The excellent follow-up .hack//Roots is somewhat hampered by its plug-in connection to the .hack//G. U. Furthermore, it's unfortunate that Roots, one of the better entries in the .hack// Series, has received a lot of criticism. SIGN has always been my favorite, and it probably always will be, but I really like Roots.
Regarding the plot, it managed to maintain the essence of .hack without repeating the same old tale in a subtle way. A story about the mysterious "Key of the Twilight" was revisited, as it was covered in .hack//SIGN and its four sequels. The classic 'The World' needed a makeover with all new classes, therefore all new characters were introduced.
After a welcome change to a campy epilogue-like predecessor, .hack//Legend of the Twilight (aka .hack//DUSK), .hack//Roots returns to a deeper, more serious plot. Though it makes sense, I can't say I enjoyed Legend's departure from SIGN, its precursor, all that much. However, I still believed that staying on the darker side of the plot was preferable, which is what first drew me in to SIGN.
In my opinion, the darker side of why people enjoy playing video games for extended periods of time is revealed by the tale, which delves much further into the dark human psyche of our individual demons and demonstrates that each character has a reason for playing "The World". (that is, myself).
There's a significant difference between Haseo and Tsukasa, which I thought was effective. Once more, if you're going to produce a sequel, it better be unique than just another Pokemon game. I thought it was a great idea for Haseo to go on a power trip in order to get revenge for Shino being PKed; it made the character more likable, though there may have been other, more offensive ideas. In actuality, Haseo's descent into the PKKing abyss enhances the GU narrative.
The narrative as a whole wasn't as compelling as SIGN. The play's world and setup came first, and it began rather conventionally. However, it quickly became a very dull middle section before picking up a little near the finish.
As previously said, Roots is a story that can be added to.hack//G. U. on the PS2, thus ultimately, you'll want to play the games to carry on the plot. (Alternatively, read the novels). Once more, I find it unfortunate that Roots receives so much criticism for such a creative and original plot device. That was kind of how SIGN was since everything led to .hack//Infection.
Music was decent. With all due respect, I ignore Ali Project. Though I am starting to enjoy their work a lot, it was a very different direction and manner from Kajiura's SIGN music.
Finally, ROOTS is passable but not outstanding. Although the story benefited from the addition of additional action and tension, I believe SIGN will have a more compelling plot. I can't speak for all of the fans because some may find it in the middle, or they may love it. Yes, there are definitely some things about it that could have been done better. Given its connection to GU-which, incidentally, is a really enjoyable game for the narrative experience-it seems unlikely that Roots will be remembered as the best chapter in the .hack franchise.
