A single installment in the Project. Hack series, .Hack//Sign blends books, manga, TV anime, and OVAs to create a single, expansive story featuring characters and events that occur both simultaneously and chronologically. The review that follows is written as a stand-alone anime and from the perspective of the franchise.
Most reviews of Hack//Sign agree that the plot is uninteresting, has little action, and moves slowly. The plot revolves around character interaction and development, even though some of these statements are absolutely accurate. Through their interactions with the other members of the cast, their surroundings, and their progressive contribution to the plot, each side character's backstory is revealed to the audience. The story revolves around competing and complementary characters, propelled by enigmas.
The animation in. Hack//Sign is excellent and goes well with "The World's" fantasy setting. Each setting has a distinct emotional vibe that fits in perfectly with the show's leisurely pacing. Each location has its own theme and atmosphere that truly makes "The World" feel as large as the actual world, and its individuality helps establish the tone for the current scenario in the anime. The land is vibrantly scattered with icy wastelands, arid deserts, and tropical jungles. The real world, on the other hand, is more akin to vintage silent black-and-white movies than the virtual one.
Text appears to substitute spoken sound, creating a depressing and gloomy portrayal of the real world. In order to convey how "The World" seems to be the ideal haven from problems in real life, the contrast between the colorful virtual world and the depressing real world becomes crucial. Since each character has a unique design that fits the larger framework that "The World" establishes, the character designs are also quite well done. Though there were a few areas that felt a touch "grainy," overall, this virtual world's design is really impressive.
.Hack//Sign's distinct soundtrack and sound set it apart from other anime. While the background music inspires peace and melancholy, the opening song, Obsession, provides a trance-like atmosphere. A sense of storytelling is added by the folklore element. Scenes are set with spoken background music, such as Key of the Twilight. Though certain music might overshadow a scene, the mood is rarely ruined by it.
As a whole. There is a reason to take Hack//Sign seriously. You'll wonder if you could experience something similar after reading this tale of escape gone bad. The music effectively establishes the show's emotional tone, while the animation is captivating and inventive. I must caution you once more to avoid this show if you detest sluggish-paced television or crave action; nevertheless, if you enjoy a solid mystery in a fantastical atmosphere, then give it a shot. This is a hack// sign for you.
