"Continuing the tradition, .hack delivers a winner again."

The long wait is over, and the next episode in the enthralling and immersive .hack series is finally here!

The newest entry in the .hack series, .hack//G.U. Volume 2: Rebirth, continues the tale of intrigue, action, mystery and emotion that began in Volume 1. Haseo and the gang are once again thrust into the middle of a situation much bigger than themselves. Atoli's character has begun to corrupt after her contact with AIDA, with repercussions being seen in the real world, too! Can Haseo uncover the secrets of AIDA, the epitaphs, and Tri-Edge, and save Atoli and the 'lost ones' in time?

Many additions have been made to this entry in the series, offering a wealth of new features and abilities. Haseo now has the ability to equip multiple weapon types at once, switching between them with the skill trigger. You can also directly control what equipment your party members use, including customization and alchemy transformations. New Awakening modes, new skills, tons of side quests, several new party members, a customizable bike, a new root town, access to the Theta server, and more round out this great addition to the series.

In addition to the changes to The World, Haseo now has access to a fun diversion in the form of Crimson VS., a card game accessible from the desktop. Collect cards both in The World, and through battling other players with your deck to round out your collection and rise to the top. Maybe you'll even get a crack at stealing the throne from the champion (someone you know very well!) Those who loaded data from the first volume will be pleased to know that all their desktop wallpapers, music, and emails from the first volume are still accessible, including forum posts! So don't worry if you forgot some crucial bit of information.

If you've been a fan of .hack since the beginning, or if you're just looking for a great RPG to dive into, you owe it to yourself to check out this series, and Volume 2 in particular. Can't wait for Volume 3. Keep it up, Namco Bandai!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 05/23/07