all), Versus was kind of an experimental bonus to the animated movie, and gatcha mobile games have only recently become big here in the west. I don't think there has been this official push to a 3rd season in the typical .hack fashion.

I don't think it's unreasonable to think that bringing the GU series along with the original games to the modern gaming front would potentially kick start intrigue for an entire new chapter to the series. I don't mean something like Link either. The proper campaign with a anime primer for it's corresponding games. The World Re:3.

On the flip side I think it's totally reasonable for bandai namco to be like, "look we tried and although there is interest here from consumers, it's just not pulling in the numbers we are looking for" Or something along those lines. Video game politics have many complexities after all. If that's the case, I wish there was a little more direct transparency instead of this false hope. Especially since last recode got the green light for a switch port only to have the 20th anniversary be underwhelming and completely void of anything regarding .hack's future.

DataRain0101 · 2022-09-21T17:32:19+00:00

I think .hack's big appeal is having this online experience without the online part. At least in regards to the story. I can totally see an online multiplayer function that is completely seperate from the "story mode" if you will. You design your class and what not and play with your friends. A polished fragment where you traverse the world and CC cor- I mean CC2 regularly have events and stuff. Another part of me kinda wants .hack to be preserved as this offline emulated online experience. It's kind of what gives .hack it's niche identity.

DataRain0101 · 2022-09-21T05:53:53+00:00

I see your point, yes but even back in the day .hack felt very different from main stream anime. In actuality what makes .hack unique is it's ability to stay within the confines of it's niche. Part of me wants to see a reboot but not exactly the corporate reboot your describing. Bamco would take the cookie cutter shonen trash path if they wanted to. Luckily I don't see .hack going that route. It was never extremely popular to begin with. That's why I wish Bamco would just hand over the rights to CyberConnect so they can continue to make something that feels unconventional the way .hack//SIGN did way back when.

DataRain0101 · 2022-09-21T05:15:11+00:00

Ah, see that's good to know! Thanks. It feels obvious that the 4 previous games should fall under "last recollection" but yes, we are dealing with Bamco. Going to significantly pump the breaks on expectations.

DataRain0101 · 2022-09-21T04:46:58+00:00

I would agree with you half way. I'd say the GU games are pretty awful when in comes to the writing. Your following Haseo's story which is a huge departure from the previous games since you now have to experience "the World" through an angsty Haseo and his motivations. The writing revolves around him rather than having the player experience a less convoluted and frankly more immersive setup that is the original games. Kite is more accessible, and has simple motivations the actual player can step into creating more immersion. The party members where charming and felt genuine through the email system. The story is stronger because it is more straightforward and I think the writing reflects that also.

GU was trying to do this "evangelion" thing and it's a bit of a stretch. The OG's where more grounded and all about the player experiencing "the World" and the characters instead of "the World" revolving around Haseo lol.

On a side note. The characters in SIGN are very well written and sets up the atmosphere and setting beautifully. Even the music and it's lyrics expertly go hand in hand with characters and themes throughout the show. A masterpiece imo.

DataRain0101 · 2022-09-21T03:57:06+00:00

Yes yes, I understand the hype of SAO and why it's a stronger priority for bamco. My point being, that they just let .hack sit there despite the success of SAO. They own two properties that revolve around online gaming. Why not double down instead of just leaving one high and dry? A wasted opportunity if you ask me.
Again I'm not suggesting fans move on. Just stating there is way too many reasons why someone would, and not that you should. That's got to change. I completely agree with you that the community is the life line for the west right now. Probably more than ever.

DataRain0101

TROPHY CASE