.hack//Roots
Synopsis
After the termination of the incredibly popular virtual reality MMORPG "The World," a new version of the game—The World R:2—is brought online. On his first day in the game, newcomer Haseo thinks he has made some friends to quest with. However, as if mocking his sentiments, they kill his character just for fun. Luckily, he is saved by a mysterious, one-armed player named Ovan who offers to show him around The World. Alongside Ovan and his cleric friend Shino, Haseo enjoys a wonderful first year in the game. But this peaceful life is shattered when Shino's character is killed by a familiar figure notoriously known as Tri-Edge, whose victims have all fallen into comas in the real world. In a fit of rage, Haseo vows to find the elusive Tri-Edge and kill him. Taking place during Haseo's first year in The World, .hack//Roots explores the friendships Haseo built in the game before Tri-Edge ripped them away. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Audience reception is mixed, with some praising the series for its exploration of darker themes, relatable characters, and unique setting within an online game. However, many find the slow pacing, weak middle episodes, and unsatisfying ending to be significant drawbacks. The series is seen as a necessary prequel to the .hack//G.U. games, but not a particularly strong standalone work.
Strengths
- Exploration of dark human psyche and personal demons resonates with viewers.
- Characters undergo significant changes, making them dynamic and relatable.
- The series combines mystery and drama with fantasy and gaming themes effectively.
- Soundtrack is well-received, particularly the opening and ending themes.
Weaknesses
- Story pacing is slow, with a weak middle and filler episodes that detract from the main plot.
- The ending is unsatisfying and leaves viewers hanging, as it requires purchasing the games to finalize the story.
- Some characters are poorly developed or annoying, making it difficult for viewers to connect with them.
- Animation quality is inconsistent, with frequently recycled clips and a lack of remarkable visuals.