.hack//Osen kakudai vol. 1

The first of a series of four games. A really different RPG in its genre (it simulates an online universe without being actually online) coupled with an original scenario.

Newcomers to the universe of "The World" should either watch the series.hack/SIGN or the OAV .hack//Liminality (shipped with the PS2 game) before playing the game itself in order to be more familiarized with this universe. Other than that, despite the average graphics and the sometimes repetitive action, the game does have some good features, such as the battle sequences in real-time.

The most noticeable side of this game is that the scenario also progresses while you're not logged into "The World". Mails and Board messages also make you progress when you think you're stuck. The Message Board itself contains many helpful tips for the beginner in "The World". A concept quite reminiscent of "The Matrix" since the story evolves in both real and virtual worlds.

While in "The World", you will also meet a wide variety of playable characters, each one having his/her own personality and character class: Blademaster (experts with swords), Heavy Blade (who manipulate two-handed swords), Heavy Axeman, Long Arm (equipped with halberds), Twin Blade (they have two daggers or two claws, this is also the class of Kite, the main protagonist) and Wavemaster (magic users).

This is overall an experience worth trying.